Reborn As Noble

"Buddy!! Ehehehe!" Javier exclaimed, grinning widely as he bent down in the pekko pen, pouring the special pekko food into the trough. The pekko named Buddy squawked happily, flapping its wings in excitement, while its companion, Pikko, eagerly joined in, pecking at the food with delight.

Javier watched them for a moment, the vibrant colors of their feathers shining in the sunlight. "You two are always so cheerful," he said, chuckling.

As the pekko gobbled their meal, Javier leaned against the trough, his mind wandering. "Hmm… I wonder what I should do today," he mused, glancing around the estate.

Yesterday's visit to the barrack at the back of the estate had been ruined by the assassin attack, a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the shadows. He still felt the adrenaline from the encounter, but he couldn't let it dampen his spirits. There was too much to explore and enjoy.

Inside his magic storage, he knew he had a treasure trove of items waiting for him. There were plenty of monster bodies he could sell later to Old Man Orrim, who always had a keen interest in rare materials. Javier grinned at the thought of the gold, jewelry, and ore he had amassed—more than he could count. He had even crafted a mana cannon, a modern artillery piece that used large mana stones as ammunition. The power it unleashed was akin to a real cannon, and he had yet to fully test its capabilities.

"Imagine the looks on everyone's faces when they see what I can do!" he thought, excitement bubbling within him. Alongside the mana cannon, he had also created an anti-air mana gun, reminiscent of World War II weaponry, designed to defend against aerial threats.

But it wasn't just the big weapons that made him proud. He had over 500 puppet knights crafted by his magic, each one stronger and more resilient than the last. They were his secret army, waiting for the right moment to be unleashed. The thought of commanding them filled him with a sense of power and purpose.

"Maybe I should practice with my puppets today," he pondered, the idea sparking his interest.

"Ehehehe… time to have fun after this!!!" Javier exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over as he dashed out of the pekko pen.

"Young master…" a familiar voice called out, causing him to stop in his tracks.

"Hiiik! Liana!! Ugh… you scare me," he gasped, turning to face his personal maid, who stood with her arms crossed, a bemused expression on her face.

"Hmm? Why does someone who handled the assassin group yesterday like they were just playthings look shocked?" Liana teased, raising an eyebrow at him.

"Ehehehe… Liana…" Javier replied sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Now, young master, let's head to the main dining room. Breakfast is ready," she said, her tone firm yet gentle.

"Awww… I still want to pat my 'buddy' here," he protested, glancing back at the pekko, who was happily pecking at the remaining food.

"Now, now… enough with those antics. Off to the main dining room," Liana insisted, her expression softening slightly but still resolute.

"Ugh… fine…" Javier sighed, knowing he wouldn't win this round. He reluctantly followed Liana, casting one last look at Buddy and Pikko before heading toward the main house.

Once they reached the grand dining room, Javier took his place at the long, polished table, adorned with an array of delicious breakfast dishes. Liana stood behind him, her presence a steady reassurance.

"Enjoy your meal, young master," Liana said, her tone professional as she stepped back slightly, allowing him to dig in.

"Thanks, Liana!" he replied, diving into the food with enthusiasm. As he savored each bite, he felt a surge of energy. The day was still young, and he had plans to make the most of it.

While he ate, he couldn't help but glance at Liana, who stood patiently behind him, her eyes scanning the room, always vigilant. It was a reminder of how much she cared for him, even if her role kept her at a distance.

Liana carefully wiped her young master's mouth with a napkin, her movements precise and practiced. She then poured a refreshing drink into his glass, the cool liquid glistening in the morning light.

"Ehehe… this is why I love you, Liana," Javier said, leaning back in his chair with a playful grin.

"Young master, behave," Liana replied with a hint of exasperation, though her eyes sparkled with affection.

"I am… ehehehe," he responded, his smile widening.

"Did you eat your breakfast yet?" she asked, glancing at him critically.

"Yes, I already had breakfast in the maid's dining area," he replied, pride bubbling in his voice.

"Oh… want some bites?" he offered, motioning to his plate.

"Don't start trouble, young master," Liana warned, a slight smile creeping onto her face despite her efforts to maintain her professionalism.

"Haaa… okay…" Javier sighed dramatically, putting on a mock pout, but he couldn't help the twinkle of mischief in his eyes.

After finishing his meal, Javier leaned back in his chair, watching Liana as she began clearing the plates and tidying the table. She moved with her usual grace, each action precise and efficient.

"Liana?" he called out suddenly, his tone curious.

"Yes, young master?" she replied without looking up, carefully stacking the dishes.

"Where's Mother? And everyone else? I haven't seen them today."

"Lady Francesca, Lady Phenelopie, and Lady Garcinia are attending a gathering with the noblewomen in town," Liana explained, adjusting the napkin holder. "Your brothers, Master Marcellus and Master Cedric, are still at the magic academy in the capital city."

"Oh… so what about my step-siblings?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Lady Athine? She's probably with her partner in town. As for the other two, I'm not sure."

Javier blinked in surprise. "Wait… Athine has a partner already?"

Liana glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "You didn't know?"

"Hah! Like I care," he scoffed, crossing his arms with a dramatic huff. "That annoying girl can enjoy her life. Go ahead and get married already!"

Liana paused mid-motion, turning her gaze sharply toward him. "Young master…" she warned.

Javier quickly raised his hands in mock surrender, a grin plastered on his face. "Okay, okay! I was just joking! No need to get all serious on me, Liana."

She shook her head, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips despite her attempt to maintain her stern demeanor. "You really should be more respectful, especially when it comes to family matters."

"Respectful? Me? Nah, that's not really my style," he teased, leaning back in his chair with a playful smirk. "Besides, it's just Athine. She's always so dramatic about everything."

Liana rolled her eyes, continuing to clear the table. "Well, just remember that you might have to deal with her drama someday. Family dynamics can be complicated."

"Pfft! Complicated? I think it's just boring," he replied, waving his hand dismissively. "I'd rather be out training or playing with Buddy."

"Your priorities are questionable, young master," Liana said, her tone light but firm. "You need to prepare for the responsibilities that come with your title."

"Ugh, fine!," Javier sighed dramatically, leaning forward with a pout. "But can't I at least have a little fun first?"

"Fun can come after your training," she replied, her voice steady. "But first, you need to understand the importance of discipline."

"Discipline, schmisipline!" he exclaimed, rolling his eyes.

Liana couldn't help but chuckle at his enthusiasm. "Just remember, strength isn't everything. It's also about wisdom and knowing when to act."

"Yeah, yeah," he replied, waving her off again.

"Young master, after this, it's the study room," Liana announced, her tone brokering no argument.

"Ehhhh… don't want to!" he protested, crossing his arms defiantly.

"You have to, young master," she insisted, her expression unwavering.

"But I already read everything and learned almost everything in the library!" he whined, a hint of desperation in his voice.

Liana sighed, knowing her young master really had fully studied every book available in the library. "But, young master, still you have to."

"Haah… Liana, you're no fun," he pouted, slumping back in his chair.

"Yeah, yeah, young master… now, now…" she replied, trying to maintain her composure.

"Can we do something else today?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

"Like what?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"You know… riding our pekko, dashing around the estate… err…" he trailed off, his excitement bubbling.

"You always do that and cause a commotion," Liana pointed out, crossing her arms.

"Nothing serious…" he insisted, grinning.

"Nothing? Flipping other maids' skirts and looking at their panties while drooling and then running away laughing? That's nothing?" she challenged, a mock-serious look on her face.

"Ehehehehe…" he giggled, unable to contain himself.

"No! Study room, now!" Liana commanded, her tone firm.

"But…" he started to protest.

"No buts!!" she replied, her patience wearing thin.

"Ceh… no fun," he huffed, standing up from the table.

Liana stood her ground, keeping a watchful eye on Javier to ensure he wouldn't protest any further. But then, in a blur of motion—

Whoosh!

Javier dashed by and flipped her skirt.

"Ehehehehe… black!!" he laughed, catching a glimpse of her black panties before sprinting away, his laughter echoing through the hall.

"Young master!!!!" Liana shouted, her cheeks flushing with surprise and indignation. "Get back here!"

"Blergh!! Hahahahaha!" Javier called back, his laughter ringing out as he raced down the corridor, the thrill of mischief fueling his escape.

Liana chased after him, a mix of exasperation and amusement on her face. "You little rascal! Just wait until I catch you!"

The chase continued, echoes of laughter and playful shouts filling the halls of the estate as Javier reveled in the chaos he had created, fully aware that his antics brought both trouble and joy to their daily lives.

( End of Chapter )