Reborn As Noble

Javier scanned the shelves with excitement gleaming in his eyes before grabbing a bottle with an ornate label. "Well... I'm taking this one," he announced with a smirk.

Marcellus leaned over, his brow furrowing. "Oi! A little kid like you doesn't get to hog all the good wine. Go drink juice or something."

Javier turned to him with an exaggerated look of offense. "Huh? Who wants to drink something for kids? I'm drinking this one!"

"You're eleven!" Cedric chimed in, smirking as he reached for the bottle in Javier's hands. "Give it here. That's for adults."

"Too late!" Javier declared, dodging Cedric's hand and clutching the bottle tightly. "This one's mine now!"

"Kid, you don't even know how to pick good wine," Marcellus teased, leaning back with a chuckle. "What are you going to do? Pretend you're a wine expert?"

"Ehehe..." Javier grinned slyly, holding the bottle close. "Maybe I don't know wine, but if it's from Father's private stash, it's gotta be good, right?"

Cedric sighed, rubbing his temple. "This kid is going to be trouble."

"He's already trouble," Marcellus added, shaking his head, though his amused grin showed he wasn't about to stop the fun. "Fine, kid, but if you get caught, we're saying it was your idea."

"Pfft, like you two aren't the real masterminds," Javier muttered, uncorking the bottle with a triumphant smile. "Now, let's see what this is all about."

Javier grabbed a glass and poured the wine with a flourish, his grin growing wider as he admired the deep crimson liquid. He lifted the glass to his lips and took a slow sip, savoring the taste.

"Fwah!!" he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. "This would go so well with grilled meat! Ehehehe!"

Marcellus and Cedric exchanged glances, shaking their heads with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

"He's acting like he's a gourmet now," Cedric muttered, taking a sip from his own glass.

"Let him have his moment," Marcellus replied with a chuckle. "At least he's appreciating it properly."

Just as Javier was about to pour himself another glass, a familiar voice called faintly from outside the room.

"Young Master? Where are you?"

Javier froze mid-pour, his grin faltering. "Uh-oh..."

"Is that Liana?" Cedric asked, glancing toward the door.

"Sounds like it," Marcellus said, smirking as he leaned casually against the wine rack. "What are you going to do now, little brother?"

Javier quickly capped the bottle and looked for a hiding spot. "She's going to scold me if she finds me here! Ehehe, you two cover for me!"

"Oh no, you're on your own," Cedric said, stepping aside with a laugh. "This is your mess."

"Traitors!" Javier whispered harshly, clinging to the bottle as he tried to think of a plan.

"Youuunnnggg Maaasssterrr..." Liana's voice had a warning tone as it echoed closer.

"Crap! She's coming in!" Javier whispered in panic, glancing at Marcellus and Cedric, who were both grinning smugly, clearly enjoying his situation.

"I know you're inside with Master Cedric and Master Marcellus," Liana called out, her tone calm but firm. "Come out now."

"Tch!" Javier clicked his tongue in frustration.

Marcellus leaned closer, smirking. "Caught already, little brother? You're losing your edge."

"Shut up!" Javier hissed, his eyes darting toward the door.

Cedric chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. "You might want to face her before she drags you out herself. You know she will."

"Yeah, yeah..." Javier muttered under his breath, straightening up and trying to look innocent.

The door creaked open, and Liana stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Javier standing sheepishly near the table with Marcellus and Cedric lounging nearby.

"Young Master," Liana began, her voice calm but with a hint of exasperation. "You're supposed to be in your room, not hiding in a wine cellar."

"I wasn't hiding!" Javier protested, crossing his arms defensively. "I was just... exploring."

"Exploring the wine selection?" Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile betraying her amusement. "Shall I tell Lady Francesca about your findings?"

"No! No need for that!" Javier said quickly, waving his hands. "I was just about to leave!"

"Good," Liana said, gesturing toward the door. "Now, come along before you get in more trouble."

Marcellus and Cedric chuckled as Javier reluctantly followed Liana, muttering under his breath about how unfair it all was. "Traitors..." he whispered, shooting a glare at his brothers, who only waved at him with smug grins.

"Ehehe!" Javier grinned mischievously, clutching the wine bottle tightly as he followed Liana. "At least I got good wine for tonight!"

Liana glanced over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw her young master proudly carrying the large bottle of wine. "Really, Young Master?" she said with a soft sigh. "Acting like an adult now, are we?"

"I am an adult!" Javier retorted, puffing out his chest.@@novelbin@@

Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, yes... an 'adult' at eleven years old."

"Hey!" Javier frowned, pointing the bottle at her in mock indignation. "In two more months, I'll be twelve!"

"Oh, my apologies," Liana replied playfully, bowing slightly. "How could I forget, Young Master? Such a monumental age indeed."

"Exactly!" Javier said with a triumphant grin. "Twelve is practically adulthood."

"Yes, yes..." Liana said softly, shaking her head with a warm smile as they walked back to their room. "Though I doubt Lady Francesca would agree with you."

"Mother doesn't have to know," Javier muttered, holding the bottle protectively. "This is between us, Liana. You'll cover for me, right?"

"Haaa..." Liana sighed, her faint smile never fading. "We'll see, Young Master."

"We're going to be drinking tonight, Liana!" Javier declared, his mischievous grin growing wider as he held up the wine bottle like a trophy.

Liana, walking calmly beside him, raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? Did you forget? You'll be sleeping with Master Marcellus and Master Cedric tonight."

Javier's grin vanished instantly. "Ugh!" he groaned, slumping his shoulders. "I can't sleep without you next to me, and you know that!"

Liana sighed softly, shaking her head. "Haaa... fine. I'll see what I can do, Young Master."

Javier's smirk returned as he leaned closer, lowering his voice playfully. "Just sneak into my bed tonight, okay? Ehehehe."

"Young Master..." Liana gave him a pointed look, but the faint blush on her cheeks didn't escape his notice. "You really shouldn't say things like that so casually."

"What? It's true," Javier said with a cheeky grin. "I sleep better when you're there."

Liana sighed again, though her soft smile showed she was amused. "Very well, Young Master. I'll see what I can do... but no promises."

"Ehehe, I'll take that as a yes," Javier said confidently as they continued toward their room.

"Liana?" Javier called, his voice playful as they walked side by side.

"Yes, Young Master?" Liana replied, her tone calm and composed, already expecting his next move.

"Chuuu!" Javier grinned mischievously, puckering his lips and leaning slightly toward her.

Liana sighed softly, her eyes shining with a mix of amusement and resignation. "Haaa..." she murmured, leaning closer to give him a quick, soft kiss on the lips.

Javier's grin widened, his eyes sparkling with delight. "Ehehe, I knew you couldn't resist, Liana."

"It's because you never give up until you get what you want, Young Master," Liana said gently as she straightened up, a faint blush on her cheeks.

"Of course not," Javier said with a cheeky smirk. "That's why you love me."

Liana shook her head lightly, her soft smile staying in place. "Yes, yes, Young Master. Now let's get moving before someone catches us."

"Ehehe, fine," Javier said, still grinning as they continued on their way.

Later that night, the grand dining room was filled with the warm glow of the light and the soft sound of cutlery clinking. Garius sat at the head of the table, with his wives—Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia on his left, and Lady Francesca with Eridith on his right.

As Garius looked around the room, his sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "Hmm? Where are the kids?" he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Francesca chuckled softly, taking a sip of her wine. "Marcellus and Cedric?" she began, a playful glint in her eyes. "They were found by their maids, already lying on the floor, completely drunk from your wine cellar collection."

"Haaa..." Garius let out a long, exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Those two... they'll never change."

"At least they didn't break anything this time," Phenelopie added with a soft smile, resting a hand on her growing belly. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire

"And where is Javier?" Garius asked, looking at Errinette, who stood nearby with her usual calm demeanor.

"Young Master Javier is taking a shower right now," Errinette replied smoothly. "Liana is waiting for him in their room."

"Haaa... at least one of them is behaving," Garius muttered, leaning back in his chair.

His gaze then turned to Aelius, Athine, and Heres, who were sitting quietly at the far end of the table, their postures perfectly straight. "Behave," Garius said simply, his eyes locking onto each of them.

"Yes, esteemed Father," they replied in unison, their voices steady as they nodded respectfully.

The tension eased slightly as the conversation shifted. Garcinia, seated to Garius's left, chuckled softly. "You know, dear, at least this gathering keeps everyone under one roof for a change."

"That's true," Francesca added, smiling warmly at Garius. "Even if it takes your authority to make it happen."

"Well, it's not over yet," Phenelopie said with a knowing smile, her tone light as she glanced toward the door, as if expecting more antics before the night was through.

( End of Chapter )