Reborn As Noble

In the grand dining room, the family gathered around a large, beautiful table, enjoying a lavish meal prepared by the finest chefs. However, Francesca had insisted that Javier sit on her lap.

"Honey bun~," Francesca cooed lovingly as she fed Javier a piece of roasted meat.@@novelbin@@

"Yes, Mother?" Javier replied, munching on the food she offered, though he couldn't help but grin.

"We'll be heading back to the Armand region early," Francesca said with a soft smile. "I'm sorry we won't be able to attend the event tomorrow."

"Oh, don't worry about it, Mother. Ehehehehe," Javier said with his usual carefree grin, clearly unbothered by the news.

Francesca leaned in and kissed his cheek affectionately. "You're such a good boy," she said softly before turning her attention to Gloria, who sat nearby. "Gloria?"

"Yes, Madam?" Gloria replied, her calm and polite tone never wavering.

"Starting tomorrow, you will assist Javier alongside Liana," Francesca announced. "You'll take care of him until the blessing ceremony is complete."

"Err... are you sure, Madam?" Gloria asked, her composed expression faltering slightly as she glanced at Liana, who was surprised.

"Yes," Francesca said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I officially assign you as his second personal maid."

Javier paused mid-bite, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Ehehehe! Gloria, you're going to join us? That's great!"

"Ara... it seems the Young Master is already looking forward to it," Gloria said with a soft chuckle, though her cheeks were slightly pink. "I will do my best, Madam."

Liana, sitting nearby, sighed and shook her head, though a small smile crept onto her lips. "Haaa... another trouble..," she muttered under her breath. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

Francesca smiled warmly at both maids. "Take good care of my honey bun. He's still growing, after all."

"Yes, Madam," Liana and Gloria replied in unison, bowing slightly.

Javier leaned back, grinning from ear to ear. "Ehehe, with both of you around, this is going to be fun!"

Garius set down his utensils and fixed Javier with a sharp gaze, his tone firm but calm. "And Javier?"

"Y-yes, Esteemed Father!?" Javier stammered, sitting up straighter on Francesca's lap, his grin faltering under his father's serious gaze.

"Don't cause too much trouble," Garius warned, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly.

"Y-yes, Esteemed Father!" Javier replied quickly, nodding vigorously, though the corners of his mouth twitched as if he was holding back a cheeky comment.

Across the table, Marcellus and Cedric exchanged glances, their sly grins almost identical as they leaned closer to each other. "Looks like the 'honey bun' got caught," Marcellus whispered teasingly.

"Oh, he'll cause trouble. He always does," Cedric murmured back, stifling a chuckle as they both glanced at their younger brother.

Javier noticed their grins and narrowed his eyes at them. "Oi, what are you two whispering about?"

"Oh, nothing, little brother," Marcellus said, his voice dripping with mock innocence.

"Just admiring how... 'responsible' you're going to be," Cedric added with a grin, teasing him.

"Hmph!" Javier huffed, crossing his arms and leaning back slightly. "You two just wait. I'll show you both who's responsible."

Francesca chuckled softly, patting Javier's head. "Haaa... my boys, always teasing each other."

Garius shook his head, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Hmph. Let's see if he can keep that promise."

Later that night, in their shared bedroom, Marcellus and Cedric flanked Javier, each placing a hand on his shoulders. Their sly grins immediately put Javier on guard.

"Little brother..." Marcellus began, his voice dripping with persuasion.

"We know Father gave you... extra money," Cedric added, mimicking the universal sign for cash with his fingers. "From your sugarcane bonus and that ore mine you found for the family..."

"Tch!" Javier scoffed, narrowing his eyes. "Didn't I already give you both a lot last time?"

"Aw, c'mon," Marcellus teased, tightening his grip on Javier's shoulder. "Don't be stingy with your big brothers. We're only asking for a little help."

"We've been having... 'problems,' you know," Cedric chimed in, smirking. "Because of your mischief, of course."

"Ugh!" Javier groaned, realizing they were referring to the fallout from his earlier teasing of Princess Kliatana. "Fine..."

Reaching into his magic storage, Javier pulled out two pouches of gold and handed them over, glaring at his brothers as he did. "Here."

"Yeah! That's our little brother!" Marcellus cheered, quickly pocketing his pouch.

"You're the best, Javier!" Cedric added with a laugh.

Then, as if on cue, they both leaned in and planted a kiss on each of Javier's cheeks.

"Ewwww!! That's gross!!" Javier yelped, squirming away and rubbing his face furiously. "Don't do that!!"

Marcellus and Cedric laughed heartily, patting him on the back. "We're just showing some brotherly love, little brother. No need to get so worked up."

"Haaa... ," Javier sighed, shaking his head. "If you need more, don't bother me again. Ask Father instead."

"Pfft, Father would just lecture us," Marcellus quipped.

"Exactly why you're our go-to," Cedric added with a wink.

Javier rolled his eyes, already regretting his decision to share a room with them.

A soft knock on the door broke the banter, and the three brothers turned to see Liana stepping inside. She bowed politely, her elegant demeanor never wavering. "Master Marcellus, Master Cedric," she greeted with a calm smile.

"Oh, Liana," Marcellus said, leaning back with a grin. "What are you doing in our room at this hour?"

"Nothing, Master Marcellus, Master Cedric," Liana replied smoothly, her eyes glancing toward Javier. "It's just that... the Young Master couldn't sleep without me next to him."

"Oho~" Marcellus and Cedric chimed together, their grins turning mischievous as they exchanged knowing glances.

"Don't start," Javier muttered, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "It's normal, okay? I've been like this since I was little."

"Oh, we know," Cedric teased, resting his chin on his hand. "But it's still amusing to see you so dependent on her."

"Haaa..." Liana sighed softly but smiled, stepping closer to Javier. "Young Master, come now. Let's get you to bed before you cause any more trouble tonight."

"Yeah, yeah," Javier grumbled, standing up. He shot one last glare at his older brothers. "And you two—don't touch my stuff while I'm gone!"

"No promises," Marcellus said with a smirk, waving him off.

"Sleep well, little brother," Cedric added, chuckling. "Don't forget to say 'chuu~' to your beloved maid."

"Oi!" Javier snapped, but Liana gently guided him toward the door, her calm presence keeping him from escalating.

"Goodnight, Masters Marcellus, Master Cedric," Liana said politely before escorting Javier out. The door closed behind them, leaving the older brothers laughing at their little brother's flustered retreat.

( End of Chapter )