Reborn As Noble

Near the Pekko Pen – Armand Estate

The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the Armand estate, the soft rustling of leaves filling the air. Near the Pekko pen, under the shade of a massive tree, Javier sat lazily, leaning against the thick trunk.

Not far from him, Liana watching him with a patient expression, already sensing trouble brewing.

"Lianaaaaaa…." Javier's voice stretched dramatically, filled with exaggerated exhaustion.

Liana sighed, bracing herself. "What now, Young Master?"

Her eyes scanned Javier's slouched posture, his arms crossed behind his head as he stared up at the sky. Behind him, the workshop. Inside, there was nothing except a simple table, a few cushions, chairs, and a refreshment stand. His blueprints and his latest creations were all stored inside his magic storage. Hidden away where no one could touch them except him.

Javier let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "The Mana Talkie is already sent to Father… I don't know what else I should do…"

Then—his eyes sparkled with mischief.

"Lianaaaa~"

Liana narrowed her eyes. "…What now, Young Master?"

Suddenly—

Javier launched himself toward her. "Lap pillow!"

"Eh—!?"

Before Liana could react, he dived into her lap, making himself comfortable.

"Ehehehe~ perfect."

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Liana sighed, shaking her head but didn't push him away. Instead, she caressed his hair, running her fingers through the his hair. A small, fond smile graced her lips.

"Honestly, Young Master... you act like such a child sometimes."

Javier closed his eyes, grinning. "That's because you spoil me, Liana~"

He let out a content sigh, his head resting comfortably on her lap as she gently stroked his hair. The cool breeze, the soft rustling of leaves, and the warmth of her touch—it was perfect.

Then—

"Liana?"

Her fingers paused for a moment before resuming. "Yes, Young Master?"

Javier grinned without opening his eyes. "My usual kiss?"

Liana smiled softly, showing no hesitation. She leaned down, her silver hair cascading around them like a curtain, her eyes filled with warmth. Then—a gentle press of lips. A soft, fleeting kiss. Just like always.

She pulled back slightly, her fingers still caressing his hair. "There, Young Master."

Javier finally opened his eyes, his irises shining as he smirked. "As expected of my future wife."

Liana's ears turned slightly red, but she simply sighed and continued stroking his hair. "…Honestly, Young Master."

"Oh my~"

A familiar, teasing voice interrupted the moment.

"You two are enjoying yourselves here… while leaving me all alone?"

It was Gloria.

Javier cracked one eye open to see the head maid standing nearby, a gentle smile on her lips. Her eyes gleamed with mischief behind her glasses, which she adjusted slightly as she looked at Liana.

Liana, still calm and composed, didn't stop stroking Javier's hair. "…We were just relaxing."

Gloria chuckled. "Ara~ And yet, you seem far too comfortable."

She stepped closer, lowering herself until she was just within reach of Javier. Her eyes softened.

"And Liana?" Gloria added, tilting her head. "At least you should let me have my time with our 'Young Master' too, don't you think?"

Liana smiled faintly, her fingers continuing their gentle motion. "You can wait your turn."

Javier, still resting on Liana's lap, smirked. "Gloria?"

Gloria, kneeling beside them, adjusted her glasses and smiled. "Yes, Young Master?"

Javier stretched lazily. "Any updates on the current war?"

Gloria's warm demeanor remained, but her tone shifted to professional. "We don't have a full detailed report yet, but from what we've received—our forces are winning."

Javier's eyes gleamed with interest. "Hmm… and the border?"

"Still holding." Gloria nodded. "The first defense line hasn't been breached."

Liana continued stroking Javier's hair. "And our casualties?"

Gloria's smile didn't fade. "Low. No deaths on our side. Just minor wounds, and those have already been treated by the healer unit."

Javier chuckled. "So, basically, they're getting destroyed."

Gloria adjusted her glasses again. "It would seem so, Young Master."

Liana, ever composed, sighed softly. "Then for now… we wait."

Javier grinned. "I like it when things go our way."

"It seems like you're confident about this, Young Master."

Javier smirked but didn't immediately respond. Instead, he stretched his arms while still lying on Liana's lap, lazily gazing at the sky. "Not really."

Liana tilted her head slightly. "Then what makes you so sure?"

Javier's grin faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "From what I know… advancement in military strategy, tactic, knowledge and technology always gives a huge advantage."

He carefully chose his words, holding back the deeper truth.

Javier continued, his tone casual yet deliberate. "In war, raw numbers aren't everything. Talent plays a bigger role than most people realize. And unlike those fools throwing soldiers into battle blindly, we're using those with actual talent to the fullest."

Gloria nodded, her sharp mind picking up on the deeper meaning. "I see. Instead of relying on quantity, we focus on quality."

"Exactly." Javier's grin. "Even if someone is born a farmer, a merchant, or a craftsman, that doesn't mean they're useless in war. Some people have talents they've never been allowed to develop—until now."

Liana continued running her fingers through his hair, her expression unreadable. "You really do think differently, Young Master."

Javier chuckled, closing his eyes. "Of course. I'm a genius, after all."

Gloria smiled softly, adjusting her glasses once more. "Ara~ I suppose that's true."

But deep down, both she and Liana understood that Javier's way of thinking wasn't something an ordinary noble child should possess.

His smirk faded slightly, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. He knew. The enemy was losing—badly. And when people were desperate, they abandoned honor.

"The enemy will start using underhanded tactics soon."

Liana, ever perceptive, immediately noticed his shift in tone. "Young Master?"

Javier sat up, his playful aura giving way to sharp focus. "Liana, hand me our region's map."

She nodded without question. "Wait here, Young Master." Standing gracefully, she dusted off her dress before turning toward the manor.

As she walked away, Gloria seized her opportunity. With a knowing smile, she gently pulled Javier's head toward her lap. "Ara~ It's unfair if only Liana gets to spoil you, Young Master."

Javier blinked, then grinned. "mmhmm~ soft."

Gloria laughed softly, running her fingers through his hair. "Now then, why don't you relax until Liana returns?"

Javier chuckled but didn't resist. For now, he would enjoy the moment. Soon, he would need to prepare for the enemy's next move.

( End Of Chapter )