Reborn As Noble

The Armand family carriage rolled into the estate, shining in the afternoon sunlight. Lady Francesca stepped out first. Lord Garius followed, his expression serious as his sharp eyes scanned the unusual gathering of maids and guards waiting at the entrance.

"What's wrong?" Francesca asked, her calm voice breaking the tense atmosphere.

A maid stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "My lord, my lady, it's about the young master."

Francesca's eyes narrowed slightly. "What happened?"

The maid hesitated but continued, "The young master has refused to eat or come inside. He's been outside near the Pekko pen since last night."

Francesca's lips parted in surprise before she sighed. "I see. Where is he now?"

"He's still by the tree near the Pekko pen," the maid replied, looking nervously at Lord Garius.

Francesca exchanged a knowing look with her husband. "I'll handle this," she said, turning towards the Pekko pen.

As she walked away, Lord Garius lightly caught her hand and glanced back at Liana, who looked pale and anxious.

"Liana," Garius called, his tone firm but calm.

"Yes, my lord," she replied, stepping forward and bowing.

"Follow me," he instructed, his voice leaving no room for argument.

Liana hesitated, glancing toward the path Francesca had taken, her heart heavy with worry. "But my lord, the young master—"

"Not now," Garius interrupted, his gaze steady and commanding.

Liana lowered her head. "As you command, my lord."

Garius nodded once and walked toward manor with a confident stride. Liana followed silently, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Alf and Errinette walked beside them, their expressions unreadable but their presence reassuringly steady.

The group entered the manor, leaving the courtyard buzzing quietly with activity as the maids and guards awaited further orders. Meanwhile, Francesca made her way to the Pekko pen, preparing herself for the talk she was about to have with her youngest son.

"My, my... what do we have here?" Lady Francesca's voice had a soothing lilt as she approached the large tree near the Pekko pen. Her warm smile softened her otherwise composed expression.

Javier, sitting at the base of the tree, looked up, his eyes glossy with unshed tears. As soon as he recognized her, his lips trembled, and tears began streaming down his cheeks.

"Why...?"

Francesca tilted her head slightly, showing gentle concern. "Hmm? Why what, my dear?"

Javier scrambled to his feet and rushed toward her, his hands gripping the fabric of her dress as he knelt, pressing his head against her thigh.

"Why did you fire Liana?" His voice cracked with emotion. "Please... please rehire her. I'll do anything... just bring her back."

Francesca kept smiling as she gently placed a hand on his head, stroking his messy black hair. "Now, now, my darling... let's go inside first, and we can talk about this later."

"No!" Javier cried, shaking his head fiercely. "I want her back now. Please, Mother. Please!"

He clung to her tighter, his grip desperate, and his tears soaking the hem of her dress. "I'll do anything. I'll even go to school if you rehire her! I promise!"

At this, Francesca's eyes sparkled with subtle amusement. "Oh? Really, now?"

"Yes, Mother! Please..." Javier's voice was filled with earnest determination, his eyes pleading as he looked up at her.

Francesca's expression softened as she gently tilted Javier's tear-streaked face toward her. "You promise to go to school if we rehire Liana?"

Javier sniffled, his eyes filled with desperation. "Yes, Mother… please…"

A deep voice suddenly rumbled from behind Francesca, startling Javier. "You promise?"

Javier turned quickly to see Lord Garius stepping out from the shadows, his imposing figure silhouetted against the afternoon sun. Despite his usual sternness, there was a hint of expectation in his gaze.

Javier's throat tightened, but he nodded vigorously. "Yes, Esteemed Father. I promise."

Garius crossed his arms, his piercing gaze fixed on his son. "Good." He turned his head slightly and called out, "Liana."

Javier froze, his eyes widening in disbelief as he saw a familiar figure emerge from behind the guards.

Liana stepped forward, her silver hair glimmering in the sunlight and her eyes glassy with tears. Before Javier could comprehend what was happening, she rushed to him, enveloping him in a tight embrace.

"Liana! Liana! Liana!" Javier cried, burying his face in her as his arms wrapped around her.

"I'm here, young master," Liana whispered, her voice shaking with emotion. "I'm so sorry." Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

The two clung to each other as if the world around them had vanished, their tears mixing as their emotions flowed freely.

Lord Garius stood with crossed arms, his voice steady but firm. "Liana, make sure he is taken care of properly from now on."

"Thank you, my lord!" Liana exclaimed, still holding Javier tightly. Her tears were a mix of relief and gratitude.

Javier tightened his grip, his tears soaking her uniform. "Don't leave me again, Liana. Please..."

"I won't, young master," Liana whispered, her voice resolute. "Never."

Francesca knelt beside them, gently brushing Javier's cheek. "See, my darling? We never intended to take her away from you. But promises must be kept. You will attend school, won't you?"

Javier nodded, his voice muffled against Liana's shoulder. "I will… I promise."

Francesca smiled warmly. "That's my boy."

As the emotional moment unfolded, Garius and Francesca exchanged a knowing glance.

Lord Garius crossed his arms, his expression stern as he looked down at Javier, who was still clinging to his mother's side. "If you try to ditch school for no reason, Javier, we will really fire Liana this time."

Javier's eyes widened in panic, and he immediately knelt beside Francesca, turning his tearful gaze toward Garius. "Please, no, Father! I'll do anything! Just don't fire Liana! Please!"

Francesca couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head with an amused smile. "Javier, my dear, your father is right there. Pleading with me won't change his mind."

Javier frantically turned back to Garius, desperation clear in his voice. "I will go to school! I swear, Father! Just don't fire her, please!"

Garius raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing his son for a moment before giving a short, satisfied nod. "Hmph. Very well. But remember, if you break your promise, there will be no second chances, Javier. Liana's position here depends on you taking your responsibilities seriously."

"Yes, Father! I understand! I promise!" Javier's voice was filled with determination, though his eyes remained watery.

Garius turned slightly and called out, "Liana?"

"Yes, my lord," Liana responded, standing at attention, her heart aching at seeing Javier so distressed.

"Take him inside. He smells terrible, and this spectacle has gone on long enough."

Javier froze, his face reddening as he realized the dirt and sweat clinging to him from hours spent outside by the Pekko pen. Liana stifled a laugh behind her hand and bowed her head respectfully.

"Of course, my lord."

She turned to Javier, her voice gentle but firm. "Come now, Young Master. Let's get you cleaned up."

"But—" Javier began, still holding onto his mother's skirt.

"No buts," Liana interrupted with a soft smile, taking his hand. " let's get you out of these dirty clothes."

Javier sniffled but nodded, allowing Liana to lead him inside as Francesca and Garius watched with fond amusement.

As they walked back to the manor, Francesca chuckled and leaned toward her husband. "Quite the plan, wasn't it?"

Garius smirked, arms still crossed. "It worked, didn't it?"

Francesca shook her head, smiling. "He truly loves her. Let's hope he keeps his promise this time."

Garius nodded, his expression softening as he watched his youngest son being led inside. "He will. That boy would move mountains for her."

( End of Chapter )