Reborn As Noble

Javier's voice came from the bathroom. "Liana? Are you there?"

"Yes, I'm here, Young Master," Liana answered, sitting patiently in the chair he had told her to stay in.

After a moment of silence, Javier called out again, sounding a bit worried. "Liana... you're still there, right?"

"Yes, yes, Young Master," Liana replied, a little annoyed but gentle. "How many times do you need to ask?"

Inside the bathroom, Javier quickly washed his hair, moving fast as if he was in a hurry. His voice grew louder. "Liana! Are you still there?"

Liana sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I haven't moved, Young Master. I'm still right here."

There was a splash of water, then silence.

"Liana?"

Before Liana could answer, Javier yelled in panic. "Eeek, Liana!! Don't leave me again!"

"Huh?" Liana sat up, surprised by how desperate he sounded. "Young Master, I'm still outside. I didn't move from this chair!"

From inside the bathroom, Javier let out a big sigh of relief. "Oh... okay."

Liana shook her head, smiling a little. "Honestly, Young Master, it's like you think I will just disappear."

"Well..." Javier's voice was shy. "You did leave me before."

Liana frowned, feeling a bit guilty. "Young Master, I never left you. I was always close by."

"But I couldn't see you," Javier said quietly, rinsing his hair quickly. "It felt like... like you were gone forever."

Liana's heart softened, and she looked at him with kindness. "Young Master, I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. So please, finish your shower properly."

"Okay," he replied, but his voice still sounded a bit vulnerable.

Outside the bathroom, Liana crossed her arms, watching the steam rise from the door. You really are lost without me, aren't you? she thought with a small smile.

Inside, Javier smiled to himself as he rinsed out the last of the shampoo. She's really here... She's not leaving me again.

Liana noticed that Javier's bed was a bit messy, with the sheets tangled at the corners. With a soft sigh, she decided to fix it while she waited. She carefully tucked in the sheets and then crouched down to see if anything had been forgotten under the bed.

Meanwhile, inside the bathroom, Javier was finishing his shower. He hummed to himself as he stepped out, drying his hair with a towel. His eyes quickly went to the chair where Liana had been sitting, but it was empty.

"Eeeekkkk!! Lianaaaa!!"

Panic hit him, and he ran out of the room, the towel barely staying on his waist. His voice echoed down the hallway.

"Lianaaaaa! Where are you?! You promised you wouldn't leave me agai—!"

THUD!
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"OW!"

The loud noise made Javier stop. He turned back toward the room, confused, and peeked inside carefully.

There was Liana, crouched on the floor and rubbing her head. She had accidentally bumped it on the bed frame when she stood up too quickly.

"Young Master!" Liana winced and glared at him. "What are you yelling about?! I was right here the whole time!"

Javier froze, his face turning red with embarrassment as he realized what happened. "B-But... you weren't in the chair! I thought... I thought you left me again!"

Liana sighed deeply, still rubbing the sore spot on her head. "I was checking under the bed, Young Master. I didn't leave!"

"But you disappeared!" Javier insisted, feeling guilty and a bit defiant.

"I disappeared because I was fixing your mess!" Liana replied, pointing at the now neatly made bed.

Javier looked sheepishly at the bed and then back at Liana. "Oh... sorry."

Liana shook her head, standing up and brushing herself off. "Honestly, Young Master, you're going to give me a headache—well,already!"

Javier scratched the back of his head awkwardly and then gave her a cheeky grin. "Hehehe, but you're not mad at me, right?"

Liana sighed again but softened her expression. "No, Young Master, I'm not mad. But please, can you stop panicking every time I'm out of your sight for a second?"

"I'll try," Javier said with a grin, though his eyes twinkled mischievously.

Liana rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Let's get you dressed properly before you catch a cold. And no more running out of the room half-dressed!"

After putting on his usual casual clothes, Javier sat on the bed, looking more relaxed but clearly tired. Liana noticed the dark circles under his eyes, a clear sign he hadn't slept well.

"Have you eaten yet, Young Master?" she asked softly, her voice filled with concern.

Javier shook his head, and his usual cheeky grin was replaced by a gentle smile. Without saying anything, he leaned forward and hugged Liana tightly, as if he was scared she might disappear again.

Liana blinked in surprise but soon relaxed and wrapped her arms around him. She felt his head resting against her shoulder, and then she noticed him subtly inhaling her scent.

"Young Master," she whispered with a soft laugh, touched by his gesture.

Javier didn't answer with words; he just tightened his embrace. It wasn't out of desperation but a pure, unspoken love. His actions said everything he couldn't express: You're here. You're with me. Don't leave again.

Liana smiled tenderly, her heart warming with relief and gratitude. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek. "I'm here, Young Master," she murmured. "And I'm not going anywhere."

Her words brought a bright light back to Javier's eyes. Liana felt his grip loosen just enough for her to breathe, but his arms stayed firmly around her. For the first time in days, they both felt at ease, sharing a quiet comfort.

"Now, Young Master," Liana began, gently trying to free her hand. "Wait here while I get food for you."

But Javier tightened his grip on her hand, his eyes silently pleading.

"Young Master?" she asked softly, tilting her head.

Javier stayed silent, his hold strong.

"It's just for a little while," Liana reassured him with a calming smile. "I'm not going anywhere."

But Javier shook his head stubbornly, gripping her fingers like a lifeline.

Liana let out a soft sigh, feeling a mix of exasperation and affection. "Alright," she said finally. "Then come with me, but only to the door of your room. I promise I won't leave your sight."

With that, she led Javier to the door, still holding his hand. She looked around and saw one of the household maids cleaning nearby.

"Excuse me," Liana called out, keeping her tone polite but firm.

The maid stopped her work and quickly approached. "Yes, Miss Liana?"

"Can you please bring food for the Young Master here? Ask the chef for a double portion of meat, a hearty soup, and a bottle of wine. Make it quick."

"Yes, right away," the maid replied, hurrying off to the kitchen.

Liana turned back to Javier, who hadn't let go of her hand. She gave him a reassuring smile. "See? You'll have your food right here. No need to worry."

Javier finally loosened his grip, though he still held on. "Don't leave me, Liana," he murmured quietly.

"I'm not going anywhere, Young Master," she promised, her voice steady and warm. "Now, let's sit while we wait."

As they sat on the couch, Javier snuggled close to Liana. Without hesitation, he laid his head on her lap and wrapped his arms tightly around her waist. His face pressed against her stomach as he breathed in her familiar, calming scent.

"I'm scared," he whispered, his voice shaking a little.

"There, there," Liana cooed softly, gently stroking his hair with one hand while resting the other on his back. Her touch was tender, soothing his frayed nerves.

But deep inside, Liana felt a storm of emotions that matched Javier's fear. When Lady Francesca and Lord Garius had assigned her to serve Lady Francesca instead of Javier, it broke her heart. She had never felt so helpless. Still, she knew she couldn't let him see her pain.

Javier clung to her as if afraid she might disappear again, tightening his grip every time she moved. "Don't leave me, Liana," he murmured against her, his voice fragile and almost childlike.

"I'm here, Young Master," she reassured him, her voice steady and warm. "And I won't leave you again. I promise."

As much as she wanted to say more, to share her feelings, she held back and focused on comforting the boy who meant everything to her.

( End of Chapter )