《Reborn As Noble》 From Grown-Up to Goo-Goo ( 1 ) ¡°Huh? Where am I?¡± I felt warm and cozy, but my vision was blurry. My body felt really small, and I couldn¡¯t move my arms and legs. ¡°Are you hungry, Javier? Don¡¯t worry, Mama will feed you now.¡± Javier? Who is Javier? I wanted to ask, but suddenly my mouth was on something soft. Warm, sweet liquid filled my mouth. Wait¡­ is this¡­ breast milk? I realized what was happening, and it confused me. My mind was racing, but my body was acting like a baby. I couldn¡¯t stop sucking. ¡°I can''t be a baby¡­ This is crazy¡­¡± The woman holding me laughed softly. Her voice was kind and calming. ¡°Is it good, honey? Drink all you want; Mama will feed you until you¡¯re full.¡± Her words made me feel both comforted and confused. Mama? What is happening? Why can¡¯t I talk? Why am I behaving like a baby? Then she smiled¡ªa big, warm smile that made her look beautiful. ¡°Ahhh¡­¡± I wanted to scream, but all that came out was a little gurgle. My baby body didn¡¯t care about my confusion. ¡°Ara, so cute,¡± she said, kissing my forehead softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Javier. Mama will take care of you. Muah!¡± Her kiss made me feel warm inside. For a moment, I forgot my fear and confusion. Who is this woman? Why am I here with this beautiful woman? I looked up at her as she held me, feeling frustrated, amazed, and helpless. I needed to figure out what was happening. After the feeding, the beautiful woman holding me began to hum a soft, soothing lullaby. Her voice was like a gentle melody drifting through the air, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. Her voice¡­ it¡¯s so¡­ comforting. She smiled down at me, her eyes filled with tenderness, and for a moment, all my confusion and panic melted away. Honestly¡­ I wouldn¡¯t mind if this beautiful woman kept taking care of me forever. She¡¯s gorgeous. Ehehe¡­ ¡°Madam, let me take over,¡± a firm, professional voice interrupted. ¡°Lord Garius requests all his family at the dining table.¡± The woman¡ªno, my mama¡ªpouted in response, her lips forming an exaggerated frown. ¡°Ehhhhh, but I¡¯m taking care of my honey bun here,¡± she said in a spoiled tone, cradling me closer. Honey bun? Well, I guess I¡¯m fine with that¡­ ¡°Madam Francesca, Lord Garius is calling,¡± the voice insisted. My curiosity got the better of me, and I turned my head toward the source of the voice. It was another woman, dressed in a maid uniform, standing respectfully nearby. Eh? No, wait! Don¡¯t let this maid take me away! No! Lady! No! Tell that fatty to scram! Shoo, shoo, fatty!If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. Francesca sighed dramatically. ¡°Fine, fine. But I want him back as soon as I¡¯m done. Understood?¡± ¡°Yes, Madam.¡± Ehhhh? No, wait! Beautiful lady, no¡ªMama, no¡ªFrancesca, don¡¯t let her take me! Despite my silent protests, Francesca gently handed me over to the maid. Her soft warmth was replaced with an efficient, almost clinical grip. Ekkk! This is a downgrade! A serious downgrade! No offense, maid, but¡­ give me back my beautiful Mama! Please! The maid held me close but moved with purpose. I tried to squirm, but my baby limbs weren¡¯t cooperating. My only weapon now was my crying voice. ¡°Uwaaaaa!!!¡± The maid flinched slightly, but she kept walking. I¡¯m crying for help here! Francesca, don¡¯t leave me! Save me! Take me back! Francesca chuckled lightly as she glanced back at me. ¡°Ara, Javier, don¡¯t fuss. Mama will be back soon. Be good, okay?¡± Her smile was radiant, and she gave me a little wave before disappearing out the door. Ekkk! She¡¯s really leaving me! This is a betrayal! How could you!? The maid cooed at me, trying to soothe my cries, but her efforts only made me more determined to protest. Francesca! Come back! I don¡¯t want to be left with¡ªthis! Somebody save me! As the maid cradled me closer, her stern demeanor softened. Her smile grew wide¡ªtoo wide¡ªand suddenly, her face loomed above me. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re just the cutest little thing!¡± she squealed, her voice taking on an overly sweet, high-pitched tone. Wait¡­ why are you leaning in? What are you doing? Before I could mentally prepare, she planted a big, sloppy kiss on my cheek. Nooooo! Get off me, you fatty maid! No! Mama! Help! Somebody! Ekkkk! ¡°Muah! Muah! Muah!¡± she cooed, showering my face with kisses. Blerghh! Ew! Disgusting! I screamed internally, unable to escape the horror. My baby body wiggled uselessly in her grip. Her enthusiasm didn¡¯t stop. Another kiss landed on my other cheek, then my forehead. ¡°Who¡¯s my sweet little baby, huh? You are! Muah, muah!¡± Stop it! I¡¯m a grown man on the inside! This is pure torture! Francesca, where are you? Save me! In my mind, I was vomiting from the thought of it. Ewww, so gross! Why is this happening to me? I didn¡¯t sign up for this! But all that escaped my lips were pitiful cries of distress. ¡°UWaaahhh!¡± The maid misinterpreted my protests, laughing lightly as she rocked me. ¡°Oh, so fussy! Don¡¯t worry, little Lord Javier. You¡¯re safe with me.¡± Safe? SAFE!!!? I¡¯m being assaulted by slobbery kisses! Mama, come back! Ekkk! As my silent cries for help continued, I could only hope that someone¡ªanyone¡ªwould save me from this nightmare. ¡°Get your hands off me!!!¡± I screamed in my mind, though all that came out was a pitiful wail. My tiny fists flailed uselessly against her chest. Damn this stubborn maid! The maid, completely ignoring my protests, smiled even wider. ¡°Oh, such an adorable little baby!¡± she said, leaning in for another assault. ¡°No! No, no, no!¡± I cried internally as she planted another wet kiss on my cheek. ¡°Muah!¡± Disgusting! Ewww! Someone, anyone, save me from this maid! She began walking toward the dining hall, bouncing me gently in her arms. I hoped for some mercy, but instead, she kept peppering my cheeks with her so-called affection. ¡°Muah! Muah! Oh, Lord Javier, you¡¯re just too precious!¡± Too precious for this kind of treatment! Francesca, where are you? No, forget that. I¡¯ll take anyone at this point. Just make sure they¡¯re beautiful! Ekkk! Save me! Just when I thought the nightmare couldn¡¯t get worse, another voice entered the scene. ¡°Marita, you shouldn¡¯t keep kissing that baby like that. Let me take him from you.¡± The maid stopped abruptly. I turned my head¡ªor rather, my neck twisted as much as a baby¡¯s could¡ªto see who had spoken. A young woman stood there, dressed in a more elegant maid uniform, her expression calm but faintly amused. Her neatly braided hair and sharp features hinted at a no-nonsense attitude. ¡°Oh, but he¡¯s so cute, Miss Liana! Just one more kiss!¡± NO! I screamed internally. No more! Get me away from this maid before I lose my mind! ¡°Marita,¡± Liana said firmly, her tone brooking no argument, ¡°Lord Garius wouldn¡¯t be pleased if he saw you manhandling the young lord. Hand him over.¡± Marita pouted but reluctantly held me out to Liana. ¡°Fine. But you¡¯ll see! He loves my kisses.¡± No, I don¡¯t! Who told you that!? Liana took me into her arms with a practiced grace, and I immediately felt the difference. Her grip was secure, but it lacked the overbearing, slobbery enthusiasm of Marita¡¯s. ¡°There you go, little Lord Javier,¡± Liana said softly. ¡°No more slobber, I promise.¡± Finally! Someone with sense! As Marita walked away, mumbling something about ¡°adorable babies not appreciating her love,¡± I sighed in relief¡ªinternally, of course. Thank you, Liana. You might not be Francesca, but you¡¯re a thousand times better than that kissing nightmare. ( End Of Chapter ) A Gentle Touch ( 2 ) ¡°Poor little boy,¡± Liana said softly as she wiped my cheeks with a damp towel. Her touch was gentle, her movements precise, as though she¡¯d done this a thousand times before. Finally, someone who knows what they¡¯re doing! I gazed up at her, my eyes focusing more clearly now. Her delicate features came into view¡ªsharp cheekbones, luminous skin, and¡­ wait, are those¡­ pointy ears? An elf!? She¡¯s an elf! A beautiful elf! Oh no, I¡¯m in love. My heart¡ªor whatever a baby¡¯s equivalent of a racing heart was¡ªthumped as I stared at her. Her long, elegant ears framed her face perfectly, and her calm expression exuded both grace and wisdom. Marry me. ¡°Those pointy ears,¡± I thought, unable to look away. ¡°Those gentle hands, that soothing aura! I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re old. I don¡¯t care if you¡¯re a thousand years old. Be my wife. Ehehe.¡± Liana smiled down at me¡ªa soft, kind smile that seemed to shine with a faint glow. Oh, those lips! That smile! I¡¯ve been reborn into the arms of perfection! ¡°Are you hungry, young master?¡± Liana¡¯s voice snapped me out of my delirium. Wait¡­ hungry? No, forget food¡ªlet¡¯s talk about love. Let¡¯s talk about our future together! You and me, Liana! But¡­ wait¡­ My stomach growled, betraying me. The sound was so loud it startled me. Liana chuckled, a melodic sound that only made her more enchanting. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes.¡± She adjusted her hold on me, her movements fluid and graceful. As she began walking toward what I assumed was the kitchen, my mind raced. I need to figure out what¡¯s going on with this world, but first, priorities: Liana, you¡¯re the best thing to happen to me since¡­ well, since Francesca. I mean, Mama. Wait¡ªnever mind. Just¡­ marry me! As Liana prepared to warm some milk, the door creaked open. Another figure entered the room, her steps light but confident. This new arrival caught my attention immediately. Her skin was a deep, smooth shade of bronze, her features sharp and alluring, and like Liana, she had pointed ears. Wait¡­ is she a¡­ Dark Elf? I stared, wide-eyed, as she approached. Her hair was jet-black, cascading like a silken curtain down her back. Her golden eyes gleamed with curiosity as she looked at me. Wow. Just wow. First an elf, and now a dark elf? Is this paradise? ¡°Miss Liana, do you need help?¡± she asked, her voice smooth and mellow. ¡°Oh, yes, please,¡± Liana replied without looking up. ¡°Could you hold the young master for a moment while I prepare the milk, Lithia?¡± Lithia? I repeated in my head, the name echoing like a melody. What a beautiful name¡­ Oh, Lithia, you¡¯re stunning.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Lithia walked over to me, her graceful movements exuding confidence. She reached out and gently cradled me in her arms. Her warmth was different from Liana¡¯s¡ªstronger, more grounded, yet still tender. Oh, Lithia¡­ I think I¡¯m in love. No, I am in love. Marry me! You¡¯re incredible! Let¡¯s run away together, Lithia! She tilted her head, her golden eyes studying me. ¡°He¡¯s so small,¡± she remarked with a soft chuckle. ¡°But already full of energy, I see.¡± That¡¯s right! I¡¯m full of energy! Energy to propose to you, Lithia! Ehehe! I squirmed slightly in her arms, trying to somehow express my appreciation. But instead of looking suave, I ended up drooling. ¡°Oh my,¡± Lithia said with a light laugh. ¡°You¡¯re quite the messy one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Messy? No, that¡¯s not drool¡ªit¡¯s the overflow of my emotions! Lithia, I swear! Meanwhile, Liana returned with a small bottle of milk, smiling at the sight of Lithia holding me. ¡°Thank you, Lithia. He seems comfortable with you already.¡± Comfortable? I¡¯m more than comfortable¡ªI¡¯m in heaven! Two gorgeous elves taking care of me? This is the greatest isekai ever. Lithia handed me back to Liana with care. ¡°He¡¯s a sweet little one,¡± she said with a smile. No, don¡¯t hand me back yet! Lithia, stay with me! Wait¡ªwhat if both of you stayed? Ehehe¡­ Liana began feeding me, but my mind wasn¡¯t focused on the milk. My baby heart was racing from the overwhelming beauty and grace of my caretakers. First Francesca, now Liana and Lithia¡­ My new life is off to a pretty amazing start. Ehehe! Just as I was basking in Lithia¡¯s warmth and admiring her elegant features, she spoke the words that sent chills down my spine. ¡°Oh, Marita, could you hold him for a minute?¡± Who!? My baby brain screamed. Not her! Anyone but her! Before I knew it, my tiny hands latched onto Lithia¡¯s uniform with surprising strength. My fingers gripped the fabric as if my life depended on it. ¡°Oh, look,¡± Lithia said with a soft laugh, glancing at Liana. ¡°It seems the young master doesn¡¯t want to let go.¡± Liana chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s unusual. He¡¯s usually so fussy with new faces. You must have made quite the impression.¡± Of course I don¡¯t want to let go! Who in their right mind would willingly leave the embrace of a gorgeous dark elf!? Especially to be handed over to that slobbering demon! No, I refuse! Lithia, don¡¯t do this to me! Lithia smiled down at me, her golden eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°Now, now, young master. Don¡¯t be stubborn. Marita just wants to help.¡± Help!? HELP!? You call turning me into a kissing target help? She¡¯s not a helper¡ªshe¡¯s a demon! An ONI! Marita stepped forward, her arms outstretched. Her plump cheeks flushed with excitement as she cooed, ¡°Oh, come to me, my sweet little lord! I¡¯ve missed you!¡± Missed me!? I didn¡¯t miss you! I was praying I¡¯d never see you again! I let out a wail, my tiny body twisting in Lithia¡¯s arms in protest. Lithia! Look at me! I¡¯m begging you¡ªdon¡¯t do this! Don¡¯t hand me over to the kissing monster! Lithia paused, looking genuinely surprised. ¡°Oh my, he¡¯s quite insistent.¡± Liana tilted her head, observing with an amused smile. ¡°Perhaps he¡¯s more attached to you than we thought.¡± Attached? Of course I¡¯m attached! You¡¯re beautiful, graceful, and don¡¯t treat me like a chew toy! Marita, oblivious to my internal meltdown, clapped her hands together. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s just shy. Once he¡¯s in my arms, he¡¯ll be all smiles again.¡± No, I won¡¯t! I¡¯ll be crying rivers, and it¡¯ll be all your fault! Lithia hesitated, glancing between me and Marita. ¡°Well, he does seem a bit¡­ reluctant.¡± ¡°Yes, very reluctant!¡± I thought desperately, clutching her clothes tighter. Listen to my silent plea, Lithia! Be the hero I know you are! Liana stepped in, her voice calm but decisive. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s best if Lithia holds him for now. He¡¯s clearly more comfortable with her.¡± Liana, you angel! I¡¯ll never forget this act of mercy! Marita pouted, crossing her arms. ¡°Oh, fine. But next time, young Lord Javier, you¡¯re all mine!¡± Next time? Over my dead body! Lithia let out a relieved chuckle and gently adjusted her hold on me. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re stuck with me for now, young master.¡± Stuck? Lithia, you¡¯re a blessing. I¡¯d stay in your arms forever if I could. Forget the milk¡ªthis is where I belong! As Lithia carried me toward the chair where Liana had set the bottle, I allowed myself to relax. For now, I¡¯d survived the clutches of the demon maid. But the threat of her return lingered, keeping me on edge. This world is beautiful¡­ but it¡¯s also dangerous. I must stay vigilant. One slip, and I¡¯ll be at the mercy of that kissing monster again. Ekkk! ( End Of Chapter 2 ) Interrupted Bliss ( 3 ) ¡°Yoshi, yoshi¡­ such a good boy,¡± Francesca cooed as she cradled me in her arms, gently patting my back. Her soft voice wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and I felt my tiny body relax completely. Ahhh, this feels good. So good. I gazed up at her face, her radiant beauty glowing under the warm light of the room. Her soft, wavy hair framed her delicate features, and her kind smile was enough to make me feel like I¡¯d truly been reborn into a paradise. First the goddess of beauty feeds me, and now she cuddles me. This is bliss¡­ pure bliss. Ehehehe. My baby brain couldn¡¯t handle the overwhelming joy. I let out a little giggle, snuggling closer to Francesca. This is it. I¡¯ve peaked in life. No reincarnation could get better than this. But then, like a storm cloud appearing on a sunny day, a voice interrupted my moment of happiness. ¡°Madam Francesca, may I hold him for a minute?¡± That voice¡­ NOOOOOO!!! I recognized that voice instantly. The kissing demon. The oni. Marita. My entire body tensed, and I let out a soft, panicked whimper. No! Not her! Mama, angel, goddess¡ªdon¡¯t let her near me! Beautiful ladies only! Beautiful ladies ONLY! Francesca looked at Marita with a small smile, seemingly unaware of my internal crisis. ¡°Ah, Marita, don¡¯t worry about it. You can continue with your work for now.¡± I froze, disbelief washing over me. Wait¡­ what? Marita blinked, her hands hovering midair. ¡°Oh¡­ are you sure, Madam Francesca? I don¡¯t mind holding him for a bit.¡± NO! No need! No one asked you! You¡¯re not needed here! Francesca waved her off gently. ¡°Really, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m enjoying this time with my little Javier. You can attend to your other tasks.¡± YEEEESSS!!! Sweet victory! You heard her, kissing monster! Go away! Shoo! Shoo! Don¡¯t let the door hit you on the way out! Ehehe! .If I could¡¯ve pumped my fists in the air, I would have. Marita sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. ¡°If you say so, Madam¡­¡± She turned and left the room, though not without one last longing glance in my direction. I shivered. That¡¯s right! Keep walking! Out of sight, out of mind! Ehehehe! Francesca chuckled softly, holding me closer as she hummed a tune. My earlier panic faded, replaced by the warm comfort of her embrace. I¡¯m safe. I¡¯m loved. I¡¯m in the arms of a goddess. Life is good again. Francesca smiled down at me, oblivious to my inner monologue. ¡°What¡¯s got you so excited, little one?¡± she murmured, stroking my cheek. Oh, nothing, Francesca. Just the joy of escaping doom and returning to heaven¡ªright here in your arms. But deep down, I knew this wasn¡¯t the last I¡¯d see of Marita. The kissing monster was persistent, and she¡¯d return eventually. For now, though, I savored every second in Francesca¡¯s care, vowing to treasure this peace while it lasted. -- The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the moon filtering through the ornate curtains. I lay in the baby crib, wide awake. The silence of the night should have been soothing, but something disturbed the peace. What is that sound? A soft, rhythmic slapping sound echoed faintly, accompanied by giggles and¡­ unmistakable moans. Wait¡­ hold on¡­ Realization hit me like a slap to the face. Ugh, really!? Seriously, you shitty dried plum!.How dare you touch my goddess there!? HOW DARE YOU, YOU SHITTY OLD GOAT! Hands off my goddess! Yes, him. Lord Garius. My so-called father in this world. The man who somehow managed to marry the radiant Francesca, despite being¡ªhow should I put this¡ª¡°a dried-out plum.¡±This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. My tiny fists clenched as I seethed in silence. That¡¯s right, you¡¯re officially the ¡°Dried Plum¡±¡ªshriveled, boring, and utterly unworthy of my angel Francesca! The slapping sound continued, now mixed with muffled laughter. My face scrunched up in frustration. Get a grip! At least wait until I¡¯m asleep before defiling the sanctity of this room. Do you think I¡¯m like other infants who don¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening? Well, newsflash: I know! And it¡¯s gross!well..not for me..eheheh Another muffled giggle reached my ears, and I turned my head toward the noise, my tiny body wriggling in the crib. And really? Can¡¯t you at least wait six months before pawing at her, you lusty dried plum? She just gave birth to me! Have some self-control! I let out a quiet sigh, my baby lungs not yet capable of expressing the full extent of my exasperation. This is unbelievable. I¡¯ve been reborn into a noble family, surrounded by beauty and grace, only to be subjected to this nonsense at night. Someone save me. Lithia? Liana? Anybody? I closed my eyes tightly, trying to block out the sounds. But my baby ears seemed to pick up every detail with unsettling clarity. Francesca, my goddess, my angel¡­ why are you stuck with him? You deserve better. Someone like, I don¡¯t know¡­ me! Well, maybe give me 20 years to grow up, but you get the idea. The noises eventually faded, replaced by the soothing quiet of the night once more. I stared up at the crib¡¯s canopy, feeling a mixture of irritation and resignation. Fine. You win this round, Dried Plum. But one day, I¡¯ll grow up, and when I do, I¡¯ll show you what a real gentleman looks like. With that final thought, I yawned, my baby instincts finally overriding my irritation. Sleep claimed me at last, though my dreams were filled with schemes to reclaim my goddess from the clutches of her lusty husband. The soft sound of footsteps approached my crib, accompanied by Francesca¡¯s soothing voice. ¡°Javier, wake up, honey. It¡¯s time for mama to feed you.¡± I opened my eyes slowly, greeted by the sight of Francesca leaning over me, still in her nightdress from last night. Her hair was slightly tousled, and she had that natural glow of someone who had just woken up. Normally, this would be heaven. But then it came rushing back¡ªthe memory of last night. The giggling, the kissing, and¡­ the slapping. I scrunched up my tiny baby face and turned my head sharply away from her chest, refusing to latch on. Nope. Not happening. Not until you shower first, lady. I am not risking a mouthful of dried plum residue from that crusty raisin of a man you married. Eww! Just the thought of it makes me want to gag! Francesca tilted her head, looking concerned. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Javier? Why don¡¯t you want it? Are you not hungry?¡± Hungry? Sure, I¡¯m hungry. But not that hungry. Hygiene first, goddess. Hygiene! Cleanse yourself of that man¡¯s existence before coming near me. She gently brought me closer, trying to coax me to nurse. I squirmed, turning my head even farther away. No way! No drink before clean! I have standards, okay? I don¡¯t wanna taste whatever leftovers from last night are still lingering. Ew, ew, ewww! Francesca frowned slightly, now clearly worried. ¡°Javier, are you feeling alright? You¡¯ve never refused before¡­¡± Her warm hands held me securely as she rocked me gently, her expression softening as she tried to figure out what was wrong. What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s wrong!? I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s wrong! I thought, internally screaming. It¡¯s that wrinkly, lusty prune of a husband you were with last night! I¡¯m scarred for life, okay? Let me recover before shoving me into the aftermath of your late-night escapades! Francesca sighed and kissed my forehead. ¡°It¡¯s alright, honey. Maybe you¡¯re just not ready yet. Mama will try again later.¡± Finally! I thought as she laid me back in the crib. A reprieve! Time to recover from the trauma of this so-called morning routine. As she walked away, I couldn¡¯t help but let out a small, relieved sigh. Note to self: Start a baby protest. No feeding until Francesca enforces strict pre-nursing hygiene protocols. I may be a baby, but I refuse to live like this! Francesca, still holding me, sighed as she walked toward the corner of the room, where another maid waited. This one had ears perched atop her head and a tail that swayed gently behind her. Oh! Catfolk! My eyes widened. This world just keeps getting better. That¡¯s so awesome! The maid, dressed in the usual uniform but with slits in the back for her tail, tilted her head slightly, her feline ears twitching. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, madam?¡± she asked, her voice soft but curious. Francesca shifted me slightly in her arms and frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but Javier doesn¡¯t want to breastfeed this morning. He¡¯s never refused before.¡± The catfolk maid stepped closer, her tail flicking lazily. ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s odd. May I¡­?¡± Francesca nodded, and the catfolk maid leaned in, sniffing delicately around her. Her ears twitched, and her nose wrinkled slightly before she stepped back, her expression calm but casual. ¡°Perhaps, madam, you should take a shower or bath first.¡± YES! Finally, someone with sense! Francesca¡¯s cheeks flushed a light pink. ¡°Oh¡­ do you think that¡¯s it? I didn¡¯t think it would matter¡­¡± Oh, it matters, goddess. It definitely matters. Listen to the wise catmaid and cleanse thyself! The catfolk maid smiled softly, her tail flicking as she added, ¡°It¡¯s just a suggestion, Madam. Sometimes babies can be sensitive to smells.¡± Francesca laughed lightly, looking both embarrassed and amused. ¡°I suppose you might be right. I¡¯ll take a bath and try again later.¡± Thank you, cat goddess! You¡¯ve saved the day! You¡¯ve dared to say what I couldn¡¯t. As Francesca walked off, presumably to prepare for her bath, I gazed at the catfolk maid in awe. Oh, wise feline maiden, I owe you my eternal gratitude. Your courage to tell the goddess what needed to be said has elevated you to hero status in my eyes. Forget marriage¡ªbecome my lifelong ally! The catfolk maid turned her attention to me, her soft smile making my heart skip a beat. She reached down, gently adjusting the blanket around me. ¡°You¡¯re a picky one, aren¡¯t you, young master?¡± Picky? No, I just have standards. Big difference. She chuckled softly and stood up, her tail flicking once more before she walked away. As peace settled in the room, I let out a contented sigh. Finally, some justice in this world. ( End Of Chapter ) Catfolk Curiosity ( 4 ) As Francesca stepped into the adjoining bathroom to take her long-overdue bath, I was left in my baby prison¡ªer, crib. From my vantage point, I saw the catfolk maid, Meira, standing nearby. Her sleek tail swayed lazily behind her, but every so often, it wiggled in quick, sharp movements. Ah, I know that look. I thought, watching her feline ears twitch. I¡¯ve had cats before. That tail says she¡¯s excited¡­ or curious. Maybe both. Meira leaned against the crib railing, her golden eyes gleaming as she studied me. Her expression was calm, but her tail gave her away. I grinned¡ªwell, as much as a baby could¡ªand raised both of my tiny arms toward her. Alright, cat-lady. Let¡¯s see if you¡¯re as good at cuddling as you are at stating the obvious. Meira¡¯s ears perked up, and her lips curled into an amused smile. ¡°Oh? What¡¯s this, young master? You want me to pick you up?¡± Yes, yes! Exactly! Pick me up, catfolk! Let me experience the legendary feline grace firsthand! She chuckled softly, her tail flicking as she reached into the crib and gently lifted me. Her hands were warm, and she held me with surprising care, cradling me close as if she¡¯d done this a thousand times before. ¡°There we go,¡± she murmured, her voice soothing. ¡°You¡¯re quite the spoiled little one, aren¡¯t you?¡± Spoiled? Please. I¡¯m simply cultured. I know quality when I see it, and you, my feline friend, are premium service. I nestled comfortably against her, letting out a contented coo. Her soft fur-lined ears twitched, and I reached up with one tiny hand, trying to grab at them. ¡°Ah-ah,¡± Meira teased, tilting her head just out of reach. ¡°Little hands shouldn¡¯t pull on ears, young master.¡± Oh, come on! Just a quick touch! Let me feel the fluff! As I made another futile attempt to reach her ears, Meira chuckled, her tail brushing lightly against my tiny feet. The sensation made me wiggle and laugh softly. ¡°You¡¯re a lively one, aren¡¯t you?¡± she said, her tone affectionate. ¡°I bet you¡¯ll grow up to be quite the handful.¡± Handful? Nah, I¡¯m going to be the boss. And when I am, I¡¯ll hire you as my personal assistant. You¡¯ve got the perfect mix of smarts and fluff. Just as I was about to settle into the perfect cuddle session, the sound of water splashing came from the bathroom, followed by Francesca¡¯s melodious voice humming a tune. Meira¡¯s ears flicked in the direction of the noise, and she smiled down at me. ¡°Looks like Madam Francesca will be out soon. Shall we get you ready for her, young master?¡± Ready? I¡¯ve been ready. She better come out squeaky clean this time. No shortcuts! Meira gently set me back in the crib, her tail brushing against my hand as she did. I gave a little sigh, already missing the warmth of her embrace. Catfolk cuddles: 10/10. Would recommend. As Meira held me close, her warmth and soothing scent were oddly comforting. She gently rocked me back and forth, and her soft humming started to lull me into a peaceful daze. But then a wild thought crossed my mind. Wait a second. What if¡­ just what if¡­ I could try a different flavor of milk?Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon. I blinked, my tiny baby hands twitching as an idea began to form. Francesca¡¯s milk? Top-tier, sure. But now I¡¯ve got a catfolk maid holding me. What if hers is even better? Variety is the spice of life, after all. Acting on instinct¡ªor rather, my ridiculous reincarnated brain¡ªI reached up, grabbing at the edge of her maid uniform with my chubby little fingers. I tugged lightly, testing the waters. Meira froze for a moment, looking down at me with a raised brow. ¡°Hmm? What are you doing, young master?¡± Eheheh. I giggled internally. Don¡¯t mind me, just exploring. Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got under here. I tugged a bit harder, trying to open her maid dress. Meira¡¯s golden eyes widened slightly, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. ¡°Now, now,¡± she said, her voice a mix of amusement and embarrassment. ¡°That¡¯s not very proper, young master.¡± Proper? I¡¯m a baby. I can get away with anything! She adjusted her hold on me, but I wasn¡¯t giving up that easily. My hands flailed, reaching for her chest as I let out a tiny, determined whine. ¡°Oh, I see how it is,¡± Meira said, her tone teasing. ¡°You¡¯re hungry, aren¡¯t you? Is that why you¡¯re being so grabby?¡± Exactly! You¡¯ve got the idea! Come on, catfolk milk. Let¡¯s see if it lives up to the hype in my head. But instead of giving in, Meira let out a soft laugh and gently booped my nose with her finger. ¡°Sorry, little one, but this milk bar is closed. You¡¯ll have to stick to Madam Francesca¡¯s for now.¡± What!? No! That¡¯s not how this is supposed to go! You can¡¯t just deny me like that! I let out a small wail, trying to look as pitiful as possible. Meira only chuckled again, her tail flicking as she cradled me closer. ¡°You¡¯re persistent, I¡¯ll give you that,¡± she said, smirking. ¡°But you¡¯ll have to settle for cuddles this time.¡± Ugh. Foiled by the feline. I¡¯ll remember this, Meira. One day, I¡¯ll get my revenge. Just then, the sound of the bathroom door opening caught our attention. Francesca stepped out, wrapped in a soft robe, her hair damp and her cheeks glowing from the warm bath. ¡°Thank you for looking after him, Meira,¡± she said with a radiant smile. Meira handed me back to Francesca, who kissed my forehead before settling me against her chest. ¡°There you go, Javier,¡± Francesca cooed. ¡°Mama¡¯s all clean now. Ready to eat?¡± I hesitated for a moment, my earlier protests fading as I took in her fresh, sweet scent. Fine. This is acceptable. But I still wanted to try catfolk milk. You¡¯ve all ruined my grand plan. With a resigned sigh (as much as a baby could manage), I latched on, settling back into my usual feeding routine. As Francesca settled into the chair, cradling me for my morning feeding, I latched on for a few moments. The milk was fresh and sweet, just as expected, but my mind kept drifting elsewhere. Meira¡­ My gaze shifted from Francesca to the catfolk maid standing nearby. Her elegant figure, twitching ears, and gently swishing tail caught my attention. I¡¯ve had goddess-tier milk already. Now, let¡¯s try¡­ exotic milk. I bet catfolk milk is on another level entirely. I released Francesca with a soft pop, my lips parting as I turned my head toward Meira. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Javier?¡± Francesca asked, her brows furrowing. ¡°Why did you stop? Are you feeling full already? But¡­ it¡¯s too quick.¡± She followed my gaze and noticed how intently I was staring at Meira. ¡°Ehhh?¡± Francesca blinked, her lips curving into a bemused smile. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me¡­¡± She giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. ¡°Javier, you silly boy. She¡¯s not married yet¡ªshe doesn¡¯t have milk, you know.¡± Don¡¯t care. I want to confirm it for myself. I squirmed slightly in her arms, letting out tiny, protesting whines to make my point clear. Francesca sighed deeply, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re a stubborn one, aren¡¯t you? Fine, fine.¡± She looked over at Meira, who had been watching the scene unfold with an expression of mild confusion. ¡°Meira,¡± Francesca said, holding me out toward her, ¡°take over for a moment.¡± Meira¡¯s golden eyes widened, and her tail froze mid-sway. ¡°Ehhh? You¡¯re sure, madam?¡± Francesca gave another long sigh. ¡°Just let your young master taste. Once he realizes there¡¯s no milk, he¡¯ll stop pestering you.¡± Meira blinked at me, then at Francesca, before letting out a soft, resigned sigh. ¡°As you wish, madam.¡± She stepped forward and carefully took me into her arms, holding me as though I were a fragile treasure. Her golden eyes met mine, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. ¡°You¡¯re a stubborn one, young master,¡± she murmured, tilting her head with a soft smile. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this over with.¡± Ehehe¡­ mission success! I latched on eagerly, ignoring the fact that there was absolutely no milk. Her warmth and the faint scent of lavender were comforting enough. Meira gasped softly, her ears flicking back. ¡°H-He¡¯s not stopping¡­¡± Francesca chuckled from where she stood, arms crossed. ¡°I told you he¡¯s stubborn. Just let him have his moment.¡± Moment? This is pure bliss. No milk? No problem. I¡¯m here for the experience. Meira sighed again, but her gentle smile remained. ¡°You¡¯re such a troublemaker, young master.¡± As I continued my determined experiment, Francesca shook her head, laughing softly. ¡°He¡¯s going to grow up to be quite the handful.¡± ( End of Chapter ) Bold Declaration ( 5 ) As Meira held me close, I decided that one side wasn¡¯t enough. With a tiny but determined effort, I shifted my head to the other side of her chest. Let¡¯s see if this side tastes better! Meira gasped softly, her face turning an even brighter shade of pink. ¡°Young master¡­ you really are persistent, aren¡¯t you?¡± Across the room, Francesca, now fully dressed, glanced back at us with an amused smile. She shook her head, her hands on her hips. ¡°Ara, what a naughty boy you are, Javier.¡± She looked at Meira with a playful glint in her eyes. ¡°Meira, take care of him for me, alright? I¡¯m going to have breakfast now.¡± ¡°Ehh?!¡± Meira¡¯s ears twitched in panic. ¡°Madam, wait¡ªwhat¡­ ah¡­ umm¡­ okay¡­¡± With that, Francesca walked off, leaving me alone with my flustered catfolk babysitter. Meira let out a long sigh but made no effort to pull me away. Instead, she adjusted her hold on me, letting me continue my ambitious exploration. ¡°You know, young master,¡± she said softly, her voice tinged with both amusement and embarrassment, ¡°if you keep doing this, I might not get married¡­ so you¡¯ll have to take responsibility, okay?¡± Responsibility? Wife? You? Oh, absolutely! I paused briefly, looking up at her with what I hoped was a mischievous yet innocent expression. Don¡¯t worry, Meira. You¡¯ll be my wife soon. Well¡­ once I grow up. Energized by my inner vow, I latched back on, ignoring her soft sighs and occasional muttered complaints. ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re cute,¡± she murmured, her golden eyes soft as she gazed at me. Cute? No, Meira. I¡¯m ambitious. And when I grow up, you¡¯ll thank me for this moment of destiny. As her tail brushed against my tiny feet, I felt a deep sense of accomplishment. For now, I¡¯d enjoy the warmth, the comfort, and the blissful ignorance of my current age. But in my heart, I was already planning my future. Meira would be mine. That much, I was sure of. ¡°M-Meira!¡± A soft but sharp voice called from outside the room. I tensed immediately, glaring internally. Ugh! Who dares interrupt this perfect moment? Don¡¯t you know my beautiful Meira is busy fulfilling her noble duty of feeding me? The door creaked open, and standing there was another figure¡ªa tall, elegant woman with long, silver-blonde hair and striking emerald eyes. Her pointed ears confirmed it: another elf. She carried herself with an air of quiet authority, and the stern expression on her face told me she wasn¡¯t here to joke around. ¡°Meira,¡± she said, her voice gentle yet firm. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Meira froze, her ears twitching nervously. ¡°Umm¡­ umm¡­¡± she stammered. ¡°You know we maids are not allowed to breastfeed the young master,¡± the woman continued, her tone unyielding despite its softness. Oh? So she¡¯s the maid boss around here, I thought, still latched onto Meira. Head maid vibes, definitely. And also gorgeous. Wow, this house is packed with beauties.Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. Meira panicked, trying to explain herself. ¡°T-This was Madam Francesca¡¯s command! I¡¯m just¡­ following orders!¡± The elf woman, who I quickly decided was the head maid, sighed deeply. ¡°Is that so?¡± She shook her head in mild disapproval. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the dining area. Breakfast is being served for us.¡± ¡°W-What about the young master?¡± Meira asked, clutching me nervously. ¡°We can¡¯t leave him here,¡± the head maid said, her tone final. ¡°Bring him along.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss Liana,¡± Meira murmured obediently. Oh, her name¡¯s Liana, I thought, feeling a twinge of curiosity. Another beauty. Lucky me. A short while later, we arrived at the maids¡¯ dining area. The setup was simple yet cozy, a contrast to the grandeur of the nobles¡¯ dining hall. Liana gestured for Meira to pass me over. ¡°Hand him to me,¡± she said. ¡°You need to eat, and I¡¯ll watch over him while you do.¡± ¡°Y-Yes, Miss Liana,¡± Meira said, reluctantly handing me over. As soon as Liana held me, I felt her gentle yet firm hands supporting me with ease. I stared up at her, marveling at her sharp yet soft features. An elf¡¯s milk, huh? Let¡¯s see if it¡¯s any different. Without hesitation, I nuzzled into her chest, letting my instincts guide me. ¡°Ah!¡± Liana let out a surprised sound, her emerald eyes widening. ¡°Young master! What are you doing? There¡¯s no milk here!¡± You don¡¯t know that until I try, do you? Liana sighed, clearly not used to such antics. ¡°Goodness, you¡¯re persistent,¡± she muttered, adjusting her hold on me to stop me from tugging at her uniform. As the maids ate their breakfast, I was cradled in Liana¡¯s arms, but I wasn¡¯t giving up. My little hands kept reaching for her neckline, trying to pull it aside. ¡°Stop that,¡± she said softly, her ears twitching as she batted my hands away. ¡°You¡¯re acting like a mischievous kitten.¡± Kitten? More like a hungry wolf. I¡¯m determined! Despite her gentle scolding, I kept trying. My persistence drew giggles from the other maids seated around the table. ¡°Looks like young master is quite taken with you, Liana,¡± one of them teased. Another chimed in, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s trying to declare his future bride!¡± Liana¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly, though she maintained her composure. ¡°Enough of that,¡± she said, her tone sharp but not unkind. As breakfast went on, I kept my tiny hands busy, attempting to tug at her chest whenever I got the chance. Despite my best efforts, she skillfully avoided my advances. As I lay in the arms of the ever-graceful yet annoyingly untouchable Miss Liana, I began to feel the sting of rejection. Her poise and elegance were undeniable, but her strict attitude was a real mood killer. Ugh, this elf is too arrogant. She thinks she¡¯s untouchable, huh? Fine! Time to head back to my beautiful Meira¡ªthe true second mama of my heart! With newfound determination, I raised my little arms toward Meira, who was seated nearby, enjoying her breakfast. I wriggled and squirmed, making my intentions clear. ¡°Hmm?¡± Meira noticed me struggling and tilted her head, her ears twitching curiously. ¡°Young master? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Liana frowned slightly, holding me more securely. ¡°He¡¯s fine, Meira. Let him settle down.¡± No! Let me go, pointy-eared prison guard! My real goal is right over there, eating her breakfast in peace. I must reunite with my catfolk goddess! I kept reaching out, whining softly in protest. Meira chuckled softly, setting her spoon down. ¡°It looks like he wants me, Miss Liana.¡± Liana sighed, clearly exasperated. ¡°He¡¯s just being fussy. Don¡¯t indulge him.¡± ¡°Oh, but he¡¯s such a sweet little thing,¡± Meira said with a warm smile. ¡°Come here, young master.¡± With that, Meira reached out, and Liana reluctantly handed me over. As soon as I was back in Meira¡¯s arms, I nestled against her with a satisfied sigh. ¡°There we go,¡± Meira cooed, her tail swishing happily behind her. ¡°Young master just missed me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Yes, yes I did. Now, about that milk¡­ Meira cradled me gently, returning to her meal with one hand. Her warmth and the faint scent of lavender were enough to soothe my frustration. Liana, watching from her seat, let out a faint snort. ¡°You spoil him too much, Meira. He¡¯ll become impossible to handle at this rate.¡± Meira just laughed softly, her golden eyes sparkling with affection. ¡°Oh, let him be a baby while he can. He¡¯s so precious like this.¡± Precious? More like determined. As she ate, I began to nuzzle against her again, clearly signaling my intentions. ¡°Hmm? Oh, young master, not again!¡± Meira said, flustered but laughing. ¡°You really are persistent.¡± Liana groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°You¡¯re encouraging bad habits, Meira.¡± But Meira simply smiled, stroking my tiny head. ¡°Well, if it keeps him happy, I don¡¯t mind.¡± Happy? Oh, Meira, you¡¯re more than I could ever ask for. My second mama, my catfolk goddess. One day, I¡¯ll make you mine¡­ once I grow up. For now, though, I was content to stay right where I was, nestled in her arms, dreaming of the day I could taste all the milk this world had to offer. ( End Of Chapter ) Tiny Hands, Big Desires ( 6 ) As Meira finished her breakfast, I decided it was time to take things into my own tiny hands¡ªliterally. Reaching up with all the determination I could muster, I tugged at her clothes, signaling my intent. Meira blinked down at me, her tail swaying lazily. A soft smile spread across her face. ¡°Young master, so impatient,¡± she said, amused. I gurgled in response, not because I couldn¡¯t speak, but because my baby instincts knew it would make me look cuter. Come on, Meira, don¡¯t make me wait. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± she chuckled. ¡°Please wait a moment.¡± She hurriedly sipped the rest of her coffee, setting the cup down with a faint clink. Then, with a graceful yet flustered motion, she began loosening her maid uniform. ¡°Madam did give permission, after all,¡± Meira murmured, her cheeks slightly pink. I settled in comfortably as she positioned me and let me latch on. Finally, my second mama¡¯s milk¡ªwell, or the lack thereof. It doesn¡¯t matter. This is bliss. ¡°Slowly, young master,¡± Meira said softly, brushing her fingers through my hair. ¡°Don¡¯t rush.¡± I savored the moment, glancing sideways to see Miss Liana still seated nearby, her expression unreadable as she watched the scene. Oh? Feeling jealous, are we, Miss High-and-Mighty Elf? I smirked internally. Serves you right. Next time, when I ask for breastfeeding, don¡¯t act so arrogant. Now I¡¯ve got my second beautiful mama. Unlike you, stubborn elf. Just as I was basking in my victory, a sudden chill ran down my spine. ¡°Oh! So you¡¯re allowed to breastfeed him?¡± A familiar voice chimed in from behind us. ¡°Lucky for you, Meira.¡± I froze mid-suckle. That voice¡­ Turning slightly, I caught sight of a looming figure. There she was¡ªMarita, the slobbering demon herself. ¡°Ekkk!¡± I screamed in my mind. Not her! Anyone but her! Marita approached with her usual exaggerated cheer, her pudgy hands already reaching out. ¡°Young master is so adorable!¡± Stay away! Don¡¯t you dare come near me! I grumbled internally, gripping Meira tightly like a lifeline. Meira looked slightly flustered but kept her composure. ¡°Marita, please. He¡¯s feeding right now.¡± ¡°But I haven¡¯t held him today,¡± Marita said with a pout. ¡°And he¡¯s just too cute not to cuddle.¡± Liana, sensing my growing distress, stood up and gently placed a hand on Marita¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Let them be, Marita. The young master needs calm right now, not your enthusiasm.¡± Marita pouted but stepped back. ¡°Fine. But I¡¯ll hold him later!¡± Over my dead body, I thought, silently thanking Liana for once. As Marita left the room, I relaxed, settling back into Meira¡¯s arms. ¡°There, there,¡± Meira said soothingly, stroking my head. ¡°All better now, young master?¡± Better? Yes. But one day, I¡¯ll make sure that kissing demon stays far, far away from me. As I nestled comfortably in Meira¡¯s arms, my thoughts drifted to a certain someone I hadn¡¯t seen in a while. Where¡¯s Lithia, the dark elf? I thought. I remember her from before¡ªback when I was being assaulted by that slobbering demon Marita. She was there, so calm and graceful. Lithia, where are you? Eheheh. You can be my third mama too. Dark elves are rare, after all.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site. I craned my tiny head, looking around the room with what little mobility my baby body allowed. No pointy ears, no dark complexion. Just Meira¡¯s warm smile and Liana¡¯s unreadable gaze. Meira noticed my fidgeting. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, young master? Are you uncomfortable?¡± Uncomfortable? No, I¡¯m on a mission! I squirmed, trying to peek around Meira¡¯s shoulder. Liana raised an eyebrow. ¡°He¡¯s restless. Perhaps he¡¯s looking for someone?¡± Meira laughed softly, bouncing me gently in her arms. ¡°Young master, are you searching for Madam Francesca? Or maybe Lord Charles?¡± Ha! As if! No offense to my goddess of a mother or that¡­ dried plum of a father, but I have someone else in mind. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s looking for Lithia,¡± Liana added casually, sipping her tea. My tiny eyes lit up. Yes! Someone gets me! Where is she, Miss Liana? Stop sipping tea and tell me! ¡°Oh, Lithia,¡± Meira said, her ears twitching. ¡°I think she¡¯s in the garden. She mentioned wanting to check on the roses this morning.¡± The garden? Great, let¡¯s go then! No time to waste! I waved my arms excitedly, trying to communicate my intent. ¡°Look at him,¡± Meira said with a giggle. ¡°He really does seem to want Lithia.¡± Liana sighed, setting down her cup. ¡°You¡¯re spoiling him too much, Meira. But fine, let¡¯s head to the garden.¡± As Meira carried me out of the room, I couldn¡¯t help but grin inwardly. Lithia, here I come. Prepare yourself, my third mama. When we arrived at the garden, there she was¡ªLithia, the dark elf, kneeling gracefully among the rose bushes. Her dark skin glowed under the morning sunlight, and her silken silver hair swayed with each movement. She was humming softly, her elegant fingers brushing over the petals. Oh, Lithia, you¡¯re even more beautiful than I remembered! ¡°Lithia,¡± Meira called, walking closer. ¡°Look who¡¯s here to see you.¡± Lithia turned, her golden eyes meeting mine. A small smile graced her lips. ¡°Young master,¡± she said, her voice as smooth as honey. ¡°You look happy this morning.¡± Happy? Of course, I¡¯m happy! I found you, my dark elf goddess. You can be my third mama now. Eheheh. ¡°Would you like to hold him?¡± Meira asked. Lithia tilted her head thoughtfully. ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you.¡± Meira handed me over gently, and I found myself in Lithia¡¯s arms. Her scent was earthy yet sweet, and her touch was cool and soothing. ¡°There we go,¡± Lithia said softly, adjusting me in her arms. ¡°Are you comfortable, young master?¡± Comfortable? I¡¯m in heaven! I reached out instinctively, tugging at the fabric of her uniform. Lithia raised an eyebrow, then chuckled lightly. ¡°Oh dear, he¡¯s just like last time.¡± Meira covered her mouth, laughing. ¡°Madam Francesca did say he¡¯s been¡­ curious lately.¡± Liana crossed her arms, watching with a smirk. ¡°Curious is an understatement. He¡¯s turning into quite the handful.¡± Lithia looked down at me, her eyes filled with gentle amusement. ¡°Well, young master, I suppose I can humor you for a little while.¡± Just as Lithia began to undo the top of her uniform, the soft fabric sliding slightly to reveal her flawless skin, I felt victory within reach. Yes, dark elf milk¡ªoh wait, she doesn''t have milk yet, but still, I¡¯m winning! But before I could even get a peek, a familiar voice rang out from behind. ¡°Good morning, everyone.¡± Lithia¡¯s hands froze. She immediately straightened, adjusting her uniform. ¡°Good morning, madam,¡± she said, her voice respectful. Meira quickly stood beside her, bowing slightly. ¡°Good morning, madam Francesca.¡± Francesca?! Again?! Mama, you can go enjoy yourself with that dried plum of yours! Let me have my moment with Lithia! I squirmed in Lithia¡¯s arms, silently protesting this intrusion. Francesca approached, her radiant smile lighting up the garden. Her golden hair shimmered in the morning sunlight, and her sapphire-blue eyes sparkled as she looked at me. ¡°Javier, my little honeybun, did you miss me?¡± Miss you? Mama, you just fed me this morning! Let me enjoy my time with my new mamas in peace! Francesca reached out to take me from Lithia. ¡°Thank you for watching him, Lithia,¡± she said warmly. Lithia handed me over gently, though I could see a trace of hesitation in her golden eyes. No, Lithia, don¡¯t let go! Don¡¯t give me back! Ugh, betrayal! As Francesca cuddled me close, I turned my head toward Lithia, my tiny arms reaching out dramatically. Lithia! My dark elf mama, come back! This isn¡¯t over. I will taste your milk one day¡­ even if you don¡¯t have any yet! ¡°Javier seems to really like you, Lithia,¡± Francesca remarked with a chuckle. Lithia smiled politely, though there was a flicker of amusement in her eyes. ¡°He¡¯s very attached, madam.¡± ¡°Of course, he¡¯s attached,¡± Francesca said proudly. ¡°He¡¯s a smart boy. He knows how kind and lovely you all are.¡± Smart boy? More like desperate baby. I know quality when I see it. With a playful kiss on my cheek, Francesca began walking back toward the mansion. ¡°Come on, Javier. Let¡¯s have breakfast with your papa.¡± Papa?! The dried plum? No! Send me back to my dark elf goddess and catfolk angel! I groaned internally, resigned to my fate. ( End of Chapter ) The Dried Plums Clan ( 7 ) As Francesca carried me into the grand dining hall, my baby eyes surveyed the scene. The room was filled with people¡ªsome familiar, others not. First, I spotted two women sitting near the head of the table. Who are these two? Oh wait, don¡¯t tell me¡­ these are also his wives? I squinted, assessing them. Not really beautiful. Seriously, dried plum, what were you thinking? Were you blind? Did you run out of options? Next to them was the man himself¡ªthe infamous ¡°dried plum,¡± Lord Garius. He sat with his usual stern expression, the kind that could probably make grown men cry. Unfortunately for him, it only made me chuckle inwardly. Eheheh, you pipsqueak dried plum. Sitting there like some king, huh? What¡¯s with the serious face? Still trying to make up for being boring? Then, my eyes landed on five other children scattered around the table. They were all older than me, ranging from what looked like toddlers to pre-teens. I overheard snippets of conversation between Francesca and one of the other women, piecing together the dynamics. So, two of these kids are my real siblings¡ªthe oldest and the second born. Great. I¡¯ve got direct competition for the dried plum¡¯s limited affection. As for the other three kids¡­ Step-siblings, huh? Really, old man? Spreading your seed like a farmer planting crops. And with them? I mean, Francesca is leagues ahead of these other two women, so what gives? One of the step-siblings, a boy around six or seven, noticed me and made a face. ¡°Is that the new baby?¡± he asked loudly, pointing at me. ¡°Yes, he''s Javier,¡± Francesca said sweetly, adjusting me in her arms. ¡°Why is he so small?¡± another kid, a girl with pigtails, chimed in. Small? Small?! Listen here, you little gremlin. I¡¯m a baby. What do you expect, a giant? Lord Garius cleared his throat, silencing the chatter instantly. His deep, commanding voice cut through the room. ¡°Enough. Focus on your breakfast.¡± Oh, the dried plum speaks. What¡¯s next, a lecture about table manners? Francesca seated herself gracefully, keeping me in her lap as the maids began serving breakfast. She whispered softly to me, her tone full of warmth. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Javier. Mama¡¯s here to protect you from all these big scary people.¡± Big scary people? Mama, I¡¯m more worried about being stuck in a room with this whole circus. Let me back to my catfolk and elf mamas, please! I sighed inwardly, resigning myself to the chaos that was apparently my family. One thing¡¯s for sure¡ªlife in this house is going to be¡­ interesting. As Francesca sat at the table, chatting casually and cutting into her breakfast, I began to wiggle and squirm in her lap. I twisted to one side, then the other, making little noises to get her attention.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original. ¡°Javier, honey, don¡¯t move so much. Mama¡¯s trying to eat,¡± she said sweetly, holding me steady. Oh, no, Mama. That¡¯s the whole point. Let¡¯s make this inconvenient for you. I leaned back suddenly, forcing her to adjust her grip. Then I leaned forward, reaching toward the table. ¡°Javier!¡± she laughed, but her voice held a hint of exasperation. And then it happened. The target of my grand plan¡ªMiss Liana, was called over by none other than the dried plum himself. ¡°Liana,¡± Lord Garius said in his ever-stern tone. ¡°A word.¡± Liana approached him, bowing gracefully. ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± Francesca seized the opportunity. ¡°Liana, could you take Javier for a little while? It¡¯s hard to eat with him squirming so much.¡± Liana blinked, glancing at me. Ah, Miss Liana, you¡¯ve fallen into my trap. Ehehehe. ¡°Yes, madam,¡± Liana said hesitantly, reaching out to take me. The moment she held me, I started my usual antics, reaching for her breast. My tiny baby hands worked furiously, tugging at the fabric of her uniform. ¡°Javier¡± Liana gasped, her cheeks tinged pink. ¡°No, you can¡¯t¡ªstop¡ª¡± ¡°Oh, Liana,¡± Francesca said with a soft laugh. ¡°If he¡¯s insisting, you could always do what Meira does.¡± Liana froze. ¡°But, madam¡­¡± Francesca smiled knowingly. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Javier won¡¯t stop until he¡¯s satisfied. You¡¯re the head maid, after all. I trust you completely.¡± Liana¡¯s golden eyes darted between Francesca and me, her pointed ears twitching slightly. She sighed, her composure barely cracking. ¡°As you wish, madam.¡± Eheheh¡­ I win! But before I could savor the moment fully, Francesca spoke again, her voice taking on that oh-so-authoritative tone that could command anyone¡ªeven this regal elf. ¡°Liana,¡± she said, smiling sweetly, ¡°why don¡¯t you take Javier to your room? You can breastfeed him there, in private, and ensure he¡¯s taken care of properly. From now on, you¡¯re responsible for him.¡± Liana¡¯s ears twitched, and her golden eyes widened slightly. ¡°Madam, are you certain? I have other duties¡ª¡± Francesca waved a delicate hand, cutting her off. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your other tasks. The other maids will handle them. For now, your only priority is Javier.¡± Liana hesitated, glancing down at me. Oh, don¡¯t fight it, Miss Liana. Fate has chosen you. You¡¯re officially promoted to my full-time caretaker¡­ and my second elf mama. ¡°Yes, madam,¡± Liana finally said, bowing her head gracefully, though her cheeks were tinged with the faintest blush. Yeah!!! Look who¡¯s my new personal caretaker now! My girl, my mama, my everything! Ehehehe! Francesca stood and handed me over completely. ¡°Take him, and make sure he¡¯s well-fed and clean. Bathe him, change him, whatever he needs. Just focus on him.¡± Liana held me gently, cradling me like the precious treasure I was. Her expression was calm, but I could see the slight wrinkle in her brow. Oh, Miss Liana, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll make this fun for both of us. ¡°Understood, madam,¡± Liana said softly, turning toward the hallway. As she walked to her room, holding me close, I let out a small, triumphant giggle. She glanced down at me, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°You seem very pleased with yourself, young master,¡± she murmured. Oh, I am, Miss Liana. You have no idea how pleased. Once we reached her room, I was placed carefully on her bed¡ªa simple but elegant piece of furniture that matched her refined demeanor. ¡°Now then,¡± she said, her hands moving to adjust her uniform, ¡°let¡¯s get this over with.¡± Eheheh¡­ I could get used to this. As Liana gently placed me on her lap, her serene but slightly flustered demeanor only fueled my excitement. She settled on the edge of the bed and adjusted her uniform. Her movements were deliberate, her every action filled with a grace only an elf could possess. "Alright, young master," she said with a sigh, ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with. Though you should know, nothing will come out.¡± She unbuttoned the top of her uniform, revealing pale, flawless skin that shimmered faintly in the morning light. Her cheeks were tinged pink, a rare display of emotion from the usually stoic elf. Finally, she guided me close, allowing me to latch on. Oh, Liana, you underestimate me. Milk or not, I¡¯m here for the experience. ( End of Chapter ) The Sweet Secret of Special Elves ( 8 ) As I latched on to Miss Liana breast, my eyes widened. Wait¡­ what¡¯s this? A drop of something sweet hit my tongue¡ªsmooth, rich, and almost floral. It wasn¡¯t milk, but it was definitely some kind of liquid. This¡­ this is amazing! What is this nectar of the gods!? I paused for a moment, shocked, then resumed sucking with newfound enthusiasm. Liana blinked, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. ¡°W-what¡¯s with that look, young master? There¡¯s no milk, you know.¡± Oh, no milk? Sure, Liana, let¡¯s go with that. But this sweet liquid tells me otherwise. Ehehe¡­ elves really are something special! I couldn¡¯t stop myself. The flavor was addictively sweet, unlike anything I¡¯d tasted before, even back in my old world. Is this some kind of natural elf thing? Or is Miss Liana just unique? Either way, I¡¯m going to make the most of this gift! Liana, oblivious to my inner monologue, sighed and leaned back slightly, still stroking my head. ¡°You¡¯re much calmer now, aren¡¯t you? Perhaps you just like the comfort¡­¡± Comfort? Oh, Miss Liana, this is way beyond comfort. You¡¯re officially number one on the taste ranking! and Beautiful! I smirked internally, my baby face betraying none of my thoughts. Alright, next goal: figure out if the other elves have the same gift. Miss Lithia, you¡¯re up next. As I finished with one side, I instinctively shifted toward the other breast. Liana, resigned to her fate, sighed softly and adjusted her position. ¡°Fine, young master,¡± she murmured, lying down to make it easier for me. ¡°Just this once¡­ But I really hope you grow out of this phase soon.¡± Grow out of this phase? Never! This is perfection! I latched onto the other side, and there it was again¡ªthe sweet, floral taste that set her apart from everyone else. Oh, Liana, you¡¯re unbeatable. No one else even comes close to your divine sweetness. Liana gently stroked my hair as I fed, her golden eyes softening. ¡°You¡¯re such a strange little one.¡± Determined? Of course! I¡¯m determined to make you mine. Don¡¯t worry, Liana, you¡¯ve officially taken the number one spot. You¡¯ll be at the top of my future wife list¡ªforever! I let out a contented sigh, pausing briefly to give her a sly baby grin. She chuckled quietly, the sound like a soft melody. ¡°You¡¯re smiling? What are you thinking about?¡± she asked, her blush deepening. ¡°You really are something else.¡± Oh, you have no idea, my dear elf. But don¡¯t worry¡ªyour secret nectar is safe with me.!! As I continued latched on her breast, she shifted slightly, getting more comfortable. I couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how beautiful she looked, her silver hair cascading around her face, her pointed ears twitching faintly. Yep, Liana, you¡¯ve got everything. Grace, beauty, sweetness¡­ You¡¯re my number one now. Liana lay there, her golden eyes fixed on the persistent little one nestled against her. She let out a soft sigh, brushing a strand of silver hair away from her face. This child... so persistent. Honestly, I¡¯ve never seen anything like it. She glanced down at Javier, who, despite being far too young to understand, seemed to know exactly what he was doing. He switched from one side to the other, his tiny hands gripping her gently, his determination unwavering.This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. I¡¯m not even married yet. Never even had a boyfriend. I¡¯ve just turned 18, for the goddess¡¯ sake¡­ And now here I am, letting this little one pretend I can feed him. Why does he act like this? He¡¯s not like the other children of Lord Garius. They were never cared for by the maids. The Lord made it clear they were to be handled exclusively by their mothers. But this one¡­ She gently brushed Javier¡¯s soft hair, her heart warming despite her confusion. Still¡­ he¡¯s so cute. I never knew babies could be like this. His little expressions, his determination¡ªit¡¯s almost like he¡¯s got an adult¡¯s mind trapped in that tiny body. Just as she thought this, Javier gave a small, contented sigh and relaxed completely against her. His tiny hands loosened their grip, and his rhythmic breathing softened. ¡°Hmm? He fell asleep?¡± Liana whispered, her voice barely audible. A smile spread across her face, a mix of relief and endearment. She shifted slightly, ensuring he was comfortable, then carefully wrapped her arms around him. Strange child¡­ but so precious. The day¡¯s events had taken their toll on her too. Liana¡¯s eyelids grew heavy as she lay there, holding Javier close. The warmth of his tiny body against hers was oddly soothing. I suppose¡­ a little rest wouldn¡¯t hurt. With a final glance at the peacefully sleeping baby in her arms, Liana allowed herself to drift into slumber, a gentle smile lingering on her lips as she hugged Javier softly. At the dining room, the morning sunlight streamed through the large windows, illuminating the long dining table where Lord Garius sat at the head, his expression stern yet composed. Lady Francesca, sitting to his right, elegantly sipped her tea while her two sons, Marcellus and Cedric, sat upright and attentive. ¡°Francesca,¡± Lord Garius began, his deep voice commanding the room''s attention, ¡°I want you to focus on ensuring Marcellus and Cedric continue their studies diligently. Both are nearing the age for the blessing ceremonies, and it is crucial we prepare them well.¡± Lady Francesca nodded gracefully, a calm smile on her lips. ¡°Of course, dear. I¡¯ll personally oversee their studies and ensure they are ready for the appraisal. It¡¯s an important milestone for them.¡± She reached out, gently placing a hand on Marcellus¡¯s shoulder and then Cedric¡¯s. ¡°My sons,¡± she said warmly, ¡°you¡¯ve done well so far. Let¡¯s continue working hard, alright?¡± Marcellus, the eldest at 11, nodded confidently. His sharp features and composed demeanor gave him the air of someone already bearing responsibility. ¡°Yes, Mother. I¡¯ll do my best to make you and Father proud.¡± Cedric, a year younger at 10, smiled shyly but nodded as well. ¡°I¡¯ll keep practicing my magic and studies, Mother.¡± Lord Garius¡¯s gaze softened momentarily as he observed his sons, but his tone remained firm. ¡°Good. Our family¡¯s future depends on your talents and efforts. A strong blessing could elevate our rank and expand our territory.¡± Francesca then glanced at her husband, her expression turning curious. ¡°And what about Javier?¡± she asked, her voice calm yet holding a trace of amusement. At this, Lord Garius let out a short, almost dismissive chuckle. ¡°Javier? For now, let him focus on growing. He¡¯s still a baby. Breastfeeding and the care of two or three maids are enough for him at this stage.¡± Francesca raised an elegant brow, her lips curving into a faint smile. ¡°Oh? And which maids will be looking after him?¡± ¡°Liana and Meira for now,¡± Garius replied, his tone decisive. ¡°As for the third, I¡¯ll leave that to you to decide, Francesca.¡± Francesca nodded, her smile unwavering. ¡°As you wish, dear. I¡¯ll ensure he¡¯s well looked after.¡± She took another sip of her tea, her mind already considering the matter. With a gentle hand, she ruffled Marcellus¡¯s hair affectionately and then Cedric¡¯s. ¡°Now, finish your breakfast, my sons. Today¡¯s lessons won¡¯t wait.¡± Lord Garius then turned his attention to his two other wives seated further down the table. Lady Garcinia, the second wife, and Lady Phenelopie, the third, both straightened in their seats under his gaze. ¡°Ensure that our children remain focused on their studies and training as well,¡± he instructed. ¡°The family¡¯s future depends on all of our efforts. If any of them are born with talent, it will benefit us all.¡± Lady Garcinia, the mother of Aelius and Athine, gave a polite nod. ¡°Of course, my lord. Aelius has been progressing well in his swordsmanship, and I¡¯ll ensure his studies remain on track.¡± Lady Phenelopie, the mother of Heres, added with a smile, ¡°Heres is young but eager. I¡¯ll see to it he continues to practice his lessons.¡± Garius gave an approving nod, satisfied with their responses. Meanwhile, Javier remained in Liana¡¯s room, blissfully unaware of the family discussions. Both he and the elf maid had drifted into a peaceful slumber after his persistent efforts to nurse from her. The morning passed, the family settling into their respective roles, each determined to prepare for the future. But for Javier, his immediate future remained singularly focused on charming every maid in the household and securing the soft comforts they provided. ( End Of Chapter ) A Sweet Morning Surprise ( 9 ) Javier slowly stirred awake, his tiny body nestled against the soft embrace of Miss Liana, who was still peacefully asleep. Her silver hair framed her serene face, and her gentle breathing created a rhythmic calmness in the room. But none of that mattered to him at the moment. "Ehehe..." Javier''s mischievous thoughts came alive as he realized his hunger was back. And conveniently, his "meal" was right there in front of him. "Time to dig in!" With careful, albeit clumsy, movements, he reached for Liana''s chest. His tiny hands fumbled with the fabric of her dress, pulling it aside just enough to reveal his coveted prize. He latched on eagerly, sucking with determination. Liana stirred slightly, murmuring something incoherent in her sleep. Her arms instinctively cradled him closer, as if in approval, though she remained unaware of his antics. ¡°Oh sweet... so sweet...¡± Javier thought, relishing the taste. "Better than milk! Yummy!" He switched to the other side, greedily exploring both options. "This is the life," he thought smugly, fully enjoying his meal. Suddenly, Liana¡¯s eyes fluttered open. She looked down and froze for a moment, realizing what was happening. Her pale cheeks flushed a deep pink. ¡°Y-young master!¡± she stammered, her voice flustered but still quiet to avoid startling him. ¡°You¡­ you can¡¯t just¡ª¡± Javier, of course, didn¡¯t stop. If anything, he doubled down, refusing to release his grip. Liana sighed in defeat, her face still red. ¡°Madam Francesca is going to scold me again if she finds out¡­¡± she muttered to herself. ¡°Young master, you truly are persistent.¡± She gently patted his back, deciding it was better to let him finish before trying to reason with him. After all, he was just a baby¡ª she reminded herself, though his oddly determined behavior often made her question that. Meanwhile, Javier smugly thought, That¡¯s right, Miss Liana. Just accept it. You¡¯re officially my number one now! Liana jolted when she heard Lady Francesca¡¯s voice echo from outside her room. "Liana, are you awake? Bring Javier; I need to speak with you." Her eyes widened as panic set in. She glanced down at Javier, who was firmly latched onto her breast, his small hands gripping her dress as if declaring, You¡¯re not going anywhere. ¡°Y-young master,¡± she whispered frantically, trying to gently pry him away. ¡°Please let go; I need to answer Madam Francesca!¡± Javier¡¯s thoughts, however, were entirely different. I won¡¯t let you go. Not a chance! If you try, I¡¯ll bite! He held on tighter, his determination unshaken. The sweet taste he loved so much wasn¡¯t something he was about to give up, not even for Francesca. Liana sighed, utterly defeated by the infant''s stubbornness. "What am I going to do with you, young master..." she muttered before carefully standing up, cradling him to keep his grip steady. As she opened the door, Francesca raised an eyebrow at the sight of Liana looking flustered and Javier nestled against her chest, his tiny form suspiciously still. ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?¡± Francesca asked, her gaze briefly flicking to Javier with a knowing smile. ¡°I-I apologize, Madam,¡± Liana stammered, her blush betraying her calm demeanor. ¡°The young master¡­ refuses to let go.¡± Francesca¡¯s lips curled into a soft, amused smile. ¡°Persistent, isn¡¯t he? Well, that¡¯s just like his father.¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Javier mentally rolled his eyes. Don¡¯t compare me to that dried plum! Francesca gently placed a hand on Liana¡¯s shoulder. ¡°From today onward, you and Meira are officially assigned to take care of Javier. I trust you both to handle him well. He seems¡­ quite attached to you already,¡± she said with a smirk, clearly noting Javier¡¯s unrelenting grip. Liana¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Madam, are you sure? I¡ª¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure,¡± Francesca interrupted, her tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°The little one has good taste, it seems. He¡¯s chosen his caretakers well. Just¡­ try to avoid spoiling him too much.¡± Javier grinned inwardly. Oh, I¡¯ve already won. Meira, Liana¡ªyou¡¯re officially my team now! Francesca gave a final nod and left, leaving Liana standing there, holding Javier with a mix of embarrassment and acceptance. As Liana closed the door, she looked down at Javier, who had resumed his contented sucking. ¡°You really are something else, young master,¡± she said with a resigned smile, sitting back down to let him finish. Meira entered the room, her tail swaying in its usual lively rhythm. Spotting Liana sitting with Javier latched onto her breast, she chuckled softly. ¡°Good afternoon, Miss Liana. Looks like our young master is keeping you busy again.¡± Liana sighed, a mix of annoyance and amusement evident in her tone. ¡°Busy doesn¡¯t even begin to describe it, Meira. I don¡¯t know what he sees in this... I don¡¯t even have milk to offer, yet he¡¯s so persistent. He even switches sides as if expecting something different each time.¡± Meira¡¯s ears twitched as her soft laughter filled the room. ¡°That sounds like him already¡ªquite determined, isn¡¯t he?¡± She stepped closer, her tail swaying with each step. Liana¡¯s face turned pink as she tried to keep her composure. ¡°M-Meira!¡± Meira leaned in with a playful smile, teasing, ¡°Well, he certainly seems to enjoy it, doesn¡¯t he?¡± She wagged her tail again and looked at Javier, who appeared utterly content. Javier, in his own thoughts, was grinning ear to ear. My second mama is here! Perfect timing! Meira crouched beside them, brushing a strand of her long hair back. ¡°Madam Francesca asked me to assist you, so here I am. Anything you need, just let me know.¡± Her tone was cheerful, and she seemed genuinely excited about her role. ¡°Actually,¡± Liana began, glancing down at Javier, ¡°you might have to take over soon. He¡¯s insatiable, and I haven¡¯t even had a chance to get anything else done today.¡± Meira smiled knowingly. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be happy to switch over. He seems to enjoy having options.¡± Javier, however, tightened his little grip on Liana¡¯s dress, silently protesting. Wait, wait! I¡¯m not done here yet! Liana sighed again, stroking his head gently. ¡°Young master, you¡¯re quite the handful, aren¡¯t you?¡± Meira¡¯s laughter grew louder as her tail swished behind her. ¡°Well, Miss Liana, looks like we¡¯ll be working together to manage him. Better get used to it!¡± As the evening sun cast its warm glow over the estate, Javier sat comfortably in Meira¡¯s lap, occasionally switching his gaze between her and Liana. His two caretakers shared quiet laughs, discussing the latest household updates and their shared duties. ¡°Miss Liana,¡± Meira said with a playful tone, her tail flicking lightly. ¡°Our young master seems quite... attached to us, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Liana gave a soft chuckle, adjusting her posture while keeping a watchful eye on Javier. ¡°He¡¯s certainly unlike the other children of Lord Garius. None of them were ever this... clingy.¡± She sighed. ¡°It¡¯s strange, though. Lord Garius has always been strict about keeping maids out of the direct upbringing of his children. Yet, with Javier, it¡¯s completely different.¡± Meira nodded, her tail brushing Javier¡¯s tiny feet, earning a soft giggle from him. ¡°It must be Lady Francesca¡¯s influence. She¡¯s much more hands-on than the other wives. But still, breastfeeding from us? Even though it¡¯s just for comfort¡ªthis is unheard of.¡± The door creaked open, and Lithia, the dark elf maid, entered gracefully. Her silver hair shimmered under the light, and her expression was calm yet warm. She greeted them with a soft bow. ¡°I see our young master is still keeping the two of you busy.¡± Liana glanced at Lithia and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re just in time. Lady Francesca has officially assigned you to help us. With how energetic Javier is, we could certainly use an extra hand.¡± Meira grinned. ¡°Welcome to the team, Lithia. Be prepared¡ªhe¡¯s quite weird. And very persistent.¡± Javier, listening intently, gave a mental cheer. Three beautiful ladies to take care of me? This is heaven! Don¡¯t worry, my lovely maids. When I grow up, I¡¯ll make you all my wives. Ehehe! Lithia approached, gently brushing her fingers over Javier¡¯s cheek. ¡°Such a lively baby. I¡¯ll do my best to assist.¡± Javier looked up at her, his thoughts racing. *Dark elf mama, welcome aboard! Don¡¯t worry¡ªyou¡¯re already on my list.* As the evening progressed, the three maids worked to manage Javier¡¯s energy, taking turns keeping him entertained, fed, and comforted. The sight of them together¡ªan elf, a catfolk, and a dark elf¡ªwas a rare yet heartwarming one in the noble household. This arrangement was certainly uncommon,but in Javier¡¯s mind, it was perfect. *Three mamas, three beauties, all taking care of me. Life couldn¡¯t get better than this.* ( End of Chapter ) Playing the Useless Card ( 10 ) The soft morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, illuminating Javier¡¯s nursery-turned-bedroom. Now three years old, Javier was no longer confined to the crib. Instead, he roamed his space freely, a cheeky grin plastered on his face as he plotted his day. Yosh! Time to start my morning routine! Javier thought, flexing his tiny fingers. Step one: locate my future wives. Step two: ensure my daily dose of breastfeed! Ehehehe. As he looked around, his thoughts shifted. He¡¯d recently been sneaking peeks at books from the library. Though Junichi had been reborn in this body, his ability to read remained intact. He had been quietly studying, learning about mana and the basics of magic. He already suspected that his siblings¡¯ talents in the blessing ceremony might give his family a much-needed boost. It had been three years since I was reborn into this world as Javier De Armand. Life as a noble child was far more entertaining than my previous life, and the perks? Oh, they were heavenly. I sat up in bed, stretching my arms. My legs dangled off the edge as I tested the strength in them. ¡°Yosh! I can walk now!¡± I said to myself with a grin. That meant I could now go looking for my maids¡ªand more importantly, their divine treasures! I brushed a hand through my tousled hair and gave myself a mental pat on the back. I wasn¡¯t just any three-year-old, after all. I was a three-year-old with refined tastes, thanks to Liana, Meira, and Lithia. As I wandered the estate halls in search of them, I couldn¡¯t help but overhear some maids chatting nearby. ¡°Did you hear? Both Marcellus and Cedric passed their blessing ceremonies,¡± one of them said. ¡°Yes, Marcellus as a wizard and Cedric as a swordmaster! Lord Garius must be so proud. He¡¯s been in a good mood lately,¡± replied another. I rolled my eyes. Good for them, I guess. But who cares about that when there¡¯s milk to drink? Shaking my head at their priorities, I continued my mission. ¡°Good morning, young master,¡± Meira chirped. ¡°Hungry?¡± Javier tilted his head, feigning innocence. ¡°Where¡¯s Miss Liana?¡± Meira chuckled. ¡°She¡¯s helping Lady Francesca this morning. But I¡¯m here, so come eat, young master.¡± Javier pouted, crossing his arms. No Liana? No Lithia? Fine, Meira. You¡¯re still at the top of my list! After a hearty breakfast, Javier slipped away, heading toward his stash of books hidden beneath a loose floorboard in his room. He pulled out a tome on mana manipulation, flipping through the pages with practiced ease. ¡°Control mana like breathing, huh?¡± he muttered, his tiny hands glowing faintly with an unstable blue hue. ¡°Easy for me!¡± Before he could dive further into practice, the door opened again, and this time, Lithia stepped in, her dark complexion glowing softly in the sunlight. ¡°Young master, Lady Francesca wishes to see you in the courtyard.¡± Javier¡¯s face lit up. Dark Elf Mama! Bless you, Lithia! As Lithia scooped him up in her arms, Javier couldn¡¯t resist leaning into her warmth. He gazed at her neckline mischievously, his inner thoughts racing. Hmm¡­ after this, it¡¯s definitely time for my afternoon drink. Lithia, prepare yourself. Ehehehe! When they arrived at the courtyard, Lady Francesca stood gracefully by a fountain, her aura radiating elegance. She turned to Javier, smiling.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. ¡°My dear Javier, even at three, you¡¯re as lively as ever,¡± Francesca said, her tone amused. ¡°Have you been practicing anything interesting, young one?¡± Javier grinned innocently. ¡°Just reading, Mama. And... can I have milk now?¡± Francesca laughed softly. ¡°Oh, Javier. Some things never change.¡± Javier¡¯s eyes darted between his mother and Lithia, wondering which of his future wives would indulge him next. As the afternoon sun shone brightly, the young master plotted his next move. Breastfeed might be a must, but mastering mana comes next. Let¡¯s conquer one goal at a time, starting with my lovely mamas! Javier sat with a mischievous grin, carefully concealing his true thoughts behind the mask of an innocent, clueless three-year-old. Hehehe, no one will ever know I¡¯ve already cracked the basics of magic. Reading heavy books, understanding mana flow, and even practicing spells in secret? That¡¯s for me and me alone. I¡¯ll keep pretending to be the useless third son. Less pressure, more freedom. Besides, I already did my time in school back in Japan. ¡°Javier, what are you thinking about?¡± Lady Francesca asked, noticing the slight smirk on her son¡¯s face. Javier quickly switched to his best innocent look. ¡°Oh, nothing, Mama. Just thinking how cool my brothers are with their wizard and swordmaster classes.¡± Francesca smiled warmly and stroked his hair. ¡°You¡¯re special too, Javier. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have your own incredible blessing when the time comes.¡± Inside, though, I¡¯m staying far away from any noble school. Do you know how much effort that is? Kindergartens, high schools, universities¡ªbeen there, done that. I don¡¯t need another round of lectures and rules. I¡¯ve got better things to do, like nursing from my lovely mamas. ¡°I don¡¯t know, Mama,¡± Javier said, feigning a downcast expression. ¡°I don¡¯t have talent like my brothers.¡± Francesca frowned. ¡°Javier, that¡¯s not true¡ª¡± Before she could continue, the butler entered the room, bowing politely. ¡°Lady Francesca, Lord Garius requests your presence. He wishes to discuss the formal noble party you¡¯ll be attending.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Thank you,¡± Francesca replied before turning back to Javier. ¡°Javier, be a good boy and stay with Miss Liana, alright? If you need food or... anything else, just ask her.¡± Javier nodded obediently. ¡°Okay, Mama.¡± As soon as Francesca left the room, Javier spun to face Liana, his small hands reaching up in a familiar gesture. ¡°Miss Liana... chu chu...¡± he said, making little kissing sounds to signal his intent for breastfeeding. Liana¡¯s cheeks flushed as she stumbled back a step. ¡°Ehh!? Young master, again?!¡± Javier grinned widely. Hehehe, time for my sweet elven nectar. You can¡¯t resist me, Miss Liana! Liana sighed, knowing the young master was unusually persistent. ¡°Alright, alright. But this is the last time today, okay?¡± ¡°Okay!¡± Javier said cheerfully, though his inner thoughts betrayed his promise. Heh, yeah, sure, Miss Liana. Let¡¯s see how long that rule lasts. As Liana gently picked him up, Javier couldn¡¯t help but chuckle inside. Stay under the radar, enjoy life, and bask in the care of these beautiful women. Life in this world really isn¡¯t so bad. Liana sighed as she sat down, cradling Javier in her arms. ¡°You¡¯re such a demanding little one, young master,¡± she said softly, her voice filled with a mix of amusement and exasperation. Slowly, she adjusted her dress to let him nurse, her pointed ears twitching slightly. ¡°Ehehe, why should this be the last time?¡± Javier thought to himself as he latched on eagerly. If I can, I want this to continue until we¡¯re married! My precious Liana... you¡¯re already at the top of my list! The sweet, nectar-like taste filled his mouth, a unique sensation that sent his mind reeling every time. It¡¯s better than milk. No, it¡¯s better than anything. And most importantly... He paused for a moment in his thoughts, his tiny hands gripping her gently. Lithia doesn¡¯t have it, even if she¡¯s a dark elf. I already tried with other elves too, and none of them have this special sweetness. Liana, you¡¯re one of a kind. Liana gazed at him, her expression softening. ¡°You seem so happy whenever I feed you... but really, young master, what am I going to do with you? You¡¯re growing up, yet you cling to me like this.¡± Javier closed his eyes, savoring the moment. Growing up or not, I¡¯ll never let go. You¡¯ll see, Liana. One day, I¡¯ll make you mine. This world¡¯s rules about maids and masters don¡¯t mean anything to me. Liana chuckled softly, brushing her fingers over his soft hair. ¡°You¡¯re such a peculiar child... but I suppose it¡¯s not so bad. You¡¯re sweet, in your own way.¡± Javier¡¯s inner voice practically shouted with glee. Sweet? Oh, Liana, if only you knew... I¡¯m going to make you my sweetest treasure. This bond we have? It¡¯s just the beginning. Ehehehe. As the peaceful moment stretched on, Javier felt completely at ease. The warmth of her embrace, the unique taste that only she could provide¡ªit was enough to make him forget everything else. ( End of Chapter ) A Step Towards Nobility ( 11 ) The news about the noble party spread quickly among the household staff. Lord Garius, or as Javier liked to call him, "the dried plum," and Lady Francesca were preparing for a significant gathering. Javier, overhearing snippets of conversation from his maids and eavesdropping during quiet moments, pieced together the purpose of this event. ¡°So, it¡¯s official then,¡± he mused internally while playing with Meira¡¯s tail. ¡°The dried plum gets a shiny new rank because of my brothers. From Baron to Viscount¡ªtwo ranks in one go, all thanks to Marcellus and Cedric." Marcellus, the eldest at 14 years old, had been appraised with the Wizard class¡ªan exceptional one known for its versatility in magic. Cedric, now 13 years old, earned the Swordmaster class¡ªa combat prodigy blessed with unmatched talent in the blade. Together, their accomplishments meant an increase in land and influence for the De Armand family. ¡°That¡¯s great for you, dried plum. More land, more headaches.¡± Javier smirked to himself. ¡°As for me, I¡¯ll stay under the radar. No need to show off or get involved in this noble politics nonsense.¡± He had noticed the stark differences in treatment between himself and his siblings. While each of his brothers was assigned six maids and a training butler¡ªa personal aide skilled in combat¡ªhe only had three maids: Meira, Liana, and Lithia. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining,¡± he thought with a grin. ¡°Three beautiful maids are more than enough for me. Especially when one of them gives me the good stuff... Ehehehe.¡± As Javier lay in his crib, pretending to nap while Liana cleaned his room, he contemplated the structure of the noble hierarchy. Let¡¯s see... it¡¯s something like this, right? Kingdom: King, Queen, Prince, and Princess Archduke Duke Marquess High Count Count Viscount High Baron Baron Low Baron The De Armand family had started at the bottom as a Baron household but was now on the cusp of entering mid-tier nobility. ¡°A Viscount... huh. If things keep going well, the dried plum could reach Count in another decade or two,¡± he thought. But Javier was in no hurry to help with that. ¡°Let the others play their little games of power. I¡¯ve already lived through the grind of life back in Japan¡ªschool, work, all that nonsense. If I can stay in the background, enjoy the perks of being nobility without the responsibilities... that¡¯s the dream.¡± Next year, it would be the turn of Lady Garcinia¡¯s eldest son, Aelius , and Lady Phenelopie¡¯s only child, Heres , to attend their blessing ceremonies. ¡°Good luck to them,¡± Javier thought with a yawn. ¡°The more the dried plum¡¯s kids get blessed, the higher his rank climbs... and the more I get to stay out of the spotlight. Works for me.¡± As the sound of Meira and Lithia¡¯s chatter reached his ears from the hallway, Javier closed his eyes and smiled. ¡°But first... where¡¯s Liana? I need my afternoon ¡®snack.¡¯ Ehehehe.¡± Javier crossed his little arms and pouted as he sat on the soft cushion in Liana''s room. "As long as they don''t take my wives away, I¡¯m fine with all this rank climbing," he muttered under his breath. His "wives" were his greatest treasures¡ªMeira, Liana, and Lithia. Sure, they weren¡¯t officially his yet, but that was only a matter of time. No one, not even his older brothers or step-siblings, was allowed to claim them. "They''re all mine," Javier whispered, determination burning in his small but cunning eyes. Just then, Meira entered the room, her tail swaying with every step. She carried a tray with snacks and tea for herself and Liana. Her bright demeanor instantly lifted Javier¡¯s mood. ¡°Meira, where are you going next?¡± he asked, feigning innocence but already scheming. ¡°Hmm? Oh, I was thinking of visiting the library,¡± Meira replied, setting the tray down. Javier¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Really? Can I join? I¡¯ve never been to the library before!¡±If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Meira tilted her head, a bit unsure. ¡°Well... Madam Francesca and Lord Garius will be attending the noble party for two or three days. So maybe it¡¯s okay, as long as we¡¯re careful.¡± ¡°Thank you, Meira!¡± Javier beamed, standing up on wobbly legs and toddling toward her. Meira chuckled and patted his head gently. ¡°Alright, young master. But you have to promise to behave in the library, okay? No running around or pulling books off the shelves.¡± ¡°Of course,¡± Javier said with his most angelic smile, already planning to do exactly the opposite. The library was a grand room filled with rows of tall bookshelves, reaching all the way to the ceiling. To Javier, it felt like stepping into a treasure trove of knowledge. His eyes darted around, scanning the countless leather-bound tomes. ¡°Wow,¡± he whispered, genuinely impressed. ¡°So many books...¡± Meira watched him with an amused smile as she busied herself arranging a few books that had been misplaced. Javier wandered over to a section with books written in an ancient language. His eyes narrowed as he pretended to struggle with the letters, but in truth, he could already read fluently thanks to his past life. Perfect, he thought. If I¡¯m going to learn how to control mana and practice magic, I need to do it secretly. No one can know I¡¯m actually capable. Better to let everyone think I¡¯m just a useless little kid. As Meira turned her back, Javier pulled out a small book on basic mana theory and tucked it under his shirt. He¡¯d read it later in the safety of his crib. For now, though, his focus shifted back to Meira, who was climbing a small ladder to place a book on a higher shelf. His mischievous grin returned as he toddled over to her. ¡°Meira,¡± he called sweetly. She looked down at him. ¡°Yes, young master?¡± ¡°Can you read me a story?¡± he asked, flashing her his most innocent look. Meira chuckled and climbed down from the ladder. ¡°Of course. Which one do you want to hear?¡± Javier pointed to a random book, not caring about the content. As long as he could spend more time with his future wife, that was all that mattered. ¡°Ehehe,¡± he thought to himself as Meira sat down and opened the book. ¡°They¡¯re all mine.¡± The night cover the estate in silence, save for the occasional crackle of the magic torches lining the hallways. With Francesca and the others away at the noble party, Junichi¡ªreborn as Javier ¡ªhad the perfect opportunity to indulge in his secret ambitions. He lay in his crib in Liana¡¯s room, feigning sleep while the elf hummed softly to herself, preparing for bed. As her light footsteps faded and the room fell still, Javier opened one eye. Hehehe, it¡¯s my time now. Sliding quietly out of his crib, he tiptoed across the room, careful not to wake Liana. His tiny form slipped through the door, and he crept down the dimly lit hallways, his heart racing with excitement. The library wasn¡¯t far, but the journey felt like a grand adventure to Javier. The shadows flickered on the stone walls, but he paid them no mind. His thoughts were focused entirely on the wealth of knowledge waiting for him. Finally, he reached the heavy wooden door of the library. Pushing it open just enough to slip through, he stepped inside and closed it softly behind him. The room was pitch black, but that didn¡¯t bother him. Javier held out his small hand, channeling mana into his palm. A soft, pale glow emanated from his hand¡ªenough to light the immediate area without drawing attention. Perfect. He scanned the shelves, eyes glinting with determination. Most of the books were far out of his reach, but he didn¡¯t mind. He focused on the lower shelves, running his fingers over the spines until he found one that intrigued him. Pulling the book free, he settled onto a small cushion in the corner of the room. The glow from his palm illuminated the pages as he began to read. The book was about mana manipulation, a foundational text for aspiring mages. Javier smirked. This is exactly what I need. If I master mana now, I¡¯ll be leagues ahead of everyone else. No need for tutors or fancy ceremonies. As he read, he practiced the techniques described, quietly channeling mana through his body. It was challenging, especially with his small, undeveloped frame, but Javier¡¯s determination drove him forward. The hours slipped by unnoticed as he absorbed the book¡¯s teachings. His mana control improved with each attempt, the glowing light in his palm steady and bright. Eventually, a soft creak outside the library door startled him. He extinguished the glow in an instant, plunging the room into darkness. Who could that be at this hour? The door opened slowly, and Javier held his breath, pressing himself against the shelves. A familiar figure stepped inside, holding a small lantern. ¡°Javier?¡± Meira¡¯s soft voice called out, her tail swishing behind her. ¡°Are you in here? I thought I saw you sneaking around earlier...¡± Javier sighed in relief, stepping into the lantern¡¯s glow. ¡°Meira! You scared me!¡± he whispered, putting on his most innocent face. She knelt down, her golden eyes narrowing. ¡°What are you doing here? You¡¯re supposed to be in bed!¡± ¡°I... I couldn¡¯t sleep,¡± Javier mumbled, clutching the book behind his back. Meira sighed, her tail flicking. ¡°You¡¯re going to get in trouble if the madam or Lord Garius finds out you¡¯re wandering around at night.¡± She lifted him effortlessly, tucking him against her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to bed, young master,¡± she said firmly. Javier pouted but didn¡¯t resist. Guess I¡¯ll have to come back tomorrow night. As Meira carried him back to Liana¡¯s room, Javier¡¯s mind raced with plans. He¡¯d tasted the thrill of discovery, and nothing¡ªnot even his doting maids¡ªwould stop him from mastering his magic in secret. ( End of Chapter ) Hidden Hierarchies ( 12 ) Javier sulked in his highchair, his toddler features carefully masking the storm raging in his mind. The dining hall buzzed with the return of the noble party. Lord Garius, the dried plum, sat at the head of the table, exuding a self-satisfied air in his new silver-trimmed uniform. The family''s newly polished silver emblem gleamed on his chest¡ªa testament to the family''s rise in rank. Silver now, huh? Good for you, dried plum. One step closer to shining in the sun like a raisin, Javier thought, snickering internally. The dinner itself was uneventful at first. Plates were served, maids bustled about, and the siblings chatted among themselves. As always, the eldest and second sons, Marcellus and Cedric, drew the most attention. Lady Francesca personally ensured their plates were full and their glasses never empty, beaming with pride. Javier, meanwhile, had his usual entourage of three maids: Liana, Meira, and Lithia. He was perfectly content, planning his next nightly escape to the library¡ªuntil Francesca''s words shattered his peace. "Miera, Lithia," Francesca began with her usual composed tone, "starting tomorrow, you will be assigned to assist Marcellus and Cedric, respectively. They are at critical stages of their studies and training. They''ll need your help." The maids exchanged glances before bowing in unison. "Yes, Madam." Javier''s fork froze mid-air. His mind reeled, the words echoing painfully. What? No, no, no... This isn''t happening. Francesca turned to Liana. "Liana, you will remain dedicated to Javier. He''s still young and needs close care. Handle him well." "Yes, Madam," Liana replied, her expression calm as always. Javier clenched his fists under the table. Just Liana? ONLY Liana?! Are you kidding me? His thoughts spiraled into despair. Meira, my second mama, gone. Lithia, my kind third mama, gone. Both stolen by those two brothers of mine. WHY?! He could feel his chest tightening, but he kept his face blank. Francesca glanced at him briefly and smiled, as if to reassure him. It only made him more upset. Dinner dragged on, each bite tasteless to Javier. When the meal finally ended, the family dispersed to their rooms, leaving Javier with Liana. She carried him back to her room, her steps light and unbothered. Sensing his mood, Liana glanced down at him. "Young Master, you''ve been quiet tonight. Are you feeling well?" Javier pouted, burying his face against her shoulder. "I''m fine," he muttered. Fine? No, I''m not fine! My beautiful mamas were just snatched away! This isn''t fair! Back in Liana''s room, she laid him gently in his crib. "Rest now, Javier. You''ve had a long day." But as she turned to leave, Javier reached out and grabbed her sleeve. "Liana..." he said softly. "Yes?" "You won''t leave me too, right?" Her stern elf face softened, and for the first time that night, Javier felt a hint of comfort.Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. "I cant promise," she said, stroking his hair. "But I''m here for you." Javier sighed, closing his eyes. For now, at least, Liana was still his.Assign for him,only for him No one takes her. Not even my brothers. Javier looked up at Liana with his best pleading expression, his big toddler eyes shining with faux innocence. "Can I sleep with you? Please?" Liana''s expression softened, her usual calm demeanor now tinged with a gentle smile. "Of course, Young Master. Come here." She lifted him from the crib and held him close, her hands steady and warm. Javier nestled into her arms, letting out a small, triumphant heh. One step closer to securing my number one spot with Liana. Those dried plums and their schemes can''t stop me. What Javier didn''t realize was that Liana''s smile held a secret¡ªa bittersweet acceptance of her current position. Among the household maids, serving the lord of the house directly was the highest honor, followed by attending to the lady or madam. Being assigned to care for the eldest or second sons, who carried the family''s hopes, was prestigious too. But being tasked to care exclusively for the youngest child, especially one not yet of notable status like Javier, was considered a demotion. Still, Liana didn''t mind. She had seen the complex web of politics and power struggles within noble households. While others may have viewed this role as a step down, she found peace in it. Attending to Javier meant fewer eyes scrutinizing her every move. And, in truth, she''d grown fond of him. As Liana settled into her bed, she laid Javier beside her. He snuggled closer, his tiny hands clutching at her sleeve. "Liana?" "Yes, Young Master?" "You won''t leave me like Meira and Lithia, will you?" His voice was quiet, laced with vulnerability he rarely showed. Liana hesitated, brushing a lock of hair from his face. "No, I won''t leave you." Javier grinned, his face pressed against her shoulder. "Good. You''re now my favorite." Liana chuckled softly. "You''re quite the charmer, aren''t you?" You have no idea, Javier thought, smirking inside. As the room fell into a comfortable silence, Liana watched her young master slowly drift to sleep. She could tell he was clever, more so than any child his age had any right to be. His antics, his sudden silences, the way he observed everything around him¡ªit all hinted at a mind far sharper than he let on. For now, though, she kept those thoughts to herself. After all, being assigned to Javier meant she could witness what made him unique. Whether it was a demotion or not didn''t matter anymore. Liana adjusted herself on the bed, cradling Javier gently. She tilted her head, observing him with a soft, almost maternal expression. "You want to breastfeed, Young Master?" Javier''s eyes lit up instantly, his excitement concealed behind a practiced, innocent smile. "Really? Yes, I want to!" She chuckled at his enthusiasm, patting his cheek lightly. "Alright, come here then." Javier wasted no time, crawling closer to her. Liana, always composed, adjusted her blouse, revealing just enough to cradle him comfortably against her chest. Her movements were graceful, deliberate, as though this had become second nature to her. Javier latched on with a contented sigh, a warm sense of satisfaction washing over him. This is the life!. Liana, you''re my number one now. Meanwhile, Liana observed him quietly, stroking his hair as he nestled against her. There was something peculiar about him¡ªan unspoken maturity beneath the surface, though she couldn''t quite put her finger on it. "You''re always so eager," she teased lightly, her voice barely above a whisper. Javier gave her a sleepy grin in response, his energy finally starting to fade. "That''s because you''re special." Liana''s heart softened at the words. She leaned back against the pillow, her mind briefly wandering. Despite her position in the household hierarchy, moments like this made her feel important in a different way¡ªcherished, even. "Alright, Young Master, settle down now," she murmured. Javier''s breathing slowed as he nestled closer against Liana. Even as his small body relaxed, his mind stayed active. Don''t worry, Liana. I want you, and I will always want you, he mused, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. For me, for the current me, and for the future me. For our future. The resolve in his heart felt unshakable. He didn''t care for the noble rankings, the parties, or even the expectations placed upon him. What he cared about was the bond he shared with Liana¡ªa bond he was determined to protect. Liana, oblivious to his inner thoughts, continued to stroke his hair gently. She gazed down at his serene expression, her own heart feeling a strange warmth she couldn''t quite explain. "You''re such a curious little one," she whispered softly, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "But¡­ I''m glad to be here for you." As Javier drifted further into sleep, his last conscious thought lingered on Liana''s warmth and the promise he silently made to himself. No matter what happens, Liana, I''ll make sure you stay by my side. And with that, the room fell silent, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, a quiet promise binding them in the stillness of the night. ( End of Chapter ) The Persistent Young Master ( 13 ) "Young Master!!" Liana''s voice echoed through the hall, her soft yet firm tone carrying just enough urgency to stir excitement in Javier''s mischievous heart. Heheh¡­ catch me if you can, Liana! "Found you!" Liana''s face appeared suddenly, peeking behind the door with a triumphant smile. "Ehhh?!" Javier feigned surprise, throwing his hands up in mock defeat. "Now, now," Liana said, crossing her arms as she stood over him. "It''s time for your studies, Young Master. No more running around." Javier leaned closer, whispering in her pointed ear, "But Liana¡­ I already learn and know everything, right?" Liana whispering back with a teasing glint in her eye, "Yes, but what will the Lord and Madam say if they don''t see you in the study room?" "Tch¡­" Javier clicked his tongue, narrowing his eyes at her. "Fine, fine. But first¡­" He leaned in with a mischievous grin. "Kisssssssss." Liana sighed, shaking her head, though a small smile played on her lips. "You haven''t changed at all," she muttered, leaning closer. Javier, now eleven years old, had grown taller and more handsome. To her suprise, he was already a little taller than her. How did time fly so fast? she wondered. Just a few years ago, he was an insistent, stubborn infant tugging at her for milk. Now, here he was, still insistent, though with entirely different demands. Her lips brushed against his forehead in a soft kiss. "There, satisfied?" "Nope." Javier smirked, pointing to his cheek. Liana rolled her eyes but complied, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. "Now let''s go," she said, pulling him toward the study room. Javier followed, grinning ear to ear. It''s a new routine, but it''s mine, he thought. And Liana? She''s mine too. Always. Liana opened a thick tome and placed it on the study table, her movements calm and practiced. As always, the book was a mere prop¡ªa guise to make it seem like she was diligently teaching her young master. However, today, her curiosity finally got the better of her. Javier sat across from her, casually flipping the pages of a separate book, seemingly disinterested. But Liana knew better. Over the years, she''d discovered the depths of his intellect and capabilities. He''d mastered advanced magic, mathematics, intricate formulas, and multiple languages. What astonished her most was his fluency in the elven language¡ªsomething even many elves struggled to achieve. "(Young Master, may I ask something?)" Liana asked softly, switching to her native tongue. Her delicate voice carried a mix of awe and hesitation. Javier didn''t look up immediately, but a small smile tugged at his lips. He responded without hesitation in perfect elven, "(Go ahead, Liana. Ask anything.)" "(Why do you hide your potential?)" she asked, her eyes fixed on him, searching for an answer. Javier finally met her gaze, his eyes shimmering with amusement. "(Liana, you promised me you wouldn''t tell anyone, right?)" "I did," she replied, her voice laced with concern. "(But it still doesn''t explain why.)" He sighed, leaning back in his chair and resting his chin on his hand. "(Sigh¡­ who wants to busy themselves just to please others?)"Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! Liana blinked, momentarily stunned by his words. "(Think about it. If I show what I''m capable of, I''ll be forced into endless duties, expectations, and possibly even sent away to some prestigious academy. Do I look like someone who wants to waste my time pleasing a bunch of nobles?)" "(But your family¡ª)" "(They''re already doing fine without me.)" He smirked, his tone confident. "(Let my brothers carry the family''s ambitions. I''m happy staying right here¡­.)" Liana felt her cheeks warm at his declaration. She averted her gaze, focusing on the book in front of her. "(You''re impossible.)" "(No, Liana, I''m just smarter than most.)" His grin widened as he leaned closer. "(And I know how to keep my priorities straight. You''re one of them, after all.)" Liana didn''t respond, though her soft smile betrayed her thoughts. She picked up the quill to jot something in the margins of the book, pretending to be occupied while her heart raced from Javier words. "By the way, Liana, I''m bored," Javier said, stretching his arms above his head with a mischievous grin. "Maybe I should ask permission from my father or mother to visit the town or a nearby village. You know, experience is better. Eheheh." Liana paused, her hand hovering over the quill she was using to jot down notes. Her expression shifted into one of mild exasperation, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Young Master, you know Lord Garius would never allow you to wander around unsupervised. And Madam Francesca would probably faint at the idea of you mingling with commoners." Javier leaned closer, resting his chin on his hand, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "That''s why I said I''d ask for permission. If they send a guard or two with me, it''ll be fine, right? Maybe even you can come along." Liana arched an eyebrow. "Do you really think they''ll let me escort you? The last time you tried to sneak off to the library at night, they nearly doubled the number of maids watching you." He laughed. "Well, I''ll just argue that they can''t keep me cooped up forever. I need to learn about the world, Liana. How else will I know if the village baker makes bread better than the one in the mansion?" Liana sighed, setting the quill down and crossing her arms. "You''re just looking for an excuse to wander around and cause trouble, aren''t you?" "Trouble?" Javier feigned innocence, placing a hand on his chest. "Me? Never! I''m simply a curious young master who wants to see what life is like beyond these walls. Who knows? I might even pick up a few things to impress you." Liana''s cheeks tinted a faint pink, but she quickly turned away to hide it. "You''re impossible, Young Master." "And yet, here you are, always by my side," he teased, standing up and walking toward the door. "Anyway, think about it, Liana. A little outing could do us both some good. Fresh air, new sights¡­ maybe even new experiences. Doesn''t that sound exciting?" Liana glanced at him, her smile soft but cautious. "If Lord Garius or Madam Francesca approves, I''ll go with you. But until then, sit down and focus on your studies." Javier groaned dramatically before plopping back into his chair. "Fine, fine. But I''m holding you to that promise, Liana. Once I get the green light, we''re going on an adventure." Liana shook her head, her expression a mix of fondness and resignation. "You''re lucky you''re so charming, Young Master." Later that night, the entire family gathered in the dining room. The atmosphere was lively, with conversations bouncing back and forth between Lord Garius''s wives, children, and stepchildren. Marcellus and Cedric, Javier''s older brothers, sat proudly, basking in their status as a wizard and a swordmaster respectively. The other step-siblings were there too¡ªnot as fortunate as the eldest brothers but still boasting respectable blessings and classes. Javier noticed that his youngest stepmother was pregnant, and the first stepmother was openly discussing plans for a third child with Lord Garius. My mama Francesca? She doesn''t want to get pregnant anymore, Javier mused. He smiled inwardly. Not that I blame her. Managing all these kids and dealing with that old dried plum¡­ His smile grew wider as he recalled the latest gossip. Oh, by the way, my dried plum of a father is soon to marry another woman¡ªwith Mama''s permission. Congratulations, dried plum! Hahaha! But Javier wasn''t just here to listen to family politics tonight. He had a mission. Standing up, he addressed his father. "Esteemed Father, I kindly ask for your permission to venture outside to the town or a nearby village tomorrow so I can gain some real-world experience." The room went silent. All eyes turned to Lord Garius, who raised an eyebrow at the unusual request. "Hmmm?" His voice boomed. "All you ever do is play! Why can''t you be like your brothers and your sister here?" He gestured toward Marcellus, Cedric, and the other step-siblings. Javier resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Ugh, here we go again. Another round of the dried plum''s infamous yelling. "You know there will be a blessing ceremony three years from now! And all you do is play, play, play! What about your studies?" Dried plum strikes again, Javier thought, keeping a neutral expression as his father launched into another lecture. "Look at both of your brothers," Lord Garius continued, pointing to Marcellus and Cedric. "Top and second-best students in the Royal Academy! And yet you! You don''t even go to school!" ( End of Chapter ) Dried Plum and the Mischievous Son ( 14 ) Javier casually leaned back in his chair, his small finger digging into his nose as he watched his esteemed father¡ªLord Garius, or as he fondly called him in his mind, "the dried plum"¡ªcontinue his tirade. "No! You won''t get any permission from me!" the old man shout, slamming his hand on the table for emphasis. "Neither will anyone else in this family give you permission! How do you expect to learn anything when all you do is waste time?" Javier yawned, his expression completely unbothered. "Hmm? Are you done, dried plum?" he muttered, flicking his gaze toward his siblings, who were sitting smugly with their noses in the air. His eldest brother, Marcellus, puffed out his chest as if to say, Look how perfect I am. Cedric, the second son, leaned back with a smirk that screamed, I''m the swordmaster prodigy, and you''re not. Even his step-siblings looked down at him like he was some charity case unworthy of their presence. Oh, how he wanted to wipe those smug looks off their faces one day. But for now, he had a role to play. "Javier!" Lord Garius snapped, his face turning a darker shade of red. "Stop with that rude posture and answer me properly!" Still digging his finger into his nose, Javier responded in a bored tone, "Esteemed father, as the youngest son, my duty is to observe and learn. And what better way to learn than through real-life experience?" His casual tone earned him a sharp glare from Francesca, his mother, who was seated gracefully across the table. She didn''t speak, but the subtle pinch of her brows told him to tread carefully. Lord Garius sneered, leaning closer. "Real-life experience? Ha! Don''t make me laugh. What do you hope to learn from wandering around like some commoner? You are nobility. You should be studying, training, and preparing for your future blessing ceremony!" Javier sighed dramatically, removing his finger from his nose and flicking it away with mock elegance. "Ah, yes, the blessing ceremony," he said with exaggerated reverence. "How could I forget the grand event that determines my future class? Perhaps I''ll become a humble farmer, like the ones who actually work hard to support this household. Surely that would be a noble pursuit, wouldn''t you agree, esteemed father?" A silence fell over the table, broken only by the muffled giggles of one of his step-siblings. Marcellus and Cedric, however, both looked ready to explode with laughter or rage¡ªit was hard to tell which. "You insolent child!" Lord Garius bellowed, rising to his feet. "How dare you mock your heritage in front of the family!" Javier leaned forward, resting his chin on his palm, his golden eyes glinting with a mischievous light. "I''m not mocking, Father. I''m merely exploring all possible outcomes. Isn''t that what you want? A son who considers every option?" The sarcasm in his voice was as thick , and Lord Garius looked like he was about to pop a vein. "Enough!" Francesca''s voice cut through the tension like a blade. She placed her fork down delicately and turned to Javier with a calm but firm expression. "Javier, apologize to your father." Javier met her gaze, his playful smirk softening slightly. "Of course, Mother," he said smoothly, bowing his head. "My deepest apologies, esteemed father.."Stolen novel; please report. Lord Garius huffed, sinking back into his chair. "Hmph. See to it that it doesn''t happen again. And forget about leaving the estate. You''ll stay here and focus on your studies, just like the rest of your siblings." Javier nodded,but inside, he was already planning his next move. Dried plum, you''ll see. I don''t need anyone''s permission to do what I want. As the dinner concluded, and the family began to leave the dining room, Javier lingered behind, his mischievous grin returning. "Liana," he whispered as his maid approached to escort him back to his quarters. "Yes, Young Master?" she replied softly, her keen eyes catching the glint in his. "Pack some snacks and a cloak," he whispered, his grin widening. "We''re going on an adventure tomorrow." Liana frowned, crossing her arms as she looked down at Javier. "No, Young Master. I don''t want you sneaking out. Do you know how much trouble I''ll be in if Lord Garius finds out? If I pack lunch for you, it''s as good as admitting I helped!" Javier tilted his head, giving her his most innocent smile. "Oh, come now, Liana. Who said anything about sneaking? It''s just a little walk. Nothing dangerous." She raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "You''ve been talking about ''adventuring'' for weeks now. I know exactly what you''re planning, and the answer is no." Inside his mind, Javier chuckled to himself. Heh, who needs food anyway? Hunting sounds more fun. He glanced at Liana, pretend to be disappointed. "Alright, alright, You win, Liana." Her expression softened, but she didn''t relax completely. "Good. Now, let''s get you to bed before you get any more wild ideas." Javier obediently followed her out of the dining room, a sly grin tugging at the corner of his lips. As they walked down the dimly lit hallway, his mind raced with plans. Let her think I''m giving up. Tomorrow, the adventure begins. Hunting my own food, experiencing the real world... This is going to be fun. When they reached his quarters, Liana helped him get ready for bed, her stern expression still lingering. "You promised, Young Master. No sneaking out." Javier nodded, looking as earnest as he could manage. "Yes..yes." She gave him one last skeptical look before tucking him in. "Good night, Young Master.And don''t cause trouble." As soon as the door closed behind her, Javier smirked, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. Don''t cause trouble? Oh, Liana, you know me better than that. -- The early morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and earth as Javier slipped past the mansion gates. His invisibility skill cloaked him perfectly, rendering him undetectable to the guards stationed nearby. A triumphant grin spread across his face as he darted into the open road, feeling the exhilarating rush of freedom. "Hehe, time to explore!" Javier whispered to himself. With a flick of his wrist, he activated his wind magic, enhancing his speed. The world around him blurred as he dashed forward, the thrill of breaking free coursing through his veins. The road stretched ahead, winding towards the nearby village, its outline barely visible in the dim pre-dawn light. "Who needs a weapon when I''ve got this?" Javier murmured, flexing his fingers. A faint glow emanated from his palm as he gathered mana. The familiar warmth of his wind magic filled him, ready to unleash at a moment''s notice. He smirked at the thought of encountering a monster. Let''s see what''s out here. The forest lining the road loomed dark and mysterious, the faint rustling of leaves hinting at unseen creatures. Javier''s heightened senses picked up distant sounds¡ªchirping crickets, hooting owls, and the occasional snap of a twig. Suddenly, a low growl echoed from the underbrush to his left. Javier stopped in his tracks, his eyes narrowing as he turned toward the sound. "Alright," he said, cracking his knuckles, "time for some action,ehehehe!" From the shadows emerged a wolf-like creature, its fur bristling and eyes glowing a menacing red. Its sharp teeth gleamed in the faint light as it snarled, stepping closer. "Looks like I found my first challenge," Javier said, a confident smirk playing on his lips. He raised his glowing hand, wind swirling around him in anticipation. The wolf lunged, and with a swift motion, Javier unleashed a gust of wind that knocked the creature back into the bushes. "Too easy," he chuckled, brushing off his hands. But then, more growls sounded from the forest, and a pair of glowing red eyes became a dozen. Javier''s smirk widened. "Oh, so you brought friends huh. Even better!!! Ehehehehe" His mana surged as he prepared for the fight, his excitement building. This is going to be more fun than I thought. ( End of Chapter ) Wolves, Wits, and a Dwarfs Deal ( 15 ) Mana Channeling activated... Passive Skill: Speed Up Passive Skill: Instant Cast Javier grinned as the largest wolf charged toward him, saliva dripping from its snarling maw. With a flick of his wrist, his mana surged. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he leaped back, effortlessly dodging the attack. "Fire Burst!" he shouted, a ball of fire erupting from his palm and slamming into the wolf''s flank. The smell of singed fur filled the air as the wolf yelped in pain. Without missing a beat, Javier followed up with another attack. "Wind Slash!" A sharp, crescent-shaped wind tore through the air, slicing through the creature with precision. And It fell, lifeless. "Two down¡­" Javier muttered, turning his attention to the remaining wolves, their red eyes glowing with feral hunger. "...five more to go!" The wolves charged, but Javier was ready. "Lightning Bolt!" A streak of crackling electricity shot from his hand, striking one wolf square in the chest and sending it sprawling. "Earth Vine!" Thick vines erupted from the ground, ensnaring two of the wolves mid-leap. Their snarls turned to panicked whimpers as the vines tightened around them. "Earth Spike!" With a stomp, sharp earthen spikes shot up from the ground, impaling one of the trapped wolves instantly. "Light Blinding!" A brilliant flash of light filled the area, stunning the remaining wolf as it tried to shake off the effects. The last wolf¡ªa massive, muscular beast¡ªshook its head and growled lowly, refusing to retreat. Javier''s smirk widened as he canceled his skill. "Now let''s test my physical skills," he said, crouching slightly and waiting for the wolf to make its move. The wolf lunged, its jaws snapping shut where Javier had been standing just a moment ago. With effortless grace, he leaped over the beast, spun mid-air, and delivered a powerful back kick to its head. The impact was like thunder, sending the wolf crashing to the ground, motionless. "Too easy," Javier said, dusting off his hands. He walked over to the fallen creatures, his eyes gleaming with excitement. Stretching out his hand, he activated his Magical Storage Skill, a glowing portal appearing at his side. One by one, the wolves'' remains disappeared into the storage. "Ehehehe," Javier chuckled. " I can sell this later." With the area clear and his mana reserves still high, Javier turned his gaze toward the village. "Alright, what''s next on today''s adventure?"Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Javier''s eyes lit up as he spotted the bustling village in the distance. "Ohh! A big village! Eheheh¡­ this is going to be fun!" As he approached the gates, a guard stationed there noticed him immediately. The man furrowed his brows, puzzled by the sight of a child wandering alone. "Hey, kid! I don''t think I''ve seen you around here. Are you lost?" Javier tilted his head and flashed an innocent smile. "Oh, me? Nope! I''m just playing around." The guard crossed his arms, clearly not convinced. "Where''s your house?" Javier casually pointed back down the road he had come from. "There!" The guard raised an eyebrow. "And your parents? Where are they?" "Probably still asleep," Javier replied with a shrug, keeping his voice light and carefree. The guard let out a heavy sigh, muttering under his breath about wandering kids. "Why''d you come all the way here?" Javier clasped his hands behind his back, swaying slightly as he answered, "Just wanted to see around." The guard scratched his head, clearly torn between his duty and the harmless nature of the boy. "Alright, fine. You can come in. But honestly, kids like you shouldn''t be wandering around without your parents." Javier nodded enthusiastically. "I know, I know. Eheheh." The guard shook his head, motioning for Javier to enter. "Go on, but stay out of trouble, alright?" "Okay!" Javier replied with a grin as he darted past the gate. Inside, the village was alive with activity¡ªmerchants selling their goods, children playing in the streets, and the folk bustling about their daily routines. Javier''s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Now¡­ where should I start exploring?" he thought, rubbing his hands. "Eheheh¡­ this is going to be fun." Javier walked further into the village when something caught his eye¡ªa short, stocky man with pointy ears and a beard as thick as a forest, setting up a temporary shop filled with tools, weapons, and trinkets. The burly figure was unmistakably a dwarf. "Hello, old man!" Javier greeted cheerfully, walking up to him. The dwarf squinted at the boy, his tone gruff and skeptical. "Huh? What''s a kid like ye want? Shouldn''t ye be off chasin'' butterflies or somethin''?" Javier smirked. "Do you buy raw materials?" The dwarf raised an eyebrow, then let out a loud snort. "Raw materials? From a wee lad like ye? Hah! Listen, kiddo, I don''t deal in small stones or pebbles fer yer lil'' toy collection." Javier shook his head, still smiling. "Ah, no, old man. Not toys. Raw materials." The dwarf groaned and scratched his head, muttering under his breath. "Why do I always end up entertainin'' kiddos who think they''re traders? Fine then, show me what ye''ve got, boy. Let''s see if ye ain''t wastin'' me precious time." Javier grinned and reached into his magic storage, pulling out five wolf bodies. "How about these?" he said, laying them down with a thud on the dwarf''s table. The dwarf''s eyes widened as he inspected the gruesome sight. He rubbed his chin, clearly impressed. "Wait a minute... these are prime specimens! Where in the blazes did ye get these?" Javier shrugged, trying to sound casual. "I had a little run-in with a pack of them out in the woods. Took care of the lot¡ªwasn''t too hard." The dwarf shot him a suspicious glare. "A run-in, eh? Ye ain''t lyin'', are ye, lad?" "Not at all," Javier replied, his tone earnest, though the mischievous glint in his eyes suggested he was quite capable of handling himself in a tight spot. The dwarf let out a hearty laugh, his voice rumbling like distant thunder. "Alright, kid. I''ll give ye credit where it''s due. This ain''t bad at all. Ye might not be as useless as ye look!" "So¡­ are you buying or not?" Javier asked, his tone playful but firm. The dwarf let out a hearty laugh, impressed by the boy''s boldness. "Ye''ve got spirit, lad. Alright, I''ll buy it. But don''t think I''ll be overpayin'' just ''cause ye''ve got a baby face!" Javier smirked, crouching beside the dwarf. "Good! Then let''s talk prices, old man. I''m sure you won''t mind paying a little extra for the convenience of a full-body delivery." The dwarf''s booming laughter echoed through the village as the two began haggling. Villagers passing by stopped to watch the strange sight¡ªa young boy bargaining with a seasoned dwarf merchant as if they were equals. ( End of Chapter ) Gold Coins and Grilled Skewers ( 16 ) "Ah, these fine things..." The dwarf inspected the wolf, running his hands over the fur, claws, and teeth. "Heheh, sure these can be sold for much more after dismantlin¡¯. For all this... 2 silver, eh?" Javier raised an eyebrow, his smirk unwavering. "Sigh... I guess I''ll find another buyer then," he said casually, turning away with a dramatic shrug. "Wait! 5 silver!!" the dwarf called out, his voice tinged with desperation. Javier glanced back over his shoulder, his expression unimpressed. "Hmm... I think I saw some merchants over there callin¡¯ me. They might pay better," he said, pointing toward a group of bustling traders nearby. The dwarf¡¯s face turned red. "Alright, alright! 1 gold coin! All five ! Not a copper more!" Javier¡¯s smirk widened as he turned back. He walked up to the dwarf and leaned in slightly, his tone dripping with mock authority. "Heheh... Next time, old man, don¡¯t play games with actual customers." He perfectly mimicked the dwarf''s thick accent, earning a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect from the burly merchant. The dwarf barked out a hearty laugh. "By the forge, ye¡¯ve got nerve, lad! Fine, here¡¯s yer coin. And next time, bring me more beasts like this. Ye¡¯ve got the makin¡¯s of a proper hunter." Javier pocketed the gold coin, waving lazily as he walked away. "Maybe. If ye¡¯re lucky, old man!" he called back, mimicking the slang again before disappearing into the bustling village. "Now, where should I go next?" Javier muttered, glancing around the lively village market. His eyes sparkled as he spotted a lady with a kind smile arranging her wares. "Oh!!! Nice lady there... ehehehe." Then something else caught his attention. "Oh, that one looks good!" His gaze landed on a stall selling grilled skewers. "Maybe I¡¯ll grab one of those later... Oh, look at the food!" The smells of roasted meat and fresh bread made his stomach rumble, but another glint nearby diverted his focus. He stopped at a stall displaying jewelry. Among the trinkets, a simple but elegant silver necklace sparkled under the sunlight. "Oh, that¡¯s a nice necklace," Javier said, stepping closer. "Hello. How much is that?" The vendor, an older woman, glanced down at him and crossed her arms. "Huh? This one costs 10 silver. Not for some kid to buy." "At least let me have a look," Javier said, flashing his most charming smile. The woman hesitated but handed it to him. Javier held it up, imagining how it would look on Liana. Maybe I should buy this for her. She¡¯d look stunning with it... ehehehe. "Alright, ma¡¯am," he said confidently, "I¡¯ll buy this one!" The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting him to have the coin. "Do you even have that kind of money, boy?" Javier reached into his pouch and pulled out a gold coin, casually flipping it in his hand. "I think this¡¯ll cover it, right?" The woman¡¯s jaw dropped slightly before quickly composing herself. "Uh, yes, of course! Here¡¯s your change, young sir." Javier took the necklace and the silver coins she handed back, giving her a wink. "Thanks, ma¡¯am." He walked away, whistling to himself. Can¡¯t wait to see Liana¡¯s face when I give her this... ehehehe.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. At the village gate, a group of guards stood at attention as a woman approached them. She wore a maid''s uniform bearing the emblem of a Viscount''s house. Accompanying her were three stern-looking guards in matching uniforms. "Have you seen a kid around 11 years old here?" she asked firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate. The gate guard straightened immediately. "!!!! Yes!! We''ve seen him!! He''s inside the village," he blurted out, recognizing the urgency in her voice. She smiled, but there was a sharpness behind it. "Good. You three, ensure he doesn¡¯t pass through this gate unnoticed." "Yes, ma¡¯am!" the guards replied in unison, moving to block the exit. Meanwhile, Javier was strolling through the bustling marketplace, thoroughly enjoying a juicy meat skewer. The lively atmosphere and the variety of sights kept him distracted. "Ehehe... this is the life," he muttered, biting into his skewer and glancing at the stalls selling everything from trinkets to fresh produce. Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the crowd. "Young Master!!!!!!" Javier froze mid-bite, the skewer still in his mouth. His eyes widened as he turned toward the voice. He recognized it instantly. "Oh no... I¡¯ve been found!" he whispered to himself, quickly scanning for an escape route. The bustling market froze in its tracks as onlookers watched the dramatic chase unfold. Javier darted between stalls, laughter spilling from his lips, as Liana, determined and swift, pursued him like a hawk chasing its prey. "Don''t run!!" Liana¡¯s voice rang out, commanding attention. "Err... where should I go?" Javier muttered, glancing around before breaking into another sprint. "Catch me if you can, Liana!" he teased, laughing. "Oh no, you don''t!" Liana retorted. With a burst of speed, she leaped toward him, locking her legs around his waist in a well-practiced move. The impact brought both of them to the ground gently, but Javier squirmed under her hold. A crowd started gathering, whispering and murmuring as they noticed her refined maid attire and the Viscount emblem. "Ekkk!! Liana! Not so rough!" Javier exclaimed, still laughing but clearly caught. "Where do you think you''re going, young master?" she demanded, her stern tone failing to hide her exasperation. "Eh... just some sightseeing? Ehehe," Javier replied sheepishly. "Don''t ''ehehe'' me!" she scolded, gripping his arm. "You know you¡¯re supposed to have permission or at least an escort if you''re going out!" Their banter drew gasps from the onlookers. "Oh!? Lord Garius¡¯s son? The Viscount''s son?" one villager whispered. "I can''t believe it," another murmured. "It¡¯s our first time seeing someone from the Viscount¡¯s family here." "And he¡¯s so handsome!" a young woman exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink as she admired Javier. Javier, always quick on his feet¡ªeven verbally¡ªflashed a dazzling smile at the crowd. "Why, thank you, kind villagers," he said, his charm effortlessly disarming the tension. "I only wanted to see this lovely village of ours." Liana sighed, rolling her eyes. "Young master, we¡¯re going home¡ªnow." "But Liana! The skewer lady over there had another batch ready!" he protested, pointing toward a nearby stall. The crowd chuckled, charmed by their interaction, but Liana remained firm. "No more excuses. Let¡¯s go!" With that, she stood, dusting herself off, and began dragging Javier by the arm, much to the amusement of the onlookers. Javier glanced at the gathered villagers with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Hey, Liana, isn¡¯t it rude not to introduce yourself? Especially when everyone¡¯s waiting so eagerly. Ehehehe." Liana sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. The villagers¡¯ curious gazes confirmed his statement¡ªthey were waiting, clearly intrigued by the presence of someone bearing the Viscount¡¯s emblem. She straightened her posture, her maid''s uniform pristine as always. "Fine," she relented. Turning to face the crowd, she placed a hand over her chest and spoke in a refined, polite tone. "I am Liana, a maid in service of the esteemed House of Armand, led by Viscount Garius de Armand. I attend to the youngest son of the Viscount, Master Javier de Armand." Her elegant introduction drew murmurs of awe and respect from the crowd. Javier couldn¡¯t help but clap his hands enthusiastically. "Beautifully done, Liana! Truly, you¡¯re the picture of grace," he teased with a grin, his applause drawing even more attention. As Liana turned to glare at him, slightly flustered, Javier seized the opportunity. With a quick step back and a cheeky wave, he dashed off. "See you around, Liana! Ehehehe!" "Young Master! Get back here right now!" she called, but her words were drowned out by the laughter and cheers of the amused villagers. Javier was already weaving through the marketplace, his laughter echoing behind him as Liana sighed in defeat. ( End of Chapter ) Caught Between Laughter and Chaos ( 17 ) Liana chased after Javier with surprising speed, her maid''s uniform flowing as she sprinted through the marketplace. The villagers chuckled at the scene, their surprise evident. It was rare to see a noble child so carefree and playful, a stark contrast to the stern and composed heirs who had visited the village in the past. "Young Master! Get back here!" Liana''s voice rang out, determined yet tinged with exasperation. "Ehehehe..." Javier laughed, weaving through the market stalls, his mischievous grin never fading. Finally, Liana managed to grab hold of his shirt, halting his escape. Javier stopped, a playful smirk on his face, and raised both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, my sweetheart, you caught me." Liana, slightly out of breath, glared at him, her face a mixture of exhaustion and exasperation. "Young Master! How could you¡ª!" Before she could finish her sentence, Javier pulled out a small cup of cold juice and handed it to her with a charming smile. "Here you go, sweetheart," he said smoothly, his tone playful. Liana blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. A soft smile tugged at her lips as she accepted the juice. "You''re impossible, Young Master." She sipped the juice, the cool sweetness refreshing after her sprint. Javier tilted his head, his grin widening. "So, can we at least walk around before heading home? Just for a bit?" Liana sighed, lowering the cup. Her eyes softened as she looked at the boy¡ªno, the young lord¡ªwho, despite his endless mischief, always managed to win her over. "Fine," she relented, shaking her head. "But only for a little while." Javier''s face lit up, and he took a few playful steps forward, gesturing for her to follow. "Thanks, Let''s go!" Liana could only smile as she followed after him, quietly marveling at how effortlessly he could charm his way into her good graces. The villagers who watched them chuckled warmly, charmed by the bond between the noble''s youngest son and his ever-loyal maid. Liana accompanied Javier as they strolled through the village, her eyes ever-watchful. "Young Master, don''t try to run off again," she said firmly, glancing at him. "Shall we hold hands, then?" Javier asked with a cheeky grin, his golden eyes sparkling with mischief. Liana sighed, knowing resistance was futile. "Here," she relented, extending her hand toward him. Javier took her hand eagerly, his grip warm and secure. Liana''s breath caught momentarily¡ªhis hand felt bigger than hers, and as she looked up at him, she realized just how much he''d grown. Despite his young age, he now stood taller than her, his demeanor a curious blend of childlike enthusiasm and mature confidence. They strolled through the bustling streets, hand in hand, while Javier marveled at the sights. Liana, meanwhile, couldn''t help but admire how he carried himself. Despite his mischievous nature, Javier had a way of making people feel comfortable, telling stories and charming everyone he met. Suddenly, Javier''s face lit up, and he pointed excitedly. "Ohhhhh!!! What is that?!" "Where?" Liana asked, scanning the area as he tugged at her hand. "That bird! That big bird! Ohhh!!!" His voice brimmed with excitement. Following his gaze, Liana spotted what he was pointing at. A large, feathered creature was pecking at the ground near a farm. She sighed. "That''s a Pekko, a monster bird often used to pull carriages or as mounts. But taming one is no small feat."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. "But there! There''s a whole flock of them!" Javier exclaimed, releasing her hand and dashing toward the farm. "Young Master!" Liana called after him, exhaling deeply. "Sigh... This Young Master..." She shook her head and followed, watching as he approached an older man tending to the Pekkos. "Excuse me, old man! How much for that monster bird?!" Javier asked, his excitement evident. The farmer turned to him, eyes narrowing slightly before noticing Liana standing a few paces behind, her maid uniform bearing the emblem of the viscount''s household. Realizing the young man before him was likely the viscount''s youngest son, he straightened up immediately. "Ah, good day, Young Master. How can I assist you?" the farmer asked with a polite tone. Javier waved dismissively. "Geh, old man, enough with the formalities! Just tell me¡ªhow much for that bird monster?!" The farmer chuckled at the boy''s straightforwardness. "A Pekko like that? Well, they''re not exactly cheap, Young Master. Untamed ones start at 15 gold coins. Fully trained ones cost much more." Javier''s eyes widened as he turned to Liana, his expression a mixture of astonishment and determination. "Fifteen gold?! Liana, I need one of these!" Liana pinched the bridge of her nose, suppressing a smile. "Young Master, please don''t make any rash purchases." "But look at them! Imagine me riding one of these into the estate¡ªso cool!" Javier spun around dramatically, already envisioning himself atop one of the massive birds. "Perhaps you should ask your father before making such a purchase," Liana suggested, tugging gently on his sleeve to steer him away. "Ugh, dried plum would just say no," Javier muttered, pouting but letting himself be led back. The farmer laughed softly, watching the pair leave. "Quite the lively Young Master you''ve got there," he said to Liana. "You have no idea," she replied with a small smile, as Javier continued to chatter excitedly about someday owning a Pekko. "Can I at least try riding one? Ehehehe!" Javier asked with a mischievous grin. "No can do, Young Master!" Liana said firmly, crossing her arms. "What if you get hurt?" "Well, that''s what experience is for, right? Ehehe." Javier turned back to the farmer. "Hey, old man, let me try riding one!" Before the farmer could answer, Liana raised her voice. "Young Master. No!" But Javier, being his usual self, didn''t listen. With a mischievous chuckle, he vaulted over the fence. "Ehehehe¡­" he giggled, sneaking up to one of the Pekkos. He stroked its feathery head gently, the bird tilting its head to look at him curiously. "Young Master!!!" Liana shouted, panic creeping into her voice. "Relax, Liana, look¡ªit likes me!" Javier grinned, patting the Pekko as it squawked softly. Without missing a beat, he clambered onto its back, balancing himself on its broad feathered body. "Young Master, get down this instant!" "Yeahhh!!" Javier whooped, ignoring her. The Pekko, startled but not hostile, began trotting in circles. Its pace picked up as Javier shifted his weight, and soon it was running around the pen with him on its back, feathers flapping in the breeze. "I''m a thief! Hand over your loot, or I''ll take your lives!" Javier shouted dramatically, mimicking a bandit with exaggerated gestures. He pretended to wield an invisible sword, pointing it at imaginary enemies while the Pekko squawked and bucked playfully beneath him. The villagers gathered, chuckling at the spectacle. "Young Master, stop this nonsense!" Liana yelled, running along the fence, her face a mix of exasperation and concern. "Never! The mighty thief Javier is unstoppable! Hand over your treasures!" he declared, laughing as the Pekko responded to his playful energy by spinning and hopping. The crowd burst into laughter, watching the comedic scene of a noble boy pretending to be a bandit atop a Pekko that seemed equally as enthusiastic. Finally, after a particularly sharp turn, Javier nearly lost his balance, clinging to the Pekko''s neck. "Whoa, okay, maybe slow down, big guy!" he said, laughing breathlessly. Liana had had enough. She climbed over the fence and marched toward him, her face red with frustration. "Young Master, I swear¡ª!" Before she could finish, the Pekko stopped abruptly, and Javier slid off with a triumphant grin. "See? Easy peasy! No harm done!" He spread his arms dramatically. "No harm done?!" Liana grabbed his ear, tugging him away from the Pekko. "What if you''d fallen? Or been trampled?! What would Lord Garius say then?" "Probably something about how I''m not like my perfect brothers," Javier muttered, rubbing his ear but still smirking. The farmer laughed heartily. "He''s got guts, I''ll give him that." "You''re not helping!" Liana shot back, dragging Javier toward the gate. "Ehehehe¡­ Totally worth it," Javier said under his breath, flashing a thumbs-up to the chuckling crowd as Liana hauled him away. ( End of Chapter ) More Than Just a Maid ( 18 ) "Mama! Let me buy that Pekko!" Javier pleaded with a cheeky grin, practically bouncing with excitement. Francesca, seated gracefully in her chair, pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "No! You snuck out of the manor without telling anyone, causing a fuss, and now you want something completely inappropriate for a noble like you!" She let out a deep sigh. "What am I going to tell your father about this, hmm?" Javier leaned forward with a charming smile. "Mama, just this once, okay? Please?" Francesca gave him a firm look. "No! If you want to ride, we have perfectly good horses ready for you. Horses are dignified and suitable for someone of your status. Why on earth do you want those strange birds?" "Horses are boring, Mama! The Pekko is way cooler!" Javier whined, trying to spark her sense of adventure. Francesca''s patience was wearing thin. "Absolutely not! And stop arguing." Knowing he wasn''t going to win this one, Javier huffed and stood up. "Tch, fine!" He stomped off toward his room. But once he was out of sight, his mischievous grin returned. Ehehehe¡­ If Mama won''t buy it, I''ll just find the gold myself. Who needs permission when I can get it on my own? Ehehehehe... Meanwhile... Outside the big house, the sounds of swords clanging filled the training yard as Marcellus and Cedric practiced hard, moving quickly and skillfully. "Do you think you can beat me?!" Marcellus teased, striking powerfully while being careful. Cedric smiled and sidestepped. "Let''s see if you can catch me!" He quickly jabbed with his sword, but Marcellus blocked it and retaliated with a spinning kick. Their fight was full of energy, mixing attacks and defenses with quick moves and occasional punches and kicks. Meira and Lithia watched from a distance, cheering lightly whenever one of the brothers pulled off a good move. Javier walked toward the training yard, keeping an eye on them. He frowned when he saw Meira and Lithia standing proudly with his brothers. Damn it, he thought, feeling annoyed. They look so happy being with my brothers. Those were my maids first! He leaned against a tree with his arms crossed, watching the fight. Soon, he lost interest. Their moves were predictable and boring. Javier sighed loudly. What are they doing? Just fighting like the trainers told them? So dull. Marcellus and Cedric noticed him and paused their sparring. A smirk spread across Marcellus''s face as he pointed his sword at Javier. "Look who''s here! Our useless little brother," Marcellus said mockingly. Cedric laughed. "No wonder he only has one maid. Poor Liana must be tired dealing with someone like you!" "How can you be so lazy, Javier?" Marcellus added loudly. "At this rate, even your step-siblings will be better than you!" Their laughter echoed across the training yard, but Javier just smiled and stayed calm. "Uh¡­ I''m¡­ going¡­ now..." he pretended to say nervously, scratching the back of his head and shuffling away as his brothers kept laughing. But inside, he was really smiling. Why should I show them anything? Let them think I''m useless. It''s better this way! Ehehehe¡­ As he walked off, he started looking around. "Where''s Liana?" he muttered. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. The thought of resting on her lap while she stroked his hair made him smile even more. He hurried his pace, eager to find her. "Hmmm... where can I find 15-20 gold? Hunting monsters? Yeah, that should work. Tomorrow, I''ll head out... secretly... ehehehe." Javier grinned to himself as he plotted his next adventure. With his plan decided, he looked around the manor. "Now... where''s Liana? She''s supposed to be taking care of me. After all, she''s assigned only to me," he muttered as he wandered through the halls. His search eventually led him to the kitchen, where he spotted Liana sitting at the table, eating alone. She looked peaceful, quietly enjoying her meal and completely unaware of his presence. Javier smirked mischievously and crept up behind her silently. Before she noticed him, he wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a playful hug and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. "!!! Young master!!!" Liana yelped, nearly dropping her fork as she turned to face him, her cheeks flushing a deep red. Javier grinned, his face close to hers. "Caught you, sweetheart!" "Y-young master, what are you doing here?! You scared me!" Liana exclaimed, scolding him softly despite her flustered state. "I was looking for you," he said, pulling up a chair to sit beside her. "You''re supposed to be with me, right?" He pouted playfully, resting his chin on her shoulder. Liana sighed, trying to steady her racing heart. "Young master, I''m allowed a short break, you know. Even maids need to eat." "Then let me join you." Javier reached over and grabbed a piece of bread from her plate, taking a bite without asking. "Young master!" Liana exclaimed, though she couldn''t hide the small smile tugging at her lips. Javier winked at her. "What? Sharing is caring, right?" "If you want to eat, let me cook something for you," Liana said with a gentle smile, standing up from her seat. Javier leaned back, grinning mischievously. "Ehehe... that''s my girl¡­" He tapped his lips playfully. Liana sighed and glanced around to make sure no one was watching. Then she leaned down and kissed him softly on the lips. Deep down, she cherished these moments, though she would never admit it aloud. After pulling away, her cheeks slightly flushed, she asked with a smile, "Satisfied, young master?" "Yeah," Javier¡ªJunichi¡ªreplied with a content smile. "Good. Now sit tight while I prepare some food for us," Liana instructed, her tone warm and cheerful as she turned to the kitchen counter. Javier watched her move with grace and composure, a rare sense of peace washing over him. Liana, always gentle and poised, hummed softly as she began to cook. How did I get so lucky with her? he thought to himself. She wasn''t just his maid; she was his closest confidante, his source of comfort, and¡ªif he had his way¡ªhis future. As the delightful aroma of the food began to fill the kitchen, Javier rested his chin in his hand, his gaze never leaving her. "You''re amazing, you know that?" he said softly. Liana turned her head slightly, smiling as she continued her work. "Flattery won''t earn you extra servings, young master." Javier chuckled. "Who said I was after food? I already have what I need right here." Liana shook her head, trying to stifle the smile that tugged at her lips. "Liana," Javier called, his tone unusually soft yet serious. "Yes, young master?" Liana replied, glancing over her shoulder as she stirred the pot on the stove. Javier leaned back in his chair, a sly but sincere smile spreading across his face. "Once I turn 18, let''s get married." Liana froze for a moment, her hands still as she stirred the pot. Slowly, she turned to face him, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. "Young master¡­ what are you saying?" Javier''s playful smirk faded into rare seriousness as he leaned forward. "I mean it, Liana. Once I turn 18, I want us to get married." Liana blinked, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Young master, you can''t be serious. I''m your maid, and you''re a noble." "So?" Javier shrugged. "Who cares about that? I don''t see anyone else who cares about me the way you do. You''re more than just a maid to me, Liana. You''ve always been." Her heart skipped a beat at his words, but she quickly composed herself, returning her focus to the stove. "Young master, you''re still so young. You don''t understand what you''re saying. Besides, your family¡­" "I don''t care what they think," Javier interrupted firmly. "When I turn 18, I''ll be the one to decide my future. And I want you to be a part of it." Liana stirred the pot in silence for a moment, her emotions swirling as much as the soup inside. She knew how determined he could be, but she also understood the weight of societal expectations that surrounded him. "You''re impossible," she finally said with a soft sigh, her voice barely more than a whisper. "And you love me for it," Javier replied, his grin returning. Despite herself, Liana felt a small smile tug at her lips, even as she tried to maintain her composure. "Let''s discuss this when you''re older, young master." "I''m holding you to that," he said, his voice brimming with confidence. As Liana placed the finished meal in front of him, she couldn''t help but glance at his face, her heart quietly fluttering. What am I going to do with you, young master? she thought, a mix of fondness and uncertainty swirling in her chest. ( End of chapter ) The Mischievous Hunter ( 19 ) "Ehehehe... this is a great catch," Javier said to himself, standing in a forest clearing filled with monster bodies. "There are a lot of monsters here. Soon, I''ll have enough for that Pekko ." The forest near the manor was full of beasts, perfect for Javier hunting trip. He wiped the sweat from his forehead. The air smelled strongly of blood and the earthy scent of the monsters he had defeated. "Now... time to put these into my magic storage." he laughed, moving his fingers as glowing symbols appeared in the air. With a wave, the first monster vanished into his magical storage. "One!" he counted happily. "Two! Huff... twenty-four! Haaah! Fifty-seven!" As he reached for another monster, he noticed something strange. It was a unique creature with shiny fur and antlers that glowed softly with blue light. "Oh? What kind of monster is this?" he wondered, crouching down to look closer. He shrugged and put it into his storage. "Never mind. Seventy-two, huh? Great catch!" he said, clapping his hands and stretching his arms. Even with so many monsters stored away, Javier felt full of energy. His strong magic kept him from getting tired. "Hmm... I''m not tired yet. Maybe... more hunting?" He smiled to himself, excited for more adventure. As the wind blew through the leaves, Javier adjusted his dagger and looked at the trees. "I can''t wait to see the old man''s face when I show him this catch. And soon... my own Pekko! Ehehehehe..." With confidence, he walked deeper into the forest, ready for whatever came next. Javier teased as he dodged a huge claw from the unknown monster that had lunged at him. He quickly jumped to the side and grinned. "Here! Take this kick!" Using his quick reflexes, Javier spun in the air and landed a sharp kick to the monster''s head. The creature let out a deep groan before collapsing. "Eh? Defeated already?" Javier tilted his head, pretending to be disappointed. "Come on, at least make it fun for me!" He shrugged, dusted off his hands, and crouched next to the fallen monster. "Well, whatever... ehehehehe. Time to loot!" With a wave of his hand, glowing symbols appeared, and the entire monster vanished into his storage space. "Every part is valuable¡ªmeat, hide, claws, everything! No waste here!" Javier''s eyes sparkled as he looked around, spotting another corpse nearby. "Another one! And there''s another! Ehehehe... jackpot!" He dashed between the bodies, storing them with ease. When he reached the last one, a strange monster caught his eye. Its scales shimmered with rainbow colors, and its eyes still glowed faintly. "Hmm, I wonder what this is?" he said, poking it curiously before deciding to store it too. Standing in the now-empty clearing, Javier stretched and let out a satisfied sigh. "Haaah... not bad, not bad at all." Then a thought hit him, and his grin grew wider. "I better get back to the manor before someone notices I''m gone. Ehehehe... I don''t want Liana dragging me back by my ear again." With one last laugh, Javier turned and made his way out of the forest, feeling pleased with his successful loot and excited about his plans for a Pekko. Rustle, rustle... "Huh? Is that a monster?" Javier whispered to himself, his amber eyes shining with excitement. "Ehehehe... just one more loot for today!" He crouched down, getting ready for battle, his grin growing wider as he imagined the treasures he might find. But when he leaped toward the noise, his smile disappeared, replaced by shock. "Young master!!!" "Ekkkk!! Liana!!" Javier froze mid-step, his face a funny mix of panic and guilt. "Err... umm... good day?"Stolen story; please report. "Good day!?" Liana eyes flared with frustration as she crossed her arms. "You''re not supposed to be here alone in the forest! What were you thinking?" "Ehehehe..." Javier rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, trying to charm his way out of trouble. "Don''t "ehehehehe" me!" Liana snapped, her voice sharp but filled with concern. Without another word, she marched over, grabbed his ear, and started dragging him out of the clearing. "Ekkkk!! Not so rough, beautiful!! I''m sorry! I''m sorry!" Javier cried out, wincing. "I don''t care!" Liana replied, her grip firm as she continued to scold him. "Do you have any idea how dangerous it is out here? What if something had happened to you? What would I tell your father?" "But I was doing fine... really. I even got a lot of loot! Want to see?" "Absolutely not!" Liana huffed, pulling him along with even more determination. "Now we''re going straight back to the manor before anyone notices you''re gone!" "Hehe, you''re so cute when you''re mad, Liana." Liana''s cheeks turned slightly red, but she refused to look at him. "Keep talking, and I''ll really give you something to cry about, young master." "Ehhh, no need for violence, my lovely future wife!" Javier teased. Their playful banter filled the forest as they made their way back, Liana frustration battling against the faint smile she couldn''t quite hide. Javier tilted his head as he walked beside Liana, a mischievous grin on his face. "What''s with the bow?" he asked, pointing to the beautifully crafted weapon slung across her back. Liana shot him a sharp look, clearly losing her patience. "What do you think it''s for, young master? What if you were attacked by a monster?" "Ehehehe... I didn''t know you could fight," Javier teased, his amber eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Huh!?" Liana stopped and faced him, hands on her hips. "Of course I can fight! Do you think the Armand household hires random people off the street to serve the family?" "Errr... maybe?" Javier replied, pretending to be innocent with a shrug. "I mean, you''re so gentle and graceful all the time. It''s hard to imagine you going all whoosh-whoosh with a weapon. Ehehehe!" Liana sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose to suppress her growing frustration. "Young master, every maid in the Armand household is trained in combat to ensure the safety of our charges. We''re not just here to clean and cook." "Ohhh!" Javier clapped his hands together as if he''d just discovered a great secret. "So, my lovely Liana is a battle maid too, huh? That''s kinda cool." "''Kinda'' cool?" Liana echoed, narrowing her eyes. Javier leaned closer, his grin widening. "Does this mean you''d protect me if a monster showed up? " Liana''s face turned slightly red, and she quickly looked away. "If you stayed out of trouble, I wouldn''t need to protect you in the first place!" "But trouble''s my middle name." Javier quipped, earning an annoyed sigh from Liana as they continued their walk back to the manor. Javier suddenly reached out and took Liana''s hand, holding it tightly as they walked through the forest. He swung their hands playfully, his signature grin plastered across his face. "This is kinda like a date, huh?" Liana immediately bristled, her cheeks tinting a faint pink. "Date your ass! No one in their right mind would call wandering through a monster-filled forest a date!" "Ehehehe," Javier chuckled, undeterred by her scolding. "Well, I think it''s romantic. Just you, me, and a bunch of scary monsters. Who needs candlelit dinners?" Liana glared at him, though the corner of her lips twitched as if she was fighting back a smile. "If you have this much energy to joke around, you should use it to get us back to the manor safely!" Javier gave her hand a playful squeeze. "But you know, if this were a date, I''d totally win you over with my charm." "Ha!?" Liana scoffed, though her heart skipped a beat. "Your so-called charm is the reason we''re in this mess to begin with!" Once they arrived at the hidden path leading to the manor, Liana raised her hand to signal Javier to stop. She cautiously stepped out first, scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. After ensuring the coast was clear, she gestured for Javier to follow. "Why do we have to sneak around like this? You know I can just use an invisibility skill on both of us, right?" Liana froze for a moment, blinking in disbelief. "Eh? You have that skill?" She sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "Why do I bother going through all this effort if you can just do that, young master?!" "Eheheh," Javier chuckled, his tone teasing. "Ugh¡­ let''s just head to the study room before someone notices you''re missing," Liana grumbled, shaking her head. "Alright, alright," Javier replied, his grin not faltering. "But you know, today was a great haul. Tons of monster bodies stuffed into my magic storage." Liana groaned quietly, lowering her voice as they walked. "Young master, you need to stop casually mentioning those kinds of skills in front of others! Do you know how rare magic storage is? That''s something only summoned heroes or exceptionally talented people¡ªone in a million¡ªcan use." "Eh? Really?" Javier said, tilting his head, genuinely surprised. "And those fast-casting abilities of yours," Liana continued in a whisper, her tone stern. "Don''t talk about them openly, either. It''ll only draw unnecessary attention." "Alright, alright, I get it," Javier said, shrugging. Then, with his trademark smirk, he added cheekily, "Okay, my wife. I''ll keep it a secret for you." Liana''s eyes widened at his boldness, her cheeks tinging pink. For a moment, she was caught off guard, but she quickly turned her head to hide her reaction. Inside her mind, she sighed. If only¡­ if only you could make that dream come true, young master. ( End of Chapter ) Blankets and Banquets ( 20 ) "Young master!! Wake up!" Liana''s strong voice rang out as she shook Javier''s shoulder. "You need to get ready for the party!" "Haaa... I don''t want to..." Javier groaned, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "Let Marcellus and Cedric handle it." "Nope! No can do!" Liana crossed her arms, her tone leaving no room for argument. "This party is important. You''re part of the Armand family, and you have to attend too!" Javier peeked at her from under the blanket, a sly smile forming on his lips. "Don''t wanna. I hate parties for nobles. They''re stuffy and boring." Liana sighed deeply, rubbing her temples. "This young master of mine¡­" she muttered, shaking her head. Then her patience snapped. "Just get up!" "Ekkk!!" Javier yelped as Liana pulled the blanket off with surprising force. "Don''t be so rough, Liana!" He sat up, rubbing his arms as if injured. "Ugh. Is this how you treat your¡­ future husband?" He flashed her a mischievous grin. Liana glared at him, her cheeks a little flushed. "Young master, stop saying things like that and get ready already!" "But Lianaaa," Javier whined, his smirk playful. "If you get mad at me now, what will you do when we''re married? You''ll have to wake me up every day like this!" Liana pressed her fingers against her forehead, taking a slow breath to keep her calm. "Get. Dressed," she said, her tone sharp, but her lips twitched as if she was trying not to smile. Javier chuckled, stretching lazily. "Fine, fine. But only because you asked." He stood up, ruffling his messy hair and grinning at her. Liana sighed again, shaking her head. "What am I going to do with you, young master?" she murmured under her breath before turning to help him get ready. The children of noble houses from across the kingdom were gathering at the Viscount Armand''s Grand Hall. It was an event brimming with introductions, connections, displays of talent, and the occasional flaunting of wealth. Some were undoubtedly seeking potential partners, while others aimed to outshine their peers. "Ugh¡­ this isn''t for me," Javier muttered, running his hand through his messy black hair as he lounged lazily in his chair. "It''s boring and annoying..." He sighed deeply, staring at the ceiling of his room. Why do I have to go? The thought of dressing up and mingling with a crowd of stiff, pretentious nobles made him groan. The Grand Hall was buzzing with preparations¡ªstaff bustling to ensure everything was perfect, guest rooms being readied for the noble families, and a sense of excitement hanging in the air. But for Javier, it felt like a looming storm cloud. "Why do I have to do this?" he grumbled, slumping further into his chair. "Isn''t it enough that my brothers and my older step-siblings are going? They''re all better at this noble nonsense than I am!" He glanced out the window, catching a glimpse of the decorations being finalized in the courtyard. The sight only deepened his frown. "Haaah¡­ maybe I should just fake being sick or something," he mused, though he knew Liana would never let him get away with it.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Still, the idea of sneaking off to the forest or doing anything other than enduring the party was tempting. "I could be out hunting monsters, training, or just napping instead of wasting my time on this." But he knew, deep down, that no amount of complaining would change the fact that his presence was expected. "Stupid noble traditions," Javier muttered, crossing his arms. "Why can''t they just leave me out of it?" "Young master!" Liana''s voice rang sharply as she swung open the door to Javier''s room without warning. Javier flinched, caught lounging lazily in his chair. He quickly sat up and flashed his usual cheeky grin. "Umm... err... Liana... ehehe¡­" Her emerald eyes narrowed. "Still not ready yet!?" she scolded, hands firmly on her hips. Javier scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Do I really have to? Can''t I just skip this one? I¡ª" "Get dressss!" she ordered, cutting him off. "Ekkk! Liana, wait! Don''t¡ª" Before he could protest further, Liana marched over, grabbed him by the arm, and yanked him upright. Her movements were swift and unyielding, and in moments, she started pulling at his tunic. "Don''t undress me! Ekkk! This is harassment!" Javier yelped, a mix of mock protest and genuine embarrassment in his voice. "Harassment?" Liana scoffed, effortlessly slipping his tunic over his head. "You''ve brought this on yourself by refusing to cooperate. You have no one to blame but yourself!" "Liana! Don''t be so rough! You''re ruining my image!" Javier squawked, trying to wiggle away, but Liana''s grip was firm, and her composure remained steady despite his antics. "Image?" she replied, rolling her eyes as she reached for the polished, elegant outfit laid out for him. "You''re the young master of the Armand household. You''ll thank me later when you''re properly dressed and not embarrassing yourself in front of the kingdom''s nobility." As she fastened the last button on his finely tailored coat, Javier crossed his arms and pouted. "Hmph. You didn''t have to manhandle me like that." Liana stepped back, inspecting her work with a critical eye. "There. Now you look like a proper young master." Javier sighed dramatically. "You could''ve at least been gentler, you know. What if I start thinking you''re trying to dominate me or something?" Liana smirked, leaning closer to adjust his collar. "You''re lucky I don''t drag you out of this room by your ear, young master." Javier gulped, though the corners of his mouth twitched upward in amusement. "Alright, alright. I''ll go¡­." Liana rolled her eyes again, though a faint smile tugged at her lips as she turned toward the door. "Now hurry. We''re already late." As she walked ahead, Javier followed, muttering under his breath, "Haaa¡­ this feels more like being marched to my execution than to a party." As they walked down the hall toward the grand party, Javier''s gaze shifted to Liana, who moved gracefully beside him. He couldn''t resist giving her a sly smile. "Liana," he said, his tone playful, "you''re my maid, right? So, make sure you wear your best outfit tonight." He chuckled, his amber eyes glinting mischievously. "Oh, and that necklace suits you perfectly¡­ ehehehe." Liana glanced at him, the corners of her lips curling into a half-smile as she adjusted the necklace he''d given her. "Young master, let''s just go. We''re already late as it is." "This is bliss. Accompanied by a beautiful girl¡­ ehehehe." Liana shook her head, her expression softening despite herself. "Don''t worry, young master. You''ll find a suitable partner at the party." "Yeah, yeah¡­ like anyone''s going to be interested in an 11-year-old boy like me. Duhhh." Liana chuckled softly, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "Well, young master, you certainly don''t look 11 with that height. You''re taller than most boys your age¡ªand some adults, too." "Whatever," As they approached the grand hall, the sounds of chatter and laughter grew louder. Javier sighed, squaring his shoulders. "Let''s get this over with." Liana placed a comforting hand on his arm, her touch gentle yet firm. "Just be yourself, young master. You''ll do fine." "Thanks, Liana. At least I know I''ve got one person on my side tonight." "Always," she replied quietly Together, they stepped into the glittering hall, where the lights cast a golden glow over the elegantly dressed crowd. Despite his earlier protests, Javier couldn''t help but feel a little more confident with Liana by his side. ( End of Chapter ) Etiquette and Outrage ( 21 ) As Javier stepped into the grand hall, his eyes immediately landed on his family gathered near the main reception area. There stood Lord Garius, whom Javier had nicknamed "the dried plum," tall and exuding his usual stern aura. Beside him was Lady Francesca, his mother, radiating elegance and warmth. Javier¡¯s gaze shifted to his stepmothers¡ªLady Garcinia, pleasant but far from his ideal of beauty, and Lady Phenelopie, whose overly powdered face made him wince internally. Then there were his brothers: Marcellus, flaunting a smug expression as though the entire event revolved around him, and Cedric, who was busy practicing his polite smiles. Near them were his step-siblings: Aelius, who appeared indifferent, and Heres, who fidgeted nervously. Athine, the youngest of the group, clung to her mother¡¯s side, her wide eyes taking in the grandeur of the hall. The maids darted about, ensuring every last detail was perfect, while the butlers moved with military precision, maintaining the highest standards of service. Javier leaned closer to Liana and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s still early. None of the other nobles have even shown up yet.¡± Liana glanced at him with a knowing smile. ¡°Of course, young master. The host family must always arrive early to greet the guests properly.¡± ¡°What am I even doing here this early? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one greeting anyone.¡± Liana covered her mouth, stifling a soft laugh. ¡°Patience, young master. It¡¯s just one evening.¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. But it¡¯s going to feel like forever.¡± Liana shook her head, amused by his antics. ¡°Try to behave yourself tonight, young master. It wouldn¡¯t hurt to make a good impression, you know.¡± ¡°I always make a good impression,¡± Javier replied with a sly grin. ¡°Just not the kind they expect.¡± Liana sighed again, her soft smile never leaving her face as she followed him further into the grand hall. ¡°Liana, a word?¡± Francesca said, her gaze lingering on Javier, who was already fidgeting. ¡°Yes, madam,¡± Liana replied with a bow, stepping closer. ¡°I need you to ensure that Javier behaves himself tonight. Lord Garius isn¡¯t expecting much from him, but I would rather not have any incidents that draw unnecessary attention. Do you understand?¡± ¡°Yes, madam. I will ensure he conducts himself properly.¡± Satisfied, Francesca gave a small nod and turned her attention back to the hall as the announcer began to speak. ¡°Young Lady Gracie of the House of Holland!¡± Javier glanced at the entrance, barely interested, while Francesca stood composed, her serene smile in place. A petite girl, no older than ten, entered the hall, escorted by two maids and a stoic bodyguard. She approached the Armand family gracefully, stopping at the appropriate distance. She curtsied deeply, her hands holding her dress to the sides. ¡°Lord and Lady Armand,¡± she began, her voice sweet but steady, ¡°it is a great honor to attend this evening¡¯s gathering. I humbly extend the greetings of my house and wish for the continued prosperity of your noble family.¡± Lord Garius gave a curt nod, responding formally, ¡°The honor is ours, Lady Gracie. Please extend our regards to your esteemed family. You are most welcome here.¡± ¡°Thank you, my lord.¡± Gracie rose from her curtsy, her composure unwavering as she was guided further into the hall. Javier rolled his eyes and turned toward the buffet table. His steps were unhurried, and his gaze focused on the spread of food. A maid stationed nearby stiffened visibly as he approached. ¡°Young master,¡± she stammered, bowing quickly, ¡°the maids are meant to serve you. Please refrain from touching the plates yourself. If anyone sees, we will be scolded.¡± Javier smirked, leaning slightly on the table. ¡°Oh, how convenient. So, care to assist me?¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon. ¡°Yes, young master!¡± the maid replied quickly, her hands trembling slightly as she hurried to prepare a plate. Javier chuckled softly, watching the maid¡¯s nervous movements. He understood why each noble child was assigned a personal maid; it wasn¡¯t just about service¡ªit was about reinforcing their status. As the maid placed the plate before him, he grinned. ¡°I want meat. That meat, that meat, and¡ªoh, that one too. And don¡¯t forget those over there. Meat is the most important part, after all. Ehehehe.¡± The maid nodded hastily, piling the requested portions onto his plate, while Javier leaned back, entertained by her flustered demeanor. Liana, standing not too far away, sighed. ¡°Young master, you¡¯re impossible.¡± ¡°And you love me for it,¡± Javier replied with a wink, causing Liana to shake her head in annoyance. Liana gracefully took the plate from the flustered maid. ¡°Let me handle the plate for our young master,¡± she said in a calm, reassuring tone. The maid¡¯s eyes sparkled with gratitude, her hands clasped together. ¡°Miss Liana¡­ Thank you! Thank you so much!¡± Liana smiled gently. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Now, go and focus on your duties.¡± ¡°Yes, Miss Liana!¡± the maid replied, bowing deeply before hurrying away. Javier watched the scene unfold, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Is she new?¡± Liana nodded as she carefully balanced the plate. ¡°Yes. She was just hired last week.¡± Javier smirked, leaning back casually. ¡°Oh, so the Dried Plum¡¯s family business is doing well, huh? Making profits from taxes and trade?¡± Liana gave him a small nod as they began to walk toward a quieter corner of the hall. ¡°You could say that, young master. Also, your older brothers¡ªespecially the soon-to-be heir and your second brother¡ªreceived quite the praise. They helped the hero¡¯s party during the recent monster attack and were rewarded with more land.¡± Javier clicked his tongue, a mix of amusement and annoyance on his face. ¡°Good for them, I guess. Sigh¡­ Yet they still never give me an allowance. How is that fair?¡± Liana suppressed a laugh, her lips curling into a slight smile. ¡°Perhaps, young master, you should prove yourself first.¡± ¡°Prove myself? Pfft,¡± Javier waved dismissively. ¡°I already have plenty of talents. I¡¯m just¡­ keeping them a secret. Gotta maintain the mystery, you know?¡± ¡°Yes, young master,¡± Liana replied, her tone lightly teasing, though her eyes softened. ¡°Shall I bring you your drink as well?¡± ¡°Now that,¡± Javier grinned, ¡°is the kind of maidly devotion I appreciate. Ehehe.¡± Liana sighed but couldn¡¯t hide her faint smile as she walked off to fetch his drink. ¡°Young master, you¡¯re truly one of a kind.¡± The hall was filled with polite chatter and the occasional sound of clinking glasses as the introductions of noble children continued. Javier was casually eating, accompanied by Liana, who stood behind him, dutifully cleaning his mouth with a napkin or refilling his glass whenever needed. Noble children from baron to viscount ranks, and even a few from count houses, arrived one after another, announced in orderly fashion by the family butler. Javier, however, was utterly disinterested. ¡°Well... the fuck do I care,¡± he muttered under his breath, picking at the various meats on his plate. Everything was calm and dull¡ªuntil a commotion broke out at the buffet table. One of the lower baron children, a boy barely ten years old and without a personal maid, had his guard with him but no manners to match. He was openly rude to one of Javier¡¯s family maids, pouring a drink onto her head while she tried to maintain her composure. Javier froze mid-bite, his amber eyes narrowing dangerously. ¡°Oh, hell no,¡± he muttered, rising from his seat. Liana blinked, concerned. ¡°Young master, wait¡ª¡± Ignoring her, Javier strode toward the boy, his expression a mix of annoyance and fury. ¡°Oi, fucker!¡± Javier''s voice rang out, silencing the nearby chatter. The rude boy turned, clearly surprised by the interruption. ¡°Huh? What do you want!?¡± he barked back arrogantly, just as he poured more of his drink over the maid¡¯s head. Javier¡¯s sharp gaze locked onto him. His tone dropped to a menacing low as he stepped closer. ¡°Oh, how dare you talk to a higher noble like that¡­ Hmm?¡± Before the boy could react, Javier raised his hand and slapped him hard across the face. The sharp sound echoed through the hall, and the boy staggered, clutching his cheek in shock. ¡°Your house wants a war with mine!?¡± Javier snapped, his voice cold and commanding. The boy¡¯s bravado crumbled instantly, replaced by visible fear. ¡°W-what are you talking about!?¡± he stammered, backing away slightly. Javier advanced, not letting up, his voice rising slightly. ¡°This maid belongs to my household, yet you dare lay your filthy hands on her? Huh!!!!? Are you declaring war against me? Or do you want your family to go to war with mine!?¡± The boy paled, clearly overwhelmed by the implications of Javier''s words. He tried to sputter a response, but nothing came out. By now, the commotion had drawn the attention of the hall. Nobles and servants alike watched with bated breath as the young heir of House Armand confronted the rude boy. Liana quickly approached Javier¡¯s side, placing a hand on his arm in an attempt to calm him. ¡°Young master, that¡¯s enough,¡± she whispered softly, though her tone held a firm edge. Javier huffed, glaring at the boy one last time before turning to the drenched maid. ¡°Go clean yourself up,¡± he said gently. The maid bowed deeply, tears in her eyes. ¡°Thank you, young master,¡± she said before retreating quickly. Javier turned back to the boy, his expression now eerily calm but no less intimidating. ¡°Remember this well,¡± he said coolly. ¡°You mess with my household, you mess with me. And trust me¡ªyou don¡¯t want that.¡± The boy nodded quickly, trembling, before stumbling away toward his guard. As Javier returned to his seat, the crowd slowly began to disperse, though the tension lingered in the air. Liana leaned down slightly, whispering in his ear. ¡°Young master, you made quite the scene.¡± Javier smirked, leaning back in his chair. ¡°And? That little punk deserved it.¡± Liana sighed softly but didn¡¯t argue, standing quietly behind him as if shielding him from the judging stares of the other nobles. ( End of Chapter ) Breaking the Silence ( 22 ) The commotion had barely settled when Javier¡¯s two older brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, approached him with annoyed looks. The crowd in the hall was still uneasy after Javier¡¯s confrontation with the baron¡¯s son, and his brothers clearly wanted to scold him. Marcellus, the eldest, spoke first, his tone sharp. ¡°Oi, what the hell was that all about?!¡± Javier stayed seated, lazily sipping his drink before slowly standing up. His amber eyes gleamed dangerously as he stared at them. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what was that¡¯? Huh?¡± Javier''s tone was calm, but there was a clear edge of menace. Cedric crossed his arms, trying to look in charge. ¡°You embarrassed the family, Javier. What you did just now¡ª¡± ¡°The fuck are you talking about, prodigy?¡± Javier interrupted, his voice getting louder. His piercing gaze shifted to Marcellus. ¡°You two strut around like you¡¯re the pride of the family, but when someone disrespects our household¡ªyour household¡ªyou just stand there and do nothing?¡± Marcellus frowned, his own temper rising. ¡°You dare to talk to your brother like that?!¡± His mana flared, and the air around him heated up as he prepared to use his fire magic. But before he could act, Javier''s expression hardened. His smile disappeared, replaced by a cold, serious look. ¡°Fine,¡± Javier muttered. His aura shifted, and while standing, he activated one of his advanced skills: Triple Gravity. Suddenly, the whole hall felt an overwhelming pressure. The gravity in the room multiplied three times, forcing everyone¡ªnobles, servants, and even guards¡ªto their knees or onto the floor. Gasps and cries of alarm filled the air as people struggled to breathe under the weight. ¡°Young master, wait!!¡± Liana cried, rushing forward to stop him, but it was too late. Javier¡¯s voice boomed through the hall, cold and unyielding. ¡°Those weaklings with no manners don¡¯t have my respect at all. And you two¡ªyou¡¯re supposed to be the heirs of this family! It¡¯s YOUR responsibility to uphold our honor, yet you sit back and let our household¡¯s name be dragged through the mud?!¡± Marcellus and Cedric, both struggling against the heavy gravity, gritted their teeth in frustration. Marcellus growled, ¡°Javier, stop this madness! You¡¯re going too far!¡± Javier ignored him, his amber eyes glowing faintly as he stepped closer. ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of your arrogance and empty pride. You think being ¡®older¡¯ makes you right? Respect isn¡¯t given¡ªit¡¯s earned. And you¡¯ve earned none of mine!¡± The force of the gravity increased slightly, making the onlookers cry out. Even the strongest knights in the hall struggled to stay conscious. ¡°I AM MAD!!¡± Javier roared, his voice echoing like thunder. ¡°Mad that I have to clean up your mess! Mad that I¡¯m the one who has to protect the dignity of this family while you stand around doing NOTHING!¡± The entire room seemed to freeze under the intensity of his words. Liana, despite the heavy pressure, managed to approach him and gently tug on his sleeve. Her voice was soft but firm. ¡°Young master¡­ please. That¡¯s enough.¡± Javier turned to her, his fiery gaze softening when he saw the concern in her emerald eyes. After a tense moment, he exhaled sharply, releasing the gravity spell. The heavy force lifted instantly, and the hall erupted in coughs and relieved gasps as everyone struggled to recover. Javier glanced back at his brothers, who were now glaring at him while trying to compose themselves. ¡°Don¡¯t forget,¡± Javier said, his voice quiet but filled with menace. ¡°You might be older, but that doesn¡¯t make you better.¡± Without waiting for a reply, he turned and walked away, Liana following closely behind. The grand hall buzzed with whispers and stunned silence as everyone processed what had just happened.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Liana leaned in slightly as they exited. ¡°Young master, you really caused a scene this time.¡± Javier smirked faintly, his playful demeanor returning. ¡°And? Let them talk. They needed a reality check.¡± Liana sighed deeply but said nothing, her expression caught between exasperation and quiet admiration. Lord Garius, standing at the front of the hall, felt the heavy pressure just like everyone else. Even though Javier had released his spell, the silence that followed was deafening. Every noble, servant, and guest was frozen, either from fear or disbelief. Even the count''s son, surrounded by a group of strong adventurers as bodyguards, said nothing, his mouth slightly open. The boy who had been rude to the maid was trembling violently, his face pale as tears streamed down his cheeks. His legs gave out completely, and with a faint whimper, a wet stain spread across his trousers. The sight made it clear just how terrifying Javier¡¯s display had been. Lord Garius¡¯s hands tightened into fists at his sides, his face showing a mix of shock, anger, and¡­ fear. As an experienced noble, he understood power and discipline. But this? This was different. Javier was only eleven, not yet blessed by the gods and not officially tested for his magic abilities¡ªand yet he had just used Triple Gravity, a spell so advanced that only a few master mages could use it effectively. Lady Francesca stood beside her husband, her usually calm face showing her astonishment. Her heart raced as she looked back and forth between her youngest son and the guests who had witnessed the scene. She had always known Javier was special, but this? This was far beyond what she had imagined. Lord Garius¡¯s thoughts raced. "How¡­? This boy, always skipping his studies, alway be lazy and carefree¡ªand yet he just casually showed power that shouldn¡¯t be possible for a noble child before their blessing ceremony. And yet, here he stands, completely unbothered." The murmurs among the nobles began to stir as they started to recover from the shock. One of the adventurers whispered to his friend, "That spell¡­ wasn¡¯t just high-level magic¡ªit was perfectly done. The mana control¡­ Who is that boy?" The friend, a seasoned mage, wiped the sweat from his brow. "A monster¡­ That child is a monster." Lord Garius finally sighed, his voice cutting through the murmurs. "Enough." The room fell silent instantly, and all eyes turned to the head of the household. His voice was steady, but his gaze was fixed on Javier¡¯s retreating figure. "Ladies and gentlemen," Lord Garius addressed the crowd, his voice calm but heavy with meaning. "I apologize for the disturbance. My son¡¯s¡­ actions were impulsive, but let this remind you: the Armand family does not tolerate disrespect toward our people." The guests murmured in agreement, although most looked shaken. The young baron¡¯s son, still shaking and teary-eyed, was quickly taken out of the hall by his guards, who looked like they wanted to be anywhere else. Lady Francesca leaned closer to her husband, her voice low. "What will you do about Javier?" Lord Garius didn¡¯t answer right away. His eyes, narrowed thoughtfully. "For now, nothing," he replied, his voice mixed with irritation and a hint of pride. "But I need to find out the truth about that boy¡­ and how much he¡¯s been hiding from us." Javier paced restlessly in his room, his mind racing. His earlier outburst had been impulsive, and now he was starting to feel the weight of what he had done. ¡°Fuck, fuck, fuck! Why the hell did I use that skill?¡± he muttered to himself, running a hand through his messy black hair. ¡°I could¡¯ve just used Dispel when those idiots tried to cast magic, and if they went for fists, I could¡¯ve dodged them easily. Why the fuck did I go overboard? Ugh!¡± He flopped onto his bed, glaring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to his problems. ¡°Young master?¡± Liana¡¯s calm voice broke through his spiraling thoughts as she walked into the room, her graceful presence grounding him. She stood by the edge of his bed, tilting her head slightly. ¡°What are you thinking about ?¡± Javier quickly composed himself, sitting up and resting his chin on his palm with a casual smirk. ¡°Oh, nothing. Just bored,¡± Liana raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but choosing not to press him. Instead, she adjusted the blanket on his bed and began tidying the scattered books and papers on his desk. ¡°Oh¡­¡± she murmured softly, clearly not believing him but letting it go for now. ¡°Well, it¡¯s good you¡¯re resting. You¡¯ll need your energy for whatever comes next.¡± Javier watched her for a moment, his amber eyes narrowing slightly as he reflected on her calm demeanor. ¡°Liana,¡± he said suddenly, his voice quieter but more sincere. ¡°What do you think? About¡­ earlier?¡± She paused, her hand lingering on the edge of his desk before turning to face him. Her emerald eyes met his, and for a moment, they were just two people trying to understand each other. ¡°I think,¡± she began carefully, ¡°that you showed a part of yourself you¡¯ve been hiding for a long time. And while it was¡­ overwhelming, it also reminded everyone not to underestimate you.¡± Javier snorted, leaning back against the headboard. ¡°Yeah, but now I¡¯ve put a damn target on my back. Everyone saw. Even the Dried Plum was speechless.¡± Liana¡¯s lips quirked into a small smile at his nickname for Lord Garius. ¡°Perhaps. But young master, isn¡¯t it better to remind the world of your worth every now and then? Even if it means drawing attention?¡± Javier groaned, flopping back down dramatically. ¡°Ugh, I hate it when you make sense. Can¡¯t you just tell me I¡¯m an idiot and let me sulk?¡± Liana chuckled softly, adjusting the blanket over him as if he were a child. ¡°You¡¯re not an idiot, young master. Just¡­ impulsive. And maybe a little too eager to protect what¡¯s yours.¡± Javier smirked, his confidence slowly returning. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re still here, isn¡¯t it? To keep this ¡®impulsive¡¯ young master in line?¡± Liana sighed, shaking her head with an affectionate smile. ¡°Someone has to.¡± ( End of Chapter ) Rumors in the Dawn ( 23 ) Javier propped himself up on his elbow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Liana¡­" She turned from his desk, tilting her head slightly. "Yes, young master?" His smirk widened, and he patted the empty space beside him on the bed. "Wanna sleep together tonight?" Liana froze, her usually composed demeanor faltering for a moment. Her emerald eyes widened slightly, and her cheeks turned a faint shade of pink. "Umm¡­" she hesitated, quickly regaining her composure, though her voice was softer than usual. "Sure¡­ if that''s what you want me to do." Javier blinked, surprised by her response. He had expected her to scold him or dismiss his cheeky request as she usually did. "Eh? You''re serious?" he asked, sitting up straight. Liana shrugged slightly, her expression calm but with a hint of amusement in her eyes. "If it helps you sleep better, young master, I don''t mind. Besides, I''m here to serve you, am I not?" Javier''s face flushed slightly¡ªa rare occurrence that he quickly tried to hide with a laugh. "Ehehe, you''re too good to me, Liana. But don''t blame me if I hug you in my sleep!" Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "I''ll take my chances. Now, shall we prepare for bed, young master?" Javier settled back down, the playful tension in the air easing, replaced by the comforting presence of his most trusted companion. It wasn''t unusual for them to share quiet moments like this, but tonight felt different¡ªwarmer, more sincere. Liana shifted closer to him, her warmth filling the space between them as Javier leaned slightly forward, his lips brushing near hers. For a moment, Liana hesitated, her eyes meeting his . Then, she closed her eyes and tilted her face toward him. Their lips met in a tender, lingering kiss, soft and unhurried. When they finally pulled apart, Liana whispered, her voice gentle and warm, "Goodnight, young master." Javier smiled, wrapping his arms around her securely. "Goodnight, Liana," he replied, pulling her into his embrace. She rested her head on his chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Her hand found his and guided it to her waist. "Hold me tightly, young master," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. Javier tightened his hold, his chin brushing against her silver hair. "You don''t even have to ask," he said softly, his playful tone replaced by something deeper. The room fell into a comfortable silence, the world outside forgotten. For them, this moment was theirs alone¡ªsafe, warm, and filled with an unspoken bond that needed no words. As the quiet of the night enveloped them, Javier''s gentle kisses trailed across Liana''s forehead, moving softly to her cheeks. Each one was slow, warm, and filled with a tenderness that made her heart flutter. She remained still for a moment, her breathing steady as she soaked in the intimacy of the moment. Then, her lips parted slightly, her cheeks flushing as she tilted her face toward him. Javier paused for a moment, silently asking for permission, his eyes searching hers. When Liana didn''t pull away, he leaned closer, pressing his lips to hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Her hand instinctively found its way to his chest, her slender fingers gripping the fabric of his shirt as she melted into his affection. The kiss lingered, unhurried and filled with emotions neither could express in words. When they finally broke apart, Liana''s face was flushed, her breath coming in soft, quick whispers. She looked up at him, her emerald eyes shimmering in the dim candlelight. "Young master¡­" she whispered, her voice trembling slightly¡ªnot from fear, but from something deeper. Javier smiled, brushing his hand gently against her cheek. "Goodnight, Liana," he said again, his voice soft and warm, pulling her even closer.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. "Goodnight," she replied, her voice barely audible, but the contentment in her tone spoke volumes. They stayed there, holding each other tightly. This moment would remain etched in their hearts¡ªa silent promise of their unshakable bond. As Javier''s steady breaths signaled he had drifted into peaceful sleep, Liana gently adjusted the blanket over them, ensuring he would stay warm through the night. Her touch was light and almost reverent as her fingers smoothed his slightly messy hair. She traced the curve of his cheek with her fingertips, marveling at the serenity on his face. Moving closer, she took his arm and wrapped it securely around her waist. The warmth of his embrace filled her with a comforting sense of security, and she smiled faintly, allowing herself to relax. But as the silence deepened, her thoughts began to wander. She couldn''t help but think about the years ahead. At 18, he would come of age¡ªa man by human standards. By that time, she, as an elf, would still be very young, just starting her own version of growing up. "Eighteen for him, thirty-six for me," she mused silently. For humans, the age gap might seem odd, but for elves, whose lives stretched across centuries, it was nothing. "By the time he''s fully grown, I''ll still be young by my people''s standards." Her hand brushed lightly over his as her thoughts grew tender. "But will he still want me then? When he''s older and surrounded by so many other choices, will he still see me the way he does now?" She pushed the doubts aside, focusing instead on the present moment. Right now, he was hers to protect, to care for, and¡ªperhaps¡ªto love in her own quiet way. Leaning forward, she placed a soft kiss on his forehead and closed her eyes, letting his warmth soothe her. Whatever the future held, she promised herself one thing: as long as she was by his side, she would ensure his happiness, no matter what. --- Liana woke up to the soft morning light filtering through the curtains. The chirping of birds filled the air, a gentle reminder that a new day had begun. As she stirred, she felt the warm weight of Javier''s arm draped over her, a comforting presence that made her smile. Hearing some quiet voices outside the door, she pushed herself up slightly, her senses becoming alert. When she opened her eyes fully, she was surprised to see a group of maids gathered just outside the door, watching her with curious smiles. Her heart raced as she sat up quickly, her hair a bit messy and disheveled. "Th-this¡­ isn''t what you all think!" she stammered, feeling her face heat up as the maids exchanged knowing looks. Some covered their giggles with their hands, others smiled playfully, and a few pretended to be shocked, as if they had expected this all along. "Why is everyone¡­ thinking such things?!" Liana''s voice rose slightly in panic. But before she could say more, she looked over at Javier, who was still peacefully asleep beside her, his tousled hair falling across his forehead. Her breath caught in her throat. "Ehhh!!! Why doesn''t he have his shirt on?!" She quickly checked under the blanket, her hands shaking slightly. She felt a wave of relief when she saw that she was still fully dressed in her maid uniform. Javier, thankfully, still had his pants on, though his bare chest and strong arms were clearly visible. Her embarrassment quickly turned into exasperation. Why couldn''t he just sleep like a normal boy? "L-Ladies," Liana managed, her voice sharp but still tinged with panic, "There''s nothing indecent happening here! I was only¡ª" "¡ªKeeping him company? Ensuring his comfort?" one maid chimed in playfully, her grin widening. Another joined in, "Oh, Miss Liana, we understand completely. No need to explain." However, the teasing wouldn''t end so easily. "Good morning, Miss Liana," one of them said with a mischievous grin. "We didn''t know you were this close to the young master." "Oh my¡­" another maid giggled. "Miss Liana, you should''ve at least locked the door." "Such passion!" another maid chimed in dramatically, while others shook their heads, whispering about how bold she was. Liana''s face turned as red as a tomato. "No! It''s not what it looks like! I-I was just¡­ he wasn''t feeling well last night, so I stayed to make sure he was okay!" "Of course, Miss Liana," one of the maids replied, winking playfully. "Nothing happened!" Liana insisted, clutching the blanket as if it were her only protection. She felt her composure slipping with every giggle from the others. Just then, Javier stirred, his amber eyes slowly opening. "Hmm¡­ Liana?" he mumbled sleepily, his voice still groggy. Liana froze, her panic rising as the maids leaned in closer, eager for what would happen next. Javier blinked at the gathered crowd, then at Liana''s flustered face. "What''s with all the noise so early?" He yawned, completely unaware of the awkward situation unfolding around him. One of the bolder maids cleared her throat. "Oh, nothing, young master. We were just¡­ appreciating how much Miss Liana cares for you." "Eh?" Javier tilted his head, clearly confused. At that moment, Liana felt a surge of mortification wash over her. Her cheeks burned hotter than ever as she buried her face in her hands, overwhelmed by a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "Out! Everyone, out!" she yelled, her voice firm despite the heat flooding her cheeks. The maids scattered, giggling as they went, clearly entertained by the scene they had walked in on. Liana slumped back on the bed, her face still flushed, the warmth from earlier now replaced by the chaos of her thoughts. Javier watched the maids leave, blinking in confusion. "Was it something I said?" he asked, scratching the back of his head. "No! It''s just¡­ let''s forget this ever happened!" Liana replied, mortified but trying to regain her composure. She peered up at him through her fingers, half-expecting to see a grin on his face at the absurdity of the situation. Instead, he just looked genuinely puzzled. "Alright, if you say so. But I still don''t understand what all the fuss was about." Liana let out a sigh, realizing this was going to be a long day indeed, but at least Javier was blissfully unaware of the rumors already beginning to swirl about them. ( End of Chapter ) Mischievous Master and His Maid ( 24 ) "Eeeekkk!! Liana, don''t be so mad!!" Javier yelled, running as fast as he could. From behind, Liana was chased after him, her usual calm expression replaced by fierce determination. "Why are you running, young master?" Liana called in a sweet calm voice. She held a rattan stick firmly in her hand. "Aren''t we friends?" "Liana! I''m sorry!!!" Javier shouted, his face pale as he dashed down the cobblestone road. "You shouldn''t go outside without telling me or your parents!" Liana''s voice was gentle, but her smile was anything but friendly. She swung the rattan menacingly in the air. "Now, come back here, young master!" "I just went to sell some monster parts to get extra gold! That''s all!" Javier shouted, dodging around a merchant''s cart and leaping over a small fence. "Oh? Then why didn''t you tell me before?" Liana asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Uhhh... I forgot?" "Wrong answer," Liana said, her smile getting wider as she raised the rattan. "Eeeekkk! Liana, have mercy!!" Villagers paused to watch, chuckling and shaking their heads at his situation. "Perhaps this will teach you a lesson about sneaking off!" Liana called, picking up speed. "I was just trying to earn some money ! You know my family doesn''t even give me an allowance!" Javier whined, narrowly avoiding a stack of crates. "And who takes care of all your expenses? Hmm? I''ve told you, young master, I''ll handle everything!" "Liana! You''re too scary when you''re mad!!" Javier cried, ducking into an alleyway, only to find it blocked by a stack of barrels. He spun around to see Liana standing at the entrance, the morning light casting a shadow behind her. "Nowhere left to run, young master," she said sweetly, tapping the rattan against her palm. "Can''t we talk this out?" Javier tried, giving her a sheepish grin. "Oh, we''ll talk... after I teach you some manners," Liana replied, stepping closer. "Eeeekkk!! I promise I won''t do it again!" "Good to know," Liana said, finally raising the rattan. The nearby villagers turned away, smiling knowingly as Javier''s exaggerated yelps filled the air. Despite the chaos, anyone who knew them understood¡ªit wasn''t anger driving Liana, but real care for her mischievous young master. "Eeeekkk!! Liana!! Leave my face out of this!!" Javier wailed, dodging clumsily as Liana swung her rattan with perfect aim.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. "Why? Are you afraid your ''handsome young noble'' look will be ruined, young master?" Liana asked sweetly, landing a soft but effective kick to his shin. "Eeeekkk!! My future wife won''t like me if my face is bruised!!" Javier cried, stumbling and nearly tripping over his own feet. Liana paused mid-swing and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And who is this mysterious future wife of yours, young master?" "Errr...you?" Javier blurted out, flashing his most charming grin. Liana sighed, her cheeks turning a faint pink. "Flattery won''t save you this time." "Eeeekkk!! Mercy! At least aim for somewhere less visible!!" Javier pleaded, ducking as the rattan narrowly missed his head. By the time Liana finished her "lesson," Javier sat on the ground, looking utterly defeated. His hair was a mess, his face was covered in bruises, one eye was black, and there was a faint shoe print on his tunic. "You look fine, young master," Liana said, brushing her hands off and adjusting her skirt. "Fine!? Liana, I look like I went through a monster stampede!" Javier cried, staring at his reflection in a nearby puddle. "Consider it a lesson learned," Liana replied with a faint smile, grabbing his arm and pulling him to his feet. "This is abuse¡­ I''m filing a complaint." Liana''s ear twitched. "Did you say something, young master?" "N-No! Nothing at all!" Javier stammered, shielding his already bruised face. Behind them, a few villagers whispered to one another, laughing at the sight of the beaten young master. One old man chuckled, "That boy got guts." Javier held the large gold pouch high above his head, his laughter echoing through the air. "Ehehehe!! At least I earned a lot!" he declared proudly, despite his bruised face. Liana, trailing behind him, sighed. "You''re still laughing after what just happened? Unbelievable." Ignoring her, Javier clutched the pouch tightly to his chest "The old dwarf bought all 72 monster corpses, freshly from my magic storage! Not only will the villagers get cheap meat, but their income will rise too! A genius plan by me truly!!!" Suddenly, he stopped, his grin growing wide. Hugging the pouch like it was his first child, Javier tilted his head slightly as a low, eerie laugh escaped his lips. "Kekekekeke¡­ Now¡­ I''ve got my Pekko¡­" Liana froze, watching in horror as Javier''s laugh became creepier with each passing second. "Y-Young master¡­ you''re scaring me¡­ Stop that laugh¡­" But Javier didn''t stop. He leaned his head back and laughed even louder, his eyes shining with the wild ambition of an 11-year-old boy with way too much gold. "My Pekko! It''s finally happening! Kekekekeke!!" Villagers passing by paused, giving Javier confused looks. One whispered, "Isn''t that Viscount Armand''s youngest son? Is he¡­ okay?" Another nodded knowingly while stroking his beard. "Ah, the madness of young nobles and their money. Best not to interfere." Liana grabbed Javier''s ear and yanked him out of his delusions. "Enough with the creepy laugh, young master! People are starting to think you''ve lost it!" Javier rubbed his ear, pouting. "Liana! That''s my ''evil genius'' laugh! You''re ruining the mood!" She sighed and crossed her arms. "Forget the mood. Let''s just get back before you start scaring the livestock." Javier hugged his gold pouch tighter, muttering under his breath, "They''ll see¡­ they''ll all see when I ride into town on my majestic Pekko¡­ Kekekekeke¡­" Liana groaned. "Why am I the maid to this lunatic¡­?" Javier suddenly turned to Liana, his bruised face lighting up with wild excitement. "Now''s not the time to walk back! We should buy that Pekko right now! Kekekekeke!" Before Liana could respond, Javier bolted down the road "Young master! Wait!" Liana shouted, facepalming as she watched him dash toward the Pekko farm like a madman. She let out a long sigh, muttering under her breath, "Why do I always have to deal with this?" Oblivious to her frustration, Javier ran faster, his creepy laugh getting louder. "EKEKEKEKEKE!" Villagers stopped in their tracks, staring as the noble boy rushed past them as if he were being chased by wild beasts. One farmer whispered, "Is that Viscount Armand''s kid? What''s he up to now?" Another shrugged. "Probably something crazy again." Liana sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "This is going to be a long day..." ( End of Chapter ) Two Pekkos and a Promise ( 25 ) "Now''s not the time to walk back home! Eheheh!" Javier exclaimed, running off excitedly. "Young master!!" Liana called out, but her voice was lost as Javier ran toward the pekko farm. She sighed and shook her head. "This boy..." she muttered and started walking to catch up. When she arrived at the farm, she found Javier already talking to the farmer. "Thirty gold for two!" Javier declared confidently. The farmer, a large man with a kind smile, laughed. "Forty is the best I can give you, young master." "Thirty-five!" The farmer scratched his chin, acting like he was thinking. "How about thirty-nine gold coins and fifty silver? Does that work for you, young master?" Javier squinted at him, clearly thinking about it. The farmer could see he was enjoying the bargaining. "Such enthusiasm," the farmer thought, amused. He had heard about the youngest son of Viscount Armand¡ªa lively boy who bargained like a skilled trader but was kind to the villagers. "Thirty-eight gold coins for two! Ehehehe!" Javier countered with a big grin. The farmer laughed heartily. "Thirty-nine, and that''s the best deal I can give you, young master." "Deal! Ehehehe!" Javier said, shaking the farmer''s hand eagerly. He quickly counted the coins and gave them to the farmer, his smile getting wider. "You''re a sharp one, young master," the farmer said warmly as he handed Javier the reins of two nice pekkos. "Sharp, handsome, and now a proud pekko owner! What a day!" Javier boasted, patting the birds kindly. Liana finally caught up, watching with a mix of annoyance and amusement. "He really is impossible," she thought, but she couldn¡¯t help smiling a little. "Young master, why do you need two pekkos?" Liana asked, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at him. "Huh? What are you talking about?" Javier replied, his amber eyes shining with excitement. "One for me and one for you!" He grinned widely, proud of his idea. Liana let out a long, familiar sigh. "As if anyone could stop him once he''s made up his mind," she thought. "You know, young master," Liana said with a calm smile, "Pekkos are usually used to pull carriages or do heavy work on the farm. And for another thing too." Javier blinked and tilted his head. "Huh? What other thing? Riding, right?" Liana¡¯s smile softened, but she had a mischievous look in her eyes. "No... for food, young master." "Ehhh!!! No!!!" Javier exclaimed, holding the reins of the pekkos tightly. "This pekko is NOT for food! They''re my companions, my noble steeds, my friends!"Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. The farmer, overhearing their talk, laughed heartily. "Don''t worry, young master. No one''s going to eat those fine birds." "They better not!" Javier huffed, puffing out his chest. Liana chuckled softly and shook her head. "He¡¯s so easy to tease," she thought, watching him pet the pekkos like a proud parent. Javier turned to the farmer, his eyes bright with curiosity. "Old Man, do you sell bridles or something for their beaks?" The farmer chuckled. "I have a couple of basic ones, young master. They¡¯re not fancy, but they¡¯ll do the job. I¡¯ll give you two." Javier¡¯s grin got bigger. "Thanks, old man!" The farmer nodded and handed over the bridles. "If you need something stronger or special, I recommend visiting the blacksmith. He can make better ones for your needs." Javier looked at the simple bridles and shrugged. "These¡¯ll do for now. Gotta work with what you¡¯ve got, right?" Carefully, he went up to the pekkos and began fastening the bridles to their beaks. Even though the birds were big, they seemed calm under his hands, sometimes making low, happy sounds. Liana watched him work, a small smile on her lips. "For someone who acts lazy, he sure gets excited when it¡¯s something he likes," she thought, shaking her head as Javier proudly adjusted the straps. When he finished, Javier stepped back with his hands on his hips. "Perfect! These guys are ready for adventure." The farmer laughed again. "Take care of them, young master. Pekkos are loyal creatures, but they like good treatment." "Don¡¯t worry!" Javier declared, giving his new friends a playful pat. Javier shouted with joy, "So, Liana! Hop on your Pekko! Let''s go!" His big grin stretched from ear to ear, and his excitement was clear. Liana let out a long sigh, adjusting her maid skirt as she walked to her Pekko. "Young master, you¡¯re like a child with a new toy," she muttered before gracefully climbing onto her bird. Before she could even sit properly, Javier yelled, "Off we go! See ya, old man! Yeeehaaaa!" He kicked his Pekko into a quick trot, then into a gallop, the strong bird running easily down the dirt path. Liana gasped. "Young master! Wait!" She quickly nudged her Pekko to follow, trying to keep up. Javier threw his head back and laughed, the wind blowing through his black hair. "Ehehehehe! This is fun!" Now riding next to him, Liana gave him a scolding look but couldn¡¯t hide the small smile forming on her lips. "Young master, please slow down. What if you fall off?" "I won¡¯t! Look at this! I¡¯m a natural!" Javier waved one hand proudly, making his Pekko squawk as if it agreed with him. "You¡¯re impossible," Liana sighed again, gripping the reins tightly as her Pekko matched Javier''s speed, and the two rode along the road like adventurers ready to conquer the world. Liana watched as her young master, Javier, rode ahead on his new Pekko, his big grin and loud laughter filling the air, and for a moment, Liana couldn¡¯t help but smile. She had seen Javier happy before, but this was different¡ªhe was shining with pride and joy, as if the world had finally rewarded him for his hard work. She gently urged her Pekko forward, keeping up with him while quietly watching his happiness. This was the first time she¡¯d seen him so thrilled about something he had worked so hard to get. Javier¡¯s determination to buy the Pekkos with his own money, earned through his own efforts, showed how independent and resourceful he was. Liana smiled fondly as she gazed at him from behind. Young master¡­ you really try so hard for the things you want, she thought. Even for something as simple as this, you put in so much effort. I hope that one day, you¡¯ll have that same passion for everything in your life. Her hand brushed the reins of her Pekko as a soft sigh escaped her lips. And maybe, just maybe¡­ she thought, her heart fluttering a little, I hope that someday, I¡¯ll be one of those things you truly want. Shaking off her moment of vulnerability, she straightened up and called out to him teasingly, ¡°Young master, if you¡¯re this excited now, what will you do when you get married? Laugh like this all the way to the altar?¡± Javier turned back, his carefree grin lighting up his face. ¡°If it¡¯s with you, Liana, I might just do that! Yeehaaaa!¡± Her cheeks flushed slightly, but she quickly hid it with a sigh and a shake of her head. ¡°Such a troublesome young master,¡± she muttered, though her smile stayed as they rode on. ( End of Chapter ) Trouble With The Mother ( 26 ) "JAAAVVVVIIIIEEERRRRRRR!!!" The loud voice echoed across the manor grounds, stopping Javier in his tracks. His instincts kicked in, and he quickly turned around. "Oh crap! It''s mother!" Without thinking, he ran in the opposite direction as fast as he could. He already imagine the fate that awaited him. But Lady Francesca was quicker than Javier expected. She grabbed his ear tightly, stopping him from running away. "AAAHHHH! Mother! Don''t pull my ear! Hiiiiiik!" Javier squealed, squirming like a caught fish. Lady Francesca, looking elegant but stern, glared at her youngest son. "Where do you think you''re going, young man?" "Errr..." Javier looked around, hoping to find a good excuse. "Outside?" he said with a sheepish smile, trying to look innocent. "Ehehehe..." His mother raised an eyebrow, clearly not impressed. "You''re not going anywhere!" she said, dragging him back inside by his ear. "Eeekkk! Mother! Have mercy!" Javier begged, waving his hands in a useless attempt to get free. Liana softly chuckled as she saw her young master struggling with his mother. It was always funny to see him act this way. "Young master really doesn''t learn," she said to herself, walking behind them as Francesca took Javier to the library. Lady Francesca''s maid rushed to help, holding the door open as Francesca brought Javier inside. "Eekkk! Mother!! Don''t be rough!" The door clicked shut, leaving Javier kneeling on the floor in front of his elegant mother, who sat gracefully on the couch. "What''s with the birds outside?" Francesca asked, her voice calm but annoyed. "Err¡­ my pet?" Javier answered nervously. "Pet? PET?!!!" Francesca''s eyebrow twitched as she sighed loudly. She looked over to Liana, who stood quietly with her hands together. "Liana¡­ I told you to keep an eye on him." "I''m sorry, Madam," Liana said with a small bow. "But you know how stubborn he is." "Ehehehehe¡­" Javier laughed nervously, scratching his head. "Don''t ''ehehehe'' me!" Francesca snapped. "You are a noble! Why did you buy¡­ birds? Of all things?" She rubbed her temple, looking frustrated. "What am I going to do with you?" Didn''t I say that if you wanted a ride, we have plenty of horses for you?" "Err¡­ but I wanted Pekko. They''re cool and faster¡­ ehehehe," Javier replied, giving his biggest charming smile. Francesca sighed again, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation. This son is so different from his siblings, she thought. What will I do with him? "Liana," Francesca said, looking at the calm maid. "Yes, Madam?" "Make sure those birds are moved to the edge of the estate. And teach him to control them properly. I won''t let those creatures cause chaos." "Understood, Madam," Liana replied with a polite nod. "And you, young man!" Francesca looked at Javier seriously. "GROUNDED!" "Ehhhh!?? But Mother¡­" "No buts! If I catch you sneaking outside again, those two birds will go straight to the butcher!" "Eeeekkk!! Please no, Mother!" Javier cried, putting his hands together to plead.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. Francesca leaned forward, narrowing her eyes. "Then behave yourself, young man. Do you understand?" Javier looked down, mumbling, "All this for a couple of birds¡­" Francesca heard him and gave him a sharp look. "What do you say?" "Nothing, Mother!" Javier quickly replied, straightening up with a nervous smile. Liana, by the door, shook her head and chuckled quietly. "Young master, one of these days, you''ll learn." Javier pouted playfully. "You''re supposed to be on my side!" "I''m on the side of keeping you out of trouble," Liana said with a small smile as she followed Francesca out. "Troublesome as always," Francesca said, though she seemed fond of him despite her annoyance. After leaving Javier sulking in the library, Francesca stopped just outside the door and turned to Liana. "Liana," she said with a soft yet commanding tone, "keep an eye on him for me. If he sneaks out again, I expect to be informed immediately." Liana gave a graceful bow. "As you wish, madam." Francesca let out a tired sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "And those birds... make sure he keeps them far from the main house. They''re his responsibility now. Speak with the carpenter and arrange for a proper pen or cage to be built for them. I don''t want them wandering about and causing trouble." "Yes, madam." Francesca glanced back at the closed library door and shook her head. "Honestly, even if he bought them with his own money, he shouldn''t spend so recklessly on something like this. It''s... frivolous." Liana tilted her head slightly, a small, knowing smile forming. "Young master has his reasons, madam. He''s¡­ very determined when it comes to the things he cares about." Francesca paused for a moment, her stern expression softening just a fraction. "That boy... He''s always been different. Sometimes I don''t know whether to be proud of his resourcefulness or worried about his impulsiveness." She straightened, her composure returning. "Go to him, Liana. Ensure he understands his responsibilities with those birds. And remind him, once again, that he''s grounded." Liana gave another polite bow. "Of course, madam. Leave it to me." Francesca turned and walked away, her elegant form disappearing down the corridor. Liana watched her go before turning back toward the library door. A faint chuckle escaped her lips as she thought about her mischievous young master. "Time to see what kind of trouble you''ll get into next, young master," she murmured to herself before pushing open the door. "Hmmph!! Betrayer!! Traitor!! Turncoat!! Double-dealing stool pigeon!!" Javier huffed, crossing his arms and pouting dramatically as Liana entered the library. Liana let out a soft, melodic chuckle, clearly entertained by her young master''s exaggerated reaction. "Now, now, young master," she said with a teasing tone. "Perhaps I should inform Madam Francesca that... we should send those birds straight to the butcher. Hmm?" "Ekkk!! Please, anything but that!" Javier immediately dropped to his knees, clutching his chest like he''d been mortally wounded. "My honey, sweet bun, light of my life, angel in disguise, most beautiful goddess of all the realms!" Liana raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into an amused smile. "That''s quite the flattery for someone who just called me a stool pigeon." "I-I didn''t mean it!" Javier cried, dramatically grabbing her hands. "You''re my savior, my one and only¡ª" "Your cook, your babysitter, your maid..." Liana interjected, tilting her head. "Exactly!" Javier nodded enthusiastically. "Which is why you must protect my precious Pekkos! My entire future depends on them!" "Your future?" Liana asked, crossing her arms. "Yes!" Javier jumped up, puffing out his chest. "Today Pekkos, tomorrow the world!" Liana sighed and shook her head, but her soft chuckles betrayed her amusement. "Young master, if you don''t put even half this energy into your studies, Madam Francesca will ground more than just your birds. She''ll ground you to your chair." Javier winced. "Ehh... Studies can wait. Pekkos are first!" "They''re not if they end up in the stew pot," Liana teased with a sly smile. "Ekkk!! My sweet bun, have mercy!!" "Fine, fine¡­ Now, young master," Liana said, placing her hands on her hips with a patient smile. "Shouldn''t we go check on the Pekkos?" "Yeah!!! Let''s go!!" Javier exclaimed, his face lighting up. He dashed toward the door. Liana shook her head with a soft sigh, following him at a more composed pace. "Honestly," she muttered to herself, "his priorities are entirely out of order. But¡­ perhaps that''s not such a bad thing." She knew full well that Javier had already surpassed the limits of what books could teach him. Magic? Mastered. Swordsmanship? Exceptional. Crafting and enchanting? Flawless. Advanced magic? Effortless. Instant casting? Unparalleled. For an eleven-year-old, her young master''s skills were nothing short of monstrous. But Liana also understood that knowledge from books could only take someone so far. Real growth came from stepping into the world, facing its challenges, and finding one''s place in it. As she followed Javier outside, watching him bounce with excitement, she thought to herself, Perhaps these Pekkos will teach him something no book ever could. Responsibility¡­ or at least how to avoid getting grounded again. "Young master," she called out, "try not to trip over your own feet in your excitement." "Don''t worry about me, Liana! I''ve got this!" Javier grinned over his shoulder. A moment later, he stumbled on a loose cobblestone and almost fell flat on his face. Liana sighed but couldn''t hide the small, affectionate smile tugging at her lips. Maybe responsibility will take a little longer¡­ ( End of Chapter ) A Feast and Grilled Delights ( 27 ) Javier dusted himself off, standing tall despite the streak of blood trickling from his nose. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he scanned the yard for his new Pekkos. "What a weirdo," Liana thought, crossing her arms and watching him with disbelief. Any other child¡ªespecially a noble¡ªwould''ve run crying to their mother after a fall like that. Yet here he was, grinning from ear to ear as if nothing had happened. Not just his behavior, either. He carried himself with an unusual maturity for his age, almost as if he''d lived a lifetime beyond his eleven years. And it wasn''t just his height, though he was taller than most boys his age. It was the way he faced challenges, even minor ones, with a determination that felt more adult than childlike. "Liana, look at them!" Javier exclaimed, pointing toward the Pekkos as if they were rare treasures. Liana followed his gaze to the brightly colored birds, pecking around in their makeshift pen. She couldn''t help but smile at his enthusiasm, even if she still thought he was a little ridiculous. "Young master," she said, walking over with her usual calm demeanor, "you''re bleeding." "Huh?" Javier blinked, finally noticing the blood dripping from his nose. He wiped it with his sleeve nonchalantly. "This is nothing." Definitely a weirdo, Liana thought again, though this time with a hint of admiration. "At least let me clean that up." "I''m tough!Dont worry about it!" Javier declared, puffing out his chest proudly. Liana sighed, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket. "Young master, let me fix it before you scare anyone else¡ªme included." As she gently wiped his nose, Javier grinned up at her. "Thanks, Liana. You''re the best." "And you''re the oddest," she replied, shaking her head fondly. Liana stood at a distance, watching as Javier worked alongside the family carpenter to build a proper cage for the Pekkos. It wasn''t every day that the youngest son of a viscount took it upon himself to help with manual labor. The carpenter, a seasoned man in his forties, kept sneaking glances at Javier, his expression caught somewhere between awkward admiration and nervousness. "Don''t worry, young master," the carpenter said hesitantly, wiping sweat from his brow. "We''ve got this covered. No need to trouble yourself." "Ehh? I just want to help!" Javier replied, completely oblivious to the man unease. With precise movements, he hammered a nail into the wooden frame, his strokes so clean and perfect it looked as though he''d been doing this for decades. The carpenter scratched his head, glancing at his assistants, who were equally baffled by the noble boy''s proficiency. "Uh¡­ well¡­ you''re doing great, young master," he muttered awkwardly. Standing nearby, Liana let out a soft sigh, shaking her head at the scene. "Young master, why don''t you let the carpenters handle it? They''re more than capable of finishing without your help." "But I''m having fun!" Javier grinned, holding up the hammer like a trophy. "Why don''t you ride the Pekkos in the meantime?" Liana suggested with a patient smile. "I''m sure they''ll finish the job in no time without you, and your Pekkos could use the exercise." Javier paused, clearly torn between his newfound carpentry hobby and his excitement over the Pekkos. Finally, he nodded enthusiastically. "Okay! Ehehehe!" As he dashed off toward the Pekkos, the carpenter let out a relieved sigh. "That young master of yours is¡­ something else." Liana chuckled softly, her eyes following Javier . "Yes, he certainly is." Javier was having the time of his life, riding his Pekko in wide circles around the open field. The vibrant bird darted around with surprising agility, its cheerful squawks matching Javier laughter. He suddenly pulled the reins, stopping in front of Liana. "Hmm... I wonder what Pekko eats?" he asked, tilting his head curiously.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon. Liana, standing nearby with her usual calm demeanor, replied, "Pekkos can eat meat, fruits, and vegetables. They''re not heavy eaters, young master." Javier eyes lit up with excitement. "That''s good! Eheheh!" he exclaimed as he climbed down from his Pekko. Reaching into his magic storage, he pulled out a pile of monster meat that tumbled onto the ground with a soft thud. Javier gleefully ran his hand over the pile of monster meat he had pulled from his magic storage, already imagining a grand feast for himself and his Pekkos. "How about we grill some for the Pekkos and us? Eheheh," he said with a mischievous grin, clearly excited about his plan. Liana''s eyes widened slightly as she immediately stepped forward. "Young master! Wash the meat first, season it properly, and don''t even think about making an open fire with just sticks and wood. Use the grill set!" Javier blinked, his grin faltering for a moment. "Ehhhh!?" he groaned, clearly hoping to take the easy route. "No ehhhh!," Liana said firmly, her emerald eyes narrowing. Without wasting a moment, she called out to the workers nearby to fetch the grill set. Then, turning to one of the family maids passing by, she requested salt, pepper, and some additional seasoning. As the workers hurried to gather the supplies, Javier pulled out a small bottle of crushed herbs, pepper, and other spices from his magic storage, holding them up proudly. "Can we use these? I''ve got dried herbs and stuff!" Liana sighed deeply, shaking her head. "Young master¡­" she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. Moments later, everything was set up, with the grill ready and the seasoning laid out neatly. Liana supervised Javier closely, making sure he washed the monster meat thoroughly before seasoning it. The young boy pouted as he followed her instructions but couldn''t help the excitement bubbling inside him. "Fine, fine! I''ll do it properly," he grumbled before sprinkling the herbs and spices generously over the meat. Liana watched him closely, her stern expression softening into a small smile. Young master, no matter how reckless you are, you always manage to brighten the mood. "All right, Pekkos!" Javier called out cheerfully as the meat sizzled on the grill, sending delicious aromas wafting through the air. "Lunch is on me!" Liana blinked, utterly stunned. "This much monster meat could feed all the maids, workers, and probably half the village too," she muttered to herself, watching the piles of seasoned meat sizzling on the grill. She eyed the pile cautiously but didn''t dare ask what type of monster meat they were about to eat. Knowing her young master, it was likely something rare¡ªand expensive. The rarer the monster, the higher the price of its meat. It wouldn''t surprise her if Javier had unknowingly cooked up a delicacy fit for kings. Javier, meanwhile, cheerfully plated the finished grilled meat onto two oversized pet plates for the Pekkos. The vibrant birds wasted no time devouring their meal, gulping it down in seconds before letting out satisfied chirps. "Wow! They''re full already!" Javier said, grinning proudly. But then he turned back to the grill, noticing the heaps of meat still waiting to be cooked. "But there''s still so much more here!" He glanced at Liana with an almost helpless expression, holding up more seasoned cuts of monster meat. "What do we do with the rest?" Liana crossed her arms, tilting her head with a small sigh. "Just cook it, young master. It would be a waste otherwise." "All of it? Including the stuff in my magic storage?" Javier asked, his amber eyes wide with enthusiasm. Liana raised an eyebrow. "How much meat do you have stored in there?" Javier scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "The stuff I took out is just a small part of it..." Liana''s jaw nearly dropped. "This much is only a small part!?" Javier chuckled nervously, rubbing his nose. "Eheheh¡­ I might''ve gone overboard when hunting last time." Liana groaned, pressing her palm to her forehead. "Young master, you could open a market stall with this much meat!" "A market stall, huh?" Javier''s eyes lit up mischievously as an idea began forming in his mind. "Don''t even think about it," Liana warned, instantly reading his thoughts. Liana called over the carpenter and workers nearby, gesturing to the mountain of extra meat. "Take a break and enjoy the grilled meat. There''s plenty for everyone," she said with her usual calm tone. The carpenter, initially hesitant, finally agree, especially when the delicious smell wafting from the grill. She then turned to the maids, instructing them to gather the raw, seasoned meat and bring it to the kitchen. "Ask the cooks to prepare this for the family''s dinner tonight," she added. Liana also ensured some portions were set aside for the workers, knowing they''d appreciate a hearty meal after a long day. Within moments, the pile of meat dwindled into manageable portions, leaving just enough for her and Javier. "Finally!" Javier exclaimed, plopping down on a makeshift seat near the grill. "Time to dig in!" With a small smile, Liana took over the grill, flipping the cuts of meat while ensuring they were evenly cooked. Occasionally, she''d sneak a bite for herself, savoring the flavor. "Mmm! Yummy! This is good!" Javier exclaimed, chomping down on a freshly grilled piece. "Ehehehe, meat tastes even better when you''ve worked for it!" Liana chuckled softly. Watching her young master enjoy himself, she couldn''t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Despite all his antics, moments like this reminded her why she''d never trade her position by his side for anything else. "Careful, young master, don''t choke," she said, handing him a cloth to wipe his face, which was already smeared with grease. "Ehehe, thanks, Liana!" Javier replied, grinning widely before taking another massive bite. "You''ve got to try this one!" "I already did," Liana replied with a small laugh, flipping another piece on the grill. As the sun began to dip low on the horizon, the smell of grilled meat and the sound of laughter filled the air, creating a rare, peaceful moment that neither Liana nor Javier would forget anytime soon. ( End of Chapter )