Reborn As Noble

Javier slumped deeper in his chair, feeling like his spirit was leaving his body.

"This is a setup… A massive, perfectly coordinated setup!"

His mind was filled with feelings of betrayal.

"Damn all my siblings and half-siblings!"

"They're the older ones! Shouldn't they be the ones doing all this ruling stuff?! Why am I the only one getting pushed into this?!"

He glanced at Marcellus and Cedric, who were grinning smugly over their wine. Aelius and Heres were smirking. Athine? That sweet, innocent smile was—FAKE!

And his mother? His loving, kind, gentle mother?

Fransesca just sipped her tea, pretending not to see his suffering.

Javier let out a silent groan. "Ugh… I'm doomed."

Javier gritted his teeth, unable to speak up.

Damn. They all agreed to this. There was no way out. No escape.

But then, an idea started to form in his mind. A sneaky, clever idea.

If Father gets older, he'll have to pass everything down eventually, right?

And Alf and Erinnete? There's no way they could keep serving forever. Time would catch up to them.

Unless…

Javier's grin curled—subtle, hidden, but there.

Fine. If they wanted him to inherit everything, he'd just have to make sure Father NEVER got old.

And Alf. And Erinnete.

If they never aged, then they'd never have to retire. Never stop ruling.

Which meant…

Javier would never have to take over.

Heh.

Checkmate.

Hehehe… don't worry… I'll make sure he never ages too quickly. That way…

Just you wait, old man. Soon…

Javier's grin widened, though he carefully hid it behind a neutral face.

Father still looks a bit young. And if Javier had anything to say about it, he'd keep it that way.

The age for inheritance was 18. That was six more years.

Six whole years to stall. To plan.

By the time he turned 18, his father would definitely want to pass everything to him.

Especially if he married Liana and Gloria.

Javier's grin twitched.

…Well. That part wasn't so bad.

But the paperwork? The meetings? The responsibilities?! Politics?!

Yeah. No.

He had six years.

And he'd make sure Father stayed the Count for a LONG time.

Javier was in his room, focused on a stack of books. Meanwhile, Liana was getting ready for bed. She had changed out of her maid uniform and showered in her own room before heading to Javier's. She knew her young master wouldn't—or couldn't—sleep without her.

When she entered his room, she saw him surrounded by piles of books, his eyes scanning the pages intently.

"Young Master?" Liana called out, tilting her head.

"Hmm?" Javier replied, not looking up as he flipped to the next page.

"You rarely read books," she said, stepping closer with her arms crossed. "What's going on? Are you still in shock about becoming the next Count?"

Javier waved a hand dismissively. "Ah… no, not that."

Liana raised an eyebrow. "Then what is it?"

"Oh, it's nothing~," Javier replied with a grin, clearly hiding something.

Liana immediately sensed trouble.

This wasn't his usual cheeky grin or mischievous smirk. No—this was his scheming grin, the one he wore when plotting something. Liana's instincts told her something was off.

"…Young Master," she sighed, rubbing her forehead. "You're up to something, aren't you?"

"Me? Up to something?" Javier gasped dramatically, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Liana, I'm hurt! Don't you trust your beloved future husband?"

A faint blush spread across Liana's cheeks, but she stood firm. "Not when you're grinning like that."

Javier chuckled, enjoying her reaction.

Liana exhaled slowly, her patience wearing thin. "…You're not going to tell me, are you?"

"Nope~," Javier replied cheerfully.

Liana sighed again, already feeling the weight of whatever trouble he was about to create.

Liana then said to Javier.

"Young Master, let's go to bed. It's time for you to sleep."

"Just a minute," Javier muttered, eyes still glued to the book.

"Now, Young Master…" Liana's voice was calm but firm, cutting through the quiet. "…or I will go back to my room."

Javier sighed, closing the book with a soft thud. "Ugh, fine!" He stood up, running a hand through his hair as he reluctantly made his way to the bed.

Liana was already lying down, the covers neatly pulled up to her chest. She watched as Javier climbed into bed, moving slowly. He settled beside her, the warmth of his presence familiar and comforting.

For a moment, the room was silent, except for the soft rustle of fabric and their breathing.

"Liana?" Javier's voice broke the quiet.

"Hmm?" She turned her head slightly to look at him.

"My usual kiss?"
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Liana didn't respond right away. Instead, she studied his face briefly, her gaze steady. Then, without a word, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his in a gentle kiss.

After the kiss, Liana gently stroked Javier's hair and whispered, "Now, Young Master. Sleep."

"Okay~" Javier grinned and wrapped his arms tightly around her.

Liana sighed softly but hugged him back, adjusting the blanket to keep him warm.

"Good night, Young Master," she said with a gentle smile.

"Good night, Liana." Javier closed his eyes, feeling completely at peace.

Liana hummed a gentle lullaby, her soft voice filling the quiet room.

She gazed at Javier's sleeping face, peaceful and relaxed. His breathing was steady, his arms loosely wrapped around her.

A small smile appeared on her lips.

She gently brushed a strand of hair from his forehead, her touch delicate and warm.

"Young Master… I love you."

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

Her eyes softened as she watched him, her heart feeling both full and uncertain.

"I can't wait until you grow up… until you reach adulthood."

She quietly exhaled, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of his hand.

"And when that time comes… I really hope…"

Her voice trembled just a little.

"I really hope your love doesn't fade… that you'll still want me."

Liana bit her lip, pushing down the emotions rising inside her.

She wanted to believe in him.

No—she did believe in him.

But deep down, she was afraid.

Javier was growing up too fast. He was already so much stronger than anyone realized. In a few years, he would become a man… a leader… someone far beyond just her "Young Master."

Would she still have a place beside him?

Or would time take him away from her?

She shook her head. No. She refused to think like that.

Javier was hers. He had already chosen her.

And she… would always choose him.

A soft sigh escaped her lips.

She leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to his forehead.

"Good night… Young Master."

She closed her eyes, resting beside him, letting the warmth between them ease her worries.

No matter what happened in the future…

She would always be by his side.

( End of Chapter )