Reborn As Noble

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—Lady 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?"

"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—it was about reinforcing their status.

As the maid placed the plate before him, he grinned. "I want meat. That meat, that meat, and—oh, 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—especially the soon-to-be heir and your second brother—received 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—until 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—"

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—you 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 )