Reborn As Noble

"Haaaahhh…" Javier groaned, slumping against the windowsill with his chin resting on his hand. His eyes scanned the estate grounds "I'm bored..."

He had tried to sneak out earlier, but his plan was quickly crushed when he spotted his mother, Lady Francesca, near the Pekkos. She wasn't doing anything threatening—just casually sharpening a large kitchen knife while throwing him sly glances.

"She wouldn't actually…" Javier muttered, recalling her words from before. His face fell. "Nope. She totally would. My poor Pekkos would end up as dinner if I stepped outside."

He leaned back with a sigh, staring at the ceiling as if it held the answers to his boredom. "Where's Liana? She's supposed to attend to me, but she's nowhere to be seen! What kind of loyal maid leaves her young master unattended in his time of need?"

His thoughts raced through possibilities. "Maybe she's in the kitchen? Or checking on the maids? Or…" He shook his head, dismissing the distractions.

"Well, no use sitting here doing nothing," he decided, hopping to his feet. "If I can't sneak out properly, I'll just take a walk in the garden. Mother can't get mad at me for that."

Javier stopped mid-step and turned to see a young maid trailing behind him. She looked about his age, maybe a year younger, with a petite frame and wide, nervous eyes that darted to the ground as soon as he noticed her.

"Huh? Why is she following me?"

He turned fully and gave her his most charming smile. "Oh, hello there!"

The maid clutching the edge of her apron. "Ah… umm… Y-Young Master…" she stammered, clearly flustered. "M-Miss Liana said I should k-keep… following you…"

Javier raised an eyebrow. "Liana sent you? To spy on me?"

"N-Not spying!" she blurted out, shaking her head furiously. "J-Just… keeping an eye! For your safety!"

He chuckled and leaned closer, making her even more flustered. "For my safety, huh? Do you think I'll get lost in my own estate?"

The maid's face turned bright red, and she mumbled something.

Javier waved it off with a sigh. "Fine, fine. If Liana sent you, I suppose I'll allow it." He grinned mischievously. "But you'd better keep up. I don't slow down for anyone, you know."

The young maid nodded quickly, her small feet shuffling to stay close as Javier resumed his stroll.

"Liana, you sly elf,Sending a little shadow to keep me in check, are you? Let's see how long she lasts!"

Javier purposefully quickened his pace, weaving through the garden paths with mischief in his eye, while the flustered maid scrambled to keep up.

Javier burst into laughter, his voice echoing across the garden as he darted through the maze-like pathways. The young maid trailed behind him, panting and clutching her sides, clearly out of breath.

"Young… Master… haaa… wait… for… me…" she wheezed, struggling to keep up.

"Wait for you? But that's no fun!" Javier called back with a cheeky grin, effortlessly leaping over a low hedge. "Come on, you're supposed to be keeping an eye on me, right? Keep up!"

The maid groaned but continued chasing him, she try to keep up despite her exhaustion. Meanwhile, Javier was having fun,enjoying this.

"This is too easy!" he thought, dodging around a fountain and dashing toward the pen where his precious Pekkos were kept. He glanced back and saw the maid leaning against a tree, gasping for air.

"Alright, alright, I'll give you a break," he called out, slowing down and walking back to her. "You look like you're about to pass out."

The maid looked up, her face flushed and her bangs sticking to her forehead. "T-Thank you… Young Master…" she managed between deep breaths.

Javier handed her a small handkerchief from his pocket. "Here, wipe your sweat. You're working way too hard for Liana's silly orders."

The maid hesitated, then took the handkerchief with a small, grateful bow. "T-Thank you…"

Javier crossed his arms and smirked. "You're welcome. But next time? Stretch before you try to keep up with me. Got it?"

The maid nodded vigorously, and Javier couldn't help but chuckle again. "Alright, let's head to the Pekkos. I'll go slower this time, okay?"

As they walked together, Javier noticed her shyly glancing at him. "What's your name, anyway?"

"It's… Anna, Young Master," she replied timidly.

"Well, Anna," Javier said with a grin, "you've officially survived your first test as my shadow. Congrats!"

Anna blinked, unsure if he was serious, but his playful tone made her smile despite her exhaustion.

Liana arrived just as Javier was riding across the open ground on his Pekko, laughter ringing through the air. She immediately noticed Anna, red-faced and panting, struggling to keep her balance against a tree.

"Good work, Anna," Liana said with a warm smile, placing a gentle hand on the young maid's shoulder. "You've done well. You can go back to helping around the manor now."

Anna's face lit up with relief. "Yes, Miss Liana! Thank you!" she said, bowing quickly before scurrying off toward the manor.

Liana sighed, watching Anna disappear around the corner. "Young Master Javier, you're going to scare off all the new maids at this rate," she muttered, shaking her head.

Javier was having a great time riding his Pekko. It squawked happily as it ran fast across the open field. The wind blew through Javier hair, and he laughed loudly, enjoying the ride.

On the edge of the field, Liana watched with her arms crossed. She sighed and said to herself, "Javier and that Pekko are a perfect match for chaos."

She looked at her own Pekko, which was relaxing and eating some grass. "Come" she said, giving it a gentle pat. "Let's show them how to ride properly."

Her Pekko made a soft sound and stood up, fluffing its feathers. Unlike Javier's wild Pekko, Liana's bird was calm and well-behaved. She climbed onto its back easily, and with a little nudge from her heel, her Pekko started to walk.

But instead of running fast, Liana's Pekko walked slowly around the edge of the field. She sat up straight, guiding her bird with ease, her silver hair shining in the sunlight.

Javier noticed her and slowed down, turning back towards her. "Liana! Are you even riding that thing, or is it just taking you for a walk?" he joked with a big smile.

"I like to call it a show of discipline and grace," Liana replied, sounding serious but with a playful glint in her eyes.

Javier laughed and urged his Pekko closer. "Discipline is boring! You're missing all the fun!" he said, spinning his bird around to make his point.

Liana looked at him and his lively Pekko, then at her calm bird. "I think we have very different ideas of 'fun,' Young Master," she chuckled. "At least one of us should look dignified."

Javier leaned forward and patted his Pekko. " What's that? Sounds boring."

Liana's Pekko made a small, dismissive squawked, as if it agreed with her. She smiled slightly. "Let's see who gets tired first—your Pekko or you," she said, playfully challenging him.

Javier grinned. "Oh, it's on!" he shouted, urging his Pekko to run again, racing to the far end of the field.

Liana shook her head again, letting her Pekko continue its slow walk. "Young Master Javier," she said softly, "if energy were money, you could buy the whole kingdom."

( End of Chapter )