Reborn As Noble

”I love you too, Mother~” Javier replied, his voice warm and sincere as he hugged her back.

Nearby, Garius stood with his usual stoic demeanor, his sharp gaze fixed on Javier as he waited by the carriage. Though he didnʼt express his emotions as openly as Francesca, there was a weight of care in his commanding presence.

”Javier,” Garius called, his voice firm.

”Yes, Esteemed Father!” Javier responded immediately, standing upright.

”Donʼt cause too much trouble. And when school ends and the blessing ceremony is complete, make sure to go home. No detours.”

”Yes, Esteemed Father!” Javier replied with a grin, though he inwardly wondered if he could sneak in a tiny detour.

Garius then turned his attention to Liana and Gloria, who were standing nearby. ”Liana, Gloria.”

”Yes, my lord?” they answered in unison, bowing respectfully.

”Keep an eye on him,” Garius ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.

”As you command, my lord,” they replied, both stealing a glance at Javier, who was already plotting his next mischief.

Finally, Garius addressed Marcellus and Cedric, his eldest sons. ”Marcellus, Cedric.”

”Yes, Esteemed Father!” they replied together, their postures straight and attentive.

”Donʼt cause too much trouble and stay focused on your mission,” Garius reminded them, referring to their task of monitoring the summoned heroes.

”Yes, Esteemed Father!” they answered, though quick side glances at each other hinted at mischief waiting to unfold.

Francesca chuckled softly, watching the exchange. ”Haaa... boys will be boys,” she muttered, ruffling Javierʼs hair one last time before stepping toward the carriage. ”Be good, honey bun~”

Javier darted toward the carriages with a mischievous grin, moving swiftly as he pretended to playfully run around each of the nine carriages. In reality, he was silently activating his most powerful barrier skill—capable of withstanding even a dragonʼs breath—by discreetly touching each carriage as he passed.

”Ehehehehehe...” he chuckled under his breath, enjoying his little secret.

”Honey bun?” Francesca called, her voice curious yet affectionate. ”What are you doing?”

”Nothing, Mother~” Javier replied, flashing her his most innocent grin. ”Ehehehehehe...”

Francesca raised an eyebrow, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips, but she decided not to press further. ”Haaa... that cheeky boy of mine,” she muttered to herself, shaking her head fondly.

Meanwhile, Liana, watching from the side, narrowed her eyes slightly. ”Young Master... what are you up to now?” she thought but said nothing, deciding to wait and see what mischief her young master had planned.

Gloria simply smirked. ”Ara, I wonder what our young master is plotting this time,” she mused, folding her arms and watching Javier with amusement.

”Francesca! Garius! Are you going to leave me behind?!” Eridith shouted as she rushed out of the house, panting heavily.

Francesca turned toward her, a playful smile on her face. ”Tehe~ Weʼre still waiting for you, Eridith.”

”I didnʼt even have my breakfast yet!” Eridith huffed, folding her arms.

”Ugh... just hold it until we pass the capital city border,” Garius muttered, already stepping into the carriage with his usual composed demeanor.

”Fine!” Eridith grumbled before her eyes landed on Javier, who was running around touching each carriage with a mischievous grin.

Inside her mind, Eridith mused, ”Oho~ This kid really has potential, huh? No wonder heʼs the son of Garius and Francesca.”

But before she could think further, the carriages began to move. She noticed Francesca giving her a sly grin from inside the lead carriage.

”Francescaaaaaa!!! Donʼt leave me!” Eridith screamed, breaking into a sprint to catch up as the carriages rolled forward.

Francesca leaned out slightly, her grin widening. ”Haaa... hurry up, Eridith, or we really will leave you behind!”

”You wouldnʼt dare!” Eridith shouted, a mix of indignation and panic in her voice as she managed to catch up and climb aboard, muttering under her breath about breakfast and sly best friends.

Javier stood still, his mischievous grin fading as he watched the carriages begin to move. His mother leaned out slightly, waving at him with a warm smile. He bit his lip, trying hard to hold back the tears welling up in his eyes.

Nearby, Marcellus openly displayed his emotions, tears streaming down his face as he sniffled quietly. Cedric turned away sharply, pretending to adjust his collar, but his trembling shoulders betrayed his attempt to hide his feelings.