Reborn As Noble

Fransesca continued standing by the window, a soft breeze brushing against her hair as she gently clasped her hands together.

A small, amused smile curved her lips.

"Hmm~ I wonder what my honey bun will say…" she whispered to herself, her voice tender and playful.

She turned her gaze toward the distant gate, imagining her youngest son—her sweet Javier—returning from his latest mission, carefree and full of that usual roguish confidence. That boy who always tried to act composed, only to get flustered whenever she teased him or pinched his cheeks.

Her smile widened into a mischievous smirk.

"Honey bun's reaction when he sees his brother brought two Lithias home…"

"Oh my… he'll be speechless. Maybe even jealous."

She walked over to her chair and sat down gracefully, resting her chin on her palm.

"Marcellus… I thought you were the most proper of the three," she said with a sigh, shaking her head lightly. "One lover was already surprising. But now, to bring back both the maid and her mother… and looking exactly alike, no less."

She leaned back and looked up at the ceiling, letting out a long, slow sigh.

"I don't mind, really… but mother and daughter? You made quite the bold move, my dear eldest."

Then, with a small chuckle and a knowing look in her eyes—

"Well… I can't wait to see my little honey bun's face. He always thought he had the upper hand when it came to love... Oh, what a delicious surprise this will be~"

Fransesca smiled with the elegance of a noblewoman, the heart of a mother, and the humor of someone who knew exactly how her sons thought.

Knock knock.

"Come in,"

The door opened, and Erisa stepped in with a soft bow.

"My lady," she began, her tone polite but with a faint trace of urgency. "There's a message from the Armand border town."

Fransesca finally turned around, one brow gently raised.

"Hmm?"

Erisa straightened. "Young Master Javier is on his way back here. The guards at the border confirmed it via mana talkie."

Fransesca's eyes lit up, her fingers lightly brushing her cheek.

"Oh~ my little honey bun is coming home?" Her voice carried a mix of excitement and amusement.

"Yes, my lady. He's traveling with Miss Liana and Miss Gloria. They're expected to arrive within the next hour."

Fransesca chuckled softly, her earlier thoughts rekindling with delight. "Perfect timing. Just in time for family reunion… and to witness his older brother's grand mess."

She stood up slowly, brushing down her elegant dress. "Make sure the kitchen prepares something warm for my honey bun~."

"Yes, my lady."

"And Erisa," Fransesca added, her tone dipping into a playful seriousness, "have someone discreetly inform me once he's past the main gate. I'd like to personally greet my mischievous son..."

Erisa bowed again. "Understood."

Fransesca smiled.

Once Javier arrived at the gate of the Armand estate, the guards stationed there immediately straightened. The mana-crystal lights installed around the estate made it easy to clearly see his approach.

"Ah, Young Master! Welcome back," one guard greeted, snapping to attention.

Javier, sitting calmly atop Buddy, raised a hand casually. "Hmm. At ease."

"Yes, Young Master," the guards replied respectfully, relaxing their posture.

Javier guided Buddy slowly toward the open courtyard, savoring the familiar sights. He took a deep breath, eyes softening in nostalgic relief.

"Ah… It's been so long," he murmured softly, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. "I really missed home."

Sliding smoothly down from Buddy, Javier patted the big bird affectionately.

"All right, Buddy. Back to your pen."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy squawked cheerfully and dashed off with exuberant speed, closely followed by Pikko and Peanut, who chirped happily as they vanished toward the Pekko pens.

Behind him, Liana and Gloria gracefully following Javier as he gazed fondly at his home, illuminated by gentle mana-crystal lights beneath the calm night sky.

Javier sighed contentedly, stretching slightly.

"It's been way too long since I've been home…"

His eyes sparkled playfully.

"Hehe~ I can't wait to sleep in my own bed tonight…"

Javier slowly walked toward the main doors of the Armand manor, his steps calm and steady. Behind him, Liana and Gloria followed with their usual grace, silent yet ever-watchful of their young master.

He reached for the grand door handles and turned back slightly, offering both of them a small smile.

Inside, the entrance hall was quiet….

Sitting elegantly on the couch, waiting with a poised cup of tea in hand, was a vision of beauty and dignity—no, not just a beautiful woman.

His mother.

Lady Fransesca.

She sat like a queen, surrounded by her own personal elite battle maids. Their presence was silent, eyes sharp, but none dared interrupt the moment as she set the teacup aside.

Her gaze softened.

"Honey bun~" she called gently, her voice sweet and affectionate. "Welcome home."

Javier blinked, caught off guard.

"Mother… I'm home."

Fransesca didn't wait another second. She lifted a hand and beckoned him closer. "Come here, honey bun~"

"…Ah."

He stepped forward, unsure what awaited him.

In one swift motion, she grabbed his wrist and pulled.

"Mmph!!" Javier flailed slightly as his face was buried deep into her soft embrace.

"There, there~" she cooed lovingly, pressing his face tighter into her chest. "My honey bun is home~ Mama missed you so much~"

Her voice was serene… dangerously soothing.

Behind them, Liana and Gloria quietly stepped to the side.

"Mmmph!! Mmmph!!" Javier struggled, voice muffled against her chest.

"My~ my~..." Fransesca giggled gently, not loosening her grip in the slightest. "My honey bun's growing even more handsome than his brothers… look at you~" She tightened the embrace, pressing his cheek closer with a soft squish. "Now tell me, honey bun~ did you miss your mama?"

"Mmmph—!"

"Ah ah ah," she sang sweetly. "Don't resist~ You know how much I missed my baby boy~ I haven't hugged you properly in so long… look how tall and strong you've gotten—really, who told you to grow up so fast?"

Still cradling him with terrifying affection, she turned her warm—but sharp—gaze toward the two girls standing nearby.

"Liana. Gloria."

"Yes, Lady Fransesca," they both responded in perfect unison, bowing gracefully despite the faint tremble in their voices.

"Prepare my honey bun's bed. Fluff the pillows, warm the sheets. I want everything perfect for my darling boy's first night home."

"Understood."

As they walked off toward the hallway, they glanced back once.

Javier's arms were flailing helplessly.

Fransesca smiled, humming softly as if everything in the world was finally right again.

( End Of Chapter )