Reborn As Noble

Javier sighed as he finished tying his robe, then stepped out of the steam-filled chamber, following his brothers into the corridor.

"Alright, little brother, don't be late. Or you'll be in trouble. Heh." Marcellus smirked, his tone playful.

But then he straightened his back, his face shifting into a mock-serious expression. His voice deepened, perfectly imitating their father.

"Javier… why are you late? Hmm? Do you not understand that a noble's lateness is not measured in minutes, but in respect? That a single delay can unravel trust, stain reputation, and shame the house? A ruler who arrives late arrives unprepared, and a man unprepared invites disaster."

Cedric stepped forward, shaking his head. "No, Marcellus. It's not like that. It's like this."

He adjusted his posture.

Straight back, shoulders square, one hand tucked neatly behind him. With his other hand, he rubbed his chin in slow, deliberate strokes. His face shifted into a mask of stern calm, and when he spoke, his tone carried weight.

"Javier… do you not understand? A man who is late is a man who disrespects not only those who wait, but also the value of time itself. Time, unlike gold or land, cannot be bought, borrowed, or reclaimed. Once lost, it is gone forever. To waste it through tardiness is to insult those who gave you theirs. And in the eyes of nobles, where trust is currency, lateness is not a mistake, it is a declaration of carelessness. And carelessness leads to ruin."

The corridor fell into silence.

Javier stared at him, lips parting slightly.

"…Damn. I thought one whole lecture was enough, and now both of you really continue like him?" He sighed, dragging a hand over his face.

Marcellus smirked proudly, while Cedric only gave a faint, dignified nod, clearly satisfied with his performance.

Aelius chuckled softly, covering his mouth. Heres just smiled, shaking his head in quiet amusement.

"Ahem… hmm… hmm…"

The clearing of a throat froze them all in place. Panic flashed across the brothers' faces as they turned.

Standing at the end of the corridor was none other than the head butler.

Mister Alf.

He adjusted his gloves with calm precision.

"It seems everyone is in good spirits today?"

"Ah… Alf… err…" Marcellus tried to speak, but the words tangled in his throat.

Alf's gaze moved from one to the other, lingering just long enough to make each of them straighten.

"It's good to see everyone taking serious in life lesson."

Inside Javier's mind, he groaned.

Ah… there it goes. Another lecture, from Father's most loyal man.

Alf's voice was calm, but every word pressed down with authority.

"Remember this, all of you. Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. You may delay, but time will not. It flows forward, whether you keep pace or stumble behind."

The corridor was silent, only his voice echoing.

"Time lingers long enough for those who use it well. But squander it, and it abandons you. A man who dares waste even an hour has not yet discovered the worth of life. Better to be three hours too early than a single minute too late."

Alf adjusted his cuffs, his tone sharpening.

"Your time is limited, and so is your opportunity. Do not waste it trying to live by another man's shadow, or another man's life. One who truly values time prepares early, acts decisively, and stays ahead. That is how Armand endures. That is how you must endure."

He exhaled softly, letting the weight of his words sink in before giving a final nod.

"Now go. Prepare yourselves ahead. Those who understand the value of time… are the ones who will be ready when it matters most."

Everyone stiffened, bowing slightly in unison the moment Alf gave his own short bow before moving past them, heading toward their father's room with calm, measured steps.

Only when his presence faded from sight did Javier lean closer, whispering through clenched teeth.

"This is because of you two. Damn you, Marcellus, Cedric. Because you decided to imitate Father, now we all got another lecture."

"Ugh!" Marcellus hissed back, scratching the back of his neck. "I didn't know that scary man was standing there."

"Yeah!" Cedric added quickly. "If we'd known, we wouldn't have done it."

Heres only shook his head slowly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Aelius just sighed, shoulders slumping as though carrying the weight of two hopeless older brothers.

"How about another lecture, hmm, brothers?" Javier muttered with a sly smirk.

Marcellus groaned, waving him off.

"Heh… and what next? Erinnette comes to lecture us too? No thanks. The head of all maids is scarier than Father when she wants to be."

Cedric shuddered dramatically, lowering his voice.

"Yesh… scary. Despite being the hottest maid alive when she's not disguising herself as an old woman… Mister Alf's wife is terrifying."

The brothers nodded almost together, the memory of Erinnette's sharp tone and sharper glare flashing in their minds.

Javier felt a chill crawl up his spine.

Yeah. Better not jinx it. If she shows up now, we're dead.

Meanwhile…

Inside Javier's room, the atmosphere was heavy with embarrassment.

Felicia, Mimi, Delya, and Ferine all sat stiffly on the edge of the wide bed, their faces burning red. None of them dared meet each other's eyes after the "explanation" they had just received.

Standing before them, Liana and Gloria looked calm.

"So… do you all understand now?" Liana asked, her tone gentle but firm.

Gloria adjusted her glasses.

"A girl does not get pregnant from a kiss or a hug. Those are only gestures of affection. But…" Her voice softened, carrying a more serious edge. "…those gestures can lead to the act that does result in it."

All four of the younger girls nodded furiously, their ears red, shoulders shrinking inward.

Delya hugged her pillow tight, mumbling, "I really thought… every kiss… meant a baby…"

Felicia pressed a hand to her temple, sighing deeply. "Mother's words were… far too vague."

And Ferine, her cheeks flushed, could only mumble, "…no wonder my brother never explained anything."

Liana exhaled slowly, her smile faint but edged. "Good. At least you now understand the basics."

"So… any of you two done it with Javier?" Mimi asked innocently, her tail swishing lazily as she leaned forward.

The room froze.

Liana coughed into her hand, her composure flickering. Gloria adjusted her glasses.

"So you did do it? Did you two get pregnant?" she asked again, voice soft but relentless in its purity.

Liana and Gloria exchanged a look, their minds racing, both thinking desperately how to respond without causing chaos.

Then.

A soft knock on the door.

The sound at the door hit like a divine rescue.

Inside both Liana and Gloria's minds came the same thought at once.

SAFE!!!

Liana gracefully rose, smoothing her dress before heading to the door. She opened it with perfect composure, expecting her Young Master to be standing there.

Instead…

"Ah! Mrs. Erinnette!"

Both Liana and Gloria bowed politely at once, their relief swallowed by a fresh wave of tension.

( End Of Chapter )