Reborn As Noble Chapter 1233: The Boy Who Might Be Gone ( 1233 )

After a long, exhausted sigh from Liana, Gloria—now in her nightclothes—spoke up in a soft voice.

"Liana~" Gloria cooed gently, her voice coaxing. "How about just this once? Let him enjoy himself. The past few days have been tough, and he’s obviously in a better mood now."

From the side, Liana shot her a glare. "You always yield to him. You shield him every time he behaves like this. It doesn’t help at all."

"My~ I seldom shield him, you know~" Gloria teased Liana with a playful glance. "You’re the one who always ends up excusing his actions. I think you spoil him the most."

Another sigh escaped Liana as she directed her strict gaze back toward Javier.

"Alright. Just this once." She looked at Delya. "Go along with Young Master and assist him in washing up."

Delya turned her head away, lips pursed in a pout, and let out a quiet, grumpy hiss. "Hmmph! No. Don’t wanna."

"Eh?" Javier stepped nearer, yet Delya had already slid off the bed, still pouting.

Liana shook her head and gave Javier a playful smirk.

"That’s your reward for tossing her under the carriage before. Now sort it out on your own. I won’t lift a finger."

Javier approached and encircled Delya from behind with his arms, drawing her softly to his chest. "Aw~ Come on. I was only joking, you know~ You love me, don’t you?" He flashed his most enchanting smile, his tone gentle and persuasive.

Delya averted her gaze, her face locked in a deep sulk, avoiding his eyes.

A sheepish smile crossed Javier’s lips as he continued embracing her from behind, then pressed a swift kiss to her cheek. "I’m sorry, alright? My bad~"

Delya kept her arms folded, twisting away once more. "No. Don’t want."

Mimi, still draped in her towel with her tail swishing lightly behind, cocked her head and tapped a finger to her lips.

"Nya? If Delya won’t do it, I can scrub husband’s back."

Delya nibbled her lower lip and shot Mimi a fierce glare. "No! Big Sis allowed me, so it’s my turn!" she snapped.

Liana snapped her fingers against Mimi’s forehead before planting hands on her hips. "You just left the bath, and you want back in already? Do you wish to feel faint from too much time in the hot water?"

"Mou!" Mimi pouted, her tail flicking irritably as she soothed her forehead. "But Delya said she doesn’t want to, didn’t she?"

Felicia let out a breath and shook her head. "Mimi..."

"Nya? What?"

"Sense the atmosphere," Felicia murmured gently, casting Mimi a meaningful glance.

Before Mimi could reply, Delya seized Javier’s hand and tugged him toward the bathroom, halting at Liana’s words.

"Ten minutes."

Javier’s eyes went wide. "Eh? Ten minutes won’t cut it. I won’t even finish washing before hopping into the hot bath!"

"Really?" Liana folded her arms with a smirk. "I’d wager you’re not just aiming to wash your body, huh? Sounds more like... washing something different."

Javier rubbed his cheek with a bashful grin.

Liana breathed out. "Fine. Don’t drag it out. I’ll come check if you’re over thirty minutes."

Meanwhile.

In the Next Building.

Intensive Care Unit Room.

Gracelle beamed at the healer who had taken her empty bowl and glass. She’d eaten a bit of porridge and drunk a full glass of water.

"Umm... thank you."

"You’re welcome, Miss Gracelle. Please rest now and aim for more sleep. Your body’s still healing."

"Okay..." She smiled and eyed the healer once more. "Umm... may I ask something?"

"Yes?" The healer paused and tilted her head.

"Where’s Miss Elf?"

"Hmm..." The healer gazed upward thoughtfully at the ceiling. "I think she’s resting in the next building over. Maybe... not certain. But she’s nearby, I know that."

"Oh." Gracelle nodded and glanced back. "Can I ask one more?"

"Of course, Miss Gracelle. What’s up?"

"Umm... could you tell me where we are?"

"Hmm? Oh. Still in the Mathrias Region, Miss Gracelle."

"Eh? Really? I don’t recognize this building."

"Ah... Our Prince constructed it. You know, the doctor?"

"Really?" Curiosity sparkled in Gracelle’s eyes. "That handsome doctor?"

"Yes." The healer grinned, her gaze turning wistful. "Ah~ Not just handsome and charming, but super talented too~"

"Wow... he’s got tons of fans, doesn’t he?"

"Oh~ You’d be stunned seeing him, Miss Gracelle. Even healers, maids, female officers, and all the staff... we all melt for him. He’s that irresistible."

"He must be too handsome, huh? I haven’t glimpsed his face yet because it was hidden by... umm..." She looked toward the healer, searching for the proper terms. "Whatever shrouded his face and head... along with those garments."

"Ohh~ Miss Gracelle, should you behold his face, you’d surely join his admirers as well~"

A gentle, bashful chuckle escaped Gracelle. "I’m not certain about that. Anyway, there’s another person I’m eager to encounter."

Behind her mask, the healer’s smile widened. "Well, if you’re set on meeting that individual, concentrate on recovering fully and resting plenty. The faster you heal, the quicker you’ll see him."

"Mm~... I’ll do that. I’m dying to feel completely healthy once more."

"You’ll reach that point before long. Simply continue resting and sticking to the treatment regimen."

Gracelle beamed and settled back into her pillow. "Before leaving, may I inquire about one last thing?"

"Of course, Miss Gracelle. What’s on your mind?"

"Umm... forgive my impoliteness, but where do you all hail from?"

"Ah... hasn’t anyone informed you?"

"Mm..." Gracelle pressed her lips together. "Nobody has mentioned it to me."

The healer offered a kind smile. "We come from the Armand Nation."

"Huh?" Gracelle cocked her head, looking baffled. "Armand Nation? Wasn’t Armand merely a territory?"

"Ah... perhaps you’re unaware, but Armand has achieved complete independence and isn’t part of the Human Kingdom anymore. However..." A soft laugh bubbled from the healer. "Truthfully, us folks from Armand never truly viewed ourselves as just a territory beneath the Human Kingdom, even prior to independence. We’ve long upheld our own rules and customs."

"R... really?"

"Indeed. You may not have learned of it, but Armand endured two great wars in the past. Those battles played a key role in making Armand a independent nation today."

Gracelle’s mind whirled chaotically, flooded with dire possibilities.

Does... this imply...

The youth I yearn to meet...

Is... no longer...

Anxiety gripped her heart tightly.

With wars ravaging Armand, what became of the noble Armand lineage? What fate befell Javier’s kin? What if... what if he’s gone forever...

Noticing Gracelle’s sudden quietness, the healer figured she was worn out. "Very well, Miss Gracelle. Unless there’s more you wish to ask, I’ll head out now. Rest easy and good night. Summon us anytime you need something, alright?"

( End Of Chapter )