Reborn As Noble Chapter 1236: Before the Stairs ( 1236 )

"Again?"

Having just wrapped up dinner with the group, Liana halted in the corridor right before the staircase. Gloria and the others lingered at the base of the stairs, peering up at the spot where Liana stood alongside Juria, the latter now curved in a polite yet jittery bow.

Juria glued her gaze to the ground, twitching faintly while dodging Liana’s stern visage.

"I... I’m sorry, Miss Liana... but... the patient... umm... requests your presence... again."

Liana rolled her eyes, released a fatigued sigh, then nibbled her lower lip while fixing a sharp glare on her.

"What is it she wants this time?"

Juria quivered, bearing the heavy pressure of Liana’s stare despite no direct intimidation from her.

"U... um... she said... she has something she urgently... umm... wants to ask. She says she needs to... umm... confirm something with you, Miss Liana."

Liana heaved yet another drawn-out sigh, folded her arms, and shook her head in dismay.

"That’s what Kalea said before. Saying she needed to confirm something, and yet when I got there, all she did was chat. Sigh... what a troublesome patient." Liana pinched the bridge of her nose.

From a short distance away, Gloria simply smirked.

Felicia leaned close and murmured to her. "Big Sis Liana is scary. Look at how nervous that girl is."

"Oh, hush, Felicia. That’s just how Liana always is."

Mimi cocked her head. "Nya? Isn’t it the same with you, Nee-sama? Back at the Royal Palace, you were always strict about rules, regulations, and everything. Even the maids’ dresses had to be perfect, or you’d scold them."

Felicia’s eyes bulged as she shot a glare at Mimi. "I don’t think I was that bad..."

Mimi let out a giggle, darting around to duck behind Gloria while flicking her tongue at Felicia. "Nyaaa~ You were always like that!"

She thrust out her chest, aping Felicia’s stance and voice with over-the-top gravity.

"’That maid’s dress is improperly pressed! The hem is crooked! And you there! Soldier! Your armor is dull! Do you think shining the metal every morning is optional? It is a reflection of your discipline!’"

Felicia’s eye twitched. Her face morphed from irritation into a far more majestic demeanor, the icy, honed command of a princess seasoned in upholding order.

She advanced a step, her tone sinking to a controlled, noble cadence, every syllable sharp like a dagger.

"Let us be perfectly clear, Mimi. A royal household does not function on goodwill and good intentions alone. It functions on discipline. When a maid presents herself before the throne with a wrinkled collar and dust upon her hem, she does not merely embarrass herself, she insults the crown she serves. When a soldier’s armor bears a single tarnish, it signals to every foreign envoy that our standards have slipped. That we are lax. That we are complacent."

She drew in a breath, raising her chin.

"And I shall not permit such complacency under my watch. The Beastkin Royal Palace did not earn its reputation through leniency. It earned it through excellence. Every fold of fabric, every polished buckle, every precisely measured bow, these are not trivialities. They are the threads that weave the dignity of a nation. To neglect them is to unravel that dignity, thread by thread, until nothing remains but chaos and shame."

She glared at Mimi, who was now cowering behind Gloria.

"And you, Mimi. Don’t forget you are also a princess. The youngest daughter of our proud father and mother, who are also a cherished friend of our future father-in-law. The way you speak, the way you carry yourself, it reflects not just on you, but on our entire family. A princess must embody grace, poise, and dignity in every word and gesture. She does not slouch, she does not whine, and she certainly does not hide behind others when confronted. She stands tall, speaks with grace, and meets every gaze with the dignity her title demands."

She paused, smoothing the sleeve of her elegant princess-style pajamas with refined poise.

"Just look at how the Armand maids, staff, soldiers, and officers carry themselves. Everyone we have met in the Armand Estate conducts themselves with discipline and pride. Their uniforms are immaculate, their manners are flawless, and their dedication is unwavering. They do not need constant reminders because they hold themselves to the highest standard. That is what I expect from myself. And that is what I expect from those around me."

She narrowed her eyes a touch.

"Just look at our Big Sis Liana. And Gloria. See how they carry themselves with grace and authority. They do not need to raise their voices to command respect. Their presence alone demands it."

She paused, holding her gaze firm.

"Indeed, I was strict. And I offer no apologies for it. A princess who fails to demand the highest standards from her household is no true princess, merely a girl sporting a crown she hasn't earned. As the future bride of the Prince of Armand, it's our duty to maintain that standard—not only for ourselves, but for the honor of our husband and the nation he'll one day rule."

Mimi blinked, edging back further behind Gloria, peeking out just a little while dodging Felicia’s intense gaze.

"Mou! I was just saying, nya! No need to be so strict..."

Gloria let out a soft chuckle and shook her head.

"It’s been ages since we witnessed that side of you, Felicia. The true princess of the Beastkin Royal Palace."

Right as Felicia prepared to say more, Liana approached and positioned herself before them, releasing a gentle sigh.

"Gloria, you and the rest should go rest now."

"Hmm?" Gloria cocked her head and looked at Liana. "You’re not heading to bed?"

"Not yet. That girl’s calling for me again. I’m curious what she wants this time."

Gloria grinned and shook her head.

Liana tilted her head in bewilderment upon spotting Mimi concealed behind Gloria. She then directed her gaze at Mimi before sighing once more.

"Felicia?"

Felicia pivoted and curtsied elegantly. "Yes, Big Sis?"

"Don’t argue too much, and try to unwind a bit. I like the gentler Felicia we knew from the day you joined our family."

Felicia’s face softened into a smile. "I’ll do my best, Big Sis. Old habits are tough to break, but I’ll make an effort to be more... relaxed."

"Mm, good. I’m off to the next building, so you all go upstairs first, alright?"

"Mm... we’ll head out now, Liana."

"Mm..." Liana scanned the area. "Where’s Young Master?"

"Ah? Him?" Gloria chuckled lightly. "He mentioned wanting to check on Buddy. When we offered to come along, he told us not to bother, saying it wouldn’t take long."

"This late?" Liana’s eyes widened as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Sigh. Young Master’s always like that. He can’t sleep without seeing his Pekko at least once before bed. It’s his nightly ritual." She paused. "So where’s Delya?"

Gloria smiled. "She was picking out a chocolate jar that Lady Mother showed her. She might still be chatting with her over hot chocolate."

"Oh. Alright. I’m heading out now. Don’t wait up. I’ll look in on Young Master first before visiting that girl."

( End Of Chapter )