Reborn As Noble Chapter 1257: A Chilling, Sweet Smile ( 1257 )

Liana shot Gloria a fierce look.

"You're staying with me to keep her company."

"Wha... what?" Gloria's laughter ceased, and she turned to Liana with a questioning gaze.

"Don't 'what' me. Hmm? Since she's soon to be Young Master's sixth wife, it's only fitting that we, as co-wives, welcome her, help her integrate, and assist her in adjusting. You're not escaping this duty."

Gloria opened her mouth to object, but Liana's sharp stare silenced her. She knew arguing was futile, as Liana was undeniably correct.

"Fine..." Gloria sighed softly and then looked at Gracelle, who was engrossed in watching the wedding broadcast on the Holo screen. "So, that means we should just enjoy the celebration and eat together here while watching the ceremony?"

"Mm," Liana confirmed with a nod. "But this young lady here still can't have anything heavy. Tell the chef to prepare some porridge for her."

Gracelle's eyes widened, and she turned pleading eyes towards Liana.

"Ehh? Can I at least have something delicious? Like meat?"

Liana crossed her arms, fixing Gracelle with a stern glare. "No. Your body isn't yet capable of digesting heavy foods. The doctor's instructions are quite explicit. You will continue with light meals until your stomach is strong enough to handle more."

"B-but..." Gracelle looked away, mumbling under her breath, "Isn't the doctor... Javier..."

Liana gracefully stood and moved towards the table, assisting Gloria with the food arrangements.

"Yes, the doctor is Javier De Armand. And even if the doctor is the Young Master himself, his word is absolute. He issued those directives for your own benefit, to ensure a complete recovery. You must adhere to his guidance until he permits you to consume heavier meals."

She glanced back over her shoulder, fixing Gracelle with an intimidating, chilling stare.

"If you dare to sneak any food or insist on eating something that could jeopardize your health, I will ensure the Young Master is informed."

Liana paused, then turned fully to face Gracelle, a sweet yet unnerving smile gracing her lips.

"And if he discovers you are being defiant and disregarding his medical advice, I might just mention that you may not be a suitable candidate for a wife after all. Someone who cannot follow simple instructions for their own recovery is hardly fit to join our ranks, wouldn't you agree?"

Gracelle's eyes widened in alarm, and she hastily shook her head.

"N-no! I'll listen! I promise!"

"Mm, good girl," Liana responded, returning to the table with a satisfied smile.

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Mimi's head peeked in.

"Nya?" Her grin widened instantly upon spotting Liana. "Eheheh~ Big Sis~" Mimi giggled before bounding inside and hugging Liana's side, her tail swishing with delight.

Liana let out a sigh, continuing to arrange the food. "What is it now, Mimi? Why aren't you at the wedding venue?"

"Nya?" Mimi placed a finger on her chin, looking up with a thoughtful pout. "Nee-sama is there, but the wedding vows are taking forever and are quite dull. So..." Mimi's tail swayed lazily. "I got bored. Plus, Big Sis wasn't there."

Liana sighed again. "So... how did you find me?"

"Oh," Mimi grinned sheepishly. "I smelled the roast meat and your special sauce. Ehehehe~"

Gloria let out a soft chuckle. "I believe there's a buffet at the wedding venue, Mimi, with all sorts of food, from meats to fruits. You could have eaten there."

"Nya? Yes, but it felt boring without everyone else present." Mimi glanced up at Liana while still clinging to her waist. "Nee~ nee~ Big Sis. Why aren't you attending the wedding?"

Liana released a weary sigh and looked from Mimi to Gracelle. "It's because she insisted I stay with her."

"Ooh~" Mimi turned her head, glancing at Gracelle on the bed who was still captivated by the screen, then looked back at Liana.

"Nee~ nee~ Big Sis."

"What is it now?"

"She didn't find listening to and watching the lengthy ceremony boring? The High Priest's sermon is so slow and solemn... I couldn't endure it for more than five minutes!"

Liana smiled, completing the arrangement of dishes on the large table. "Who knows? Besides, she has just recovered after being bedridden for years. This is likely her first time experiencing a Holo screen or any form of live entertainment like this. To her, everything is new and exciting, even a protracted wedding ceremony."

"Ohhhh~" Mimi pursed her lips, her eyes now fixated on the generous portions of meat on the table. She licked her lips, her hand already reaching out towards it.

But Liana's hand intercepted hers with a sharp slap.

"Eeeppp!" Mimi snatched her hand back, rubbing the spot where Liana had struck her. "Nyaaa!"

Liana gave her a stern glare. "Did you wash your hands?"

Mimi rubbed the back of her head, offering a sheepish grin. "I didn't touch anything unclean on my way here. Ehehe~"

"Absolutely not. You are no longer a mere child, Mimi. You have already shared a bed with the Young Master and are now counted among his fiancées. You must conduct yourself like a proper lady. Now, go wash your hands before you partake in any food."

Mimi’s tail drooped slightly before she turned and made her way towards the restroom. "Mou!"

Liana cast a glance at Mimi, who was slowly heading to the restroom, and inquired, "Where is Delya?"

Mimi paused her steps and looked up, pondering for a moment. "Umm... I believe she is still at the wedding ceremony, nya?"

Gloria narrowed her eyes and adjusted her spectacles. "Do not tell me you departed without informing her?"

"Nya? Mimi grew bored with the lengthy speeches, so Mimi simply left the area, nya."

Liana let out another prolonged sigh. "You were expected to attend as the representative of the Beastkin delegation. As a princess, your presence was considered essential."

"Eh? But Nee-sama is also present. So, I do not think there is any problem, nya?"

"Ara~ It seems someone is about to receive a stern scolding from her sister later on," Gloria remarked with a playful smile.

Liana shook her head resolutely. "I will not be covering for you this time, Mimi."

"Eh!!?" Mimi darted towards Liana and embraced her from the front, looking up with puckered lips, her tail swaying in a desperate manner. "Please, Big Sis! Just this once! I promise I will behave properly next time!"

"No. I cannot perpetually shield you from the consequences, Mimi."

"But..." She pursed her lips, her eyes beginning to glisten. "Big Sis always covers for Husband, nya. Why can't you do the same for me?"

Liana met Mimi’s gaze, then shifted her eyes to Gloria.

"Ara~ Do not involve me in this. " Gloria raised her hands in a gesture of surrender. "You are the one who consistently spoils all your co-wives, so do not express surprise when they seek your assistance."

Liana released another long, weary exhale.

Why must I endure this situation?

Why are all my co-wives so(thing) like this?

My duty was supposed to be serving my future husband, attending to his every need, and supporting him as his first wife. Not acting as a babysitter for a gaggle of grown women who behave like children.

She pressed her fingers to her forehead and glanced at Mimi, who remained fixed on her, her wide, pleading eyes never wavering.

"Just go wash your hands now, and we shall eat shortly thereafter."

Mimi’s ears perked up instantly, and her eyes sparkled with sheer delight. "Okay, nya~!ootnotemark[1]"