Reborn As Noble Chapter 1281: Teasing Whisper and a Smirk ( 1281 )
Previously on Reborn As Noble...
Two days have passed, marking the arrival of an early morning in the Elven Nation's Royal Palace.
"Liana~ How do I look?" Gloria asked, twirling to display her high-ranking elven female officer uniform. The attire was both elegant and form-fitting, featuring a finely tailored white and gold tunic adorned with delicate elven embroidery. A snugly fitting dark green corset emphasized her figure, complemented by high-waisted trousers that hugged her hips and thighs before elegantly tapering into polished knee-high boots.
A graceful half-cape cascaded from one shoulder, fastened by a silver brooch bearing the distinct Sylvaris crest. Her hair was styled in a sleek, professional manner, and the addition of her glasses lent an air of undeniable authority.
Liana, in the process of adjusting her own matching officer pants, cast a glance at Gloria and let out a sigh. "Yes, yes... you look good."
Gloria pouted, her lips forming a puckering shape. "Mou! At least offer a proper compliment!"
"Ugh! Stop being annoying and just focus on getting ready!" Liana retorted, her tone sharp. "We have to be in position to watch Young Master from a distance!"
Gloria narrowed her eyes at Liana. "It’s not like anything will happen to Young Master while he’s in disguise. Did you see how perfect his disguise is? Even the beggar outfit looks real. He even made his hair look messy and his posture slightly hunched. He’s a master at this."
Liana shot Gloria a sharp sideways glance. "That’s not what I’m worried about! We both know he’s stronger than both of us combined, or even his whole harem. No, that’s not what I’m worried about!"
"Hmm?" Gloria tilted her head, her expression one of curiosity. "Then what are you worried about?"
"The elven girls around! Especially the younger ones! Didn’t you see how he looks? Even in that disguise, with his ruffled hair and that rugged, unkempt look, he’s still more charming than most elven men!"
Gloria offered Liana a sly smile, her voice dropping into a teasing purr. "Arara~ Where’s the Liana who said she wasn’t jealous anymore?"
Liana responded with a sharp, hard glare before crossing her arms. "That only applies to my co-wives! Not other girls! And besides, you forgot Young Master still has one more slot to complete the seven wives before his heart closes to others. The Elyria Dance binds us all, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to let some random elven girl try to sneak her way in before the circle is complete."
"Ah... right." Gloria tapped her chin thoughtfully, her gaze drifting upwards. "Well, I don’t think that’ll be a problem. Elven girls aren’t really easy to fall for humans or other races. They’re quite reserved."
"That was before! But ever since the alliance with Armand, elves have become more open to people from Armand. And Young Master has everything an elven girl could want, tall, perfectly built, not too bulky but with a lean, muscular frame, more handsome than most elven men, and that charming voice of his could melt any girl’s heart in seconds."
"Ah..." Gloria’s eyes widened as the realization dawned upon her that Liana was correct. "That’s... actually true."
"Now finish getting ready so we can watch him. And don’t forget, we still have to travel to the border town, which takes more than a day by horse. Luckily, the Armand Pekko transport is always available. We can borrow a Pekko and reach the northern Elven border town from the palace in just two to three hours."
Gloria shook her head, readjusting her collar once more and glancing into the mirror. She checked her pointed ears, ensuring they appeared natural, and nudged her glasses into place with a nod of satisfaction.
Liana bit her lower lip, her expression etched with tension as she observed Gloria’s relaxed demeanor.
"Ugh! Gloria!"
"W... what? I was just checking to see if everything was perfect." Gloria turned to face her, a hint of confusion clouding her eyes. "What’s with the rush?"
Liana clenched her fists, her voice sharp. "I already said before, we have to get moving! We can’t just stand here all day!"
Gloria shook her head and let out a soft chuckle. "You didn’t notice I’m wearing the mana glasses? I’m currently checking on Young Master right now. And chill, Liana. With the Sky Eye view, I can watch him anytime. Besides, we both have these and the mana talkie. We can contact him and watch him whenever we want."
Liana shot her a sharp sideways glare. "But that won’t stop any girl from approaching him! And don’t forget, Gloria, elven girls are pretty!"
"Okay, okay! Sheesh." Gloria rolled her eyes, adjusting her boot. "If you put on your own mana glasses right now, you’d see Young Master is sleeping on the side of the road again, with his orange pekko, Buddy. With how relaxed and carefree he looks, I’m sure no elven girl is going to approach him."
"Doesn’t matter. We leave now."
Liana acknowledged with a slight nod towards the elven staff who had been aiding them. The elven attendant responded with a graceful and respectful bow, her voice resonating with the melodic elegance of the elven tongue.
"May the stars illuminate your path, Star Daughter."
Liana paused, exhaling softly.
It feels rather peculiar to be addressed by such a title.
Ever since my father was appointed as the King of the Elven Nation, I've been officially recognized as a princess of the royal bloodline. However, I still haven't quite grown accustomed to it. Having spent the majority of my life as a maid, diligently serving the Young Master, being called 'Star Daughter' or 'Princess' still feels profoundly unfamiliar.
Gloria, who was trailing behind her, let out a gentle laugh, her voice dropping into a teasing whisper.
"Is something amiss, Star Daughter~?"
"Ugh! Cease that, Gloria. Do not forget that your father is Aunt Mylezra’s first cousin. This makes you a relative of the Elven royal family as well."
"Indeed~ However, I am not a direct descendant like you, thus I do not bear such an esteemed title." Gloria smirked, adjusting her spectacles. "Besides, I rather like being addressed as 'Lady Gloria.' It possesses a certain charm, wouldn't you agree?"
Liana returned the smirk, her gaze fixed upon the grand entrance as she continued her stride.
"Remember, we are both destined to marry the Young Master in the future. This implies you too shall receive the princess title, whether you currently desire it or not."
"Well then~ I am aware that I will attain that title subsequent to wedding our Young Master, given his status as a prince of Armand, but that is post-nuptials. Not at this present moment, Star Daughter~" Gloria quipped, her tone laced with playfulness.
Liana disregarded her remark and reached for the main door handle.
Yet, before her fingers could make contact, the door swung open from the opposite side.
Liana halted, compelling herself to suppress a sigh.
"Liana?"
"Yes, Mother..."
"My esteemed child~" Viessa stood before her, a delicate elven fan held gracefully in her hand. She gently waved it as she spoke, her voice soft yet firm. "Are you departing without partaking in a proper breakfast with your family? Hmm? Even your elder sisters, Azariah, Qamara, and Enania, are eager for your presence."