Reborn As Noble Chapter 3 Bliss Interrupted ( 3 )

"Yoshi, yoshi… what a fine little fellow," Francesca murmured while holding me close in her embrace, softly rubbing my back. Her gentle tone enveloped me like a cozy quilt, causing my small form to unwind entirely.

Ahhh, this sensation is wonderful. Utterly wonderful.

I looked up at her visage, her stunning allure shining brightly in the room's gentle illumination. Her flowing, curly locks surrounded her refined traits, and her warm grin made me sense that I had indeed been reborn into a heavenly realm.

First, the deity of loveliness nourishes me, and now she holds me tight. This is ecstasy… absolute ecstasy. Ehehehe.

My infant mind struggled with the intense delight. I emitted a tiny chuckle, nestling nearer to Francesca. This is the pinnacle. I've reached the height of existence. No rebirth could surpass this.

Yet suddenly, like a dark cloud drifting across a clear sky, a voice shattered my joyful instant.

"Madam Francesca, could I take him for a moment?"

That tone… NOOOOOO!!!

I knew that sound right away. The smooching fiend. The demon. Marita.

My whole frame stiffened, and I released a faint, distressed whine. No! Not her! Mama, angel, deity—keep her away from me! Only lovely women! Lovely women EXCLUSIVELY!

Francesca glanced at Marita with a faint grin, apparently oblivious to my inner turmoil. "Ah, Marita, no need to fret. You can proceed with your duties for the time being."

I stiffened, shock flooding through me.

Hold on… what?

Marita blinked, her palms suspended in the air. "Oh… are you certain, Madam Francesca? I wouldn't object to cradling him briefly."

NO! Absolutely not! No invitation extended! Your presence isn't required!

Francesca dismissed her with a light gesture. "Truly, it's okay. I'm relishing this moment with my dear Javier. Handle your other responsibilities."

YEEEESSS!!! Glorious triumph! You got that, smooch beast? Depart! Begone! Begone! Hope the door swings back at you! Ehehe! Had I been able, I'd have raised my fists triumphantly.

Marita exhaled, her posture drooping a touch. "As you wish, Madam…"

She pivoted and exited the chamber, though she cast one final yearning look my way. I trembled.

Exactly! Keep moving! Out of view, out of thought! Ehehehe!

Francesca laughed quietly, drawing me nearer while she sang a melody. My prior alarm dissolved, supplanted by the soothing warmth of her hold.

I'm secure. I'm cherished. I'm nestled in a deity's arms. Existence is splendid once more.

Francesca beamed down at me, unaware of my mental chatter. "What has you so thrilled, little one?" she whispered, caressing my cheek.

Nothing much, Francesca. Merely the happiness of dodging disaster and coming back to paradise—precisely in your embrace.

Yet inwardly, I realized this wouldn't be my final encounter with Marita. The smooch fiend was tenacious, and she'd come back sooner or later. For the moment, however, I cherished each instant under Francesca's watchful eye, promising to value this tranquility while it endured.

--

The chamber was faintly illuminated, immersed in the mild radiance of moonlight seeping past the elaborate drapes. I rested in the infant bed, fully alert. The night's hush ought to have been calming… yet something felt amiss.

What noise is that?

A gentle, steady patting echo resounded softly across the space, paired with subdued chuckles and… clear groans.

Wait… hang on…

Dawning struck me abruptly.

Ugh, seriously!? REALLY, YOU WRETCHED WRINKLED FRUIT!?

How could you lay hands on my deity in that manner!?

Indeed, him. Lord Garius. My supposed sire in this realm. The fellow who—through some baffling twist of fortune—succeeded in wedding the luminous Francesca, even though he was, frankly… a withered prune.

My minuscule hands balled up in quiet fury. That's it, elder, you're hereby the Wrinkled Prune—shrunken, dull, and completely undeserving of my celestial Francesca!

The patting persisted, now blended with stifled mirth. My features twisted in annoyance.

Control yourself! At minimum, hold off until I'm slumbering before tarnishing this room's purity! Do you suppose I'm like typical babies who fail to grasp the situation? Well, surprise: I UNDERSTAND. And it's repulsive!

…Though not for me, of course. Eheheh.

Yet another chuckle. Additional sounds. My small body twisted in the bed, my spirit howling in torment.

And honestly? Couldn't you at least hold out six months before groping her, you desirous withered prune!? She only just delivered me!

…Hold up.

I scowled, my infant thoughts performing swift math.

In truth… over five months have passed.

...BUT STILL! Exercise some restraint, you blasted geezer!

I released a hushed breath, my undeveloped lungs unable to convey my total frustration. This defies belief. I've returned to a noble household, encircled by elegance and poise, just to endure this absurdity at night. Somebody rescue me. Lithia? Liana? Anyone?

I squeezed my eyes shut, attempting to shut out the audio. Yet my infant hearing captured every nuance with disturbing precision.

The sounds gradually subsided, giving way to the calming stillness of the evening anew. I gazed at the bed's overhead fabric, sensing a blend of vexation and acceptance.

Alright. You take this bout, Wrinkled Prune.

With that last notion, I yawned, my infant urges at last overpowering my annoyance. Slumber overtook me finally, although my visions brimmed with plots to rescue my deity from her eager spouse's grasp.

The faint patter of steps neared my bed, joined by Francesca's calming words. "Javier, time to rise, sweetie. Mama's ready to nurse you."

I blinked open gradually, met by Francesca bending above me, clad in her sleepwear from the prior evening. Her tresses were a bit disheveled, and she bore that innate radiance of one freshly roused.

Under usual circumstances, this would be paradise.

But then the recollection surged—the events of the night before. The laughter, the embraces, and… the patting.

I wrinkled my small infant countenance and jerked my head abruptly from her bosom, declining to attach.

No thanks. Not today. Not without a wash first, ma'am. I won't chance ingesting any remnants of dried prune from that leathery raisin you wed. Eww! The mere idea turns my stomach!

Francesca cocked her head, appearing troubled. "What's the matter, sweetie pie? Why refuse? Aren't you famished?"

Famished? Certainly, I'm hungry. But not so much. Cleanliness comes first, deity. Cleanliness! Purge that fellow's traces before approaching me.

She tenderly drew me nearer, attempting to encourage me to feed. I wriggled, averting my gaze further.

Not a chance! No nursing sans washing! I maintain principles, alright? I refuse to sample any remnants from your nocturnal adventures. Ew, ew, ewww!

Francesca creased her brow a bit, now evidently anxious. "Sweetie pie, are you okay? You've never turned it down previously…"

Her tender palms supported me firmly as she swayed me softly, her face easing while she pondered the issue.

What's the problem? What's the problem!? I'd explain it! It's that crinkled, amorous prune of a partner from last night! I'm traumatized for life, got it? Allow me to heal before thrusting me into the fallout of your bedtime exploits!

Francesca breathed out and pressed her lips to my brow. "It's fine, sweetie. Perhaps you're not prepared yet. Mama will attempt later."

At last! I mused as she placed me back in the bed. A break! Opportunity to mend from the ordeal of this alleged morning ritual.

As she departed, I couldn't resist a slight, eased exhale.

Memo to self: Initiate an infant boycott. No nursing until Francesca implements rigorous pre-feeding sanitation rules. I might be an infant, but I won't endure this!

Francesca, continuing to carry me, exhaled as she headed to the room's side, where a different servant stood ready. This one featured ears atop her crown and a tail that moved smoothly in her wake.

Oh! Catfolk! My eyes grew wide. This realm keeps improving. That's incredibly cool!

The servant, attired in the standard garb yet with openings at the rear for her tail, inclined her head a fraction, her cat-like ears perking.

"What's the issue, madam?" she inquired, her tone mild yet inquisitive.

Francesca adjusted me a tad in her hold and furrowed her brow. "I can't fathom why, but Javier won't nurse this morning. He's never declined before."

The catfolk servant advanced, her tail swishing idly. "Hmm, that's unusual. Might I…?"

Francesca assented, and the catfolk servant bent forward, inhaling subtly near her. Her ears flicked, and her nostrils flared faintly before retreating, her demeanor composed yet nonchalant.

"Maybe, madam, a shower or bath beforehand would help."

YES! At last, a voice of reason!

Francesca's face tinted pale rose. "Oh… you believe that's the cause? I hadn't considered it relevant…"

Oh, it's relevant, deity. Utterly so. Heed the astute cat servant and purify yourself!

The catfolk servant grinned mildly, her tail waving as she continued, "Merely a thought, Madam. Infants can sometimes react to scents."

Francesca chuckled softly, seeming both shy and entertained. "I guess you could be correct. I'll bathe and retry shortly."

Thanks, cat deity! You've rescued the moment! You've voiced what I couldn't.

As Francesca strode away, likely to ready her bath, I stared at the catfolk servant in admiration.

Oh, sagacious cat lady, I'm forever in your debt. Your boldness in advising the deity has raised you to legend in my view. Skip matrimony—join as my perpetual companion!

The catfolk servant focused on me, her gentle grin causing my pulse to flutter. She extended her hand, carefully tucking the coverlet about me. "You're selective, huh, young master?"

Selective? No, I simply uphold standards. Vast distinction.

As calm returned to the space, I emitted a satisfied breath. At long last, fairness in this realm.

( End Of Chapter )