Reborn As Noble Chapter 6 Tiny Hands, Big Desires ( 6 )

Once Meira wrapped up her morning meal, I figured it was time to grab control with my little fingers—directly. Stretching upward with every bit of resolve I had, I pulled on her outfit, making my desire clear.

Meira glanced down at me, her tail flicking idly. A gentle grin appeared on her features. "Young master, always in such a hurry," she remarked, entertained.

In reply, I cooed, not due to speechlessness, but since my infant urges told me it would boost my charm. Hurry up, Meira, don't keep me hanging.

"Okay, okay," she laughed lightly. "Hold on just a second."

She quickly drained the remaining coffee, placing the mug down with a soft tink. Next, in a smooth but hurried gesture, she started unfastening her servant attire.

"The madam did approve it," Meira whispered, her face tinged with a blush.

I got cozy as she arranged me and allowed me to attach. At last, nourishment from my extra caregiver—though perhaps not the richest. Doesn't count. Pure delight.

"Take it easy, young master," Meira whispered tenderly, running her hand through my locks. "No need to hurry."

I relished the instant, peeking aside to spot Miss Liana still positioned close by, her face inscrutable while observing us.

What's this? Experiencing envy, Miss Superior Elf? I grinned inside. You deserve it. In the future, when I request nursing, skip the haughtiness. Now I've claimed another stunning guardian. Not like you, resistant elf.

Right as I soaked in my triumph, an icy shiver crept along my back.

"Oh! So you're permitted to nurse him?" A known tone echoed from our rear. "How fortunate, Meira."

I halted in the midst of feeding. That tone…

Shifting a bit, I spied a towering shape. It was her—Marita, the drooling fiend in person.

"Ekkk!" I yelled inwardly. Not her! Anybody except her!

Marita advanced with her typical over-the-top joy, her plump palms extending eagerly. "Young master is utterly charming!"

Keep your distance! Don't you approach me! I muttered inside, clutching Meira firmly as my anchor.

Meira appeared a touch embarrassed yet stayed collected. "Marita, please. He's eating at the moment."

"But I haven't gotten to hug him today," Marita replied, her lips forming a sulk. "And he's far too precious to resist snuggling."

Liana, picking up on my rising unease, rose and lightly touched Marita's arm. "Give them space, Marita. The young master requires peace now, not your energy."

Marita sulked but retreated. "Alright. But I'll get to hold him soon!"

Not while I'm alive, I mused, quietly appreciating Liana this once.

With Marita exiting the area, I eased up, nestling once more into Meira's hold.

"Shh, shh," Meira cooed calmly, patting my head. "Feeling good now, young master?"

Good? Absolutely. But someday, I'll ensure that smooching monster keeps well away from me. Well... only from me..ehehehe

While I settled snugly against Meira, my mind wandered to a particular individual absent for some time. Where's Lithia, the dark elf? I pondered. I recall her from earlier—during that attack by the drooling monster Marita. She stayed so poised and elegant. Lithia, where have you gone? Eheheh. You could serve as my third caregiver too. Dark elves aren't common, after all.

I twisted my small neck, scanning the space with the limited range my infant form permitted. No sharp ears, no shadowy tone. Only Meira's inviting grin and Liana's enigmatic stare.

Meira caught my wiggling. "What's the matter, young master? Feeling uneasy?"

Uneasy? Nah, I'm on a quest! I wriggled, attempting to glance past Meira's side.

Liana arched a brow. "He's fidgety. Maybe seeking somebody?"

Meira chuckled quietly, rocking me softly. "Young master, are you hunting for Madam Francesca? Or perhaps Lord Garius?"

Ha! Hardly! No slight to my divine mother or that... wrinkled prune of a dad, but another occupies my thoughts.

"Perhaps he's after Lithia," Liana suggested offhandedly, taking a sip of her tea.

My little eyes brightened. That's it! Finally, someone understands! Where is she, Miss Liana? Quit with the tea and inform me!

"Oh, Lithia," Meira noted, her ears flicking. "I believe she's out in the garden. She said something about inspecting the roses early today."

The garden? Perfect, onward! Can't delay! I flailed my limbs with enthusiasm, signaling my wish.

"See that," Meira giggled. "He truly appears to desire Lithia."

Liana exhaled, lowering her cup. "You're indulging him excessively, Meira. Still, alright, to the garden we go."

As Meira bore me from the chamber, I beamed within. Lithia, I'm approaching. Get ready, my third guardian.

Upon reaching the garden, I spotted her—Lithia, the dark elf, crouched elegantly amid the rose shrubs. Her ebony hue shone in the dawn light, and her glossy silver tresses flowed with her motions. She murmured a tune, her refined digits grazing the blooms.

Oh, Lithia, you're even lovelier than before!

"Lithia," Meira summoned, nearing. "See who's come to visit you."

Lithia pivoted, her amber gaze locking with mine. A faint grin touched her mouth. "Young master," she uttered, her tone like velvet. "You seem cheerful today."

Cheerful? Sure am! I've located you, my dark elf deity. Time to become my third guardian. Eheheh.

"Care to take him?" Meira offered.

Lithia angled her head in consideration. "If that's fine."

Meira passed me carefully, and soon I rested in Lithia's embrace. Her aroma was soil-like yet fragrant, and her grasp felt refreshing and calming.

"All set," Lithia murmured gently, settling me. "Settled in, young master?"

Settled? This is paradise!

I extended a hand by reflex, yanking at her garment. Lithia lifted a brow, then let out a soft laugh. "Goodness, he's the same as before."

Meira hid her smile, chuckling. "Madam Francesca mentioned he's grown… inquisitive of late."

Liana folded her arms, observing with a grin. "Inquisitive barely covers it. He's becoming a real challenge."

Lithia gazed at me, her eyes brimming with mild mirth. "Very well, young master, I can indulge you briefly."

As Lithia started loosening her attire's upper part, the light cloth shifting to expose her perfect complexion, I sensed success near. Yes, dark elf essence—though she lacks it for now, victory is mine!

Yet prior to any glimpse, a recognized voice sounded from afar.

"Good morning, all."

Lithia's fingers stilled. She promptly composed herself, fixing her outfit. "Good morning, madam," she replied deferentially.

Meira rose swiftly beside her, inclining her head. "Good morning, Madam Francesca."

Francesca?! Once more?! Mama, go spend time with your shriveled prune! Allow me my instant with Lithia! I twisted in Lithia's hold, mutely objecting to the interruption.

Francesca drew near, her bright smile illuminating the garden. Her blonde mane gleamed in the sun, and her azure gaze twinkled as she regarded me. "Javier, my sweet darling, did you long for me?"

Long for you? Mama, you nursed me just earlier! Let me savor my moments with these new guardians undisturbed!

Francesca extended her arms to claim me from Lithia. "Thanks for minding him, Lithia," she said affectionately.

Lithia transferred me delicately, though a hint of reluctance showed in her amber eyes. No, Lithia, hold on! Don't release me! Argh, disloyalty!

While Francesca hugged me near, I angled my face to Lithia, my small limbs stretching out theatrically. Lithia! My dark elf guardian, return! This isn't finished. I'll sample your essence someday… regardless of its absence now!

"Javier truly favors you, Lithia," Francesca observed, laughing.

Lithia offered a courteous smile, a spark of humor in her gaze. "He's quite fond, madam."

"Naturally, he's fond," Francesca declared with pride. "He's clever. He recognizes your kindness and charm."

Clever lad? More desperate infant. I spot excellence clearly.

With a fun peck on my face, Francesca headed toward the house. "Let's go, Javier. Time for breakfast with your papa."

Papa?! The shriveled prune? No way! Return me to my dark elf deity and catfolk seraph! I moaned inside, accepting my lot.

( End of Chapter )