Reborn As Noble Chapter 7 The Dried Plum's Clan ( 7 )

While Francesca bore me into the magnificent dining chamber, my infant gaze took in the surroundings. The space brimmed with individuals—some known to me, others strangers.

Initially, I noticed two ladies positioned close to the table's head. Who might these two be? Hold on, surely not… could they be his spouses as well? I narrowed my eyes, evaluating them. They're not particularly attractive. Honestly, withered prune, what crossed your mind? Were your eyes failing you? Did choices run scarce?

Beside them lounged the man in question—the notorious 'withered prune,' Lord Garius. He occupied his seat with that typical grave look, one capable of reducing adults to tears. Sadly for him, it merely sparked an inner laugh from me. Heh heh, you tiny withered prune. Perched there like royalty, are you? What's with the grave demeanor? Still compensating for your dullness?

Afterward, my sight fell upon five additional youngsters dispersed across the table. Each was older than I, appearing from early teens onward.

From eavesdropping on exchanges between Francesca and another lady, I assembled the family relations. Thus, two among these children are my true siblings—the eldest and the next in line. Wonderful. I've gained rivals for the withered prune's scant favor.

Regarding the remaining three children… Half-siblings, is it? Truly, old timer? Scattering your lineage like a cultivator sowing fields. And alongside them? Francesca surpasses these other two women by far, so what's the rationale?

A half-sibling boy, roughly six or seven years old, spotted me and grimaced. 'Is that the newborn?' he inquired loudly, gesturing toward me.

'Yes, he's Javier,' Francesca replied gently, shifting me in her embrace.

'He so small' another child, a girl sporting pigtails, added.

Small? Small?! Hear me out, you tiny imp. I'm an infant. What were you anticipating, a colossus?

Lord Garius cleared his throat, quelling the noise at once. His profound, authoritative tone sliced through the air. 'Enough. Attend to your morning meal.'

Ah, the withered prune utters words. What's forthcoming, a sermon on dining etiquette?

Francesca settled elegantly into her chair, retaining me on her knee as servants commenced distributing the meal. She murmured tenderly to me, her voice brimming with affection. 'Don't fret, Javier. Mama's here to shield you from all these large intimidating folks.'

Large intimidating folks? Mama, I'm more concerned about enduring this entire spectacle in one space. Return me to my catfolk and elf mothers, I beg!

I exhaled inwardly, accepting the turmoil that formed my household. One certainty lingered—existence in this residence promises to be… eventful.

With Francesca positioned at the table, engaging in light talk and slicing into her food, I started wriggling and fidgeting upon her lap. I turned to one side, then the opposite, emitting soft sounds to draw her notice.

'Javier, dear, cease the excessive motion. Mama's attempting to dine,' she stated kindly, securing me firmly.

No, Mama. That's precisely the intent. Let's render this troublesome for you.

I reclined abruptly, compelling her to readjust her hold. Then I inclined forward, extending toward the surface.

'Javier!' she chuckled, though a trace of irritation laced her words.

And so it transpired. The aim of my elaborate scheme—Miss Liana, summoned by the withered prune no less.

'Liana,' Lord Garius declared in his perpetual severe manner. 'A moment.'

Liana drew near, offering a poised bow. 'Yes, my lord.'

Francesca grasped the chance. 'Liana, would you mind holding Javier briefly? It's challenging to consume food with his constant twisting.'

Liana blinked, eyeing me. Oh, Miss Liana, you've stepped right into my snare. Heh heh heh.

'Yes, madam,' Liana responded uncertainly, extending her arms to accept me.

The instant she cradled me, I launched into my standard routine, stretching toward her chest. My minuscule infant fingers labored eagerly, pulling at her attire's cloth.

'Javier' Liana exclaimed, her face flushing rosy. 'No, you mustn't—halt—'

'Oh, Liana,' Francesca remarked with a gentle chuckle. 'If he's persistent, you might simply follow Meira's example.'

Liana stiffened. 'But, madam…'

Francesca grinned with insight. 'It's fine. Javier persists until content. As the chief servant, I rely on you utterly.'

Liana's golden gaze shifted between Francesca and myself, her tapered ears quivering faintly. She breathed out, her poise scarcely faltering. 'As you command, madam.'

Heh heh heh… Victory is mine!!!!

Yet prior to fully relishing the triumph, Francesca interjected once more, her voice adopting that commanding lilt capable of directing even this noble elf.

'Liana,' she uttered, beaming amiably, 'why not escort Javier to your quarters? Nurse him there, privately, and see to his needs thoroughly. Henceforth, you bear responsibility for him.'

Liana's ears flickered, her golden eyes expanding marginally. 'Madam, are you sure? My other obligations—'

Francesca dismissed with a refined gesture, interrupting her. 'Fret not over additional chores. Fellow servants will manage them. Presently, Javier is your sole concern.'

Liana paused, looking downward at me.

Oh, resist not, Miss Liana. Destiny selected you. You're now elevated to my dedicated guardian… and my additional elf mother.

'Yes, madam,' Liana conceded at length, inclining her head elegantly, albeit her cheeks bore a subtle flush.

Yes!!! Behold my fresh dedicated attendant! My companion, my nurturer, my all! Heh heh heh!

Francesca rose and transferred me fully. 'Accept him, and guarantee he's nourished and tidy. Wash him, redress him, attend any requirement. Devote yourself to him.'

Liana clasped me tenderly, nestling me as the invaluable gem I represented. Her face remained composed, yet a faint furrow marked her forehead. Oh, Miss Liana, fear not. I'll render this enjoyable for us both.

'Understood, madam,' Liana replied quietly, pivoting toward the corridor.

As she proceeded to her chamber, securing me near, I released a minor victorious chortle. She peered down at me, her golden eyes squinting faintly.

'You appear quite content with your scheming, young master,' she whispered.

Oh, I am, Miss Liana. You can't fathom the extent.

Upon arriving at her space, I found myself deposited meticulously upon her bed—a modest yet sophisticated fixture suiting her sophisticated air.

'Now then,' she declared, her fingers proceeding to modify her uniform, 'let's conclude this.'

Heh heh heh… This could become habitual.

With Liana softly positioning me upon her knee, her tranquil yet mildly agitated bearing merely heightened my thrill. She perched on the bed's brink and arranged her uniform. Her motions were purposeful, each imbued with an elegance inherent to elves.

'Very well, young master,' she stated with a breath, 'Let's finish this. Be aware, however, nothing will emerge.'

She undid the upper fastenings of her uniform, exposing smooth, immaculate skin that glowed softly in the dawn rays. Her cheeks colored pink, an uncommon sign of feeling from the typically impassive elf. At last, she drew me nearer, permitting attachment.

Oh, Liana, you misjudge me. With or without milk, I'm relishing the sensation.

( End of Chapter )