"Young master!! Wake up!"
Liana's voice cut through the room as she shook Javier's shoulder.
"You need to get ready for the party!"
"Ugh... I don't want to..." Javier groaned, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "Let Marcellus and Cedric handle it."
"Not an option." Liana crossed her arms, her tone firm. "This party matters. You're part of the Armand family, and you're attending."
Javier peeked at her from under the blanket—one eye visible, a lazy, cheeky grin spreading across his face. "Don't wanna. Noble parties are stuffy and boring."
Liana's patience snapped. She yanked the blanket off in one swift motion. "Get up!!!"
"Eeeepppp!!!" Javier shot upright, rubbing the back of his head. "Chill, Liana... man... is this how you treat your future husband?" He flashed her a mischievous grin.
Liana's glare widened. She crossed her arms, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone. "Young master, stop saying nonsense and get ready. Now."
"But Lianaaa," Javier whined, batting his eyelashes with exaggerated innocence, his lower lip jutting out in a practiced pout.
"No buts." Her face was stone, her voice flat and final. She narrowed her glare, leaning in slightly. "I'm not playing around here. Get up and get dressed. Now."
"Ugh!" Javier let out a long groan, averting his eyes from her terrifying stare. "Fine," he mumbled under his breath, something about "bossy elf" and "no fun allowed," as he slipped off the bed, ruffling his messy hair.
Liana shook her head and exhaled. I wonder how he's going to be an even bigger pain in the ass when he grows up...
The children of noble houses from across the kingdom were gathering at the Viscount Armand's Grand Hall. An event brimming with introductions, connections, displays of talent, and the occasional flaunting of wealth.
Some sought potential marriage alliances, others aimed to outshine their peers with practiced charm or expensive gifts. Parents watched from the sidelines, calculating every handshake and curtsy.
Javier sat apart from the others, his posture deliberately casual. He had his arms crossed over the backrest of his chair, his chin resting on them, legs spread wide, the complete opposite of the stiff, proper posture every other noble child maintained.
Ugh… this isn't for me. Just look at all those kids. And that one. Those fake smiles while I'm sure some of them are ready to stab each other in the back the moment their parents look away. All these little vipers in silk.
Why do I have to attend this kind of boring party? Only the food is decent. Well, since Armand is hosting, the food will be good. But the manners, the etiquette, the endless bowing and scraping, it's exhausting.
Isn't it enough that my brothers and half-siblings are here? They're all better at this noble nonsense than I am. Let them shake hands and make alliances. I'd rather be anywhere else.
He glanced out the window, catching sight of the decorations in the courtyard.
I could be hunting monsters, training, or just napping instead of wasting my time here. But no, I'm here because of noble duty. Because my name carries weight I never asked for.
Stupid noble traditions. Why can't they just leave me out of it?
If any of those annoying noble brats try to approach me, I swear I'm going to spit in their face and slap them hard before running away.
Or maybe I'll pretend to stand and slip, then land one or two slaps on their face before laying flat on the floor. Then I'll act like a snotty, scared innocent kid, mumbling in fear like a scared little boy about how I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to, I'm just a clumsy little boy...
Ehehehe~
His thoughts snapped the moment he felt a sharp pinch on his side.
"Eeeepppp!"
"Young master." Liana's voice came low, a dangerous growl. "Sit properly, befitting your status as a noble son. Not like some common thug."
"Ehh? Why? I'm comfortable like this. My chair, my rules."
"No. Can. Do. Young master." Liana growled, her glare sharp enough to cut steel. "Sit properly. Now."
"Ugh! Fine." Javier grumbled, rolling his eyes before adjusting his posture, back straight, hands on his knees, feet together. "There. Happy?"
"Mm." Liana glanced down at him. "You wait here. Don't cause trouble. I'm going to get food and drink for you."
"Yeah, yeah. Meat and fruit only. No veggies. I'm going to flip that plate if there's any veggie on it."
Liana smirked, shook her head, and headed toward the banquet table. Javier's eyes followed her, tracing the sway of her hips.
Mm~ That ass. I want to slap it hard. And oooweee~ look at those tits bounce. Not only do I have a beautiful elf like Liana serving me, but I'm also the only one with an elf maid. Well... of course my 'brother' Marcellus has a dark elf maid serving him. But Liana is super gorgeous~
He glanced around again, watching nobles arrive one by one.
Heh... they're all coming to 'congratulate' Dried Plum on his rank-up to viscount. Kissing his ass, hoping for favors. As if any of them actually care. They're just here to network, sniff out weaknesses, and see what they can gain.
But that's not my problem anyway.
All I have to do is pretend to be the useless youngest son of the Armand family—the lazy, talentless brat who's not worth anyone's attention—and secure my freedom.
Because all I need is Liana.
Man...can't wait to slip out from this Hall.
And enjoy my freedom again.
Ehehehe~
( End Of Chapter )