Reborn As Noble

Chapter 54 A Missing Master ( 54 )

The household maids were in a frenzy, their faces pale with worry. They had scoured every corner of the estate—but their young master, Javier, was nowhere to be found.As the sun dipped below the horizon, the estate's surroundings were enveloped in the soft glow of light crystals, casting eerie shadows in the dimming light. Anxiety rippled through the maid group.

"This isn't like him... He's usually up to some mischief in plain sight, but now..." one maid whispered, her voice trembling.

"It's already sunset, and the area outside is getting darker by the minute! What if he wandered off?"

"We can't waste any more time. We need to report this to Miss Liana immediately!"

"Yes, hurry!"

Without hesitation, the group rushed back into the manor, After a

"Yes, Miss Liana," the guards replied in unison, gripping their weapons tightly.

The tension in the air was palpable, but Liana's calm and commanding presence kept the group focused. As they drew closer to the village, she silently hoped Javier hadn't ventured further into the wilderness.

"Keep your eyes open," Liana reminded them, her tone unwavering. "If there's any sign of the young master or his Pekko, call out immediately."

"Yes, Miss Liana!" they responded, their determination matching hers as they pressed forward into the deepening night.

As Liana and her group rode into the small, bustling village, the soft glow of light crystals illuminated the cobblestone streets and wooden houses. The familiar chatter of villagers quieted as they noticed the Armand family emblem on the guards' attire, signifying the presence of their lord's household.

The village guard stationed at the entrance stepped forward, his expression brightening when he recognized Liana.

"Oh, good to see you, Miss Liana," the guard greeted warmly, bowing slightly out of respect. "It's been a while."

Liana pulled her horse to a stop, her posture composed but urgent. "Thank you. I need to ask—did the young master visit here recently?"

The guard scratched his head thoughtfully before shaking it. "No, he hasn't been here. Why? Did something happen?"

Liana's expression remained calm, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her emerald eyes. "Nothing. Just checking. Thank you for your time."

"You're welcome, Miss Liana," the guard replied, stepping back to let her group pass.

Liana turned to her party. "We'll search the nearby forest paths next. He must have ventured off somewhere unusual."

The guards nodded in agreement, and Liana led the group out of the village.

The group ventured deeper into the dense forest.The light crystals they carried barely pierced the darkness, but Liana's sharp eyes and keen senses kept her alert. Monsters appeared intermittently, their glowing eyes menacing in the shadows.

Liana raised her magic bow, her hands steady as she released arrow after arrow. Each one glowed faintly before striking, dispatching the monsters with precision. Her guards supported her, fending off any beasts that got too close.

"Monsters seem far more active than usual tonight," one of the guards muttered as he wiped sweat from his brow after cutting down a smaller beast.

Liana frowned, her focus unwavering as she loosed another arrow, downing a large wolf-like creature. "Too active... Something feels off."

The group pressed on, but despite their efforts, they found no trace of Javier—not a single clue in the usual places he frequented. The forest paths they had walked together before were empty, and the stillness made Liana's chest tighten with worry.

Finally, Liana pulled her horse to a stop, her frustration barely hidden behind her composed demeanor. "Let's head back to the manor. We'll inform Lady Francesca."

The guards exchanged hesitant glances but nodded, knowing the risks of lingering in the forest too long. They began their journey back, the horses' hooves breaking the eerie silence.

As Liana rode in silence, her thoughts raced.

Where are you, young master? Are you upset because I ignored you today? Did I push you too far this time?

Her grip on the reins tightened as she replayed the events of the day, guilt gnawing at her. "If something happens to you..." She shook her head, refusing to finish the thought.

The glow of the manor's lights in the distance offered a semblance of comfort, but her worry lingered, unresolved.

( End of Chapter )