Morning.
Armand Estate.
Main Dining Room.
Javier sulked in his highchair, puffing his cheeks in dissatisfaction.
Inside the dining room was the whole Armand family.
Garius sat at the head of the table, exuding a self-satisfied air in his new, trimmed uniform. The family's newly polished silver emblem gleamed on his chest—proof of the family's rise in rank.
Silver now, huh? Good for you, dried plum. One step closer to shining in the sun like a raisin. Why do I have to be in this room? Sigh…
Javier glanced around. The household maids were busy serving as usual. Marcellus and Cedric held the spotlight. Francesca personally ensured their plates were full, beaming with pride.
Uuu~ good for you two. Well, not my problem. Ehehehe… as long as I have Liana, Meira, and Lithia.
He was perfectly content, planning his next library escape, until Francesca's words shattered his peace.
"Meira, Lithia," she began, her tone composed. "Starting tomorrow, you will assist Marcellus and Cedric, respectively. Their studies and training are at a critical stage."
The maids exchanged glances before bowing. "Yes, Madam."
Javier froze just as Liana was about to feed him another spoonful of meat porridge.
What?
Is she serious?
Liana tilted her head, confused as to why young master Javier had suddenly frozen.
"Young master?" Liana whispered to him slowly.
No, no, no… This isn't happening.
Francesca turned to Liana.
"Liana?"
Liana jolted the moment her name was called. She stood gracefully, placed her palm over her left chest, and bowed. "Yes, Madam?"
"You will remain dedicated to Javier. He's still young and needs close care. From now on, you are his official caretaker. Your job is to focus solely on his needs."
Liana bowed in respect, her expression calm as always. "As you command, Lady Francesca."
Javier clenched his fists under the table.
Just Liana? ONLY Liana?! Are you kidding me?
His thoughts spiraled into despair.
Meira, my second mama, gone. Lithia, my kind third mama, gone. Both stolen by those two brothers of mine.
WHY?!
Dinner dragged on as usual after the announcement, each bite tasting bland on his tongue. When it finally ended, the family dispersed.
Liana carried him back to her room, her steps light.
Sensing Javier was suddenly not his usual, cheeky self, she glanced down in worry.
"Young master?" Liana tilted her head and smiled faintly. "Are you okay?"
Javier pouted, burying his face between her breasts. "I'm fine."
Fine? I'm not fine! My beautiful mamas were just snatched away! This isn't fair!
Once they arrived at Liana's room, she laid him gently in his crib.
"Young master~ it's time for you to rest," Liana smiled after putting Javier inside his crib.
But as she turned to leave, Javier reached out and grabbed her sleeve.
"Liana…"
"Yes?"
"You won't leave me too, right?"
Liana leaned down and kissed his forehead before smiling faintly. "I can't promise, young master," she said, stroking his hair. "But as long as I am needed, and as long as the Lord or Lady commands me to care for you, I will be with you."
Javier looked up at Liana with his best pleading expression, his big toddler eyes shining with genuine innocence.
"Can I sleep with you? Please?"
Liana's expression softened, her usual calm demeanor now tinged with a gentle smile.
"Of course, Young Master. Come here." Liana extended her hand toward Javier.
Javier reached for her, nestling into her chest with a content smile.
At least Liana is still with me. I won't let anyone take her. Not the dried plum, not my brothers, not anyone!
Liana brought him to her bed and smiled. She gently laid him down before climbing in and settling next to him, pulling the covers over them both.
He snuggled closer, tiny hands clutching her sleeve. "Liana?"
"Yes, Young Master?"
"You won't leave me like Meira and Lithia, will you?" His voice was quiet, laced with a vulnerability he rarely showed.
She hesitated, brushing a lock of hair from his face. "I won't, young master. Don't worry."
"Mm! You are my favorite now, Liana~" Javier grinned, his face pressed against her chest, giggling in contentment.
Liana chuckled softly, planting a quick kiss on his forehead before hugging him. "You're quite charming for a cute baby~"
"Ehehe~"
Liana watched him slowly drift to sleep, his eyes heavy with a smile.
I don't know why, but he's the only one who can make me… melt. He softens my usual sternness, my serious head-of-household demeanor. This boy is clever, more than any child his age has any right to be. His antics, his silences, the way he observes everything…
Like he's going to become the best someday.
Liana smiled.
I wonder what the future will hold for him? Will I be the one to witness what makes him unique? Or will it be something far more… profound?
She adjusted herself, cradling him gently. She tilted her head, her expression soft. Her hand moved to the top button of her maid dress, undoing it slowly. "You want this, young master?" Liana whispered softly with a coy smile.
Javier, whose eyes were hazy from near-sleep, lit up instantly. "Really? Yes!"
She chuckled at his enthusiasm, patting his cheek. "Alright, come here then."
He wasted no time, crawling closer. Liana, always composed, adjusted her blouse and cradled him comfortably against her chest. "Here, young master~"
Javier latched onto her breast with a contented sigh, sucking her nipple, a warm sense of satisfaction washing over him the moment he tasted the sweet, special nectar from her breast.
Mm~ This is why I never want anyone else to have her. She's always my number one. Her special nectar that nobody else has.
She observed him quietly as he suckled contentedly, his other small hand rubbing her other breast and nipple.
There's something peculiar about him, but I can't quite put my finger on it. He's too aware, too focused… for a child.
"You're always so eager," she teased lightly.
He gave her a sleepy grin. "That's because you're special."
Her heart softened. She leaned back against the pillow.
"If you say so, young master."
His breathing slowed as he nestled closer. Even relaxed, his mind stayed active.
Don't worry, Liana. I want you. For me now, and for me later. For our future. No matter what, Liana, I'll make sure you stay by my side.
(End of Chapter)