Reborn As Noble-Chapter 157: Tradition and Antics ( )

The school grand hall was an impressive sight—ornate chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the polished marble floors. Rows of tables and chairs were arranged like a banquet hall, each filled with noble students dressed in their finest attire. The air was filled with chatter as students mingled, some clearly familiar with one another, laughing and gossiping like old friends.

Javier sat at his assigned table, propping his cheek on one hand while absentmindedly munching on a small piece of bread. Behind him, at a respectful distance, Liana stood with her usual grace, her posture straight, and her hands clasped neatly in front of her. Though her presence was subtle, her mere existence drew more attention than Javier’s antics, with curious glances occasionally darting her way.

At the front of the hall, on an elevated stage, a well-dressed representative was delivering a long-winded speech about tradition, excellence, and the honor of attending the academy. Javier, however, was anything but interested.

"Blergh... this food... not really delicious," he muttered under his breath, picking at the delicately arranged dishes on his plate. The noble cuisine, while beautifully presented, lacked the hearty, flavorful kick he was used to.

Liana leaned in slightly, her voice low and soothing. "Young master, please mind your manners. Others might hear you."

Javier groaned, barely acknowledging her as he poked at his food with his fork. "Yeah, yeah... they’re too busy listening to that boring speech. Seriously, who even writes these things? ’Our esteemed academy represents the pinnacle of... blah blah blah.’ If I hear another word about ’tradition,’ I might fall asleep right here."

Liana suppressed a smile, her lips twitching as she kept her professional demeanor. "Young master, this is an important occasion. At least try to appear interested."

Javier leaned back in his chair, balancing it precariously on two legs as he looked up at her. "Interested? Liana, I could be juggling flaming swords, and no one would notice. They’re all too busy pretending to be best nobles while secretly eyeing your every move."

Liana’s cheeks tinged pink for the briefest moment, but she quickly composed herself. "That’s hardly appropriate to say, young master."

As the next representative took the stage, the hall settled into an expectant hush. Javier, however, wasn’t interested in yet another monotone speech. His eyes narrowed mischievously as he noticed the crest pinned on the representative’s chest: the emblem of the Klimbert Household. A smirk curled on Javier’s lips.

"Oh, this is going to be fun" he muttered under his breath, leaning back in his chair. He cast a sly glance toward Liana.

"Young master," she whispered, sensing the mischief brewing, "whatever you’re thinking, I suggest you reconsider."

Javier didn’t answer, his grin widening as the representative began speaking.

"Fellow students, esteemed faculty, and honored guests—"

"ACHOOO!"

Javier’s exaggerated sneeze echoed through the grand hall like a thunderclap, catching everyone off guard.

The representative froze mid-sentence, his calm demeanor slipping for just a moment as he glanced nervously at the audience.

"Ah—uh, as I was saying... honored guests and... uh... uh..." He stammered, his words tangling together as laughter and murmurs rippled through the room.

Javier covered his mouth, feigning embarrassment. "Oh, my bad! Allergies... must be all the hot air."

The hall erupted into scattered chuckles, while the representative’s cheeks flushed a bright red. He tried to compose himself, straightening his posture and clearing his throat, but his confidence was clearly shaken.

"A-as I was saying, this academy represents... uh... tradition and... er... unity..."

Javier leaned toward the student beside him, his voice low but perfectly timed to add fuel to the fire. "Bet he rehearsed that in front of a mirror for hours. Poor guy."

The student snorted, trying to stifle his laughter.

The representative caught Javier’s amused expression and faltered again, his eyes darting between his notes and the crowd. His polished speech was now a disjointed mess, each word sounding more forced than the last.

Liana leaned down, whispering in a hushed but firm tone. "Young master, this is highly inappropriate."

Javier turned to her with an innocent look that fooled no one. "What? It’s not my fault he cracked under the pressure."

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Despite herself, Liana sighed, her lips twitching as she fought back a smile. She quickly schooled her expression, standing tall once more.

By the time the representative finished his awkward, stuttering speech, the Klimbert crest on his chest felt more like a badge of shame than a mark of pride. As he stepped down from the stage, still red-faced, he avoided looking in Javier’s direction altogether.

Javier leaned back in his chair, utterly satisfied. "Well, that was entertaining. Think he’ll remember me?"

Liana shook her head, exhaling softly. "Undoubtedly, young master. For all the wrong reasons."

As the headmaster stepped onto the stage, the room fell silent. His presence commanded respect, and the way he carried himself radiated authority. Javier leaned back in his chair, twirling a fork in his hand as he watched.

"Hmm," Javier mused, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Why not try it again? Let’s see if the old man can handle some unexpected excitement."

Liana, standing behind him, caught his expression immediately. "Young master, please don’t."

But it was too late. As the headmaster adjusted the magical microphone, Javier took a deep breath and let out another exaggerated—

"ACHOOO!"

The sound echoed through the grand hall.

The headmaster paused, his eyes scanning the crowd, but instead of reacting like the previous representative, he smiled. A calm, knowing smile that seemed to cut through the air.

Then, without missing a beat, he reached out and tapped the microphone. A low, resonant hum spread through the hall, silencing every murmur and chuckle instantly. The magical feedback seemed to sharpen everyone’s focus on the stage.

"Good morning, students," the headmaster began, his voice steady and composed. "Welcome to your first day at the academy. I trust you are all eager to begin your journey here."

Javier froze, fork halfway to his mouth. "Eh? That’s it? No reaction? Not even a flinch?" he muttered, narrowing his eyes.

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The headmaster’s calm demeanor unnerved him slightly, and he sank deeper into his chair, feeling like his sneeze had been completely ignored—or worse, anticipated.

"As you all know, this academy is a place of learning, growth, and discipline," the headmaster continued, his gaze sweeping over the students. "While we encourage camaraderie and creativity, let me remind you that every action here shapes your future."

Liana smirked slightly behind Javier, leaning down to whisper. "It seems the headmaster is unfazed by such antics, young master. Perhaps you should reconsider your approach."

Javier grumbled under his breath. "Hmph. He’s lucky he’s good at speeches."

After a brief but impactful speech, the headmaster concluded. "Now, for class arrangements: New students will find their assigned groups posted in the main corridor. These arrangements are final and based on assessments of your potential and background."

With that, the headmaster stepped back from the microphone, bowing slightly before leaving the stage.

The hall erupted into chatter again as students began speculating about their classes. Javier crossed his arms, a small pout forming on his lips.

"Tch. Guess I’ll have to up my game next time."

Liana chuckled softly, patting his shoulder. "Young master, I believe it’s best to focus on your studies for now, rather than your mischief."

"Yeah, yeah," Javier muttered, though a mischievous glint remained in his eyes. "We’ll see about that."

The teacher’s voice resonated through the hall, guiding the students as they wrapped up the assembly.

"Now, students, you all have free time to check your class assignments outside. Be sure to head to your assigned classrooms promptly afterward."

As chairs scraped against the floor and murmurs filled the room, everyone began making their way outside, accompanied by their maids and guards. The sight was a parade of nobility—fine garments, polished armor, and refined manners—yet there was a palpable air of curiosity and excitement among the students.

Liana stepped forward, her ever-composed demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos. "Young master, we should check your assigned class as well."

Javier let out an exaggerated groan, slumping into his chair. "Haaaa... school is sooo boringggg."

Liana sighed, her patience as steady as always. "Young master, standing out requires effort. You can’t make an impression by staying behind."

Javier glanced up at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Who says I need to make an effort to stand out? Look at me—I’ve got Buddy, you, and my devilishly handsome self. Instant standout."

Liana fought back a smile. "Young master, please."

With a theatrical huff, Javier pushed himself up from his chair, grabbing his bag with little enthusiasm. "Fine, fine. Let’s see where they’ve decided to place me."

As they joined the crowd heading toward the class assignment boards, Javier couldn’t resist adding, "I bet they’ve put me in the ’genius troublemaker’ section. Do they even have one of those?"

Liana gave him a pointed look but said nothing, simply walking a step behind him as they navigated the bustling corridor.

( End of Chapter )