Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1082: A Shared Glass Among Aides ( 1082 )

Javier took a seat where his father always sat.

He leaned back in the chair, placing both elbows on the armrests and clasping his fingers together, his expression serious but calm, a posture that mirrored Garius’s own commanding presence.

”Now, before we begin, and before I become buried in this paperwork, I want to ensure everyone is comfortable. If anyone here has not yet had breakfast, please inform Mahira so she can arrange for our chef and household staff to bring food for us.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the large desk and clasping his fingers together, his chin resting lightly on them. His voice was measured, carrying the natural authority of a prince without being overbearing.

”There is no need for undue stress or excessive formality regarding the work ahead. We are here to ensure the kingdom’s affairs are managed efficiently, not to be overwhelmed by them. Let us proceed with clarity and cooperation.”

”As you command, Your Highness.”

”Good. Now, Varrick.”

”Yes, Your Highness?”

”Is this the paperwork I need to deal with?”

”Yes, Your Highness. This is the paperwork set by Sir Alf for your review, approval, and annotation. It includes regional reports, budget allocations, trade agreements, and military readiness summaries.”

”Mm... Looks like I’m going to be buried under this huge pile of work. Any important events other than my brothers’ and sister’s upcoming wedding?” Javier glanced up at Varrick.

Varrick checked the schedule record. ”There is none scheduled for now, Your Highness. I will inform you immediately if there are any urgent matters, such as unexpected visits, diplomatic requests, or internal incidents requiring your attention.”

”Good.” Javier started checking the first paperwork while Mahira prepared the necessary items and the official seal, then made him a cup of coffee.

”Mm... This budget allocation is well done. Looks like the officer working on it is really talented.”

Javier stamped the first document with the seal, signed it, and set it aside on the ”completed” pile.

”Your Highness, I believe this matter requires immediate attention.”

”Hmm? Let me see...”

Javier read it carefully and rubbed his chin.

”The Amazarak are requesting another patch of land for farming, huh?” He turned toward Varrick. ”Any reports on their current land usage and output?”

”Here is the report, Your Highness.”

Javier took it and read. ”Oh? Their output is strong, taxes are paid on time, and everything is in order...” He paused. ”But this matter requires Father’s approval, so I’ll set it aside for now.”

He read it again.

Hmm... I wonder how long it’s been since the last celestial war. After the Amazarak kingdom fell, only a few survived, including the group we captured when Zania first came here.

A lot has happened since then, and now she’s madly... no... crazily in love with Cedric. Heh. Despite being the last princess of the Amazarak, who was supposed to rule if they ever reclaimed their kingdom from the Halfling Kingdom, she’s willing to be his personal maid just to stay close to him. Always bickering with Meira. But at least Cedric is happy with two women in his life. Their wedding, along with Marcellus’s, will be happening in three days.

And three days after that, Aelius and Athine’s wedding. Heh...

Javier reached for the mana talkie panel built into the desk, pressing the activation rune.

”Cedric.” Javier called.

He waited for a reply while continuing to read another report.

”Cedric?” Javier pressed the mana talkie again.

A groggy response was heard.

”Yawn... what do you want, little brother?”

”Ah, nothing. Is Zania with you?”

”Hmm? Yeah... she’s here. Why?”

”Can you come to Father’s study?”

”Ehhh!? For what!? I’m not going to help you with paperwork! You’re the one who wanted to do it.”

”Ugh! Just come here. It’s not like I’m forcing you to do any paperwork.”

”You better keep your word on that!” Cedric yawned again. ”Give me a moment. I’ll get ready first. Man, I haven’t even had breakfast yet.”

”Yeah, yeah. Just come. I’ll tell Mahira to inform the chef to deliver breakfast for you here.”

”Hah!? Why do I need to eat breakfast there? You better not trick me into doing paperwork, little brother.”

”No, I’m not!” Javier exhaled. ”Just come.”

”Alright! Sheesh... give me a moment.”

”Alright! Take your time.”

”Your Highness.” Varrick said, handing over another document.

”Hmm? Let me see.” Javier reached for it and read. ”Hmm... This budget allocation needs a few adjustments, but it’s already solid.” Javier stamped the seal, signed it, and handed it back to Varrick.

Javier glanced at Lorcan, who was sitting rigidly in his seat. Javier chuckled and snapped his fingers, opening his dimensional storage and taking out two bottles of high-quality wine.

”Mahira?”

”Yes, Your Highness?”

”Open one bottle and pour a glass for everyone.”

Varrick’s eyes widened, and he stood, bowing politely. ”Your Highness. I believe it is... still early in the morning, and consuming alcohol while on duty is not in accordance with protocol.”

Javier calmly glanced up at Varrick.

”No... Since this is our first day working together, I don’t want anyone to feel overly tense or rigid. This isn’t about indulgence, it’s about easing into a working relationship. Lorcan, as Hesbeirn’s apprentice, is accustomed to at least one glass to steady his nerves. One glass for everyone is more about camaraderie than intoxication.”

Javier smiled. ”This isn’t about breaking rules or encouraging laxity. It’s about trust. A single shared glass among trusted aides is a gesture of unity, not indiscipline.”

He gestured with his hand for Varrick to sit.

”Besides, you know how Cedric is. He doesn’t even realize that everyone here with me is an apprentice of our most trusted advisors. And despite how he looks and how much he loves to follow rules, he hates feeling like he’s being treated like a stranger in his own home.”

Javier smiled at him.

”Varrick?”

”Yes, Your Highness?” Varrick glanced up at him.

”You also know your father does the same. What I’m doing now is just like how my father treats your father and your mother.” Javier glanced at Mahira, Lorcan, and the shadow leader’s apprentice. ”You all know how some of Father’s most trusted aides are even more relaxed. Like Uncle Hesbeirn, despite being a general, he’s too lax when he’s around my father. He even drinks until he’s drunk, but I’m not encouraging any of you to do that.” Javier let out a soft laugh.

”So I want my aides to be the same as my father wants his aides, trusted, capable, and comfortable enough to speak freely, but disciplined enough to know when formality is required.”

Varrick exhaled softly and smiled. ”As you wish, Your Highness.”

( End Of Chapter )