Reborn As Noble Chapter 1284: Gritted Jaws and Narrowed Eyes ( 1284 )

A soldier halted, snapping a salute. "Sir! A vessel from our continent has arrived!"

"Oh?" Jaigar's brow lifted. "It appears the contingent has arrived, hasn't it?" He pivoted, a smirk playing on his lips. "I trust it's my lot and not one of Julius's bothersome detachments. Is it Angrar?"

"We are uncertain, Sir. The captain merely instructed me to inform you."

"Very well, very well," Jaigar dismissed with a wave. "You maintain command here and ensure these wretches continue their labor. Should they falter, dispatch them."

"Understood, Sir!"

Jaigar turned, proceeding toward the docks, his smirk broadening.

Let's ascertain who has deigned to grace us with their presence today.

Some time later.

Jaigar stood poised at the dock, flanked by his chosen subordinates, observing as a substantial ship made its slow approach to the harbor. The vessel presented a fusion of contemporary and traditional aesthetics, its hull of timber strengthened by metal plating. A gangplank descended with a resonant thud against the stone quay.

"Sir Jaigar, I wonder if it is our contingent that has been dispatched to bolster our defenses," one of his companions mused, her tone laced with anticipation.

Another added, her gaze fixed upon the approaching vessel. "I sincerely hope it hails from our own ranks. I am weary of enduring Julius's arrogant subordinates."

Jaigar grinned, arms folded across his chest. "Heh... I too desire a contingent from our faction. However, I doubt Julius himself would be dispatched, given his appointment as supreme leader. His time is consumed by political machinations."

A hushed silence prevailed as they awaited, the gangplank emitting a mournful creak as figures commenced their descent. Jaigar's disposition soured instantly upon the appearance of the first individual.

"Tch!"

It's Vane...

Blast it, this strategist is who they've sent?

Not to mention he holds the second-highest rank in Julius's faction...

Damn it... I detest this.

Jaigar watched with mounting vexation as Vane descended the gangplank with unhurried, measured steps. His bearing was erect, his movements deliberate, reminiscent of a nobleman traversing his private demesne. He was attended by five comely women, each exhibiting poise and elegance, their eyes sharp and watchful.

The women accompanying Jaigar bristled the moment Vane and his retinue came into view.

"Jaigar..." one of them whispered, her voice strained.

"Tsk..." Jaigar spat, his eyes narrowing. "Why in the blazes have they dispatched the deputy leader of Julius's faction? Could they not have sent someone less irksome?"

Vane halted a short distance away, his placid voice carrying a subtle inflection of mockery. "I was dispatched because an individual was deemed inadequate. I had no recourse but to comply with Julius's directive. Although, I must confess, I did not anticipate finding matters in such a... disarray."

"Guh!" Jaigar's jaw tightened, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He yearned to offer a retort, but the words lodged in his throat.

Vane's entourage members, Fayna, Rasya, Gulia, Deliza, and Erlaine, stood in silent formation behind him, their expressions cool and opaque as they briefly surveyed Jaigar's companions.

Vane surveyed the vicinity, his gaze sweeping over the partially erected fortifications. "Where is Gorak?"

"Hmph? How should I possess such knowledge? That scoundrel acts solely on his whims and never heeds instruction. I wager he has already met his demise, devoured by some local monstrosity."

Vane inclined his head and began to walk, his retinue in tow. Jaigar and his attendants reluctantly fell into stride.

"The primary structure remains incomplete, Jaigar?"

"Hah! Inquire not of me. Direct your questions to those feeble thralls. They are the ones whose sloth and weakness impede the task's completion."

Vane paused, directing his attention toward the distant prisoners of Amazarak, who toiled under the oppressive sun. Their frames were gaunt and frail, their movements listless and burdened by exhaustion, showing no evidence of respite or adequate sustenance.

Vane's eyes narrowed subtly. "Have you furnished them with sufficient provisions? And adequate rest?"

Jaigar derided, "Why would I squander provisions upon them? They are captives, not honored guests."

Vane's tone, though calm, bore a frigid undertone. "Slaves who abstain from sustenance cannot labor. Slaves deprived of rest will perish. And deceased slaves are of no utility." He turned, bestowing upon Jaigar a prolonged, appraising look. "Should you wish for this outpost to be finalized punctually, you must accord your assets greater consideration. Even implements necessitate upkeep."

"It is no wonder Julius dispatched me here. To supplant an individual incapable of managing even basic resources. Had these prisoners received at least the rudimentary necessities—sustenance, water, and proper rest—they would remain viable when the invasion commences. They could serve as vanguard fodder, absorbing enemy assaults prior to our main forces engaging. Furthermore, if they were treated with even a modicum of consideration, they might be dissuaded from succumbing to exhaustion before the conflict even erupts, potentially fighting for us out of apprehension rather than collapsing from sheer fatigue."

Jaigar lapsed into silence, his countenance flushed with rage and mortification. He clenched his fists, yet understood the futility of open confrontation with Vane.

Vane raised his hand, signaling the captain of their army, who promptly hastened over.

"Yes, Sir Vane?"

"Hmm... Instruct the soldiers to begin preparing food for the slaves. Ensure they have a supply of water from the stream. And summon the individual responsible for these prisoners."

"Yes, Sir Vane."

"From this day forward, I shall assume command of this base."

"But... Goddess Rafazelia assigned me to ready this location for the invasion!" Jaigar protested, his voice taut.

"And?" Vane inquired calmly, casting a glance over his shoulder, his hands clasped behind his back. "The progress under an incompetent like you is laughably slow. You have squandered time and resources, failing even to manage the most basic duties. Your incompetence is the very reason I am here."

He pivoted, hands still behind his back, his gaze fixing upon Jaigar's with a frigid intensity. His imposing aura surged, making the surrounding air feel oppressively heavy.

"Furthermore, Jaigar, remember your station and address me as 'Sir.'"

"Y... yes... Sir Vane."

Vane turned away, resuming his inspection of the base's development, his entourage accompanying him closely.

"Should you harbor any grievances, you are welcome to return by ship and voice them to Angrar or even your goddess. It is of no concern to me. What is paramount are progress, results, and efficiency. This is why I was appointed the strategist for all summoned heroes – not due to my strength, but because I perceive what others fail to notice and plan accordingly."

Jaigar fell into silence, his frustration evident as he ground his teeth.

Ceh!

Merely because he holds the second strongest position in Julius's team, and because all goddesses concurred in appointing him as our strategist, he presumes to trample over me.

He is nothing more than a tactician who lurks in Julius's considerable shadow. Without Julius, he would be utterly insignificant.

( End Of Chapter )