Chapter 29

Sure.

As far as I know, in this game, random gold gifts of 100 usually meant betrayal 99 times out of 100.

If they happen to make an alliance proposal soon, assume it’s almost a 100% chance they’ll stab you in the back.

It was a tactic usable by a strategist with over 95 intellect and the special skill [Betrayal] on our side.

The act of giving money was part of the necessary conditions for this ‘betrayal’ strategy within the game mechanics.

To detect this beforehand would require someone with over 99 intellect and the special skill [Mind’s Eye], but… Parphale was a good strategist, yet her intellect was only in the low 90s, not even reaching 95, so there was no way she could have figured it out.

Besides, even if we didn’t tell her, any player who’d been tricked a few times would inevitably catch on, making it meaningless anyway.

In this real world now, it could indeed be purely for ‘improving relations’ – but judging from how everything lined up exactly as predicted by my Divinity 100 brain, it was impossible to ignore the typical game scenarios.

However.

There was one crucial piece needed to fully explain all these hypotheses.

That piece was – “A strategist-type talent with over 95 intellect and the [Betrayal] special skill existing in a minor nation like the Charan Army.”

“Why would such a minor nation need that? For what?”

While it wasn’t entirely impossible – the probability was extremely low.

But.

Isn’t my ability Divinity 100, no matter how slim the chances?

Maybe if I ask this question, I’ll get an answer.

“Um… Lord Iren. There’s something I’d like to ask…”

“You want to ask something?”

I, lost in thought, was met with Iren tilting her head curiously.

She was undeniably a cute miss despite her mature tone.

But.

“It feels awkward to suddenly ask questions…”

As I hesitated to speak, she initiated conversation with me first.

“Swoen?”

“Yes…?”

“Is something the matter? You suddenly went quiet…”

Iren looked at me worriedly and asked.

After pondering, I decided against pressing the issue.

“…Nothing at all.”

Without further inquiry, she nodded and began explaining.

Apparently, she was letting it slide.

I strangely felt grateful towards her.

“…Anyway, I’m heading south. Aside from your four nations, there aren’t many threatening countries here.”

The southern region was roughly as I knew it.

Roland Army, Hesna Army, Karelia Army, Ohana Army.

If left to the CPU, Karelia Army usually conquers the south due to differences in talent pools, though Ohana Army or Hesna Army occasionally achieve conquests as well.

Roland Army’s victories are rarer than beans in a drought, and the other minor nations inevitably fall unless controlled by the player.

“That’s all. And finally-”

She pointed to the upper part of the continent with her hand.

The northern continent.

The only region unified by a single nation at this point.

“The entire northern continent belongs to the Serpina Army, correct? You know this, right?”

“Of course.”

The minor nations allied with the Serpina Army were wiped out almost instantly after the first year in the game.

In this world without deployment restrictions, they likely fell even faster.

Thanks to Iren’s help, I was able to clearly check the current power dynamics.

Confirming the layout provided some small insights.

“Thank you.”

After exchanging pleasantries, I took out a new sheet of paper and picked up my pen again.

“Hm? What are you doing?”

“I thought I’d draw a rough map of the surrounding areas while I’m at it.”

Almost every major battlefield from the game is vividly etched in my mind even after months in this world, having played for 10,000 hours.

Organizing them would surely come in handy later.

Since I had nothing better to do anyway.

Iren nodded, then placed her hand on my shoulder and said,

“I’ll leave the lantern on. Just turn it off before sleeping.”

“But isn’t it bright enough already? It’s fine.”

“Used to sleeping by campfires.”

With that, Iren smiled faintly, left my side, and leaned against the wall. Was she planning to give up her bed again today?

As always, it’s best to accept kindness when offered.

“Good night.”

First, let’s start with the battlefields near the borderlines of the eastern Aishias Army…

I slowly lifted my pen and began drawing lines.

*

The next evening.

Iren stepped out briefly, leaving me alone to continue mapping the surrounding battlefields.

“There are more mountainous areas around here than I expected.”

Though not steep cliffs, there were certainly many hills.

Strangely, while Anel Castle and its surroundings were wide plains, the border areas seemed particularly difficult to traverse.

I planned to keep checking the battlefields even after organizing them.

You never know when this information might come in useful.

At that moment.

The door opened, and Iren returned wearing armor.

“Have you come back?”

“Hmm.”

She held something in both hands and placed it on the desk.

Upon confirming, I realized…

“Isn’t this… meat?”

Several chunks of raw beef, along with various ingredients.

Iren smiled at me and explained,

“I thought since Swoen has become a new guest, it’s only proper to treat you nicely once, isn’t it?”

So she bought meat?

Taken aback by the unexpected kindness, I stammered,

“You really don’t need to go through so much trouble.”

“It’s fine. This makes me feel better. Besides, looking at your body, you seem rather frail, don’t you?”

“…”

Honestly, I had no response.

If I followed Iren’s routine, I’d collapse within two hours.

And the reason I don’t refuse her offer of the bed is because lying down helps recover stamina for someone as weak as me.

“Don’t be discouraged. No one is born strong. In situations like this, eating meat is key. Gain strength by eating meat. Sit down; I’ll prepare it quickly.”

Saying that, Iren removed the chest plate protecting her bosom.

Her ample breasts momentarily swayed.

Then, changing into comfortable clothes for cooking, she picked up a knife and started preparing the meal.

“…”

Living with her, I’ve noticed she possesses unexpectedly high survival skills.

Moreover, regardless of how dire her circumstances, she doesn’t give in – displaying remarkable mental fortitude.

Frankly, when I arrived as a man, she must have felt ashamed.

Having a male newcomer live in her home as a roommate, despite being a monarch obeying orders – it’s undoubtedly a humiliating situation.

Yet she shows none of that discomfort towards me.

Instead, she even buys meat and cooks for me as a welcoming gesture.

“Why?”

No matter how much I attribute it to compatibility, Lin’s treatment of someone like Iren remains incomprehensible.

Could Lin’s inability to become the unifying ruler stem from this inherent narrow-mindedness and darkness?

Lost in these thoughts-

“It’s ready!”

Iren brought over the plates with a slightly proud expression.

The usual plain dishes used for hard bread and dried fish now appeared sophisticated with freshly grilled chunks of meat.

I picked up the fork and knife, cut the meat, and savored the feeling of being alive as I chewed.

How long has it been since I last experienced this?

“It’s delicious.”

The seasoning was perfect, and the cooking degree just right.

Hearing my compliment, she smiled brightly.

She genuinely enjoyed receiving praise.

“I have confidence in grilling meat. I handled all the cooking during camping trips too.”

“Did you, Lady Iren?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

She patted my back lightly and continued,

“Swoen. Living in a commander of the opposite gender’s house must be uncomfortable, and you might feel uneasy about seeing things you shouldn’t. I apologize for not being able to resolve this immediately. Once a vacant house becomes available, I’ll send you there. Please bear with it until then.”

She sincerely apologized to me.

What a diligent personality.

In response, I cleverly replied,

“What are you saying? If Lady Iren doesn’t mind, I’d like to live with you forever.”

And those indecent sights? They were the finest views indeed, though I kept that part to myself.

“You’re quite skilled at flattery. As I mentioned before, it won’t get you anything.”

“No, I mean it.”

I answered earnestly.

It was true. To increase her affection, nothing beats living together.

Lin might have sent me here to torment her, but ironically, this arrangement benefits me greatly.

Moreover, she’s beautiful. Watching her large bosom daily will surely extend my lifespan.

Hearing my words, Iren became flustered, her face turning red.

Then, using the fork in front of her to scrape the surface of the meat, she muttered awkwardly,

“Ahem… Well. Let’s finish eating first.”

She silently and roughly cut the meat and shoved it into her mouth.

Her bashful demeanor was incredibly cute.

“In that case, let’s eat well.”

Firstly, I thanked Iren for preparing the meal for me –

And secondly, Lin for providing Iren to me.

Then I proceeded to enjoy the rest of the meal.

* * *

Three days had passed since joining the Brance Army.

Today was the day for the ‘Regular Meeting of the Brance Army.’

Although I’ve been floating around without tasks so far, starting this month, I’ll likely receive assignments.

Iren, who woke up early, put on her armor and addressed me.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Just a moment.”

I slowly dressed, then draped the coat Iren handed me over myself.

The pocket of the coat featured the emblem representing the Brance Army.

Wearing this made me acutely aware of my affiliation like never before.

There was no such uniform in the minor Lunarien Army.

Is it better to work as a servant for a large company after all?

“I’m ready.”

“…Ah. There’s one last thing I want to say.”

“What is it?”

“If possible, it might be better for you to avoid associating with me. I’ll go ahead; I recommend you follow five minutes later. You know the way to the Royal Palace.”

“…”

I easily understood the implication behind her words.

She’s marked by Lin Brance, so maintaining distance is understandable, right?

Impressed by her ability to say this even to someone practically under her roof, I firmly responded,

“What does a mere newcomer know? Rather than engaging in politics already, wouldn’t it be better to show ignorance and innocence?”

Hearing this, Iren chuckled amusedly and remarked,

We’ve grown closer over these three days than expected.

“…You truly say such things without hesitation. I might want to learn from you.”

“If the opportunity arises, I’ll teach you.”

She smiled faintly, opened the door, and stepped out.

Naturally, I disregarded the five-minute wait and immediately followed her.

*

The morning of House Eastanel was exceptionally peaceful.

The bustling sounds of the territorial people and carriages moving about filled the air.

The most distinctive feature was the numerous people wearing outfits with the same crest as mine.

Are these all people working under the Brance Army?

Apparently, not just commanders but even soldiers and lower-ranking members receive this unique emblem.

In the game, only ‘commanders’ displayed it, but running such a massive organization requires countless ‘James’-like individuals unseen in the system, laboring tirelessly for the Brance Army.

Thinking about it made me feel oddly bittersweet, but there was no time to dwell on sentimentality.

Before long, we arrived at Anel Royal Palace.

Sounds of people exchanging greetings could be heard.

One might expect people to approach Iren for greetings at this point, given her recognition-

Surprisingly, no one approached her at all.

Those who occasionally greeted her were not commanders but rather servants or maids of lower status.

‘So this is what she meant.’

Do people think associating with Iren, disliked by Lin Brance, holds no meaning?

Feeling somewhat resentful, I stuck closer to her side.

Fortunately or unfortunately, people paid no particular attention to me following her.

They likely assumed I was her attendant.

Regardless of their assumptions, it wasn’t a significant issue.

A few more minutes of walking later.

Iren and I entered the meeting room inside the palace.

Inside the castle, there were truly, absolutely numerous people lined up on both sides.

Just those visible immediately numbered several dozen.

Compared to Jeilrant Castle’s palace where including herself there were only five people total… this was an entirely different world.

Lin hadn’t arrived yet, as the throne remained empty.

“This way.”

Following Iren’s instructions, I took an appropriate position behind her right side.

And shortly after-

“Our Lord approaches!”

The soldier’s loud announcement echoed through the silent palace as footsteps reverberated.

Long blue hair.

Beautiful appearance hiding cruelty beneath.

The absolute will of the Brance Army – Lin Brance, accompanied by Parphale behind her, walked with dignified steps to the throne and sat down.

Addressing her vassals with an unusually solemn tone for someone usually somewhat frivolous, she began:

“Well. Everyone’s here? Let’s begin the monthly regular meeting of the Brance Army. No objections, right?”