Chapter 48

“Destroy the fortress… with fire?”

At Kalintz’s words, Taltin nodded his head.

“That is correct. It’s Lord Lin’s order.”

“How… how could this be?”

Kalintz lowered his head, shaking his fist in disbelief, but I thought otherwise—Lin’s decision was incredibly wise.

‘This fortress holds near-zero strategic value for the Brance Army. If it falls into Serpina Army’s hands, it could become a fatal blade pointed at our own forces. The only reason we’ve tolerated its existence so far is because Kalintz has been in charge. But now that even Kalintz is acting on his own accord to gain merit… trusting him further would be foolish. Burning the fortress and retreating is the most rational decision.’

In fact, I had anticipated my Divinity 100 brain would predict ‘destroy the fortress and escape’ from the start.

Still…

If she was going to issue such an order, she should’ve done so when Kalintz was captured as a prisoner.

She ordered resistance, and now that they succeeded in holding it, she tells them to burn it?

Her true intentions became all too clear at this point.

‘The Brance Army won’t last long for me.’

Even if things were fine for me personally, I couldn’t put Iren in harm’s way indefinitely.

It seemed like the time to switch sides was approaching.

“…Damn it!”

Kalintz Brance held a fairly high standing within the Brance Army, but that status solely came from being a member of the Brance Clan.

No matter how much he climbed the ranks, he couldn’t defy Lord Lin Brance’s orders.

“I’ve delivered the message. I’ll prepare accordingly. You should get ready to evacuate by the end of today. Excuse me.”

Taltin bowed and slowly exited the room.

After he left, Kalintz sighed several times before turning to me with a sorrowful expression.

“My apologies, Swoen. To have you destroy this fortress you risked your life to protect…”

Well…

I didn’t exactly risk my life, but there’s no harm in letting him believe that.

“It’s fine. If I could serve you, Kalintz-dono, then that alone is enough for me.”

“Is that so?! Do you truly feel that way?”

Upon hearing my flattery, Kalintz approached me, placing his hand on my shoulder.

“I shall try once more to persuade my lord! If your… invocation of divine will can be performed again, we might crush the Serpina Army, gather troops, and finally plant our banner in the north! What do you say? Shall we leave our names in history together?!”

‘Oh boy.’

I thought he’d reflect after pushing through such a reckless plan already.

But it seems he thinks my abilities are worth trying out.

Of course, I don’t have the power to summon natural disasters or drop meteors from the sky.

So rejecting this politely would be best… right about now.

“Kalintz-dono.”

Before I could speak, Iren beside me cut in first.

“Swoen must not be entrusted with such dangerous tasks again. Please exercise restraint.”

“What… what did you say?”

Kalintz stared at Iren in disbelief.

“General Iren… I appreciate that you stayed here to fight, but you weren’t following your own will, were you? Am I right?”

“…”

Kalintz Brance was practically Lin Brance’s closest confidant.

He clearly didn’t think highly of her presence here.

“I’m asking Swoen directly—not because Lord Lin ordered me, but because he fought for me out of his own volition. Please understand where your place lies.”

“Absolutely not. Don’t drag Swoen into your reckless plans. If you insist on taking him, cut off my head first.”

Iren’s strong words startled Kalintz.

“Are you defying my authority, Iren Julieat?”

Kalintz’s tone was harsh, but Iren stood firm, staring straight at him.

“This isn’t defiance—it’s advice. Please listen, Kalintz-dono. We shouldn’t sacrifice many lives or endanger our allies due to poor judgment again, right?”

“What?! How dare you…!”

“And currently, our Lord has ordered us to dismantle the fortress and retreat. Isn’t ignoring these orders considered defiance, Kalintz-dono?”

As Iren shot back, Kalintz couldn’t contain his anger and reached for the sword at his waist.

“You insolent cur-!”

“Kalintz-dono!”

To prevent the situation from escalating, I immediately stepped forward and bowed deeply.

“Please calm down, Kalintz-dono. Though it pains me to say, invoking divine will requires many conditions. There’s no guarantee repeating the ritual will work.”

Though annoying, provoking Kalintz unnecessarily here wouldn’t help.

I mixed in some flattering words he’d want to hear.

“And if we don’t follow our Lord’s orders again, Kalintz-dono’s reputation may suffer. A great general knows when patience is necessary. And in my knowledge, the most patient general in the Brance Army is none other than Kalintz-dono. Even the First Sword, Chel-dono, acknowledges your superiority in this regard.”

“…D-do you really think that…?”

“Yes. That’s why I wanted to serve under Kalintz-dono.”

“Hmph…”

Kalintz cleared his throat awkwardly.

His earlier rage vanished, replaced by complete composure.

Easier to handle than expected—what a relief.

“Both Swoen and Iren General are exhausted from defending the fortress. Our judgment might be clouded. All we ask is for Kalintz-dono to make the right decision. As a commander, please show the patience we know you possess.”

“Hmm… Patience, huh. True… Swoen, you’ve endured much, and Lord Lin gave the order… So be it.”

Kalintz wasn’t stupid.

Once his head cooled, he quickly realized what was right.

After some reflection in prison, he likely figured things out.

He sighed deeply, looking at Iren beside me.

“Iren, despite everything, I’ll overlook this time considering your efforts for the fortress. But next time, think carefully before speaking. Understand?”

“Yes. Thank you greatly for your leniency. I’ll keep your words in mind.”

Fortunately, Iren bowed instead of escalating further.

“Finally, we’re burning the fortress, huh…”

Kalintz muttered, leaving the meeting room.

Alone in the room, I finally spoke to Iren.

“Iren-dono, there’s no need to confront Kalintz-dono so directly.”

“No. Swoen, I won’t let you face danger again. This applies regardless of who gives the orders—even if it were someone else. On this, I cannot compromise.”

Apparently, her sense of obligation toward me had grown beyond reasonable limits.

Then… perhaps the time has come.

I cautiously asked a somewhat bold question.

“Even from Lord Lin?”

“…”

Hearing this, Iren slowly turned to look at me.

Her violet eyes gazed at me more clearly than ever.

“Swoen… there’s something I need to tell you. Is now alright?”

“What is it?”

After hearing my question, Iren wore an unusually solemn expression.

She drew her sword from its scabbard.

The sound of metal rang out as she planted it firmly on the floor.

With both hands gripping the hilt, she spoke seriously.

“Swoen…”

“Yes.”

After receiving my reply, she closed her eyes.

I couldn’t tell exactly what she was thinking—

But it felt like she was reflecting on everything about protecting Lin Brance.

However, she must’ve realized by now:

She couldn’t protect Lin no matter what happened.

Slowly opening her eyes, she looked at me calmly, saying softly,

“I will live for you now, Swoen—not Lin Brance.”

I remained silent, gazing earnestly at her face.

“My sword exists to protect you. My body serves you. From this moment on, Iren Julieat belongs solely to you, Swoen.”

“If anyone seeks to harm you, whoever they may be, I will stop them with all my strength… And…”

Her serious demeanor softened slightly, her face blushing.

“If you don’t mind… I’ve been thinking about continuing to boil tea for you…”

“That’s the most important thing, Iren-dono.”

Hearing my words, a faint smile appeared on Iren’s face.

A sturdy, unwavering smile.

“You still have a light-hearted side even in moments like this.”

“But it’s the truth, nonetheless.”

Iren continued seriously.

“While serving in the Brance Army—or any army—Iren Julieat will be your knight alone. Just as you promised to protect me.”

Only after hearing those words did the reality fully sink in.

I had successfully changed the predetermined fate.

I saved her from the tragic destiny of dying while clinging to misplaced loyalty.

Being here in the Brance Army feels fortunate now.

“I leave myself in your care, Iren-dono.”

“Indeed.”

Our brief ceremony concluded.

Sheathing her sword, she asked in a serious tone,

“By the way, Swoen, there’s something I want to ask.”

“Speak.”

“You don’t seem to consider Lin your true lord.”

Hearing this, I shrugged.

Does it show that much?

“Apparently so.”

Normally, her loyal nature would differ, but now her body and heart belong to me.

Thus, even though we’re in the Brance Army, speaking such disloyal words doesn’t bother me.

“I’m curious about your true lord. Whoever they are, if you follow them, I will follow too.”

My lord.

From the beginning, there’s only been one person.

“I serve the only person capable of conquering and unifying this continent.”

“Ho? Only one person? Who might that be?”

“Perhaps you’ve met them before, Lady Iren. Wasn’t it just a few months ago?”

“Could it be… Could it be that you believe Lady Lunarien Iniyan is destined to become the ruler of the unified empire?”

Ah.

Thank you, Lady Iren, for asking such a fitting question.

Finally, after so long, I can input ‘that question.’

“Is Lunarien Iniyan the person destined to unify the empire?”

And once again, the answer comes swiftly.

[Yes.]

I exhaled in relief.

You remain safe, my lord.

* * *

Madlen Castle.

This place, the capital of the Karelia Army, was truly the largest city in southern continent.

During the Unified Empire era, it served as the commercial hub of the south, blessed with fertile land and protective mountain ranges—perfect for building a city.

Here, a cute girl with short crimson hair in a peach hue—

“Everyone, thank you for your hard work! Let’s push a little more! We’re almost reaching our goal!”

Worked alongside farmers, wielding farming tools to till the fields.