Chapter 55

*

Since that day-

I started taking on the role of giving Lin advice from close by in earnest.

Without any special orders given to me, whenever she summoned me to the royal palace, I would offer her advice.

The nation’s strategist, Parphale, was still dealing with situations in the east, so it was a reasonable decision for Lin to call upon me.

I, on my part, was simply following the dictates of my Divinity 100 brain and offering her advice for her benefit.

First off, she needed to trust me to some extent.

“Swen, we’ve got three new recruits. What should we have them do?”

“I foresee there being a few hidden talents lurking around Anel Castle and this territory. If you conduct a search, I believe you’ll find good results.”

As a result of the search, we managed to acquire a B-rank commander who was still obscure as well as a treasure worth about 1200 gold.

“Hey Swen, I’m planning to invade the Garammil Army in the western region soon. What do you think?”

“The timing isn’t right yet. It would be better to gather more troops and focus on defending the borderline.”

“…Is that so?”

A few days later, news arrived that the Brance Army had suffered a defeat after attacking the Garammil Army at Falaharte Castle with over 30,000 troops.

It seems that due to an unexpected outbreak of disease within our camp, morale plummeted, and they were unable to breach the walls of the Garammil Army who were fighting for their lives.

Apparently, Lin disregarded my advice and forced the attack anyway.

It’s fine. On the contrary, if she didn’t do this, it would be troublesome. By continuing to test me like this, she’ll subconsciously come to trust my opinions more.

“…Swen, it seems your words were correct once again.”

“I merely thought that fortifying the defensive line was necessary. There’s no need to overpraise me. It was purely a loss due to bad luck.”

“So, should we just stay quiet then? With the soldiers’ morale incredibly low, and it feeling wrong to pull additional forces from the border, it might be best.”

“Not at all. Reorganize immediately and attack. This time, we will surely succeed in capturing it.”

“…Hmm.”

And once again, a few days later.

News came that the Brance Army had breached the walls and captured Hoeo Castle, which was occupied by the Garammil Army.

Furthermore, word reached us that the Garammil Army had vanished from history.

“…We won. Just as you said.”

Even though I heard the victory report, I maintained a subtle expression while adding context to the situation.

“Initially, the soldiers of the Garammil Army wouldn’t have considered their previous victory against the Brance Army as a true win, since it only happened because of the disease outbreak. Therefore, there wouldn’t have been any significant boost in morale even after winning. They’d have only seen it as a lucky escape.”

“When they heard that the Brance Army was approaching again, their morale would naturally have been crushed. It wouldn’t have been hard for them to realize that no matter how many times they defended, their future was bleak.”

I bowed my head to conclude the story.

“It was merely a matter of exploiting the drop in enemy morale; not everything went according to my words. All of this is thanks to Lady Lin’s decisive leadership.”

Of course, all talk about boosting morale or anything like that was just me randomly attaching phrases to make things sound impressive.

What I truly discovered was that the first invasion would “fail,” and the second one would “succeed.”

Nevertheless, the results were accurate.

This would undoubtedly resonate deeply with her heart.

During my free time, I deliberately meditated in a cave a bit away from the territory.

I stationed two soldiers at the entrance of the cave to ensure no one disturbed me.

My goal was clear: to establish the image that “Swen occasionally meditates alone without anyone’s interference.”

While supporting her in this manner for a few days, one day she asked me a question.

“Swen, you’ve worked hard these past days. Parphale will be back by tomorrow, so starting the day after tomorrow, there won’t be a need for you to visit every day. But, is there anything you desire? I want to reward you for working hard for me these past few days.”

“Didn’t I already say? I wish to become well-known. Please continue to utilize me thoroughly.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes.”

She remained silent for a moment, then smiled brightly again and spoke.

“Still, I want to show my gratitude. Outside the castle gates, I’ve prepared something you’ll like. It’s a token of my appreciation, so I hope you’ll accept it. Be sure to take it home and enjoy it alone. And please share your thoughts with me afterward—I’m curious about what’s in your heart. Understand?”

Token of appreciation?

From the start, the instruction to “take it home and enjoy it alone” made me feel somewhat uneasy, but regardless, I needed to appear loyal to Lin here.

“I thank you for your kindness. I will never forget it.”

“Good, excellent. Hehe.”

And thus, stepping out of the royal palace…

What awaited me was something I absolutely did not expect.

“Um… Is this… Swen sir?”

It was a woman.

She was exceptionally beautiful, wearing elegant clothing, with golden hair and a curvaceous figure. She didn’t resemble any commanders from the Brance Army—she seemed more like an ordinary citizen.

No, judging from her makeup and attire…

‘She works at a brothel.’

And at that moment, I easily grasped Lin’s intent.

She was trying to… “break me in.”

Sending a brothel worker as a supposed reward to a vassal.

Her comment about liking it and asking me to bring it home and share my thoughts afterward was quite ridiculous.

This wasn’t gratitude—it was humiliation.

If taken lightly, it probably meant something along the lines of “Let’s see how long you can resist” or “Even after doing this, will you kneel before me?”

In other words—

It was a test of how far I would submit to her.

Before trusting my abilities, she must go through this process.

It could mean something like “I’ll give you what you want, but bow down to me a little more.”

“Hmph, indeed.”

If I were truly a servant devoted to her, I might have sighed and harbored resentment in this situation.

But I was a disloyal servant plotting to betray her.

Yeah.

‘This is the moment to act—to show that even if you heap such humiliation on me, I will follow your commands for the sake of achieving fame and fortune.’

Smiling faintly, I spoke to her.

“Ah… I’m heading home now, but would you accompany me?”

“Eh? Ah…”

Upon looking at my face, she blushed slightly, then nodded and replied.

“Ah, understood…”

Haa.

What kind of task does a ruler ask a commoner from a brothel to perform when testing their own minister?

I was annoyed by her persistence, but ironically, I was grateful for it now.

Because her tenacity might ultimately cause her to let her guard down at the last moment.

That way, I brought the young lady home.

Naturally, Iren’s eyes widened dramatically upon seeing us.

“S-Swen… Who is this person??”

“Just consider her a temporary guest. Could you perhaps prepare some tea?”

“Well, that’s not difficult, but…”

“I’ll explain everything.”

Though confused by our faces, Iren eventually calmed herself and said:

“Alright. Though my humble abode may not be grand, please feel comfortable.”

“Y-Yes!”

I sat down appropriately at the table with the young lady.

At that moment, she leaned closer to me and whispered:

“Um… Sir Swen…”

“Yes?”

“Well… I was told to give you the pleasure that men enjoy… But, um… Do I have to do it in front of that woman? I can do it if Sir Swen wishes, but honestly, this is my first time in such a situation…”

“…Hmm.”

After exhaling a short sigh, I replied:

“Teacher, may I inquire about your name?”

“Eh? My name is… Lin.”

“Lin. Though I don’t know what our lord instructed you to do, what I request from you is not that.”

“Then… what is it?”

“Just drink some tea, pass some time, and then leave when appropriate.”

“Eh? Does Sir Swen possess such a wall?”

“A wall? Hmm…”

“Wall? Swen, did you repair a wall today?”

By the time Iren approached with a tray containing three cups and a teapot, having boiled the tea, I had already explained the general situation to her.

“G-Goodness… So that’s what… That ‘wall’ thing was…”

Iren turned crimson like a red bean and sipped her tea nervously, trembling slightly.

She seemed unusually unsteady.

“Are you alright, Iren?”

“No, I’m fine…”

“Then… are we not doing anything today?”

At Lin’s question, I nodded.

“Yes. However… After spending some time together, if you could pretend we did something outside, I would greatly appreciate it.”

There was only one reason why I hadn’t dismissed her immediately and instead invited her inside.

I suspected that Lin Branse might have had someone tailing me.

True, my instincts weren’t particularly sharp. I didn’t sense anyone following me or any prying eyes.

Still, I judged it better to act this way for various reasons. If she found out I sent her away immediately, there was a possibility she’d overestimate me unnecessarily.

Thoroughly appearing submissive to her was an essential procedure for executing the perfect exit strategy.

“That’s not too hard, but… I’m a little disappointed.”

“Disappointed?”

Unexpected words made me turn my head.

Lin was looking at me with a slightly flushed face.

“To be honest, when I first received this request, I thought I’d have to deal with another old man. But meeting someone as splendid and handsome as Sir Swen… I actually had some expectations… ♡”

“Keh! Cough! Choke!”

Iren choked on her tea again and began coughing violently.

After patting her back a few times, I questioned Lin.

“Do you often receive such requests from her?”

“Yes. Actually, I have some connections with Lady Lin Branse.”

“Connections?”

“Kalintz is my regular customer.”

…Ah.

Kalintz really seemed to have enjoyed himself extravagantly.

“You know? Kalintz is physically strong, but not particularly impressive as a man. They say he finishes in three minutes?”

“…!”

That was definitely information I didn’t need to know.

And Iren continued to cough uncontrollably.

“Anyway, I’d appreciate it if you could help me out. Pretend we did something, please. Here, take this as a small token.”

I handed her half of the funds I had accumulated from my salary in the Brance Army.

Though it was money I wouldn’t use anyway, it seemed meaningful to her as she brightened up and said:

“Oh my, why would you give me such a gift!”

She pocketed the money and nodded.

“Sure! Of course, I can’t refuse a handsome man’s request. Don’t worry!”

“Flattery won’t get you anything extra, but thank you.”

Thus, I spent some trivial time chatting with Lin.

When enough time had passed, she left the room.

Iren then asked me seriously:

“Is that young lady… someone our lord assigned to you?”

“Yes. It seems she’s testing me. Like, ‘Will you obey me even if I do this?’ sort of thing.”

“Is that so…”

Iren lowered her head and smiled wistfully.

Perhaps she understood this situation better than anyone else.

After all, she had endured similar covert torment from Lin herself.

“…I worry if I’ve caused you to be disliked because of me.”

“What does it matter? Being disliked by Lady Lin doesn’t bother me at all. Unless it’s from Lady Iren.”

“…Eh…?”

“If Lady Iren dislikes me, it might make me incredibly sad.”

At my words, Iren blushed profusely and lowered her head.

Then, in a timid voice, she squeezed out a response:

“I… would never have a reason to dislike you, Swen…”

“Me too.”

“…Mm.”

After fidgeting for a while and staring at the empty cup, she looked up cautiously and asked:

“T-There’s something I want to ask you…”

“What is it?”

“T-The… H-how about the… W-wall…”

“Huh?”

Thinking I might have misheard, I responded:

“I didn’t work on repairing any walls today, did I?”

“N-No, that’s not what I mean. Rather… Umm… Earlier, when Lin mentioned it… A-about t-that… You know…”

“Are you curious about that?”

“N-No, it’s not curiosity! It’s just… Um… T-That… Well… People say men have diverse ‘walls,’ but I-I didn’t mean that…!”

By this point, her face was not just red—it was beet-red, almost bursting.

Why would she ask such an embarrassing question?

Suddenly, she seemed incredibly adorable.

Simultaneously, I felt an urge to tease her.

“About the ‘wall’… I’m not sure if it qualifies as a wall, but I prefer women with large chests.”

“Eh? Ah… Y-Yes… C-Chests… M-Men do like them, right…?”

For some reason, I felt oddly proud.

“And I also prefer women with red hair.”

“B-Bright red hair?! Hmm, hmm, yes…!”

“And those skilled with swords are especially attractive. I have a knight fetish.”

“Knight fetish…?”

Realizing something strange, Iren looked at me with a puzzled expression.

Smiling gently, I replied:

“Someone who serves daily would be ideal. Oh! And women who brew tea well make me excited.”

“SWEN!!”

Iren, unlike her usual self, puffed up her cheeks and scolded me.

“Why are you joking around when I was asking seriously…!”

“But I answered seriously.”

“Wha…?”

And once again,

Her face turned red as she opened her mouth like a broken record, unable to utter a word.

“I like big-chested red-haired knights. Very serious. I was being honest, but you took it as a joke, and now I’m hurt.”

“W-Was it… really?”

She genuinely seemed apologetic, stumbling over her words.

“S-Sorry. I-I thought it was a joke because… Everything sounded so much like me… But that means… Umm… Th-That is…!”

Seeing her flustered state, I burst out laughing.

After laughing for a while, I completely forgot about Lin’s antics earlier.

“My apologies. It was a joke.”

“Y-You really…!”

“Regardless, I like you, Lady Iren, unrelated to all that.”

“EH!!”

Upon hearing my words, her face turned completely red again.

Iren was far more expressive than I imagined.

The image of her always looking heavy-hearted, constantly getting rejected by people from the Brance Army, felt like a lie now.

I wanted to witness more of her varied expressions.

That thought suddenly crossed my mind.

“Please continue to stay by my side in the future. Understood?”

“…Mm.”

She remained silent, gazing into my eyes for a long while.

My reflection was clearly visible in her violet irises.

“…Yes… Swen. I understand.”

The unshakable bond between Iren and me.

There was no space for Lin Branse to intrude.

*

The next day.

Lin greeted me with a smile at the royal palace.

“How was it, Swen? The ‘item’ I bestowed upon you?”

With an unwavering smile, I replied:

“Thank you for your thoughtful consideration. Thanks to our lord, I had time to recharge. I will never forget this favor.”

“What?”

Upon hearing my words, she laughed gleefully.

“So it was a favor you won’t forget, huh? Swen, you’re a man after all! I get it. My brother felt the same way!”

I maintained an appropriate smile.

My apparent submission seemed to please her immensely.

After all, how pitiful must I look in her eyes? Despite possessing such capabilities, I seem fixated solely on impressing her.

Right.

It’s time… to flip the script.

“My lord. As today is the final day, there is something I wish to convey.”

“What is it?”

“In return for the reward I received from my lord, I would like to humbly present a gift to you.”

“Gift? For reference, my preference is for someone delicate and pretty like you, Swen. Keep that in mind.”

“This is far superior to such trifles.”

Smirking slightly, I uttered a word she could never have anticipated.

“Falaharte Castle.”

“…!”

With shining eyes, I adopted an expression as if I could see through everything and declared confidently:

“It seems the time has come to clean up the thorn in our lord’s side—the Aishias Army.”