Chapter 57

Let’s rewind the clock a bit, a few days before I proposed to Lin.

“Hmm? A letter?”

“Yes. There’s somewhere to send it. I just finished writing it.”

“Ah. You did say you had something to say, didn’t you? Wait a moment.”

After finishing the letter, while sipping the black tea brewed by Iren, I briefly explained my upcoming plans.

“You’re sending me back to the battlefield?”

“That’s right. As the manager of the newly constructed fortress, you’ll gain full authority over around 30,000 to 40,000 troops.”

“Full authority… but I’m not sure if that’s even possible. My lord doesn’t exactly trust me, after all. Last time at the fortress was practically a death sentence, so he might’ve handed it over momentarily then, but leading an entirely new force is a different story.”

“We’re going to use that against him.”

“Against him?”

At my words, Iren looked intrigued and asked.

“Lin seems unusually eager to get rid of you, Lady Iren. If we set up a situation where eliminating you requires giving you full authority, wouldn’t he do it? If handing over full control is necessary to remove you, wouldn’t he likely agree?”

“Handing over full authority to eliminate me…? I don’t fully understand what you mean, but anyway, what kind of authority will I be getting specifically?”

I spoke confidently.

“I plan to propose building a fortress in front of Falaharte Castle. And I’ll arrange for Lady Iren to temporarily acquire full authority over it.”

“Falaharte Castle? Are you talking about the capital of the Aishias Army?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Even with your explanation, Lord Lin tends to be suspicious by nature. Just saying ‘Let’s build a fortress to attack the Aishias Army’ without any basis would have a low chance of being accepted.”

“I intend to create a situation where he can’t refuse. I’ve prepared something.”

“Prepared…”

Iren tilted her head slightly, still unsure about everything, but then smiled faintly and said,

“Alright. Swoen, if you say you’ve prepared something, I’ll believe you. Even if your opinions seem less credible, I’ve sworn my sword for you.”

“I’m grateful for your trust.”

“So, what should I do once I gain this authority? It doesn’t feel like you’re asking me to fight the Aishias Army directly. And starting a rebellion from a fortress instead of a castle would be impossible.”

Exactly.

Why had I created such a complex setup?

It was time to explain.

“Make contact with Baranga Yuri Aishias, the ruler of the Aishias Army.”

“Contact… to do what?”

I stared straight into her eyes and said,

“Surrender to her.”

“…!!”

Finally, Iren, who had been maintaining a calm tone, faltered.

“To her… you’re telling me to surrender?”

“That’s correct. Our new master will be Baranga Yuri Aishias of the Aishias Army.”

We had to leave the Brance Army.

The most important reason was to save Iren Julieat standing right here.

Inevitably, as long as Iren stayed here, she would eventually be killed by Lin.

Now that we’ve successfully changed her loyal heart, leaving this place as quickly as possible is the only way to ensure her safety.

But—this is only my personal justification. Even if outsiders see us as traitors, there’s nothing we can do about it.

That part doesn’t matter.

After all, we were eventually planning to return to Lunarien, the unifier of the continent.

So far, everything seemed fine.

However, taking Iren with us made a simple surrender meaningless.

If we resign from the Brance Army, both I and Iren will inevitably make enemies with Lin Brance. Regardless of her temperament, she currently holds a power base that cannot be ignored.

In the worst case, there’s a possibility that she could capture and kill both Iren and me.

Therefore, we need to shake the balance of the Brance Army by taking away as many surplus soldiers as possible.

That’s why I insisted on creating a situation where Iren gains full authority over the fortress.

Because if we surrender while holding authority, we can take all the soldiers with us!

Of course, in this case, since the soldiers are involved, our range will be limited to countries bordering the frontier that can support us immediately after surrendering.

But since shaking the Brance Army means supporting neighboring countries along the border, that aspect isn’t an issue.

Then there’s only one remaining question:

Which country should we go to?

The Brance Army is located in the exact center of the continent, surrounded by borders on all sides.

There are countless nations on the map, but ultimately, they can be divided into four main directions.

First, the north: Serpina Army.

Serpina von Einhardt was a tyrant. Even if we surrendered, she’d likely chop off our heads on a whim. She was famously merciless towards enemy commanders anyway.

Also, our surrender wouldn’t benefit her much. Kneeling down before her would create complications dealing with a superpower.

Moreover, with Kalintz already making moves in the north, persuading Lady Lin to expand further northward would be difficult.

Thus, she’s out of the picture. Pass.

Second, one of the two southern countries sharing a border.

Not a bad choice. However… they are unlikely to accept Iren and me due to their policy of avoiding friction with the Brance Army.

Accepting traitors would automatically put them in an adversarial relationship with the Brance Army, which wouldn’t be pleasant for them given the current state of the southern continent.

If they refuse to accept us after we’ve built the fortress and withdrawn troops, things could get very awkward.

Most critically, there’s also the possibility of having to fight Lunarien from the Karelia Army in a non-bordering location.

Third, the minor states in the western central part of the continent.

This option is also out. After all, if given enough time, these places are destined to fly the flag of the Brance Army. Pass.

Fourth, the Aishias Army to the east.

They haven’t yet subdued the Charan Army and Alepel Army, but clearly, she is the strongest force in the east.

Despite its small territory, it has many S-class commanders, and with additional soldiers, it could become the biggest threat to the Brance Army.

This means that the soldiers and fortress we hand over would be highly desirable not only for us but also for the Aishias Army.

Therefore, there’s a high likelihood they’d accept our surrender despite antagonizing the Brance Army, especially since the Aishias Army must push the Brance Army out to expand anyway.

Although there are many nations, when analyzed this way, there’s only one place left for us to go.

“Baranga Yuri Aishias is an extremely wise woman. She’ll quickly realize that gaining us would only be beneficial, not detrimental. Moreover, I suspect there’s a very clever strategist in the Aishias Army. They’d likely calculate the pros and cons swiftly. We have the highest chance of being accepted there.”

Of course.

This path won’t be all roses.

But it’s the only way to save Iren.

“Both I and Lady Iren will incur the wrath of the Brance Army for betraying them, but as members of the Aishias Army, we won’t fall so easily.”

“Do you have any evidence for this strategist?”

“Because they tried to deceive our army using the Alepel Army and Charan Army.”

This betrayal strategy can only be used by someone with an intellect of 95 or higher and the [Betrayal] special skill.

Whoever it is, there’s definitely someone smart operating behind the scenes.

“I see… Baranga Yuri Aishias, huh.”

Iren paused for a moment, then carefully asked me,

“But… the Aishias Army isn’t our final destination, is it?”

“That’s right. When Lady Lunarien raises her banner, we plan to join her side.”

“Is that so…”

She said that, then wore a serious expression.

I thought I understood why.

Iren was fundamentally a deeply loyal person.

Even though her loyalty was misplaced, it meant she placed great importance on the lord-vassal relationship.

Continuously changing masters like migratory birds must bother her.

Following me means she’d be wandering around like me.

I bowed my head lightly to her.

“I apologize, Lady Iren.”

“Huh? What for?”

“For having to change masters and serve under different lords because of me. I imagine it isn’t a pleasant experience for you. I wanted to apologize for that.”

Upon hearing this, Iren began waving her hands frantically.

“Eh? No no, Swoen, it’s fine. That’s completely fine!”

“Lady Iren…?”

“I’m just worried… what if they doubt you in the Aishias Army? I might have some plausible reasons for disfavor with my lord, but you don’t. They wouldn’t welcome a commander who suddenly declares surrender… and since you’re doing this because of me, it worries me that it might burden you… I’m thinking about how we should proceed to safely bring you to Lady Lunarien.”

“… Hmm.”

“Isn’t it true? You could have made a name for yourself here in Brance. In fact, it might even be easier. You’ve already proven yourself. So… it’s obvious that leaving this place isn’t for anyone else but me.”

After hearing that, I was stunned, frozen in surprise.

And then she spoke as if stating the most obvious thing in the world.

“I’m fine. Swoen. My conviction is to protect you. Who I serve at any given time holds no meaning.”

With that, she smiled warmly at me.

Her face, illuminated by the lantern, was more beautiful than ever… and unknowingly, I blurted out my true feelings.

“Lady Iren. As long as you protect me, I vow to protect you, even if it means bearing worse disgrace than that of a traitor. And… when the time comes…”

“…When the time comes…?”

“…”

I scratched my cheek.

And just as I was about to speak…

“Swoen.”

Iren reached out and placed her hand on mine.

Then, with a very kind smile, she said,

“It’s okay if not now. After everything is settled… please tell me then. I’ll wait for you.”

“…!”

My face felt incredibly hot.

Whenever I talked with Iren, I always somehow thought I was in the upper hand.

It wasn’t about superiority; she had this strange quirkiness.

Her expressions were more varied than I expected.

Whenever I said something, she always seemed drawn to me…

Or so I thought.

But in this moment,

I couldn’t deny it.

Right now, she was dominating this conversation.

Do you know, Lady Iren?

I…

“So, then… shall I just wait for my lord’s orders?”

“Huh? Oh… yes, that’s right.”

“Good. This house will soon be farewell. It was a place I grew quite fond of.”

She stood up and tidied the table.

“It’s getting late. Let’s get some sleep. We’ll be busy ahead.”

With that, as she always did, she sat slumped against the wall instead of using the bed.

I got up, turned off the lantern light…

And headed not to the bed, but to her side.

“Swoen…?”

“I’m sleeping with you tonight, Lady Iren.”

“!!!”

Even in the dark, I could tell her face turned red.

She fumbled awkwardly for a while…

And then…

“…Okay.”

She said softly, leaning her head on my shoulder.

I rested my face on top of her head.

And thus, we leaned on each other, spending the last night together in the Brance Army.

* * *

“…”

Unlike Swen, who fell asleep early, Iren lay awake for a long time, staring at his sleeping face with flushed cheeks.

“‘Lady Iren. While you protect me, I will also protect you, no matter what disgrace I may bear. And… when the time comes…’”

Thump, thump.

Her heart was pounding as if it would burst.

Her chest felt warm. Her stomach tingled.

That’s why she cut him off hastily.

If he had said what she expected, it might have interfered with the important mission ahead.

Though partly, she had another thought.

Just… because her heart was racing, because she was embarrassed, cutting him off quickly was probably more accurate.

“Swen…”

She knew.

Swen was leaving this place to protect her.

The man who once risked his life for her.

Now he was willing to give up a secure position for her sake.

A scene came to mind.

Back at the fortress, when she returned defeated, he embraced her, thanking her for being alive.

“…”

A completely new feeling continued to stimulate her.

But if this was her heart…

Iren had no intention of going against it.

Like that—

Iren spent the night sleepless, feeling his body heat.

* * *

A few days later, at the royal palace of Anel Castle.

Iren, summoned by Lin, knelt and listened attentively to her lord’s words.

“Iren, you worked hard recently.”

“Not at all. I merely did what was required. It’s enough knowing I’ve been of help to you, my lord.”

Lin smiled kindly at Iren bowing before her.

And then, exactly as Swen predicted, she began her actions.

“Trusting in your abilities, I’d like to use you again for this mission.”

“Yes!”

Iren bowed her head lower and replied boldly.

“Give me any task. I will follow.”

“Great. That makes me happy.”

Lin smiled and said,

“I plan to invade the eastern Aishias Army. I think your assistance will be needed.”

As soon as she heard that, Swen’s voice echoed in Iren’s mind.

“…You were right, Swen.”

Iren slowly closed her eyes.

And inside her heart…

She bid farewell to the one lord she once admired so much.

Farewell, my lord… no, Lady Lin Brance.

Please stay healthy.

“Will you not achieve glory for me, Iren?”

“Yes! Understood!”

Iren answered with a voice braver than ever.

This was the end of their lord-vassal relationship.