Chapter 101

Yuri looked at me curiously after hearing my words.

“Swen, you’re the one going?”

“That’s correct.”

“Why? Not that I mind you going… but is there any particular reason?”

Reason?

I can’t exactly say that it’s because something in my head is strongly demanding my involvement, making me wonder what’s happening.

Just then, as I was pondering how to respond,

an unexpected person came to my aid.

“Let Swen go as he wishes, my lord.”

“Jinoru?”

“He is skilled with words and specializes in getting what he wants from others. I’ve heard he has a record of successfully negotiating several major deals in the past. Given that we’re dealing with the cunning Serpina, sending him will be no disadvantage.”

“Hmm… that’s news to me.”

I didn’t show my surprise, keeping my head bowed while maintaining a nonchalant expression.

What Jinoru was saying – to put it bluntly – was entirely fabricated on the spot.

I had indeed handled negotiations before, achieving decent results while serving under Luna, but…

I never told him about my past experiences.

So this was clearly him improvising to help me out.

Even though it was all made up, his current title as National Strategist and his former position as Imperial Chancellor made his words sound very convincing.

“Hmm… if Jinoru says so. Rutz, since Swen will handle this mission instead, please continue with your current task. Is that alright?”

“…Could there be any objection? I shall carry out your orders.”

Rutz answered slightly disappointedly, glancing at me.

Perhaps he felt he missed an opportunity to earn merit.

Though his gaze wasn’t particularly friendly, I simply ignored it.

You wouldn’t have achieved optimal results anyway.

Instead, you should thank me.

We’re talking about Serpina here – she might just chop off the envoy’s head without hesitation.

“Then, Swen, I’d like you to make contact with the Serpina Army as our envoy.”

I bowed deeply.

“I shall certainly bring back results that will satisfy you, my lord.”

“Good.”

Yuri closed her eyes briefly, then rose from her throne to look down at us.

“…Thank you all for gathering on such short notice. Our Aishias Army never abandons family. Just as we’re doing our best to save Anima now, each of you is precious to me. Remember this fact and please focus on your duties until further notice. Understood?”

“Yes! We understand!”

With the soldiers’ response, the brief meeting concluded.

“Swen, you can rest until I call you again.”

“Understood.”

As many people left the royal palace,

General Iren approached me outside the audience chamber.

“Swen, do you have any plans?”

“Plans?”

“You always seem to have plans when you volunteer to take direct action.”

Plans?

I don’t have any concrete plan, just some predictions.

There’s no need to hide this from General Iren.

“Just going to see what happens. Sometimes you have to clash directly to find a way forward.”

“Is that so?”

General Iren smiled faintly at my words.

That same smile that had always supported me so far.

Her red side hair swayed gently, framing her pale face beautifully.

“I see. I trust you, Swen. Though Serpina’s reputation isn’t good, I believe you’ll do well.”

Without responding, I gently took her hand.

“!”

Surprised by the sudden gesture, she slowly looked at me…

then accepted my hand.

“Are you heading to the barracks? Let me escort you.”

“A? Umm… yes.”

She said this while blushing and lowering her head.

She’s truly adorable when she acts like this.

I can’t help but wonder what Lin Brance found lacking in such a wonderful woman.

Just then,

“Sorry to interrupt.”

Turning at the male voice, I saw Jinoru had followed behind me somehow.

General Iren released my hand and immediately bowed politely.

“Greetings, Strategist.”

“Hm. General Iren. Could you give Swen and I a moment? Would you be kind enough to excuse us?”

She glanced at me briefly.

I silently nodded slowly, and she quickly understood my meaning.

“Understood. Then I shall take my leave first. See you later, Swen.”

It’s a bit disappointing not to walk together, but can’t be helped.

“Yes. See you later.”

As General Iren left,

I walked alongside Jinoru toward the outer part of the royal palace, matching his pace.

“Thank you for your help earlier. I was honestly at a loss about how to persuade them.”

“I helped because it seemed like what you wanted… but do you have any particular thoughts?”

At my silence, Jinoru slowly nodded.

“It seems you can see a future where you must go personally.”

“Not this again?”

“The results of the negotiation will tell whether it’s just talk or not. Right?”

Jinoru smiled wryly.

Rather than argue further, I chose to stay silent.

It would be troublesome if my true abilities were revealed through unnecessary comments.

Maintaining this misunderstanding actually benefits me.

Jinoru also didn’t press the issue further,

instead bringing up a different topic.

“An excellent commander.”

“Huh?”

“I’m talking about General Iren.”

Jinoru looked in the direction General Iren had gone.

“The soldiers speak highly of her character. As someone who’s reached the level of National Strategist, I inevitably learn how field commanders are perceived by their troops. Even Emma, who’s quite renowned in the Aishias Army, doesn’t receive such praise. She seems to have genuinely won the hearts of the soldiers.”

“Well, she always works hard. She treats soldiers sincerely, doesn’t hesitate to risk her life in battle, and serves her lord with loyalty.”

“Because of that?”

“Huh?”

Confused by his sudden question, I turned to look at him.

“I mean, the person who received your choice.”

“…”

“Your first wife, I mean.”

“…”

Momentarily speechless, I stared at him.

He maintained his serious expression, seemingly unaware why I reacted this way.

“Am I wrong? You two already live together, don’t you?”

“Th-That’s true…”

“Then it’s practically decided. Surely you don’t have no feelings for her?”

“No feelings…”

No.

He’s right.

Since General Iren isn’t here… there’s no need to hide it.

“As you say, I care for General Iren.”

“Good. The person who becomes your wife will also become your sword and shield.”

“That may be so… but currently, it’s just my one-sided feelings.”

“Swen.”

Hearing my words, Jinoru looked directly into my eyes.

“A woman doesn’t make that expression for someone she doesn’t care about.”

“Huh?”

“I saw it. General Iren smiling at you from behind. It was the look of someone in love.”

“…”

That reminded me of her smile from just moments ago.

Indeed, it was a very loving expression.

If that smile truly contained affection… could General Iren also have feelings for me?

“But why bring this up suddenly?”

“Well, it’s an old man’s whim. Life gets less interesting as one ages. And…”

Jinoru gave a light laugh while looking at me.

“While having a sword and shield is good, wouldn’t it be better to also have someone who uses magic nearby, like yourself?”

“You’re being awfully straightforward now.”

“What’s left to hide at this point? If you become family, General Iren will become my relative too. Though she may lack certain qualities compared to my daughter, she’s still quite capable of helping you. She has a good nature that can support you properly. How about considering it positively?”

“Master Jinoru.”

“What is it?”

“Is this really who you are?”

“Ho ho!”

Hearing my question, Jinoru laughed heartily, patted my back a few times, and moved ahead.

“Whatever you thought of me, I’m just a frail old man who doesn’t want to be your enemy. Excuse me.”

Watching Jinoru disappear, I stood there

and let out a quiet sigh.

There’s truly no way to fully understand someone until you meet and talk directly.

Lunarien, Lin, Yuri…

General Iren, Reika, and Jinoru too.

No matter how much information you have about their ages and abilities…

until you actually meet them, you barely know anything about who they truly are.

In which case, perhaps…

“Serpina might be someone I know nothing about either.”

Thinking this, I finally left the royal palace.

* * *

At Hisfil Castle’s royal palace,

“Repair work on the walls is complete, my lady.”

Sitting in her seat, Lady Serpina listened to the report from Lord Yuan with satisfaction.

“Good work. Please inform all officers involved to return to their original duties.”

“Yes, understood!”

Just as Yuan was about to leave,

“Wait a moment.”

“What is it, my lady?”

“How is the prisoner we captured holding up?”

“You mean Animus Ingram? Same situation as before. She remains completely silent, refusing to speak.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’ve heard attempts were made to persuade her to serve you, but apparently she continues to remain mute without eating.”

“…”

Perhaps staging some form of silent protest.

Of course, they hate me.

They hate me so much they fell into my trap.

It would be problematic if she starved herself to death.

Not because I value her life, but because simply killing a captured prisoner isn’t an efficient method.

“Lord Yuan.”

“Yes?”

“Escort me to the underground prison.”

“Do you intend to interrogate personally?”

“Yes.”

Yuan bowed deeply and responded loudly.

“Understood! This way, please.”

“…”

Lady Serpina rose from her seat and

followed Yuan to the dungeon where Animus was held.