Chapter 118

The moment I brought up “going back is the right answer,” a ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

It’s clear to anyone that Serpina’s forces are overwhelmingly dominant in this situation.

Brance’s army is struggling, and Aishias’ army, at least on the surface, seems like they could eventually be overwhelmed by sheer numbers if we pressed the attack without regard for our own losses—though it would take some time.

Of course, expanding into the Central Continent is a long-standing goal for Serpina’s forces. Most of her subordinates likely see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and wouldn’t want to halt the advance now—it’s not surprising.

So, I understand their gazes. Though, I have no intention of accepting their views. My task is to persuade only one person: my Lord, Serpina.

After hearing my words, she questioned me with the same emotionless tone she used on others, without changing expression.

“I’d like to hear your reasoning.”

“Successfully entering the Central Continent is certainly an encouraging situation, but I suspect our soldiers are quite fatigued from repeated battles. Now seems to be the time to solidify our borders and focus on consolidating the territories we’ve already gained.”

“Is soldier fatigue all you have to offer as a reason?”

Not even close. If that were true, I wouldn’t have said anything.

“If the gains from invading outweighed the costs, I’d recommend continuing the invasion too. However, we currently have two options: Brance’s army or Aishias’ army. The discussion with General Irian earlier clarified why we must target Jestrom Castle instead of Raclaine Castle—and why Jestrom is currently untouchable.”

“Hmm. Still, I’d like to hear it from you.”

I tried to gloss over it, but Serpina persisted, testing me perhaps.

“Taking Raclaine Castle would stretch our front lines too thin; however, we lack a surefire way to capture Jestrom Castle with our current forces.”

“Ah. Thank you for clarifying.”

She smiled faintly again—a smile hard to describe in words. It wasn’t arrogance or pride in power, but rather satisfaction in confirming what she already knew would happen.

She was the hardest leader to read among those I’ve met so far.

“And next, Brance’s army. Again, based on previous discussions, we concluded leaving them alone might actually be better. So, expanding our borders here should be abandoned.”

“Then let me ask something. Can’t we occupy more of Brance’s territory since it doesn’t border other nations? Even if complete conquest isn’t possible, surely we can secure a few more regions?”

Serpina sounded insincere, clearly testing me to see how I’d respond.

“No, we shouldn’t gain any more territory. Doing so would hinder Brance’s reorganization efforts.”

“Reason?”

“Brance’s army has nearly exhausted its pool of young recruits within their current territories. They won’t be able to gather many soldiers anytime soon. Expanding further might ironically give them a chance to regroup.”

“So, you’re saying their current territory exceeds what they can manage, making it reasonable to leave them be?”

“Isn’t that obvious to you, my Lord?”

After all, that’s been Serpina’s strategy all along. She knows this already yet still questions me.

When I bowed, acknowledging her knowledge, she chuckled coldly—an oddly non-offensive laugh despite its cynicism. If Lin Brance had laughed similarly, it probably wouldn’t have felt good.

“To summarize: Swen, do you believe halting further invasions and returning to Einhardt Castle is the most efficient move?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Up to this point, I’ve acted based on imagining what I’d do if I were Serpina, adapting to the current situation. While confident, I still wanted confirmation.

“Should we stop invading and return to the capital?”

Instantly, the system confirmed my decision as “absolutely correct.”

“Phew.”

Relief washed over me. My instincts weren’t rusty after all, and failing here would’ve made convincing Serpina impossible.

Through discussions with Irian Al Caskey and others, I realized Serpina only accepts advice backed by solid evidence. Simply stating “this is the answer” wouldn’t sway her if she didn’t fully understand.

Until Luna rises, we need to avoid trouble as much as possible. Proving my worth to Serpina makes things easier.

“I’m certain of this.”

“Ho? Certain, you say.”

“Yes. Beyond just the reasons given, considering everything, I believe this is the only solution.”

Her lips curled slightly at my confident tone. No harm in being sure, especially since the prediction confirmed my stance. Instilling the impression “I’m always right” wouldn’t hurt either.

At that moment, Serpina rose from her seat, addressing everyone.

“You’ve all heard the arguments. I understand your desire to keep fighting, but the time isn’t right. Gaining vast territories isn’t the sole measure of victory in war. We need to consolidate our forces and reorganize.”

She then looked directly at me, extending her pale hand in a gesture almost divine.

“Swen, you’re the first to voice an opinion perfectly aligning with mine. Thank you for voicing what needed to be said.”

So, she also thought retreating was best from the start. Given my Divinity 100 mind says so, it’s safe to assume Serpina is intelligent too. After all, she was a superhuman with high stats across the board except politics. It makes sense why players, even beginners, could easily achieve the Unification of the Continent ending when controlling her.

“And…”

Her gaze shifted to the other commanders.

“I don’t dig into the pasts of those who sincerely advise me.”

“!!”

Only then did I realize why she conducted this “test.”

“You know I, Serpina von Einhardt, am the rightful ruler of this nation and continent, inheriting Einhardt’s Blood. My will is the state’s will. And now, I declare I won’t pry into anyone’s past.”

Everyone listened silently, intimidated by her presence.

“This applies to everyone here, not just Swen. Those loyal to me now will never be betrayed by me. Surely, none of you are foolish enough not to understand the meaning of my words.”

She…

…was protecting me in her own way. By deliberately questioning my past in front of everyone, she subtly assured me: “If you’re capable, your past won’t matter.”

After all, I’ve served three lords already. Ignoring Lunarien’s fall, I betrayed Lin. While Yuri abandoned me first, Irene later betrayed her. To outsiders, Irene and I seem like disloyal generals switching sides at will.

And sharp Serpina surely noticed others’ wary gazelines toward us.

Our eyes met—her golden irises piercing through mine. Yet, strangely, I felt warmth.

I understood.

—I will protect you and Irene.

That’s what she was telling me now.

“Haa…”

Acknowledging this reality, I sighed. Despite receiving poor treatment from most lords except Luna, Serpina’s actions were dangerously appealing.

“—Your gaze remains with me, Swen. The way you look at me.”

Even if calculated, her actions stirred my heart.

‘I need to stay focused.’

My place isn’t by Serpina’s side. It’s by Luna’s when she inevitably returns. Having made that promise, and with predictions consistently holding true, nothing will change—ever.

It mustn’t.

*

Life in the side wing had grown familiar when Serpina unexpectedly visited my room.

“Welcome, my Lord.”

Without responding, she simply stared at me. Though potentially dismissive in another context, it didn’t bother me. Perhaps this is part of her unique charm, reinforced by her high charisma stat.

“Prepare to depart.”

“Are we leaving today?”

“Indeed.”

Preparations were minimal anyway. The diplomatic gold, carriage, and minimal escort returned to Falaharte Castle with Anima long ago.

“Just out of curiosity, where am I headed?”

Upon hearing this, Serpina looked straight into my eyes and declared:

“You will accompany me to Einhardt Castle.”