Chapter 119

Einhardt Castle.

Once the capital city of the old empire and now the capital of the Serpina Army, it was the most bustling territory in the northern hub.

“Am I to work there?”

“Yeah. I can’t manage without you by my side.”

“Can’t manage?”

When I asked for the reason, he hinted that he wanted to test a few things about me for the time being. He wanted to see with his own eyes whether the rumors of me wielding magic were true and if I’d be useful in actual combat despite seeming competent so far.

“I have one more question. Am I going alone?”

At this, Serpina glanced at me with an amused expression, raising the corners of her lips.

“You seem worried about the ladies, don’t you?”

There was no point in lying or engaging in pointless arguments with her, so I simply agreed.

“Yes. They are part of my group.”

“Don’t worry, everything will be fine. When I asked Iren, she also hoped to stay with you. I’m someone who listens well to the wishes of my subordinates. Personally, I’d prefer her fighting on the front lines, but even in the capital, there’s plenty to do.”

I had already figured out that much during my stay in the side wing—it wasn’t exactly difficult to learn such facts. What did concern me, though, was her comment about “even in the capital, there’s still work to do.” But I figured I’d understand what she meant sooner or later.

“This time, I have something to ask you.”

“Ask away.”

“What is Jinoru’s daughter to you? Are you engaged to her?”

“Not at all.”

“And yet you travel together? She doesn’t seem accustomed to battlefields, so I assume she really is a mage?”

There was no need to reveal that she was a mage just yet—not while Reika and Iren needed to be safely sent to the Lunarien Army.

“As I said, where’s the magic?”

“If that’s true, then why are you traveling with such a young lady? A woman at the prime age for bearing children.”

“…”

Serpina smiled amusingly upon seeing my silence. Honestly, she was quite beautiful. In fact, since she entered the room, I had silently thought “she’s pretty” at least three times.

“I suspected as much from your appearance, but it seems your relationships with women are complicated. I won’t interfere too much, but it’s best not to let them sway you into foolish actions. Handsome men must be especially careful.”

“Even if you compliment me like that, I have nothing to offer in return.”

“Did it sound like a compliment?”

She chuckled slightly, clearly amused. Every now and then, we would exchange light-hearted banter like this, laughing together. Strangely, despite not spending much time together, conversations with her flowed easily. Time didn’t matter; our interactions felt natural. There was something oddly comfortable about dealing with her, even though we hadn’t met that often.

After Serpina left the room,

I took out a map.

It was a detailed map of the northern continent that I had drawn during my idle time in the side wing. Surprisingly, despite having been reincarned for quite some time, I could still vividly recall details like the location of castles, mountain ranges, and the flow of rivers.

“Ainhardt Castle, huh.”

Located in the very heart of the north, surrounded by a gentle river, this castle stood atop an island in the middle of the water. It was once the most vibrant place in the empire but suffered significant damage during the civil war among the royal family, losing much of its former glory—so goes the background of this castle.

What would it feel like to see it up close?

Actually, something else was worrying me more.

“Is it okay to come this far north?”

Ainhardt Castle was near the northern edge of the continent—not the farthest north, but quite distant from the south where I had left Lunarien behind.

Until now, I had never doubted that I would return to the Lunarien Army. But this time…

Would I be able to safely return to her side after being pulled deep into the heart of the north?

“Opportunity.”

I reflected on the words I had exchanged with her when we parted ways.

Luna may appear frail, but inside, she’s strong-willed and unexpectedly stubborn. For her to fully trust me—a complete newcomer whose abilities were still unproven—was only possible because of her determination.

So, she wouldn’t miss the crucial opportunity I mentioned. If she were the type to overlook opportunities, predictions about her becoming the “unifying ruler” wouldn’t have surfaced.

Thus, I should be able to return safely to her side… right?

For some reason—

A sense of discomfort, which I had never felt under any other ruler, enveloped me.

*

We traveled by carriage for several days, heading further north—past Kelshtain Castle, which originally belonged to the Brance Army, and finally arrived at Ainhardt Castle in the north.

The massive gates of the fortress walls, built in a style distinctly different from the central continent, loomed ahead.

“Wow…”

A breathtaking view unfolded before us. Between the winding streams, like fences enclosing the area, stood towering spires reaching toward the sky. Surrounding these spires were buildings straight out of storybooks, exquisitely designed.

And above those spires fluttered the bright yellow flag symbolizing Serpina.

Even the large shield emblem of the old empire hung on the fortress walls, proclaiming this place as the true capital of the continent.

“Amazing. This place is highly developed.”

“Really… there are castles like this?”

“It’s more than that. If they set their minds to defense, this would be incredibly hard to breach.”

“Is that so? I’m not sure about that, but if Lady Iren says so, I believe it.”

Iren and Reika were also overwhelmed by the scenery, letting out exclamations of admiration. Compared to Anel Castle, which was the best I had seen so far, this place was far superior. If this was considered “damaged and faded,” how splendid must it have been in its prime?

The interior of the castle was just as peaceful as Anel Castle.

Perhaps because it hadn’t suffered much damage since the crown prince conflict, the faces of the territorial people lacked any trace of sorrow.

At that moment,

Our carriage came to a stop. A soldier opened the door.

“Sir Swoen?”

“Yes.”

“We’ve arrived. Please step out.”

I exchanged a glance with Iren and Reika.

“Well, I’ll go ahead.”

“Swoen…”

Iren looked at me with reluctance.

Indeed.

We, who had lived together until now, were finally parting ways. Serpina had mentioned that there was a dormitory-like building for newly appointed commanders without established residences. Until new housing became available, we would live collectively here.

Apparently, it was the first time someone who wasn’t directly a commander, like Reika, had been allowed to stay there. This was likely a gesture of consideration from Serpina.

As newcomers, all of us would be staying there, naturally separated by gender.

Hence, we had no choice but to say our goodbyes.

“Serpina said they’re continuously constructing houses for the commanders, so try to endure until then.”

“…Understood. I’ll wait for you… yes.”

“…”

Reika, sensing the tension between me and Iren, turned to look at the soldier, seemingly flustered by the awkwardness in the air. The soldier’s gaze on us seemed peculiar.

“Uh… I’ll keep in touch! So, um… see you again!”

That’s how we parted. As I stepped out of the carriage, another soldier approached me.

Seeing the royal insignia clearly marked on his armor, he was likely dispatched to guide me on behalf of Serpina.

“Are you Sir Swoen?”

“Yes.”

“This way, please.”

Walking down the avenue lined with trees, an indescribably ethereal fragrance filled the air.

What kind of flower was this?

We soon arrived at a four-story building not far from the royal palace.

“This is it. You’ll be using Room 303, Sir Swoen. Your roommate will inform you of basic living rules.”

“Roommate?”

“Yes.”

Certainly, I recalled hearing about two people sharing a room. Given the vast size of the nation and the numerous subordinate commanders, not everyone could secure a spot here.

“Understood.”

“Then, I shall take my leave.”

After giving a casual salute and turning to leave, the soldier paused and looked back at me.

“Um…”

“?”

“Welcome to the Serpina Army.”

With that, he bowed slightly and departed.

Soldiers differ from mercenaries—they can be freely reassigned and often work merely for pay, lacking a sense of belonging. Yet, even a single soldier here radiated pride and loyalty towards the Serpina Army. Even the soldier who had intimidated me earlier could only act that way toward me, a legitimate mercenary and envoy of an enemy nation, due to this pride.

Was this tight organizational control the reason Serpina has consistently succeeded?

Just arriving at Ainhardt Castle, I already felt like I had uncovered a few strengths of the Serpina Army.

And yet, the fate of becoming the unifying ruler belongs not to her but to Lunarien?

‘What a shame.’

Though I wanted to make predictions, I hadn’t been asked any questions since changing sides, making it difficult. Should I casually inquire through Iren, or wait for Serpina to bring it up naturally… lost in such trivial thoughts, I approached Room 303.

Upon reaching the door and knocking a few times, a voice responded from within.

“Come in.”

‘Huh?’

The voice… it was somewhat odd. It sounded male, but there was something vaguely androgynous about it.

Thinking that voices vary from person to person, I opened the door.

And there—

Standing before me was a man who looked eerily like a male courtesan.

“So you’re the new commander?”

“That’s correct.”

“I heard from the lord that a new recruit would be coming. We probably won’t be together long, but let’s make the most of our time.”

He extended his hand as he spoke. I shook it and introduced myself.

“My name is Swoen.”

“Jenis Al Caskey. Nice to meet you.”