Chapter 125

* * *

The audience chamber, emptied of Swoen’s presence.

Serpina sat in her chair, lost deep in thought for a long while.

“…My Lord.”

“…”

Though no reply came, Jena pressed on without hesitation.

“I would like to offer my thoughts on the opinion presented just now. What say you?”

Serpina turned her head slightly to glance at Jena, and the seasoned strategist easily understood this as an invitation to continue.

“Indeed, it is a reasonable suggestion. Though based purely on suspicion, it carries some credibility. After all, he was once part of the Aishias Army not too long ago, so surely he must know more. However…”

“There’s no certainty that Yurri would act so emotionally. If his explanation is correct, it essentially means an invasion into our territory is imminent… but…”

Jena bowed her head slightly before speaking cautiously.

“While he seems so confident in claiming this is the most efficient course of action, I find it difficult to accept. Ultimately, isn’t it just throwing away our troops?”

“But she’s also the woman who willingly handed over one of her own vassals to me. To assume humans always act within the bounds of common sense is itself a great arrogance.”

“That may be true… but back then, Anima Ingram was involved, whereas now there doesn’t seem to be anything binding her. As we discussed earlier, there are multiple ways to divert attention, not just one.”

“Hmm… fair point.”

“Swoen’s suggestion leaves me somewhat puzzled. It’s hard to explain clearly, but it feels like he’s sidestepping the main issue… developing arguments around peripheral points rather than addressing the core matter.”

Turning slowly to Jena, Serpina asked with deliberate curiosity.

“You’re suggesting that the central focus of his argument isn’t about ‘Aishias Army’s invasion,’ correct?”

Surprised by how accurately Serpina summarized her unspoken thoughts, Jena responded hesitantly.

“Yes, precisely. The problem isn’t necessarily about Aishias Army invading… listening to him, it seems…”

“He’s more concerned about stationing forces at Amire Castle.”

“Exactly. His argument seemed less about stopping Aishias Army and more about reinforcing Amire Castle. Perhaps the prior claims were merely conjecture…”

Both Jena and Serpina had keenly analyzed the situation. They correctly identified that the crux of Swoen’s proposal wasn’t about “Aishias Army’s ambush,” but rather about “reinforcing Amire Castle.”

However, that was as far as they could go. Jena, though undoubtedly brilliant, wasn’t quite as sharp as Serpina, who was arguably the smartest person in the entire nation.

“Um…”

“Hmm?”

“Could this perhaps be some kind of magic?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, like… magic that lets you see the future or something… isn’t he likely to be a mage?”

“That’s odd coming from you, Jena. You don’t sound very convinced yourself.”

“Well… he does have the ability to make rocks fall from the sky, so maybe he has other abilities we don’t know about… But considering how someone with such magic would still be rejected by their lord and keep moving between countries, it seems rather strange…”

If he truly could see the future, it wouldn’t make sense for him to end up like this. Jena now leaned toward thinking he probably wasn’t a mage after all.

“My wisdom can only take me this far in reaching a conclusion.”

Upon hearing this, Serpina chuckled softly, amused.

“Sharp of you, Jena.”

“What do you mean, my lady?”

“Swoen’s expression. More specifically, his eyes.”

At the moment when Swoen was deep in thought before presenting his proposal…

In that fleeting instant—his eyes flashed as if he had suddenly realized something. While others might’ve missed it, Serpina had clearly seen it.

“What do you think?”

“About his eyes? I’m afraid I don’t understand.”

“It’s fine. I expected you’d say that.”

Jena knew these weren’t empty words. Serpina had an uncanny knack for reading people, sensing their thoughts almost supernaturally. Even if someone tried to hide their emotions behind a poker face, she could still figure them out.

“Jena, what’s the current status of our border forces?”

“Our forces are evenly distributed across most castles. Should war break out, we should be able to hold them off somehow.”

“So, we’re safe for now?”

“Yes, but…”

Finally turning her gaze directly at Jena, Serpina spoke.

“Jena, immediately issue a conscription notice for reinforcements at Amire Castle.”

“Yes, my lady. And after issuing the notice?”

“Just ensure they stay stationed without desertion and prepare for defense.”

“And then…?”

With a sly smile, Serpina tilted her head slightly—a foxish grin that could’ve tricked even the wisest sage.

“I intend to test Swoen’s insight through those eyes of his.”

“You mean you’ll follow his advice?”

“Indeed. But before blindly trusting him, we must verify first.”

Magic, huh?

If Jena’s theory holds any water, why not put it to the test?

Serpina smiled faintly again, keeping her thoughts to herself.

‘How exactly does he possess such certainty… hmm?’

* * *

“Apparently, there was an opinion presentation?”

When Jenis mentioned it, I simply nodded.

“Yes.”

“Already? You’ve barely been here! I haven’t even done one yet!”

“Is everyone required to do this?”

“Of course! It’s one of the rare chances to impress our lord directly! Get noticed there, and landing an important position isn’t impossible. So many want to do it!”

“I just assumed newcomers did this automatically.”

“They do, eventually… but there are so many armed retainers serving the lord. Takes time, ya know? Anyway, Swen, you got lucky.”

I scratched my head wondering if it really warranted all this fuss when Jenis started chatting again. Over the past few days, I’d learned he was quite the chatterbox.

“Hey, speaking of which, remember those tea leaves on the table?”

“Oh, those?”

The ones Iren gave me. Since Jenis seemed interested, I offered him a cup, having already gotten permission.

“Those are super expensive—how did you get them? You seem more knowledgeable about fine tastes than I thought!”

“A friend gave them to me.”

“Friend? Close one?”

“Yeah.”

I refrained from elaborating further—it felt unnecessary to divulge everything.

“From the renowned Clamente family known for their exquisite teas! That peach aroma is divine! Would’ve been perfect with something sweet, though…”

“You seem to know a lot about tea, Senior Jenis.”

“Huh?”

He looked momentarily confused before I continued casually.

“I mean… most guys aren’t usually this into tea, right?”

But.

His expression changed instantly upon hearing that.

“…Huh?”

“?”

After a brief silence…

He broke the quiet with renewed vigor.

“No, no! Of course men can be into tea! Don’t underestimate me—I’m from the Caskey family! This knowledge is basic etiquette for any noble house! Being able to serve fine tea to a lady is a hallmark of a proper noble gentleman!”

Seeing his desperate attempt to justify himself, I decided to let it slide.

“That makes sense. I didn’t grow up in a noble house, so I didn’t know.”

“Don’t worry! Nowadays, noble lineage doesn’t matter much. Just a name, really.”

Jenis laughed sheepishly. He might’ve been a bit overwhelming, but he was certainly no bad person.

Still, one thing nagged at me…

‘Irian and Jenis… neither exists in my memories.’

Neither of them appeared in my in-game experience. Especially Irian Al Caskey, supposedly a rising star in Serpina’s army from a prestigious family… why don’t I remember meeting him?

He didn’t look bad either, so surely he should’ve left an impression. Yet, nothing came to mind.

Serpina’s army lacked any S-ranked generals, but there were still a few familiar faces who kept showing up… so why hadn’t I encountered him?

“What’s on your mind?”

“Huh?”

“Nothing, just noticed you zoning out.”

Realizing I must’ve looked spaced out, I nodded and snapped back to reality.

“Nothing much. Just feeling a little tired.”

“Ah, sorry if I talked too much. Let me rest. I’ll be doing night patrols tonight, so don’t wait up.”

“Got it.”

Maybe I just forgot due to lacking special abilities or something…

Lying down on the bottom bunk of the double bed, I naturally drifted into thought.

…I missed Iren.

It struck me as funny that she was the last person I thought of.

Who does she think of? Hoping it’s me, I rested peacefully.

* * *

The next day.

After Jenis returned from his night patrol, he informed me that Serpina wanted to see me. We exchanged shifts, and I headed out of the dormitory.

She summoned me—not to the royal palace, but to a nearby annex.

Curious about what it could be, I hurried along.

“Sir Swen, we’ve been waiting for you. This way.”

Upon arrival, a guard in splendid armor greeted me warmly. Passing through the gates, I entered a charming garden.

Beautiful, yes, but modest compared to what royalty might typically enjoy.

Opening the door, I stepped inside the building and was guided downstairs…

“To the basement…?”

Descending the stairs, I found her standing in the middle of a vast room.

“Glad you could make it, Swen.”

She wore the combat uniform I’d seen her in before. A different aura surrounded her compared to when she wore glittering dresses. Yet, even in battle attire, her abundant femininity couldn’t help but captivate me.

“Bowing respectfully to my lord.”

Looking around, the atmosphere of the room was peculiar. There were dummies clad in armor, various weapons hung on the walls, and in the center—an open circular arena-like space.

“My lord, what is this place…?”

“Swen.”

Serpina gazed at me coldly, her tone unwavering.

“Will the weapon you usually carry suffice for you?”

Her gaze lingered on the green rapier always strapped to my waist.

“Huh? Weapon? What do you mean…?”

Without answering, she walked over to where the weapons hung, picked up a rapier similar to mine, and approached me confidently.

Then, leaning in close, she whispered softly.

“On short notice, but I’d like to request a match, Swen.”

* * *