Chapter 140

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“Are you speaking of the Deputy Commander position within the Occupying Forces…?”

Within the Audience Chamber, atop the crimson red carpet.

Iren, the knight with fiery red hair, questioned with an expression tinged with disbelief—but Serpina, seated upon the throne gazing down at her, replied with a tone that was unshakably resolute.

“That’s right. This is a time to solidify our internal affairs. There’s no immediate need for you to do anything now, but when the time comes, I intend to make great use of you. Iren, I look forward to your accomplishments.”

“……”

This sudden announcement happened during a gathering where several commanders had been summoned to announce new appointments, surprising everyone.

Deputy Commander of the Occupying Forces—a position of great importance within Serpina’s Army, which was preparing for a full-scale expansion into the Central Continent. It was undoubtedly a role where one could achieve significant military merit.

It was certainly something to be happy about; after all, it wasn’t easy to find a lord who recognized and valued their subordinates as much as Iren knew from past experiences.

But—was she really fit for this position?

After all, hadn’t she switched sides twice already since arriving here?

With sharp intuition, Iren easily detected the skeptical glances directed at her. Though they couldn’t openly voice their dissatisfaction due to Serpina’s decision… those piercing, hostile gazes clearly showed they didn’t approve of her.

Perhaps it would be better to decline the offer, citing her own inadequacies, she thought at that moment.

“Swen once said the ruler destined to unify the continent isn’t Serpina but Lady Lunarien…”

If that were true, did it mean this capable woman would ultimately become a footnote in history, failing to grasp the reins of power?

Her thoughts wavered momentarily before quickly refocusing.

‘Serpina or Lady Lunarien—it doesn’t matter who I serve. My only purpose is to follow Swen’s will. To protect him safely—that’s all I need to think about.’

No matter what anyone said, her sword and shield belonged solely to Swen. The wolf raised to protect someone would never betray the master who saved her.

*

After the audience concluded.

As Iren was about to leave the Royal Palace, someone grabbed her shoulder.

“Iren.”

“…My Lord?”

“Take this.”

Upon inspecting what Serpina handed over—a small golden key.

“There’s a side wing behind the barracks owned by the royal family. You’ll find it easily; it has the imperial crest on the entrance.”

“Huh? Why are you giving me this…?”

“I’m offering it to you. I’ll assign around twenty maids to manage it.”

“Offering it to me?”

“Wouldn’t it be improper for the Deputy Commander of the Occupying Forces to live in the barracks? Besides, you must feel uncomfortable with the daughter you’ve taken under your wing.”

“Ah…!”

She’d thought of everything, hadn’t she?

Honestly, Iren felt genuinely grateful.

“Thank you very much for your consideration.”

“Show your gratitude through military achievements.”

“Yes!”

Her reply came with newfound vigor.

‘This way, I can live separately…!’

Though parting ways with Silin was slightly saddening, they weren’t close acquaintances anyway. If fate allowed, they’d meet again just like this time.

And importantly…

‘Could I perhaps bring Swen here…?’

Maybe she could bring him back and live together again.

Regardless of anything else, just that possibility made her feel deeply thankful toward Serpina.

Since the St. Valentine’s Day festival, things had been so busy she hadn’t seen his face.

Before joining Serpina’s army, she saw Swen daily, but now being apart made her realize how much she missed him every day. She yearned to spend endless days and nights with him.

If there’s a side wing building, naturally rooms could be provided…

Could she possibly live with him again?

‘I should talk to him about this…’

At that moment,

“You seem delighted, Iren.”

“Eh?! What, wha-what?!”

Serpina’s voice caused Iren to lose the solemn composure she’d maintained moments ago, revealing an unmistakably girlish expression.

Oh right. I’m still in front of Serpina. What am I even doing?!

“If you don’t mind, could you share what you were thinking about?”

“…”

“I won’t press you if you prefer not to. No need to feel obligated.”

Serpina’s words were truly fortunate for Iren. How could she confess to thinking about living with a man under the same roof while standing before her sovereign?

Then,

“…I envy you.”

“Huh?”

“When was the last time I smiled with such pure happiness…? I can’t even remember.”

In Serpina’s profile, Iren saw a reflection of her former self.

A fragile root barely clinging to the ground, ready to break at the slightest disturbance—the image of herself before finding Swen, the one who embraced her. It felt like seeing her past self cloaked in the armor of an absolute ruler.

“…The conversation has gone on longer than necessary. Please continue to do well, Iren.”

“Yes. I’ll ensure results worthy of your trust.”

As Iren watched Serpina walk away with her back turned, for some reason, her figure seemed unbearably lonely.

* * *

A few days after their last meeting.

Serpina summoned her again, so Iren promptly headed to the Audience Chamber.

‘Is it another alliance request?’

There wasn’t likely any other reason for her to be called.

After their previous discussion,

Swen suggested that if a decent-looking alliance proposal came along, it might be best to simply accept it without much fuss.

Since they’d eventually leave anyway, there was no need to always give efficient advice.

Gaining moderate benefits wouldn’t result in catastrophic losses, so there was no reason to carry unnecessary guilt.

‘The problem is that Serpina is quite perceptive…’

She’d always been unusually skilled at reading expressions, so there was a high chance of getting entangled in unnecessary situations if she noticed anything off.

What if she caught me giving vague answers…?

‘I guess I’ll have to play it by ear.’

When she arrived at the door of the Audience Chamber,

‘It’s slightly open?’

From beyond the partially opened door, a female voice could be heard.

She pressed closely against the wall, focusing intently on the sound.

Serpina and a female vassal were conversing.

“I’m not saying the lord’s judgment is wrong. I merely believe we need to adjust the pace.”

“Elin, the outcome won’t change regardless. I believe it’s wiser to convince our vassals as quickly as possible.”

“But many still haven’t accepted her as part of our forces. Surely you’re aware of her background?”

“Are you arguing that my acceptance of her as part of our force isn’t sufficient?”

“Not at all.”

Despite Serpina’s aggressive tone, the other party responded calmly and clearly.

For a subordinate to express opinions so freely meant that Serpina’s army might not be as rigidly structured as initially assumed.

“Many of our soldiers question why Irian, who achieved numerous military feats during the Central Continent campaign, was pushed aside. Even I find it difficult to move forward. Please take this into account. A society where rewards aren’t properly distributed can never remain healthy.”

Iren swallowed hard, holding her breath.

I’m getting nervous…

“What if we ignore everything else and focus solely on individual merit? Are you suggesting that the young Irian, who just passed adolescence, surpasses the renowned ‘specialist in siege warfare’?”

‘Huh?’

Specialist in siege warfare?

That sounds familiar…

‘Airen-sama…?’

“Of course, she may be more talented than Irian—but let me reiterate. Our criteria for appointing officers to important positions are two-fold: does the person possess ability, and can they perform effectively? Achievements should be rewarded with adequate money or treasures—not prestigious positions. Still waters stagnate, after all. While Irian undoubtedly has talent, she lacks the experience required for the deputy commander role. She needs more training.”

“…”

“Just consider her track record. Who was the commanding officer of the fortress that we couldn’t breach in the central region controlled by the Brance Army? Who was the fiery-haired general expanding territories alongside Chel Brance during her time in the Brance Army, one of the regional powers in the Central Continent? Elin, surely you know this too?”

“However, that…”

“I apologize for interrupting, but reasons like ‘many cannot accept her’ won’t persuade me, even if I wanted to. If you have other arguments, please present them—I’m willing to listen.”

“No. Thank you for hearing me out.”

Not long after, footsteps approached, prompting Iren to swiftly step aside into the shadows.

A woman with purple hair exited the chamber before walking away, allowing Iren to piece together the situation.

‘What exactly happened?’

Judging from the context, the “woman” Elin referred to must be Iren.

Talk of an important position indicated that Iren had been appointed to a significant role.

Apparently, many vassals harbored resentment towards an outsider assuming such a high-ranking position.

‘And Serpina is personally covering for her…?’

Connecting the dots, everything fell into place.

Simultaneously, a wave of gratitude welled up inside her.

Iren had been a lonely general craving recognition.

Being acknowledged for her abilities and entrusted with such a vital role must have been incredibly gratifying for her.

Serpina was the only ruler who truly appreciated the value of a general who tended to every soldier on the battlefield, even if others overlooked her efforts.

Neither Lin, who trained her, nor Yuri, who briefly possessed her, had done what Serpina managed to accomplish.

‘Why does it feel more meaningful when she treats Airen-sama kindly compared to how she treats me…?’

Well, I’ll discuss this with Airen-sama later. It’s a good excuse to see her anyway since I’ve been missing her face.

Taking a deep breath, Iren stepped into the Audience Chamber.

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