Chapter 170

* * *

The capital of the Aishias Army, Falaharte Castle.

“Word has it that the Brance Army has split?”

“That’s right. To be precise, it seems they’ve fractured into three factions.”

“No way… Why on earth would that happen?”

Yuri voiced her disbelief, to which Anima shook her head and replied,

“While we don’t know the exact reasons, reports from our spies suggest Lin Brance’s reputation among her officers and soldiers isn’t what it used to be.”

“But even so, there were no signs of rebellion, right? And her brothers didn’t seem particularly interested in politics either.”

“Humans are fluid beings who change with circumstances, so it’s not entirely surprising… But the decisive factor might have been her alliance with Serpina.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. The timing of Lin Brance’s plummeting approval ratings coincides with when she publicly announced a major alliance. You remember, Yuri? She went all the way to Einhardt Castle just to shake hands with Serpina for everyone to see.”

“Oh, right. At the time, I thought it was excessive, but…”

“It’s Serpina we’re talking about here. We should be grateful it was Lin; otherwise, it could’ve been someone far more ruthless. You know how she is.”

“…”

Yuri silently recalled events from not too long ago.

Swoen’s strange proposal: “Set Anima free if I hand myself over.”

Back then, her mind was consumed with the need to rescue Anima at any cost, even if it meant risking execution under the tyrant Serpina. But looking back now, she couldn’t help but question why Serpina had made such an offer.

At first, she assumed it was because Swoen harbored some grudge against him. After all, he was the man who performed miracles in the Northern Continent, and his target had been the Serpina Army. That alone was enough reason for enmity.

But upon further reflection, something didn’t add up. If Serpina truly hated Swoen, wouldn’t he have known? He’d personally requested to be sent as tribute—essentially volunteering himself. How many people would willingly march into the clutches of someone who supposedly despised them?

Swoen wasn’t someone Yuri had ever seriously relied on, but he was undeniably insightful. Since the negotiations with the Serpina Army, everything had run smoothly without incident. So why would he knowingly throw himself into enemy territory, especially taking Iren along?

Considering Iren’s sake, Swoen abandoning his own lord seemed bizarre indeed.

These doubts began swirling in Yuri’s mind, overshadowed earlier by her determination to save Anima—but…

“…No.”

All of this was water under the bridge now. There was nothing Yuri could do about it anymore. Jinoru had already advised her not to dwell on what had happened.

What mattered now was the future of the Aishias Army.

With that, Yuri divided the map showing the Brance territories into three parts using her quill pen and asked,

“So, what do we do now?”

“The faction allied with Serpina is under Lin’s control, but it doesn’t look like their alliance extends to Kalintz or Chel’s factions within the Brance Army. From Serpina’s perspective, attacking those other two factions would require crossing through Brance-controlled lands, which would only create buffer zones they can’t effectively manage. Once the alliance ends, maintaining control would become difficult. Therefore, I doubt they’ll move.”

Anima paused, grabbed the quill from Yuri, and tapped it on the location of Falaharte Castle before continuing,

“The Brance Army splitting into thirds gives us a golden opportunity to advance into their territories. However, we must consider whether Serpina will remain idle if we make a move. It’s unlikely.”

“You’re right. They’d see us as the biggest thorn in their side.”

Excluding the southern nations whose borders haven’t yet touched ours and the currently allied Brance faction, the only place the Serpina Army could expand into is Aishias territory. Despite fortifying defenses to avoid conflict thus far, if they mobilize to seize new land, the likelihood of them moving against us increases significantly.

“But, Yuri, are we the only ones thinking this way?”

“Huh?”

“If the Brance Army is fractured, shouldn’t others also consider launching a swift attack while they’re in chaos?”

“…Honestly, we’re probably not the only ones.”

“Exactly.”

Anima drew a circle around the southern nations and added,

“They’ll think the same thing. And they have an advantage we lack—they don’t share a border with the Serpina Army. Naturally, they won’t pass up this chance to bite off pieces of the Brance territories. For them, this is a dream come true—an entry point into the Central Continent!”

“Aren’t they already at war?”

“Yes, but despite losing most of their teeth, they’re stuck in a stalemate. Still, they’ll keep pushing because they believe they can secure definitive results. Thus, our best course of action is to bide our time and build strength. And the moment we wait for is—”

Anima pointed at the Southern Continent and concluded,

“When they make their move.”

“In other words—”

“Yes. Instead of heading north, we go south.”

* * *

“Reports say the Brance Army has split?”

“Yes, my lady.”

Upon hearing Jena’s report, Serpina wore an amused grin.

“And now this happens? Is this Chel and Kalintz’s doing?”

“It seems… According to intelligence, many within their ranks disapprove of our alliance.”

“…”

In an instant, Serpina’s pupils dilated, and a sly smile spread across her lips.

So it was true!

This was exactly what Swoen had referred to as an “efficient outcome,” wasn’t it?

The Brance Army had always been one of their greatest rivals. Even though they’d lost some central territories, they remained a formidable force on this continent. Now, instead of splitting into two, they’d shattered into three! Could anything be better for us?

Of course.

Swoen kept proving correct. Though sometimes cryptic, his conclusions were always spot-on. A strategist who worked tirelessly for her without asking for anything in return.

The more she understood him, the harder it became to fathom how Yuuri failed to properly utilize such a brilliant commander.

Still, Serpina felt nothing but gratitude toward him.

“My lady, what shall we do?”

“What do you mean?”

“Will you refrain from making any moves?”

“…Hmm.”

Jena’s question prompted Serpina to ponder deeply.

‘During the alliance period, movement is restricted… Should I simply observe this turmoil or intervene actively to claim as much as possible?’

Neither option seemed unfavorable, but she quickly dismissed her deliberation. After all, she had someone dependable by her side.

“I need a little more time to think.”

“Understood, my lady… My lady?”

“What is it?”

“May I ask one thing?”

“Hmm?”

Jena hesitated, wearing an expression she rarely showed, prompting Serpina to respond with a questioning gaze.

“There’s… a concerning rumor circulating.”

“Another plot of betrayal?”

“No, my lady. It’s more… about you. Whether to call it gossip or mere hearsay…”

“Spare me the suspense, Jena. Speak plainly.”

Jena faltered briefly before cautiously stating,

“Word has it that you’re letting Swoen get too close.”

“The gist?”

“Given that he dramatically defected from the enemy army… naturally, whispers arise. Moreover…”

“Jena, I asked for the essence, not your roundabout explanations.”

“…It seems some believe his striking youth distracts you, my lady.”

“Hmph!”

Serpina chuckled derisively before addressing Jena,

“Surely you don’t take such talk seriously?”

“Of course not, my lady. However, a significant number of warriors express discontent with your favoritism toward Swoen and Iren, newcomers. What I mean is, rather than debating the truth of these rumors—”

“—be cautious?”

“Not out of disrespect, my lady. How could I dare suggest such a thing?”

Jena bowed deeply.

“All I wish to convey is that maintaining balance in governance is paramount. Please forgive me if this offends, but I hope you’ll give it some thought.”

“…”

Truthfully, Serpina knew her position wasn’t as solid as it seemed. Despite wielding considerable power, she’d witnessed several rebellions led by generals who once proudly claimed loyalty to her as the sole legitimate emperor of the Ainhardt family.

On the surface, they might still acknowledge her as their ruler, but deep down, things were different now.

Even the strongest rulers couldn’t ignore their subordinates, soldiers, or citizens if they wished to retain their authority—a lesson repeatedly taught during the Era of Chaos.

Most importantly—

She didn’t want Swoen or Iren to suffer because of her actions.

“Don’t worry, Jena. I can handle myself.”

“I did not mean to imply otherwise, my lady.”

“I understand.”

There was no way she’d distance herself from Swoen now. The solution lay in granting them military honors, proving their worth to everyone.

‘Soon, perhaps it’s time to prepare.’

With Iren and Swoen, achieving military glory wouldn’t be difficult. Once they earned recognition, no one could treat them lightly. Serpina was sure this was the best way to protect them without repercussions.

Both the Serpina Army and the Aishias Army started shifting subtly, spurred by the Brance Army’s fragmentation.

The shattered ‘dream’ of the Brance Army now fueled the ambitions of various factions, rising anew as part of others’ aspirations.

* * *

‘Is today finally the day?’

The morning arrived—the day she would enter Lady Iren’s manor.