Chapter 178

After leaving the palace.

Due to scheduling, Iren had to head to the training grounds with only part of the occupying forces instead of alongside Sir Swoen. She walked slowly, lost in thought.

‘Is this not the right time?’

Fundamentally, Iren supported all of Swoen’s decisions. She could personally guarantee he always came to correct conclusions better than anyone gathered here. After all, she’d been by his side longer than anyone else.

Still, this seemed like a pretty good opportunity even to her.

The opinions of General Cranfis, commander of the occupying army, and strategist Jena did seem reasonable at first glance.

But…

‘Those people’s opinions don’t matter as much as Swoen’s. Even if he’s wrong, I can just make him right with my sword.’

Iren reaffirmed her resolve. To her, Swoen himself was far more important than the future of the Serpina Army. If he said it, that made it true. She had no intention or desire to consider other options now.

At that moment.

“Iren General.”

Turning at the voice calling her name, she saw Irian standing there.

“Ah, General Irian. What is it?”

“I wanted to recommend deploying our current occupation force across various parts of the continent now that our strategy has been decided, so I was looking for General Cranfis to discuss it… but couldn’t find him.”

“Ahh.”

With Swoen’s proposal adopted, the occupation army was planning to disperse across the Northern Continent rather than gather for a southern advance. The number of capital defense troops was woefully inadequate to split up, so dispersing the occupation forces was essentially decided.

“I was thinking the same. I’ll pass it along for you.”

“Then I leave it in your hands.”

After bowing politely, Iren asked a question.

“Come to think of it, you agreed with Swoen’s opinion, didn’t you?”

“That’s correct.”

Iren knew very well her position within the Serpina Army. While there wasn’t outright insubordination among the occupation forces, she could sense she hadn’t fully been accepted as deputy commander yet.

Compared to when she was with the Brance Army, things were going smoothly enough here – but she wasn’t oblivious enough to miss being monitored. And it wasn’t just about her.

The foreigner Swoen, who had come here with her, was currently tangled up in strange rumors with their liege Serpina. It was obvious he was receiving even harsher scrutiny among the generals than she was.

Iren knew Swoen wasn’t that kind of loose man, but objectively speaking, a guy who’d switched sides multiple times no matter how talented would have trouble being fully trusted.

In such circumstances, winning by majority vote thanks to Irian’s high prestige among the generals wasn’t an exaggeration.

He’d almost certainly been set to become deputy commander before she arrived. One might expect him to harbor resentment toward her and Swoen, but instead he was helping them out. Of course, they had exchanged favors regarding his younger sister recently.

Still, these are troubled times. Trust and gratitude are treated worse than dog food. There’s no need to belittle someone keeping to their word.

“I want to thank you on his behalf. Without you, we couldn’t have chosen Swoen’s suggestion as the main strategy.”

“I merely thought it was the right choice.”

“Hmm. Anyway, I’ll be sure to convey your thoughts. Farewell.”

Just as she turned to leave after exchanging pleasantries…

“Iren General, please wait a moment.”

“Hm?”

“There’s something I’d like to ask about Swoen sir.”

“Me?”

“Isn’t it true you’re particularly close to Swoen sir?”

“…!!”

Iren froze momentarily, her face turning red at Irian’s words.

After a few coughs, she responded in a very stern tone.

“That’s true…”

‘That’s what I said…’

Being particularly close to Swoen…

Of course, they were quite close. They’d torn through three countries together.

And furthermore… they shared a relationship where they could enjoy warm tea together forever. While she was rationalizing with those thoughts…

“Actually, I wanted to know if Swoen sir has any wives, and if so, how many?”

At the word “wives”…

Iren stiffened, staring blankly back with a dumbfounded expression.

“Why do you ask?”

“I believe you understand the general situation. My younger sister Ilian seems to have taken a liking to Swoen sir. If he’s agreeable, I’d like to formally discuss marriage.”

Speaking of Ilian… the pretty girl resembling Irian they met back then?

Iren paused to think.

Swoen currently had no wife. There was Reika, with whom marriage negotiations had occurred, but given the circumstances, everything was on hold.

So naturally, she should say he has no wife here…

Why are the words not coming out?

But rejecting outright would be troublesome too.

She didn’t want to inconvenience Swoen with her arbitrary actions more than death itself.

Deciding whether to proceed with marriage negotiations was obviously up to Swoen himself, not her.

While lost in such thoughts…

“If it’s alright with you General, I’d appreciate it if you could casually ask him for me. Of course, if it burdens you, I can ask directly myself. Please don’t worry too much about it.”

“Eh? Ah… yes. Understood.”

“Then, I’ll take my leave first.”

Iren watched Irian’s retreating back for quite some time.

Though watching, her mind was elsewhere – filled not with Irian but another man.

The young handsome man with white hair, the person whose every bit she’d gladly give everything for in gratitude, Swoen.

Thump, thump.

Her heart began racing again just from thinking deeply about Swoen.

What exactly do I want to be to Swoen?

His bodyguard? A comrade who always protects his side?

Or…

“…I miss him.”

Even though they’d headed to the royal palace together just a few hours ago, she already missed Swoen.

Still, lately it was much better than before. She could see Swoen after work.

Spending time together as three with Reika was incredibly precious to her.

‘Today, I should buy some delicious things at the square.’

Thinking that, her steps became lighter as she started walking.

Putting aside for now the heavy question of what kind of existence she wanted to be for Swoen.

That way, Iren gradually, both physically and emotionally –

became increasingly entangled with the man named Swoen.

* * *

A few days after the regular meeting.

Apparently, the occupation army had temporarily split into several small units and departed on assignment across the continent.

Officially for “strengthening public order and search operations.”

Anyway, with soldiers patrolling around, unnecessary disturbances would surely decrease.

Meanwhile, I was heading to that annex of Serpina’s again upon her summons.

Though strange rumors were spreading, perhaps it would be wise to be careful.

Still, it was my lord’s order, so following it was the only option.

Not like I had any pressing tasks assigned anyway.

Arriving at the annex, Serpina greeted me with a smile.

“You’ve arrived, Swoen. Quite prompt.”

“It’s not like my lord summoned anyone else.”

“Your increased wit makes me think you’re doing fairly well these days?”

After saying that, she chuckled.

…She’s beautiful.

Beautiful enough to constantly make my heart flutter whenever I see her face.

“With all these rumors spreading, it’s not surprising they’re circulating.”

‘At least you’re aware.’

I swallowed those words and bowed deeply.

Then,

Serpina approached my bowed head and whispered.

“What shall we do, Swoen?”

“Excuse me…?”

“Shall we make these strange rumors true tonight with me?”

“…!!!”

Startled, I looked up at her.

She was…

Smiling.

Not the oppressive smile of an absolute ruler, but the playful grin of a young girl.

“Think about it. Don’t you find it unfair to have rumors spread about things you haven’t done? Rather than being swayed by rumors, I think making them reality isn’t a bad method. This is my special proposal considering you.”

For a brief moment, I considered just accepting it-

Then quickly bowed again and said.

“…My apologies. It’s due to my lack of self-restraint. I’ll be more careful moving forward.”

“No. How is it your fault when I’m the one who summoned you? If anything, it’s simply because you’re a young man in your prime, with quite a pleasing appearance. People in this world care far more about appearances than substance.”

“…”

She keeps mentioning my looks, but honestly I don’t really get it…

More importantly, hearing her strangely sad tone made it hard to bring up the subject further.

If people care so much about appearances, Serpina herself must know best. Her face alone could make her worshipped as an absolute ruler after all.

“So, what brings you here today?”

“There’s somewhere I’d like you to accompany me.”

“To accompany you…?”

“Could you escort me for a bit?”

“Escort shouldn’t be difficult, but how many soldiers will accompany us?”

“Soldiers? You alone will suffice with me.”

“…Pardon?”

I asked curiously with a perplexed expression.

“I don’t intend to refuse, but are you sure it’s alright?”

Though I said it aloud, I didn’t feel confident guarding her.

With no combat ability left, I’d need Reika for magic. What if we encounter bandits on the way?

Sure, considering her swordsmanship skills, she probably wouldn’t fall to mere bandits, but she wasn’t just any commander – she was the ruler of a nation. Any possibility of her getting even minor injuries should be avoided.

Serpina smiled wryly at my words.

“Swoen. Even if I am royalty, I’m not so naive as to wander outside Einhardt Castle with just you. Seems like you underestimate me quite a bit.”

Well, using the term “escort” might not be appropriate then, but I kept quiet to avoid offending her.

“Don’t worry, Swoen. Your occasional backtalk won’t diminish my regard for you.”

…How does she read my mind so accurately?

It’s impossible to hide anything or lie in front of her.

“And, thinking about it, that might not be so bad. Fleeing somewhere without responsibility with you… wouldn’t that make a fine romantic conclusion?”

“…You go too far, my lord.”

“Too far? That’s disappointing. My feelings are always genuine. Hehehe…♥”

Serpina giggled again while covering her mouth, then started walking slowly.

I followed closely behind her retreating figure.

*

Leaving the annex, we walked down a dirt path overgrown with grass, unused by visitors.

The destination was a small hill behind the annex.

Though it seemed surprising such a place existed near the bustling Royal Palace of Einhardt Castle, considering this was Serpina’s private annex – off-limits to both commoners and subordinate commanders without her permission – it made sense the area would be neglected like this.

After walking for a few minutes…

“Swoen, do you know?”

Without turning back, she spoke while leading the way ahead.

“Know what?”

At that moment,

Serpina stopped walking, slowly turned to face me… and carefully parted those pink lips.

“Why I’m called a ‘tyrant’.”