Chapter 253

The first to react were the lord’s people living below Kelshtain Castle.

Most of them were currently residing in the territories of the Kalintz Army and the Chel Army.

“Is it really true that Serpina Army from the Northern Continent is carrying out relief activities?”

“I heard there are family members over there?”

“I have relatives in Uyteneur Castle! If I go, I’m sure I can get help.”

For people who had been devastated by disease, the news of a relief camp was nothing short of a godsend. After all, neither Kalintz nor Chel had done much to aid them.

Of course, not everyone greeted the news with optimism.

“Hold on. Is that witch really doing relief work? Does that even make sense?”

“Have you forgotten the recent rumors? They said she used magic to spread this plague.”

However…

In such an unusual situation, normal skepticism didn’t resonate with the territorial people.

“So, what exactly is that so-called great Yuri person doing for the lord’s people?”

“It’s worth checking out, trap or no trap. Either way, we’ll die—whether from starvation or disease. Might as well take the chance!”

On one hand, there were those quietly helping without words, and on the other, those loudly claiming ulterior motives but doing nothing to actually assist. For the lord’s people facing survival issues, the gap between these two couldn’t be wider.

How could their hearts not move when someone unconnected to them offered help, while they themselves had no means to escape the stench of rotting corpses and the spreading disease?

Of course, the positive reactions came mainly from those in the Central Continent affected by the disease. People in the Southern Continent unaffected by the illness, or those in the central-western region spared thanks to Lin’s early precautions, dismissed Serpina’s efforts as meaningless charity.

Still, public sentiment tilted toward Serpina for the first time in history—this shift carried far more weight than any baron could imagine.

* * *

“Thank you very much.”

“I will never forget the kindness of Lady Serpina.”

By the third day, many began arriving at the camp. Though some weren’t originally from the Northern Continent, we didn’t bother screening everyone too meticulously. Given the physical limitations of reaching our location and the risks involved in traveling during a plague, Ilian judged that overcrowding wouldn’t be an issue. And indeed, supplies never ran short throughout the operation, partly because our army had stockpiled extensively across the northern continent.

Throughout this process, Ilian remained the most enthusiastic participant.

“Here you go. Please take it.”

“Thank you so much. May I know your name…?”

“There’s no need to remember us. Just remember Lady Serpina. She isn’t the type to harm people unnecessarily with magic.”

“Oh, heavens! I’ll never forget her grace my entire life…”

With Lord Ilian personally distributing supplies and encouraging the arrivals, soldiers followed suit enthusiastically. It would’ve been counterproductive if they hadn’t—it was enough to turn public opinion decisively.

“I didn’t expect such active participation from you.”

I approached Ilian casually.

“Hmm? Is that Swoen?”

He smiled warmly upon seeing me.

“You did say that anyone blessed with magic won’t catch the plague for at least a week, right?”

“That’s true, but I thought you might find it hard to believe.”

“Not me. I trust you, Swoen.”

His gaze revealed no trace of doubt.

Well… though it wasn’t something I’d bring up myself, his family almost faced ruin without me, so this level of trust wasn’t unwarranted. No reason to suspect him further then.

“Thank you for trusting me.”

“Indeed. I must return to work, but please look after Miss Reika.”

“Miss Reika just fell asleep. So, it’s only natural for me to join in the work now, isn’t it?”

“Fair enough…but…”

At that moment, Ilian paused, then turned to me with a serious expression.

“Swoen, I have a question.”

“Yes?”

“What’s your relationship with Miss Reika?”

“…Excuse me?”

Expecting something profound like “We’ve uncovered information about rebels opposing Lady Serpina,” I was caught off guard by such a mundane query.

“Well…you two seem quite close recently.”

“Is that so?”

“Swoen, I’m curious about your connection. Are you her…lover?”

“No, nothing like that…and I’m not married yet.”

“Ah, I see. Speaking of which, let’s talk about marriage…”

“Huh?”

What was he getting at?

Seeing my puzzled face, Ilian tilted his head slightly.

“Didn’t General Iren tell you?”

No, she didn’t.

But I didn’t want to criticize her, so here I am looking foolish.

“Uh…my memory isn’t great. I tend to forget things often.”

“Is that so? Not very characteristic of you…but thinking about it, defining your character might be amusing in itself.”

Ilian continued in a completely earnest tone.

“How do you feel about our Iolienne?”

Iolienne. It’s been ages since I last heard that name.

Jenis’ twin sister and former roommate, whose undergarments I once glimpsed—a rare detail connecting me to her.

—Wait a second.

“Are you talking about…marriage?”

“Exactly.”

Me marrying Iolienne?

Caught off guard by this unexpected proposition, I was stunned, while Ilian maintained his seriousness.

“Swoen, someone of your caliber would be greatly welcomed into our clan. Iolienne misses you dearly. Though it sounds funny coming from me, I consider her beauty unmatched among most women. Moreover, she has undergone extensive training to become a virtuous bride. I’m confident she’d be an excellent companion for you.”

“If…if there’s someone else in mind, taking her as a concubine would also suffice. Should you wish, the name Al Caskey could be passed onto you. Please consider this positively.”

Overwhelmed by his rapid-fire delivery, I struggled to respond, but Ilian brushed it off lightly.

“Take your time answering. There’s no pressure. If you don’t reply, I’ll assume otherwise. Rest assured, declining won’t bring any disadvantages. Well, I’ll excuse myself for now.”

After he left, I recalled Iolienne’s face.

She was undoubtedly beautiful, with a graceful figure and modest demeanor. As Ilian suggested, she seemed capable of providing good support.

Yet…marriage wasn’t an option right now.

Guarding Lady Serpina and honoring my promise to Lady Luna already complicated matters. Rooting myself anywhere felt unimaginable.

Besides, if I ever marry, I secretly hope it’s with Lady Iren first.

“Did General Iren not tell you?”

That confirmed it—Lady Iren hadn’t informed me about Ilian’s proposal through Iolienne.

Why? I could pretend ignorance, but I didn’t want to.

The reason she didn’t tell me…

“…Sigh.”

I sighed softly, covering my face with my hand. My cheeks burned as her image filled my mind.

“I miss her.”

Regardless, marriage proposals shouldn’t be on my mind now.

Men in this world could have up to four wives, so there was no rush to decide. Time allowed careful consideration.

Cooling my face, I followed after Ilian.

* * *

Inside the royal palace of Langbow Castle, under Aishias Army.

“…A relief camp?”

“Yeah. Serpina Army has set up operations near the base of Kelshtain Castle to assist the Central Continent’s lord’s people.”

At Epinal’s words, Yuri sitting on the throne snorted derisively.

“Hmph!”

Rising slowly, she shivered dramatically before speaking.

“What a revolting woman, trying to cover up using magic by performing such trivial acts!”

And a few days later…

“The camp operations seem to be going smoothly. The closest subjects under Kalintz Army revere Serpina as a deity.”

“…Alright. It’s probably just a superficial effort to save face.”

“Why not just send supplies instead of going through the trouble of running a camp if it’s all about appearances? Besides, it’s odd for her to care about reputation anyway. Does that make sense?”

“What’s your point, Epinal? Are you suggesting Serpina is a good person?”

“…”

Normally, Epinal would have responded diplomatically—but not this time. He felt obligated to explain the current situation to Yuri.

“Yuri, we’ve underestimated her.”

“…What?”

“She wouldn’t have taken unnecessary actions if her real goal was to kill people with magic.”

“…”

Yuri lowered her head, unable to retort.

Deep down, she suspected it too. Despite all her accusations, if Serpina truly intended to harm people, why force relocation or operate relief camps? Objectively speaking, what purpose would it serve her?

Still, backing down wasn’t an option—not after publicly declaring her as the source of the plague.

“Now what do we do?”

Seeing Yuri’s predicament, Epinal exhaled in relief. Things could’ve gotten worse if she stubbornly insisted otherwise.

If Anima were fully conscious, she might offer better advice—but Epinal knew his limits. Skilled in combat, he lacked strategic vision. Yet now was the time to speak up, despite knowing his answer would be simple.

“For now…avoid making additional statements. Let things settle. Serpina’s image is already tarnished, so staying quiet might surprisingly prevent bigger problems.”

“…Hmph.”

“There’s nothing we can do. We’ll have to wait for another opportunity…everyone makes mistakes. Indulging in self-blame is a luxury we can’t afford, and you know that.”

“I know…I understand…”

Closing her eyes, Yuri prayed again. She hoped the plague would end quickly and that its consequences wouldn’t spiral out of control as Epinal predicted.

* * *

However, days later…

“Our army is being pressured to start relief operations…?”

The soldier reported hesitantly, struggling to convey the message to Yuri.

“To put it bluntly…people are asking why Serpina Army does it, but Aishias Army doesn’t.”

Prayers aside, the critical moment arrived far sooner than expected—an unavoidable double bind.