Chapter 107

“Is this a challenge?”

“Yes, it is.”

Serpina, resting her chin in her hand, stared intently at me before smirking and saying, “How interesting. To bring up the word ‘challenge’ to someone like me is quite audacious… truly astonishing.”

“What do you mean by audacity? If this is inconvenient, did you not mean what you said about wanting me?”

Maintaining the most composed expression I could muster while facing Serpina…

She replied in a tone colder than ice without any emotional fluctuation, “Do you truly believe that you require a contest of strength to be taken by me?”

“Yes.”

From the moment the word ‘challenge’ was uttered, I had no intention of backing down.

Fortunately, my actions and words hadn’t yet irritated Serpina, likely due to my predictions.

“If that’s the case, I’ll hear you out. What kind of contest do you propose?”

“Well, it’s less of a challenge and more of a bet, I’d say.”

Just as I was about to explain…

Serpina looked into my eyes and smirked once again.

I barely managed to shake off the brief spell of her smile.

Even with just the curve of her lips forming a crescent—how remarkably beautiful!

“There is, however, a condition. Since I’m accommodating your stubbornness, I must insist on mine as well.”

“And what might that condition be?”

“Nothing much. Just one thing.”

Serpina, crossing her legs, declared as if passing judgment, “I have no intention of letting you leave here. Regardless of whether it’s a challenge or a bet, we will settle this matter right here and now.”

“…”

Pfft.

While my face maintained an air of nonchalance—”That was within my expectations”—honestly, she had struck a nerve.

Though trying to make excuses and escape initially, it seemed she wouldn’t allow that.

But if anything became certain from this…

Perhaps I was meant to stay within the Serpina Army.

Fundamentally, my ‘predictions’ reflected the stance of my nation.

Meaning, I predicted the most efficient method from Lord Yuri’s perspective.

Not that my position wasn’t considered at all.

At least when acting according to predictions placed me in danger, it was proven on the day the meteor fell that such situations would be avoided.

Let’s backtrack.

From Yuri’s standpoint, sending just a commander instead of reclaiming Animus Ingram through Raclaine Castle… does that calculation come out as efficient?

Some might argue, “A commander with Divinity 100 is worth more than territory,” but ultimately, a commander shines only when trusted by their monarch.

The Aishias Army, founded by its original members who wield considerable influence compared to other nations, has shown during my extended time there…

“She likely won’t value me highly.”

Even the illustrious Jinoru remains restrained.

Would Yuri heed my opinion over Epinal’s if our views conflicted? The answer becomes clear quickly.

No matter how high one’s divinity or stats may rise, if unused, they’re merely fancy decorations.

Especially when viewed objectively, I am less important to Yuri than Animus Ingram.

Thus, the results of my prediction made sense.

Having set the hypothesis, it was time for action.

If I’m correct—Serpina will accept my proposal.

Looking up at her beautiful face, I spoke with unprecedented confidence.

“Attempt a deal with our lord.”

“Explain further.”

“Instead of freeing Animus Ingram, propose exchanging my custody to Lady Serpina.”

Upon hearing this, Serpina gazed at me with a look of boredom.

“How does this constitute a contest between us?”

“If our lord accepts the offer, it’s your victory. Conversely, if he refuses these terms, it’s my win. Thus, the challenge stands. If I win, release me. If I lose…”

Lowering my head briefly before slowly raising it to meet her golden gaze directly,

“I will serve Lady Serpina.”

After listening to me, she paused in thought before nodding.

“Indeed, closer to a bet than a challenge. Next question: What purpose does this serve? Frankly, hearing this makes me reluctant to engage in such a meaningless contest. Wouldn’t imprisoning you eventually make you mine anyway?”

“Meaningless contest, you say? In truth, this contest benefits you more than me.”

Serpina’s eyebrow twitched upon hearing my words.

“I’ll humor you for now.”

“You mentioned earlier that you wanted me, correct? However, capturing me as a prisoner gains you nothing. No justification, no loyalty. Even if imprisonment breaks my spirit, which isn’t guaranteed…”

“I dare suggest that successfully imprisoning me is unlikely. Even if you succeed eventually, you’ll lose quite a bit in the process.”

“Hmm. You claim this is a challenge, but in reality, it’s a plea for mercy. Yet, your self-assurance is commendable. Bravado isn’t courage.”

“It’s not bravado. My bodyguards are quite strong.”

“Your guards were surely subdued by my vassals by now. Best not to count on them.”

“I’ll return that remark. They aren’t ones to be easily subdued in such a place.”

“Hooh.”

Serpina smirked again.

Apparently, both of us were determined not to back down.

“Your boldness deserves praise. Continue.”

“However, if you defeat me through this contest, things change. You save unnecessary manpower and time subduing my bodyguards, avoid rumors of being an imprudent ruler who captures envoys, and most importantly, gain my genuine loyalty. Since I proposed the contest and set the terms, isn’t it only logical that I serve you upon losing?”

“A rather embarrassing topic to broach, but surely you’ve heard of me, Lady Serpina. While I don’t know why you desire me, allowing me to genuinely serve you is the only way to fully utilize me.”

There’s an unspoken implication that antagonizing the meteor-summoner from the north yields no good outcomes, something she’d likely notice.

Serpina sat silently for a long while, cross-legged, staring at my face. She exuded an image akin to a beautiful statue.

People possessing beauty beyond a certain threshold inevitably affect those who see them. Even I wondered, “Could this stunning woman truly be the tyrant Serpina?”

Had I not met her in my dreams, I’d definitely think so 100%.

“Shall we proceed? May I ask a question?”

“Please.”

“I understand what I gain should I win this contest. Let’s assume that’s valid for argument’s sake. But then, what do you gain from this contest? Surely not just fear of the dungeon?”

“Isn’t that enough?”

I bowed my head slightly, shaking it before lifting it again, adopting a cunning tone.

“Who doesn’t dread imprisonment? Leaving that aside, what I gain is…”

This is the decisive moment.

With the dice already cast, I had to move forward.

“Simply determining who my rightful lord is, wouldn’t you say?”

“!”

“If I lose this contest, meaning—Lord Yuri has essentially sold me to the enemy. Clearly, he’s not a worthy lord. In such a scenario, there’s no reason not to serve you, Lady Serpina. On the flip side, if I win—Lord Yuri hasn’t sacrificed his envoy. As you know, the Era of Chaos deepens. From my perspective, uncovering my lord’s true intentions is gain enough, wouldn’t you agree?”

Exactly.

Animus Ingram is likely far more important to Yuri than any commander. He attempted negotiations despite her being in the despised Serpina Army, even gathering maximum resources to do so. If he chooses me over her, I can leave here unharmed.

What if he abandons me?

Then staying here becomes unnecessary. Whether it’s the Serpina Army or the Aishias Army, my ultimate destination is the Lunarien Army. The path I take matters little.

Though previously I might’ve thought, “Still, the Serpina Army is questionable,”

“With her constantly appearing in my dreams and these inexplicable memories of her, there’s clearly something going on.”

Remaining by her side to uncover the vague impressions lingering in my mind didn’t seem like a bad choice. Perhaps this is why even the intellect of Divinity 100 sent me here.

I never once averted my gaze from Serpina’s downward glance.

After a long silence, she carefully parted her lips.

“Very well. I shall accept your challenge. It feels like the quickest way to make you kneel.”

“Thank you for your wise decision.”

At that moment.

Commotion began outside the royal chamber.

Apparently, my bodyguards caused quite a disturbance.

“…”

“I’ll go calm them down. Please excuse me.”

Hearing my words, Serpina remained silent.

Gazing at her… Truly, strange experiences abound.

For some reason, I feel I understand what she’s thinking, despite meeting her for the first time. It’s almost as if we’ve synchronized over a long period.

Regardless.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that she agreed with my words.

“…Then, I’ll be back shortly.”

Without much response, I stood up and left. Serpina didn’t stop me.

…What is this déjà vu?

Thinking this, heading out to quell the disturbance—

marked the beginning of the contest between Serpina and me.