Chapter 110

* * *

The hospital of the capital, Falaharte Castle.

Erhandorf lay in bed for recovery, surrounded by all the founding ministers of the Aishias Army except Yuri and Anima.

“…There was no need for you to come up here, Epinal.”

At Erhandorf’s one-eyed remark, Epinal clicked her tongue.

“Shut up. How’s your condition?”

“I’m just alive, not dead.”

“Don’t spout nonsense while eating our expensive food, Ern.”

“…”

Erhandorf’s hands trembled slightly.

It was the sight of someone suppressing their anger.

“I… couldn’t save Anima.”

“I heard. It wasn’t a situation where anything could be done. You did your best.”

“Even with family tied up and taken away, you came back alive alone.”

“Ern…”

Emma looked at him with a somewhat sorrowful expression.

Emma and Erhandorf had been retainers serving under Yuri for a very long time, maintaining a close relationship over the years.

With their life paths being similar, their ways of thinking naturally aligned as well.

“Don’t you hear me telling you to stop talking nonsense?”

“Epinal, don’t push him too hard. I would’ve acted the same way if I were in his shoes.”

Epinal looked quite dissatisfied.

“What gets solved here by playing on emotions? We should either storm in and rescue Anima or do something about it already! What is Yuri even doing?”

“It seems like an envoy has been sent out for negotiations.”

“Negotiations? Bullshit!”

Bang!

Even though she was the Lady of the castle, using such words against the Monarch wasn’t appropriate.

But no one present made any particular remarks about that part.

If Jinoru had been there, he might have advised caution, but he wasn’t here.

“Hey, Ern. So, when are you gonna get better?”

“…My injuries seem pretty severe. How embarrassing.”

“So, you’re out of action for a while. Got it.”

Epinal turned to Emma and said,

“Let’s start preparing, Emma.”

“Preparing?”

“Obviously, battle preparations. Are we just gonna sit around waiting while Anima’s captured? Surely you’re not suggesting we wait for the negotiation results or something ridiculous like that?”

“Calm down, Epinal. You’re getting worked up.”

“What the hell am I supposed to say!”

Epinal continued fuming for a bit before slumping into a chair.

“…Geez, this is so frustrating!”

“I’ve already sent seven thousand nine hundred gold. Unless Serpina’s excessively greedy, she’ll probably release Anima after receiving that amount.”

“That crazy witch won’t even blink at the money. We should count ourselves lucky if she doesn’t demand the castle.”

“And what can’t we give up?”

“…Hmph.”

After hearing Emma’s words, Epinal covered her face with her hand.

“I don’t have the face to meet Anima.”

“…”

“How do you think Anima will feel when she finds out we gave up territory she wanted so much for western expansion just to save her?”

Emma couldn’t answer.

“You know how hard Anima worked. She was the hardest worker among us. Despite not having extraordinary talent, how did she come up with those strategies and tactics? You must have seen her sacrificing sleep, putting in relentless effort.”

“I understand… I know.”

When Jinoru took the position of the Nation’s Strategist, how great must Anima’s sense of loss have been?

Especially considering Jinoru originally served the empire, it only added to the complexity.

Rationally, Yuri’s decision was understood. As a Monarch, looking at the bigger picture and making macroscopic judgments was crucial.

Jinoru was objectively an exceptionally talented person, and that was acknowledged.

However…

Anima wasn’t some foolish person throwing tantrums.

Without her tireless efforts, establishing the foundation of this Aishias Army itself would have been impossible.

“Therefore, we need to go and save her now. Only then can we face Anima without shame, right?”

“I understand your feelings… but honestly, it’s not easy.”

Emma bit her lower lip.

“I thought the same thing. That we should immediately gather the army and rush to save Anima. But… realistically, it’s not that simple. If Serpina decides to kill Anima amidst this chaos, it’ll truly be the end.”

“So, you’re saying we should kowtow, offer everything they ask for through negotiation or begging? How delightful. Anima would surely applaud such a plan.”

“What? You-”

“Enough.”

At that moment.

Yuri slowly walked into Erhandorf’s room.

“…”

“Tch.”

Regardless of whether these five were practically a shared destiny community, Yuri was effectively their representative figure.

Both Epinal and Emma knew this well, so they quietly shut their mouths and maintained silence.

Once the situation seemed settled, Yuri slowly approached Erhandorf.

“Ern, are you alright?”

“…I’ve passed the critical point of death for now.”

“I’m sorry I haven’t visited often.”

“It’s fine… Yuri, just do what you can do.”

Once he was the heir of the clan he served, but now, as a comrade sharing souls, Erhandorf spoke to her in the most gentle tone he could muster.

“What I can do…”

Yuri mulled over Erhandorf’s words briefly before addressing everyone.

“I have something to tell you all.”

“What is it?”

“Serpina has indicated her intention to release Anima Ingram.”

“!!!”

Everyone was momentarily shocked by Yuri’s bombshell announcement.

Soon enough—realizing the hidden meaning within her statement.

“The intention exists…”

“Basically, they’re saying no outright, huh.”

“Yeah.”

Yuri confirmed Epinal’s words.

“Seven thousand nine hundred gold isn’t enough? That witch. Is she determined to snatch our territory? Yuri, let me tell you this: we cannot give up the territory. If Anima learns she was brought back under such conditions, she’ll undoubtedly blame herself again.”

“Disregard Epinal’s words, Yuri. Giving up a single castle shouldn’t be a problem. We can always reclaim it later.”

“…”

Yuri alternated her gaze between Epinal and Emma.

Two different eyes reflecting two different opinions.

“…No, guys.”

Yuri sighed deeply.

This was the somewhat weaker side of her that only showed in front of truly trustworthy people.

“If it were just about giving up territory, whether Jestrom or Raclaine, I wouldn’t have hesitated.”

“What are you talking about? What exactly are they asking for?”

“…Envoys.”

“?!”

“Apparently, handing over our envoy will secure Anima’s release.”

“Huh?”

Instead of being shocked, both Emma and Epinal tilted their heads in confusion.

Shock requires something within the realm of human imagination.

Just like when someone claiming the world will end tomorrow isn’t taken seriously.

In Emma’s common sense, and even in Epinal’s and Erhandorf’s, ‘handing over envoys’ was an unthinkable act.

“What does that mean?”

“Apparently, they want the commander who went as our envoy. They’ll release Anima if we hand him over.”

“Wha…?”

Upon finally understanding the meaning, Emma and Erhandorf stared wide-eyed at Yuri in astonishment.

Epinal also voiced her disbelief with a mixture of irritation.

“What kind of absurd request is that?”

“Exactly as it sounds… Nothing else is requested. Not gold, treasures, nor territory.”

“Hmm.”

“Who is this envoy?”

At Erhandorf’s question, Yuri answered with a shadowed expression.

“Swoen.”

“Never heard of him. Does he have any connection to Serpina’s side?”

“You know that guy, the white-haired mage. Quite intelligent.”

“…Ah.”

Erhandorf, who didn’t react much to the name ‘Swoen,’ responded to the keyword ‘white-haired mage.’

“Are they targeting him because of the rumors that he can use magic?”

Emma’s question made Yuri grimace.

“I’m not entirely sure why they’re making this demand…”

“Could it be he offended Serpina?”

“Offended?”

Epinal nodded and explained.

“Unless it’s something like that, they wouldn’t ask for the capture of an envoy. If they could imprison him, they’d have done so already. The fact that they’re proposing this to us instead suggests Swoen has something he wants resolved quietly with Serpina, and if we stay out of it, they’ll grant our wish.”

“Indeed. It doesn’t seem like they’d make such a proposal unless there’s a grudge involved.”

Emma agreed with Epinal’s opinion.

Is it possible that rather than eloping with Irene out of love, there’s some other reason he’s constantly fleeing from Serpina?

Come to think of it, the object he dropped was aimed at the Serpina Army.

It wouldn’t be strange if he had offended her.

“…”

Lost in thought, Yuri carefully voiced her opinion.

“Isn’t there any need to worry, Yuri?”

“…Huh?”

“Having a commander who offended Serpina could be a long-term risk for us. Moreover, keeping Anima as a prisoner is also concerning. We don’t know when her head might roll. If there’s an opportunity, we should bring her back quickly.”

“But if we do that, it means we’re handing over a commander who swore loyalty to our army, merely following orders as an envoy.”

“…”

Yuri’s righteous argument left Emma speechless.

She was aware that what she suggested amounted to betraying Swoen.

“…Yuri.”

At that moment.

Epinal spoke with an unusually serious face.

“The final decision rests with you. Your choice. Actually, this isn’t just my opinion…”

She slowly exchanged glances with Erhandorf and then Emma.

This meant the three of them were in agreement.

“In my view, this world is nothing but a series of choices. Simply put, coldly speaking, we should consider what benefits our army and decide accordingly. And you already know the answer to this question, don’t you?”

“…!”

What’s beneficial for the Aishias Army.

What’s more important for Yuri and us.

“Now is the Era of Chaos. What’s morality, when even natural order is denied? Everyone moves solely for their own gain. Swoen is indeed a commendable commander. However, his abilities aren’t entirely unrestricted. I’ve heard every time he uses magic, it shortens his lifespan. Even if we bring him back, utilizing him means we’re consuming his life anyway. In essence, we’re already sacrificing him.”

“That… that’s…”

“Just think about it. Who matters more to us? No matter what decision you make, we will follow your lead. But here, show responsibility as a Monarch.”

‘Monarch’s… responsibility.’

Yuri mulled over Epinal’s words.

Everyone simply chooses what’s more important to them.

As she left the hospital to return to the Royal Palace to respond to the envoy, Anima’s image surfaced in Yuri’s mind.

The moment she sacrificed her arm to protect her.

The times she brilliantly saved everyone with her strategies during crises.

She truly endured immense hardship for our army.

Thinking about it, losing her here… was simply unacceptable.

‘Responsibility…’

Yes.

Responsibility.

A leader is someone who bears responsibility.

Anima might disapprove of this decision. She might blame herself for something a Monarch shouldn’t do.

But if she dies, we won’t even have the chance to hear her reproach.

‘I’ll take responsibility.’

Thus resolving, her footsteps grew heavier.

* * *

Upon arriving at the Royal Palace, coincidentally, several commanders including Jinoru were gathered in the Audience Chamber.

Judging by the situation, they seemed to have grasped the general circumstances.

“My Lord, I’ve heard the story.”

Approaching her seated on the Throne, Jinoru naturally stepped forward.

“There’s no need to listen to such a proposal. Decline it.”

“Why?”

“It goes without saying. I’ve never seen anyone sell one subordinate to save another.”

Yuri slowly nodded.

“Right?… I agree with you, Jinoru.”

Seeing Yuri like this, Jinoru internally sighed in relief.

Honestly… if she had accepted ‘handing over Swoen to free Anima,’ he would have been at a loss on how to handle it.

Though it was difficult to comprehend rationally, the significance of Anima Ingram within this Aishias Army was far from trivial.

From her reaction, fortunately, it seemed she wouldn’t make such an unreasonable decision.

“Can you hear my voice?”

“Yes, I hear you, Lady Yuri.”

The envoy bowed his head in response.

“I apologize for keeping you waiting. I needed some time to think.”

“It’s fine. What message should I convey to our Lord?”

Upon hearing this, Yuri exhaled softly.

Anima.

My childhood friend and my eternal shadow.

Even if the whole world blames and points fingers at me, including you…

I’ll bear everything and move forward.

“Go ahead and deliver this. Tell them we accept Serpina’s proposal.”

“Eh? In other words…”

Contrasting the envoy’s calm inquiry, Jinoru’s pupils sharply contracted beside him.

What is this woman, our ruler, trying to say right now??

“Hand over our envoy, Swoen. Release Anima.”