Chapter 116

“……Master.”

As I was gazing at the letter, Reika approached me with a question.

“Hmm?”

“Why would Father ask such a question…? I mean, since Sir Swoen is here, isn’t it obvious that Lady Serpina is the one we serve…? I don’t quite understand why he’d bother asking about something so self-evident.”

“Ahh.”

Indeed. Just looking at the words alone, anyone could easily jump to that conclusion.

I’m currently at Hisfil Castle, and Jinoru, being the nation’s strategist, surely knows everything that’s happened within Aishias Army. Given that my daughter has even sent a letter, things must be going smoothly back home. It wouldn’t be hard for him to deduce that I’ve joined Serpina’s forces.

However, someone who can deduce this wouldn’t waste time asking meaningless questions just for confirmation.

So, this actually means – whether *ultimately* I will serve Serpina.

“Well, it’s a simple matter. It’s just asking if you’ll continue serving Lady Serpina in the future.”

“Is that so…?”

Reika tilted her head slightly but didn’t seem overly concerned. I was worried explaining might get complicated, but thankfully, she accepted it without much fuss.

Jinoru is the person closest to correctly guessing my true abilities among everyone I’ve met. Though his assumptions are based on the flawed premise that I use magic to see the future… he did accurately pinpoint that I know the results but not the reasons behind them. Moreover, since I volunteered to come here, he likely judged that I think joining Serpina’s army is the most efficient path forward.

Thus, this question boils down to: “Is Serpina the right choice?”

Even though I can no longer answer this myself after switching allegiance to Serpina, judging by past experiences, there’s another clear answer.

And that answer is – Luna.

Then…

Should I share this answer with Jinoru?

Sharing my deepest thoughts implies that we’ll be riding the same boat from now on. Is Jinoru someone trustworthy?

If I ask, “Will he be helpful?” the answer is obvious. After all, picking me over Lord Yuri already shows how sharp he is.

But is he trustworthy?

I turned my gaze toward Reika, who had shown me the letter. She’s someone Jinoru assigned to me. From the contents of the letter, it seems she doesn’t need to stay by my side constantly. Still, keeping her around as some sort of spy seems unnecessary.

So let’s conclude:

Jinoru wants to maintain a connection with me.

When someone asks something of you, fulfilling their request establishes a relationship. Therefore, it should be fine to consider him trustworthy.

“Miss Reika, do you have a quill pen?”

“Eh? Oh… just a moment. Since our rooms seem to have the same layout, there should be one in here…”

Reika rummaged through the drawers and brought out a pen and ink.

I wrote just one line on the letter, folded it, and handed it back to her.

“It’s a reply. Could you deliver it for me?”

“Of course…! Though, it feels rather short…”

“If you want, I could add a few more lines, but I think this will be enough for him to understand.”

“…?”

Reika tilted her head, clearly puzzled.

But Jinoru will get it.

To change the subject, I asked Reika,

“Miss Reika, do you have any plans?”

“Huh? No… I’m drinking tea with Miss Iren later tonight. Other than that, nothing special…”

“Tea leaves? Do you have any?”

“I think Miss Iren always carries them with her.”

Ah, that’s right. Iren loves tea and always keeps leaves on hand. Her expression while drinking tea often brings calmness to others.

Speaking of which, Reika is quite skilled at baking. If she can make cakes, she’s definitely proficient enough. Suddenly, I imagined a peaceful future where her baked goods pair perfectly with the tea Iren serves.

Even though I don’t truly possess the ability to see the future… if I did, this serene scene would be an ideal vision.

“Miss Reika.”

“Yes…?”

“How about we meditate until then? It’s been a while.”

Considering how my rapier once emitted flames, meditation certainly has its benefits. It’s best to recharge when possible.

“Oh, um… well, there doesn’t seem to be much mana here, but… sure.”

Reika smiled gently as she said this. It was a pure, adorable smile free of ulterior motives.

“It’s nice to spend time with Sir Swoen again…”

“I feel the same.”

“W-W-W-What?! I-I-I mean… i-it’s not that I dislike it, b-but…”

Watching her blush as she looked at me, I chuckled lightly—

And spent a rare, peaceful afternoon together.

—

At Falaharte Castle.

The rush of resignations from several commanders had finally calmed down.

Though many have left, Jinoru thought the situation had been handled quite effectively. Thanks to the efforts of Epinal and other founding heroes protecting Yuri, their hard work paid off.

Moreover…

Anima has taken over as the new national strategist.

Though “new” may not be entirely accurate—she was the strategist before Jinoru stepped in. Those who’ve served in Aishias Army for a long time hold deep affection and trust for Anima. Some are even content with her return alone.

It makes sense; the prestige of these founding heroes wouldn’t exist without the admiration of many people across the nation. Either they’re respected or just liked—likely both.

Around this time, Jinoru received orders regarding commerce.

Originally, Yuri intended to leave him alone to write books peacefully, but he insisted on taking on this task himself.

Though he planned to retire eventually, considering all possibilities, there was no need to sever ties in a way that might cause future trouble.

While Yuri might not become the unifying ruler, who can guarantee anything 100% in this world?

Unlike Swen, who supposedly sees the future, Jinoru must consider every possibility.

One day, after inspecting the market and flipping through a newly acquired military tactics book at home…

“Master.”

The head maid arrived with a letter.

It seemed Reika had replied.

“Thank you.”

“Not at all, Master.”

Seeing the maid smile brightly as she handed over the letter, I couldn’t help but feel curious and asked,

“You seem cheerful.”

“Huh? Oh, well…”

“Don’t worry, I’m not scolding you.”

“…Just, despite all the rumors, seeing how much Master cares for Miss Reika makes me feel relieved. It wasn’t something I should judge anyway.”

“Me?”

Nodding vigorously.

“Because your expression brightened so much when you saw Miss Reika’s letter…”

“…”

“Previously, I was really worried because you seemed too distant, but now I realize it wasn’t my place to judge.”

There’s no need to mention that I was waiting for a different reply.

After dismissing the maid politely, I immediately opened the letter.

Inside it read—

*

A few days after reading the letter…

In the audience chamber of the royal palace, Jinoru knelt before his lord, Yuri, reporting his resignation.

“…So, you wish to retire?”

“That’s correct.”

“The merchants will surely miss you. They praised how you completely revamped the system and made everything better. They even joked if you were secretly a wealthy merchant pretending to be a strategist.”

“Unfortunately, as you can see, I haven’t amassed that kind of wealth. But if they like it so much, perhaps I should consider a career change after retiring. Wars thrive only during chaotic times anyway.”

Yuri smiled upon hearing this.

After exchanging a few light-hearted jokes, Yuri’s expression turned slightly melancholic as she asked,

“Because of Swen?”

“…”

Jinoru thought.

Here, saying a few pleasant words and parting cleanly would be the simplest option.

But… she was someone he once bet his fate on. She had supported him greatly since joining Aishias Army. Displacing Anima and appointing him as the strategist was undoubtedly a huge decision for her.

This final moment could be an opportunity to give her some advice.

“Lord Yuri, spilled water cannot be retrieved. I understand your decision. Having served you closely for quite some time, I recognize that no one can definitively say whether your choices are right or wrong.”

“…”

“Accept the results of what has already happened. Only then can you move forward. This is the last piece of advice I can offer as someone who once served as a strategist.”

Without responding, Yuri nodded slowly.

“Wishing you luck, my lord. I’ll never forget your kindness. Stay healthy.”

With that, leaving Yuri unable to find appropriate words to respond—

He placed all his responsibilities within Aishias Army inside the castle and walked out of Falaharte Castle as a free man.

The housekeeping details have been entrusted to reliable individuals, so they’ll handle it properly.

Everyone involved has been taken care of, so their livelihoods won’t suffer.

So, where should I go now?

‘Perhaps retreating into the mountains for a while wouldn’t be bad.’

Before joining Aishias Army, he intended to train young students in the mountains. Even though he’s old, mountain life doesn’t frighten him.

The key is surviving for the new era ahead.

Staying behind the scenes is safer than stepping into the spotlight.

That day…

The single line from Reika, or rather, Swen:

[Seek out Lunarien Iniyan.]

Lunarien Iniyan.

Never heard of them. During the chaotic period when small warlords ruled, there were nameless rulers, but they were all wiped out long ago by Brance Army.

Still, this is the answer given by Swen, who supposedly sees the future. He wouldn’t randomly jot down a meaningless name.

Deciding to keep Reika instead of sending her back also suggests trusting his words is likely the right choice.

I’ll send someone to investigate, but I’m not in a hurry.

If I can’t find them, they’ll inevitably appear on the continent someday.

‘Reading books while waiting for the new era might not be bad either.’

In this era of chaos, challenging an unbeatable opponent is foolish.

Knowing full well that I lack the power to surpass someone who uses magic to see the future…

Isn’t it better to join them?

Thus, the man who briefly re-emerged in history once again disappeared into obscurity.