Chapter 138

The world of Luna froze for a moment after hearing Violet’s story.

The young man with white hair who had worked miracles and earned the nickname “Mage”…

“It must be Sir Swoen…!”

Luna was certain it was Swoen.

But if that’s true, why is Swoen affiliated with the Aishias Army?

Didn’t Swoen join the Brance Army under Lin Brance?

“Did he transfer from the Brance Army to the Aishias Army?”

While she didn’t know the full details, she was aware the Brance Army had lost a large amount of territory.

Perhaps he was captured during that process and joined the Aishias Army – that explanation seemed to fit.

However…

If the rumors are true, it would mean Swoen was sold by his ruler Baranga Yuri Aishias to the Serpina Army…

Which could only mean one thing…

“S-Sir Swoen is with the Serpina Army…?”

Serpina von Einhardt – the woman who killed her only sister.

Could it really be true that Sir Swoen, who should be MY strategist, is under HER command?

And worse, was sold off to another ruler?!

Before Luna could process this shocking information…

“Um… Lady Luna? Did I say something wrong..?”

Ah…

It took a moment for Luna to notice Violet again as her mind went blank.

“No…no, it’s not that. Um… Miss Violet.”

“Yes..?”

“Could you tell me more about that rumor?”

“The rumor…about the white-haired mage…?”

Violet replied in a trembling voice, intimidated by Luna’s intensity. But Luna, oblivious to this, grabbed Violet’s hands desperately like a predator pouncing on prey.

“Yes! Please tell me everything you know!”

“A-ah…!!”

“Hurry! What happened? Is it really true that he was sold to the Serpina Army?!”

Only then did Luna notice Violet’s panicked expression. She saw the cold sweat and fear in her face.

“…Ah, I’m sorry. I got…carried away for a moment.”

“Ah…no, it’s fine…”

Yes.

Violet had just heard rumors and was curious about the “mage.” Regaining her composure, Luna apologized several times before answering.

“As for the mage…I don’t know for sure, but I think it might be him.”

“Is that so..?”

Luna closed her eyes, remembering those distant days:

When they helped the territorial people with treasure chests.

When they formed alliances with two mercenary units.

When they made an agreement with the Brance Army to save the nation from crisis…

Every single miracle was possible because of Swoen’s advice. His insights were almost magical.

But…

“I don’t think magic is the important part.”

“Magic isn’t important..?”

“Yes.”

That’s right.

To Luna, Swoen wasn’t valuable just because he had insights akin to magic.

-Because he saved me.

He didn’t just save her. He saved the country multiple times, protected her life when it was in danger, and sacrificed himself alone against the Brance Army to keep their path moving forward.

He was the only one who came to support their tiny nation that couldn’t even be considered a proper state.

Thinking about it, Tifa and Cain only became passionate after meeting Swoen.

Their small warlord group, which seemed destined to be forgotten by history, managed to become a proper nation through his advice, achieving small successes at Jeilrant Castle.

The only person who believed in my dreams when no one else did.

Even now in my dreams, he feels so close…my precious strategist.

‘Sir Swoen…’

Do you remember the autumn fields we walked together where wolves roamed?

Do you remember holding me in your arms after the battle ended?

Do you remember the words you whispered to me as we fled the royal palace that day?

“Miss Lunarien. If you trust me, I will give you the world in return.”

I believe in you.

I’ll believe everything you say, no matter how unbelievable.

Even if the whole world doubts your words…

I will be your sole supporter and protect your back forever.

For your sake, who sacrificed everything for me.

Just thinking of Swoen made something warm rise inside her.

It was a sticky, damp, humid feeling.

An emotion that even the always kind Luna kept hidden deep within – very personal and human.

He’s so precious to me.

It pains me so much that I can’t be with him despite wanting to…

“…It’s probably just a false rumor.”

Rationally speaking, it’s incomprehensible that a nation, especially one ruled by someone of Yuri’s high reputation, would sell off their own vassal to recover prisoners.

Think about it – what ruler in their right mind would trade away their commander just to get prisoners back?

So it’s definitely a false rumor.

The white-haired mage has simply become a popular keyword across the continent.

It’s an attention-grabbing term perfect for spreading sensational rumors.

Especially since it involves the notorious Serpina Army rather than some other nation, it’s likely a scheme by Serpina to damage Aishias’ reputation.

–However.

If this rumor turns out to be true…

If Baranga Yuri Aishias really did sell MY Sir Swoen to the Serpina Army…

‘…I will NEVER forgive them…!!!’

Her ruby eyes burned brighter than ever before.

Violet, who had been conversing with her, was overwhelmed by this unexpected side of Luna and could only watch silently from the corner of the carriage.

Violet thought:

Today, my mentor seems somehow unfamiliar…

* * *

Crunch.

“Swen. What’re you eating?”

Jenis stared at me and asked, so I replied absentmindedly:

“This? It’s chocolate.”

Since receiving chocolate from Iren and Reika,

my snacks have been nothing but their handmade chocolates.

Surprisingly, they really did make it themselves.

While Reika making sweets makes sense given her interest in pastries, it touched me deeply that Lady Iren made chocolate for me.

“Chocolate? Oh yeah, wasn’t there Valentine’s Day a few days ago? You…didn’t get chocolate, did you?”

“Yes.”

“From a girl??”

“Yes.”

After hearing my answer, Jenis covered his mouth and said with great interest…

As I always notice, he has quite feminine mannerisms for a guy.

“So Swen, you do have some charm after all?”

“Flattery won’t get you anything. Didn’t you receive any chocolate, Senior Jenis?”

“Huh? Me? Nah…”

That’s surprising.

He looks decent enough and though his noble family may have declined, he still belongs to a recognized house in the Serpina Army, so I figured he’d have received several marriage proposals by now.

“How is it? Is it good?”

“Would you like one?”

I absentmindedly picked up a heart-shaped chocolate and offered it to him.

“Huh? Really? Thanks!”

Jenis happily stretched out his pale hand.

Realizing he wanted another, I handed him a broken piece.

“Yeah, I heard.”

“What about?”

“There’s apparently an envoy from Roland Army arriving.”

“An envoy?”

Yeah?

From Roland Army?

One of the four nations in the Southern Continent, maintaining balance with Oana Army, Karelia Army, and Hesna Army.

“Oh yeah, didn’t Hesna Army invade Brance Army’s territory?”

Right.

I heard that news yesterday.

The invasion of Elgaim Castle by Hesna Army.

Though it’s unclear if the battle is ongoing or finished given the time it takes for news to reach here…

Regardless, it marks a historic breaking of the Southern Continent’s balance.

Now that I think about it, below Roland Army is Karelia Army.

If Lady Luna is there as expected…is she doing well?

Opportunities come not in peaceful times, but in moments of great change.

All I can do is hope Lady Luna seizes this chance in time.

“My prediction is…it’s probably related to that. Not sure exactly how though…”

I nodded in agreement.

Honestly, I have an idea why they’re coming.

“To form an alliance.”

Having an alliance with the massive northern nation of Serpina would give them an advantageous position in the newly unbalanced scales after Hesna Army’s first move.

The question is what they’ll offer us in return.

Soon…

“Hmm? Wait a sec.”

Interrupted by a knocking sound, Jenis checked the window.

A messenger bird had arrived.

After slowly examining the paper, he looked at me and said:

“Swen, it seems Lord wants to see you?”

“Of course.”

It was well within expectation that Lady Serpina would call for me soon.