Chapter 139

“Is that so?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

In an empty corridor of the royal palace, Serpina was having a clandestine conversation with a soldier dressed in attire suitable for stealth.

“Surely it must be the truth?”

“Yes. I’ve already cross-verified this information with several soldiers from the Brance Army.”

Serpina stood there for a while without answering, lost in thought, before finally speaking to the soldier in a resolute tone.

“I understand. However, this is still only at the level of conjecture, so be sure not to unnecessarily escalate matters.”

“Yes, understood.”

After the soldier disappeared, Serpina proceeded toward the audience chamber for their meeting.

—

Upon arriving at the audience chamber, Serpina greeted me with a smile. Since the incident where my advice accidentally turned out right and led to the early expulsion of traitors, she had become much warmer toward me.

“My lord, I heard you summoned me.”

“You’ve come, Swoen. Yes, I have been waiting for you.”

Great. It’s been a while since I last saw my lord, so let’s do some socializing.

“It’s truly fortunate to see you looking well.”

“Even if your words are insincere, they bring me joy. Let us proceed with formalities.”

She asked me something with a grin on her face as if she found it amusing.

“I have a matter where I wish to hear your advice.”

“Is it about the alliance with Roland Army?”

“It seems the news has reached your ears as well?”

“That’s right. Roland Army wishes to form an alliance with our army for twelve months. What are your thoughts on this?”

‘An alliance…’

It feels strange asking someone like me, who is just one of the many civil officials rather than the nation’s strategist, but…

Let’s consider: “Would forming an alliance with Roland Army be efficient for our army?”

[This will eventually lead to losses.]

‘So it does.’

I figured as much; there’s no need for us to form this alliance. From our perspective, it holds no meaning, but from their side, it allows them to take over Brance Army’s territory and enter the Central Continent without our interference, which would be a massive gain for them.

We wouldn’t benefit from this alliance, and only they would gain advantages, making it a loss for us. Even though Roland Army is smaller than ours, giving away benefits unilaterally would harm our diplomatic reputation if we decided to end the alliance prematurely.

Therefore, we must confirm their conditions.

“What do they offer in return?”

“They say they’ll give 28,000 gold.”

“…Pardon?”

They’re offering 28,000 gold? All at once?

‘They’re offering quite a lot of money?’

During the long period of peace after the southern continent stabilized, they’ve apparently focused on internal affairs and accumulated a significant surplus of funds. Even though Serpina Army doesn’t struggle financially due to its vast territories, more gold is always better in this world. 28,000 might make signing a 12-month alliance worth it.

Perhaps Roland Army is overpaying. If I were Serpina, I might have accepted it already…

However, my prediction says: “This alliance will eventually lead to losses.”

If this amount of gold were crucial for our army, such a prediction wouldn’t have arisen. Although it’s tempting, given the prediction of loss, accepting it would be akin to drinking poisoned wine.

“What do you think, Swoen?”

“Could I first hear the strategist’s opinion, if possible?”

“Jena suggested forming the alliance. After all, twelve months isn’t very long, and considering the amount offered, it seems like a decent deal.”

That’s understandable. Honestly, if I couldn’t predict outcomes with Divinity 100, I’d probably agree with Jena too. Besides, Jena isn’t particularly brilliant either. Among Serpina’s commanders, none possess extraordinary abilities due to balance adjustments.

Ultimately, the decision lies with Serpina, so sharing my opinion should be fine.

“I believe we shouldn’t form this alliance.”

“I’d like to hear your reasoning.”

“In this alliance, the strategic advantage solely benefits Roland Army. It offers no help from our perspective, focused on internal governance. In fact, I judge that it could potentially hinder us. Even assuming we engage in battle, I don’t see why we’d necessarily need Roland Army’s assistance.”

“I am aware of that. But even so, receiving 28,000 gold would surely be profitable for our nation, wouldn’t it? It’s only for a year.”

‘A year… just a year?’

Why did such a prediction arise despite it being only one year?

The answer being revealed means there must be something hidden within it. Instead of asking ‘why is this the answer,’ we should investigate ‘why isn’t this the answer?’

“Perhaps there will be better opportunities.”

“A better opportunity?”

Once an alliance is formed, it becomes difficult to form another with other nations. Likely, neighboring armies like Hesna, Ohana, Karelia, and others in the south also share this sentiment. As for Brance and Aishias further up north, it goes without saying.

From this, I arrived at the proposition: “Are other nations possibly seeking an alliance with us?”

If they can offer a far more valuable alliance than 28,000 gold—then the prediction that “this alliance will eventually lead to losses” would hold true.

“My lord, now that the balance of the southern continent has shifted, our army holds the winning hand. Rather than hastily forming an alliance with Roland Army, it would be wise to observe the situation further. There’s no need for us to rush into a decision, is there?”

“Is that your opinion?”

“Yes.”

After bowing my head and stating this, Serpina approached me and spoke.

“Your thoughts align perfectly with mine—not Jena’s, but exactly yours, Swoen.”

“Y-yes…?”

“28,000 gold is indeed a substantial sum. However, once the balance shifts, they’ll inevitably see us as the most formidable force in their path toward entering the Central Continent. They’ll want to ally with us, even if it tarnishes their reputation by associating with a tyrant. There will be a line of people begging for our favor, so we can’t afford to fall for this just yet.”

Serpina smiled as if amused. She always exudes the calm confidence befitting an absolute ruler.

“And furthermore, seeing how Roland Worshowski, such a villainous figure, has made this offer, don’t you think it’s worth observing what other rulers might propose to us?”

Roland Army’s leader, Roland Worshowski.

A mediocre ruler who, when choosing other leaders to play the game, almost never manages to unify the south—a clear weakling among the Four Kingdoms of the South.

Until now, I only knew he was the weakest, but his character seemed petty.

“Of course, Swoen. You know this, which is why you told me this, right?”

Huh?

“Roland, a small-minded individual, has offered such a large sum. Thus, you confidently declared that ‘better opportunities will come,’ didn’t you? Even without verbalizing it, it’s something I can understand. Hehe…”

“…”

I remained silent and bowed my head. Well… there’s nothing wrong with her thinking that way.

“Thank you for your input, Swoen.”

“Not at all. If it helped, I’m glad.”

Just as I said that…

Suddenly changing her tone, she looked serious and asked,

“Do you really think that?”

“Uh…?”

“Do you genuinely feel relieved to have helped me?”

?

What is she talking about suddenly?

Her aura feels strangely different, which is slightly unsettling, but I tried to maintain politeness.

“Well… serving under Lady Serpina naturally leads to such feelings, does it not?”

“Is that so? Then, does that mean you have me in your heart?”

“Of course.”

Thud, thud.

I felt her approach closer.

“Swoen, raise your head and look me in the eyes.”

When I raised my head—

Her beautiful face filled my vision. Her golden, piercing eyes stared intensely at me—or rather, something inside me—as if trying to pierce through everything.

“I’ll ask again. Swoen, does your heart contain… me… Serpina von Einhardt?”

Though her persistent questioning was bothersome—

I nodded without showing any signs of curiosity and replied,

“Yes. Ever since you took my bet and showed mercy, I decided to serve you. Didn’t I declare I would become your loyal hunting dog?”

Without answering, she stared deeply into my eyes.

I met her gaze unwaveringly.

After a moment, her voice pierced my ear harshly.

“…Understood. No matter what happens, I will trust you, Swoen.”

“…”

Although the situation was sudden—

For some reason, it didn’t feel like Serpina was merely confirming my loyalty. Perhaps she heard rumors about me?

After all, from Serpina Army’s perspective, I’m like a fixed stone. Whether it’s consulting with the nation’s strategist or handling minor state affairs, she often personally calls me for advice.

To those with ambition who have served Serpina Army for a long time, such behavior from me might provoke jealousy and slander. Moreover, I’ve already switched allegiance three times. Regardless of the circumstances, I’m in a position ripe for gossip.

‘For now, I must work solely for Serpina Army.’

Serpina is incredibly intelligent.

Honestly… wasn’t what I said earlier truthful?

The lord in my heart isn’t Serpina but someone else. So, in a way, those slandering me might actually be correct.

To hide any suspicions, I will thoroughly act in Serpina Army’s best interest.

Giving sound advice isn’t difficult for me. Furthermore, gaining Serpina’s trust is necessary for safely escaping with Iren and Reika.

“Trust me, my lord. I am willing to dedicate myself entirely for the success of your great cause.”

“Didn’t I say it already? I trust you. This is my decision.”

Serpina simply stared into my eyes while seated on the throne.

A fragrant yuzu scent wafted past my nose.

—

After Swoen left, the audience chamber became quiet again.

Serpina sat on the throne, resting her chin on her hand, deep in thought.

“The events surrounding his transfer from Brance Army to Aishias Army are unusual…”

Recalling the story the soldier had just told, Serpina closed her eyes and cut off the budding thoughts.

Stories circulating about him.

But she dismissed these speculations as she closed her eyes.

‘I will trust Swoen.’

Serpina wanted to claim Swoen as her own.

She desired to capture his heart somehow.

How could she win his affection without extending trust herself?

She didn’t want to pressure him based on baseless accusations.

And even if those near-slanderous theories were true—

“I will win his heart through my own strength.”

Muttering this to herself, she stared at the red carpet in the audience chamber where he had just disappeared.