Chapter 142

“I apologize for summoning you from such a long distance every time.”

“Not at all. Besides, I don’t have any special mission to carry out right now.”

The internal administration system of Einhardt Castle was already functioning well enough. This meant there was no need to force me, with my presumably low stats for aiding administration, into the mix.

“Moreover, it’s your command, my Lord. Isn’t it only proper in the relationship between ruler and subject to come immediately if there’s an issue?”

“I don’t usually enjoy overt flattery, but today I’ll make an exception and accept it.”

She said this and then slightly tilted her lips upward as she looked at me.

Beautiful.

Every feature on her face felt like it had been embroidered solely for beauty—it was that stunning.

What might Serpina think about living in this era?

Does she feel fortunate to be recognized for her abilities rather than just her looks?

Such foolish thoughts crossed my mind—she was simply too beautiful.

If it were a peaceful world, her beauty might overshadow everything else about her.

Still, strangely enough, despite having this tough aura about her…

Somehow, we’d reached a point where we could exchange these trivial jokes.

Thinking back now, it was hard to understand how she had gained a reputation as a tyrant. At the very least, among the rulers I’ve met, she seemed the most rational and sincere when dealing with her subordinates.

Sure, she was strict about rewards and punishments and never forgave rebels. And during the unification of the northern continent, I heard rumors of her showing quite a cruel side. But compared to Lin Brance, who stubbornly ruins everything by refusing to compromise, or Baranga Yuri Aishias, who lets their founding ministers drag them around… her flaws barely registered.

All the countries I’ve served in so far—each one was utterly dysfunctional, making it easy to understand why ‘unification’ seemed impossible.

But why can’t Serpina achieve unification?

Why did the fate of this great cause end up in Lunarien’s hands?

If only I had more time to reflect on this…

But Serpina quickly moved on to the main topic, as if giving me no leisure time at all.

“An envoy has arrived.”

“Another alliance negotiation?”

“Yes.”

Alright. Who is it this time?

Probably one of those guys—Ohana, Hesna, or Roland. Just spit out the terms already.

Then…

“That’s interesting.”

“…Pardon?”

“I mean your expression.”

Serpina smiled as she continued, maintaining her composure.

“You’re already looking bored, expecting another similar question, aren’t you?”

“…My Lord is surprisingly perceptive.”

“People who can’t quickly assess others couldn’t possibly bear the weight of a crown.”

After saying this, she slowly erased her calm smile and spoke in a more serious tone.

“The Brance Army.”

“Huh?”

“The Brance Army has requested an alliance with our army.”

The Brance Army??

“Uh…”

Of course, purely from a strategic perspective—

Surprisingly, the Brance Army would benefit the most from forming an alliance with us. If they can somehow manage to hold us off, even losing some territory, they’d find it much easier to defend against southern continental nations.

The problem is…

“Could Lin Brance really make such a decision purely based on gain, setting emotions aside?”

Lin Brance, as I know her, had an incredibly strong sense of pride. That pride easily turned into arrogance, leading her to make decisions swayed by her feelings—a fatal flaw for a ruler.

Once considered the only force capable of rivaling Serpina’s army, she spent years trying to plant her flag across the northern continent, only to fall and lose several territories to Serpina’s forces. Now, asking for an alliance?

“What’s going on here?”

Had something changed in her mindset?

Humans aren’t fixed characters; their thoughts can change endlessly. Even my own predictions vary depending on the situation. Sometimes, the same question yields different answers after a few days because I aim for the most efficient response at that moment.

Ultimately, Lin herself must have made the decision. Unlike the Aishias Army, the Brance Army’s power was concentrated entirely in Lin’s hands.

If this were true…

“Maybe she’s finally gotten her act together.”

Though pushed to the brink by cutting ties with Iren, the Brance Army wasn’t always useless. They earned their reputation as a worthy rival to Serpina’s forces for good reason. If they regain focus now, they’re far from a force to underestimate.

A Lin Brance who puts aside her pride and focuses on practical gains isn’t someone to take lightly.

Anyway…

I still haven’t heard the important part.

“What are the conditions?”

“An armistice agreement and a six-month alliance. They offered 12,800 gold.”

“Hmm…”

Not an outrageous overpayment, but not particularly enticing either.

Was it the last shred of pride holding them back from pushing harder? Or maybe their financial situation isn’t as good as expected?

“Regardless, we don’t need to accept it.”

We’ve already rejected three better offers.

I thought about just passing on it, but it’s probably best to check anyway.

“Is forming an alliance with the Brance Army efficient for our army?”

And once again, that cursed prediction rolled into view.

[This is a highly efficient alliance that presents a great opportunity for your side.]

“??????”

What?

Is this… the answer?

We passed up holy swords and piles of gold, and THIS is it?

Especially with the Brance Army?

Why is THIS the correct choice?

Is heaven trolling us by favoring an alliance with the Brance Army?

For example:

[The Holy Seat “Troll Strategist of Corner Strategy Games” greatly approves of your wasteful decision.]

[The Holy Seat “Whimsical Joker of Fantasy Novels” cheers your choice and blesses Serpina’s army with divine power.]

[The Holy Seat “Guardian of Balance” donates 500 coins to Serpina’s army.]

Without messages like these popping up, finding a reasonable explanation for why this alliance is beneficial seems nearly impossible.

Anyway.

If this is the right choice… then I have to convince her, right?

Me?

Convince that impenetrable Serpina, who won’t listen without clear justification?

There’s no way to reverse-engineer this!

“Um, my Lord, I believe we should accept this offer… because… uh… yes, that’s it.”

How am I supposed to explain THAT?!

They’d naturally suspect me of being a spy or a mole working for the Brance Army.

“Maybe I’ll just dismiss it as usual and reject it outright?”

Yeah.

I’m not a prophet. If I don’t realize how beneficial this alliance is, no one will blame me.

Serpina is wise. She wouldn’t question why I didn’t notice.

Even from a third-party perspective, failing to see this wouldn’t lead anyone to accuse me of intentional sabotage.

And while I was lost in shock…

“Aha…♡”

A very flirtatious female voice reached my ears.

Guessing the owner, I slowly raised my head…

“Took you down here, Swen?”

“…Pardon?”

“Did you experience ‘that moment’ again?”

Serpina’s eyes locked onto mine.

In her gaze, I saw two versions of myself.

Both radiated confusion.

“Uh… what do you…?”

Serpina gently caressed her cheeks with both hands.

It was truly a foolish thought—but her beauty captivated me, drawing my gaze involuntarily.

“Your expression changed. Swen, your expression. It flickered as if you realized something monumental… Do you know? It’s incredibly alluring… to me!”

“My expression changed…?”

When I processed the prediction, did I… reveal some kind of surprise?

No, I thought I had kept my expressions hidden…

“This natural allure, pulling me in strongly…”

She stood up and walked toward me, dazed and confused.

Soon, the distance between us was closer than ever.

Serpina’s large bosom pressed against my chest. Despite everything, she leaned closer.

“!!!”

Wait a second.

I wanted to think, but the intense citrus fragrance invading my nose paralyzed my brain.

Her body was… extremely soft.

Against my better judgment, my instincts reacted intensely to her physical allure.

“Swen, may I ask you a question?”

“M-my… wha..t?”

“Do you think forming an alliance with the Brance Army would present an opportunity for our army?”

!!!

How did she…

“You’re wearing an expression that asks, ‘How did she figure that out?’ How cute, Swen.”

She smiled like an innocent maiden who had just received a lifelong promise from the only man she knew in a flower field.

I don’t know why such vivid imagery came to mind, but my feelings matched it perfectly.

“It’s not that difficult to perceive.”

She slowly brushed her white hand against my cheek.

It was warm.

I could feel the warmth of her blood flowing through her.

“Reading your eyes, expressions, eyebrow movements… and sensing the shift in atmosphere in this space.”

Ordinarily, people can’t observe and deduce everything so precisely—it’s impressive enough to call her remarkable.

“But all I’m doing is noticing subtle hints… Swen, compared to your ‘Mind’s Eye,’ it’s nothing.”

Mind’s Eye.

That word surfaced again.

What exactly does “Mind’s Eye” mean?

Considering how both Serpina and Jinoru occasionally mentioned it, there seems to be something significant—but unfortunately, I lacked the leisure to ponder it now.

“Well, give me your answer. What do you think? Should we form this alliance or not? As always, offer me your advice.”

As soon as I heard her question again, my mind, filled with thoughts of Serpina, suddenly cleared.

Right.

I had to respond.

Lying here would clearly be a bad move.

Whether she read my expressions or anything else… what she was saying rang true.

She nailed my thoughts spot-on.

Engaging in a battle of wits here would only disadvantage me.

Since a few days ago, when she questioned my loyalty, I’ve been under suspicion.

And as stated earlier, the truth was already in her hands.

If one option is clearly bad…

Then my decision can only be one thing.

“…Yes.”

I bowed my head and responded as calmly as possible, tightly clutching my only weapon—”always-correct predictions.”

“Forming an alliance with the Brance Army seems to present an opportunity for our army as well. Would it be wise to proceed with the alliance?”