Chapter 177

“Irian…?”

Jena looked at Irian in surprise, but he paid no mind and continued speaking.

“If it’s okay with you, Strategist, I would like to help Sir Swoen’s opinion.”

Irian’s participation was something I hadn’t expected…

But now that it happened, I think I understand why he wants to help me.

‘It must be some form of repayment.’

After all, even though Jenis is in prison, I ended up saving his younger brother and preventing the destruction of his clan.

Without my intervention, Jenis would’ve been treated as a rebel, and considering Serpina doesn’t forgive rebels, his entire clan would’ve been thoroughly erased from history books.

At that moment,

Serpina, sitting on the throne, slightly raised her chin and looked down at Jena.

“Irian stepping forward bravely is fine, but Jena, you also have quite a bold side.”

“Hmph.”

“Well, everything here requires Swoen’s consent. I believe you will agree with it too.”

It seems Serpina wanted to tell off Jena, who had been controlling me with one-sided conditions.

During this time, it seems Serpina redirected her intention to ask for my opinion because of Irian’s interruption.

Although the choice of word “farce” was questionable, and given Serpina’s current expression – which might look like a smile to the untrained eye but was clearly showing she was very angry – it seemed she didn’t want rumors spreading about her being upset because of me.

“It’s fine. I’ll follow Lady Jena’s opinion.”

Upon hearing this, Irian turned his head towards me.

“So, you’re saying it’s okay if I speak directly?”

Well, I have no reason to refuse.

I didn’t even think Irian would support my opinion.

While explaining it myself wouldn’t be bad…

Considering Irian has some standing within the Serpina Army, his support could be quite helpful.

Decisively, I’m also curious what point he plans to make.

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Irian nodded at my words and began speaking.

“Strategist and General Cranfis certainly have valid points, but the problem lies in needing to expend almost all our forces to occupy the Aishias Army. Excluding the capital defense forces and those maintaining order across the continent, we can mobilize approximately 123,000 troops, but this isn’t enough to conquer Falaharte Castle, where nearly 98,000 are stationed, let alone Jestrom Castle above it with 80,000 troops or Raclaine Castle, guarding the border near Hisfil Castle with over 83,000 soldiers.”

‘Hmm, good point.’

I was pleased that his thoughts aligned closely with mine.

At that moment,

Cranfis, who formulated the original plan, finally spoke.

“While I understand Irian General’s concerns, aren’t we in a situation where we can mobilize up to 310,000 troops? Considering we haven’t even fully implemented conscription yet, we could increase our numbers significantly. This is an unprecedented opportunity since we don’t need to worry about the Brance Army at the border right now. That’s why I say now is the time.”

“That’s-”

“Exactly there lies the problem, General Cranfis.”

This time, I interjected.

I’d been waiting for this moment.

Since policy maker Cranfis had spoken first, naturally policy maker me gained the right to respond.

Jena seemed aware of this fact, quietly listening to our discussion.

“True, if we mobilize all national resources, we could collapse the seemingly impenetrable Aishias Army. However, it would require an immense number of troops and a significant amount of time. Training newly conscripted soldiers into elite fighters takes time. Our alliance period with the Brance Army will likely end soon. Although the Brance Army currently poses little threat due to their own turmoil, the issue is the numerous risks to our army while we spend time attacking the Aishias Army.”

“Occupation inherently involves taking risks. Shouldn’t we accept some losses strategically?”

“I would’ve agreed with General Cranfis if it were ‘some losses’…”

I spread out the map with my hand.

Pointing at the territory drawn on the Northern Continent map, I said confidently,

“What if a rebellion breaks out somewhere here?”

“…!!!”

“In the scenario where the Northern Continent’s forces are emptied to attack the Aishias Army, isn’t this the perfect opportunity for rebels? It’s comparable to how we see the Brance Army’s chaos as an opportunity, isn’t it?”

This rebuttal came from a female voice.

“Swoen. We just purged and executed a series of traitors. Even if the Northern Continent is in chaos, simultaneous rebellions seem unlikely. I’m worried we’ll be held back by unfounded fears of events that haven’t even occurred.”

“…”

Honestly, I had nothing to say to that.

Rebellion isn’t child’s play, and after such recent failures, would anyone foolishly attempt another?

Fundamentally, I agreed with Jena on this.

However, I argued ‘the possibility of rebellion is high’ because it was Serpina’s tantrum.

She was expecting rebellion solely based on my prediction – ‘Moving troops isn’t an efficient method.’

Though I haven’t known her long, I consider us quite close.

Serpina is truly remarkable. Just her ability to deduce my capabilities proves she’s no ordinary person.

Given her nature of not acting without solid logic, it seemed unlikely she’d rely on mere intuition. Surely she had some basis I couldn’t articulate?

Anyway,

Though it’s unfortunate for Jena, since my lord is on my side, I might as well assert myself more confidently.

“No.”

“…!!”

“Certainly, a rebellion will occur. Even if it’s not a rebellion, any potential crisis means I cannot agree with the opinion of gathering all forces to march south.”

“Do you have concrete evidence?”

Evidence, huh?

Let me play a bit of wordplay here.

“Strategist, and General Cranfis, please keep in mind that it’s not an issue of evidence here.”

After saying that, I glanced at where Irian stood.

He caught my gaze and nodded before speaking.

“The reason you advocate moving the occupying forces now is because, as you said, it seems like a great opportunity right now. This applies equally to the despicable ones plotting rebellion. In other words, I’m cautioning that our decision itself could incite rebellion. Wouldn’t leaving our positions create a ‘great opportunity’ for them? Please consider Sir Swoen’s opinion in this light.”

“Hooh?”

Considering how convincingly he expanded on my casual comment, he really saved the day.

Unlike me, who doesn’t receive much favor from others, Irian’s position lent credibility to his words, and I could feel the crowd’s perception shifting.

“However-”

“The discussion should end here.”

Just as Cranfis was about to speak, Serpina cut him off.

“Allocating too much time solely to Swoen wouldn’t be fair, now would it? Right?”

Serpina said this with a smirk.

If we consider who benefits from ending the discussion here, her statement was incredibly subtle.

Yet, her smile carried an intimidating presence that none dared to challenge.

“Then, let’s ask again. Those who agree with Swoen’s opinion should raise their hands.”

Clearly more people raised their hands than before.

Including Irian and Iren, many who originally supported Cranfis switched sides.

The numbers… seemed to barely exceed half.

“Slightly more people agree with Swoen’s opinion.”

Serpina looked at Cranfis and spoke.

“What do you think? If you have more to say, we can prepare for a 1:1 debate. Of course, you and Swoen would be the participants.”

Upon hearing this, Cranfis glanced at me briefly before bowing his head and speaking.

Apparently, he judged that defeating me in a 1:1 debate wasn’t feasible, even for someone as capable as himself.

I am the strategist; he is the general.

As wielding a sword is his duty, manipulating words is mine.

“No. It’s fine. I’ll abide by the decisions of our lord and comrades.”

“Good.”

Serpina stood up and extended her hand again.

“Based on the principle of majority rule here, we will adopt Swoen’s opinion as our army’s policy.”

“Yes!”

“Hmph…”

In this way, we managed to act according to predictions.

For reference, my prediction throughout every question remained consistent: ‘Moving the occupying forces isn’t efficient.’

Whether a real rebellion occurs or not, this decision benefits our army.

A slightly concerning part remains – whether keeping the occupying forces here is the most efficient alternative.

When I inputted the question casually during Serpina’s vote earlier, the result was…

‘Almost close,’ right?

Uncertainty persists whether sending the occupying forces elsewhere or simply not sending them toward the Aishias Army is the correct answer…

Regardless, betting on ‘almost close’ instead of ‘not so’ remains advantageous.

“With this, I’ll conclude the regular meeting. I hope everyone fulfills their assigned duties to the best of their abilities. Let’s all work tirelessly for the glory of the empire this quarter. Dismissed!”

With everyone responding to Serpina’s command, the regular meeting concluded successfully.

Now, only the results of the decision remain.