Chapter 179

‘The reason why I’m called a tyrant, huh…’

Serpina’s expression as she said this… was, as always, that same expression.

At first glance, it seemed calm, but it also gave off the vibe that it could crumble into pieces if disturbed even slightly.

Come to think of it, Serpina was actually closer to being an exemplary ruler than any other monarch I’d ever met.

Her merit-based rewards showed effort towards fairness, her unwavering commitment never to betray those who followed her, and her ability to synthesize many opinions while minimizing emotional influence—all these were traits of a great leader rather than a tyrant.

Compared to Lin, who had charisma but made emotionally skewed decisions, or Yuri, who had leadership skills but let excessive camaraderie cloud their choices, Serpina was undoubtedly a far superior ruler—

And even Lunarien, who successfully governed from Jeilrant Castle, only managed a single castle. She couldn’t claim to be a better ideal ruler than Serpina, who ruled over the entire northern continent.

However, the outside world’s perception of her was firmly set on “tyrant.”

It was surprisingly consistent across all nations.

Based solely on my prior knowledge, she was portrayed as a merciless butcher, and even after reincarnating into this world, people still referred to her as the worst ruler imaginable.

Even Lunarien, destined to unify the continent, cited “not handing the continent over to someone like Serpina” as her primary reason for raising an army.

Honestly, I was curious—but—

I thought it might be a test from her, so I responded with what I believed to be the model answer.

“At any rate, regardless of such rumors, I currently serve Lady Serpina.”

“Unless you dislike hearing stories, I’d appreciate it if you could humor me right now.”

She chuckled lightly.

It wasn’t that I disliked hearing them—my statement implied loyalty beyond mere rumors—but clearly, she wanted to share something with me.

Yeah, sometimes you just need to listen.

“…Lord, I must admit, I am quite curious. If you don’t mind, please enlighten me.”

“Ho ho. Thank you, Swoen. The fact that you endure my occasional childish whining shows how considerate you truly are.”

Serpina smiled, then turned her head forward again and started walking ahead.

I followed behind, quietly listening to her story.

“Sorry to disappoint, but the explanation is rather straightforward. There’s so much blood on my hands already. The weight carried by the name ‘Einhardt’ alone surpasses anything reasonable. But ultimately…”

“With my own hands, I slaughtered all of my kin.”

Her voice trembled almost imperceptibly.

It was strange. Normally, someone recounting their atrocities would come off as shameless and hypocritical—but somehow, that wasn’t the impression I got.

“The succession struggle leading to bloodshed isn’t unheard of in history. But the decisive factor here is likely because I executed groups whose loyalties were still undecided, simply due to suspicions of rebellion.”

Just as she promised to explain why she was called a tyrant…

Around the time I began thinking her detached, third-person narration felt a bit off…

She turned to look at me and spoke.

“Swoen, have you heard of the Phiolara Academy in the northwest?”

“The Phiolara Academy…?”

I definitely heard about it somewhere.

Where?

When I was with the Aishias Army.

Ah, yes. That day when the crimson sunset painted the sky, I visited the secluded temple where Anima Ingram, the former national strategist, was in exile. She mentioned it then.

The core members of the Aishias Army shared an unbreakable bond rooted in that academy.

Though I only knew fragments—”A massive purge happened there, and based on that event, the five became blood-bound siblings.”

“That’s correct,” I replied. “I’ve heard of it, though not in detail.”

“If you’re even remotely interested in continental history, you wouldn’t miss it. A massacre unprecedented in its brutality occurred there, wiping out everyone connected to the academy, including the students. To cover up the incident, the family itself was completely exterminated.”

“The reason?”

“Yes.”

Serpina nodded slowly.

“Because the academy’s principal was Algord’s confidant.”

After saying this, she sighed deeply and looked straight at me.

For some reason, I saw the same loneliness in her golden eyes that I once noticed in the sunset during my meeting with Anima.

* * *

Let’s rewind a few years—Einhardt Castle.

Seated on the throne in place of the late king, who died without naming a successor, was a young man who closely resembled the emperor in his prime—the undisputed number one heir, Algord von Einhardt.

With dazzling blonde hair and sunlit golden eyes, this handsome youth was already being pursued by many as the clear successor to the throne.

Yet, he sat stunned upon hearing a shocking report from his commander, Julian.

“Orlando Brance… has rebelled?”

“Yes, Crown Prince. He had the audacity to declare the era of Einhardt is over…”

“So, it finally came to this…”

Algord closed his eyes, deep in thought.

Orlando Brance was a peculiar character. Ever since the previous king fell ill, it was suspicious when Orlando, who had been obsessed with central politics, suddenly decided to retire to his hometown, Anel Castle, claiming he wished to dedicate his remaining days to his birthplace. Though it seemed odd, the late king cherished him dearly and handed over the position of lordship—only for it to result in rebellion.

“Even with the throne vacant, rebellion? Truly…”

“What shall we do?”

“It must be suppressed immediately. However, perhaps one attempt at negotiation won’t hurt. War in this situation would throw the continent into endless chaos.”

Algord reached out to Julian.

“Convey this message to Anel Castle: if they cease their foolish actions and surrender now, their lives will be spared.”

“Understood!”

As Julian left the audience chamber,

Algord, who had appeared so confident moments ago, sighed heavily and leaned back into his chair.

“To be honest, we can’t suppress this rebellion right away.”

Rebellion usually meant swift execution, but the circumstances were different now.

Most of the imperial army’s command, excluding the capital defense forces, was held by his younger brother, Sidemid von Einhardt.

Sidemid, with whom Algord hadn’t been particularly close since childhood, was now openly showing his fangs since the old king’s death.

Requesting help to suppress the rebellion would surely fall on deaf ears.

They’d probably claim the chaos as a reason to seize the throne themselves.

Moreover, Sidemid had already recruited Algord’s other siblings, Shudadel and Lililrose, as his close allies.

“One against three, huh…”

He thought he had maintained good relations with his siblings…

“Is this all due to my lack of virtue?”

Algord sighed again and gazed at the sky.

The clouds, heavy with impending rain, seemed ominous today.

* * *

Returning to the Einhardt Grand Mansion within the castle grounds, Algord was greeted by a beautiful woman with long silver hair tied neatly to one side.

“You’ve returned, Lord Algord.”

“Aria… were you waiting up?”

“Well, you hadn’t come back yet, had you?”

Aria Iniang.

Unlike the previous wives who passed away prematurely without bearing children, she was the only woman who had remained by his side.

Though her humble origins prevented a formal marriage into the imperial family, she was now the sole pillar supporting Algord, who lacked even a single ally.

Ironically, she might have survived precisely because they weren’t officially married.

All three women who married Algord didn’t live to see old age.

“How’s the situation?”

“Same as before. Nothing has changed. Ah, has Uncle sent word yet?”

“Yes, there’s been no special contact yet.”

“I see. His assistance would certainly make a difference…”

Algord sighed deeply.

Truly, I have no allies under heaven.

Was it arrogance born from the certainty of becoming crown prince? Or was it simply because I’m inadequate?

At that moment,

Aria hugged Algord tightly.

“Aria…?”

“Stay strong, Lord Algord. This too shall pass.”

“…”

Algord closed his eyes briefly, feeling Aria’s warmth in his embrace.

Since the old king’s passing,

These moments with her were the only times he could breathe easily amidst the sudden chaos.

After sharing this brief but meaningful hug,

“A visitor awaits you, Lord Algord. Not related to Uncle.”

“A visitor?”

Nod.

“They’re waiting in the audience chamber.”

* * *

After sending Aria out for some fresh air, Algord hurried to the audience chamber and opened the door.

There stood—

“Big Brother.”

Long golden hair, and the unmistakable golden eyes of royal lineage.

The youngest sibling among the brothers who most resembled their late mother—and the only one who hadn’t joined Sidemid’s faction.

“Serpina…?”

The visitor was none other than—

The youngest member of the royal family, and the only one unaligned with any faction: Serpina von Einhardt.