Chapter 190

“Are you speaking of the position of the Nation’s Strategist?”

“That is correct.”

Surely, this was an incredibly bold proposal.

If we were to consider ability alone, it was only natural that I should be appointed. If I were playing as Serpina in her shoes and had encountered someone like Swen with Divinity 100, I would have immediately appointed him as the Nation’s Strategist without hesitation.

In games, whenever someone had higher intelligence, everyone would simply agree saying, ‘With someone like XX, I can rest assured handing over the governance,’ but—

In reality, people rarely accept losing power they’ve already grasped without a fight.

No matter how capable the successor may be, it’s not easy to step aside gracefully.

Just look at Anima and Jinoru. Even though Jinoru, who served as the last chancellor of the fallen Aishias Army, was clearly more qualified for the role of strategist than Anima, appointing him caused significant unrest within the nation.

“So, what are the opinions among the commanders regarding Lady Jena?”

“There’s no need to go that far. Everyone knows that when she swiftly stabilized the chaotic political situation after killing all rivals and ascending as the empire’s heir, it was her actions that ultimately entrusted me with power. Meaning, she has done me a great favor.”

If I were to remove Jena and elevate myself now…

I wasn’t like Iren. At least Iren had proven himself on the frontlines, but all I had accomplished here were things others might never notice.

For instance, negotiating privately with Serpina or helping Jenis prevent the annihilation of the Al Caskey family—things only Serpina and Irian knew about.

From an outside perspective, it seemed as if I hadn’t done much for the nation.

Moreover, Serpina and I were entangled in strange rumors already.

If the young female monarch kept calling a similarly aged male commander for private meetings and then suddenly elevated him to the position of second-in-command as the Nation’s Strategist…

It would undoubtedly appear as if I were being granted a position typically reserved for lovers.

The astute Serpina couldn’t possibly be unaware of this fact.

Thus—I looked directly into her eyes and asked,

“Even so, you still intend to elevate someone like me who just appeared out of nowhere?”

Serpina gazed at me as if wondering why I even bothered asking such a question.

“But isn’t it reasonable, even from your perspective?”

“I cannot agree. Given the current rumors surrounding me, there’s a high possibility it could unsettle the commanders’ loyalty.”

“Are you suggesting that appointing the most competent person to their rightful position requires caution?”

“In a situation like this, one cannot help but reflect on the importance of humility, as our Lord once mentioned.”

Her lips curved into a smile, amused by my roundabout way of speaking.

“You’re absolutely refusing to budge even one inch, aren’t you? Boldly, right in front of me. Hmph…♥”

The position of Nation’s Strategist.

Could I truly surpass Jena and take her place?

No, to begin with… since I will eventually have to leave her, is it even appropriate for me to assume such a high-ranking position?

Of course, becoming the strategist would allow me to safely distance myself from her later.

The position of strategist, the deep trust built through my past experiences, and the bait of the ‘Mind’s Eye’ ability…

I’ve managed to create a situation where she wouldn’t dare ignore my advice.

After making some accurate predictions while serving as strategist, when the Lunarien Army reappears, I could say, “Please let me go,” and then safely return to Lady Luna alongside Iren and Reika without any risks.

But, if that happens—

“I would end up using Lady Serpina.”

At least for now, I don’t want to use her in such a manner, so I quietly shook my head.

“This position is far too grand for someone like me. Someone who relies solely on ‘Mind’s Eye’ is no match for Lady Jena, who I believe would perform far better.”

Serpina stared at my face for a moment before turning her gaze back to the front.

“If that is your wish, I won’t insist further. However, there is one thing I’d like you to remember.”

Serpina spoke again,

“Swen, if you desire it, I will give you the position of strategist. Moreover, if there is anything else you wish for, I will grant it, whatever it may be. So, if your heart changes even slightly… please be honest with me.”

“…”

This talk of “if your heart changes even slightly”—

It seemed Serpina had vaguely sensed that I was serving another master besides her.

Not just this statement but several times before, she hinted at such undertones—saying she wouldn’t mind if someone else came first, as long as she remained second…

“Lady Luna…”

I recall her ruby eyes trembling as she looked at me in the modest Jeilrant Castle’s royal palace.

Turning my head, I see golden eyes shining beautifully yet betraying a hint of loneliness within.

What should I do?

Who should I follow—”Lady Lunarien Iniyan or Lady Serpina von Einhardt”?

Since I’ve never been asked such a question before, naturally, there is no answer.

Of course, if I were asked, the expected response would likely be, “I don’t know.”

All I could do was offer a bitter smile.

This was a decision I had to make.

Numbers like intelligence mean nothing in the face of this question.

And whichever choice I made, the responsibility would fall entirely on me.

As the ultimate time for choosing drew nearer, I couldn’t avoid it anymore.

That’s how I spent time inside the carriage with Serpina.

The fragrance of yuzu permeated deep into my body and soul.

* * *

After returning to Einhardt Castle, one thing became clear.

It wasn’t a natural disaster threatening her life.

Nothing unusual happened during our travels, and days passed quietly without any alarming news.

Thus—it was highly probable that assassination was the threat.

Judging from the current situation, it was most logical to conclude that she had narrowly escaped an assassination attempt.

Though nothing in this world can be guaranteed with 100% certainty, it was reasonable to believe that this fate had been avoided this time.

However, there was no assurance that another attempt wouldn’t follow.

Therefore, it was necessary to confirm whether she was truly safe from the threat of death.

So, to Iren, who returned with me—

“Are you referring to Lady Luna?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

To lead into “that question,” I brought up the topic.

“…I haven’t forgotten what you said. You mentioned returning to Lady Luna someday.”

“Do you also remember the reason why?”

“Well… Isn’t it because you believe Lady Luna is destined to unify the continent?”

Great.

Finally, I could ask that question again.

With a slightly tense heart, I input the query:

“Is Lunarien Iniyan destined to become the ruler who unifies the continent?”

Had the answer been “no,” I would have wondered what to do next—but fortunately, my plan hadn’t gone awry.

[Yes.]

“Phew…”

I exhaled a sigh of relief.

Still the same.

The fact that Lady Luna will become the unifying ruler means Lady Serpina will survive.

In essence, it was like lifting another shadow of death hanging over her.

“Thankfully, you remember.”

“Swen…”

Iren paused briefly, then carefully said to me,

“No matter what happens, Swen, I will always be on your side. Regardless of the choice you make, I’ll protect you, so there’s no need to worry.”

Why did she bring this up now? After pondering for a moment—

Considering the context of mentioning Lady Luna, she must have had a lot to think about herself.

Grateful for her concern, I smiled and replied,

“Thank you. I feel the same way, Lady Iren.”

“…”

With that, our conversation concluded.

Upon safely returning to the royal palace, the first proposal I made to Serpina was—

“Are you talking about bodyguards?”

“That’s correct.”

Even though she had evaded her fate, there was no guarantee that another assassination attempt wouldn’t occur.

It wasn’t feasible to ask questions perfectly suited to every situation, so thorough precautions were essential.

“Hmm… I already travel with more than four armed guards wherever I go.”

“Which is why… I’d like you to include General Iren among them.”

The only person aware of the possibility of Serpina’s assassination was Iren.

There was no other armed individual I trusted enough to discuss such matters openly.

“Hmm…”

“Although she holds the position of Deputy Commander of the occupying forces and hasn’t participated in active campaigns yet, the post of bodyguard is relatively less demanding compared to her current rank. Therefore, concerns about granting her special privileges shouldn’t arise.”

“Why?”

“…”

If I bluntly said, “Someone seems to be plotting to assassinate you,” it would only confuse her further.

I wanted to protect her without unsettling her mind.

However, I doubted I could convincingly argue this point logically.

If I engaged her seriously with words alone, I might lose.

Let’s just go for the straightforward approach here.

“I want to see General Iren more often.”

“Hooh?”

Since coming to the Serpina army, my primary task has been dealing with the monarch, Serpina.

Naturally, I accompanied her everywhere she went, and after returning to Einhardt Castle, my duties practically equated to those of her personal bodyguards.

If Iren became a bodyguard, I would naturally see her more often.

Serpina knew I valued Iren highly and tended to accommodate my requests, so she would likely approve.

“If you don’t mind, I would appreciate your approval.”

Serpina chuckled, covering her mouth.

“How bold of you, Swen. To interfere with the ruler’s personnel decisions merely because you want to see someone.”

“…”

“What does General Iren think about this? Naturally, she would follow your orders obediently, but considering she commands many as Deputy Commander, wouldn’t she reasonably feel discontented being reassigned as a mere bodyguard?”

“You don’t need to worry about that.”

Iren wasn’t the type to cling to titles or positions.

She only desired recognition of her worth and value—not someone striving for higher ranks.

If she were, she would have despaired long ago when Lin repeatedly demoted her, but instead, she continued to burn brightly for Lin until the very end.

Besides, she was originally trained as a Brance Clan bodyguard, so she wouldn’t harbor any resistance—though my meaning was somewhat different.

Serpina, however, interpreted it differently and chuckled again.

“Do you have such confidence that she won’t reject your wishes? Your faith in her is commendable, but Lady Iren herself seems quite girlish in nature.”

…Honestly, she’s right.

I can’t imagine Lady Iren rejecting my request.

She would likely gladly accept it. That’s the kind of person she is, which is precisely why I wanted to protect her even more.

Without responding, Serpina nodded.

“Understood. I’ll follow your wishes. Anyway, we’re not planning any immediate occupation activities; we’ll primarily serve as a security force guarding the Northern Continent. Until we determine the date for continental deployment, I’ll appoint her as my bodyguard.”

“Thank you.”

“There’s no need to thank me. After all, I’m not the one feeling regretful. Leaving aside military matters, I’m just a woman who wants to impress you. How could I refuse such a request from my counterpart? But… Since I’ve granted your request, I must claim something I desire as a woman.”

“Anything within my power, I shall certainly do.”

Hearing this, Serpina smiled contentedly and approached me.

Blushing slightly, she said firmly,

“Swen, you must dedicate yourself even more fully to me…♥”

* * *

After that day.

Just as she had brightly approached me and said—

I found myself dedicating myself even more fully to Serpina.