Chapter 195

I once again carefully pondered the sentence that had come to mind.

What in the world happened?

“What were those titles again?”

Serpina turned her head and stared straight at me.

There it was again. The eyes of a girl in love.

“The thing I’ve prepared for you isn’t just a title. Look ahead.”

Her outstretched hand pointed toward a small castle visible in the distance.

The vast expanse of land and the blue sky were all under the control of the absolute ruler.

“I’ve prepared everything for you, including this territory. Can’t you see? All the land and people before your eyes will belong to you.”

When her nation becomes the Unified Empire, the old imperial political system will likely be restored.

If I receive a noble title, I might actually become the true master of the land and people before my eyes, just as she says.

She whispered cautiously to me, who showed no emotion.

“Yes. I… this body, will bind you to me forever. If only I could do anything. Giving you a title, granting you territory… even giving up part of the emperor’s authority, wouldn’t you believe it?”

It’s hard not to believe.

Because her eyes were filled with nothing but sincerity.

Her long golden hair shone brilliantly, dazzlingly beautiful and dignified.

Serpina, the ruler of the Serpina Army and the final victor in the crown prince battle – Serpina von Einhardt.

“Haven’t I said it already, Swoen? You’re mine…♥”

With love-struck eyes staring intensely at me, she spoke in a voice that burned with passion.

Her yuzu-scented presence made it difficult for me to make proper judgments as she drew nearer.

“I can give you everything for you. Wealth, honor, power… if you want, even the surname ‘Einhardt’ can be yours.”

“…!!”

“Be my husband, Swoen.”

“Be my husband. I’ll intertwine our destinies through a vow and bear your child.”

“You understand what this means, right, Swoen?”

That’s how she smiled, her eyes forming a slight crescent.

Of course.

Of course, I understood. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard it.

So… she’s proposing marriage.

If I wanted, I could become a member of the most prestigious family on this continent, the House of Einhardt.

“I’m sure neither Lin Brance nor Baranga Yuri Aishias can offer you something like this.”

As she said, neither Lin nor Yuri could provide such things.

Lin never fully trusted me, and Yuri didn’t even show interest in me.

It was also true that besides Lady Luna, no one utilized my ‘Divinity 100 ability’ to lead a country as much as Lady Serpina did.

Considering that even Lady Luna couldn’t manage state affairs for very long…

It was uncertain whether anyone could utilize me better than Lady Serpina.

She looked directly into my eyes…

And spoke as if gazing upon something incredibly precious.

“And even if not… you can never, ever escape me. You’ll be with me forever.”

Serpina firmly grasped my hand.

“Ever since the moment we first met… it was fate. Hehe…♥”

Saying that, she smiled again.

Her golden hair, full of sunlight, once more disrupted my vision.

Why?

In fact, the biggest sense of discomfort I’ve felt over the past few days is that the way she treats me is far from how she would treat a capable vassal.

To be honest, lately, I couldn’t deny that she desired me not as a subordinate but as a man.

Lowering her voice, smiling while looking at me, she then asked me the question she always does, like a young girl sparkling with excitement.

“So… answer my request for the Mind’s Eye prophecy once more. Can I… Serpina von Einhardt… can I hold this world in my hands?”

A question I’ve received countless times.

Despite hearing the same answer repeatedly, she never gives up and keeps running forward.

Her resemblance to Lady Iren during the time I served under the Brance Army lies in their pursuit of unattainable goals, but there’s a difference—

While Lady Iren seemed ready to crumble at any moment, Lady Serpina appears brimming with determination.

Facing this maddening irony, there’s only one thing I can do:

Predict the answer to her question.

Once I receive the question, I can’t help but predict the outcome—it’s the mechanism of my Divinity 100 ability.

‘Can Serpina von Einhardt become the ruler who unifies the continent?’

I immersed myself in thought.

Can she, who has brought peace to this chaotic era, truly grasp this world in her hands?

I’ve helped her for quite some time now. Could she finally have a chance?

My predictions aren’t always the same. Since they reflect the circumstances at the time of questioning, even the same question can yield different results.

Before long, the answer came absurdly simple because my divinity was 100.

[No, she cannot.]

Of course.

As expected, the answer was no.

As long as Lady Luna, who holds the destiny of unifying the continent, exists, Lady Serpina cannot ascend to that position.

Given that Lady Serpina’s survival is the greatest condition for Lady Luna to become the emperor of the Unified Empire—

It’s extremely difficult for Lady Serpina to get an opportunity.

This harsh reality, no matter how much effort she puts in, is something she cannot overcome.

Unable to explain all these facts straightforwardly, I could only repeat the answer I’ve given her so far.

“My Lord will not be able to hold the world in your hands.”

That’s right.

The fate hasn’t changed yet.

“Is that so.”

Serpina slowly nodded again. Then, turning her head, she gazed at the vast land before her.

“I understand. I apologize for asking the same question every time. It must be tiresome for you to always give the same answer.”

“Not at all. I…”

Seeing her seemingly melancholic profile, I wanted to console her, but I honestly didn’t know what words to use.

I feared that a careless word might turn into a blade that hurt her. Knowing how things will turn out sometimes feels like a disaster even for me.

At that moment.

“Swoen.”

“…?”

“…I express my gratitude.”

Her slightly blushing face turned away, causing me to instinctively react with surprise.

“Wha…?”

“Weren’t you worried about me?”

“…!!!”

Once again, I realize anew.

Hiding one’s emotions suddenly in front of Lady Serpina must be one of the hardest things in the world.

“You’re kind, aren’t you? Sometimes I think the reason I desire you isn’t because of your abilities… but because of your broad heart.”

“…”

“I know. Such words aren’t fit for a ruler of a nation, let alone someone who carries the imperial lineage. One should be a pillar for others to lean on before leaning on someone else.”

“The weight of the emperor’s seat is originally meant to encompass the fervent aspirations of the common people, embodying the sacred light of righteousness.”

Serpina wore a smile once more.

“Don’t worry about it. If it were something achievable overnight, I wouldn’t have even attempted it. You’ll understand this time as well. I’m the kind of woman who won’t rest until I achieve what I set my mind to. Hehe…♥”

Without particularly responding to her words, I bowed my head.

As long as the absolute truth of fate—”Serpina von Einhardt cannot become the ruler of the Unified Empire”—exists, there will come a time when I must make a choice.

Then, at that time, I must tell her the truth and leave her side. I promised, after all.

Whether with the Brance Army, the Aishias Army, or now with the Serpina Army, I’ve never forgotten that promise.

But why…

Why does seeing her smile fill me with such sorrow?

Why does her struggle towards an unattainable goal resonate within my heart?

Smelling the lingering scent of yuzu, I recalled the ruby-like resolve I harbored within.

My Lord…

How should I act correctly?

Or rather, how should I act… without regrets?

Even as I sent this unanswerable question beyond the skies—

Time on the continent continued to move forward steadily, albeit slowly.

* * *

Another day, just like any other.

Accompanying Serpina on a tour to assess the sentiments of the local populace were four bodyguards akin to her shadow.

However, today was slightly different.

“Did he fall off his horse?”

“That’s correct. He sustained serious injuries and is currently in the hospital…”

One of the bodyguards was absent due to injury, leaving three: Renni, the leader who had been protecting Serpina since she became ruler; Shura, who volunteered to join as a general bodyguard; and Iren, who recently joined the ranks.

The absent person was Zeikufurito, a young elite around the same age as Iren.

“So, today’s inspection…?”

“It seems it will proceed as planned. We won’t go too far outside Einhardt Castle anyway.”

Listening to Shura, Iren nodded thoughtfully.

“Well… although one of us is missing, both General Renni and General Shura are strong, so nothing major should happen.”

What concerned her most was the possibility of an assassin.

There was only one reason: Swoen had mentioned that an assassination might occur.

Without any concrete evidence, she investigated through people who believed in her, but there was no sign of any assassination attempt.

Since we were within the Einhardt territory, a sudden attack was unlikely,

and even if something similar happened, these three could handle it. She had learned through spending some time with them that they were indeed formidable.

“But as Swoen said, there’s a high possibility that either an assassination or something similar will occur. I need to keep my eyes sharp and guard My Lord even more vigilantly today.”

Just as Iren tightened her focus,

“…Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Serpina appeared at the door, greeted by the bodyguards bowing deeply.

“Please take care of me today as well.”

“Yes!”

And so, another ordinary day began.