Chapter 222

After leaving the royal palace.

Jinoru reflected on what had just transpired.

‘That woman, Lunarien… could she really be the one destined to rule the world?’

Sir Swoen had claimed that his lord was destined to seize control of all. And as per the letter’s contents, this person was none other than Lunarien Iniyan, the very woman he’d just met.

Frankly speaking, based on first impressions, she seemed incredibly frail. During their conversation—especially when discussing Sir Swoen—she couldn’t hide her emotions and laid them bare, revealing a rather naive nature. She was someone whose rationality could easily falter depending on the topic, making her quite transparent within a short time.

Being honest here—

Throughout Jinoru’s life, if there were hurdles in finding someone worth betting on, Lunarien would have been among those hardest to place faith in. While it was fine for someone to be swayed by others, he knew that a ruler who loved humanity was better than a cold-blooded tyrant. Even though she ultimately cut ties with Yuri, he’d trusted her because she had the ability to embrace others into her heart while leading talented individuals around her.

But Luna is different. Despite extenuating circumstances, she betrayed Karelia—a figure known for having great influence—and lacked renowned warriors surrounding her. Her current situation wasn’t promising either. If asked whether Lunarien Iniyan seemed likely to become the unifying ruler without any solid basis, Jinoru would undoubtedly shake his head.

However, Jinoru *did* have a reason—a testimony from that peculiar man, Swoen, who somehow foresaw the future. Though it might feel insufficient as evidence, considering everything Jinoru had experienced, dismissing Swoen’s words would be reckless.

While doubting if this woman could truly conquer the world was understandable—

Since Swoen vouched for her so strongly, Jinoru knew questioning her now would only lead to loss.

‘That guy, who can see the future, wouldn’t spout nonsense.’

What he needed to do now was help her achieve greatness. Since Luna had already asked why Swoen hadn’t come yet, it was clear Swoen would arrive soon.

Speaking of which…

Jinoru suddenly remembered hearing that ‘that man’ supported Lunarien’s uprising.

‘Now that I think of it, I should meet that man… Kyle.’

An old acquaintance made during the days when imperial ministers were sent out, Kyle lived a carefree life far removed from central political intrigue. Perhaps precisely because of that detachment, he survived dangerous times. Still, Jinoru was curious why such an apparently indifferent man would issue a statement supporting Lunarien. There were definitely stories to share with Kyle von Einhardt if he were still alive.

‘Then let’s go see him.’

With thoughts of untold tales waiting to unfold, Jinoru’s steps felt lighter than usual as he headed toward meeting Kyle.

***

After parting ways with Jinoru,

Luna remained alone, calculating the scenario where Swoen had fallen under Serpina’s forces.

Of course, since it was impossible for Swoen to willingly serve Serpina, the only logical conclusion was:

‘Swoen must be imprisoned somewhere in Serpina’s underground dungeon.’

Why they locked him up, she didn’t know. But results mattered most, right? Jinoru also hinted at the possibility of Swoen being detained. Whatever the case, Serpina was clearly restricting his freedom.

Otherwise, why wouldn’t Swoen have come by now?

‘Knowing Swoen is imprisoned, I can’t just sit here waiting forever.’

She waited for his guidance, but now that he was confined, wasting more time wasn’t an option. Fearful or not, it was time to act. Delaying further would only ensure Karelia emerged victorious in the end.

‘Alright. It’s time to move, even without Swoen. Somehow, I’ll manage. After all, Swoen… even now…’

Tears welled up in Luna’s ruby eyes.

‘Even now, he must be suffering under that witch-like Serpina’s brutality!’

How cruel fate brought him to the Bran’s army, only for him to later fall into Yuri’s hands before ultimately ending up with Serpina—it broke her heart. While she and her allies enjoyed relative peace in the southern continent, he bore the burdens alone, enduring hardships unimaginable.

After crying for some time, Luna shook her head fiercely, wiping away tears with her sleeve.

‘Don’t worry, Swoen. I’ll rescue you. No matter what, I’ll save you from that cruel Serpina’s clutches!’

Reassuring herself, she resolved anew.

Under this sky, neither Serpina von Einhardt nor Baranga Yuri Ashias could ever coexist with her.

***

In the days following,

While investigating matters related to mages, Luna assigned Violet another task.

“A young man with white hair, you say?”

“Yes. Since you’re already investigating the Serpina Army anyway?”

“That may be true, but…”

“Any information will suffice. If there are any rumors about him, please relay them.”

Luna’s unusually firm tone startled Violet momentarily. Yet, knowing her lord well after spending considerable time together, Violet understood this wasn’t frivolous.

“Understood.”

A few days passed, and Violet returned with preliminary findings.

“So, continuous use of magic is impossible?”

“It’s still speculative, but that seems to be the case. After suppressing the rebels using magic, the female mage disappeared. She appears to be doing something inside Einhardt Castle, but avoids public appearances. Moreover…”

“If she could wield such power freely, I’d certainly command her to conquer the central continent. Yet the Serpina Army remains eerily quiet.”

“That makes sense.”

“And…”

Violet, who showed no tension discussing the mage earlier, now spoke cautiously, visibly nervous.

“What about the other keyword—the young man with white hair?”

Her voice trembling, Luna replied.

“Is there any news about him?”

“Is his name indeed Swoen, the famed white-haired mage?”

“Yes…”

“I see…”

“What did you find? Is he in Serpina’s underground prison? Or perhaps exiled to a small island in the northern continent?”

“…Excuse me?”

Confusion crossed Violet’s face, alerting Luna to something amiss.

“I’m not sure why the underground prison came up, but…”

“Hmm?”

“Do you remember the pink-haired mage we mentioned earlier?”

“Yes…”

“There were reports of a man assisting her…”

“?”

“He was described as a young man with white hair.”

“!!!”

Staring wide-eyed at Violet, Luna demanded confirmation.

“Is that… really true?”

“It seems so. The white-haired young man who reportedly dropped rocks from the sky appears to be the same Swoen.”

Wait a moment.

So, Swoen is part of the Serpina Army?

Not imprisoned or detained…

But actively serving under her as a subordinate?

“…If it’s alright, could you tell me more about this Swoen? What kind of person is he exactly?”

Pressed by Luna’s unprecedented intensity, Violet hesitantly asked.

“…Did he assist the female mage of the Serpina Army?”

“Yes?”

“Was it true? Did he really exist, or is this just hearsay conflating his past reputation as a mage?”

Of course not.

There’s no way Swoen would willingly serve under that demon-like Serpina. Assisting in suppressing rebellions? Unthinkable. He knows how cruel Serpina truly is.

And then…

The answer struck Luna like a thunderbolt.

“As far as rumors go—though I cannot confirm them—he has already earned merit within the Serpina Army. This information checks out across multiple sources.”

“…What?”

What did she just say?

Swoen… really working for the Serpina Army?

…Why?

Afterward, though Violet continued explaining—something about processes and favors—none of it registered in Luna’s ears.

Her mind spiraled into chaos.

Everything before her began fading.

Her ruby eyes grew increasingly vacant.

Why?

Swoen wasn’t sold off, was he?

She already knew Yuri sold him. Surely Swoen would refuse to work for her. Especially since it was Serpina who initially proposed buying him. How could he possibly serve someone who toyed with him like that?

It was natural to assume…

Naturally, he’d be imprisoned in the dungeon.

Naturally, his movements would be restricted.

Because there’s no way Swoen would work for someone like her!

Yet…

Her sole strategist, her irreplaceable Swoen…

The one person who should never have done such a thing…

Why is he serving that despicable woman—

Serpina von Einhardt?