Chapter 225

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As I was leaving the royal palace, I came face-to-face with a now somewhat familiar man.

Irian Al Caskey.

A dashing black-haired lance knight, and one of the few people within Lady Serpina’s army who I could say was fairly close to me.

“Looks like you’ve just paid your respects to our lord. You must be exhausted, Sir Swoen.”

I slowly nodded my head in response.

“No, it is Irian who has traveled all the way from the capital. You must be tired as well.”

“Just doing what needs to be done. Though I don’t think I deserve thanks for it.”

His report had been included in the briefing we’d just finished discussing.

“Well, there is something I haven’t asked yet.”

“What might that be?”

“When do you think the strategist will return to the capital?”

“It’s been quite some time since I last saw them… they may return soon, but I can’t say for certain.”

“I see…”

Irian placed his hand on my shoulder.

“It seems you’ve been working hard in their stead.”

“Well, sitting around doing nothing would be worse.”

“Speaking frankly…”

Irian suddenly grew serious.

“I believe you’d make an excellent national strategist.”

“Haha, Irian, your flattery won’t get you anything.”

“No, I mean it sincerely.”

Irian spoke earnestly, without a hint of jest.

“While Lady Jena certainly possesses keen insight, she doesn’t surpass our lord in ability. Of course, our lord is extraordinary too… but Swoen, there’s something remarkable about you that even our lord doesn’t possess. Though I haven’t lived long, I’m sure you’re no ordinary person.”

I slowly bowed my head.

“I still have much to improve upon. Thank you for your kind words, but I believe the most ideal situation is for Lady Jena to assist Lord Serpina. Our lord might feel burdened having someone too strong beside her.”

“So you admit you’re unconventional at least?”

“Excessive modesty can sometimes be off-putting.”

Upon hearing this, Irian burst into laughter before lowering his hand from my shoulder.

“Swoen, I firmly believe you are an essential piece of Serpina’s forces. I hope you’ll continue to work hard for our army. And know that I will follow any of your commands regardless of rank.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“Well then…”

After seeing Irian off, I finally let out a long sigh.

“An essential piece… am I?”

Lately, more and more people—even those not directly aligned with Serpina—have started looking at me favorably.

This change is likely due to Iren’s accomplishments and Irian’s protection. Especially after the recent betrayals wiped out many key commanders, Irian’s influence has only grown stronger while maintaining positive relations. And the decisive factor? Magic. Everyone knows Reika’s promotion was largely due to my efforts—and I fought alongside her too.

Indeed, the suspicious rumors about how I “bewitched” Serpina have gradually faded as people’s perceptions of me improved.

It’s clear evidence that public sentiment toward me has softened.

Recalling my earlier conversation with Serpina…

“‘In whatever form, as long as you’re by my side… that’s enough.’

‘So…’

‘We don’t necessarily need to marry.’

‘As long as you stay by me…’”

Somewhere along the line, I’ve become indispensable to Serpina.

Right or wrong, this is the reality I now face.

Reflecting on Irian’s words, I closed my eyes and quietly asked myself again:

“Will Lunarien Iniyan become the unifying monarch of the continent?”

“Yes.”

“For now, it’s fine.”

If I leave, Serpina would almost certainly fall apart. And there’s always Lady Luna, the future ruler of my homeland, waiting for me.

What can I do for both of them?

* * *

“Does this mean you plan to stay here for a while?”

“Yes.”

That night, after finishing dinner, I explained my situation briefly to Reika and Lady Iren.

My decision regarding my next steps wasn’t grandiose—I simply intended to remain with Serpina’s army instead of immediately returning to Lunarien’s forces.

Lady Iren thoughtfully sipped her tea before speaking.

“Is Lady Luna aware and fine with this?”

“What do you mean?”

“If word gets back to Lady Luna that you’re staying here secretly… wouldn’t it risk misunderstandings? Perhaps sending a letter would be wise…”

“No. As long as I’m part of Serpina’s army, exchanging correspondence with another nation’s ruler isn’t wise.”

Taking unnecessary risks by drawing attention to myself would be foolish. While I can predict questions, I lack foresight into dangerous situations. There’s no need to create more variables and increase risks.

“You raise a valid point.”

“And besides, Lady Luna will be fine. She always trusts me.”

Even when no one else did, she steadfastly believed in me. Lady Luna will surely understand.

“As I’ve said before, I merely follow your will, Swoen.”

“And… I also believe your decision is correct… though I don’t fully understand why… because we still owe Serpina so much…”

Reika nodded in agreement.

Though I feel slightly guilty toward Lady Luna for not returning immediately, Jinoru is there to support her. Even if I went back now, given her destined role in the continent’s unification, everything will naturally align in her favor anyway. My direct involvement may not be necessary.

For now, assisting Serpina is the best choice—for Lady Luna too.

“It’s reassuring to have both of your support. Especially you, Reika, despite not knowing all the details… thank you.”

“There’s no need. Hehe…”

I gently patted Reika’s head as she shyly smiled.

She reminds me of a loyal puppy sometimes—enjoying being petted and faithfully following her master.

At that moment…

“Um… Swoen…”

“Yes?”

Lady Iren sat beside me, her face slightly flushed as she stared intently.

“It’s… um… er…”

Understanding her meaning easily, I smiled and gestured.

“Lady Iren, come closer.”

Without a word, she leaned her head toward me. Gently, I stroked her fiery red hair, feeling the silver circlet she always wore—a reminder of our bond.

“Lady Iren, you’ve worked hard today.”

“Mm-hmm.”

With a faint smile, she closed her eyes, focusing entirely on my touch. Despite her usual reserve, Lady Iren has always been transparent with her emotions. It’s amazing how she endured such hardships under Lin.

Thinking of Lady Luna made me pause.

I promised to return. To secure her rule. That commitment hasn’t changed. Staying with Serpina ultimately serves Lady Luna’s greater purpose too.

But I don’t want to exclude Serpina from this journey. I don’t want to create Lady Luna’s world without her. I couldn’t abandon her when she cries over not harming anyone.

“There must be a good path forward.”

Even if the chances are slim, I’ll walk it.

Still, I believe this route will ultimately benefit Lady Luna too. After all, Serpina’s secure reign is essential for Lady Luna to become the unified ruler.

Perhaps my mission is simply to buy time until Lady Luna secures the southern continent.

During this period, I’ll search for a solution.

To honor my promise to Lady Luna while staying true to Serpina.

It seems impossible, but maybe… with Divinity 100 intellect, an unlikely path will emerge.

For a future where both Lady Luna and Serpina can smile.

It’ll be okay.

Lady Luna trusts me, so it’ll be okay.

“Lady Luna, please trust me a little longer. I’ll find a way…”

Thus, I sent my wish skyward, hoping it would reach my lord.

“Take care of yourself, Lady Luna.”

Until we meet again…

Please stay safe.

* * *