Chapter 241

* * *

That day onward.

Yuri dove headfirst into a full-scale war against the Chel Army.

In order to secure the key to the unification of the continent, all amassed forces naturally entered the fray against the Chel Army.

Chel too had no choice but to expend all his reserved troops for Brance’s unification in defensive battles.

The first round was declared a decisive victory for the Aishias Army.

It was literally achieving astonishing results. Not only did they seize Alcanwood Castle, but they also successfully occupied Langbow Castle, which was formerly part of Chel’s territory and located west of Alcanwood Castle.

Even though Chel’s army was known as the most brilliant group of generals within Brance’s forces, there simply wasn’t anyone better than Chel in the nation, not even someone capable of countering Emma or Epinal from the Aishias Army.

Hearing repeated reports of defeat, Chel sighed deeply and thought:

“I might’ve done something unnecessary.”

While he had heard rumors about the incredible internal unity within the Aishias Army, he never imagined they would cling to this fight so tenaciously.

He judged that engaging in a life-or-death battle with our army wouldn’t benefit them much, and indeed, it shouldn’t have—except that Yuri now felt more like a vengeful ghost rather than a ruler with a broad vision.

An ordinary ruler—if it were Kalintz, perhaps—might have regretted this decision to such an extent that they’d offer a humiliating peace treaty.

“…Hah!”

Chel was born to fight.

To be honest, compared to the sluggish siege warfare against Kalintz, this situation was far more stimulating—it made his blood boil.

‘Sacrificing everything just because one founding hero died, then charging recklessly at our army… It’s such a naive act for these times. I admit it.’

Just recently, on the day Erhandorf’s head was hung on the castle wall, Chel gained some sort of enlightenment from the dying look in his eyes and began training his body again, reminiscent of his old general days.

Although still lacking compared to his prime, he believed this level of preparation was enough to return to the battlefield and perform admirably once more.

After all, if things continued like this, our side, relatively weaker in national power, would inevitably be overwhelmed by the Aishias Army.

To counter a stronger country, this kind of frontal assault simply wouldn’t suffice.

There was just one regrettable factor: the lack of skilled commanders.

“If only someone like Iren could back me up, but currently, we don’t have anyone in our army with that caliber… Guess I’ll have to carve out a breakthrough myself.”

Back in the day when he expanded Brance’s territories alongside Iren, Chel, who was naturally gifted in combat, easily recognized how crucial Iren’s role had been.

On their side stood Epinal and Emma. They were certainly formidable opponents, but even so, facing two-on-one with himself past his prime wasn’t exactly favorable.

‘…Fine.’

This pointless overthinking stuff is probably best left to people like his younger sister Lin or the strategist Parphale.

Chel excelled elsewhere: heading out to the battlefield and clashing swords.

Without delay, Chel prepared to sortie.

The supreme commander—himself, Chel Brance.

The man once hailed as Brance’s greatest swordsman now began earnestly brandishing his blade against the Aishias Army.

* * *

Thanks to Chel’s personal intervention, the battlefield dynamics started to shift significantly.

Chel’s first move was boldly abandoning Langbow Castle and launching a surprise attack on Alcanwood Castle.

Not only Langbow Castle, but Jog Castle, swiftly attacked by the Aishias Army, was effectively abandoned as well.

Abandoning Jog Castle was quite a bold decision since capturing it alone would’ve allowed a seamless advance towards Chel Army’s capital, Haizel Castle.

Ultimately, Chel’s strategy worked.

With Alcanwood Castle falling into Chel’s hands, the supply lines to Aishias’ main camp were cut off, inevitably slowing down their rapid advances.

Following that, skirmishes between the two nations continued incessantly.

Day after day, soldiers died and were replaced through conscription—a cycle that perpetuated endless battles.

Erhandorf’s blood pooled into a massive puddle, and the central continent began to reek of iron.

Neither the Chel Army nor the Aishias Army gained any significant advantage, continuing their drawn-out fights fruitlessly.

* * *

“Well then, both of you, stay strong today.”

“Hmm, Sir Swoen. Let’s meet up tonight.”

“U-Uh, see you tonight!”

After parting ways with the two, I immediately headed toward the study.

Instead of Serpina, Jena greeted me.

“Sir Swoen, you’ve arrived.”

“Strategist… Where is my lord?”

“I was about to discuss that with you… But before that, I have a question for you.”

Jena approached me, locking her gaze directly into my eyes.

“Are appointing Irian as the Lady of the Castle and issuing the quarantine order entirely Sir Swoen’s decision?”

“…”

Caught off guard by such a direct question, I briefly considered dodging it—

‘Anyway, the National Strategist will figure it out sooner or later.’

Deciding against lying, I opted for honesty.

“Yes. It’s my advice.”

“…I see. So, Sir Swoen believes this is the correct course of action?”

Perfect timing for a probing question.

‘Does appointing Irian as the Lord of the Castle and implementing the quarantine order represent the most efficient method?’

And the answer was somewhat peculiar.

[Unable to determine.]

“…???”

What?

Not “unknown,” but “unable to determine”? Something feels off here.

‘Now that I think about it, didn’t the previous response regarding who should sit as the Lord of the Castle give me an answer?’

It was similar to the time when I appointed Irian; definitely back then.

While predicting plagues might be uncertain, estimating based on who becomes the Lord of the Castle was possible.

Should I ask separately?

‘Is appointing Irian as the Lord of Kelshtain Castle the most efficient option?’

[Somewhat efficient.]

…I see.

If appointing the Lord yields answers but whether the quarantine is right doesn’t, it means… Irian isn’t the best candidate.

This part seems hard to resolve for now since the basis of my decision—“a plague is coming”—has become clearer.

After pondering this, Jena finally responded unexpectedly.

“In that case, I’ll take care of opposing opinions. Please relay that to my lord.”

“…Opposing opinions?”

“There’s unrest among the territorial people due to the mysterious lockdown at Kelshtain Castle. Many of Serpina’s subordinates argue it’s a waste of administrative resources for nothing.”

“Ah…”

Come to think of it, there haven’t been any reports of plagues spreading across the central continent yet.

While news of ongoing battles between the Chel and Aishias armies keep coming, that’s hardly justification for restricting civilian exchanges.

“But, Sir Swoen. If it’s your decision, I believe there must be a reason.”

“Strategist…”

Is this why neither Serpina nor I have received direct complaints? She’s been shielding us somehow.

For reasons unknown, she’s been extremely cooperative ever since a certain point.

“Thus, I’ll assist. Please remember that we are on your side.”

After saying that, Jena lightly bowed and turned around.

“My lord is in the side wing. She awaits you.”

Then she gradually disappeared from sight.

Still half-stunned, I headed toward the side wing while mulling over her last words.

“‘We are on your side.'”

…Somehow, Luna-sama’s face popped into my mind upon hearing that.

…No, I resolved to find another path that satisfies everyone, so there’s no need to dwell on it further.

Clearing my mind, I proceeded toward where Serpina waited.

*

Upon arriving at the side wing, Serpina greeted me warmly.

“Welcome, Swoen.”

“On my way here, I met the Strategist. She said… ‘Leave the persuasion to me.'”

“Is that so?”

Without much response, Serpina nodded and changed the subject.

“You’re surely aware of the situation between the Chel Army and the Aishias Army, correct?”

“Yes. For now, it seems to have entered a lull, but countless lives are being lost.”

After hearing my words, she paused in thought before extending her hand and asking,

“Swoen, is this the result of what your Mind’s Eye foresaw?”

“…”

“If so, maybe forcing the relocation to the barren Northern Continent was unnecessary for the territorial people.”

Serpina gave a bitter smile. By “unnecessary,” she likely referred to the forced migration to the northern continent.

Had there been no plague outbreak, the territorial people could’ve managed reasonably well despite the war between Chel and Yuri. Neither Chel nor Yuri were stupid enough to directly harm civilians during wartime.

If this turns out to be the real outcome, she’d merely end up labeled as a tyrant doing meaningless acts, as others might say.

Did she read my thoughts?

Serpina spoke with an unusually urgent tone.

“Swoen, I’m not blaming you. All decisions were mine. Thus, please don’t burden yourself unnecessarily.”

Looking into her eyes, I reflected.

Is this truly the whole picture?

This scenario has happened more than once. Despite going against my predictions, things often ended up benefiting our army.

If the mutual weakening of the Chel and Aishias Armies benefits us, her statement holds true—but…

“…Something feels incomplete.”

Giving up all the central continental territories we barely secured can hardly be called the “most optimal solution.”

Especially since we stopped advancing precisely at Kelshtain Castle, which serves as a gateway to the Northern Continent.

The answers from earlier discussions with Jena seem relevant too.

“My lord, I cannot guarantee anything, but personally, I believe this isn’t the entire story.”

“Then…?”

“I still believe a plague will break out. In fact, I’m certain of it.”

No matter how I analyze it, nothing else fits the “most efficient solution” besides a plague.

We sacrificed four territories, after all.

“I’m not lying to reassure you, my lord. Please trust me and grant me a little more time. We will ultimately triumph in the end.”

“!!!”

As Serpina gasped in surprise, I realized the implications of my words.

Winning till the very end… That wasn’t supposed to be something I told her alone.

‘…No.’

Right now, I need to focus on the Serpina Army.

Whether this is the final outcome or something more awaits, preparing multiple Plan Bs depending on the situation is always beneficial.

“My lord, I have a few matters I wish to discuss. Would you spare some time?”

“It’s intriguing, Swoen. This is why I sit here—to deliberate state affairs with individuals like you. What good is sitting on the throne if I don’t spend time with you?”

Serpina smiled brightly and replied.

“Go ahead, Swoen. I’m ready to engage with you all day.”

* * *