Chapter 265

* * *

Reika, who had just exited the building with Swoen, suddenly bolted off to a deserted spot.

Only after arriving at a quiet area outside the camp did she realize—she had unconsciously kissed Sir Swoen.

“Uwaaaah…!!!”

What have I done…?

But it was as if my body moved on its own.

Because Sir Swoen was being so kind…

That scent he gave off, something I’d never felt before, completely different from me—an “opposite sex” smell…

It was like how a bee is drawn to flowers, so naturally… our lips met.

And when they touched, without any hesitation, it was as though breathing—I pushed my tongue in.

The soft sensation of his touch still lingered on the tip of my tongue.

Reika kept tapping her tongue against the roof of her mouth, or brushing her teeth, trying to erase the feeling.

“~~~!!!”

Her face flushed bright red as she finally came to her senses.

I kissed him.

I kissed Sir Swoen.

Without his consent, driven by an impulse I couldn’t control, I just barged in. And it wasn’t just anyone—it was me!

This was my first kiss.

I had decided to save my first kiss for the man I would marry!

Of course, I didn’t dislike the kiss itself.

One can’t do something unpleasant unconsciously anyway.

Still, what should I say? At that moment, I wanted to do it. Though I know I’ll probably be called foolish for thinking this way—I wanted to give something back to Sir Swoen.

Whenever I’m troubled, he always reassures me, telling me everything will be alright and that he’ll never abandon me, with those sparkling eyes of his. He’s more handsome than any man I’ve ever seen.

“Ahhh…”

Even so, I shouldn’t have done this.

A woman who kisses someone without permission—someone who isn’t even close family. Sure, there were marriage talks, but they only went so far, and since I’ve been separated from Jinoru, those talks have faded away.

Doing this will only cause trouble for him, and I know it well.

“Why am I such an idiot…!”

Reika collapsed right where she stood.

Thump, thump.

Her heart was racing more than ever before. It felt like something big had happened, and she couldn’t stay still.

She tried focusing on her heartbeat, almost like meditating.

As the strong beats hit her mind, she recalled what had just occurred.

From the moment she ran here, her stomach was tingling uncontrollably.

The desires within her were much more honest than the Reika others saw.

I want to kiss Sir Swoen again…

Not just kissing, maybe something more… might be okay too. He’s considerate, gentle, and kind…

Reika knew. When working for Iren and Serpina, though he doesn’t show it outwardly, Sir Swoen carries so much weight alone.

Otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to explain the loneliness or sadness in his expression when he’s alone.

Reika truly believed this.

When Sir Swoen looks serious, it’s not because he’s deeply considering matters related to the Lunarien Army. She couldn’t help but come to this conclusion.

She wanted to be there for such a Sir Swoen.

Maybe she couldn’t do anything grand. Magic is ultimately just a weapon for war, and her efforts are bound to be for Serpina rather than Sir Swoen.

But Sir Swoen himself said it: Even without magic, I am valuable.

So, she thought, even without magic, there must be many things I can do for him.

Like baking delicious bread for him. Offering my lap when he’s troubled. Leaning heads together when he’s worrying, shedding tears together when he cries…

Thinking all this, the conclusion came naturally.

Me.

I want to marry Sir Swoen.

I want to become his wife.

This was definitely different from the vague thought she had when they first met—”he seems fine.”

Now, she thought, I don’t want to marry anyone else but him.

“Sir Swoen…”

Reika may act slow, but she’s actually quite perceptive.

Living with the same people, it’s impossible not to notice the subtle atmosphere between Sir Swoen and Lady Iren.

Still, it was fine. Both Sir Swoen and Lady Iren are wonderful people.

Even if I became the second, third, or fourth wife, it’d be okay.

I could respect Lady Iren as an elder sister and get along well with the other wives. The women Sir Swoen chooses must be splendid like him.

Still… we’re in the middle of a war.

Lady Iren is restraining herself, so it wouldn’t be right for me to confess rashly.

I absolutely don’t want to inconvenience Sir Swoen.

“Why did I even kiss him then…?”

Reika remained buried in her thoughts, wallowing in her internal conflict.

She looked less like the continent’s greatest mage and more like a regular girl falling in love.

* * *

In the Royal Palace of Einhardt Castle, the capital city of the Serpina Army.

After finishing her duties, Serpina was greeted by Iren, who still served as her Bodyguard.

“Today has been hard work, my Lord.”

“Hmm. Iren, you’ve worked hard too. Was there nothing unusual today?”

“Yes. Sir Zeikufurito is patrolling outside, but no unusual reports have come from that side either.”

After one assassination attempt, Iren voluntarily continued her role as Bodyguard.

Though it wasn’t a particularly prestigious position for the Deputy Commander of the Occupying Forces, her desire to repay Serpina, who saved her life, was immense, so there was no room for complaints.

Swoen also entrusted her with something before leaving.

“Any messages to relay?”

“The Strategist’s advice. They say your order to withdraw the Relief Camp has been communicated.”

The Strategist must be Jena.

Apparently, yesterday’s command to withdraw the camp has been executed.

Since the Plague has calmed down, it’s time to discontinue camp operations.

Especially since we’ve won the public opinion battle against the Aishias Army… and most importantly, I’m starting to miss his face.

“Indeed. Everyone has truly worked hard. In the name of myself and my country, I must reward their efforts upon their return.”

“…Hard work applies to you too, my Lord.”

“Hmm?”

For a moment, Serpina tilted her head in confusion as she looked at Iren.

Iren, bowing deeply, spoke seriously.

“There were rumors… that you used magic to spread the Plague. Such absurd stories… being talked about merely due to rumors must be painful. I’m glad these rumors have settled down.”

Iren smiled faintly.

In fact, no one understood Serpina’s current situation better than Iren.

Back when she was with the Brance Army, Iren was isolated despite her great achievements, thanks to Lin’s malicious character assassinations. She was demoted to guarding the Capital City gates or managing the Second Barracks.

Though the scale was larger for Serpina, affecting the entire continent, Iren knew arguing who suffered more wasn’t productive.

Serpina gazed blankly at Iren for a moment before letting out a wry smile.

“But wasn’t the one spreading those rumors your former lord, Iren?”

“It was just a brief association. I never truly considered her my real lord.”

It might sound cruel, but that’s how Iren truly felt.

She didn’t intend to draw such a clear line. However, after Yuri crossed the line by touching something untouchable—Swoen—Iren indeed viewed the Aishias Army as even more detestable than the Brance Army, which belittled her.

Being insulted herself was one thing, but insulting Swoen was worse—that was Iren’s true sentiment.

Did Serpina read Iren’s inner thoughts?

Looking at her quietly with a low voice—

“Iren.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

“When the Relief Camp ends, he will return too, won’t he?”

It was a topic far too provocative to be casual small talk.

“…Do you mean Swoen, my Lord?”

“That’s right.”

“…”

While Iren hesitated over what to say, Serpina asked another question.

“Iren, I have a question for you.”

“About what, my Lord?”

“Do you admire Swoen as a man?”

“Wha-?!”

Startled, Iren looked at Serpina.

But Serpina only maintained her calm demeanor with a playful smile.

“To put it plainly, do you admire Swoen?”

“A… Ah, that…”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Iren hesitated—but really, isn’t this something you don’t need to think about?

“…Yes.”

Answering straightforwardly, Serpina grinned.

“I see.”

Casually.

As casually as discussing the weather.

“I feel the same way.”

“…Eh?”

Staring into Iren’s startled violet eyes, Serpina confessed her feelings.

“I also admire Swoen.”