Chapter 30

Monthly Regular Meeting.

The so-called “conference” at the Royal Palace of the Lunarien Army was really just a small gathering where four of us, including me, huddled together to decide, “What should we do this month?”

Even then, Lady Luna, our monarch, almost entirely trusted my judgment, so most meetings wrapped up in under an hour.

But things are different with the Brance Army.

Every month, everyone from the lowliest commander of Anel Castle to the administrative ladies overseeing surrounding castles gathers to propose orders to Lin and receive missions. The number of people involved easily surpassed several dozen.

And now, for the first time, I wondered if this was what a real “monthly meeting” felt like.

“First, let’s hear last month’s report. Ladies, please speak in turn as usual.”

“Hai!”

First up, a middle-aged blond man stepped forward confidently.

“I am the Lord of Kelshtain Castle, Rashion. Regarding this month’s goals of ‘training’ and ‘military expansion,’ we’ve increased soldier numbers by 3,300, bringing the total stationed troops to 39,000.”

Nice to see a familiar face.

Rashion—just an average A-rank commander but dependable and solid. He wasn’t particularly loyal, often surrendering when captured, which ironically made him a recurring character in the game.

I used him quite a bit myself. His pixel portrait was just an extra guy, but in person, he had a certain dignified charm. It felt like all these dot characters were getting massive upgrades now that the game world had become reality.

“Anything else noteworthy?”

“Two new talents have been recruited, and construction on a small fortress led by Kalintz near the castle is expected to be completed next month.”

“Got it. For the fortress defense, just assign it to Kalintz. Pass the message along.”

“Yes sir!”

After Rashion bowed respectfully and retreated, the next person stepped forward.

“I’m Daltlich of Jog Castle. Allow me to report on last month’s achievements.”

This continued as each castle lady gave her report.

Brance Army territory was vast, with a total of nine castles—both large and small. After all the castle ladies finished their reports, Lin looked down at everyone and announced:

“Alright. Today, we’ll appoint a new lord for Jeilrant Castle, newly added to our territory. I’ve already prepared a list of those who will transfer there. Those assigned, please head to Jeilrant. If anyone couldn’t attend, their respective castle lords will pass on the news.”

This atmosphere…

Unfamiliar yet strangely familiar.

It felt like being a recruit waiting for assignment orders.

“The new lord of Jeilrant Castle will be Aneka Rem. Banya, Mirika, Yuz, Diaka, and Bran—you five will work under her at Jeilrant.”

“Yes sir!”

After a few responses, Lin stood up from the throne.

“Alright, let’s set this month’s action guidelines. Any good ideas? Speak freely.”

Though called “action guidelines,” it was essentially the same concept as the “suggestions” portion of the Lunarien Army’s meetings. As a newcomer, I decided to listen rather than speak up immediately.

A few hands went up, and suggestions began pouring in.

“Our top priority right now should be domestic affairs. Focusing on commerce and agriculture would be best.”

“With enemies surrounding us on all sides, we should prioritize military expansion.”

“We should prepare to attack Chelram Castle in the south controlled by Roland Army. We need to conscript and train soldiers at Seintica Castle on the southern border.”

One by one, people raised their hands to voice their opinions.

Instinctively, I could tell these were all capable individuals contributing significantly to the Brance Army.

Then…

“My lord, may I offer a suggestion?”

Parphale, standing beside Lin, received a nod.

“Go ahead.”

“After reviewing last month’s focus on the west, we’ve received intelligence that Ashias Army in the east plans to punish Alipel Army soon.”

“Is that so? Sounds like a good opportunity, doesn’t it?”

Parphale nodded vigorously.

“Exactly. Mobilizing 56,000 troops to invade Falaharte Castle of Ashias Army would be perfect timing. We should prepare the invasion once the ceasefire agreement ends.”

“Hmm… Do you have any particular reason for this confidence?”

Instead of answering, Parphale smiled faintly.

Lin nodded, then addressed us.

“Hmm… Any other thoughts?”

At that moment…

Someone broke the silence by raising their hand.

“My lord.”

That familiar female voice belonged to Iren.

“…Speak.”

“I believe Serpina Army has been unusually quiet for quite some time. Rather than focusing elsewhere, I suggest reinforcing Kelshtain Castle in the north with more troops.”

“Hmm? The north?”

Lin responded with a somewhat indifferent expression.

“Haven’t we already started building a fortress there? Kalintz is there, and it already has the most troops deployed among all borders. Do we really need to send more?”

“That…”

Iren began explaining, but Lin cut her off with a gesture.

“No, no. Everyone’s free to share their opinions.”

Though Lin smiled kindly while saying this…

The words carried sharp thorns.

An oppressive atmosphere filled the conference room.

The flow of energy itself seemed to target Iren, carrying the absolute ruler’s will.

This pressure…

Even as a third party, I felt intimidated… Had Iren always been treated this way?

“…”

Without continuing, Iren bowed in submission.

Lin summarized the situation.

“Alright. Any other suggestions?”

After a short pause, Lin consolidated all the suggestions presented.

“First, let’s focus on domestic policies. This seems like the best approach for our Brance Army, right? Raise your hand if you agree.”

Several people raised their hands in agreement.

This system made sense.

In the game, commanders offered suggestions, and the player-monarch usually decided based on majority rule.

Of course, the monarch could ignore the results, but doing so would lower loyalty and worsen relationships with most commanders unless they had exceptionally deep loyalty.

Here too, it seemed decisions were made by majority rule.

For smaller nations like Lunarien Army, ignoring majority decisions might be manageable, but for Brance Army, disregarding such outcomes would burden even the monarch.

“Let’s see…”

I inputted the question: “Is implementing domestic-focused policies most efficient for Brance Army?”

The answer was [No].

“For appearances’ sake, choosing ‘yes’ might be better here…”

Though just suggestions, all answers could potentially be [No].

If Lin asked me directly like Luna did—”What’s the most efficient approach?”—that would solve everything, but…

I just wanted to help appropriately without seeking recognition.

After all, Luna would eventually unify everything; no need to exert myself unnecessarily.

Moving on…

“Second, let’s prioritize military expansion. Raise your hand if you agree.”

Again, a few hands went up.

I didn’t raise mine.

“Third, let’s gather forces in the south and prepare to invade Chelram Castle. Raise your hand if you agree.”

Surprisingly, only one hand went up.

The confident speaker looked slightly embarrassed but what can you do?

If you want followers to support your ideas, you need to build proper connections beforehand.

Of course, I didn’t raise my hand either.

“Fourth, mobilize 56,000 troops to attack Ashias Army’s Falaharte Castle. Who agrees?”

And suddenly…

Many previously hesitant ministers raised their hands all at once.

Parphale watched this scene with satisfaction.

Parphale.

She was Brance Army’s nation strategist—a position arguably the highest rank a minister could achieve, serving closest to the monarch and deeply involved in various decisions.

Though higher ranks like division commanders could exist if territories expanded further, that’s another story.

Strengthening relations with Parphale through agreeing with her opinion would be good political maneuvering.

I inputted her suggestion into my mind.

“Is attacking Falaharte Castle the best option?”

[No.]

“Hooh…”

Her intellect exceeded 90, so I planned to casually agree with her. High intellect usually meant reliable advice.

Apparently not this time.

Agreeing with someone’s opinion increased favorability with that commander.

Since Parphale’s suggestion wasn’t absolutely correct, maybe I should have agreed with Iren instead to boost her favorability.

I was treating this issue rather lightly.

“Seems like everything’s mostly decided.”

Lin added unnecessary commentary before speaking again.

“Lastly, let’s reinforce Kelshtain Castle in the north against potential attacks from Serpina Army. Who agrees?”

And this time…

No one raised their hand except Iren herself.

Iren was out of Lin’s favor. Only her talent allowed her to participate in such meetings.

In organizational life, finding someone with integrity willing to support someone disliked by leadership seemed equally rare in this world.

“Should I be the only one raising my hand? That would increase her favorability…”

Thinking this carelessly, I input her question into my mind.

“Is reinforcing Kelshtain Castle against Serpina Army’s potential invasion correct?”

[Almost Correct.]

“Eh?”

What?

Not [No], but [Almost Correct]?

Honestly, I thought about siding with Iren…

But as Lin said, they’re already building a fortress there and have the most troops deployed. It seemed unnecessary…

Yet this suggestion was apparently relatively efficient?

“At least someone?”

I quickly raised my hand at Lin’s words.

All the commanders’ gazes focused on me.

Their expressions varied, but ultimately boiled down to:

“What’s your motive for supporting her?”

Even Iren looked surprised, staring at me.

Iren, hold your head high! Surprisingly, your suggestion is the most efficient among these.

“Hoo.”

Lin seemed amused by the situation, slightly smirking before pointing at me.

“Swoen, you supported Iren’s suggestion?”

With Lin’s words, the attention remained fixed on me.

Compared to when Lin once held a sword to my neck, this was nothing.

“Yes.”

“Hoo? Why?”

“Because I agree with her statement.”

“So you think we should send reinforcements to the north, despite already building a fortress and having the most troops there?”

“Yes.”

“Hee.”

She grinned as if finding this amusing, then turned to Parphale.

“You think so too, Parphale? What’s your take?”

“Hmm…”

What’s Lin thinking here?

I had a vague suspicion.

“Surely not.”

“Parphale, how about a debate? I’d like to hear this newcomer’s thoughts.”

“…”

Debate.

Known as verbal duels among players, it referred to 1-on-1 debates within the game.

The intellectual version of martial combat between high-powered commanders.

Apparently, this system existed formally here too, based on the game world.

Parphale nodded as if realizing something.

“I see. Understood.”

Lin seemed satisfied with her response, then turned to me.

“Well, Swoen? You don’t have to if you’re scared.”

She was testing me, it seemed.

Why?

Because I sided with someone she dislikes?

Or because she recognizes my abilities to some degree and wants to be persuaded herself?

Either way, I couldn’t back down now.

The more passionately I defend Iren’s suggestion, the more her favorability towards me will increase.

Thinking only of that, I declared:

“In that case, allow me to attempt persuading my lord, the strategist, and all esteemed members of Brance Army.”

“Aha-ha! Interesting!”

Lin laughed heartily, clearly impressed by my boldness.

Then Parphale slowly approached me.

I moved slightly to face her.

“Is it alright, Strategist? I’d like to request a match.”

I bowed deeply, speaking with utmost respect.

Upon hearing this, Parphale slowly nodded.

“On the contrary, I request the match from you. I’m always welcoming. If you can persuade me, I’ll follow General Iren’s suggestion.”

“Very well.”

I slowly stepped forward to the center.

She also approached from beside the throne to meet me.

Facing each other—

I began my first-ever 1-on-1 debate.