Chapter 83

* * *

“Na’s here, Yuri.”

“Anima!”

Anima Ingram has returned to the Aishias Army.

Yuri, seated on the throne, stood up and approached Anima with a friendly greeting, like an excited puppy welcoming its owner rather than a monarch receiving a vassal.

But somehow, in this Aishias Army, including Yuri and the other four founding members, this kind of relationship felt natural.

Even Jinoru, standing nearby, didn’t seem particularly surprised.

“Welcome back, Anima. Have you been well? I missed you last time…”

“I’m fine. Sorry about that. I didn’t want any interruptions back then.”

“No, it’s okay. I understand perfectly. Everyone needs their own moments.”

Their conversation seemed far too casual for the master-vassal relationship of this era.

Though their mutual trust was admirable, it wasn’t without potential risks…

‘No…’

After hearing Anima’s words, I realized something. Their unique bond and special relationship weren’t something outsiders could easily change. Even someone with Jinoru’s prestige couldn’t alter it, so how could I?

While this connection might be Aishias Army’s strength, if it ever hindered the greater cause…

Ultimately, I’d have to return to Luna’s side someday. For now, I just hoped nothing major would go wrong while I was here.

After exchanging pleasantries with Anima for a while, Yuri noticed my presence and thanked me for bringing Anima back safely.

“Take a break today, Swoen. No work worries.”

“Thank you for your kindness.”

With that, I slowly left the royal palace. Though Yuri said I could rest, I still had plenty of time on my hands…

Going to Nachtharde Manor seemed awkward at this hour…

‘Hmm…’

Airen was likely busy with her mission. The cool breeze made me realize it was the perfect timing for something.

I headed toward Falaharte Castle’s marketplace.

* * *

Back at the palace after Swoen’s departure.

Anima asked Yuri about the Raclaine Castle steward position.

“Yeah! Anima, I thought there’s no one better than you for this important role-”

“Yuri, you don’t need to flatter me so much. I don’t think you’re looking down on me.”

“Ahhh… Well, you see…”

Yuri shrunk back like a frightened rabbit.

“Sorry… I was worried you’d mind about replacing the national strategist…”

Anima smiled faintly at Yuri’s nervousness.

“It’s fine now, Yuri. I admit I acted emotionally before.”

“Uh… Yeah…”

“Anyway, tell me about the man who came to fetch me.”

“Swen?”

“Yeah. What’s he like?”

Yuri explained briefly about Swen, Airen, and recent events, including what happened at the northern fortress and Airen’s circumstances.

Listening to this, Anima fell into deep thought.

‘Rin Brance didn’t seem like unification material, so she betrayed him…?’

Something felt off. Despite meeting him briefly, Swen gave off a special aura. Hearing about his “miracle” at the northern fortress confirmed her suspicion – his ambitions might exceed our expectations.

If he became our enemy someday…

‘No…’

Shaking her head, Anima reminded herself it wasn’t time to doubt allies. As the new steward of Raclaine Castle, she had plenty of work ahead contributing to Aishias Army.

‘Nothing has changed since that day.’

Since deciding to live for the name of Aishias after losing an arm…

Her goal remained singular.

* * *

“Alright everyone, training ends here for today. Great job!”

“Yes sir! Thank you sir!”

After dismissing the soldiers’ loud salutes, Iren entered the private room inside the training grounds to change out of her heavy armor. Drenched in sweat…

‘I need a bath when I get home.’

Reflecting on the day, she wondered if she’d pushed herself too hard. From early morning till evening, she trained with minimal breaks, checking each soldier’s form and correcting postures.

Fortunately, the soldiers responded well compared to other commanders who simply ordered drills without guidance.

Concluding the effort was worth it…

Living as a knight fulfilling her lord’s needs brought her unprecedented satisfaction. In her past life where self-validation went unnoticed, this sense of purpose was refreshing.

Most generals, especially those renowned for martial prowess, avoided training duties, preferring battlefield glory over nurturing troops. While not all commanders were like this, stronger ones often exhibited this tendency – even Emma and Erhandorf from Aishias Army.

However, since wielding her first sword, Iren instinctively understood: every life is precious; soldiers behind her in battle deserved respect.

During her time with Brance Army, some mocked her as “not a real commander,” but her beliefs remained unchanged.

Thinking about this, concerns about overworking herself dissipated.

‘War ultimately depends on soldiers. This experience directly contributes to national strength.’

Even if she eventually left this country, cultivating excellent soldiers repaid Yurie’s kindness for accepting her after fleeing Brance Army.

Though the surrender process and previous defense battles meant it wasn’t purely charity from Aishias Army’s perspective, she found peace in these efforts.

Walking home through the bustling streets, a dessert stand caught her eye.

‘Reflecting on it, Swen did bring cake the other day…’

Lately, whenever she saw or thought of something pleasant, Swen’s face came to mind. Whether delicious food, beautiful scenery, or happy children, she wanted to share everything good with him.

‘Perhaps I should buy some.’

Arriving home with the treat…

“Ah, you’re back?”

“Swen…?”

Inside, decorations adorned the room. Luxurious dishes filled the table, with a small plant centerpiece featuring a star ornament on top. Everything was unfamiliar to Iren.

“What’s all this?”

“The day ended early, so I wanted to repay your past kindness.”

“Past kindness?”

“Yes. Remember? When we first met, you cooked meat to welcome me despite my difficulties adapting.”

“Ah…”

That memory surfaced – hosting the male commander in her quarters by order of her lord, dealing with Lin’s rivalry…

“You remembered that?”

“How could I forget? Sit down!”

“But I need to bathe…”

“After dinner is fine.”

“Well, today’s training was quite intense…”

Noticing her embarrassment, Swen smiled gently.

“That shows how hard you worked. I like seeing this side of you too.”

“Wha…?!”

Blushing furiously, Iren stammered before quietly muttering.

“Swen… you really know how to say such things…”

“Thanks for the compliment. Is that pastry in your hand?”

“Huh? Oh, this?”

She placed it on the table.

“I bought it because I wanted to share with you. Lately, I’ve been eating your cooking…”

“Most of it was bought with your money anyway. Let’s have the pastry with tea after dinner.”

“Okay.”

Sitting at the table, an unusual warmth filled her heart. Watching Swen serve the meal…

This newfound warmth, never experienced during her time with Brance Army, filled the void within her.

“Alright, let’s eat! Plenty of meat here.”

“Okay.”

This warmth was what she’d protect at all costs.

“By the way, Swen, I have a question.”

“What is it?”

“About that plant… what’s the star decoration?”

“Oh, I should explain.”

Nodding, Swen continued.

“In my homeland, around this chilly season, people gather with loved ones, decorate trees, and enjoy delicious food. Though not exactly today’s date…”

“But close enough since we’ll be busy later. So I decided to celebrate early.”

“Interesting tradition. Come to think of it, I’ve never heard about your homeland before.”

“It’s just an ordinary custom, not very exciting.”

“Is that so?”

Iren didn’t press further. Knowing even a little about him made her happy. She respected this tradition from his homeland.

“Everyone greets each other with a specific phrase that day.”

“Specific phrase?”

“Yes. ‘Merry Christmas.'”

Looking straight into Iren’s violet eyes, Swen said:

“So, Merry Christmas, Lady Iren.”

Blushing slightly, Iren replied with a sincere smile she’d never shown anyone else:

“Thank you… Merry Christmas.”

Though not exactly Swen’s homeland’s Christmas,

this evening meal held sacred meaning for both of them.

* * *