Chapter 96

“……”

After listening to my explanation, Jinoru stroked his chin for quite a while with a troubled expression before finally meeting my gaze directly and asking.

“So, your words all make sense. If Anima were to lose, things would likely unfold as you described. But… how can you know all this in such detail?”

“When assuming defeat, the possible outcomes naturally become limited.”

“That’s not what I mean.”

Jinoru glared at me. Or rather, it wasn’t exactly a glare. Though he was looking at me sharply, it felt like something different. I’d received that look once before.

It was right after the Northern Fortress Defense at Anel Castle when my lord Lin had given me that same look.

Fear. In Jinoru’s slightly trembling pupils, I detected a fleeting hint of fear.

“How can you be so certain we’ll lose? How do you know these things will happen?”

“…I don’t claim to know everything about the world. Such a person doesn’t exist. And this is a serious matter. Without confidence, how could any man achieve anything?”

“Though it’s not a good habit to dodge the core questions, I probably would’ve answered the same way if I were Swoen.”

With that, he let out a hollow laugh, and I sensed an odd sense of camaraderie from him.

“Well then, since you’re theorizing, let me theorize too. Is that alright? I promise not to take up too much time.”

“Go ahead.”

“I still think there’s a high probability you’re correct. The story holds together logically, and everything fits perfectly. Besides, it’s not just anyone but you, Swoen, telling this tale. Based on what happened last time, I believe your words will prove true again. Actually, now that I think about it, maybe everything started aligning with your predictions from the moment we arrived here.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“To be honest, while the public believes Lin Brance lost the brilliant warrior Iren Julieat, I’m starting to think losing you might have been even more painful for the Brance Army.”

“Me? Haha, you’re exaggerating. I’m merely an appendage to General Iren.”

“The decline of the Brance Army began after you came here.”

“At the same time General Iren arrived too.”

“You were also the one who dropped rocks from the sky using heavenly power.”

“But didn’t I say I’m no mage and can’t use magic? You should know that after seeing my daughter, right?”

“With her following your training methods, she’s achieving remarkable results.”

“Training is just superficial. It’s probably her talent finally blossoming.”

“…”

Jinoru sighed deeply before suddenly bursting into hearty laughter, throwing his head back.

“You’re impossible to get a word in edgewise with, really!”

As he laughed heartily, I watched curiously, realizing this was probably the first time I’d seen him truly laugh.

After a few minutes passed…

“Swoen. It sounds crazy, but I have to ask.”

“Yes?”

“Can you possibly see the future?”

He stared intently at me after finishing his sentence.

The brief flicker of fear I’d noticed earlier was gone. Instead, I saw fierce curiosity burning in the eyes of this seasoned strategist.

“…Hmm.”

“Is it magic then? Can you see the future through magic, Swoen?”

Seeing the future…

If knowing only the results counts as seeing the future, then yes, it would technically be correct. But I couldn’t acknowledge it. How could it be called magic when I need specific questions to predict limited possibilities?

“Forgive me for interrupting.”

“There’s no need to hesitate at this point. Speak freely.”

“Claiming someone can see the future through magic is quite delusional.”

“Hah! Interesting words coming from someone who has a daughter who actually uses magic.”

“But isn’t that true? If I could see the future, wouldn’t I be making bolder claims instead of walking this tightrope?”

“Maybe you can only see limited aspects of the future. For example, you might know whether we’ll win or lose a war, but not why.”

‘…!!!’

Damn. I almost betrayed my surprise, but managed to catch myself in time. Just having a casual conversation led us to this point… Had I underestimated Jinoru too much?

‘Is mental strength 99 something to take lightly?’

That phrase, which had originally brought me to this world, suddenly came back to mind. And speaking of which, Jinoru had been the one who said it.

Maintaining my calmest expression, I replied.

“Fascinating hypothesis.”

“Hmm. Revisiting our previous exchanges, it’s hard to call it just a hypothesis anymore.”

He smiled slyly as he spoke. I hadn’t realized Jinoru Nighthardt could be so expressive. It felt like the social mask he always wore had finally fallen away.

‘Suddenly reminded me of old man Cain.’

He too had revealed his true self to me only at the very end. I wonder if he’s doing well?

Unaware of my thoughts about other commanders, Jinoru nodded exaggeratedly and addressed me.

“Of course, I understand why you can’t say more. One doesn’t reveal their full hand to just anyone. Where in the world would you find a gambler who shows all their cards?”

“…Hmm.”

“I get it. I’ll help you persuade our lord. This conversation has gone on long enough. Let’s head to the Royal Palace immediately.”

Apparently, Jinoru had concluded based on his own information that I possessed some kind of precognitive magical ability. While it was a misunderstanding similar yet fundamentally different from reality, it seemed easier to work with than explaining everything.

After all, hadn’t I already been relying on others’ misconceptions to make my way in this world using this ability?

Keeping a neutral expression, I quietly followed Jinoru as he walked ahead.

*

“So? You’re saying there’s an ambush?”

“That’s correct. Please permit the operation, my lord.”

With a bowed head, Jinoru pleaded earnestly to Yuri.

Upon arriving at the palace, we quickly finished explaining the situation. What surprised me was Jinoru’s eloquence. Compared to my improvised patchwork of sentences creating “the most plausible possibility,” his explanation carried far greater persuasive power.

“But isn’t the prediction of an ambush ultimately just speculation? I find it hard to believe Anima would move so hastily without considering such possibilities…”

“My lord, I must speak cautiously about this, but I personally assisted Ainhardt’s Serpina in my youth.”

“…”

Naturally, having ties to the royal family made sense given his past as an imperial minister.

“She was an exceptionally cunning person, with a nature like a snake. Among the royal figures, none were as cold-blooded as Serpina. She was extremely skilled at setting traps to deceive others. There’s a possibility she somehow put Anima at ease.”

At Jinoru’s words, Yuri’s voice carried a hint of emotion.

“Are you saying Anima is the type to fall for Serpina’s tricks?”

“…”

For the first time, Jinoru’s smooth explanation hit a snag.

When logic encounters emotion, even the smartest minds can be stumped. Perhaps it was time for me to step in.

“It’s precisely because it’s Anima herself that we must act even more carefully.”

“What did you say?”

Emotions resonate with emotions. I adopted an apologetic expression.

“As you said, there’s always the possibility there’s no ambush. Our actions might waste supplies and time unnecessarily. However, this is Anima who’s always supported you, Lady Yuri. If there is an ambush, it could lead to irreparable consequences.”

“…”

The word “irreparable” visibly shocked her.

I appreciated straightforward people. The easier they are to read, the easier they are to persuade.

“Military supplies can be purchased with money. While time can’t be regained, surely preserving Anima’s life is worth more than wasting some time. Don’t you agree?”

Yuri thought about my words for quite a while. Jinoru gently encouraged her during this period.

“My lord, please heed Swoen’s words. I humbly implore you, Lord Jinoru.”

“…”

Yuri looked at Jinoru for a moment before smiling faintly and saying,

“Jinoru, I didn’t know you cared so deeply for others.”

“I only wish to serve you wholeheartedly, my lord.”

Turning her head toward me, Yuri asked seriously,

“…So, what should we do?”

“We need to respond on two fronts simultaneously.”

“Two responses?”

“First, we must send reinforcements. However, preparations will take time, and the army’s march won’t be particularly fast. They’ll likely arrive after the situation has resolved.”

“In that case, isn’t sending them meaningless?”

“That’s correct, unless we have the second plan.”

I spoke with utmost confidence.

“We’ll retreat the enemy forces positioned ahead of Anima’s army back to Hisfil Castle.”

“What?”

We’ll make them retreat.

Both Jinoru and Yuri seemed to understand what I meant.

“Spreading false information?”

“Exactly.”

To Jinoru’s question, I nodded.

“We’ll spread false information that Hisfil Castle is under attack. That should make Serpina’s forces retreat.”

*

Leaving the palace, I fell into thought.

Spreading false information – essentially a deception tactic.

In the game that served as this world’s source material, it was a strategy used to trick enemy troops into retreating.

Just like how Jinoru had previously employed the “betrayal strategy” with Alepel Army and Charan Army against Brance Army, this “deception strategy” undoubtedly existed here as well.

The problem was how to actually implement it.

In the game, you just selected “strategy,” then “deception,” clicked on the enemy troops, and success or failure was determined based on mental strength stats when you advanced turns.

But this wasn’t a game; it was reality.

Nothing would change unless I took direct action.

Remember Parphale’s debate?

What was simple button-pressing in the game required logical arguments grounded in evidence in reality.

“Even if we just sent spies to spread the word that Hisfil Castle is under attack, it seems unlikely they’d fall for it…”

Ultimately, for false information to work, it needed credibility that would convince anyone receiving it.

How could we establish that credibility?

Lost in thought, Jinoru approached me casually.

“At least we succeeded in persuading the lord. Hopefully your words turn out to be true.”

“Don’t worry about that.”

“Ah, you’ve already foreseen this with magical ‘Mind’s Eye,’ haven’t you? Your words will surely come true.”

Mind’s Eye?

What nonsense was this? But whatever, let him keep thinking that. Too troublesome to explain.

“Is there anything else you need me to do?”

“No. From here on out, it’s territory I need to figure out myself. Helping with persuasion was more than enough. Don’t you have somewhere to be?”

“An strategist’s duties are all similar. Other than observing Rayka’s training results tonight, I have no particular schedule.”

“Training results?”

“Every week, I check the girl’s current abilities. Think of it as evaluating her learning progress. Her magic has improved significantly. She can now effortlessly fell several trees. Still far from being battlefield-ready, though.”

“Is that so?”

I hadn’t noticed because every time we met, she was either meditating or doing seemingly meaningless things with me.

She’s progressed this far already?

At this rate, she’ll become a mage much faster than in the game’s history.

Talent truly is frightening…

Right as I was thinking these somewhat pointless thoughts…

“…Hm?”

Something occurred to me.

Fell several trees effortlessly, did she?

Perhaps… we could use that?

“Lord Jinoru.”

“What is it?”

“I have a favor to ask, though it won’t require you to move directly.”

“What is it? If I can help, I will.”

Turning to meet his gaze, I spoke.

“Could I borrow your daughter for a bit?”