episode_0154

*

Finally, we entered into a six-month alliance with the Brans army.

In the meantime, I was very curious about what would happen in Brans County… … Looking at Lin’s appearance, where he seemed to have lost some screws as a fully human being, it seemed clear that Brans would crumble to pieces without even being able to make the most of this opportunity.

So, will the southern countries take their place instead?

If the continent was reorganized in that way, the balance would be in Luna’s favor, but Luna still seemed to be wasting her time somewhere without raising an army.

I wasn’t too worried because it was her and not anyone else… … Still, my honest feeling was that I was curious about how things were going.

Now that I think about it, what happened to Jinor?

Are you still part of the Aicious Army?

When we were together, he was a difficult person to read for many reasons… … If you had made up your mind after receiving my letter, you might have gone under Luna.

Or, if you become a barbarian for a while, there will be many options.

‘I really can’t tell what’s ahead.’

Instead of being asked questions, I wish I could freely enter questions into my head at any time.

And how great it would be if the scope of that question weren’t so limited.

Considering that in this game world where I am possessed, you basically have to ask someone’s question to get advice, it may be historical evidence, but… … What use is all historical research in a situation that has become reality?

Of course, there were many times when I benefited from the historical research, so I had nothing to say.

I had no idea what would happen in the future, but…

Nevertheless, there was one certain fact.

‘I must protect Serpina’s life.’

The conditions for Serpina County, or rather this country, to become a unified nation were simple.

Serpina comes down from the throne.

However, Serpina was a young and outstanding female monarch who received great trust within the country. She was too healthy to expect illness, and as the revolution broke out, her support among the people and generals was very high.

Although intermittent rebellions continued to occur, they were all in the aftermath of the past battle for the crown prince, and seeing as they were all carried out in extreme secrecy –

Conversely, if he stayed hidden and did not bring up a cause from the past, it would be like proving that he had no cause to defy her.

That moment.

A fundamental question arose in my mind.

‘How on earth did she die?’

If she had gone to Brans County directly, she would have died.

This was an inference based on my predictions that were 100% correct, so it was safe to say it was certain.

Assassinated within Brans County?

It’s hard to think about this case since I wasn’t going alone and I wouldn’t have bothered to go to Arnel Castle if I had the initiative.

However, the fact that there is a result means that there must be a process to reach that result.

‘Serpina… … ‘Why did he have to die?’

There was no need to think about it because it wouldn’t happen already…

Even so, it was inevitable that I would be curious about the reason.

* * *

It was Irene who finally saw off the Brans military delegation.

After Rin lost consciousness and fainted… … He looked at me and didn’t talk to me anymore.

No, to be precise, he just walked away with a pale face without saying a word, as if he were a sick patient.

The two eyes that never acknowledged him were empty and did not contain any ambition.

“… … .”

After taking care of his master and sending off Farfalle, who was looking at him with mixed emotions, without saying a word –

Irene slowly returned to where Serpina was to report.

“Master. A delegation from the Brans army has just left Eingart Castle.”

“Okay. Thank you for your hard work, Irene.”

“… … .”

Iren slowly looked at Serpina’s expression.

Her expression… … It was cold.

However, I felt like I could strangely sense human warmth in that cold expression.

Why did she-

Did he really show off himself and Swen to Rin?

at that time.

“What are you thinking like that?”

“Yes? ah… … Well, that is.”

Iren lowered her head and made an expression of regret.

Serpina asked with her eyes slightly closed, as if she was okay.

“It looks like you don’t understand my actions.”

“I wouldn’t dare say that I don’t understand my lord’s actions, right?”

“Isn’t it an individual’s freedom to think about the monarch they serve? That kind of attention doesn’t really matter. In fact, seeing Rin being tormented to this extent would make you think it was terrible.”

“That’s not it-”

“Just.”

Serpina slowly opened her eyes, then looked at Irene and said.

“I will admit that my personal interests were involved.”

“Are you saying this out of selfish interest?”

“Okay. I am… … I can’t possibly forgive Rin’s choice.”

Forgiveness?

I wonder if there is a deep rift between the two, and even though they are monarchs of enemy countries, they seem to have no personal grudges, so I wonder if there is something I don’t know about…

“If you say it’s a choice… … ?”

As soon as I carefully asked the question.

Serpina answered as if she had been waiting, looking into Iren’s purple eyes.

“The choice to abandon you.”

“… … !”

“She put you in danger and even tried to take your life. Shouldn’t she also know the consequences of her decision? As a bonus, they must be very heartbroken because they lost the miracle wizard who once blocked our army’s large force with magical power. But.”

Serpina slightly clenched her fist.

A dry and cold voice filled this space where only Irene and Serpina existed.

“I simply could not forgive. Irene, without even thinking about how you felt… … The way he lives his life as he pleases and shamelessly. That’s why I specially invited you and Swen here. To remind her that her foolish decision had irreversible consequences.”

“Master… … .”

As for Irene, how did she feel… … I felt purely grateful to her.

Serpina was angry at Rin. Not the ceremonial anger towards the opponent waging a war between nations, but a slightly more personal anger.

And the reason she is angry… … It was because of myself.

“I… … I really, really hate people who abandon people like that, people who swear loyalty to them.”

Serpina said that, then sighed briefly and spoke again briefly without showing any emotion on her face.

“Saddam was long. Anyway, let me express my gratitude for tuning in to Yeo’s rhythm. It must not have been such a pleasant thing for you to see your old master.”

“No, my lord… … Thank you for your consideration.”

Irene bowed her head and said hello.

If there was one thing that hadn’t changed since leaving Lin, it was her absolute loyalty to Swen.

but… … In a corner of my heart, gratitude toward Serpina was clearly blooming.

I thought that if it weren’t for Swen, I wouldn’t have served Serpina, but ironically, I knew full well that if it wasn’t for Swen, I would never have met Serpina.

Because she was a vicious tyrant. Because she was a cunning witch who harmed the peace of the continent.

“… … .”

Serpina was lost in thought.

Was it really his good intention to help Irene?

If you ask me if I was only thinking about her… … That’s probably a lie.

It wasn’t completely false. It was true that I was filled with anger towards Lin Brans for treating Irene like that.

but-

If it were only for that, I wouldn’t have thought of trampling on Rin like this.

After laughing bitterly at her hypocrisy, she thinks of the being she truly wants to obtain.

Swen. The white-haired wizard I kept seeing in my dreams. A man believed to have the power of ‘mind’s eye’.

A person who gives an attraction that cannot be explained in words.

Since Swen seemed to have a special regard for Irene, it was inevitable that Iren would soon become a special person to Serpina.

‘Swen. Opening sincerity. If I can get you into my hands, I can do anything.’

Although now, I unconsciously call her ‘Serpina-sama’.

One day, if he can push away the nameless person who remains in his heart and become the only ‘master’… …

Serpina, who had lived her life thinking only about unifying the continent, had another purpose.

* * *

On the way back after concluding an alliance.

Farfalle approached the soldier pulling the carriage and carefully asked a question.

“What is your condition?”

“It is the same. You didn’t say anything… … You haven’t eaten and are drinking only the minimum amount of water.”

“Is that so… … .”

After fainting while crying out for Swen, after coming to my senses-

Rin was passing the time quietly, not saying anything, as if he were a wreck.

No matter how much I tried to talk to him, there was no answer at all, and even if I asked for instructions, there was no answer.

Those lively eyes had long since become dull.

Therefore, it was the responsibility of Farfalle, the national envoy, to coordinate the return process and give instructions to the delegation.

Fortunately, Farfalle’s reputation within Brans County was not bad, so everyone accepted her instructions without any hesitation.

‘You’re just heartbroken and shocked right now. You were so sad about losing Swen. but… … If you go back and achieve proper results, you will definitely return to the old Rin.’

All Farfalle could do was think as positively as possible and prepare for the future.

One day, I continued to head south day and night, thinking about ways to fight against the Hesna army.

A soldier approached Farfalle and spoke cautiously.

“Farfalle. I think I need to change my return route.”

“Is there any reason?”

With a troubled expression on his face, the soldier reported the facts unfolding before his eyes.

The ‘fact’ that has already happened.

“That… … The valley at the shortest distance was blocked by rocks, as if there had been a landslide… … Unfortunately, I think I’ll have to go back.”

“Is that so?”

Why now?

We need to return to Annell Castle as soon as possible and reorganize the southern front… … I had the same thought for a moment, but there was no way to do anything about what had already happened.

“… … All right. Let’s change the route.”

“Yes.”

Just like that, Farfalle picked up her pace and went back a little farther than when she brought Rin, who had lost all motivation, with her.

A road blocked by a landslide.

To Mr. Brands, this ‘fact’ was just a nuisance that took up time.

*

but.

That ‘fact’ began to take on a completely different meaning somewhere other than Brans County.