Ch.225Chapter 225. Decision, and Decision (1)

* * *

As I was leaving the royal palace, I encountered a now-familiar face.

Irian Al Caski.

A tall, black-haired lance knight who was one of the few people in Serpina’s army with whom I maintained a relatively close relationship.

“It seems you’ve just had an audience with our lord? You’ve worked hard, Lord Swen.”

I slowly nodded my head in response.

“Not at all. If anything, you’re the one who’s worked hard coming all the way to the capital.”

“I merely did what was expected of me. It’s nothing deserving of thanks.”

Since Irian’s report had been included in the briefing I’d just received, we had already discussed matters moments ago.

“Come to think of it, there’s something I forgot to ask earlier.”

“What is it?”

“When do you think the Strategist will return to the capital?”

“It’s been quite some time since I last saw her… I imagine she’ll return to the capital soon, but I can’t say for certain.”

“I see…”

Hearing my words, Irian placed his hand on my shoulder.

“It seems you’ve been working hard filling in for that position.”

“Well, it’s better than sitting around doing nothing.”

“Let me tell you something.”

Irian spoke with an extremely serious expression.

“I believe you would make an excellent National Strategist.”

“Haha, Sir Irian. Even if you flatter me like this, there’s nothing I can offer you in return.”

“No. I’m being sincere.”

Irian spoke earnestly, without a hint of playfulness in his tone.

“Lady Jenna certainly has insight… but truthfully, she doesn’t possess abilities that surpass our lord. Of course, our lord is exceptionally extraordinary… But Swen, you possess a remarkableness that can’t be found even in our lord. Though I haven’t lived that long, I can clearly see that you are no ordinary person.”

I slowly bowed my head and said:

“I’m still lacking. I appreciate your high evaluation, but I believe the most ideal arrangement is for Lady Jenna, who has steadily guided state affairs until now, to assist Lady Serpina at her side. Besides, our lord would likely feel burdened if someone with too strong a personality were by her side.”

“So you at least acknowledge that you have a strong personality?”

“Excessive modesty can sometimes be unsightly.”

Hearing my words, Irian laughed heartily a few times, then removed his hand from my shoulder and said:

“Swen. I’m convinced that you will become an essential piece for our Serpina army. Please continue to work for our army. I too will prioritize your orders regardless of command hierarchy.”

“Thank you for your words.”

“Well then.”

After sending Irian off.

Only then could I let down my guard and exhale a long sigh.

‘An essential piece… is it?’

Somehow, even apart from Serpina, the number of people viewing me favorably was increasing.

If I had to name reasons, it would be Irene’s achievements and Irian’s protection.

In a situation where influential generals who formed factions were all dying off due to successive rebellions, I had become close with Irene, an outstanding general, and Irian, who already held considerable influence and now formed an even more solid boundary in a situation where there were no longer powerful generals to compete with him for that influence. As a result, the perception of me as a traitor was gradually fading.

The decisive trigger was magic. Everyone knew that I played a crucial role in Reika’s appointment. After all, I was the one who fought alongside her.

In reality, as the perception of me improved, rumors about what kind of face I used to bewitch Serpina were slowly disappearing.

All things considered, this was definitive evidence that people’s dislike of me had decreased.

I recall once more what I heard when I met Serpina just earlier.

“In whatever form, if you could stay by my side… that would be enough.”

“So.”

“You don’t have to marry me.”

“If you could just stay by my side…”

At some point, I had become indispensable to Serpina.

Regardless of whether this was right or wrong, it was the reality that had unfolded before me.

I ponder Irian’s words and, closing my eyes, ask myself that question again.

‘Will Lunarian Ineanne become the ruler who unifies the continent?’

[Yes.]

‘…It’s still fine for now.’

Lady Serpina, who would likely fall apart if I were to leave.

And Lady Luna, the ruler of the country to which I will eventually return.

For these two people, what I can do is…

* * *

“So you’re saying you’ll stay here for the time being?”

“Yes.”

That night.

After finishing dinner, I briefly explained the situation to Reika and Irene.

What I announced was my future whereabouts.

Though not particularly grand, I explained that I wouldn’t immediately return to Lunarian’s army but would remain with Serpina’s army.

Irene thought for a while, then took a sip of the black tea she had poured and said:

“Is Lady Luna alright with this?”

“What do you mean?”

“Unless you’re operating in secret, Lady Luna will hear news that you’re here… If you continue not to visit her, might she misunderstand? Perhaps sending a letter would be—”

“No. As long as I belong to Serpina’s army, there’s nothing good about exchanging letters with someone who has become the ruler of another country.”

It wasn’t particularly wise to do things that might make others suspicious.

I could only predict responses to questions I received; I didn’t have the ability to detect dangerous situations in advance.

There was no need to increase variables and fan the flames of danger.

“Well, that’s true.”

“Besides, it’ll be fine without such things. Lady Luna will understand.”

Because she has always believed in me.

I remember her eyes that steadfastly believed in me even when no one else did.

Lady Luna… will surely be fine.

“Well, as I’ve said before, I merely follow your will, Swen.”

“I, I also… don’t know the details, but I think Lord Swen’s decision is right… After all, I haven’t properly repaid Lady Serpina for her kindness yet…”

Reika also nodded in agreement.

I felt a bit sorry toward Lady Luna for not returning immediately…

But as I thought earlier, with Ginor there, she should be able to manage somehow. Even if I went down right now, since she was destined to unify the continent, everything would work in her favor anyway, so there might not be much I could do directly.

Right now, staying by Lady Serpina’s side and assisting her.

I still believed this decision was for Lady Luna’s benefit.

“I’m glad you both agree. Especially you, Reika, since you don’t know the details… Are you really okay without an explanation?”

Hearing my words, Reika carefully nodded and said:

“Anyway… I decided to follow Lord Swen. I’m just thinking about helping Lord Swen and Lady Irene… so it’s fine.”

Irene knows who Lunarian is. She has even met her directly.

But Reika doesn’t. She doesn’t even properly know why we should return to Lunarian’s army.

It would be natural for her to have questions, but it was quite like her not to ask them.

“I understand. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. Hehe…”

I gently patted Reika’s head as she laughed shyly.

She accepted my touch without resistance.

At times like this, I thought she had dog-like qualities.

She enjoyed being petted and was faithful to the words of the person she followed.

At that moment.

“Um… Swen.”

“Yes?”

Irene, who was sitting beside me, was staring at me with a slightly flushed face.

“Well… um… uh…”

I easily understood her intention and said with a smile:

“Lady Irene, come here too.”

“…”

She silently brought her head closer to me.

I raised my hand and gently stroked her red hair.

The feel of the silver circlet she always wore reminded me once again that I was patting Lady Irene’s head.

“Lady Irene. Thank you for your hard work today as well.”

“Mm.”

She responded with a faint smile, closing her eyes and slightly swaying her head as if to focus on my touch.

Now as before, Lady Irene was someone who couldn’t hide her emotions well.

It made me wonder how such a person had endured such harsh humiliation under Lynn.

‘…’

Suddenly, Lady Luna’s face came to mind.

I had promised to return to her. I had also promised to give her the world. I still had no intention of breaking that promise.

After all, the reason I was staying by Lady Serpina’s side was ultimately for Lady Luna’s path to ruling the world.

What was certain, however, was that I didn’t want to exclude her… Lady Serpina… from this process.

I didn’t want to create a world solely for Lady Luna while excluding Serpina as a person.

I didn’t want to abandon her as she whimpered that she hadn’t killed anyone.

‘There must be a good path.’

If there was even the slightest possibility, I would walk that path.

Nevertheless, I believed this path would ultimately be right for Lady Luna as well.

After all, Lady Serpina needed to maintain her throne for Lady Luna to become the unifying ruler.

Then what I had was the time until Lady Luna pacified the southern continent.

During that time, I planned to find a way somehow.

A path that would keep my promise to Lady Luna while not betraying Lady Serpina.

It seemed impossible, but perhaps with my… with an intellect of 100, a path that seemed nonexistent might open up.

For a future where both Lady Luna and Lady Serpina could smile.

It will be fine.

Lady Luna is someone who believes in me, so it will be fine.

‘Lady Luna. Please trust me and wait just a little longer. I’ll somehow… try my best.’

And so I sent my wish skyward—

Hoping it would reach my lord.

‘Take care, Lady Luna.’

Until the day we meet again…

Please, stay well.