Ch.374Chapter 374. Time Flows Equally for Everyone (1)

“Are you asking me to recruit people?”

“Yes. We’re recruiting people to serve in our army. Since they’re not famous individuals, it’s unlikely we’ll gather exceptionally talented people… but right now we need every person we can get, and sometimes pearls can be hidden in the sand.”

Despite saying that, I didn’t expect this to mobilize S-class—no, A-class… or even B-class generals.

It was the same in the game. This kind of “random recruitment” would yield C-class generals at best if you were extremely lucky.

It was a command that typically gathered only similar-looking D to E-class mob generals who were awkward to assign anything beyond internal affairs, making it better not to do it if you were concerned about paying salaries.

But for Serpina’s current army.

With some accumulated funds and vast territory but lacking generals, this would certainly be helpful.

“I see. So your insight shows that random recruitment targeting the Einhart territory and its surroundings is the most efficient path?”

True to her understanding of my abilities, Serpina asked exactly the right question.

Good. After a long time, let me input the ruler’s question.

‘Is random general recruitment centered on Einhart Castle the most efficient approach?’

As always, the answer came quickly—

[It’s the most efficient option at this point, relatively speaking.]

“…Huh?”

Despite having input countless questions before, I was slightly taken aback by this unfamiliar wording and quickly recalled the sentence again.

It’s the most efficient, but with that “relatively speaking” qualifier.

Relatively the best… judging by the nuance, is there some issue with efficiency?

Or could it be…?

“Well? What have you concluded after thinking about it?”

“…Ah.”

Serpina’s voice pulled me out of my wave of thoughts.

“This does seem to be the most efficient method. However…”

“However?”

“There’s something that concerns me slightly. But it might not be a significant issue.”

The phrase “relatively speaking” bothered me, but what mattered was that this remained the most efficient approach.

If so, we should proceed with it.

“Very well. I’ll do as you suggest. I’ll issue the proclamation immediately.”

* * *

Soon after, Serpina’s proclamation was issued throughout Einhart Castle and the surrounding territories.

The main content was that regardless of age or status, anyone who wished to work would be given the opportunity to serve as a warrior in Serpina’s army.

Naturally, quite a number of people gathered. For those without fame or foundation, this could be a great opportunity for advancement.

Most of the recruited personnel were very young.

Of course, not a single one showed exceptional abilities or extraordinary talent… but given their youth, I thought it would be appropriate to consider that they could be developed to a certain level.

After all, there was no need to use outstanding people for internal affairs management.

One surprising thing, however—was that all the numerous people who came to Serpina’s army mentioned me.

“I’ve heard much about Lord Swen’s reputation.”

“I want to learn under Lord Swen! Please allow me!”

“Reading military strategy books has been my hobby since childhood. Someday I hope to discuss current affairs with Lord Swen.”

‘How do they all know my name and come looking for me…?’

I was about to think that I hadn’t done anything particularly noticeable… but then stopped myself.

Not noticeable? Who was I kidding?

The position of national strategist for Serpina’s army, which controlled the most powerful territory on the continent, would be noticeable even if an ant sat in it.

While my name was mentioned most frequently, I wasn’t the only one they talked about.

“My life’s goal is to become an excellent female knight like Lady Irene!”

“I think I’ve succeeded in ‘reading mana’… Please let me meet Lady Reika just once!”

“I want to fight alongside Ian, the pride of our academy! I’m ready for orders anytime!”

After several rebellions, the number of talented people remaining in Serpina’s army had significantly decreased.

…However, looking at the situation, this seemed to have conversely brought a great deal of attention.

“What are the results, my lord?”

“After filtering through those who met our standards, we were able to recruit about 68 people.”

Sixty-eight people.

Not bad. No, this was quite successful.

Usually, the average was about 3-4 people recruited at once… I never thought so many would be commissioned.

Besides, although we called this random recruitment, we weren’t actually taking just anyone.

In the game it was portrayed as taking anyone, but in reality, one couldn’t be employed as a general without passing minimum standards.

That means there must have been many more applicants.

“What will you do, Swen? Would you like to check the list?”

“No, that’s fine. When it comes to utilizing talent, I intend to thoroughly follow my lord’s wishes.”

“I appreciate your trust, but I’m curious about your reasoning.”

I was about to give the clichéd response that Serpina was unmatched in her ability to judge people.

But seeing her tilt her head slightly, I simply wanted to be honest in a different way.

“If I don’t trust the person I love, who would I trust?”

“…!!!!!”

Serpina’s pupils dilated and her face flushed as if she’d heard something completely unexpected—

Then she cleared her throat and said:

“…Somehow, my trust in you seems to be diminishing day by day.”

“What? Why would your trust decrease when I’m showing faith in you?”

“I’ve heard that men who treat women… like that are not to be trusted.”

After saying that, she turned her head away with even her nose turning bright red.

It was amusing. She could casually tell me things like needing to produce an heir or showing me the pleasures of a woman’s body.

Yet when I spoke, she showed such a girlish reaction…

Honestly, I found it incredibly endearing.

* * *

A few days after appointing the internal affairs officers.

Einhart Castle was quickly regaining stability.

It had originally been a sufficiently developed city, and there was almost no destruction during Al Kaski’s rebellion.

It was only natural that things would return to normal, as the city hadn’t lost its potential—it had simply not been functioning properly due to lack of people.

In the mornings, I assisted Serpina, and in the afternoons, I spent time with Reika.

The biggest change was—

“…”

“Ugh… I’m, I’m sorry for sweating so much…”

Somehow, Reika and I had naturally started holding hands.

It began with something trivial. When she almost fell on the street, I grabbed her hand and barely managed to support her.

Afterward, I was about to let go of her hand… but Reika, with a serious face, said “I’d like you to hold my hand.”

It wasn’t difficult, and I didn’t particularly mind, so I agreed…

Somehow, walking hand in hand every day had become part of our daily routine.

“How are things lately? Like reading mana and such.”

“It’s, it’s much better…! I’ve been meditating a lot. Thinking about the time I spent with you, Lord Swen… has calmed my mind.”

“How is the Great Library of Einhart?”

“I heard the rebels occupied it at one point, but fortunately it seems no books were lost.”

Our conversations weren’t particularly substantial.

Just simple things like asking about each other’s day or checking on health.

Still, somehow… it felt like it soothed something in my heart.

Holding her hand, listening to her chattering voice… it made me feel warm inside, thinking that I had made the right decision to commit myself to this path.

For the time being, I spent my days focusing on internal affairs at Einhart Castle.

* * *

And—

Time, as always, flowed equally for everyone.

“It appears that a castle under Brigade Commander Irene’s command now shares a border with the Lunarian army.”

“I see.”

When I heard the report from Ian, who was overseeing the occupation forces in place of Irene who had been promoted to brigade commander, I thought: finally, it’s happening.

As the Brans army withdrew their troops and supplies to Anel Castle, the Lunarian army occupied all the empty cities—

And with that, we now apparently shared a border with the Lunarian army.

What this meant was very simple.

Now, if I wanted to—I could return to the Lunarian army at any time.

Of course, I had no intention of doing so.

I was a bit worried, but—

‘…Lord Ginor will explain things properly.’

Ginor was a smart person. He would have more than understood the true meaning behind my indirect words.

So I thought there was no need to worry too much… until one day.

A messenger from Irene in the central part of the continent arrived.