Ch.400Chapter 400. It’s Okay Not to Try Harder

As the Lunarian army’s relentless offensive continued—

The war, at first glance, appeared to be nothing more than a stalemate.

Well, just as it had been until now—on the surface, it seemed like the two nations were locked in a back-and-forth struggle, evenly matched against each other.

But looking at the conclusion, the fact that our forces were continuously being pushed back hadn’t changed at all.

This was, yes.

It felt as if something governing this world was strongly insisting that predetermined fate couldn’t be defied—

All I could do was choose “the least worst” options and respond in ways that would make Serpina’s army collapse as slowly as possible, with no better means available.

‘Just continuing to be dragged along like this won’t solve anything.’

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say I’d done almost everything possible during this time.

Whenever I had the chance, I sent letters to Lady Luna suggesting that “Lady Serpina isn’t actually such a villain. We can resolve this through dialogue without needlessly prolonging the war.”

Of course, no replies ever came. Instead, I only received news from messengers that she had sent troops into our territory.

I tried contacting Lord Ginor in various ways too, but he didn’t seem able to come up with any effective solutions either.

While I could be considered part of Serpina’s forces, it would be ridiculous for him, as a member of the Lunarian army, to tell his sovereign to “forgive Serpina.”

Still, this was the only method available now. Ultimately, conquering the continent would be Lady Luna’s role, and all our fates rested in her hands.

Let me confess here.

I knew Lady Serpina would not be able to unify the continent.

Therefore, I had absolutely no intention of preserving the “Serpina Army” to crown her as emperor.

Because it was impossible.

Because my intelligence of 100, which never errs, had repeatedly declared it impossible.

So, my best move now was to end this battle by dissolving Lady Luna’s hatred for Lady Serpina and surrendering to her.

There was no guarantee she would forgive Lady Serpina if we surrendered as things stood.

From the beginning—despite my clearly conveying the message once, the fact that she continued the war made it easy to deduce that Lady Luna had no intention of forgiving Lady Serpina.

In other words.

As Lord Ginor said, even if Lady Luna truly had feelings for me—

There was no guarantee she would readily accept if I asked her to “please forgive Lady Serpina.”

‘How did things become so complicated?’

If even my direct intervention wouldn’t get through to her—

Then what exactly should I do?

While I was lost in these endless worries, time marched steadily forward without waiting for me—

Finally, Lunarian flags were planted in about three-fifths of the continent’s territory.

* * *

Our new base camp was Kelstein Castle.

After consulting with Intelligence 100, we learned that blocking off the remaining territories would be pointless—rather, establishing ourselves here with our remaining forces to block the path to the northern continent would be the most advantageous option for Serpina’s army.

Thanks to this—though it’s ironic to call it that—we could also provide rest to our troops exhausted from repeated battles.

“As ordered, we’ve additionally conscripted 30,000 troops from the northern continent.”

“You’ve worked hard, Swen. How is Einhart Castle faring?”

At Serpina’s question, I slightly bowed my head and replied.

“It has regained peace, but… most of the armed officials seem unable to hide their unease.”

“I see…”

Though they might be nameless novices, they would have joined our Serpina army with dreams of success.

Seeing our forces continuously retreating strategically, they must certainly be quite dismayed.

Until quite recently, the premise that Serpina would unify this continent had felt like an established fact.

‘…It’s fine. There must be a way.’

It would be meaningless for me to lose hope like them.

Trusting my head that only spoke truth, I was contemplating what to do next when—

“…Swen.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Serpina addressed me in a somewhat melancholic voice.

Her appearance was not that of the absolute ruler she usually showed to people… but that of a woman seeking help.

“During this prolonged war, I have followed all of your advice.”

“I know.”

“Your ‘insight’ has always pointed to the correct path.”

“That’s right.”

“And… this is the result.”

“…”

Her words were correct.

Serpina had consulted my opinion on everything from building fortresses to positioning troops before engaging in battle.

Since she knew of my ability, it wasn’t particularly strange that she asked about everything.

However, unlike me who knew everything—as time passed, there must have been something that inevitably felt strange to her.

I deliberately averted my gaze from that fact. I was desperate, believing there must be some solution in between.

But—

It wasn’t something I could hide forever, and Serpina was an extremely wise and intelligent woman.

And, as if to prove that… she organized her thoughts and presented them to me.

“Swen. I’m not trying to blame you. Just… I’ve simply noticed something. Do you know what it is?”

I said nothing—

But Serpina didn’t seem to require an answer, as she calmly revealed what she had perceived.

“Even if your true lord were Lunarian rather than me, you wouldn’t have lied to me at this point. There would be no meaning in doing so. So, you must have continuously presented ‘the choices with the best efficiency.’ And if this is the result… I can’t help but know, even if I don’t want to.”

“Swen. Please answer honestly to the questions I’m about to ask. You can consider it my final request.”

“…Please don’t call it your final request. Then I will answer honestly.”

At my words, Serpina trembled slightly—

Then, she formed a fragile smile on her lips.

“You are truly kind even in moments like this. I can rightfully find meaning in my life for having met you.”

“Well… I have one question, Swen. Can I, Serpina von Einhart, become the ruler of the unified empire that will unify the continent?”

[Impossible.]

The unchanged answer flowed out as it always had.

“…No, you cannot.”

“Then, my second question. Can Lunarian Ineanne become the ruler of the unified empire that will unify the continent?”

‘….’

Indeed.

She had noticed it too.

With closed eyes, I lightly entered the question.

“…Yes, she can.”

“That’s exactly it, Swen.”

Serpina, seeming rather calm now, finally completed a resigned smile on her face.

“I was fighting an impossible war. So… even with your ‘always correct’ advice, I couldn’t overcome this situation and ended up being pushed back this far. Am I wrong, Swen?”

“…”

“As I said earlier, I’m not blaming you. Rather, I know that your decision not to tell me this fact despite knowing it beforehand was also out of consideration for me.”

“I see. I am… a ‘sacrifice’ necessary for Lunarian to usher in a new era.”

“My lord. That’s…”

“I’ve heard, Swen. It seems you’ve been exchanging confidential messages with Lunarian.”

“…You knew?”

“If a strategist is exchanging letters with the ruler of an enemy country, wouldn’t it be problematic if I didn’t know about it?”

“Of course, I know you didn’t intend to harm me. You were probably trying to do something for me, who couldn’t defeat her no matter what. Am I wrong?”

I affirmed with my silence.

She was truly an extraordinary woman to perfectly deduce my actions just from knowing about the letters.

“And the fact that you’ve stayed with me all this time… yes, it must be because Lunarian has no intention of forgiving me. Am I right? Answer honestly, Swen.”

…Nod.

“Yes, my lord. However, she’s merely blinded by anger right now. Lady Luna is someone who can certainly engage in dialogue if approached—”

“Swen.”

At that moment.

Serpina, who had never carelessly interrupted me, firmly cut off my words.

“You don’t need to try any harder.”

“My lord…?”

“I’ve witnessed your efforts from the sidelines. However, I don’t think even you need to go against the foresight of your insight. If you continue to stay by my side, which is destined for destruction… perhaps you too might incur Lunarian’s wrath.”

“Therefore…”

She, with a trembling voice—

Looking straight into my eyes.

“I wish to strip you of all your positions in Serpina’s army.”

“!!!”

“So, return to the side of your true lord who is eagerly waiting for you even now… go back to where you originally belonged. This is my final order.”