episode_0118

As soon as the words ‘going back is the right answer’ were uttered, the audience immediately became agitated.

Anyone can see that Serpina’s army is overwhelming.

The Brans army was struggling, and the Aicious army looked like they could win someday if they put pressure on them with quantity.

Well, in reality, it might be possible if you press it without thinking about the damage this side will suffer, but it will take enough time.

Entering the Central Continent must be a long-awaited project for the Serpina Army.

It wouldn’t be surprising if most of the military officers working under her thought they didn’t want to get sick of the situation that seemed like a genius opportunity.

So, I understand their perspective.

Of course, I have no intention of accepting it.

The only thing I had to convince was my lord, Serpina.

After hearing what I said, she asked back in a dry tone, without much change in her expression, just like she did with other military officers.

“I want to hear the reason.”

“It is certainly an encouraging situation to successfully advance into the Central Continent, but I suspect that our soldiers are quite fatigued due to repeated battles. I think now is the time to take the time to solidify the borders of the territories we have currently acquired.”

“Is that the whole reason you say that the soldiers are tired?”

No way.

If that were the case, I wouldn’t have said this.

“If the benefits from the invasion are greater, I would also say that it would be better to continue the invasion, but there are currently two places we can advance into. It’s either Brans County or Aceers County. I think we have concluded the conversation with General Irian just now about why we have to invade Zellstrom Castle and not Lacline Castle, and why we cannot attack Zellstrom Castle.”

“Well. I want to hear an explanation from your mouth?”

I tried to ignore it, but Serpina kept asking me persistently.

All of this is a test… … Is that so?

Since this has already been said, it will be enough to respond appropriately.

“Acquiring Lacline Castle increases the front line, so it makes sense to occupy Zellstrom Castle, but from our military’s perspective, there is currently no sure way to breach Zellstrom Castle.”

“Okay. Thank you for organizing it again.”

She said that and smiled faintly again.

That smile… … It was a smile that was difficult to describe in just one word.

It’s not a piecemeal sentiment like arrogance or being intoxicated with the power to move me according to one’s will –

It was a smile that was satisfying to reaffirm something, ‘I knew it would be like this from the beginning.’

Of all the lords I’ve met so far, reading their facial expressions was the most difficult.

“And next, Mr. Brands. This too, from the conversation just now, led to the conclusion that ‘it would be better to leave Brans as is.’ In that case, we should just give up on neatly expanding the border here.”

“Then, there is something I want to ask you.”

“What is it?”

“If the territory of Brans County is not adjacent to another country, wouldn’t our army be able to occupy it? Rather, I wonder if not properly conquering Brans’s army might be leaving us with trouble in the future? As just mentioned, even if complete conquest is impossible, don’t you think there is enough room to gain one or two more territories?”

I felt sorry for Serpina, but I didn’t feel any sincerity in what I said.

This is literally a test. Are you curious about what kind of answer I give?

“No. In order to prevent Branth’s army from reorganizing, no more territories should be acquired.”

“Why?”

“The Brans Army is currently almost depleted of young resources that can be recruited into its territory. It will be difficult to recruit many soldiers for the time being. In this situation, if the territory is compressed, it is highly likely that it will provide a foundation for Brans’s comeback.”

“In other words, you are saying that it is reasonable to leave it as is because the current territory is territory that Brans County itself cannot digest?”

“Master, don’t you know this?”

Wasn’t that Serpina-kun’s policy in the first place?

As I lowered my head thinking, “I’m asking this question knowingly,” she let out a cold laugh again.

wonderfully… … Although it is clearly sarcastic, it is a laugh that does not offend people that much.

If Lynn Brans had laughed similarly, I don’t think it would have been very pleasant to receive it.

“In that case, I will summarize it finally. Swen. Your opinion is, ‘The most efficient way is to stop further invasions and return to the capital, Eingart Castle,’ right?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

So far.

Based on the imagination, ‘If I were Serpina,’ I organized the actions I would have taken according to the current situation.

I think it’s the right answer, but… … Still, I guess I’ll try to get an answer soon.

‘Is it the most efficient way to stop the invasion and return to the capital?’

As expected, as soon as I entered the information, the ‘correct answer’ was printed out without notice.

[Yes.]

‘Whew.’

I breathed a sigh of relief.

I had a feeling that my senses had not yet rusted, and if something strange had come out here, I did not have the confidence to persuade Serpina right away.

Through conversations with Irian Al Kaski and other military officers, I was able to see that Serpina was the type of person who could not be persuaded at all unless she always had an accurate basis when listening to advice.

She wouldn’t move unless she was convinced, so saying ‘I thought about it, that’s the right answer anyway’ didn’t work.

Anyway, until Luna raised her army, I had to live without any trouble as much as possible.

To do that, the easiest way was to prove to Serpina that I was a useful person.

“I am sure so.”

“Hoo. Confidence, this is it.”

“Yes. I’m sure. Although it is not just for that reason, I think that is the only answer when considering all the circumstances.”

At my assurance-like voice, she raised the corners of her mouth as if amused.

It doesn’t matter if you’re sure. From the standpoint of the prediction that said [yes], what is there to be afraid of?

There was no harm in leaving her with the impression that ‘what I say is absolutely right’.

That moment.

Serpina stood up from her seat, looked at everyone, and opened her mouth.

“Everyone, you heard everything, right? I understand your desire to continue fighting, but now is not the time. Acquiring a large number of territories does not necessarily determine victory or defeat in a war. Now is the time to leave the battle behind for a while and reorganize the battle lines again.”

After saying that, he looked at my face and stretched out his white hand.

It’s really funny – the way she looked at me with her arms slightly raised made me feel like she was a goddess giving baptism.

“Swen. You are the first person to express an opinion that perfectly matches my thoughts. I would like to say thank you for saying what I needed to say.”

In the end, did Serpina also think that she should inherit the military from the beginning?

Since my brain with 100 intelligence points said that was correct, it would be safe to say that Serpina also has a good head.

Well, Serpina was a superhuman with all stats except politics being equally high.

I may not have known it when the CPU caught it, but when the user caught it, no matter how beginners were, I felt like I could understand why they could easily see the ending of continent unification once they got used to the game to some extent.

“and.”

Serpina’s gaze, which was looking at me, immediately turned to the other officers.

“Yeo is not the type of person to inquire about the past of those who can give sincere advice for her at this moment.”

“… … !!”

And then I-

I realize why Serpina went through with this ‘test’.

“You all know that the rightful ruler of this country, and indeed of this continent, is I, Serpina von Eingart, who inherits Eingart’s blood. The will of Yeo is the will of the nation. And now, I myself am saying, ‘I don’t pry into the past.’”

Everyone listened to her quietly, holding their breath.

No one had any intention of saying something, and they were overwhelmed by her energy.

“It doesn’t just apply to Swen. No matter who is here right now, I will never abandon those who are loyal to me at this moment. Isn’t there anyone foolish enough to not understand what I’m saying right now?”

she is-

… … He cared about me in his own way.

By asking the reason, he saved my face in front of everyone and took my side by saying, ‘If I have the ability, I will leave the past behind.’

Anyway, I was a person who had already changed my master three times.

Even if it doesn’t count because the country was ruined during the Lunarien era, didn’t he betray Rin?

Of course, she was abandoned by Yuuri first, but this time, Irene betrayed her.

From the perspective of someone else who has no way of knowing the details of the situation, the two of us will only appear to be faithless generals who change the monarch as they please.

It seems that the reason why I thought the way they looked at me and Irene was strange wasn’t just because they were wary of new faces.

And, there was no way Serpina, who seemed to be quick-witted, would not have noticed that gaze.

Just then, my gaze met her golden eyes.

Strangely, I feel warmth in a very cold face with no change in expression.

I could tell.

-I will protect you and Irene.

She was saying that to me now.

‘ha.’

After letting out a short sigh, I finally admitted it.

From my perspective, who was not treated very well by the monarchs except Luna, I couldn’t help but admit that each of her actions seemed quite dangerous.

“For me… … Swen, your gaze remains. The way you look at me.”

‘The gaze remains… … .’

Even if all of this was simply a calculated action, it still shook my heart.

‘If this is the case, I really need to come to my senses.’

Where I should be is not by Serpina’s side.

It’s by Runarien’s side, who will definitely show up someday.

As long as I made that promise to her, and as long as the ‘prediction’ continues to hold – that fact will never change.

… … It had to be that way.

*

When I was getting used to living in the separate building, Serpina came into the room for the first time in a while.

“Welcome, my lord.”

Serpina looked at me without answering in particular.

Although it was an action that made me feel like I was being ignored depending on the situation, I didn’t feel strangely bad or anything.

I wondered if that was her charm as a human being. In fact, she had a very high attractiveness level.

“Get ready to leave.”

“Are you leaving today?”

“Yes.”

Even though I was ready to leave, I didn’t really have anything to pack.

The 7900 gold I brought for diplomatic purposes, the carriage I rode on, and the minimum number of soldiers to escort the carriage returned to Balharat Castle with Anima.

“Just in case, I am asking, where am I going?”

Serpina, who heard those words, looked straight into my eyes and said.

“You will go to Eingart Castle with me.”