episode_0164

*

After a while.

The purge of traitors was carried out on a large scale.

In fact, there was circumstantial evidence showing that Zenith often hung out with them, and even though he was aware that they were plotting treason, he could have been questioned for not immediately reporting the crime, so there was a possibility that the Al Kaski family would be put in a very dangerous situation –

Considering that I provided crucial evidence for this case, I was able to avoid being exterminated, and I was able to avoid anger by being lightly detained in prison for about 3 months.

Three months of imprisonment could not be considered punishment for Serpina, who would never forgive those even slightly involved in treason, so Zenith also seemed to calmly accept her situation rather than raise an objection.

In a way, it was as if I had changed the future that had been set for me.

So, after he was taken to prison-

“Thank you so much, Swen.”

“I will also show my respect. If it weren’t for you, I would have been in real trouble.”

In front of the Al Kaski family’s mansion, Irene, Reika, and I were repeatedly receiving thank yous from Irian and Ioline.

“As I said, I am satisfied that I was able to nip the treason in the bud, so you don’t have to worry too much.”

“That’s not true. How should I repay this favor? … Irene also received great grace this time. I will never forget this.”

Iren spoke in an indifferent tone to Irian, who repeatedly bowed to her to show respect.

“Like Swen said, there’s nothing to worry about. I just did what I had to do.”

“We know that it is something we have to do, but it is also true that it has been a blessing to us. I learned early on not to become a person who forsakes the grace of my Father.”

Actually, from Irian’s perspective, I would like to say thank you again and again.

Even though he didn’t intend it, his younger brother’s foolish behavior would have led to the family’s extinction.

In any case, this proved that the reason they were not in my memory was because they had long since disappeared.

“I will never forget this grace. Please take a look.”

” Stay healthy, Swen.”

After saying my final goodbyes to Irian and Ioline.

On the way back, I implicitly asked Irene a question.

“When do you think you can enter the mansion?”

“I think I’ll probably be able to go in soon. Because all necessary procedures have been completed.”

“Really? It’s not long until we can be together again.”

“… … Yes.”

Irene blushed and nodded.

Reika, who was quietly following me, looked at me with a smile on her face and said.

“I can stay with you too… … happy. lol… … .”

I see

Is Reika living with her too?

Since the mansion is large, each person will be assigned their own room… … Anyway, the three of them ended up in a cohabitation relationship.

‘Because we’ve been apart so far, we haven’t had a chance, but it’s about time we started talking.’

Reika and I were the only ones who had formal marriage talks at the moment.

Of course, there was no way to contact Reika’s father, Jinor… … Considering that he was the one who proposed marriage talks in the first place and that he had attached Reika to me, I knew what he meant without even asking.

Then, now only Reika’s will remains.

If Reika says she wants to marry me… … .

‘It wouldn’t be a bad idea to seriously propose to Irene first.’

It’s not that I don’t like Reika, but I hoped that Irene would be the first bride.

The first person I thought of wanting to marry was Irene, and no matter what, she only believed in me and changed monarchs twice to follow me.

So, I spend my time safely in Serpina County, and when Luna raises an army, I go over to that side.

Now that the problem with Zenith that had been bothering me was resolved, I felt that there was no better life plan than this.

Now that Irene has become the second-in-command of the occupying force, the moment will come when she will have to go to war, but in any case, as long as I have the right guess, I am confident that I can save her, and Serphina is also relatively resilient compared to the previous monarchs – Rin and Yuuri. Because I was listening well.

… … Of course, these days, there is no one who is obsessed with me beyond being a good listener, but I thought that it was much better from the point of view of a strategist giving advice to be obsessed with the monarch than to have an intense relationship with him.

“Then, I will send someone soon.”

“Yes. I’ll be waiting. It will take a while for me to go through the process of moving out of the accommodation anyway.”

“Yes. then… … I’ll be waiting until that day. Go in carefully, Swen.”

“See you again, Swen… … !”

After saying hello to the two women, I returned to my dorm.

When I entered my room, the empty room with a bunk bed gave me a strangely lonely feeling.

The time I spent with Zenith-senior and Ioline wasn’t such a bad time.

As someone who will one day leave Serpina Army, having someone as talented as Irian will definitely be of great help to her.

Although he was not a general so outstanding that he could change the course of the battlefield, it was clear that he made military achievements in the war against the Brans army.

At that time, I was thinking that I wouldn’t have to feel indebted to her at this level-

‘… … huh?’

Only then did I notice a piece of paper stuck near the door.

I picked it up and checked the contents… …

*

[This is a call from the lord. Swen, please head to the royal castle as soon as you check this note.]

‘What’s happening again?’

After going back and forth so much, the road from the lodgings to Eingart Castle felt quite familiar.

On the way, I thought about why she called me.

‘Are you asking for advice on how to deal with traitors?’

But that’s right, for the sake of national discipline, there was no other way than to kill all those involved, as had been done so far.

As rebellion continued to occur, it seemed unlikely that the problem would be solved even if appeasement was used.

I don’t know the details, but Serpina’s karma seemed to be very deep and heavy, and that karma seemed to be what turned her into a tyrant.

Even though he was running the government well, taking care of each and every general, it was even more so when he saw that rebellions continued to occur.

‘No matter what, you need to be on her side in moderation.’

In order for me to act freely within Serpina County, I needed her trust more than anything else.

As time went on, I felt like she was becoming more obsessed with me… … As I thought before, it was much more beneficial for me to use and obsess over me properly when someone like Yuuri couldn’t use me properly.

With that in mind, I arrived in front of the royal palace gate.

As soon as one of the soldiers saw me, he saluted and asked:

“Are you Swen by any chance?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“My lord asked me to come to the villa’s reception room. If I tell you this, you will know.”

Is it something you often call a vacation home?

‘Serpina really likes that place.’

In my opinion, it was nothing more or less than an old mansion with a dreary feel.

Is it some kind of special place for her?

After giving a proper greeting to the soldier, I walked towards the villa.

*

When I arrived at the villa, I opened the door, went in, and headed to the living room.

“You’re here, Swen. Now, sit here.”

She smiled and welcomed me.

Whether it was the tone of voice or the slightly red face, it felt different from Serpina’s usual self.

The cause was easy to determine.

On the table, there was a wine glass filled with red wine.

“Master, I don’t know if I dare say this, but excessive drinking is harmful to the body.”

“You’re not a weak person who faints after just a few drinks?”

“… … Please excuse me.”

I sat down opposite Serpina and looked at her face.

… … Without realizing it, my eyes kept turning to her lips.

‘… … .’

My first kiss tasted like citron.

From then on, I didn’t say anything special, so I just stayed quiet as if nothing had happened… … However, it was impossible for something that really happened to turn out to be nothing.

We kissed each other, and I heard her say something similar to courtship.

Seeing her slightly drunk and somewhat relaxed… … Memories of that time came back to me again, and I felt like I was becoming depressed.

In times like this, a good thing would be to change the topic.

“Why did you call me?”

“Does the monarch necessarily need a reason to call his subordinate general?”

“That’s not necessarily the case, but we are basically here to be of use to our lord-”

“Just.”

Serpina interrupted me, then looked straight into my eyes and spoke in a serious tone without any hint of playfulness.

“I missed you, Swen.”

“… … !”

“Because I miss you… … I called.”

Serpina’s slightly intoxicated expression as she said that looked very lonely.

There was no sign that he was joking or looked down on me at all.

This woman, really… … Did you just call me because you missed me?

I remember something that happened a few days ago. The words she said to me.

It’s always been like that… … Serpina was truly the type of person who was difficult to read.

I silently took a glass from the cupboard and took a seat across from her.

“Master. I don’t know what’s going on, but I can at least be your drinking buddy for the day. If there is anything you want to discuss, I will listen, so please feel free to share it.”

“… … Can you do something other than just being a drinking buddy?”

“Isn’t it obvious? It’s my job to follow my master’s orders.”

“That’s a good thing to hear. I don’t really like people who only make flashy opening statements. Are you ready?”

Seeing her smiling while saying that made me feel at ease without realizing it.

“Of course.”

but.

Without hesitation, she started saying things I could never have imagined.

“Really? Then I guess I have no choice but to try it.”

Serpina lightly traced her lips with her finger-

She spoke to me in a very seductive voice, not that of a monarch, but of a woman.

“Swen. I will stay by your side tonight.”