episode_0249

no way.

I was so shocked by the thought that came to mind that I became speechless, unable to even properly hide my expression.

“… … Swen?”

Serpina read my mind like a ghost even if I didn’t try to show it.

Moreover, wasn’t it a situation where he couldn’t hide his true feelings at all?

It was no wonder she looked at me with a puzzled expression.

“I… … Please wait a moment. Serpina.”

Instead of answering or retorting what I said, she nodded slowly.

Let’s organize our thoughts.

To confirm that the thought that came to me like a lightning bolt was real, I needed a few pieces.

What question is there that can bring out that ‘piece’?

If there is a question about military strategy that a brain with 100 IQ can answer, but one that I can be sure of my thoughts… …

“… … My lord. Could you please ask whether it would be effective to organize troops right now and provide relief work for plague patients near Kelstein Castle? … Do you have it?”

Kehlstein Castle is near the border. Soldiers might not know this, but it was definitely an action that would be helpful to the residents in our military.

She looks at me with concern as I suddenly ask her a question that I don’t understand, but then she asks the question exactly as I asked, without even questioning it.

“… … What do you think about organizing troops and carrying out relief work for plague patients near Kelstein Castle?”

A brain with intelligence of 100.

As I have done up until now, I just casually convey the position of my country.

[It is a decision that has no benefit whatsoever from all sides.]

–ah.

I felt like I knew now.

Why did such a strange rumor spread about Serpina?

She even made the decision to save Young Ji-min, but why did it seem like the rumor could not be resolved?

Well, it was almost like it was decided when the answer was ‘all aspects’.

If you do something like that. In other words, if the story that Serpina spread such a plague is nothing more than a rumor, and that she is working on humanitarian relief efforts even though the plague has not spread on a large scale in her country, then the reputation of Serpina has worsened. Because there was a chance that things would get better.

If improving the evaluation of the monarch by the people of the territory was beneficial to the country, there was no way such a firm answer could have been given. Moderately ‘not really.’ It must have come out in a euphemistic way.

But the result was as if it had been cut with a knife… …

okay.

My predictions represent the position of my country, not mine.

Four territories were lost. Instead, the Aceers army, which had the potential to grow into a dangerous rival, falls. As a bonus, in a situation where Chell’s army is swept away, a plague breaks out and the central continent is devastated.

‘This wasn’t everything.’

and.

The public sentiment of Serpina, who is the biggest obstacle to our nation’s unification, is ruined by a misunderstanding that seems irreversible.

I felt like I was going to throw up… …

‘This was the result of the prediction… … !!!’

Accept my prediction.

* * *

We stood blankly in the castle for a while without saying anything.

My prediction was that it was the best decision for Serpina-kun, but it was not for the human being Serpina.

Recalling the prediction results that felt like a strong blow to the head, I fell into deep thought again.

‘I was complacent… … ‘Is that what you should think?’

No matter how objectively I tried to think about it, it was in the realm of God, not humans, to notice this.

Blaming yourself rather than others before doing something was certainly a constructive action, but isn’t excessive self-blame always the answer? Like this very moment.

I had to protect Serphina.

It was meaningful to me in two ways.

First of all, it was a way to keep the promise to Luna.

Second, because it was the way to protect Serpina, whom I wanted to protect.

What I meant was that it was none of my business whether a country like Serpina County was getting closer to unifying the continent.

What is the point of sacrificing Serpina to unify this country?

just… … Even though everything didn’t happen to me, I felt unfair.

A monarch who follows the tactician’s efficient plans, the more he tightens his own throat.

I tried so hard. He was a person who was willing to save people, even considering that he would be covered in filth.

The price… … Is this it?

“… … Swen.”

“Ah… … .”

I was barely able to regain my senses when I heard Serpina’s voice coming from a short distance away.

“Master… … ?”

It is only after hearing my voice that I notice it. That I am shaking.

and-

Serpina extends her white hand and lightly strokes my cheek.

No, it’s not a sweep. she is-

“Why are you crying, Swen?”

He was wiping away my tears that I didn’t even notice.

“… … My lord.”

“Why on earth are you looking so sad?”

Because I was consumed by a whirlwind of thoughts, I didn’t even realize what I was doing, and only then was I able to understand my situation.

He asked a question and suddenly made a serious expression… … His body trembled and he shed tears.

I am.

What should I say?

As soon as I realized I was crying.

As soon as I realized that Serpina was approaching my eyes.

Of course, as it should be.

“… … !!!”

I hold the woman in front of me in my arms.

“… … Serpina.”

I am truly fearless.

By hugging his master without speaking or permission, he committed an act of disrespect that would not be surprising if his head fell off right away.

“Serpina, you are not wrong.”

The words boiling in my heart are spoken without refinement.

“Serpina… … I’m not like a tyrant who shouldn’t exist.”

Give strength to the hand holding her.

This means… … I was saying this to myself as well as to her.

“No matter what happens, a monarch who wants to use his position to save people… … Because he can’t be a tyrant.”

“Swen… … .”

She called my name once and then made no reply.

Soon, slowly… … Burying his head into my chest.

Then, he raises his hand and hugs me.

“… … .”

I felt her body shaking.

I sense something hot touching my chest.

she is… … I was crying.

Just as I was crying, she was crying too.

I slowly take her in and lean my face against her head.

It’s warm.

It smells like citron. A scent that warms the heart.

I… … You have to protect her.

At this moment, that was the only thing on my mind. Other than that, it was good. If only I could protect her.

As for why I wanted to hug Serphina at this moment… … Honestly, I didn’t know much.

Even if a few days or even a long time passes, there will probably never be a chance to know exactly how I felt at that time.

Still, I won’t regret this action. Probably even until I die.

After that, we spent time alone, holding each other in our arms, as if the original pieces were reunited.

For me, it was truly fortunate that no one entered the castle.

* * *

time goes by.

Having regained our composure to some extent, Serpina and I sat in a comfortable position, leaning our backs against the pillars of the royal castle.

Even if it were me, if a third party saw her, the monarch, sitting on the floor instead of on the throne, it would be problematic in various ways.

Still, she and I knew very well that such matters of respect were not important right now.

“Swen.”

“Please tell me.”

“This is about the question you asked me just now… … Can you tell me why you asked me to ask that?”

“… … .”

I was troubled for a moment.

If I were to tell her honestly, it would be like saying to her, ‘Serpina-sama is the biggest obstacle to the unification of the Serpina army.’

So, I shamelessly tell lies with my mouth.

“Because it is the most efficient method for our military.”

“… … Why?”

“Isn’t that probably because that alone can silence the rumors to some extent?”

It could be said with certainty that this was the result of the prediction that had just been made.

‘There is no benefit at all in all aspects’, which means that Serpina’s reputation will improve.

And my assertion became confirmed after hearing her next words.

“… … Didn’t you tell me, Swen? In a situation where the evaluation of Yeo is low even among the northern territory residents, if soldiers who are clearly afraid of contracting the plague are mobilized to carry out such relief work… … Rather than quelling the rumors, you will have no choice but to hear bad stories again. No matter what you think… … I mean.”

-under.

After somehow swallowing what felt like a fit of laughter, I once again realized the weight of what 100 intelligence means.

really… … That he only comes up with things that are frighteningly true.

“No. The soldiers will be fine. And, this will solve everything.”

After saying that, I looked at Serpina and smiled.

In the most confident tone possible, with the nuance of asking what you’re worried about.

“Have you forgotten, my lord? To me――”

――The fact that there is the ability of the mind’s eye.

* * *