episode_0284

“Zenith Al Kaski… … Are you talking about Irian’s younger brother?”

“Yes.”

After somehow saving his family from being annihilated by a gang of traitors, he served a light sentence and was transferred to a remote area to carry out normal internal affairs.

The ability itself may not be considered outstanding, but the position of an escort knight does not require outstanding ability, and under the premise of being ‘a person you can trust with confidence’, there was no better choice.

In the first place, he was a man who never betrayed anyone even though he had many opportunities to do so if he wanted to.

Since not betraying is a much more important virtue than outstanding ability, it would be no exaggeration to say that she was the perfect person to take Irene’s place.

Serpina also nodded, as if she had quickly grasped the general context since she had also received the report.

“Okay, I understand. I’ll do as you wish.”

“Okay. Then let’s do this part like that… …and move on to the main topic.”

As I unfolded the map, Serpina came out to my side with perfect timing.

As I smell the strong scent of yuzu, I realize that she and I are now a good match.

“First of all, in my opinion, I think that clearing out the Chevrans is the best option. But before that, I have a favor to ask of you, my lord.”

Serpina answered my words with a faint smile.

“I think I know what you’re talking about.”

“Huh? Really?”

“What do you think of her?”

Serpina smiled as if she found it amusing, then looked at me and asked a question in her usual queenly manner.

“Do you think that taking over the Chel Army is the most efficient way?”

Sure enough, she saw right through my intentions.

As much as you know about my abilities, does that mean you can read what I’m trying to do?

I had a feeling that it wasn’t just me who had become accustomed to each other.

Anyway, once the question was asked – the answers came quickly.

[Yes.]

‘That’s what you’re saying…?’

My thoughts were right, but there was still something I had to check.

“Sir, may I ask you something?”

“Tell me.”

“Do you plan to directly participate in the occupation forces?”

Serpina shakes her head without a second thought.

“I’d like to, but I have some finishing touches.”

“Are you done?”

“Didn’t you take the position of a scribe a while ago? Many people, including Jenna, are convinced of that fact, but I think there are still some who are dissatisfied.”

“Uh… … Really?”

Unlike me, who was surprised by the fact that I had no idea about, Serpina nodded calmly.

“Because it always happens when the balance of power shifts. If you sit here, it would be difficult if you don’t know what the generals are sensitive about.”

If you think about it, Serpina was leading the internal affairs by interviewing each and every one of those generals, figuring out their aptitudes, and then placing them in the right positions.

Since we are constantly face to face, is it possible to read unspoken grievances?

“And also… … I’m still nervous.”

“Are you worried?”

“I’m talking about the immigrants who were sent to the northern frontier. I thought it would be a good idea to visit them to encourage them.”

If you’re talking about immigrants, are you talking about those people whose lives were saved thanks to Serpina?

In the first place, it may seem right to be grateful that their lives were saved, but in reality, the direction of public sentiment cannot help but move according to the will of the government, so it is difficult to blame anyone for the problem.

Looking at that sight, I felt a strange sense of suffocation inside.

What kind of reaction would there be if it became known on the continent that a woman widely known as a tyrant was worried about the people of the territory whose lives she had saved?

No, there wouldn’t be any fairy tales that would resonate. It was obvious that only scandalous rumors, such as fabricated news or an ulterior motive, would spread.

“So you are not participating in the occupying forces?”

“That’s right.”

‘hmm…….’

After talking about it, it seems like there isn’t just that reason…

I thought for a moment, then looked at her and said.

“Then wouldn’t you consider joining the occupying forces this time?”

“… … What?”

I found it strangely cute how her eyes widened slightly in surprise at my words.

“This is a literal story. I hope Serpina-sama will have the will to participate in this occupation. Don’t just think, ‘I’ll give it a try,’ but definitely think, ‘I will definitely participate in the battle.’

Serpina thought for a moment.

“I remember talking about something similar last time, but I guess it has something to do with using your abilities?”

“You’re quick-witted.”

“As I said, I don’t know what you think of her. Hehehe… … .”

She smiled, making crescent moons at the corners of her eyes.

“That’s how it was done.”

“Thank you. Please wait a moment.”

I typed the question I had asked her one more time.

‘Is it the most efficient choice to form an occupation force to attack the Chel Army and fight?’

And, just like before, the answer rolls out quickly.

[No.]

‘… … .’

When I asked a question as a test, I got an answer within the expected range.

I thought it wasn’t that surprising because I expected it, but-

“There’s something, Swen.”

“… … Can you see that?”

“I’m always looking at your face. If you don’t know, who do you think can read your mind?”

Judging from the fact that Serpina caught him singing, it seems that he still needs to practice his poker face.

――Let’s summarize.

With Serpina’s participation, the ‘efficiency’ of this occupation action changes.

When Serpina is not involved, fighting the Chel Army is the ‘most efficient’ method for our army.

This is the position of our army – that is, the ‘Serpina Army’. It is not difficult to read that it is different from the ‘Serpina’ position from the previous few questions and their aftermath.

But just because Serpina is involved, this decision becomes an ‘inefficient’ choice.

If I were a general loyal to my country, I would have chosen the most efficient method… …

The problem was, at least as long as I was in the Serpina Army, that ‘efficiency’ wasn’t something that necessarily smiled upon Sovereign Serpina.

‘In the worst case scenario, Serpina could be in danger.’

In fact, if Serpina’s life was at stake, a more direct statement like ‘the fate of the Unified Empire will be at stake’ would have been made, but even so, considering that Serpina’s reputation was raised by choosing ‘inefficient’, it was not difficult for me to say what I should choose.

“My lord. This time, I think you should join the occupying forces and fight together.”

“Is participating in leisure activities the most efficient way?”

“That’s… … .”

At that moment, I was speechless.

No, it’s the opposite. It’s not efficient. The efficient way puts Serpina at risk.

Serpina being in danger is good news for our military—at least I could never say that to her.

So, I decided to shamelessly gild my tongue and smiled.

“I think so.”

“… … Really?”

She said that as if she didn’t understand, then turned her head and looked towards the window.

Her side profile, looking somewhat lonely, came into my sight.

“Swen.”

“Please speak.”

“Did the results really show that direct participation in leisure activities is effective?”

“Yes. Do you not trust me?”

“No! That’s absolutely not the case… …I believe in you, the one who opens it. I’m just afraid.”

“… … Yes?”

“I’m afraid I’ll mess everything up again. Like I always have… … .”

She slowly turned her head and looked straight into my eyes.

“Swen, you know that… … It’s always been that way. Whenever things seem to be going well, something always gets in the way. This time, if we join the occupation forces and a rebellion breaks out, or if the bad luck that follows us around befalls our occupation forces again… … .”

As he spoke, he saw her start to tremble in fear, and only then did he realize the decisive reason why she did not want to join the occupying forces.

I see.

There were several reasons – but that seemed to be the biggest one.

Fear. The fear of ruining everything again.

Her life had been like that up until now. Whenever she tried to do something well, she was held back, and everyone hated her for sins she didn’t commit.

“Swen. Don’t you have a place to return to? You don’t have to risk everything for me. I’m satisfied with just being by your side right now… … at this moment.”

Even though she didn’t know it, I had no intention of being content with just being by her side at this moment.

That’s why I.

For Serpina’s sake, we will take an inefficient path.

I placed both hands on her shoulders.

“… … !”

It was an extremely rude act to dare to put your hand on the monarch’s body, but I now know that this much will be tolerated.

“There is no choice. We absolutely need you for this occupation. You must participate.”

“… … I… … need it?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I felt her golden eyes flutter slightly.

“But… …what if the cursed fate of Yeo-ui swallows up even your own heart and puts you in danger? If you, Swen, of all people, are put in a dangerous situation… … .”

She bit her lip lightly.

I’ve been feeling this lately – she’s a weaker woman than I thought. I’ve been feeling like she’s been showing me that side of herself more and more lately.

Is it too easy to think that I have opened my heart?

“Then what, I guess I should just die.”

“What… … ?”

“If you’re really sorry, please have a very extravagant funeral.”

“… … Swen, what are you talking about-”

“Or.”

I slowly lowered my hand and took hold of her pure white hand.

It’s warm.

The tyrant’s hands are so warm.

I think I know why she wanted to save me.

“Please die with me.”

“… … !!!”

Instead of saying, “Please live together no matter what happens.”

“Then there won’t be a problem?”

Shamelessly, he asks her to die with him.

“Swen… … .”

She looks at me blankly, startled and dumbfounded.

Because of this, he looked more like a girl than a monarch.

I remember again the woman in my dream looking at me with these eyes.

“But don’t worry. You won’t die.”

“Uh… … ?”

To Serpina, who looks at me with sparkling eyes.

As a librarian, I am saying something that should never be said.

“What I said is absolutely correct.”

“!!!”

“So, just do as I say.”

Back then.

Having just entered this world, I often blurted out shameless words like, “Just do as I say,” without even thinking about persuading others, blindly believing that my intelligence was at 100%.

In Bran’s County, in Aishea County, and here in Serpina County – I learned little by little that you can’t do it that way.

And now.

Once again, I am shameless in front of the woman I want to protect.

Serpina, as it were, just looked into my eyes for a long time without saying a word, and looked, and looked again… …

As she continued to look, her eyes filled only with my presence, drawing a beautiful crescent moon on her face.

“… … Yeah. I―”

――I’ll do whatever you say, Swen.

Whatever it is… …I trust you.