NOVEL NEXT Chapter 279
“Hmm… So the Lunarien Army has defeated the Karelia Army…”
“Apparently they’ve occupied them after a major loss at the Battle of Tevelo Castle.”
On the way to the royal palace.
Today, aside from Reika who’s on leave, Lady Iren and I were discussing the state of affairs on the continent.
“After losing the great battle at Tevelo Castle, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion anyway.”
It seems Lady Luna managed just fine even without me. Though come to think of it…
My advice was mostly just for fine-tuning things, and honestly, everything turned out well regardless of what I did or didn’t do. But still…
“What happened to Marquess Makana of Karelia?”
“What special fate could there be for a defeated vassal?”
“Um… Are you saying he’s dead?”
“For now, that’s what I’ve heard.”
This was unexpected. Did Lady Luna really kill him?
I don’t know the full details of his rebellion, but considering her character, she probably would have just subdued him rather than killing him outright. If she had to kill him, it must mean their situations became completely irreconcilable.
Thinking about how his rise came through rebellion, it’s not entirely surprising… but still…
‘Something feels oddly familiar about this.’
As a ruler, it might have been an excellent decision… but it felt slightly off from the Lady Luna I know. I couldn’t help but wonder if she could have found a better solution.
Of course, given how short my time with her has been, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Still, I kept thinking that someone like Marquess Karelia could have been more useful alive than dead…
But with no direct access to Lady Luna in the Lunarien Army, there was only so much I could do…
I thought everything was going perfectly, but apparently not.
At that moment, Lady Iren carefully asked me a question.
“Um… Sir Swoen?”
“Yes?”
“Would it be alright if I ask when you’re planning to return?”
From the context, I understood she was asking when I planned to return to the Lunarien Army.
“Not right now.”
“So you’re waiting until Lady Luna unifies the Southern Continent?”
“No, not that either.”
“…?”
Lady Iren tilted her head, looking directly at me as if asking “Then when exactly are you planning to go back?”
“Since the outcome is already decided, I think it’ll be fine to move once Lady Serpina’s safety is secured.”
“Securing your lord’s safety?”
“Yes. As you know better than anyone, Lady Serpina tends to lack people she can truly trust around her. There might be more attempted assassinations… That’s why I think it’ll be fine to cross over after Lady Luna reaches the border.”
After the plague incident, the central continent’s conquest was almost like robbing an empty house. While I am somewhat concerned about Lady Serpina’s bad luck…
Given how smoothly the Lunarien Army has been advancing, I don’t expect any major problems to arise.
Looking back, perhaps all those obstacles she faced were because Lady Luna hadn’t appeared yet.
“I’m not really one for complicated matters. I’ll simply follow the path you wish to take.”
“Thank you for trusting me, Lady Iren.”
“Hmph.”
After parting ways with Lady Iren, I walked alone toward the audience chamber, lost in thought.
Though she still has me as her bodyguard…
Once the occupying forces are organized, I’ll inevitably have to step down from my position, which means we’ll need to find a replacement…
‘There needs to be someone trustworthy…’
Especially since the last bodyguard who tried to assassinate her was someone she trusted deeply. Deciding who should fill that role is already worrying me…
Thinking about discussing this today, I opened the door and made eye contact with Jena who was just about to leave.
“Greetings, Strategist.”
“Ah, Sir Swoen. You’re here to see our lord, correct?”
“Yes.”
Jena looked at me silently for a moment before placing her hand lightly on my shoulder.
“I’m on your side, Sir Swoen. Please take good care of our lord.”
And with that, she quickly left.
‘…?’
Her meaningful words lingered in my mind, but since she clearly wasn’t hostile toward me, there was no need to dwell on it unnecessarily. With that thought, I approached the throne where Serpina sat – the golden-haired witch, tyrant, and most cruel woman on the continent.
“Greetings, my lord.”
“Swoen, you’ve arrived. I’ve been waiting for you.”
Though we had a rather awkward encounter during the welcoming ceremony not long ago…
Neither of us dwelled on that incident now. Continuing to bring up such matters would only create unnecessary discomfort while we work together.
“I have several proposals today…”
“Hold on. There’s something I need to say to you first.”
“?”
“This is a decision I’ve made after much careful consideration. I hope you’ll follow me on this.”
“What do you mean…?”
“…”
She slowly rose from her throne and approached me. Her footsteps echoed softly throughout the quiet audience chamber.
“It’s something I’ve thought long and hard about. I hope you’ll follow through.”
“What exactly are you asking…?”
“…”
Closing her eyes briefly, she then opened them with a determined gaze, staring straight at me.
“Become our army’s new national strategist, Swoen.”
“…”
You’re offering me the strategist position again after I declined before?
Before I could respond, she continued rapidly.
“I’ve already discussed this thoroughly with the current strategist Jena. She understands. And frankly, those who sought to restrain you are almost all gone now.”
“Bu- but my lord…”
“You said it yourself: many will point fingers at this decision. However, that’s not the case now. Even Illian, who commands the soldiers’ respect, supports this. Commander Cranfis of the occupying forces has agreed to follow Jena’s recommendation. Not to mention Irene and Reika, who have earned great military honors. Yes, everyone, including myself, awaits your appointment as national strategist.”
“But…”
“I won’t ask you to stay by my side forever. Just… for now, be my guiding light.”
“…”
At that moment, I finally understood why Jena had told me earlier to “take good care of our lord.” The announcement of a new strategist meant she was stepping down from her position.
Considering previous examples like Animus and Jinoru from the Aishias Army, giving up such a powerful position to someone else wouldn’t have been pleasant for any chief strategist.
Yet she accepted me.
The Serpina Army… aside from the club-like Lunarien Army, it was the only nation among those I’ve served that truly acknowledged me, whether I liked it or not.
“I remember your words. You said you’d take responsibility for me and find a way to achieve your purpose, right?”
“…”
“Regardless of how many times I consider it, the power of the national strategist within our army will only aid in achieving your goals. So, if you refuse… please give me a clear reason why.”
Serpina’s eyes no longer held the inexplicable fear I sensed during the welcoming ceremony. They showed complete resolve – eyes capable of moving people’s hearts.
“If I hear your reasons and still reject them, I promise this will be my final offer to you. I swear on my name that there will be no retaliation.”
――So, what should I do?
This was actually the second time Serpina had offered me the position of national strategist. The first was inside a carriage, where I declined. At the time, I wanted to return to the Lunarien Army and didn’t want to give her false hope.
But things are different now. I wanted to give her hope. I had no intention of leaving her.
I can’t abandon either Lady Luna or Lady Serpina.
That’s why I decided to envision a future where both could coexist.
Besides, she was someone who attracted a lot of hatred. Rather than lurking in the shadows indefinitely, having some authority to command the Serpina Army would allow me to protect her adequately even without Irene as her bodyguard.
Yeah.
There was no need to think further.
“I accept. I’ll take the position of national strategist.”
“!!!”
Upon hearing my reply, Serpina’s pupils shrank dramatically as she stared at me in shock.
“Lord…?”
“Is it true? Are you really going to become my national strategist…?”
“Didn’t you just order me to?”
“Well, it’s just… I mean…”
Just moments ago, she seemed ready to conquer the heavens, but now she was stammering, lowering her head and blushing.
Apparently, “I took a big risk proposing this, but didn’t really think you’d agree” summed up her feelings.
Finding her reaction strangely amusing, I chuckled and teased her.
“Were you just saying it casually? Am I getting too excited over nothing…?”
“No! It wasn’t casual at all! I’m completely serious. Though… are you really excited?”
“Of course. Who wouldn’t be thrilled to receive such an important position?”
“But… never mind. Forget what I said earlier. The past is past, and what matters is now.”
Thinking about it, exchanging banter with her like this had become quite natural.
Had the crest of House Einhardt embroidered on my cloak somehow engraved itself into my heart?
“Then let this be my first proposal as the newly appointed strategist.”
“Oh right, you did mention you had things to discuss.”
“I’ll listen to whatever you have to say. After all, listening to the strategist’s proposals is my duty as your ruler.”
Regaining her regal bearing, Serpina turned back to me with renewed interest.
“Immediately organize the occupying forces and subjugate the Chel Army.”