NOVEL NEXT Chapter 284
“Jenis Al Caskey… Are you referring to Irian’s younger brother?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
After somehow being saved from the betrayal gang that led to his clan’s destruction, he served a light sentence and was reassigned to a remote area where he now performs internal affairs duties rather peacefully.
Although his abilities aren’t exceptionally remarkable, being a bodyguard doesn’t necessarily require outstanding skills. Given that he’s someone we can ‘fully trust,’ there really isn’t anyone better suited for the job.
After all, even when opportunities arose where he could have betrayed us, he remained loyal.
In this world, not betraying is far more important than having exceptional abilities. Therefore, it wouldn’t be wrong to say he’s the optimal choice to replace Iren.
Serpina, who had already received the report, seemed to quickly grasp the general situation and nodded her head in agreement.
“Understood. Let’s proceed as you wish.”
“Great! With that settled, let’s move on to the next main topic.”
As I unfurled the map, Serpina conveniently came over just in time.
The strong scent of yuzu filled the air, hinting that our teamwork has improved significantly.
“Firstly, in my opinion, eliminating Chel Brance seems like the best option. However, there’s something I’d like to request from Lord beforehand.”
At my words, Serpina smiled faintly and replied.
“I think I understand what you’re getting at.”
“Huh? Really?”
“What do you take me for?”
Serpina grinned with amusement and asked me with her usual regal demeanor.
“Do you truly believe occupying Chel’s forces is the most efficient method?”
Surely, she had completely seen through my intentions.
Given her knowledge of my abilities, it makes sense she could read my plans so accurately.
It feels like we’ve grown familiar not just with each other but with how we work together.
Anyway, since I was asked, my response came swiftly.
[That’s correct.]
‘So, that’s what you mean…’
My thoughts were right, but there was still something I needed to confirm.
“My Lord, may I ask a question?”
“Speak your mind.”
“Do you intend to personally participate in the occupation force?”
Without hesitation, Serpina shook her head.
“I’d like to, but there are some loose ends I need to tie up first.”
“Loose ends?”
“A while ago, didn’t you ascend to the position of strategist? While many, including Jena, have accepted this fact, there are still some dissenters who harbor resentment.”
“Huh? Really?”
Unlike my surprise, Serpina nodded calmly.
“It’s always like this during shifts in power dynamics. Also, sitting here allows me to understand which aspects commanders are sensitive about, which is crucial.”
Upon reflection, Serpina meticulously interviews each commander individually, assessing their strengths and placing them in suitable positions to manage internal affairs effectively.
With constant face-to-face interactions, even hidden grievances become apparent.
“And also… I must admit, I’m somewhat concerned.”
“Concerned about what?”
“The settlers sent to the northern frontier. I feel visiting them to offer encouragement would be beneficial.”
Is she talking about those settlers whose lives she saved? Even though gratitude is owed just for saving their lives, public sentiment often sways according to the ruler’s will, making it tricky to assign blame.
Watching her worry about the welfare of the very people she saved made me feel oddly stifled.
If word got out that the notorious tyrant cared deeply for her subjects, what kind of reaction would it provoke across the continent?
No, such fairy-tale scenarios probably won’t happen. Instead, rumors suggesting manipulation or ulterior motives would surely spread.
“So, you won’t be participating in the occupation force?”
“That’s right.”
‘Hmm…’
Listening to her explanation, it seems there’s more to her reasoning than meets the eye…
After pondering for a moment, I looked at her and said:
“Then, might I suggest you reconsider and participate in this occupation force?”
“…What did you say?”
Surprised by my words, Serpina’s eyes widened slightly, giving off an unexpectedly cute impression.
“I mean exactly what I said. My Lady, I’d greatly appreciate it if you could commit to joining this occupation force with full determination—not just half-heartedly considering it, but firmly deciding, ‘I will definitely participate in the battle.'”
Serpina paused in thought for a moment before speaking.
“I recall you mentioning something similar last time. It seems related to your use of abilities?”
“You catch on quickly.”
“As I said, what do you take me for? Hehehe…”
She chuckled, forming a crescent with her eyes, and continued.
“Very well then.”
“Thank you. Please wait a moment.”
I repeated the question she had asked me earlier.
‘Would forming an occupation force to attack Chel’s army and engage in battle be the most efficient choice?’
And just like before, the answer rolled out swiftly.
[No, it wouldn’t.]
‘…’
A trial question yielded an expected response within reasonable bounds.
Though I anticipated this, something felt amiss—
“Swen, there’s something going on, isn’t there?”
“Can you see through me that clearly?”
“Always watching your face. If not me, who else could read your heart?”
Judging by Serpina’s ability to detect my unease, it seems I still need practice maintaining a poker face.
―Let’s summarize.
Serpina’s participation changes the ‘efficiency’ of this occupation mission.
Without her involvement, engaging Chel’s forces is the ‘most efficient’ method for our army.
This perspective reflects the stance of our army—or rather, ‘Serpina’s Army.’ It differs from Serpina’s personal standpoint, which can be inferred from previous questions and their implications.
However, with Serpina’s participation, this decision transforms into an ‘inefficient’ choice.
Were I a loyal commander serving the state, I would naturally choose the most efficient approach…
But given my affiliation with Serpina’s forces, ‘efficiency’ isn’t solely defined by what benefits Queen Serpina.
‘In the worst-case scenario, Lady Serpina might be endangered.’
While the statement could escalate to directly threaten the fate of the Unified Empire if Serpina’s life were at risk, considering how previous choices elevated Serpina’s reputation despite inefficiency, the path I should take becomes clear.
“My Lord, it seems necessary for you to join the occupation force and fight alongside us this time.”
“Does your assessment indicate that my direct involvement is the most efficient course of action?”
“Well…”
At that moment, my words faltered.
No, quite the opposite. It’s inefficient. The efficient method would place Lady Serpina in danger.
Her endangerment might benefit our army—but I could never voice such a thing to her.
Thus, with brazen resolve, I plastered on a convincing smile.
“It seems that way.”
“…Is that so?”
Though seemingly unconvinced, she turned her gaze toward the window.
Her profile appeared somewhat melancholic as it entered my field of vision.
“Swen.”
“Speak, my Lord.”
“Did you truly receive results indicating my direct participation is the most efficient option?”
“Yes. Do you doubt my judgment?”
“No! Absolutely not… I trust you, Swen. It’s just… I fear failing again.”
“…Pardon?”
“Fear of ruining everything once more, as I always have…”
Slowly turning her head, she locked eyes with mine directly.
“Swen, you know how it’s been. Every time things seem to go smoothly, something inevitably trips us up. If another rebellion occurs because I joined the occupation force, or if my usual misfortune drags down our operation… What then?”
Seeing her tremble in fear, I finally understood the decisive reason behind her reluctance to participate.
So that’s it.
Despite various reasons, this was the primary one—fear. Fear of ruining everything again.
Because throughout her life, whenever things seemed to improve, they invariably took a turn for the worse, burdening her with undeserved hatred.
“Swen, you have somewhere to return to, don’t you? You don’t have to stake everything for me. Simply being here now… is enough for me.”
Though she doesn’t realize it, I have no intention of being satisfied with merely standing by her side at this moment.
Therefore, I decided:
To walk the inefficient path for Serpina.
Placing both hands lightly on her shoulders,
“…!”
An extremely impolite gesture—daring to touch the monarch—but I know she’ll tolerate this much.
“This occupation force requires your presence, my Lord. Your participation is essential.”
“…Essential?”
“Yes.”
Her golden eyes wavered slightly.
“But… if my cursed fate interferes and endangers you, your Mind’s Eye included… What then, Swen? Especially you…”
She bit her lip softly.
Lately, I’ve noticed she’s more fragile than I imagined, revealing this side more openly to me.
Perhaps opening her heart isn’t as simple as it seems.
“In that case, I guess I’ll just die.”
“Wha…?”
“If you feel guilty, please arrange a grand funeral for me.”
“…Swen, what nonsense are you spouting-”
“Or…”
Lowering my hand slowly, I clasped her snow-white hand.
Warm.
The tyrant’s hand is surprisingly warm.
I can almost sense her true intentions in saving me.
“Die with me, then.”
“!!!”
Instead of saying “Please live with me no matter what,”
“Then there won’t be any issues, right?”
Shamelessly uttering the words, “Please die with me.”
“Swen…”
Startled, she stares at me blankly with wide eyes.
She looks less like a queen and more like a young girl in this moment.
Recalling the dream where the woman gazed at me with such eyes.
“Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to either of us.”
“Eh…?”
Gazing into her wavering eyes,
I commit a cardinal sin for a strategist by declaring:
“Because I’m always right.”
“!!!”
“Simply follow my instructions.”
Back when I first reincarnated into this world, I blindly trusted my Divinity 100, arrogantly commanding others without persuasion—”Just do as I say.”
From the Brance Army to the Aishias Army, and now the Serpina Army, I gradually learned that approach wouldn’t work.
And now,
Once again, I grow shameless before the woman I wish to protect.
Serpina, after observing me silently for a long time, continues to stare until her eyes fill solely with my existence, then forms a beautiful crescent smile.
“…Yes. I’ll—”
―Do exactly as you say, Swen.
Whatever it may be… I trust you.