At the sa ti, near the western fortress of Valharat.
"Over there, enemy soldiers spotted!"
A soldier's cry reached as I perford a hasty ritual at a temporary shrine built in an area that could serve for such a purpose. I had just been pretending to conduct the rites, not truly involved in the process.
‘Is this the vanguard ant to serve as bait?’
While I had arranged for siege weapons to be brought here in a dramatic fashion, as I had predicted, only a few of the main force should have made it this far.
There were just under 10,000 soldiers left at the fortress.
"General Epinnel, don’t worry, proceed with the interception."
At Jinor’s words, Epinnel nodded.
"If the enemy force seems too large, we’ll retreat imdiately... Swen, I hope you’ll be ready by then."
"Understood."
With that, Epinnel set out with several thousand soldiers to intercept the enemy.
It didn’t take long before it beca evident that the enemy force wasn’t as large as initially feared.
As I had anticipated, the enemy's main force had launched a surprise attack, but they hadn’t sent many soldiers to this location.
‘Phew.’
I let out a sigh of relief inwardly.
Every ti, even when I’m making what seems like a ‘guaranteed accurate prediction,’ I can’t feel at ease until I see the results with my own eyes.
Sure, it might be called a ‘prediction based on guaranteed accuracy,’ but all it really is, is the process of trying to fit together knowledge I already have.
Whether it’s correct or not, I can only know by opening the lid and checking.
‘If I was going to make this kind of sacrifice, I wish I had received a more reliable and accurate cheat.’
While I was lost in such trivial thoughts, Jinor, having figured out the situation, approached and spoke.
"It seems like you were right, Swen."
I responded with a smile, filled with a confidence that I would never have imagined myself possessing just monts ago.
"Did I not tell you? From Brans' perspective, there was really only one choice they could make. Anyone could have predicted the sa outco."
"No, that’s not it. You have the ability to see through the situation. You might even have a talent for discussing tactics as a strategist."
"I assure you, I’m not soone to be praised."
Jinor chuckled at my words.
"I don’t praise just anyone. Anyway, the balance of power on the continent is about to change quite drastically."
He was right.
The balance that Brans’ forces had been desperately trying to maintain on all fronts had just collapsed. This would undoubtedly reshape the power structure across the continent, whether for better or worse.
I watched as Epinnel’s forces dealt with Brans' vanguard from the castle walls.
Indeed… she was strong.
Just as Jinor had said, Epinnel was a talented general.
It’s said that great generals can change the course of battle simply by being deployed. And Epinnel was demonstrating exactly that.
She had been able to withstand Brans’ army’s onslaught with minimal forces, and now she was making a mark, proving that her success so far wasn’t a re stroke of luck.
‘Before long, the central continent will likely be thrown into chaos.’
I felt bad for the people of the fief who were hoping for peace… but this was an ideal situation for .
Until Lunarian’s forces could rise and stand out, it was essential to prevent any one power from becoming too strong.
Even if Serpina had already dominated the north, it would have been dangerous if another formidable power erged in the central region.
But I trusted in it.
In the end, I was certain that for the people of the fief, Luna unifying the continent would be the only path to lasting peace—far better than soone like Lyn.
With that thought, I began organizing my own thoughts.
*
Upon returning to Valharat Castle, we were greeted by Yuri in front of the gates.
"Welco back, Epinnel! Jinor! You’ve really had a hard ti!"
"How about the soldiers who went on the surprise attack?"
"Iren did a great job. Emma and Hernandorf arrived just in ti as well. Jinor, you did great too. They say it was you who predicted the surprise attack?"
"Technically, it was Swen’s opinion, not mine."
"Really?"
Hearing that, Yuri ca up to , smiling, and offered her hand. I shook it in return.
"Thank you so much, Swen! If we hadn’t figured out the surprise attack, it would’ve been a big problem... you saved us!"
I smiled and jokingly replied.
"If I could repay the favor for both and General Iren being accepted here, then I’d be satisfied."
Of course, it was half a joke, but I was quite serious.
One day, I’d have to leave this place, and for whatever reason, I wanted to repay her for having taken us in.
Naturally, it aligned with my interests, but there was no need to make that obvious.
Yuri laughed at my sowhat cheeky words.
"Of course! Not just you, Swen, but Iren really worked hard too. I heard from Emma. There was sothing extrely dangerous that happened."
"Really...?"
Sothing dangerous?
As soon as I heard those words, I could feel my heart drop.
"Could I hear the details...?"
I was able to hear the general story from Yuri.
From how Iren had provoked Chel Brans to stall, to the tale of her nearly being gravely injured in a one-on-one duel with him.
Thanks to Emma’s tily intervention, it didn’t escalate further... but if not for that, she would have been in a truly dangerous situation.
The fact that she had been in danger was sothing I hadn’t anticipated, so it naturally took by surprise.
‘So that’s what happened...’
I would have to ask her about it later.
"Anyway, we’ve dealt with all the remnants of Brans' forces. They won’t be able to attack us for a while."
"No, Yuri. This is an opportunity!"
Epinnel spoke in a forceful tone.
"Now is the perfect ti to plant the red flag at Raklein Castle! Just give the order! I’ll take the remaining forces and capture Raklein right now!"
‘For now, it’s better to observe the situation.’
It was true that the Brans army was about to be torn apart from all sides, and our forces had an opportunity, but there was no need for Aishus’ army to take the lead here.
After all, Serpina’s army, desperate to move south, would likely make its move soon enough.
If we attacked when Brans was preoccupied with Serpina, we would be able to handle it much more easily.
"General Epinnel, I understand your enthusiasm, but it seems it’s not quite the right ti yet."
Just as I had thought, Jinor shared my view and briefed her on the current situation.
After hearing Jinor’s explanation, Epinnel paused for a mont in thought, then nodded and said.
"I understand, strategist. I know that thanks to your advice, we avoided a big disaster."
Fortunately, it seed she wouldn’t insist on a reckless course of action this ti.
"As I’ve said many tis, it wasn’t my opinion..."
Jinor briefly cast his gaze towards .
I slightly shook my head, signaling that there was no need to bring my na into it.
Fortunately, Jinor seed to understand and didn’t ntion any further.
‘It wouldn’t be good to draw too much attention.’
In this army, especially in Aishus, it was important not to make one’s achievents too prominent if they wanted to live without any problems.
Even Jinor, whose fa had spread across the continent, was facing pressure from the founding figures of the nation. What would happen to soone like , who had simply caused a teor to fall from the sky?
Of course, the fact that I made a teor fall was impressive, but since I couldn’t do it freely, relying on that reputation would eventually cause trouble.
Anyway, once my interaction with Yuri ended, I hurried off.
I was headed to where Iren was.
*
Iren was always the sa person, regardless of her affiliations or position.
Just as she had done with Brans' army, this ti, she was dedicating her ti to treating the wounded soldiers who had played a significant role in fending off the surprise attack. Emma, Hernandorf, and Epinnel were nowhere to be seen, but Iren, more than anyone, always took care of the soldiers who had fought alongside her on the front lines.
"Iren-sama."
"Oh? Swen! You made it back safely."
She smiled warmly at , looking genuinely pleased, but I couldn't return the smile. Sensing that sothing was off with my expression, Iren cautiously asked .
"...Swen? Is sothing wrong? Are you not feeling well?"
"Iren-sama... I heard you had a duel with Chel Brans."
"Ah, that... Yes, I did. I had to buy so ti."
She spoke as if it was nothing, but her nonchalance made speak up with a heavy heart.
"Why did you take such a reckless duel? I don't an to disrespect you, Iren-sama, but Chel Brans is one of the strongest within Brans' army. Objectively, it was unlikely that you could defeat him. If you had failed, your life could've been in grave danger. Don’t you think so?"
After listening to my words, which were filled with concern, Iren closed her eyes for a mont to think, before slowly opening them and replying with a serious tone.
"...A knight must fight when it’s ti to fight."
"Now is not that ti. We... we have sowhere to go, don't we?"
Perhaps it was a bit selfish, but... I couldn't help but wonder, if Iren were to die for Aishus' army, would I co to resent the army from that day onward?
As I was lost in these sowhat childish thoughts, Iren smiled softly and said,
"That’s why I fought, Swen."
"Huh...?"
"I wanted to go with you, to the place we must go. Before that, I couldn’t let you be put in danger."
Iren looked at with eyes clearer than ever before. Those eyes, the eyes of soone who wanted to protect sothing... they overwheld for a mont.
"If I hadn't held Chel there, it’s likely that we would have had to retreat with the soldiers. That would’ve dealt so blow to Brans' army, but... as you said, it wouldn’t have caused enough damage to tilt the balance. If we miss this opportunity, we might never get another one."
"..."
I was silent.
Her words were undeniably true.
Chel had been lured into the fight by Iren’s provocation, and because the commander was distracted, focusing on a single battle instead of leading the army, Brans' forces had been caught off guard and thrown into chaos, suffering significant losses.
The real issue, however, was that I had failed to give the proper orders through Jinor. Without Iren’s brilliance, we wouldn’t have been able to make the most of this rare opportunity.
But then... why?
Why did my heart race like this?
Why did sothing deep within feel like it was struggling to break free?
"Swen. I’m truly happy that my abilities have helped you. Don’t feel burdened. Since I gave up Brans' army, I’ve decided to live only for you."
Live for , she said.
As soon as I heard those words, my hidden feelings spilled out before I could stop them.
"...If you’ve decided to live for , then please, don’t die no matter what."
"...Huh?"
Before I knew it, the words escaped my lips, and Iren looked at , slightly surprised. But what could I do? This was my true feeling.
"Whatever the situation, whatever opportunities arise, I don’t care. We can let opportunities slip away. Iren-sama... I just don’t want you to die. I don’t want you to fall into danger."
"Swen..."
"So, please, next ti, don’t go into battle recklessly on your own. I beg you. If it looks dangerous, just run. Don’t risk your life at any mont. It might sound silly for to make such a request to a knight, but... I’m serious."
What was I even thinking as I said that?
One thing was for sure: the current words weren’t coming from my 100 Intelligence-driven mind—they were the words of my heart, still beating fiercely inside my chest.
After listening to , Iren stared at for a long mont without speaking...
Then, her face turned bright red, and she slightly lowered her head, putting on a very unknightly, almost girlish expression, before speaking in a shy voice.
"...Okay, I understand. But... looking at like that... it’s..."
"Huh?"
"Th-That... it’s... embarrassing... yeah."
With her face flushed bright red, Iren kept glancing at ...
As I watched her, I thought, perhaps, more than helping Luna unite the world, what I really wanted was to protect this woman.
Reviews
All reviews (0)