Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 178: Why Are You Asking That?

After leaving the royal palace, Airen walked slowly, lost in thought, as she made her way toward the training grounds with a portion of the occupying forces. Swen wasn’t with her due to his schedule.

Is it simply not the right time?

Airen was, by nature, someone who supported all of Swen’s decisions.

Among all those gathered at the meeting, she could confidently claim that she knew better than anyone that he was always right in the end.

She had been by his side longer than anyone.

Even so, she had to admit—this had seemed like an excellent opportunity.

The arguments of Cransis, the commander of the occupying forces, and Jenna, the strategist, had momentarily seemed reasonable, even to her.

But in the end—

What people like them think doesn’t matter. Swen’s opinion is what’s important. Even if his opinion is wrong, I’ll make it right with my sword.

Resolving herself once more, Airen reaffirmed her stance.

To her, the future of Serpina’s Army was insignificant compared to Swen himself.

If he said it was correct, then it was correct.

There was no reason to think of an alternative path.

She had no desire to.

At that moment—

"General Airen."

Hearing someone call her name, she turned to find Irian standing there.

"General Irian. What is it?"

"I was thinking, since the course of action has been decided, it would be best to deploy the occupying forces across various regions of the continent.

"I intended to speak with Commander Cransis about it, but I can’t seem to find him anywhere."

"Ah."

Now that Swen’s proposal had been accepted,

instead of marching south, the occupying forces would be deployed across the northern continent, focusing on defense and maintaining order.

Since the capital’s defense forces were already too few, splitting the occupying forces was inevitable.

"I had the same thought. I’ll pass the message along."

"Then, I would appreciate it."

As Irian bowed politely, Airen posed a question.

"Come to think of it, you supported Swen’s proposal, didn’t you?"

"I did."

Airen was well aware of how she was perceived within Serpina’s Army.

There was no outright insubordination among the occupying forces,

but she could sense that she had yet to be fully accepted as vice commander.

Compared to her time in the Brans Army, this was nothing,

so she was managing well enough.

But Airen was no fool.

She knew she was being watched.

More importantly, the issue wasn’t just her alone.

Swen—an outsider who had followed her into Serpina’s Army—

was also entangled in strange rumors due to his association with Serpina.

In truth, the scrutiny aimed at him was far greater than what she faced.

Airen knew Swen wasn’t a frivolous man—

But from an objective perspective,

a man who had changed his allegiance multiple times wouldn’t be easily accepted, no matter how talented he was.

Given that reality,

winning the vote had largely been thanks to Irian,

who was highly respected among the officers.

Before she had taken the position,

it had been nearly certain that Irian would become vice commander.

He had every reason to resent her—

or to harbor ill will toward Swen for being aligned with her.

Yet, instead of opposing them, he had helped.

Of course, it wasn’t entirely without reason.

Airen knew he owed Swen a debt for helping his younger sister.

Still—

In times like these,

loyalty and gratitude were worth less than a dog’s meal.

And yet, he had upheld them.

That, she would not overlook.

"I wanted to pass on my thanks.

"If not for you, Swen’s proposal would never have been accepted."

"I simply believed that Lord Swen’s reasoning was correct."

"I see. In any case, I’ll make sure your suggestion reaches the right ears. Now then."

Just as Airen turned to leave—

"General Airen. Please wait a moment."

"?"

"I have something to ask about Lord Swen."

"Me?"

"You are rather close to him, are you not?"

"......!!"

For a brief moment, Airen was too stunned to reply,

her face flushing red.

She coughed awkwardly a few times,

then responded in an overly serious tone.

"I am."

...I actually said it out loud.

That Swen and I are close.

Well... If closeness was the measure, then yes.

They had survived three different nations together.

And besides—

They were going to share warm cups of tea together for the rest of their lives.

...At least, that’s what she told herself, trying desperately to rationalize it.

But then—

"It’s nothing major, but... I was wondering if Lord Swen has a wife—and if so, how many?"

At the word wife—

Airen’s body stiffened.

She blinked vacantly before repeating—

"...Why are you asking that?"

"I imagine you already have a rough idea, but—

"My younger sister, Ioline, seems to have taken a liking to Lord Swen.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

"If he has no objections, I’d like to formally propose a marriage arrangement."

Ioline—

That beautiful woman who resembled Irian.

Airen fell into thought.

Swen... doesn’t have a wife.

There was Reika,

who had been involved in marriage discussions—

But given the current circumstances, that matter had been placed on indefinite hold.

So technically, she should simply say no, he has no wife.

And yet—

Why was she struggling to say it?

But refusing outright was out of the question.

The last thing she wanted was to cause trouble for Swen.

Whether he accepted a marriage proposal or not was his decision,

not hers.

Just as she was lost in thought—

"If you don’t mind, General, I’d appreciate it if you could bring it up with him in passing.

"Of course, if it’s a burden, I will ask him myself,

so please don’t trouble yourself too much."

"Ah? Ah... Alright."

"Then, I’ll take my leave first."

Airen stood there, watching Irian walk away.

But even as she stared—

Her thoughts were occupied with someone else.

A young man with white hair,

A handsome strategist to whom she owed everything.

Swen.

Thump, thump.

Just thinking about him—

Just letting his name linger in her mind—

Made her heart pound uncontrollably.

What do I... want to be to Swen?

His personal knight?

The comrade always standing by his side?

Or...

"...I want to see him."

Even though she had just been with him at the palace a few hours ago,

She already missed him.

Still—

Things were better than before.

At least now, after work, she would get to see him.

Spending time with Swen and Reika together—

those moments had become precious to her.

"I should buy something delicious from the plaza today."

With that thought, her steps grew lighter.

For now—

She set aside her heavier thoughts.

But bit by bit—

Both her body and heart—

Were becoming irrevocably entwined with the man named Swen.

***

Several days had passed since the regular meeting concluded.

The occupying forces had been temporarily split into smaller units and dispatched across various regions of the continent.

Officially, the reason was "to strengthen public security and conduct reconnaissance operations."

Regardless of the actual motivation, the mere presence of soldiers patrolling the land would undoubtedly reduce unnecessary disturbances.

Meanwhile, I was once again on my way to Serpina’s secluded residence—summoned by her once more.

Considering the strange rumors already circulating, perhaps I should have been more cautious.

However, as her subject, I had no choice but to obey my lord’s command.

Besides, I didn’t have any assigned tasks at the moment.

Upon my arrival at the secluded estate, Serpina greeted me with a smile.

"You’re here, Swen. You arrived rather quickly."

"Who else but my lord would summon me? Of course, I would come at once."

"Hah... Your sense of humor has improved. I take it you've been quite comfortable as of late?"

She let out a soft kuhuhu laugh.

R𝑒ad lat𝒆st chapt𝒆rs at free𝑤ebnovel.com Only.

...She was beautiful.

Unfairly so.

Each time I faced her directly, I felt as if something within me wavered—

continuously, in real time.

"Summoning you so often like this... I suppose it’s no surprise that strange rumors are spreading."

At least she’s aware of it.

I swallowed that thought and simply bowed my head.

And then—

Serpina stepped closer, leaning in as she whispered,

"What do you say, Swen?"

"...Pardon?"

"Since these strange rumors have already begun,

"Why don’t we make them true tonight?"

"...!!!"

Startled, I lifted my head to meet her gaze.

She was... smiling.

But it wasn’t the intimidating smile of an absolute ruler—

It was the playful, mischievous smile of a young girl.

"Think about it.

"Isn’t it unjust to be caught in a scandal for something you haven’t even done?

"If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be better to embrace it fully and turn the rumors into reality?

"I am making this offer for your sake, Swen."

For a very brief moment,

I seriously considered accepting.

Then—

I quickly bowed my head again and responded.

"...My apologies. This is my own failing for not being more mindful of my conduct.

"I will be more careful from now on."

"There is no need for apologies.

"After all, it was I who summoned you here.

"If anything, the only fault you bear is... simply being a young man in his prime.

"Not to mention, you do have quite an enjoyable appearance.

"The people of this world care far more about how something looks than the truth of its substance."

"......"

She kept bringing up my appearance.

Honestly, I didn’t see it myself.

But more than that—

There was something... mournful about the way she spoke.

It made me hesitate to continue the conversation in that direction.

No one understood how much appearances mattered better than ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) her.

She, whose face alone was enough to be worshipped as an absolute ruler.

"So, what is the reason for my summons today?" I asked, shifting the topic.

"There is a place I would like you to accompany me to."

"Accompany...?"

"Would you be willing to escort me for a short while?"

"Escort? That won’t be a problem. But how many soldiers will be accompanying us?"

"Soldiers?

"There will be no one else.

"Only you shall accompany me, Swen."

"...Excuse me?"

I looked at her, puzzled.

"I do not mean to refuse, but... Are you certain I am a suitable choice?"

After all, I was not a bodyguard.

I lacked physical strength, and without Reika, I couldn’t even use magic.

If we were ambushed by bandits, what was I supposed to do?

Of course, considering her swordsmanship, it was unlikely that mere bandits could harm her.

But she was not just a warrior—

She was a ruler.

Even the possibility of her sustaining the slightest injury was unacceptable.

Serpina smirked, as if amused by my concern.

"Swen.

"Do you really think I would be so naive as to leave Eingart Castle with only you as my guard?"

I felt a bit embarrassed by my own worries.

Then again—if that was the case, why use the word escort?

Though I had my doubts, I wisely chose to hold my tongue.

"It’s fine, Swen.

"Your tendency to talk back does not lessen my affection for you."

...How does she always manage to read my mind so perfectly?

Hiding anything from her felt like an impossibly difficult task.

"And now that I think about it,

"Perhaps that wouldn’t be such a bad idea after all.

"Escaping to a place where we owe no responsibilities...

"Wouldn’t that be a fitting ending for a man and woman?"

"...You jest too much, my lord."

"Jesting? How cruel of you to say so.

"My heart is always sincere, Swen.

Fufu... ♥"

She let out a soft laugh, covering her lips with her hand,

before turning and beginning to walk.

I followed closely behind her.

—

Exiting the secluded residence, we walked along an untrodden dirt path overgrown with grass.

Our destination was a small hill behind the estate.

To think that such a desolate place existed so close to the bustling royal castle of Eingart.

Then again—

This was Serpina’s private retreat.

No common citizen—nor even her own generals—

could enter without her permission.

So, without maintenance, it made sense that the area would feel so abandoned.

We walked in silence for several minutes.

Then—

"Swen.

"Did you know?"

Without turning to face me, she spoke as she continued walking.

"Know what, my lord?"

At that moment—

Serpina stopped in her tracks.

Slowly, she turned toward me.

And then—

Carefully, as if weighing each word—

Her soft pink lips parted.

"Why I am called...

"A tyrant?""