At the same time, near the western fortress of Valharat.
"Over there, enemy soldiers spotted!"
A soldier's cry reached me as I performed 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 meant 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 immediately... 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 became 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 time, 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 moments ago.
"Did I not tell you? From Brans' perspective, there was really only one choice they could make. Anyone could have predicted the same outcome."
"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 someone 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 mere 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 me.
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 emerged 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 someone 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.
"Welcome back, Epinnel! Jinor! You’ve really had a hard time!"
"How about the soldiers who went on the surprise attack?"
"Iren did a great job. Emma and Hernandorf arrived just in time 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 came up to me, 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 me 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 somewhat cheeky words.
"Of course! Not just you, Swen, but Iren really worked hard too. I heard from Emma. There was something extremely dangerous that happened."
"Really...?"
Something 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 timely 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 something I hadn’t anticipated, so it naturally took me 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 time 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 time 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 moment in thought, then nodded and said.
"I understand, strategist. I know that thanks to your advice, we avoided a big disaster."
Fortunately, it seemed she wouldn’t insist on a reckless course of action this time.
"As I’ve said many times, it wasn’t my opinion..."
Jinor briefly cast his gaze towards me.
I slightly shook my head, signaling that there was no need to bring my name into it.
Fortunately, Jinor seemed to understand and didn’t mention me 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 achievements too prominent if they wanted to live without any problems.
Even Jinor, whose fame had spread across the continent, was facing pressure from the founding figures of the nation. What would happen to someone like me, who had simply caused a meteor to fall from the sky?
Of course, the fact that I made a meteor 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 same person, regardless of her affiliations or position.
Just as she had done with Brans' army, this time, she was dedicating her time 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 me, looking genuinely pleased, but I couldn't return the smile. Sensing that something was off with my expression, Iren cautiously asked me.
"...Swen? Is something 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 some time."
She spoke as if it was nothing, but her nonchalance made me speak up with a heavy heart.
"Why did you take such a reckless duel? I don't mean 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 moment to think, before slowly opening them and replying with a serious tone.
"...A knight must fight when it’s time to fight."
"Now is not that time. We... we have somewhere 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 come to resent the army from that day onward?
As I was lost in these somewhat 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 me with eyes clearer than ever before. Those eyes, the eyes of someone who wanted to protect something... they overwhelmed me for a moment.
"If I hadn't held Chel there, it’s likely that we would have had to retreat with the soldiers. That would’ve dealt some 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?
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Why did my heart race like this?
Why did something deep within me 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 me, 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 me, then please, don’t die no matter what."
"...Huh?"
Before I knew it, the words escaped my lips, and Iren looked at me, 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 time, 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 moment. It might sound silly for me 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 me, Iren stared at me for a long moment 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 me like that... it’s..."
"Huh?"
"Th-That... it’s... embarrassing... yeah."
With her face flushed bright red, Iren kept glancing at me...
As I watched her, I thought, perhaps, more than helping Luna unite the world, what I really wanted was to protect this woman.