Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 201: Under the Night Sky

Serpina’s unexpected and swift return overturned all expectations, allowing the ‘series of events’ to settle quickly.

For now, the situation had not escalated further. Had she remained absent for too long, the turmoil would have continued, but with her quick return, she could resume governance as if nothing had happened.

The difference between a monarch of an autocratic state being absent for several weeks and merely a single day was monumental.

Truly, it was all thanks to Reika.

I had no idea what kind of methods she had used, but by the very next day, Serpina’s wounds had healed at an astonishing rate, allowing her to carry on as usual.

Considering that Reika had slept for a full twenty-four hours straight and still seemed utterly drained upon waking, she had undoubtedly pushed herself to the brink.

The only reason she had gone to such extremes... must have been because it involved Airen. Reika had always been deeply devoted to her.

Then came the next issue—assassin Reni’s fate.

While Shura was already dead, Reni had survived. And because she had survived, she had no choice but to endure excruciating torture.

Even when faced with the harshest interrogation, she refused to reveal her benefactors, displaying a level of resilience that even Serpina had to acknowledge.

But then—

Updat𝒆d fr𝒐m freewebnσvel.cøm.

"They’ve seized a fortress?"

"Yes. A small fortress northwest of Amir Castle has been occupied. They are declaring that they cannot tolerate the rule of the current sovereign. This time... that is to say—"

"Do not hesitate. Speak as it is."

At Serpina’s words, the officer delivering the report hesitated for a moment before finally forcing the words out.

"They claim that though they failed to take the life of the Witch Serpina, this is not the end."

Given that Serpina had only been absent for a short time, it was unlikely that news of recent events had spread across the entire continent yet.

"So they are practically confessing to being the masterminds."

"Yes. However, the situation appears to be more complicated."

"Complicated?"

"It seems they had originally planned to stage their rebellion at Terk Castle rather than the fortress. However, according to reports, their attempt did not go as planned."

"......"

Had their plans fallen apart after the failed assassination attempt?

Well, that was none of Serpina’s concern.

And—

"I understand. Continue gathering intelligence and report back."

"Yes!"

After the officer left, Serpina turned her gaze toward me.

"What do you think, Swen?"

Right.

Why had they chosen to rebel again?

It was not Serpina’s concern—nor was it mine.

"Rebels must be dealt with harshly, must they not?"

"However, if it is a fortress near Amir Castle, it will take time to gather troops."

The southeastern region of the northern territories was the most remote and underdeveloped of Serpina’s domains, with a sparse population and limited military presence.

There was a reason why deploying troops to Amir Castle was considered an unconventional move.

However—

"There is no need to mobilize a large force. How many rebels are there in the fortress?"

"I was told around ten thousand."

"That is a manageable number."

Yes.

This rebel faction differed greatly from the ones before.

The reason?

They had endangered Airen. That was something I could never overlook.

Not just anyone, but Airen had been put in danger.

The deaths of Shura and Reni were not enough. If there were forces working behind them, they had to be completely eradicated—I would not be satisfied otherwise.

I looked directly into Serpina’s eyes.

"Grant me three thousand troops. I would also like General Airen to lead the vanguard."

"You intend to subdue ten thousand with just three thousand? There is no need to be so frugal. I can provide more troops."

"No. Bringing a larger force would only result in unnecessary casualties and additional supplies wasted. Three thousand will be enough."

Serpina studied my face intently before speaking carefully.

"You intend to bring Reika along, don’t you?"

"......"

As expected.

Her sharp intellect, sharper than any ruler I had ever met, had already grasped my plan.

She was right.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

Now was the perfect time to solidify the fact that magic had reappeared on the continent.

"While my lord has often spoken of ‘karma’ being the cause of these repeated rebellions, I believe it is also because we have yet to demonstrate absolute power. That is why I believe now is the right time to make an example of them."

It was impossible to keep her magic a secret forever.

If we were to reveal it, we might as well seize every advantage that came with it.

To make them pay for endangering Airen.

To repay Serpina, who had risked everything to save Airen.

I wanted to make sure magic ~Nоvеl𝕚ght~ became her weapon.

If this power could serve as a new variable in the minds of our enemies, it would reduce the number of reckless uprisings in the future.

Besides, there was no better opportunity to create a miracle—three thousand defeating ten thousand—than right now.

Since magic was still largely unknown, now was the time to strike while they remained unsuspecting.

"I understand your intentions... but that ‘power’ is only at your disposal when you are by my side, is it not?"

"......Given how little is known, I believe mere rumors will be enough to exert control over the masses."

"You won’t say, ‘Do not worry, my lord, for I will always be by your side’... Hah."

Serpina laughed, finding the situation amusing.

I, however, could not meet her gaze.

Fortunately, she did not press the matter further. Instead, she rose from her seat and extended her hand toward me.

"Swen. I grant you three thousand troops. General Airen shall lead the vanguard. Show these rebels, who dare wave false banners, who the true ruler of the Eingart Empire is."

"Yes!"

I answered in a loud, firm voice.

It was now time for my revenge.

***

During the march toward the fortress, I had the chance to speak with Airen at length.

"Reni is dead, I presume?"

"Yes. Executed. He held out until the very end."

A dark night.

After spending the entire day leading troops on horseback, this brief moment before sleep was my only chance to talk with her.

"It’s laughable, really. I considered him the most reliable of all my knights. And yet, the one I trusted the least—Siegfried—turned out to be the only one without ties to the rebellion. I had no idea my judgment was so flawed... Even now, the thought infuriates me."

"How could you have known, General Airen? You hadn’t even been with the knights for long."

"But I was the only one who could have stopped it."

"Because of you, Lady Serpina is still alive."

My words weren’t just meant for comfort—they were true.

If Airen hadn’t been there... the fate of the unified empire would have fallen to some nameless figure instead of Lady Luna.

One way or another, Airen had saved me once again.

"That’s why I hope you won’t blame yourself too much. No one holds you responsible, and our lord is deeply grateful to you."

"Swen..."

She gave me a faint smile, as if she understood my sincerity.

Being able to continue seeing that smile... was thanks to Lady Serpina.

No matter how many times I thought about it, I couldn’t deny that I owed her a great debt.

"...What about Lady Reika?"

"She’s resting in the carriage. It seems traveling with the soldiers has been exhausting for her—she spent the entire day struggling to keep up."

"I see."

Airen was one of the few people who knew that Reika was a mage.

Naturally, she also understood what it meant for Reika to accompany us.

"...I can’t help but worry."

"About Reika?"

"Yes."

"..."

It wasn’t difficult to guess what she was thinking.

Airen and I were both officially part of Serpina’s army—soldiers.

Unlike me, who merely advised from the rear, Airen fought on the battlefield with her own hands, personally taking the lives of dozens—sometimes hundreds. She knew better than anyone what it meant to step onto the battlefield.

So it made sense that she was uneasy about Reika, a civilian in all but name, joining this campaign.

I had considered the same concern.

But—

"Reika told me herself. She wants to do what she can, for you... and for Lady Serpina, who saved you."

"..."

"She may be from a noble family, but she’s not some fragile flower. She understands what she’s doing. And if this is what she has chosen, then I want to support her."

"I see..."

The conversation faded into silence.

The crackling of the campfire filled the night air.

"Hold on a moment."

I reached into the fire, pulling out a small pot, and poured some tea.

"...Thank you."

"It’s nothing."

The sounds of insects chirping, the rustling of the night breeze, and the quiet sip of tea...

Everything felt still.

The warmth of the tea spread through my chest, making my body relax.

"Swen."

"Yes?"

"There was talk... about you and Lady Reika’s engagement, wasn’t there?"

"...?"

I turned my gaze from the fire to where Airen sat.

Her face was flushed as she stared into the flames.

"What do you think? Will you... marry her?"

"..."

I took a slow sip of tea.

"That’s something I’d have to discuss with Reika herself—"

"But if everything works out... would you marry her?"

Airen turned her head toward me, her voice urgent.

Marriage.

Marriage, huh...

I looked into her violet eyes, which reflected my own image.

If I were to be honest, the person I wanted to marry first... was Airen.

Every moment spent with her only deepened my feelings.

Every time she called my name, I felt more alive than ever.

But—

"...To be honest, I don’t have any intention of marrying right now."

"When you say ‘right now’... do you mean it’s just a matter of timing?"

"Yes."

I wanted to put down roots before I settled down.

It would be unfair to build a family while I was still a wanderer.

I had always believed that I would propose once Lady Lunarian raised her banner again—

And yet...

Why did Lady Serpina’s image keep lingering in my mind?

The woman who had once clutched my hand and begged me not to leave her.

A woman who, despite her title as a tyrant, was fragile and vulnerable.

Because of that, I couldn’t bring myself to say, ‘I will propose once I return to Lady Luna’s army.’

"When the time comes, I will propose. Reika is important, but..."

Even so.

I didn’t want to lie—not to her.

I met Airen’s gaze directly.

"...You understand, don’t you?"

"...!"

Her violet eyes widened in surprise.

Then, her face turned red, and she lowered her head.

"Swen..."

She whispered my name softly, several times.

Had my feelings reached her?

Or was she simply going along with the moment?

Not long after—

Airen lifted her head again and met my eyes directly.

"...I’ll wait. No matter how long it takes, Swen."

She smiled, her eyes curving into crescent moons.

The countless stars above seemed ready to spill from the heavens.

The crackling fire surrounded us, wrapping us in warmth.

Then, slowly, Airen leaned closer—

And rested her head against my shoulder.

I didn’t pull away.

We sat there in silence, staring into the flames together.

This was peace.

The peace shared by two wanderers who had fought to change the world.

And in that moment, I knew one thing for certain.

I would never forget this night, not even in death.