Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 284: The Inefficient Path

"Janis al Kasky... You mean Irian's younger brother?"

"Yes."

After getting caught up in the group of traitors and seeing his family wiped out, he served a light prison sentence and was later assigned to a post in the outskirts, where he performed administrative duties like any other ordinary officer.

His stats were not particularly impressive, but since a bodyguard didn't require extraordinary abilities, and considering the prerequisite that he was someone you could trust without hesitation, there was no better choice.

After all, despite having the chance to betray, he never did. His loyalty was far more important than any special skills, so he was the ideal candidate to replace Airen.

Serpina, having already received the report, quickly grasped the context and nodded.

"I understand. We’ll proceed as you suggested."

"Great. Now, let’s move on to the main topic."

As I unfolded the map, Serpina, with perfect timing, moved closer to me.

I could tell we had started to sync quite well, just from the strong scent of citrus wafting in the air.

"First, I think the best choice is to deal with Chel Brans. But before we proceed, there’s something I’d like to ask of you, my lord."

Serpina smiled faintly, replying calmly.

"I think I know what you’re about to say."

"Really?"

"You mean, what do I think of this matter?"

Serpina smiled in amusement, her usual queenly demeanor on full display as she asked me the question.

"Do you think that attacking Chel’s army is the most efficient way?"

She had perfectly understood my intentions.

Knowing what I was capable of, I wondered if she could always read my plans now.

It seemed that our mutual understanding was no longer just one-sided.

Given the question, I quickly responded.

[Yes.]

‘Yes... so that’s the answer?’

I had anticipated this response, but there were still a few things I needed to confirm.

"My lord, may I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"Do you intend to participate directly in the occupying forces?"

Without hesitation, Serpina shook her head.

"I would like to, but there are things I need to finish first."

"Things to finish?"

"Not long ago, you were appointed as the national strategist. While many, including Jenna, have accepted it, there are still those who harbor dissatisfaction."

"...Oh, really?"

While I was surprised to learn this, Serpina nodded nonchalantly.

"This happens every time the balance of power shifts. If you sit in this seat, it’s essential to understand how the commanders react to certain things."

Thinking back, Serpina had led the internal affairs by carefully assessing each of the commanders and placing them where they best fit.

Since they were constantly in close contact, perhaps she could also sense their hidden discontent.

"And... I’m also concerned about something else."

"Concerned?"

"The settlers sent to the northern territories. I think it would be wise to visit and encourage them."

The settlers... were they the ones Serpina had saved?

I should be thankful to her for saving their lives, but in reality, public sentiment could only move according to the will of the ruler. So, blaming anyone for it would be unfair.

Seeing this made me feel strangely frustrated.

If the widely known tyrant were to show concern for the people she saved, what kind of response would it provoke?

No, such a fairytale-like reaction would never happen. It would only lead to rumors of manipulation or hidden motives.

"So, are you saying you won’t participate in the occupying forces?"

"Correct."

‘Hmm...’

It seemed there was more to it than just that reason.

After a moment of thought, I looked at Serpina and said,

"Then, would you consider participating in the occupying forces this time?"

"...What?"

Serpina’s eyes widened in surprise at my suggestion, and her expression gave off a strangely cute impression.

"I’m speaking literally. I would like you to join the occupying forces this time. Not just ‘Maybe I’ll try it,’ but think of it as ‘I will absolutely participate in the battle.’"

Serpina paused to think, then said,

"I remember you mentioned something like this before. Is this related to using your abilities?"

"You’re quick to catch on."

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

"As I said, I’m not sure what you think of this woman."

Serpina smiled with a half-moon curve on her eyes, then added,

"Alright, I’ll do it."

"Thank you. Please wait just a moment."

I inputted the question I had asked her earlier again:

‘Is attacking Chel’s army and organizing the occupying forces the most efficient choice?’

And the answer came quickly, just like before.

[No.]

‘...’

The answer I had expected came as I had anticipated.

I wasn’t all that surprised, but—

"Something’s up, Swen."

"...Do you see it?"

"I’ve been looking at your face all this time. If she doesn’t notice, who else could read your mind?"

Seeing Serpina’s reaction, I realized I still had a lot to work on my poker face.

Let’s summarize.

With Serpina’s involvement, the ‘efficiency’ of this occupation changes.

When Serpina wasn’t involved, the battle with Chel’s army was the ‘most efficient’ approach for our forces. This is from the perspective of our army – in other words, the perspective of ‘Serpina’s army’. It’s easy to deduce from the previous questions and their aftermath that her perspective differs from ours.

However, with Serpina’s involvement, this decision becomes an ‘inefficient’ choice.

If I were a general loyal to the country, I would have naturally chosen the most efficient method... But the problem is, at least as long as I’m part of Serpina’s army, ‘efficiency’ doesn’t always mean something that will make the ruler, Serpina, smile.

‘In the worst case, Serpina-sama could be in danger.’

If Serpina-sama’s life were truly in danger, more direct expressions like ‘the fate of the Unified Empire will be at risk’ would have emerged. Still, considering that I’ve elevated Serpina’s reputation with the choice of ‘inefficiency’, it wasn’t hard to figure out what I should choose.

“My Lord. It seems that you must participate in the occupying forces and fight alongside us this time.”

“Is it really the most efficient method for me to participate?”

“Well, that is...”

At that moment, I was at a loss for words.

No, it’s the opposite. It’s not efficient. The efficient method would put Serpina-sama in danger.

I could never say something like, [N O V E L I G H T] “Putting Serpina-sama in danger would be a good thing for our army.” At least, I could never say that to her.

So, I decided to shamelessly put on a polished smile and answer confidently.

“Well, I suppose so.”

“...Really?”

She said it in a tone of disbelief and turned her head to look at the window. Her profile, which seemed somewhat lonely, caught my eye.

“Swen.”

“Speak, please.”

“Is it truly the result that shows it’s more efficient for me to personally participate?”

“Yes, that’s right. Do you not trust me?”

“No! It’s not that... I trust you. It’s just that I’m afraid.”

“...Huh?”

“I’m afraid that everything will fall apart again, like it always does...”

She slowly turned her head and looked me directly in the eyes.

“Swen, you know... it’s always been like this. Every time things started to go well, something would trip us up. If we join the occupying forces again and there’s a rebellion, or if bad luck strikes again and overwhelms our army...”

As she said this, trembling with fear, I finally realized her decisive reason for not wanting to join the occupation forces.

I see.

There were many reasons, but that seemed to be the biggest one.

Fear. The fear that she would ruin everything again.

Her life had always been like that—every time something seemed to go well, something would trip her up, and she would be blamed for things she didn’t do.

“Swen. Don’t you have somewhere to return to? You don’t need to risk everything for me. I’m content with just having you by my side... right now, in this moment.”

She might not know, but I had no intention of being content with just being by her side at this moment.

So, I decided.

For Serpina, I will walk down the path that is not efficient.

I placed my hands on her shoulders.

“...!”

It was a very rude gesture to touch the body of my sovereign, but by now, I knew she would accept it.

“There’s no helping it. For this occupation, my Lord, you’re absolutely necessary. You must participate.”

“...I’m needed...?”

“Yes. That’s right.”

I felt her golden eyes tremble slightly.

“But... what if the cursed fate of mine swallows even your heart, making you dangerous? What if you, of all people, find yourself in danger...?”

She bit her lip lightly.

Lately, I’ve been feeling something—I think she’s more fragile than I realized. It seemed like she was showing me more of this side of herself these days.

Had I really opened her heart? Was that too naive of me to think?

“Well, then I guess I’ll just die.”

“What...?”

“If you really feel bad, then please give me a grand funeral.”

“...Swen, what are you saying—”

“Or...”

I slowly lowered my hand and took hold of her snow-white hand.

It was warm.

The hand of a tyrant is this warm.

I think I understand how she must have felt when she tried to save me.

“Then... please die with me.”

“...!!!”

Instead of saying, “Please live through anything with me,” I said...

“Well, wouldn’t that solve everything?”

I shamelessly spoke the words I had never planned to say.

“Swen...”

She stared at me, stunned and wide-eyed.

In this moment, she didn’t look like a ruler but more like a young girl.

The woman of my dreams, looking at me with that kind of gaze, reminded me of something I had experienced.

“But don’t worry. There’s no way I’ll die.”

“Huh...?”

Looking at Serpina, whose eyes were wavering, I said the forbidden words that a strategist should never speak.

“My words are always right.”

“!!!”

“So, just follow what I say.”

Back when I had just arrived in this world, believing in my 100 Intelligence, I used to arrogantly say, “Just do what I say” without any thought of persuasion.

In Brans’ army, in Aishus’ army, and here in Serpina’s army—I slowly learned that I couldn’t do things that way.

And now.

Once again, in front of the woman I want to protect, I’ve become shameless.

Serpina... stared at me silently for a long time, her eyes locked on mine, then...

When her gaze was filled with nothing but me, she smiled a beautiful crescent-shaped smile.

“...Okay. I will...”

I knew exactly what she was going to say.

“I will do what you say, Swen.”

No matter what it is... I trust you.