Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 190: Insight (1)

"The position of Grand Strategist?"

"That is correct."

It was certainly a groundbreaking proposal.

If we considered pure ability alone, it was the most logical choice.

Had I been playing this game as Serpina, I would have appointed Swen—the player character with 100 Intelligence—as Grand Strategist immediately upon recruitment.

In the game, as long as a subordinate had a higher Intelligence stat than the ruler, they would always say something like:

"If it’s you, I can entrust the nation’s governance without worry."

And that was that—no resistance, no political turmoil.

But reality was different.

Power was not something people easily relinquished.

Even if a successor was exceptionally talented, few would simply step aside for them.

Take Anima and Jinor, for example.

Among the founding contributors of the Aishus Army, Anima had been one of the more capable minds.

But even so, Jinor—who had served as the final Chancellor of the former empire—was a far superior candidate for the position of Grand Strategist.

Yet his appointment had still shaken the nation to its core.

"Just to confirm, what is the current sentiment among the generals regarding Jenna?"

"I don’t even need to ask the generals.

When I had just ✪ Nоvеlіgһt ✪ (Official version) ascended as heir to the empire, it was Jenna who swiftly stabilized the chaotic situation and consolidated power under me.

She is someone to whom even I owe great gratitude."

If she were to be removed in favor of me...?

Unlike Airen, I had not proven myself on the battlefield.

At least Airen had tangible accomplishments to her name.

Meanwhile, the things I had done in this land—

Most of them were behind the scenes, unnoticed by the majority.

I had advised Serpina in private.

I had helped Janis protect the Al Kasky family from extermination.

Even if Serpina and Irian appreciated my contributions, outwardly speaking, it would seem as though I had done nothing for this country.

And on top of that, there were already rumors about me and Serpina.

A young female ruler, repeatedly summoning a young male officer close to her age for private meetings.

And then—suddenly appointing him to the second most powerful position in the nation?

Even if I were an outsider, I would assume she was just handing the position to her lover.

Serpina was too shrewd not to have anticipated this.

That’s why I met her gaze directly and asked:

"Even so, you would appoint an outsider like me?"

She looked at me as if the question itself was ridiculous.

"But is it not the most rational choice?"

"I cannot agree.

If you appoint me under these circumstances, with the rumors already circulating, it will likely shake the loyalty of your generals."

"Do you truly believe that appointing the most qualified person to the appropriate position is something that requires consideration for others' opinions?"

"This seems like the perfect moment to reflect on the importance of humility, which you yourself once emphasized."

Serpina chuckled, amused by my roundabout phrasing.

"You never yield, do you? Even before me... Hehehe. ♥"

Grand Strategist.

Would it truly be right for me to take that position over Jenna?

More importantly...

Would it be right to take on such a high-ranking role when I knew I would eventually leave?

Of course, if I became Grand Strategist, it would make my departure easier.

The position itself, the trust I had built through my past contributions, and the weight of Insight—

I had succeeded in creating a situation where Serpina had to listen to my words.

If I played my cards right and continued making accurate predictions, then when the Lunarian Army reemerged, I could simply say:

"This is where you must let me go."

With that, I could safely reunite with Luna, bringing Airen and Reika with me—without any danger.

But if it came to that...

"I would be using Serpina."

At this moment, more than anything, I did not want to use her.

That thought alone made me quietly shake my head.

"The position is far too great for me.

I can only rely on ‘Insight,’ whereas Jenna is far more qualified than I am."

Serpina studied my face for a long moment before turning her gaze forward again.

"If that is your wish, I will not press the matter further. But, Swen—there is something I want you to remember."

She parted her lips once more.

"If you desire it, the position of Grand Strategist will be yours."

"Not only that.

If there is anything you want—anything at all—I will grant it to you."

"So, should your heart ever waver, even slightly... please, be honest with me."

...Should my heart ever waver.

So she had noticed.

Serpina was aware, at least vaguely, that my allegiance lay with another.

This wasn’t the first time she had spoken like this.

She had made similar comments before—saying she wouldn’t care who came first.

That it didn’t matter if she was second.

Luna...

I remembered the ruby-colored eyes, trembling with fear, as she gazed up at me from the throne of Zeilant’s modest castle.

And then—

I turned my head and met the golden eyes before me.

Shining beautifully, yet unable to fully conceal the loneliness lingering beneath.

I...

I had to make a choice.

Lunarian Iniang or Serpina von Eingart...

Whom should I follow?

It was not a question Insight could answer.

Even if I tried to consult it, the response would be obvious:

"Unknown."

This was a decision only I could make.

Intelligence meant nothing in the face of this choice.

And no matter what I decided—

The full weight of that choice would fall upon me alone.

I could no longer avoid it.

And so, I sat in that carriage with Serpina, passing the time.

The scent of citrus seeped into my skin, soaking into the depths of my heart.

***

Upon returning to Eingart Castle, one thing became clear—

The threat to Serpina’s life was not some natural disaster.

Nothing significant had occurred during our journey back.

Days had passed without incident.

There had been no alarming reports, no sudden crises.

That meant—

‘The most likely threat was an assassination attempt.’

It was reasonable to assume that she had narrowly escaped an assassination plot.

Of course, there was no such thing as 100% certainty in this world.

I couldn’t guarantee that was the case.

But given the current situation, it was the most logical conclusion.

Even if she had avoided death this time, there was no guarantee that another attempt wouldn’t be made.

Which meant I had to confirm, once and for all, that she was truly out of danger.

And so, after our return, I approached Airen.

"You mean Lady Luna?"

"Yes, that's correct."

I had deliberately steered the conversation to lead up to that question.

"...I have not forgotten what you told me.

That one day, you will return to Lady Luna’s side."

"Do you remember why?"

"Of course...

It is because you believe that Lady Luna is the one true ruler destined to unite the continent, correct?"

Good.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

I had finally gotten the question I was waiting for.

I entered it, my heart tense with anticipation—

‘Is Lunarian Iniang destined to unite the continent?’

If the answer wasn't what I expected... what would I do?

I didn’t want to think about it.

But fortunately, my plans were not so easily derailed.

[Yes.]

Hah...

I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Nothing had changed.

Luna was still destined to be the ruler who would unify the continent.

Which meant—

Serpina would survive.

Because Luna could not fulfill that destiny if Serpina were dead.

For now, at least, I had managed to lift the shadow of death from over her once again.

"I'm glad you remember."

"Swen..."

This content is taken from fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm.

Airen hesitated for a moment before speaking in a careful tone.

"I've told you this before, but I will say it again.

No matter what happens, I will always be on your side.

No matter what choice you make, I will stand by you. You don’t have to worry about that."

For a moment, I wondered why she was suddenly saying this again.

But I quickly realized—

Bringing up Luna in this situation must have stirred a lot of thoughts in her mind as well.

She was likely considering the implications.

I felt grateful for her concern, so I smiled and replied.

"Thank you. I feel the same way, Airen."

"...Mm."

With that, my conversation with Airen ended.

After safely escorting Serpina back to the royal palace, the very first thing I suggested was—

"A bodyguard?"

"Yes."

Even though she had avoided one assassination attempt, there was no guarantee there wouldn’t be another.

I couldn't always ask Insight at the right time to predict every attempt.

We had to prepare thoroughly.

"I already have at least four armed guards with me at all times."

"Yes, but... I would like you to include General Airen among them."

Of all the people I could trust with this, Airen was the only one.

She was the only person I had warned about the possibility of an assassination attempt.

There was no other officer I could confide in like that.

"Hmm..."

Serpina rested her chin on her hand, considering my request.

"She is currently the Deputy Commander of the occupation forces,

but she has yet to actually take part in the campaign.

And compared to that position, a bodyguard’s role is relatively insignificant.

There shouldn't be much concern about favoritism."

Serpina narrowed her eyes slightly.

"And why, exactly, do you want this?"

I hesitated.

Telling her "I believe someone is trying to assassinate you" outright would only unsettle her.

I wanted to protect her without shaking her trust or her peace of mind.

But I also wasn’t sure I could win a verbal battle with her if I tried to reason my way through it.

So...

I would take the direct approach.

"I would like to see General Airen more often."

"Oh?"

Serpina’s lips curled into a smirk.

Since joining the Serpina Army, I had spent most of my time by Serpina’s side.

I was always stationed as her aide, accompanying her wherever she went.

Even after returning to Eingart Castle, my duties had essentially become no different from those of her personal guards.

But if Airen became her official bodyguard, that would change.

She and I would have far more opportunities to see each other.

Serpina knew how much I valued Airen.

And she was someone who, despite everything, had a tendency to indulge my personal requests.

So I had reason to believe she would accept.

"If you are willing, I would appreciate your approval."

Serpina covered her mouth and laughed, clearly entertained.

"You’re bold, Swen.

To interfere with a ruler’s personnel decisions just because you personally want to see someone more often."

"..."

"And what about General Airen’s opinion?"

"I have no doubt she will obey my orders,

but she is currently overseeing many troops as Deputy Commander."

"She may not be pleased to suddenly find herself reassigned as my bodyguard."

"You don’t have to worry about that."

Airen was not the type to care about titles, ranks, or authority.

She only wished to be recognized for her worth.

She was not someone who lived for ambition.

If she had been, she would have fallen into despair long ago, when Lyn kept demoting her over and over again.

Instead, she had remained loyal to Lyn until the very end, burning her life away in service.

I had simply meant that she would have no reason to refuse.

But Serpina seemed to interpret it differently—she chuckled again, shaking her head.

"So you are certain she won’t refuse?

You have quite the confidence in her, Swen.

And yet... General Airen also seems to have a rather soft-hearted side to her, doesn’t she?"

...Honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

I couldn’t imagine Airen refusing my request.

That was exactly why I wanted to protect her.

Seeing my lack of response, Serpina finally nodded.

"Very well. I will allow it."

"Thank you."

"You need not thank me.

After all, I am the one at a disadvantage here, am I not?"

"Regardless of my position as ruler,

I am still just a woman who wishes to win your favor, Swen.

How could I possibly deny such a simple request from the one I wish to impress?"

Then, her golden eyes gleamed as she stepped closer—her face flushing slightly.

"But... since I have granted your request, I must claim something in return, must I not?"

"If it is something I can do, I will, of course, comply."

Serpina smiled.

A satisfied, almost predatory smile.

Then, she whispered—

"Swen... you must devote yourself to me even more... ♥"

* * *

And from that day forward—

Just as she had declared, eyes shining with desire—

I found myself devoting even more of myself to Serpina.