The Brans Army retreated rapidly.

    As agreed, our forces did not pursue them.

    Admittedly, we could have broken the agreement, chased after them, and struck from behind. However, if we had done such a thing, Luna’s Army would have lost the ability to conduct normal diplomacy with any nation in the future. That alone was reason enough to refrain.

    Moreover, there was nothing to gain from pursuing them aside from hindering their retreat.

    The walls of Zeilant Castle were more than half destroyed, and over 8,000 soldiers were rendered unable to fight. Yet—

    In the end, we succeeded in defending the castle.

    The Brans Army would be occupied with the Serpina Army for the foreseeable future, granting us a golden opportunity to strengthen our foundation.

    And now, here—inside the royal castle of Zeilant.

    Compared to the royal castle of Arnel, which I had visited before, this place was downright shabby. Still, there was a sense of comfort, as if I had finally arrived home.

    Present were the ruler, Luna, as well as Gustav, Aaron, and Cain, who had each been defending different locations.

    I’d heard that Tifa had sustained severe injuries during the war and was currently undergoing treatment.

    I placed a pouch overflowing with gold on the table and said:

    “Three thousand gold.”

    Cain inspected the gold, then looked at me with a disbelieving expression, glancing back and forth between the coins and my face.

    “So... Swen, you went to negotiate a ceasefire under the condition of 1,300 gold, but instead, you not only secured the agreement but returned with 3,000 gold?”@@@@

    “Yes, that’s correct.”

    “How... how on earth?”

    I replied calmly to the flabbergasted Cain.

    “I negotiated a bit.”

    “Negotiated, you say... What kind of negotiation... No, forget it. This is unbelievable.”

    Cain wiped the sweat from his brow as he stared at me.

    At first, his gaze had carried no particular emotion—just the look one gives to someone new. But over time, he began to regard me with both caution and admiration for my abilities.

    Now, he looked at me with nothing short of reverence.

    “Swen, you’re truly extraordinary. What in the world were you doing before this? How has someone as remarkable as you remained hidden until now?”

    “Oh, just keeping busy with little things here and there.”

    “Haha, is that so? I never imagined there could still be such unrecognized talent in these times... Life is full of surprises. Swen, you’re incredible. I’ll never doubt your decisions again.”

    “We were all surprised. To turn such unfavorable terms into profit—truly remarkable.”

    “Swen, your talents are unmatched.”

    Even Gustav and Aaron joined in the praise.

    I wasn’t the type to enjoy flattery, but as long as I worked for Luna’s Army, such reactions were more beneficial than harmful.

    With my intelligence of 100, I would inevitably provide predictions that were spot-on but might seem inscrutable at first glance. If they already trusted me, it would make implementing my strategies far easier than having to explain myself each time.

    “I knew it would turn out this way,” Luna chimed in from the side.

    “I... trusted him. Thank you so much, Swen.”

    Her ruby-red eyes gazed at me with deep trust.

    Yes.

    Above all else, it was Luna’s overwhelming support that reassured me.

    Even if my predictions were always correct, there was a risk that a ruler who didn’t trust my opinions might ignore me.

    At least under Luna’s leadership, I wouldn’t have to worry about that.

    Her trust in me was absolute.

    She would continue to support me in the future, without a doubt.

    I mentally replayed the very first question Luna had asked me:

    “Can Lunarian Iniang become the ruler who unites the continent?”

    The answer was the same as before.

    The one destined to unify the continent was none other than her.

    Frankly, I still didn’t know how she would achieve such a feat, but—

    My predictions never lie. She would undoubtedly become the sovereign who unites the continent.

    Until then, I would remain by her side, ensuring a stable path back to my original world.

    It was, after all, a solid and foolproof otherworld plan.

    “Too easy.”

    Ah, no.

    I couldn’t afford to get complacent just because things were going well.

    Even if the future seemed decided, Luna’s Army was still a small and insignificant nation.

    We might have survived until now, but there was no telling what trials awaited us ahead.

    Thus, our treasury now held 4,300 gold.

    This time, Luna didn’t use all of it for relief efforts for her subjects.

    She prioritized internal affairs, such as conscription, commercial development, and funding activities for mercenaries.

    It was essential funding for the growth of Zeilant Castle.

    At first, I thought we might abandon the castle quickly.

    But now, every nearby castle had already been claimed by different leaders.

    While we had been unable to expand early on due to a lack of soldiers and resources, other lords had swallowed up countless empty castles.

    Although Zeilant’s proximity to the Brans Army made its location less than ideal, we had no choice but to cultivate it now.

    “It’ll be fine. Everything will work out.”

    With me here, I would find a way.

    With that thought, I remained by Luna’s side, continuing to assist her.

    “...Hah.”

    Lyn felt her body tremble.

    She wanted to make that man hers immediately, but stopping Serpina’s offensive took priority.

    “I’ll need to personally lead this battle.”

    Her eldest brother, Chel, was in the south, and her second brother, Karlinz, was unreliable.

    It was time for her to step forward as the supreme commander once more.

    “Interesting, Serpina. Whatever you’re plotting... you won’t set foot in the central region.”

    With that thought, Lyn swiftly began preparing for deployment.

    ***

    After the ceasefire agreement with the Brans Army, the days passed without any major incidents.

    One day became a week, a week became a month, and months turned into a period of relative peace that bordered on boredom.

    I delegated tasks to the generals, used my ‘predictions’ to decide what to prioritize, and contributed in whatever small ways I could with my limited combat abilities.

    Zeilant Castle had also changed significantly.

    New buildings rose where the storm had left devastation, and streets that once exuded an eerie desolation were slowly regaining life.

    Fields were cultivated, livestock raised...

    The abandoned land of Zeilant Castle was transforming into a place where people could truly live.

    Witnessing this transformation, the territory’s residents sang praises of Luna’s benevolence.

    In hindsight, this was what ‘peace’ felt like.

    Time flowed, and the harvest season arrived.

    Luna and I were touring the territory under the pretense of inspecting public sentiment.

    As we followed the vast plains, golden wheat fields swayed in the wind.

    It was the first harvest since Zeilant Castle’s reconstruction.

    “The crops have flourished,” I remarked.

    Luna nodded in agreement.

    “It’s thanks to the efforts of our people.”

    “Those same people unanimously praise your governance, Luna. Perhaps it’s time you acknowledged yourself as the outstanding leader you are.”

    “You’re the only one who thinks so, Swen. Hehe... But thank you.”

    Then, a commotion arose in the distance.

    ‘What’s that?’

    A festival, perhaps?

    Luna glanced toward the noise, then tugged at my sleeve.

    “U-um...”

    “Speak your mind.”

    “Would you... like to go over there with me?”

    I looked at Luna’s face as she asked.

    Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her hesitant demeanor resembled that of a small animal.

    The inspection was nearly complete, and if the ruler wanted to go, what could a vassal like me do but oblige?

    “Shall we?”

    “Y-yes...! Let’s go together!”

    Luna’s face lit up at my words.

    Her ruby-red eyes, glowing brightly under the sunlight, looked like precious gemstones.

    Together, we headed toward the crowd.