NOVEL WEB Chapter 280
* * *
Not long after being appointed as the Nation’s Strategist, a simple inauguration ceremony took place within the Royal Palace.
At first, I honestly didn’t want any grand event, but Lady Serpina explained that this wasn’t just for me—it was also to honor Jena, the previous strategist.
Even if it’s an official title granted by the monarch, handing over such power—especially to someone who’s only been in the nation for a short time—is bound to leave a bitter taste. Thus, maintaining proper etiquette until the very end is essential, she said.
‘No need to stir up unnecessary trouble…’
That was why I found myself kneeling in the middle of the Audience Chamber while everyone lined up in formation.
Was this really just formality? Every influential figure currently in the Serpina Army had gathered here for this occasion—quite a spectacular sight indeed.
Cranfis, Commander-in-Chief of the Occupying Forces.
Iren, Deputy Commander and Bodyguard who saved her life.
Irian, the most celebrated general in the current Serpina Army.
Reika, the mage whose achievements bordered on miracles, striking fear across the continent.
And even those loyalists who had never once betrayed her during countless rebellions—all elites of the Serpina Army.
But strangely, the main character of this grand display wasn’t me, the new strategist, but Jena, the outgoing one.
“Come forward and raise your head, Jena.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Lady Serpina rose from her Throne in perfect timing with Jena’s approach.
“From the moment you showed unwavering loyalty when I decided to ascend the Imperial Throne and bring order to this chaos, I have never forgotten your dedication.”
“It was merely my duty as a vassal.”
“Duty as a vassal… Jena, you of all people should know how difficult it is to uphold such duties. Isn’t that right?”
During those tumultuous early days of the Serpina Army, when succession disputes raged across the Northern Continent, it must have been nonstop defense against endless rebellions.
I understood what Lady Serpina meant—and if anyone would understand better, it’d be Jena, who had served as strategist since the beginning of her reign.
“Without your devotion, I wouldn’t have secured my position. With the legitimacy of the Einhardt Imperial Family lost, the Northern Continent might have descended into endless warfare like the other continents, costing countless lives. You worked not just for me, but for everyone in the Northern Continent.”
“I will give you some time. Speak freely if you wish.”
“Thank you, my Lord.”
Jena turned to face the assembled crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for trusting me. Whatever accomplishments I’ve made were only possible because of each and every one of you. Though I retire from the position of National Strategist today, our resolve remains unbroken. Without your trust, I would have been nothing. The same applies to the new strategist. Please extend your faith in her choice.”
“I will never forget serving you all these years.”
After her speech, Lady Serpina extended her hand.
“Jena, I will never forget all that you’ve done for me. Now, pass the torch to the new bearer of your legacy.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Jena approached me, still kneeling. Realizing it was my turn, I stood up to meet her.
“Please accept this.”
It was a slightly worn but elegant round case containing a single old piece of paper.
“This is your letter of appointment as National Strategist. It’s been passed down through generations of the Einhardt family.”
The original draft penned by the First Emperor himself—but with faded words, its value lies more in symbolism than substance.
Still, traditions like these are necessary to uphold the prestige of the Imperial Family. Lady Serpina had no choice but to cling to anything tying her to the Einhardt name after all her brothers were wiped out.
“I gladly accept.”
Taking the paper from Jena’s hands, I noticed her subtle nod signaling my cue to speak.
“I may not live up to the standards set by the former strategist, but now that I hold this position, I will do my utmost for Lady Serpina.”
Not for the Serpina Army—but for Lady Serpina herself. Even if it means harm to the nation, if it protects her life, then so be it.
With Jena stepping back, I approached Lady Serpina standing regally before the Throne. Her golden eyes seemed to illuminate the path ahead, commanding natural reverence.
Meeting her gaze, I understood once again why she stands above all as the Absolute Ruler. Lately, I’d seen her softer side and momentarily forgot—but she truly belongs atop others.
“I look forward to working with you, Swen.”
“Yes, my Lord.”
Though there could’ve been more to say, this was ultimately Jena’s moment. Both Serpina and I knew discussing me further wouldn’t be appropriate.
As applause filled the room, I instinctively glanced around.
Everyone was looking at me—even Jena, the actual star of this event.
Illyan. Iren. Reika. All key figures of the Serpina Army, including their sovereign, gazed upon me.
Only then did I fully grasp what this meant.
It meant…
The will of the Serpina Army now rested in my hands.
Here, I can do anything. No one would oppose me. Those who might’ve resisted died in rebellion, and rising stars like Illyan and Reika are already on my side. Lady Serpina trusts me more than anyone.
Does that mean… am I directly opposing Lady Luna through my own decisions?
With unanswered questions lingering, I officially became the National Strategist of the Serpina Army. And the news spread across the continent faster than I imagined.
* * *
Jeilrant Castle.
One of the few places untouched by the plague that swept Central Continent, thanks to an early quarantine order under Brance Army jurisdiction.
Lady Lin issued the lockdown before the epidemic reached them, sparing this region and surrounding territories catastrophe. Initially met with skepticism, this decision skyrocketed her popularity.
Considering she’d previously fallen so low due to questionable decisions and mistakes splitting her nation into thirds, this turnaround was nothing short of miraculous.
Rumors of her “restored brilliance” influenced not just allies but even soldiers from Kalintz and Chel armies who had rebelled against her.
Especially compared to their recent blunders.
Regardless, Lin quietly handled her duties without repeating past errors. She knew reputation alone wasn’t enough—what truly mattered was performance.
While somewhat detached now, even she was surprised by ‘the news.’
“So Swen is Serpina Army’s new strategist?”
“Yes, my Lord.”
“Hmm…”
Parphale’s report intrigued Lin. Though missing out on Swen stung a little, something else about this situation felt off.
Lin absentmindedly twirled her fingers through her hair. Fortunately, she had someone nearby to discuss this with—a recent defector now kneeling before her.
“You heard?”
“Yes.”
The kneeling woman looked up at Lin.
“What do you think, Cecile?”
Cecile Loengrin—the last surviving member of Karelia’s Dream Team, who slipped through Luna Army’s grasp—now knelt before her new sovereign.
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