Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100% Accuracy

"The position of Deputy Commander of the Occupation Forces…?"
On the red carpet of the audience chamber.
The red-haired knight, Airen, asked in disbelief—
But Serpina, seated on her throne, gazing down at her, responded with unwavering determination.

"That’s right. Right now, we are in a period of consolidation, so there won’t be anything for you to do immediately. But when the time comes, I intend to put you to good use. Airen, I look forward to your contributions."
"……."
It was a day meant for the appointment of new officials, and an unexpected nomination had just been announced.

Deputy Commander of the Occupation Forces.
A highly prestigious position—one that could play a pivotal role in Serpina’s planned expansion into the central continent.
Naturally, this was an honor. Airen knew better than anyone how rare it was to serve under a ruler who truly recognized and valued her abilities.
And yet—was she really fit to accept this position?
She had only recently joined, and on the surface, it seemed like she had already switched allegiances twice.
With her keen sense of awareness, Airen could easily detect the doubtful and unwelcoming gazes directed her way.
No one dared to openly oppose Serpina’s decision—but those eyes… they carried hostility, a silent rejection of her.
Would it be wiser to refuse the offer, citing her lack of qualification?
Just as that thought crossed her mind—

"Airen Juliet."
Serpina called her name in a low voice.
"There is only one reason I have placed your name in this position. It is because you possess the ability to fulfill it. Therefore, I will not accept any excuse like ‘I am not capable enough, so I decline.’ You would do well to keep that in mind. Of course, I won’t force you."

Airen was momentarily taken aback—
It was as if Serpina had read her mind.
But truthfully, leaving aside the opinions of others—
As a knight, as a vassal, she couldn’t help but feel gratitude toward Serpina for giving her the wings to spread her abilities.
Brans Army had never even considered her for such a position.
Even in Aishus Army, she had been overshadowed by the founding contributors °• N 𝑜 v 𝑒 l i g h t •° and had no chance of obtaining an important role.
From her perspective, she would have to leave this place with Swen sooner or later.
So before that happened—
At the very least, she wanted to repay the woman who had granted her such generosity.

The time spent in the annex,
Allowing a civilian like Reika to stay in the officers’ quarters—
Everything Serpina had done had been a favor to Airen.
"…I understand. I will humbly accept your command, my lord."
Serpina smiled in satisfaction—
Then, turning toward the gathered officers, she let out a cold, derisive chuckle.
Her tone, which had been warm when addressing Airen, now turned utterly frigid.

"You would all do well to remember this. In our nation, a commander’s worth is not measured by how long they have served or by the prestige of their lineage. The only criteria that matter are: How exceptional are their abilities? And How much can they contribute in their position? These two factors alone will determine rank. And the one who makes that judgment—will be none other than myself, Serpina von Eingart."
She slightly lifted her chin and looked down at her vassals.
A leader.

The charisma inherent to those destined to lead weighed down upon the audience chamber, suffocating all in attendance.
"If any of you have objections, come to me directly. I have no issue hearing your grievances. I will listen, as many times as necessary. If you can present a valid argument that can overturn my decision, I will consider it. I am generous enough to lend an ear to my vassals’ voices.
But—
I have no mercy for defeated dogs who gather in the shadows to spread meaningless dissent.

I trust I’ve made myself clear."
In other words—if you’re dissatisfied with Airen’s promotion, don’t take it out on her. Bring your complaints directly to me.
Serpina’s authority and legitimacy now served as Airen’s shield.
"My lord…"

Watching Serpina, Airen couldn’t help but have a rebellious thought.
Swen had once told her that the ruler who would unify the continent was not Serpina, but Lunarian.
If that were true…
Did that mean that this woman—this commanding, powerful ruler—
Would ultimately fail to seize dominion over the continent?
Would she truly be cast aside by history as a fallen contender for power?

For a fleeting moment, her heart wavered.
But she quickly reaffirmed her position.
Serpina von Eingart. Lunarian Iniang.
Regardless of who she served, Airen’s only concern was Swen’s will.
Her duty was to protect Swen, to ensure his safety above all else.
No matter what anyone said, her sword—her shield—belonged to Swen.
A wolf raised to guard its master had no intention of betraying the one who had saved it.

*
Once the ceremony concluded,
As Airen was leaving the castle, she felt someone grasp her shoulder.
"Airen."

"…My lord?"
"Take this."
She looked at what Serpina had handed her—
A small golden key.

"There is an annex behind the barracks. A royal-owned property. You’ll recognize it easily by the royal crest on the entrance."
"…Excuse me? Why are you giving me this?"
"I am granting it to you. I will assign twenty maids to maintain the residence."

"Granting it to me…?"
"A Deputy Commander of the Occupation Forces cannot be expected to live in the barracks. Your ward would also feel uneasy staying in shared quarters, would she not?"
"Ah…!"

She had even considered something like this?
Beyond anything else,
Airen couldn’t help but feel truly grateful to Serpina.
"Thank you very much for your generosity."

"Save your gratitude—prove your worth through military achievements instead."
"Yes!"
Her voice naturally carried strength in response.

‘This means I can live separately…!’
It was a little disappointing that she wouldn’t be around Silin anymore,
But they weren’t exactly lifelong companions.
If fate allowed, they would cross paths again in the future.
And Reika, who always struggled with how to introduce herself to others,
Would finally have a place where she could be at ease.

But most importantly—
‘Maybe… I can bring Swen here too…?’
If she had her own residence, she could have a room prepared for him.
She could live with him again.

She hadn’t been able to see him much since Valentine’s Day due to how busy things had become.
She had once seen Swen’s face every single day—
Now, the time apart only made her realize how much she missed him.
She wanted to see him every day.
She could feel the void of his absence within her.
From morning until night, she wanted to be by his side, always.

This translation is the intellectual property of .
With the annex…
Wouldn’t it be possible to live with him again?
‘Should I ask him…?’

At that moment—
"You seem to be in high spirits, Airen."
"Ah, wh-what?!"

Hearing Serpina’s voice, Airen immediately snapped out of her thoughts—
Her composed demeanor vanishing as a flustered, girlish expression overtook her face.
Wait.
She was standing right in front of Serpina.
What had she just been doing?!
"I-I, um, I’m sorry! That was—"

"No need to apologize. There’s nothing wrong with it.
It was a beautiful smile—one that brings happiness to those who see it.
If you don’t mind, would you tell me what you were thinking about just now?"
"……."

"If you don’t wish to say, that’s fine too. I won’t pry unnecessarily."
That was a relief.
How could she possibly tell Serpina that she had just been daydreaming about living with Swen?
Then—

"…I envy you."
"…Huh?"
"Seeing the way you smiled just now… I can’t even remember the last time I smiled like that."

Looking at Serpina’s side profile, Airen saw a reflection of her past self—
A fragile existence, barely clinging to solid ground.
A woman weighed down by an unyielding burden, forced to stand alone.
"…I’ve rambled on unnecessarily. I’ll be counting on you, Airen."
"Yes. I will ensure I deliver results worthy of your trust."

As she watched Serpina walk away,
For some reason… her retreating figure seemed unbearably lonely.
***
A few days after my last audience with her,
Serpina summoned me once again, and I headed straight for the audience chamber.

Is this another alliance request?
There was no other reason she would call for me.
After our last discussion,
I had considered the idea of advising her to accept the next reasonable alliance offer.
After all, I would be leaving this place soon.
There was no need for me to always provide the most efficient counsel.
As long as the deal wasn’t disastrous, there was no real reason for me to feel guilty about it.

The only problem is that Serpina is rather sharp…
She had always been unusually good at reading expressions.
If I wasn’t careful, I could end up getting tangled in unnecessary trouble.
What if she noticed that I was only giving half-hearted answers…?
I should observe the situation before making any moves.

Just as I reached the door of the audience chamber—
It’s slightly open?
From beyond the slightly ajar door, a woman’s voice could be heard.
I pressed myself against the wall, straining my ears to listen.

Serpina… was speaking with a female subordinate.
"I am not saying that your judgment is incorrect, my lord. However, I believe it is necessary to slow the pace."
"Erin. The result will not change either way. The wisest course of action is to have the vassals accept it as soon as possible."

"However, there are still many who do not recognize that woman as a member of our forces. You are well aware of her history, are you not?"
"Are you suggesting that my acceptance of her into our ranks is not sufficient?"
"That is not what I mean, my lord."

Serpina’s tone was sharp, yet the woman speaking with her was responding firmly.
To be able to express such an opinion to a ruler so directly…
It seemed Serpina’s army was not as rigidly hierarchical as I had expected.
"Many of the officers are questioning why Lord Irian, who earned countless merits in the central conquest, has been pushed aside. I, too, find myself troubled by this. Please consider this carefully. A society that fails to properly reward merit can never remain stable."
I swallowed hard and held my breath.
This was making me nervous just listening in…

"Very well. Then let’s set everything else aside and focus solely on the individuals. Are you suggesting that Irian, who has only just come of age, is somehow superior to a general once known as the Siege Specialist?"
Huh?
Siege Specialist?
That title sounded familiar…

Airen…?
"She may be more skilled than Lord Irian, but—"
"Erin. Allow me to repeat myself. The only criteria for appointing officers in my army are these: Do they have ability? And How much can they contribute in their position?

Merit should be rewarded with wealth or treasure—not with a position of power.
Stagnation leads to decay.
Irian is undoubtedly talented, but he is not yet ready to be a deputy commander.
It is still a time for him to learn."
"……."

"She was only assigned to patrol duty, yet her name is already being spoken among the soldiers and citizens alike."
Serpina’s tone was resolute.
"Looking at her past makes her qualifications even clearer.
Do you remember who once served as the defense commander of the Brans Army fortress blocking our advance into the central continent?

And who was the red-haired general who, alongside Chel Brans, relentlessly expanded Brans Army’s territory when it was still just one of many warbands?
Erin, you know this as well as I do."
"However, that—"

"I apologize for interrupting, but I cannot be persuaded by vague arguments like ‘many still refuse to accept her.’
If you have another reasoning prepared, I am willing to listen."
"…No, my lord. Thank you for hearing me out."

Footsteps soon followed,
and I swiftly stepped into the shadows beside the corridor.
A woman with violet hair emerged from the audience chamber and walked away.
Only after she had disappeared down the hallway did I piece together the full context.
Something must have happened.

From the conversation, it was clear that the ‘woman’ Erin referred to was Airen.
And given the mention of a high-ranking position, it seemed Airen had been appointed to an important role.
However, there were officers who resented the idea of an outsider suddenly being promoted to a key position—
And Serpina was personally stepping in to shield her from the backlash.
That explains everything.

And at that realization—
I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude toward Serpina.
Airen had always been a lonely general, yearning for recognition.
For her, receiving a position that acknowledged her abilities must have meant a great deal.
She was the only ruler who had truly seen Airen’s worth—
The only one who had acknowledged the efforts of a woman who personally tended to her soldiers on the battlefield, even when no one else noticed.

Not Lyn, who had raised her.
Not Yuri, who had once claimed her for Aishus Army.
Serpina had done what neither of them could.
Strange… Why do I feel more grateful to her for treating Airen well than for treating me well?

Well, I could discuss this with Airen later.
I had been meaning to see her anyway, and this would serve as a good excuse.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward and entered the audience chamber.