Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100% Accuracy

Lunarian carefully mulled over Vanessa’s words.

Kill them?
Not just the soldier who broke military law… but their entire family?
She quickly whispered to Violet, who looked visibly shaken beside her, telling her to stay put before turning her full attention to the scene unfolding before her.
Unlike Cecil, who was seething with anger, Vanessa remained utterly composed.

"To march onto the battlefield is to stake one's life," Vanessa stated coolly. "The southern region may have forgotten this reality, having spent so long in peace, but that does not change the truth. A soldier who cannot even abide by the simplest of military laws—do you truly believe such a person can stand against Brans Army, let alone Serpina’s forces?"
"You’re taking this too far!" Cecil shot back. "I understand your reasoning, Vanessa. I even agree that we must prepare ourselves. But… this is not the way. Have you listened to the voices of the soldiers? To the people of these lands? Can you not hear how the streets have grown quieter—how laughter is fading?"
"……."

Vanessa closed her eyes and let out a long sigh.
Then—
As if she had steeled herself for what was to come—
She slowly reopened them and fixed her gaze firmly on Cecil.
"Cecil Lohengrin. If you continue to defy military law, I will consider this an act of insubordination against Lord Karelia. As the ruler’s appointed authority, I will enact punishment accordingly."

She then softened her tone—if only slightly.
"You are an invaluable asset to our army, Cecil. Please stop this. I do not wish to harm you. I ask that you make the wise choice."
Cecil turned to the girl trembling behind her.

This child—just because she was the daughter of a soldier who had broken military law—
Was to be executed here, on the spot.
Was this… truly the future she had envisioned for Karelia?
The answer was clear.

With a sharp breath, Cecil drew the sword from her side, its blade gleaming in the dim light.
"If you call this insubordination, then so be it. You hold the authority, Vanessa—so punish me."
"!!"

"If you must, execute me here and now. It would set quite the example, wouldn’t it?"
Vanessa’s pupils trembled ever so slightly.
The gathered soldiers, realizing just how serious the situation had become, exchanged uneasy glances but dared not intervene.
A long silence stretched between them.

Then—finally—Vanessa spoke.
"…Do not resent me too much."
With that, she gave the smallest nod.

One of the soldiers flanking her immediately drew his sword.
At the same time, another stepped toward Cecil, moving to restrain her.
"L-Lady Vanessa!"
"W-Wait…!!"

Some of the soldiers began murmuring amongst themselves—
But here, in Karelia, where the ruler’s authority was absolute, Vanessa’s word was as good as law.
"Thank you for your service. Farewell."
"……."

Cecil closed her eyes.
What came to mind was that fateful moment—when they first planted Karelia’s deep green banner into the earth.
‘So that all may find peace and happiness.’

That had been their dream.
She had donated the entirety of the Lohengrin family’s fortune to Karelia’s cause, never once regretting it until now.
If her death could serve as a wake-up call—
If it could make Karelia realize the dangers of Vanessa’s rule—

Then so be it.
Cecil clenched her eyes shut, bracing herself for the pain to come.
But—

Nothing happened.
She could still breathe.
She was still alive.

And then—
"Enough!"
A voice rang out—one she had heard before.

Slowly, Cecil opened her eyes.
Standing before her, shielding her from harm—
Was a woman with pale silver hair.

A woman she knew.
Someone who had once toiled alongside the common folk, working the fields with tireless dedication—
A rare kind of noble.
"Luna…?"

Lunarian Iniang.
The ruler of Tepello Castle.
And now, just as Cecil had tried to protect the girl behind her—
Lunarian stood before her, defying Vanessa.

"Vanessa, please—calm yourself and consider the bigger picture. Do you truly believe executing Cecil here is the right course of action?"
"…Lunarian Iniang."
Vanessa muttered her name through gritted teeth, her expression darkening.

Then—
Regaining her composure, she responded in an icy tone.
"And what do you think you are doing?"
"I am asking you to stop this senseless execution."

"Do you even understand what you are saying?"
"I do. I am addressing you as a lord, speaking to a chief strategist."
Vanessa’s eyebrow twitched slightly.

A lord.
If there was anyone in Karelia’s military hierarchy who could speak as an equal to a chief strategist, it was the lords.
At times, they even held the authority to issue orders above the chief strategist.

"As a lord, you must be aware that I act as the ruler’s representative. Are you truly prepared to defy our lord?"
"……!"
Lunarian bit her lip.

Vanessa’s eyes—
They were different from when she had been speaking to Cecil.
There was clear wariness in them.
She was afraid of Lunarian.

To be honest, Lunarian understood that her actions could very well be seen as defiance against the ruler.
No matter her rank, a lord could not simply ignore the ruler’s decrees.
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If she pushed too far here, she might not only fail to save Cecil—she could find herself executed alongside her.
But—
‘Swen once told me… that a ruler must have unwavering resolve.’

Back in Zeilant, when he had told her to drop the formalities between them,
He had spoken those words.
And now—just remembering his voice—
The fear within her began to fade.
Alright.

Then she would take another step forward.
If Swen were here, what would he say?
Recalling the way he had always spoken with unwavering certainty,
Lunarian carefully chose her words, selecting what she believed he might have said.

"…I have no intention of defying our ruler."
"Then step aside."
"But."

Lunarian met Vanessa’s wary gaze head-on and spoke in a firm, unwavering voice.
"I do intend to oppose your decision, Chief Strategist."
"…What?"

"I serve Lord Karelia. If it is her will, I shall follow. But if it is merely your will, Vanessa, I see no reason to obey blindly."
Vanessa, who had somehow managed to maintain her composure up until now, immediately lost her calm.
This was a declaration of defiance.

Regardless of her granted authority, Lunarian had just made it clear—she would not take orders from Vanessa.
"…Lunarian Iniang. Are you saying you intend to challenge the authority of our ruler?"
"Not at all. I am merely exchanging opinions with you as an equal."

"My words—!"
Vanessa raised her voice sharply, cutting ★ 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 ★ her off.
"My words are the words of Lord Karelia!"

"I do not believe that. Our lord would never issue such a cruel command."
"Kh…!"
Vanessa trembled with barely contained fury.

Then, after a moment, she let out a slow, icy breath.
"Very well. If that is what you wish… then I shall oblige."
"……."

Without another word, she reached out—
And accepted a sword from one of the soldiers at her side.
Then—without hesitation—she leveled it directly at Lunarian.

"I will personally carry out your execution. The charge: insubordination against our ruler. Do you have any objections?"
"Vanessa. Come to your senses. You are not the ruler. Your will is not the same as Lord Karelia’s!"
"Is that the extent of your last words?"

"……!"
The murderous intent radiating from the blade sent a chill down Lunarian’s spine.
She could feel Vanessa’s killing intent, sharp and unwavering.

This was it—the moment of decision.
Would she accept death here?
No.

She couldn’t.
"My lord! Stay strong! And when the opportunity comes—never let it slip away! I will return to your side!"
She had made a promise.

A promise to survive.
A promise to see Swen again.
Then she had no choice—she had to fight.

She could worry about the consequences later.
Right now, she needed to disable Vanessa.
Vanessa was a strategist, not a warrior.

Lunarian was confident—if it came to a fight, she wouldn’t lose.
Her hand inched toward the hilt of her sword, ready to act—
Until—

"What in the world is going on here?!"
Every head in the room snapped toward the sudden voice.
Standing at the entrance—

Accompanied by a soldier, no doubt one who had rushed to fetch her—
Was Makana Karelia, ruler of the Karelia Army.
"Cease this at once!"

"……."
Vanessa immediately retracted her killing intent, handing her sword back to the soldier before kneeling.
Lunarian, too, dropped to one knee before her rightful ruler.

Makana remained silent for a long moment.
Then, at last, she turned to Vanessa, her voice heavy with concern.
"…What is the meaning of this, Vanessa?"

"I was merely discussing the punishment of those who have broken military law."
"And Cecil? What is this I hear about her?"
"……."

"And Lunarian…? Why in the world were we about to turn our swords against one another?"
Makana’s voice carried nothing but sheer disbelief.
And yet—

Faced with her question, the three of them could only remain in deep, heavy silence.
***
Once Vanessa had explained the situation, Makana spoke again—her voice measured, but firm.

"Vanessa. I appreciate your loyalty. I know you acted with my best interests at heart. But considering everything that has transpired, I believe you may have gone too far."
"My lord, but—"
"I understand. Truly, I do. But for now, I ask that you trust me and let this matter rest."

"……."
Vanessa lowered her head in silence.
Makana sighed before shifting her gaze toward Lunarian and Cecil.

"And as for you two… in light of your past service, I shall overlook this incident. However, you must both remember that Vanessa’s orders carry the same weight as my own. I do not wish for any further discord within our ranks."
"But my lord," Cecil interjected, "punishing a child for their parent’s crimes is far too cruel! If nothing else, please reconsider—"
"Cecil."

Makana cut her off, her voice laced with regret.
She spoke softly, but the finality in her tone was undeniable.
"I have entrusted Vanessa with full authority over military matters. …I ask that you follow her judgment."

"But…!"
"I will not repeat myself, Cecil. …Forgive me."
"……."

Cecil lowered her head, silent at last.
Standing beside her, Lunarian could see how hard she was biting her lip—how much she was holding back.
"That said," Makana continued, "let us consider this entire incident forgotten. As for the child, I will grant her a special pardon—just this once. Is that understood, Vanessa?"

"Yes, my lord."
Since it was a direct order from the ruler, Vanessa immediately bowed her head.
"…I will return to the palace now. Ensure the meeting is properly prepared."

With that, Makana left the barracks.
Vanessa turned—first to Cecil.
"I trust you will not forget the lord’s words."

"……."
Then—
She turned to Lunarian.

And unlike the restrained tone she had used with Cecil—this time, she didn’t bother hiding her hostility.
"You as well, Lord Lunarian. If you wish to remain in this country without trouble, I strongly suggest you remember to follow its laws."
With those parting words, Vanessa strode after Makana and disappeared from sight.

Had they… somehow avoided the worst?
"Haah…"
A heavy sigh escaped Lunarian’s lips.

"Are you alright…?"
Violet, noticing her slight stumble, stepped forward to support her.
Lunarian allowed herself to lean into the girl’s touch for a moment before exhaling again.

Then, she spoke—not aloud, but in her heart—
"Swen… I managed to hold my ground."
Because of you.

Because you were always with me, even now.
She wished she could tell him that—more than anything.