Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100% Accuracy
Chapter 313: The Red-Eyed Dragon of the South (3)

After saying that, Luna turned her eyes toward the map on the table.

It was a remarkably detailed map of the southern continent.

Even the small mountain ranges and forests were precisely drawn, and Jinor couldn’t help but express his admiration.

“This is quite accurate. Did you draw this yourself, my lady?”

“...No.”

Luna replied with a somewhat bitter expression.

“It was left behind by the strategist.”

“......”

Jinor had spent no short amount of time serving under Luna.

He knew well that in the context of the Lunarian Army, when people said “the strategist,” they weren’t referring to him, the nation’s official strategist.

Sensing instinctively that continuing to speak about Swen would not be good for Luna, Jinor skillfully changed the subject.

“Regarding your question, my lady—there is, in fact, little to deliberate. If we intend to launch a conquest, there’s only one direction for us to march.”

“Only one...?”

“Roland’s Army.”

Jinor pointed to one of the four southern nations, located north of Karelia’s former territory and south of Brans—Roland.

“We have exactly two options: we either invade Roland to the north, or Ohana to the east. You remember how the four nations in the southern continent maintained a rough balance of power, don’t you?”

“Yes. I remember.”

“That balance still holds. In fact, if we’re only considering pure military numbers, we’re actually at a slight disadvantage. Many were lost or injured in the process of subjugating Karelia’s forces. Of course, that’s excluding our asymmetrical forces like mages—but even so, it means the premise that ‘attacking one side could leave us exposed to another’ hasn’t changed.”

“Then what should we focus on, assuming we must commit our troops?”

“Evaluating the enemy’s strength and their roster of generals would likely be the starting point.”

“That would be about half-right.”

Ordinarily, such wording might be considered disrespectful to say in front of a sovereign, but Luna took no offense. On the contrary, her eyes sparkled as she listened closely to Jinor.

“Those things are obviously important. If we were only weighing that, then yes—attacking Ohana, the weakest of the four nations, would be the smarter choice over Roland, which has comparatively greater military strength. But there’s something even more critical to consider—defense.”

“Defense, you say...?”

“When we’re attacked—by either nation—which one is easier for us to defend against? In other words, which one poses the greater threat if they invade?”

Jinor pointed to the east, at Tepello—the first stronghold of the Lunarian Army and the castle Luna once governed.

“Let’s say Ohana attacks. The only [N O V E L I G H T] location we’d need to defend is Tepello. Thanks to the natural terrain, defending Tepello alone would be enough to stop an invasion from Ohana. Of course, if Tepello falls, things would become extremely dangerous...”

Then, he shifted his finger upward—toward the area north of Madralan Castle.

“But compared to the alternative—us attacking Ohana and having to defend against an invasion from Roland—this is far simpler. As you can see, our border with Roland is spread across three separate territories. Given the size of Roland’s forces, they could easily launch a simultaneous three-pronged assault. If you consider the difference between winning one defensive battle versus winning three... you’ll understand why I speak with such certainty.”

“I see...”

“Well, the most efficient option would be to sign a temporary non-aggression pact with Roland, then invade Ohana. But as you know, they’re unlikely to accept any short-term agreement. Considering your overall intentions, I believe you understand what I’m really saying.”

“......”

Luna slowly nodded.

“We need to unify the southern continent as quickly as possible. We can’t waste any more time on meaningless treaties.”

“Then this remains the best course.”

Rather than adding to Jinor’s words, Luna nodded and asked,

“Then I’d like to begin discussing how to deploy our forces... But before that, there’s something I’d like to ask of you, Lord Jinor.”

“A request, my lady? If I may say—my lady, you are in a position to issue orders, not requests. Please do not forget that your words and actions must carry the weight of your station.”

At Jinor’s concerned tone, Luna smiled with amusement.

“So that part really is important to you. It seems you and he think the same.”

“...Pardon?”

“He said the same thing. That a sovereign must possess dignity. But I... I don’t know anymore. Left all alone like this, I don’t even know if I’m making the right decisions, or what I’m supposed to do next.”

Ah.

For a moment, Jinor felt a chill—wondering if he’d accidentally stepped on something he shouldn’t have.

But fortunately, it seemed to pass without incident.

“I’m sorry. Anyway, back to the main point. What I wanted to ask wasn’t so much a question as... a request for an evaluation.”

“An evaluation, my lady?”

“Yes.”

Luna said that, then picked up a quill and began quickly jotting something down on a blank sheet of paper.

"Assuming we proceed with an invasion of Roland, I’ve drafted a list of who should be part of the occupation forces and who should stay behind to defend Tepello. I’d like you to check if this is strategically sound."

"You’re asking me? If this is your decision, there’s nothing wrong with following your will, my lady, but..."

"Objectively speaking, I can’t compare to you in matters of military strategy, Lord Jinor. Please be honest with me right now."

"Is that an order?"

"Yes. It is."

Jinor paused in thought for a moment, then closed his eyes and bowed his head.

"...I’ve simply lived long enough to have seen and heard a great deal."

And with that, he began to point out flaws—one by one—in the strategy proposed by his own sovereign.

"First of all, you’ve assigned too many troops to Tepello. You could reduce them by about a third."

"Wait a moment. Since it’s the only location that needs to hold the line, I thought at least that many would be necessary..."

"It will be fine. Instead of troops, assign General Tifa."

"...!"

"Just having an asymmetrical force like her will be enough to throw Ohana’s army into hesitation. Of course, General Tifa doesn’t actually cast long-range spells—she uses mana to enhance her own body in close combat—but that’s not widely known yet. Based on the reputation of a certain magician in Serpina’s army, they’ll likely overestimate her and act cautiously. That alone will fulfill her role."

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

He didn’t bother mentioning that the magician in Serpina’s army was none other than his own adopted daughter.

"On top of that, the leader of Ohana’s forces, Navidos Ohana, is known to be a rather petty man. He’s not the bold, decisive type—he’ll hesitate and second-guess himself endlessly. He might even think, ‘They must believe one mage alone can stop us,’ and fail to make a proper decision."

"I see..."

"Even if he does act decisively, with General Tifa stationed there, they won’t easily break through. It’s not boasting, but I do know a fair amount when it comes to magic."

"Then you’re suggesting we deploy the majority of our troops along the border with Roland?"

"Exactly. As for the placement of forts and defensive lines—"

Jinor continued pointing out strategic weaknesses for quite some time after that.

Luna showed no hint of displeasure, listening to his analysis as attentively as a student before a master.

"Now that I’ve heard you, Lord Jinor, I agree with your judgment. You truly are remarkable. If this campaign succeeds, I will never forget your contribution. If there is anything you desire, please do not hesitate to ask."

"Desire, hmm... it’s nothing major, but may I ask you a question?"

"A question?"

"Why did you go out of your way to ask me to evaluate your plan?"

Luna answered with a very serious expression.

"Because... I can’t rely on the strategist forever. When he returns, I want to be the kind of sovereign he can rely on in turn."

"I see."

She wanted to help Swen.

To stand beside him, she was trying to learn strategy from those who remained—like Jinor—absorbing knowledge she still lacked.

That determination... it wasn’t something one often felt from a ruler.

Once people reached high positions, they were often praised simply for using the right people in the right places. And many lords couldn’t even do that.

Compared to them, Luna had taken a step further.

She wasn’t just relying on the talented—she was trying to become one herself.

And as the nation's strategist, Jinor knew well that with the territory expanding, there would come a time when he couldn’t remain by her side at all hours.

Even so, in this moment, something about her felt... off.

It feels like she’s rushing too much.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that Luna was being chased by something.

Still, whatever the reason, her direction itself wasn’t wrong.

"This should do for now. Thank you for your efforts. I hate to burden you, but could you summon General Tifa and the other high-ranking officers immediately?"

"Of course. I’ll see you in the audience chamber."

Luna stood there for a long moment, staring at the door Jinor had exited.

No matter what happens... I have to unify the southern continent as quickly as possible. And then, Serpina—

To erase Serpina von Eingart from this continent.

To Luna, all of this—

Everything—

Was simply a necessary process.

Ever since Karelia’s death,

The southern continent was no longer a place of peace.