Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100% Accuracy

After sending Swen to negotiate, Airen stood at a suitable spot outside the royal capital and approached Reika, who was gazing up at the sky.

"Lady Reika."

"Ah, a-ah...! What is it, Lady Airen…?"

"You seemed lost in thought."

"Ah…."

Reika offered a faint smile as she replied.

"I just… had a bit of an uneasy feeling when I came here. But now that I'm actually here, it seems like it's not as big of a deal as I thought…?"

"An uneasy feeling?"

"Yes. The truth is… I had a bad dream."

With that, Reika began recounting the dream to Airen. Airen listened attentively and nodded.

"I see. A dream where Swen was in danger… So, when you said you followed him because you were worried, that was what you meant."

"Yes… that's right."

"You don't need to worry about that."

Airen turned her gaze toward the royal capital, her eyes unwavering.

"I won't allow him to be harmed."

Her words were not mere bravado. Airen was far too formidable a general to be assigned the simple role of escorting an envoy. The only reason Lyn had given her such minor duties was to prevent her from resenting her lack of assignments. But even if she were to express discontent over being given such menial tasks, no one would dare to say anything—she was simply that powerful.

"If it's Lady Airen protecting him… then yes, that does put me at ease."

"Of course. But Swen isn't the only one I'm protecting."

"Huh…?"

"You're included as well, Reika. It only makes sense. I came here to escort both of you."@@novelbin@@

"Ah…."

Reika’s face flushed slightly. At first, she had found Airen somewhat difficult to approach. But now, she realized that Airen was far more admirable than she had expected. Gathering her courage, she spoke carefully.

"Th-thank you…! But honestly, talking about dreams and worrying because of them… it felt a bit too ridiculous to bring up so soon after meeting you…."

"I understand. My reputation isn’t exactly the best, after all."

"Huh…?"