Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 264: The Scent of Yuzu and Sweetness

"They say that where there is a beginning, there must also be an end."

The plague that had seemed as if it would torment them forever was finally subsiding.

After running the relief camp for a little over a month, orders from higher command had begun preparing for a withdrawal.

The camp had been established purely out of goodwill, and it had notably improved Serpina’s reputation in the central continent.

Of course, it wasn’t some fairy tale where everyone suddenly started adoring Serpina overnight—but the fact that even a fraction of public opinion had shifted in her favor was a significant achievement.

After all, there had never been a time when Serpina was looked upon favorably by the central territories.

And without a favorable reputation, no matter how much land they occupied, rebellion was inevitable.

If Serpina had ignored public sentiment, the same bloodshed that had once engulfed the northern continent would have inevitably repeated itself here.

Meanwhile, Aishus' attempt at public opinion warfare had completely backfired—their reputation had plummeted instead.

From every perspective, this endeavor had been a complete success.

"You have all done an incredible job. It has been an honor fighting alongside you. And above all... thank you for placing your trust in me."

"No, my lord!"

"Serving under you, Lord Irian, was an honor!"

Thanks to Reika’s magic, every soldier had completed the mission without casualties.

Of course, in the early days, they had been plagued with fear.

But as the days passed—after a week, then nearly a month—without any major incidents, the soldiers gradually overcame their anxieties and embraced their role in the relief effort.

They had even developed a sense of purpose in their work.

Moreover, the northern continent had remained untouched by disease.

With every soldier actively participating, the relief mission had not only succeeded but had become a monumental achievement.

After exchanging farewells with his soldiers, Irian approached where Reika and I were resting.

"You two have done just as much. Especially you, Lady Reika. Your dedication—I will make sure to report it to our lord personally."

"It was nothing... I only did what was needed..."

Despite taking calculated breaks, magic naturally drained its caster’s vitality.

For weeks, Reika had been continuously casting blessing magic on the troops.

The strain had piled up.

Had the camp continued to operate, I would have suggested that she stop—for her own well-being.

Irian gave a nod.

"Then, prepare to depart. I will send word when it is time to leave. Sir Swen, I leave Lady Reika in your care."

"You have nothing to worry about."

"Good."

With a small smile at my response, Irian exited the building.

Having worked closely with him, I could feel the trust he had placed in me.

After all, he had personally stepped forward to assist in dangerous situations, simply because I had said:

"Magic will handle it—no need to worry."

Even if he owed me a debt, no rational person would risk their life over a vague promise.

That was how firm his belief in me had become.

And now...

I had to admit something to myself—

Something I had never felt in Brans Army.

Something I had never felt in Aishus Army.

A sense of fulfillment.

Yes, even back in Lunarian’s Army, my word had carried weight.

But let’s be honest—at that time, “Lunarian’s Army” had been nothing more than four people.

More like a club than an actual military force.

But here, in Serpina’s Army—

I had commanders who placed absolute trust in me.

I had strategists who didn’t try to undermine my decisions.

And I had a ruler who believed in me completely.

...This is bad.

With each passing day, Serpina’s Army was beginning to feel... like home.

And that terrified me.

Because this wasn’t my place.

I had stayed behind in Serpina’s Army for one reason only—

To keep my promise to Luna.

I had to return to Lunarian’s Army eventually.

‘...Am I really okay with how things are now?’

Just then, Reika’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

"Um, Sir Swen...?"

"Ah, yes. Shall we start preparing for departure?"

I quickly forced a smile.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

But Reika—sharp as ever—must have noticed something off in my expression.

"Leaving is important, of course, but... I was hoping we could talk for a moment. Would that be alright...?"

"Of course. What’s on your mind?"

She hesitated for a moment.

Then, carefully, she said—

"It’s about... the mage that appeared."

"Ah..."

A mage appearing in the southern continent.

I already knew who it was.

It was Tifa.

She had unleashed her magic during the battle between Karelia’s army and the rebellion—which, in reality, was Lunarian’s Army.

The rebellion had been at a severe disadvantage.

And yet, with the power of a mage, they had turned the tide and defeated Karelia.

The moment I heard that news, a wave of restlessness had stirred inside me.

I needed to shift the conversation before my thoughts wandered too far.

"Does it bother you?"

"...I suppose it does."

Reika’s expression was... complicated.

"I never thought I was the only one who could use magic in this world. Of course not. But... how should I put this...?"

I remained silent, waiting for her to find her words.

She fidgeted for a long moment—her uncertainty evident—before finally whispering:

"If more mages appear... then someone like me—someone who's an underachiever in every way... might become... useless."

"..."

"Isn't it strange? I know it's such a foolish thought... that I don’t need to feel this way at all... and yet."

Reika’s voice trembled slightly.

Was she... afraid of losing her value?

"It just... feels a little strange. If people far more powerful than me start appearing... then what am I supposed to do...?"

I slowly placed my hand on her shoulder.

She didn’t pull away.

At some point, she had stopped resisting my presence—whether I ruffled her hair or spoke to her from closer than what might be considered personal space, she had come to accept it without hesitation.

"You don’t need to worry about that, Reika."

"Swen..."

"It’s true that more mages may appear in the future. Now that the existence of magic is known, people who have always felt something but never understood what it was—will start recognizing it as 'mana.' And yet..."

I met her pink eyes with unwavering determination.

"No one—ever—will be a greater mage than you."

"B-But... I-I might’ve just... happened to appear first, that’s all...!"

"No."

This wasn’t empty reassurance.

Reika was destined to be a legendary mage.

No matter how many magic-users appeared, none would ever surpass her.

Even Tifa—despite awakening magic—could only manifest sword aura or basic fireballs at best.

"I swear it, Reika. And it’s not just anyone saying this—it’s me. Can you trust my words?"

"...!!"

Reika lowered her head for a moment, fiddling with her hands nervously.

Then, slowly, she raised her gaze and met mine once more.

"...Yes. If it’s you, Swen... then I can believe it."

The tremor in her voice had softened.

She seemed a little stronger than before.

I smiled slightly.

"And besides... even if someone greater than you ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) appeared—even if, for some reason, you lost your magic entirely—Reika, you would never be a useless person."

"Huh...?"

"Because you are kind, and thoughtful. You struggle to bring up topics in conversation, but that's only because you care about making sure the other person enjoys talking. I admire that about you."

"Ah..."

"Not to mention, you make amazing cakes and pastries. Even without magic... you are an irreplaceable person."

I didn’t fully understand why she was so insecure despite her talent.

I didn’t know why she feared losing her worth so much.

But I knew one thing—

She never needed to think that way.

Was I saying this just to keep her on my side?

No. That wasn’t it.

I just... didn’t want to see her like this.

I wanted her to keep smiling, just as she always had.

She had worked so hard, shouldered so much responsibility—without ever once complaining.

She deserved to be happy.

"So please... stop worrying about that, alright?"

Reika’s eyes widened.

She looked straight into mine—

Face burning red.

For a few minutes... we just stared at each other.

...No.

This wasn’t just eye contact.

She was suddenly—

"......!!!"

Something was wrong.

I could taste something sweet on my tongue.

For a split second, a thought crossed my mind—

"If we kissed... would I be able to tell exactly what that taste was?"

And then—

I realized.

Her lips—

Her lips were on mine.

The sweet taste on my tongue wasn’t just my imagination.

It was real.

A real taste—of something like strawberry cake.

My thoughts went blank.

Before I could even process it, my senses were drowning in that gentle sweetness.

Her lips slowly pulled away, leaving behind a faint, delicate strand of warmth—

A single glistening thread, proof that, for a fleeting moment, we had been connected.

Reika’s pink eyes reflected my stunned expression.

My face was burning.

Hot. Too hot.

Was her face just as hot as mine?

Was she feeling just as strange as I was?

"...E-Excuse me...!"

Reika shot to her feet and bolted from the room.

I remained seated.

Completely frozen.

And only then—

Did I finally cover my burning face with my hands—

And realize—

That first, I had tasted yuzu.

And now...

I had tasted cake.