Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100% Accuracy

Valharat Castle, capital of the Aishus Army.
"The Brans Army has split?"
"Yes. To be precise, it's been divided into three factions."

"That can’t be… Why?"
At Yuri’s incredulous question, Anima shook her head.
"I don’t know the full details, but according to our spies, Lyn Brans' reputation among her officers and soldiers isn’t what it used to be."

"Even so, there were no signs of a rebellion. And it’s not like her brothers were ever particularly ambitious when it came to politics."
"People change depending on their circumstances. But if we’re looking for the real catalyst… I’d say it’s because she allied with Serpina."
"Is that so?"

"Yes. The moment Lyn Brans' reputation plummeted coincides exactly with the moment she publicly declared her alliance with Serpina. You remember, don’t you? The two of them standing together at Eingart Castle, making their pact known to the world."
"Yeah. I remember thinking it was unnecessary to be dragged along like that."
"But the issue here isn’t just anyone—it’s Serpina. If it had been anyone else, it might have been fine, but we’re talking about a woman who wouldn’t hesitate to commit atrocities without a second thought. Lyn was lucky it was just an alliance—things could’ve been far worse."

"……."
Yuri fell silent, recalling the events from not long ago.
Serpina had made an unusual offer—hand over Swen, and she would release Anima.

Back then, the only thing on Yuri’s mind was saving Anima, who could be executed at any moment under Serpina’s rule.
But in hindsight… Why had Serpina made that demand?
At first, Yuri had assumed it was a personal grudge.

After all, Swen was the man who had performed a miracle in the northern continent—and that miracle had been at Serpina’s expense. If she wanted revenge, it made perfect sense.
But… the more she thought about it, the more it felt strange.
If Serpina held such a grudge against Swen, then he would have known that as well.
Yet Swen had personally volunteered to be sent as an envoy.

Yuri hadn’t chosen him—he had raised his own hand.
How many people would willingly walk into the arms of someone who harbored a grudge against them?
Swen may not have been someone Yuri had ever seriously considered for an important role, but… he wasn’t blind.

And yet, despite knowing the risks, he had thrown himself into enemy territory.
And he had taken Airen with him.
That made even less sense.

If Swen had been willing to betray his own lord for Airen’s sake, why would he bring her straight into the lion’s den?
Doubts, previously overshadowed by the urgency of rescuing Anima, began to resurface in Yuri’s mind.
But—

'…No.'
None of it mattered anymore.
There was nothing Yuri could do about it now, and Jinor had already told her not to dwell on the past.

What mattered was the future of the Aishus Army.
Yuri took her quill and divided Brans territory into three parts on the map.
"Then, what should we do now?"

"The alliance with Serpina only applies to the territory controlled by Lyn Brans.
I doubt it extends to Carlints’ faction or Chel’s faction.
But if Serpina wants to attack them, she’ll have to march through Brans Army’s land, which would create a border conflict.

And even if she were to conquer it, maintaining control would be a nightmare.
She’d have to abandon it once the alliance ends, so I don’t think she’ll make a move."
Anima reached over and tapped Valharat Castle on the map with the quill.

"Brans Army has split into three.
If we think about it simply, this is a golden opportunity for us to advance into their territory.
But… the question is whether Serpina’s forces will allow it."

"Right. They’d probably act immediately. …We’re their biggest obstacle, after all."
With most of the southern nations not yet engaged, and Brans Army’s alliance with Serpina preventing her from advancing, the only possible target for Serpina’s next move was Aishus Army.
They had spent all their resources fortifying their defenses and had managed to hold steady so far, but…

If they moved their army to expand their territory, Serpina would undoubtedly respond.
"But Yuri, do you think we’re the only ones thinking this way?"
"Huh?"

"Brans Army is in chaos. If we act quickly, we can strike while they’re disorganized.
But are we the only ones who would come to this conclusion?"
"…Honestly, no."

"Exactly."
Anima circled the southern nations on the map.
"They’ll be thinking the same thing.

And unlike us, they have one major advantage—they don’t share a border with Serpina.
That means they can make their move without worrying about her retaliation.
To them, this is the perfect chance to finally break into the central continent."

"…Weren’t they already at war?"
"They were. They thought Brans Army was already weakened, but the fighting has dragged on longer than expected.
Now, with this new opening, they’ll keep pushing until they see results.

That means our best course of action is to stay patient and build up our strength.
And the moment we should be waiting for is—"
Anima placed her finger on the southern continent.

"—When they make their move."
"That means—"
"Yes.

We’re not heading north. We’re going south."
***
"The Brans Army has split?"

"Yes, my lord."
Receiving Jenna’s report, Serpina smiled, amusement flickering across her face.
"They’re making their move now? Chel and Carlints?"

"It seems so… According to our spies, many within their ranks were deeply dissatisfied with our alliance."
"……!!"
For a brief moment, Serpina’s pupils widened—then a smirk curled at her lips.

So.
Once again, he was right.
Swen… so this is what you meant by an ‘efficient outcome,’ isn’t it?

Brans Army had been their only true rival.
Even though they had lost some of their territories in the central continent, they still remained the greatest threat to her rule.
And now, not split in two—but fractured into three.

This translation is the intellectual property of .
Could there be a more favorable outcome for her forces?
Of course not.

Once again, Swen’s words had proven ➤ NоvеⅠight ➤ (Read more on our source) true.
There were times when his logic seemed incomprehensible—times when his reasoning seemed detached from reality.
But the conclusions he reached?

They were always correct.
A strategist who worked tirelessly in her service, who had never once asked for anything in return.
And the more she learned about him—

The less she understood why Yuri had given him away so easily.
Still, Serpina had no complaints.
It was nothing but fortunate for her.

"My lord, what is your command?"
"What are you referring to?"
"Will you not act?"

"……."
At Jenna’s question, Serpina fell into thought.
During the alliance period, my movements are restricted…

Would it be more beneficial to simply observe this turmoil?
Or should I take a more active role, securing everything I can while the opportunity lasts?
Both options had merit.

And when faced with such choices, there was one person she could always turn to.
The one man she could trust above all others.
"I’ll need some time to think."

"Understood. …My lord."
"What is it?"
"Might I ask something?"

"?"
Jenna’s expression was one Serpina had rarely seen before.
Serpina gave her a wordless glance, signaling for her to speak freely.

"There’s been… talk spreading."
"Talk? Another rebellion?"
"No, my lord. This is… about you."

"Hah. Should I be flattered or concerned?"
"I’m not sure if I should call it gossip or mere speculation, but…"
"Jenna."

Serpina’s voice was sharp.
"You are not the type to beat around the bush. Speak plainly."
Jenna hesitated. Then, carefully, she said—

"…Some say you keep Swen too close."
"Go on."
"Since he is a former enemy officer who defected dramatically, there are those who find your favor toward him… troubling.

And, well…"
"Jenna."
Serpina’s tone dropped.

"I asked for the heart of the matter."
"……Some believe that, because he is a young and handsome man, he may be clouding your judgment."
"Hah!"

Serpina let out a short laugh of disbelief.
She turned to Jenna, amusement flickering in her gaze.
"Jenna. Don’t tell me you actually take that nonsense seriously?"

"Of course not, my lord. However…"
Jenna lowered her head.
"A significant number of our officers are not pleased with how quickly Swen and Airen have been granted favor.

My point is not about whether the rumors are true or false, but rather—"
"—That I should be mindful of how it appears."
"…Yes."

Jenna bowed.
"I would never dare to presume, my lord. But I do believe that maintaining balance in governance is paramount.
I only ask that you consider this and do not take offense."

"……."
Serpina fell silent.
She understood.

The Serpina Army had a strong monarchy, but her position was not as unshakable as she sometimes liked to believe.
She had seen firsthand how officers who once swore loyalty to her cause had turned to rebellion.
On the surface, they recognized her as the last true heir of the Eingart Empire—

But Serpina had long stopped fooling herself into believing their devotion was absolute.
Even the most powerful rulers could not afford to ignore their officers, their soldiers, their citizens.
History had proven this time and time again.

And more than anything—
She would not allow harm to come to Swen or Airen because of her actions.
"Do not worry, Jenna.

I know how to handle this."
"Once again, my lord, I meant no insult—"
"I know."

Of course, she had no intention of pushing Swen away.
There was only one way for him and Airen to gain full recognition.
They had to earn military achievements.

If they proved their worth on the battlefield, then no one would dare speak against them.
This was the best way to ensure their protection.
It may be time to prepare.

With Airen and Swen, achieving glorious victories would be simple.
And once they did—
No one would be able to challenge their place in her army.

Serpina’s Army.
Aishus Army.
As Brans Army crumbled, all factions began to stir.

The shattered dream of Brans was now being reborn in fragments, reshaped by the ambitions of new powers.
***
So, today has finally come.

At last, the morning of the day had arrived—
The day Swen would enter Airen’s estate.