When I Infiltrated the Enemy Nation as a Slave, the Yandere Beauties There Started a Civil War Over Me - Chapter 42: The Strategist

Chapter 42: The Strategist

“Strategist…!”

I couldn’t help but raise my voice in surprise at the unexpected term. A strategist refers to someone who plans and prepares strategies for warfare between nations.

“A strategist means…?”

“Yes… She’s the one overseeing all military operations in the war against the Sandrotheim Kingdom.”

“…!”

Depending on the circumstances, this strategist could be an even more significant figure for me to prioritize than the Elenorde Empire’s princess.

“Can I come with you, Lyra? I want to see this person for myself, both to assess her character and to better understand her from a strategic standpoint.”

“Understood… Although I imagine there’s no need to tell you this, it’s likely that she’ll have guards with her. So no matter what she says, please—”

“I know. I won’t let my emotions get the better of me or do anything reckless.”

“…Forgive me for overstepping.”

“It’s fine. Thank you, Lyra.”

It was clear that Lyra’s words came from a place of concern for me, so there was no reason to reprimand her. Still…

I never imagined that at this critical point, as I was just starting to set things in motion, I would have the chance to meet the Elenorde Empire’s strategist. It was a fortunate turn of events.

Lyra and I left the room and began walking toward the church’s exit. When we reached the front doors, the church’s followers opened them for us, revealing a woman standing outside—a woman who radiated a uniquely intense presence.

“…”

She was tall, with striking crimson hair, an elegant yet mature face, and sharp eyes. Her outfit was bold, with an open neckline, black tights, and heels. Without exchanging a single word, her aura alone conveyed an overwhelming sense of authority and coldness.

As I analyzed my first impression of this crimson-haired woman, the Elenorde Empire’s strategist, she turned to Lyra and spoke.

“You should already know why I’m here, but let me make it clear… To bring about an early end to the war with the Sandrotheim Kingdom through their defeat, I require a portion of the church’s resources.”

…!

The defeat of the Sandrotheim Kingdom…

Even though I was fully aware she was an enemy, hearing her say it so bluntly reaffirmed that fact. Just as the weight of her words sank in, Lyra responded with unwavering resolve.

“I refuse. As I have told you many times before, I oppose the war between the Elenorde Empire and the Sandrotheim Kingdom.”

“Whether you oppose it or not, the defeat of the Sandrotheim Kingdom is inevitable. Their king and strategist are skilled, but they cannot win against me.”

“No matter what you say, I will not cooperate.”

…So that’s why.

I now understood why Lyra had gone out of her way to warn me earlier.

In my time within the Elenorde Empire, I had encountered people with various perspectives: Cecifelia, who accepted the war and slavery as natural; Celestine, who despised the slave system; and Lyra, who openly opposed the war with the Sandrotheim Kingdom. Each of them held significant power in their own right.

But the woman standing before me now was different. Unlike anyone I’d met before, she truly regarded the Kingdom of Sandrotheim as an enemy nation and acted accordingly, with no reservations.

“…”

If I could somehow deal with this person, I was certain it would change the tide of the Sandrotheim Kingdom’s disadvantage in the war.

Even though she had two guards with her, if I could just seize one of their swords—

No, I couldn’t act rashly. Lyra’s earlier warning echoed in my mind, yet I found myself consumed by such thoughts. Just as they began to take hold, the crimson-haired woman turned her sharp gaze toward me and spoke.

“So, you’re an unfamiliar face. Who are you?”

Calm down.

I couldn’t afford to cause a scene right in front of the church.

I needed to handle this smoothly.

“My name is Luke. I was here at the church offering my prayers today. When I heard that the renowned strategist of the Elenorde Empire would be visiting, I humbly asked the Saintess if I could accompany her to see you in person.”

“…”

The woman studied me silently for a moment. Then, without warning, she grabbed my chin and tilted my face upward, as if to examine me more closely.

“A fine man… with good eyes. Do you hold a noble rank? If so, it’s strange that we’ve never met before. Perhaps your rank is too low, or you’re merely a commoner…”

As the crimson-haired woman mused aloud, her hand still on my chin, Lyra, standing beside me, firmly grabbed her wrist and removed it from my face. Her voice was strong and unwavering.

“I will not allow anyone to touch this person without my consent.”

“…I didn’t expect you to be so protective of a man.”

“And if I am? What does it matter?”

“Nothing… It seems, once again, my visit here has been a waste… or perhaps not.”

After exchanging words with Lyra, the crimson-haired woman turned back to me and spoke again.

“I have a feeling we’ll meet again… though I can’t say in what circumstances. I find you intriguing, so I’ll look forward to that moment.”

With those parting words, the crimson-haired woman turned her back to us, stepped into her carriage, and left the area.

Since there was nothing more to do outside the church, Lyra and I returned to the Saintess’s chamber inside. Once we were inside, Lyra bowed deeply and spoke.

“Lord Alex! I deeply apologize for allowing that foolish act of touching you to happen earlier!”

“Lyra, you don’t need to apologize for that. More importantly, that Duchess… she’s the one leading the war between the Sandrotheim Kingdom and the Elenorde Empire, right?”

When I asked this, Lyra straightened up and responded.

“Yes. Her family has been a lineage of strategists for generations, and she is said to be the most talented among them in the history of their line.”

Her presence and words alone were enough to convince me of her exceptional capabilities in devising strategies.

It’s because of that crimson-haired woman that the Sandrotheim Kingdom has been pushed this far… but still…

“Finally, I’m starting to see things clearly… the state of this country, the people who run it… and just how much danger the Kingdom of Sandrotheim is truly in.”

“Lord Alex…”

Lyra placed her hand gently over mine as I spoke.

“From here, we can finally begin. The plan to bring down the Elenorde Empire… And the first target for that plan is— the Duchess we just met. Lyra, not immediately, but at an appropriate time, can you arrange for me to meet her alone?”

“!? Meeting her alone is far too dangerous! Please, at least allow me to accompany you!”

“I appreciate your concern, Lyra, but if you’re there, it might make her more guarded. I want to speak with her one-on-one to uncover her weaknesses and gather information.”

“If that’s what you wish, then… I understand.”

Though Lyra was clearly worried, she ultimately listened and accepted my decision.

She cared for my safety but also trusted my judgment, making her an invaluable ally for the plan ahead. Moving forward, Lyra would undoubtedly be a key figure in this endeavor.

“But before you carry out such a dangerous plan, Lord Alex, I would like us to engage in an act of love!”

“Ha!? W-Why!?”

“If you are willing to risk yourself for the Sandrotheim Kingdom without hesitation, then I wish to support you with my love!”

“No, that’s not—”

“If you consent, I’m ready at any moment. Even now, we could go to the bed and—”

Blushing deeply, Lyra began trying to lead me toward the bed. I somehow managed to keep refusing her advances until she finally calmed down.

…Just when I thought she’d become a reliable ally, this happened. Still, I was sure things would work out somehow.

Afterward, Lyra and I were able to spend a little more time discussing the plan before our schedules forced us to part ways.

─At the time, as I was secretly working behind Cecifelia’s back to set things in motion, I couldn’t have imagined the ordeal she would soon put me through.