Chapter 142: My Beloved 9

As Santana brought up her previous confession, Estelle listened with bated tension.

In a composed tone, Santana continued:

“I have contemplated this sincerely. Not only your words to me but also all the efforts you have made for my sake.”

“And…so?”

Hearing that he had considered her endeavors, a glimmer of anticipation arose within Estelle. Santana then stated clearly:

“After much thought, I believe I must repay Lady Estelle in some manner for all you have done for me. In the way you most desire, if possible.”

“Ah…”

Santana’s words, implying he would fulfill her desires regarding her confession, caused a radiant smile to bloom across Estelle’s face.

Truthfully, she had feared their relationship had reached its conclusion after the recent events.

To her, Santana’s declaration – his willingness to grant her wish – was an invaluable, unanticipated gift.

However, as Estelle beamed with joy, Santana added a caveat:

“However, there is one condition. Do you recall what I mentioned when Lady Estelle confessed previously?”

“You mean… Surely not that there is someone else you love…”

“Yes, precisely.”

Though she had expected it to some degree, Santana’s unambiguous reaffirmation prompted a heavy sigh from Estelle.

For a moment, she pondered this dilemma in silence, her expression somber.

‘As I thought, it will not be easy… No matter how much I dedicate myself to Lord Santana, his affection for Polena remains unshaken.’

Despite her efforts and displays of devotion, Santana’s resolve remained steadfast.

Nevertheless, Estelle had no intention of relinquishing her claim to the official spouse’s position – the “true wife,” as it were.

‘To surrender that position to some lowborn woman of unknown origins is simply unacceptable for me.’

Estelle was aware of a similar precedent involving her ancestor, the esteemed Bertina Fernandez, the founding matriarch of her lineage.

While not her husband’s most beloved, Bertina had secured the position of official wife through her status and capabilities.

Inspired by this illustrious example, Estelle began to contemplate adapting a similar approach to achieve her desires.

‘Yes… No matter how deeply Lord Santana loves that woman, her status will undoubtedly pose obstacles. So then…’

After gathering her thoughts, Estelle regarded her betrothed with a faint smile:

“I understand your meaning. In light of your firm resolve, it would indeed be foolish for me to persist in coveting the official wife’s position.”

“Ah…”

Estelle’s acquiescent tone initially brought Santana a sense of relief.

However, she then continued:

“However, this matter pertains to marriage itself. Regardless of my personal wishes, there are practical realities you must consider.”

“Practical realities, you say?”

Santana’s voice carried a slight edge as he questioned her.

With a tone tinged with regret, Estelle responded:

“Precisely as I stated. As you are undoubtedly aware, Lord Santana, this world cannot function solely on the basis of love. Especially in these turbulent times, it would be truly difficult to forge a union based solely on love.”

“…Well… I suppose that’s true.”

Santana seemed to acknowledge Estelle’s words, laced with a hint of bitterness – a pragmatic response befitting one who typically exhibited a highly calculating demeanor.

After all, his pursuit of a contract marriage stemmed from such practical considerations.

Inwardly smiling at this realization, Estelle spoke as if consoling Santana:

“I fully understand your sentiments, Lord Santana, and I am willing to acquiesce. However, by your side, there must be someone of noble standing who can firmly establish the Heretical Alliance’s position, if only for external appearances.”

“Hmm…”

Were someone of Santana’s caliber to declare his intention to marry a commoner, it would likely cause an upheaval in the Heretical Alliance’s social circles.

Unlike the more liberal Dragonian Empire, where strategic marriages were commonplace, and given the existing foundation of their engagement, Santana could not arbitrarily proceed with a formal union with Polena.

This was precisely Estelle’s point, and she addressed Santana as if offering assistance:

“In that regard, I would like to propose something that could greatly benefit you and the one you love, Lord Santana.”

“And what might that be?”

“It is simple. Just as you previously entered into a contract engagement, you could now pursue a contract marriage.”

“A contract…marriage?”

Santana’s expression revealed his surprise at Estelle’s unexpected suggestion.

She then elaborated her proposal:

“Precisely as I stated. Publicly, we would be husband and wife, with me as your official spouse. However, within our household, the one you love would be the true wife, while I would merely receive the treatment of a concubine.”

“…Hmm…”

Santana fell into contemplative silence upon hearing Estelle’s words.

Witnessing his reaction, Estelle began to feel optimistic about the situation’s resolution.

‘No matter how highly Lord Santana regards that lowborn woman, realistically, he cannot push through a marriage with her. In that sense, he is bound to accept my offer.’

Of course, under this arrangement, as Estelle had stated, Polena would effectively hold the true authority within their household.

However, Estelle saw no cause for concern in this regard.

As someone without any backing, Polena’s influence would be inherently limited.

In contrast, with the solid support of the Repsodi region behind her, Estelle would naturally assume the dominant position within their home.

As Santana pondered her ingenious stratagem, Estelle inwardly smiled, patiently awaiting his response.

And in that moment…

Santana, too, was deep in contemplation upon hearing Estelle’s proposition.

However, his considerations revolved around a plan similar yet distinctly different from what Estelle had proposed.