Chapter 143: My Beloved 10

People each have their own pursuits and consequently develop various ideas to achieve their goals.

And in this regard, there are times when people unexpectedly come across methods to reach their objectives in ways they had never considered.

Precisely like my current situation.

Estelle, bringing up the matter of status and proposing a contract marriage.

However, upon hearing her proposal, I naturally had no intention of accepting it.

‘Perhaps in the past… but now, invoking Cazeros’s status would be utterly meaningless.’

Cazeros was none other than the beloved daughter of the Dragonian Empire’s ducal family.

Her standing was undoubtedly sufficient to make others in the nobility bow their heads. Moreover, compared to Estelle, Cazeros held a superior position.

‘But Estelle could not have known such a reality… That such a fairy-tale-like reversal of status had occurred.’

A twist I had never anticipated myself.

Although I had been unable to determine how best to leverage this, ironically, it was Estelle who provided me with a way forward in this moment.

‘A contract marriage… Estelle has presented me with an excellent solution. If I employ that method, no one will be able to object to Cazeros and me.’

Truthfully, I had no desire to resort to such means.

However, based on our previous discussions, Estelle seemed unlikely to relinquish the official wife’s position easily.

Under these circumstances, the only remaining option was to force her concession.

To proceed, I informed Estelle that I would consider her proposal and provide an answer, then promptly departed.

My immediate destination was, of course, the annex where Cazeros awaited.

Sipping her tea with a relaxed demeanor, the beaming smile on Estelle’s face prompted Dust’s concern and unease.

“Um… Sister Estelle? Has something happened, perchance?”

“Yes, something quite delightful.”

Estelle’s response, laced with a radiant smile, only heightened Dust’s sense of foreboding as she tentatively inquired:

“If I may be so bold, could you share what it is? I only ask out of curiosity.”

“Hoho… I’m afraid it’s a secret for now. It hasn’t been finalized yet. But no matter, you’ll learn the outcome soon enough.”

“Ah… I see.”

Although Estelle spoke with evident joy, her response only deepened Dust’s disquiet.

‘Could Sister Estelle be plotting something involving Polena, to be so elated?’

Despite her excuses, Dust’s concerns regarding Polena had only intensified over time.

Estelle’s lingering suspicions towards Polena, contrary to her assertions, had become increasingly apparent.

This truth – one Dust could not openly discuss with Estelle, or anyone else, including her brother – continued to rob her of peaceful slumber.

It stemmed from her unsettling memory of that woman… Polena.

‘I have no idea… Just what is that woman? How could she possess such terrifying, monstrous power…’

Even as a competent 5th-rank mage, the sheer magnitude of Polena’s might had instilled profound dread within Dust – a force so overwhelming that merely comprehending it filled her with inhuman horror.

Recalling that primal terror still sent chills down her spine.

And now, by all indications, Estelle sought to confront and subjugate this very monster.

An act no less foolhardy than thrusting one’s hand into a dragon’s maw.

If carelessly handled, not only Estelle but Dust herself, having incurred the creature’s wrath, could become ensnared in the consequences.

As such, Dust desperately wished to dissuade Estelle from such reckless actions.

However, she could not openly broach the subject.

Without providing Estelle with the full context, which Dust could not divulge, delving deeper risked inadvertently revealing the creature’s existence – an outcome too horrific to contemplate.

‘I know not what is happening, but… I hope that monster’s ire remains unsparked.’

Of course, given the nature of events, avoiding its notice was highly improbable. Yet, in her current powerless state, Dust could only cling to that meager hope.

Thus, harboring fears of potentially failing to witness the year’s end, Dust could only watch Estelle’s expectant smile with a heavy heart.

The Dragonian Empire had forged an unofficial alliance with the Heretical Alliance.

While the specific details were kept secret, there were a few individuals privy to this knowledge.

Estelle, Santana, and others directly involved in orchestrating this endeavor.

And Count Turn, the Heretical Alliance’s representative and lord of Bohemia, was among them.

‘The resources we’ve received this time… the sheer quantity is staggering.’

Having been informed in advance, Count Turn had prepared as lord to store the goods and distribute a portion to other Alliance members.

However, despite his preparations, the sheer volume meant more time was needed for processing, increasing his workload considerably.

‘Seen in this light… having such a capable daughter-in-law and son is both a blessing and a burden.’

The one who had initially spearheaded this endeavor was his prospective daughter-in-law and Santana’s fiancée, Estelle.

And the one who had decisively executed it was none other than his son, Santana – a source of immense pride.

Through their planning and execution, the connection with the Dragonian Empire had been forged…

Yet Count Turn now found himself burdened with an increased workload as a consequence.

Of course, he harbored no resentment, but the physical toll was undeniable.

As he reflected on this, an attendant entered:

“My lord, pardon the intrusion.”

“Enter, then.”

As the attendant cautiously entered, his grave expression immediately raised Count Turn’s suspicions.

“What is the matter? Why such a countenance?”

“Ah… yes. It’s… well…”

The attendant hesitated before carefully presenting a sealed letter to his lord.

“What is this?”

“A missive from the Dragonian Empire. Given the request for secrecy in its delivery, it appears to contain matters of importance.”

“Hmm… From the Dragonian Empire, you say?… What could…”

With representatives from the Dragonian Empire currently present at the Bohemian annex, Count Turn found their need for secrecy perplexing.

Carefully breaking the seal, Count Turn examined the letter’s contents.

Then…

“…! Wh…What is the meaning of this?”

In the next moment, Count Turn raised his voice involuntarily.