Chapter 144: According to Plan 1

Summoned suddenly by Count Turn, Santana and Dust hastened to the lord’s study.

There, Count Turn and his wife, the Countess, were already waiting. Upon seeing them, Santana and Dust cautiously took their seats.

“What is the matter, Father? To call us so abruptly…”

“Could it be news about Elder Sister? If something has happened to her…”

Visibly perplexed by the unexpected summons, Santana and Dust voiced their bewilderment.

In response, Count Turn, his expression grave, wordlessly presented them with a letter.

“…Read this… A missive from the Dragonian Empire.”

“From the Dragonian Empire, you say?”

Santana’s voice carried a tinge of tension as he questioned his father.

He then began examining the letter’s contents, followed by Dust.

And then…

“This… What is the meaning of this?… Why would the Dragonian Empire suddenly…”

“I know not… I truly cannot fathom why they would make such an outrageous demand…”

Count Turn’s troubled tone echoed Santana’s perplexed inquiry.

After reviewing the letter’s contents, Dust spoke with a voice laden with conflicting emotions:

“To propose a marriage between Brother Santana and a princess of the Dragonian Empire… Why such an abrupt proposition?”

Truthfully, given the circumstances, the proposition was not entirely implausible.

Though under the guise of commerce, Bohemia and the Dragonian Empire had effectively forged an alliance, albeit indirectly.

However, despite this relationship, a fundamental difference existed between the two powers – the very roots of their ideologies.

The Heretical Alliance adhered to the precepts of God and the Holy Scriptures, having merely diverged from the established Church’s influence.

In contrast, the heathen Dragonian Empire fundamentally rejected the notions of divinity and sacred texts.

From this perspective, while Bohemia could be considered a heretic, the Dragonian Empire likely sought a firmer bond, a guarantee of sorts, to solidify their ties with Bohemia.

Especially given the intended longevity of their current ‘transaction.’

However, separate from these considerations, the abrupt marriage proposal naturally left Count Turn and the others deeply disconcerted.

Crucially, Santana was already betrothed to Estelle.

Voicing her vehement objection, Dust said:

“Truly… No matter the Dragonian Empire, this is sheer impudence. How can they propose a marriage when Brother already has a fiancée? It is simply unacceptable. We must naturally refuse such a proposition.”

Dust spoke with a finality that assumed the answer was predetermined.

However…

“Hmm…”

“…? Father?”

Contrary to Dust’s expectations, Count Turn did not readily agree.

“Why such a reaction, Father? Could there be some issue? Surely this matter requires no deliberation. It would be discourteous to entertain such a proposition when one is already betrothed.”

Perplexed by her father’s lukewarm response, which differed from her assumptions, Dust spoke with a hint of exasperation.

Yet Count Turn offered no definitive reply.

‘A betrothal… Our Santana, betrothed to the Dragonian Empire…’

Certainly, upon initially hearing the proposition, Count Turn and his wife had been taken aback, overwhelmed by a sense of absurdity.

However, separate from their initial reactions, they now found themselves unable to dismiss the matter outright.

‘The Dragonian Empire’s might is indeed formidable… Moreover, although part of the heathen forces, their emperor does not persecute or discriminate based on religion. For our son to marry into the upper nobility of such a powerful empire could prove an immense blessing.’

A princess held a rank that even Count Turn, a lord himself, would have to look up to in terms of status.

For Santana to wed such a woman would be akin to bestowing wings upon Bohemia.

And the potential gains from such a union would far surpass those offered by the slightly lesser Repsodi lord’s sister, Estelle.

Of course, breaking an existing betrothal would be burdensome and could severely strain relations with the Repsodi region, effectively the Heretical Alliance’s second-in-command.

Ordinarily, Count Turn, who valued trust and did not take such matters lightly, would have firmly rejected the proposition as Dust desired, decrying the betrayal of trust for personal gain as self-degradation.

However, such principles applied only in times of stability.

In the current precarious situation, even Count Turn could not afford such unwavering ideals.

Although the chaos following Mansfelt’s defection had subsided for a time, Bohemia remained under the threat of war.

A single misstep could plunge Count Turn, his family, and countless subjects into ruin.

In such perilous times, prioritizing strength became an inescapable reality.

And from that perspective, the proposed marriage between Santana and the Dragonian princess…

Presented an opportunity to acquire immense power, too significant to dismiss on principle alone.

‘If Santana truly weds a princess of the Dragonian Empire… Bohemia could establish a foothold to completely escape the Holy Emperor’s influence. For even the Holy Emperor could not provoke a force backed by the mighty Dragonian Empire.’

Unlike Dust, who harbored discomfort and anguish, Count Turn contemplated the matter with grave deliberation.

He then addressed his son, Santana, the true decision-maker in this affair:

“My son, what are your thoughts? Regarding this proposed marriage… What choice do you believe Bohemia should make?”

“Hmm…”

Santana’s pensive expression revealed his sincere contemplation of his father’s words.

Certainly, the potential gains were substantial – enough to sway even Santana, who valued such benefits.

And witnessing his demeanor, Dust began to inwardly fret.

‘No… Surely Brother would not discard Sister Estelle? No… Brother could never make such a heartless decision…’

As Dust anxiously awaited his response, Santana finally spoke the words she had been anticipating:

“…For now, I request some time to consider this. No matter how I ponder it, this is not a decision I can make alone. I shall consult Lady Estelle first before rendering my judgment.”

“Hmm…”

While not an outright rejection, Santana’s intention to deliberate further prompted Count Turn’s acquiescence.

Simultaneously, Dust felt a slight sense of relief, tinged with lingering apprehension.

‘For now, it seems he intends to factor in Sister Estelle’s wishes… I hope this resolves well. No matter how remarkable that princess may be, Brother must remain with Sister Estelle.’

As Dust clung to her hopes, she watched Santana depart.

However, in that moment, she failed to notice the faint smile that fleetingly graced Santana’s lips as he exited.