Chapter 145: According to Plan 2

“Wh…What did you just say?”

The marriage proposal from the Dragonian Empire caused profound shock and bewilderment to etch itself upon Estelle’s features.

“It is the truth. They have formally sent a letter proposing a marriage – my union with one of their princesses of imperial blood, to strengthen our alliance.”

“That’s… That’s simply preposterous…”

Santana’s unexpected words left Estelle unable to believe him initially.

Of course, the Dragonian Empire had likely gauged Santana’s exceptional caliber through their dealings thus far.

However, to propose a marriage while disregarding her, his legitimate fiancée, was something she could never have foreseen.

Yet Estelle’s doubts and disquiet instantly turned to despair upon Santana presenting her with the letter itself.

“…This… This cannot be… How… How could this happen…”

Estelle had pursued this Dragonian alliance solely to captivate Santana’s heart and bind him to her through obligation.

However, in this moment, she realized that her supposed masterstroke had instead become a catastrophic self-inflicted wound.

The link she had forged between Bohemia and the Dragonian Empire, far exceeding her intentions, now threatened the worst possible outcome from her perspective – a proposed marriage between the two powers.

As a mere noble of a minor territory, Estelle stood no chance of resisting the Dragonian Empire’s proposal.

Moreover, rationally speaking, with such a formidable empire extending a marriage offer, there was scant reason to maintain a mere engagement with her.

Crucially, Estelle had herself vehemently argued the merits of a marriage with her to Santana not long ago, emphasizing the benefits for the Heretical Alliance and Bohemia.

She had essentially dug her own grave…

And now found herself ensnared, the unintended victim of her own machinations.

Confronted with an unprecedented failure unlike any she had ever experienced, Estelle teetered on the brink of a mental breakdown, consumed by profound turmoil.

‘This cannot be… My plans… could not have culminated in such a manner… Despite all my endeavors, this outcome is…’

The worst possible consequence, wrought by her own actions – a reality Estelle could scarcely process.

Ordinarily, she would have composed herself and devised countermeasures in the face of such setbacks.

However, in her present state, Estelle lacked even the capacity for such thoughts.

This truly unforeseen development had upended everything she had envisioned.

Every word and deed intended to further her objectives now turned against her in an instant.

The towering edifice she had painstakingly constructed now lay not merely in ruins, but with the very foundations shattered.

She knew not where or how to begin rebuilding.

Then, addressing Estelle’s bewildered state, Santana spoke in a composed, almost regretful tone:

“…Truly, even I could not have foreseen such circumstances arising… How did this come to pass with the Dragonian Empire…”

“…”

Santana lowered his head in despair.

Witnessing his demeanor, Estelle could easily discern his inner turmoil.

Although this development increased the likelihood of his engagement with Estelle being annulled, the situation brought Santana no joy.

His desire was to be with his true love, Polena – not a Dragonian princess.

Yet, unlike Estelle, who shared a similar status and whose engagement was contractual, affording some control, this proposal came from a princess of far loftier standing, without any prior agreement.

Naturally, she would hold most of the authority in such circumstances. Moreover, any misstep risked endangering Polena herself.

In other words, Santana’s chances of being with his true love had diminished further.

‘…Not only myself, but surely they, too, are beside themselves… Everything they had envisioned has been shattered, just as it has for us.’

Observing the despondent man before her, Estelle felt her own sorrow deepen.

Then, his voice laced with profound sadness, Santana quietly addressed her:

“…Truly, I must apologize. In the end, matters have devolved to this…”

Despite the circumstances, Santana’s words of apology stirred mixed feelings within Estelle – guilt, coupled with a renewed surge of affection for the man before her.

“…There is no need to apologize. All of this is due to my foolish actions… Had I never pursued this course from the beginning…”

“Do not blame yourself… In truth, for the sake of our alliance and survival, this was an unavoidable endeavor. Like the present situation…”

“Kuhh…”

Santana’s words, both consoling and reaffirming the harsh reality, forced Estelle to confront the truth she wished to deny.

‘While the gains were enticing… rejecting the Dragonian Empire’s proposal itself carries too great a risk… No matter how remarkable Lord Santana may be, there is likely no other recourse in this situation.’

Thus, devoid of any dreams or hopes, Estelle wallowed in utter dejection.

“…However… abandoning you outright would be discourteous in many ways.”

“Hm?”

In the next moment, Santana addressed the crestfallen Estelle in a composed tone, stirring a profound sense of bewilderment within her.

And to her astonishment, Santana’s subsequent words caused her expression to brighten with surprise.

“…Have you decided?”

“Yes, Father, I have.”

Regarding his son Santana with a regretful tone, Count Turn spoke:

“In the end, you have chosen to annul your engagement with Estelle and accept the betrothal to the Dragonian princess.”

Count Turn could easily envision the heartache his son must be enduring in this moment.

Although unaware of the precise circumstances, in his eyes, Santana and Estelle had appeared a well-matched couple until now.

Moreover, Count Turn was fully cognizant of Santana’s endeavors alongside Estelle throughout their time together.

In that sense, while not formally wed, Count Turn had already embraced Estelle as his daughter-in-law in his heart…

Yet, in this instance, he could not ultimately refuse the Dragonian Empire’s marriage proposal.

Personal love was important, but in perilous times where survival itself was at stake, strength took precedence above all else.

To acquire that strength, Santana had to forsake his love – a fact that filled Count Turn with profound regret.

“Truly, I apologize… Had Bohemia’s might been slightly greater, this would not have come to pass…”

“Do not speak thus, Father. All of this is for the sake of our family and people… For them, I am prepared to make any sacrifice.”

“…My son…”

Witnessing Santana maintain a smile despite his agonizing decision, Count Turn felt a profound sorrow well up within him – unaware that his son’s smile stemmed from genuine intent, rather than mere façade.