Chapter 149: The Introduction Meeting 2

In that moment, the Dragonian duchess Catlena, belatedly recognizing the face before her, could not conceal her bewilderment.

The unanticipated return of this unanticipated individual.

At once, she longed to approach and inquire about the full circumstances.

However, in the next instant, that person merely graced her with a faint smile.

And then…

“!…”

Momentarily displaying a stunned expression, the duchess’s demeanor elicited profound concern from Cazeros and me.

“Mother? Is something amiss?”

“…Hm? Ah… No… No, it’s nothing… I merely experienced a brief lapse. In any case, you may both retire and rest for now.”

The duchess’s faltering, awkward tone in responding to Cazeros only deepened our bewilderment.

However, given our position, we could hardly press the matter.

Our primary objective was to proceed with the wedding unimpeded.

Refraining from any further provocation was itself a relief under the circumstances.

“Then we shall take our leave.”

“I shall see you again soon, Mother.”

As Cazeros, Polena, and I withdrew, I chose to set aside the duchess’s abrupt behavior for the time being, resolving to maintain a low profile until the wedding ceremony.

Hopefully avoiding any further summons or scrutiny from the duchess…

The duchess, through her considerable life experiences, was well aware that the world’s unfolding defied prediction.

However, the present circumstances before her eyes now constituted a truly unforeseen development, even accounting for the multitude of variables she had encountered.

‘How could that person be here…? That individual, who had vanished for over a decade, how…?’

On the eve of her beloved daughter’s pivotal wedding ceremony, the duchess now faced this astonishing turn of events.

While rooted in affection, the marriage could not be deemed devoid of political implications. Hence, the duchess had intended to thoroughly scrutinize her daughter’s prospective groom.

Yet in this moment, such considerations had evaporated from her mind.

A development so profound, it shattered even her customary composure.

The emergence of the one she had awaited for a decade.

-Knock, knock, knock-

“C…Come in.”

Responding to the knock with a tremulous voice, the duchess braced herself as the one she had anticipated entered.

“…It has been too long since we last met.”

“Indeed, it has been an age. A decade, perhaps? Truthfully, I did not foresee matters stretching this far.”

The woman greeted the duchess with a serene smile.

Uncharacteristically tense, the duchess addressed her:

“P…Please, have a seat. I shall have tea brought at once. No, better yet, I shall attend to it myself…”

“Now, there is no need for such formalities… A simple glass of water will suffice, Catlena. For I have come here in the guise of a maid, serving our master.”

“Hmm…”

Despite the woman’s clear articulation of her status, the duchess, her hand poised to pour tea, instead provided her with water.

After taking a sip, the woman regarded the duchess with an even broader smile.

“So, how has life treated you of late? I hear the Dragonian Empire’s fortunes have risen considerably thanks to our emperor’s policies.”

“Y…Yes. That does seem to be the case. Mother’s policies remain exemplary as ever.”

“Then I am glad. However, your countenance does not appear particularly joyous… Could our Duchess Catlena be displeased with her daughter’s impending marriage?”

“…Hmm…”

The woman’s mildly teasing tone prompted the duchess to furrow her brow slightly, though she remained silent for the moment.

Her restraint did not stem from the remark itself piercing true.

Rather, it was due to the woman’s identity that compelled her caution.

Unlike the duchess’s raven tresses and crimson eyes, this woman bore fiery red hair and eyes.

Known as Polena to the Bohemians, she commanded the utmost deference, even from the influential Duchess Catlena of the Dragonian Empire.

It was not a difference of mere combat prowess or status.

An innate, deeply ingrained reverence – a towering, immovable presence cultivated from childhood.

Mindful of this, the duchess cautiously inquired:

“Speaking of which, how did you come to be in such a place?… As that man Santana’s maid, of all things?”

“Well, there were various reasons, but I suppose the chief cause was amusement?”

“…Yes, I should have expected as much.”

For one whose primary pursuit was the enrichment of life itself, the woman’s response seemed only natural to the duchess.

This was the essence of her elder sister, the one named Senel Polena Dragonia, as she had always appeared since childhood.

“And when gathering information, it is more convenient to be situated within a noble household, is it not? You have likely witnessed firsthand our master’s remarkable caliber.”

“…Our ‘master,’ you say. Is such a term not somewhat inappropriate? No matter how long you concealed your presence, you are undeniably the Second Princess of the Dragonian Empire. To address a mere lord’s son as your ‘master’…”

“Hoho, it seems our little sister has grown rather strict since becoming a duchess. You used to possess a certain adorable charm.”

Polena’s lighthearted response prompted the duchess to sigh deeply before draining her cup, a hint of vexation evident.

She then addressed Polena with newfound solemnity:

“…In any case, regardless of other matters, your return at least implies that the outlines of that event have taken shape, does it not?”

“Of course. That was the very reason for my coming here.”

Polena’s equally grave tone prompted her to present the duchess with a letter.

The duchess’s gaze sharpened as she regarded it.