Chapter 151: The Introduction Meeting 4

Despite the discomfort, the introduction meeting fortunately came to a close without any major issues.

After that, we ended up spending time at Sophia Castle until the wedding day.

Daily life proceeded relatively smoothly without major problems, yet it was also quite busy due to diplomatic matters that required attention.

However, considering the benefits this would bring, I couldn’t help but immerse myself in the work, scarcely feeling any fatigue.

‘It’ll be that time soon… And if I move in sync with that timing…’

All preparations were complete, and according to the unchanging guideline of the original work, everything was bound to unfold inevitably.

Especially if the target was something related to ‘weather’ that flowed regardless of human will.

Thus, while harboring the mindset of someone awaiting the anticipated feast, I focused primarily on the impending wedding that had truly drawn close.

Deep within Sophia Castle, in the innermost chambers.

There, she was…

A woman in her usual maid attire, with a joyful smile on her lips.

Polena opened her mouth in a light tone as she gazed at the person before her:

“It’s been a long time, Mother. Have you been well?”

“Haa…”

Wearing a black veil, the woman gazed at Polena, whose tone conveyed not a hint of impropriety.

The Empress of the Dragonian Empire,

Mina Rosebeta Dragonia.

She let out a sigh tinged with a hint of relief toward Polena, who spoke to her in such an uninhibited manner. Then, she carefully began to remove the veil concealing her face.

And as her face gradually emerged…

Her red hair and red eyes were an almost exact mirror of Polena’s features.

The only difference was that, unlike Polena’s bright and light demeanor, her face exuded a profound solemnity coupled with a serene nobility and warmth.

Thus, revealing her face to her daughter born from her womb – a face she usually kept veiled – the Empress formed a signature serene smile as she spoke:

“Yes… it has been a long time, my child. Have you been well during this period?”

“Mm-hmm, Mother. I’ve been having fun.”

“I’ve heard bits of the story. That you’ve been serving as a maid for that man named Santana, in his guest quarters?”

“Yup, it just happened to turn out that way. Thanks to that, I’ve had an enjoyable time without any dullness.”

Polena spoke with a cheerful smile.

Observing this, Empress Rosebeta maintained her smile as she quietly sipped her tea, displaying not the aura of an Empress, but that of a mother thinking of her daughter.

“Well, if you’ve been enjoying yourself, then that’s enough. However… I do wish you wouldn’t involve yourself in anything too dangerous. As you know, the situation over there isn’t exactly favorable.”

“Haha, come now Mother, surely you don’t think I would come to any harm from the squabbles of humans?”

“Don’t be too complacent, my child. It worries me as a mother that you might inadvertently harm yourself with such thoughts.”

“Yes, yes, I’ll keep that in mind, Your Imperial Majesty.”

Responding to the Empress’s words with a lighthearted retort befitting a daughter, Polena then elicited a small sigh from Rosebeta.

The Empress’ expression took on a more serious tone as she continued:

“Then, to change the subject a little… how did your objective fare, my child?”

At those words, Polena’s expression also grew markedly more serious, her previously casual demeanor abandoned.

She set down her teacup and spoke in a hushed voice:

“I found him. With absolute certainty… That bastard is likely presenting himself to the Holy Imperium’s Emperor along with his newly-acquired co-conspirator.”

“Matters have become troublesome. That vexing fellow, roaming freely was already a headache, but now he’s gone and involved a greater power.”

“It was somewhat expected once I failed to stop him preemptively. All that remains is to decisively eliminate him, be it through assassination or outright warfare.”

“Indeed… That seems to be the ordained course.”

With those words, the Empress took a momentary sip of tea.

Though brief, Polena could easily discern the multitude of thoughts passing through her mother’s mind in that span.

Weighing her options, as a mother ought.

The outcome was one Polena could readily predict.

Shortly after setting down her emptied teacup, Empress Rosebeta regarded her daughter with grave tones:

“However, my child. Now that matters have progressed this far, would it not be somewhat difficult for you to handle alone? If need be, this mother could…”

“No, there’s no need for that. I’ve told you before – I’ll take care of my own affairs. At this age, I have no intention of relying on my mother’s aid, nor is there any need.”

“Hmm…”

“For now, Mother, you should simply focus on matters in the East as you’ve done thus far. Leave the West to me and Catlena, while you concentrate on securing tangible gains.”

“…Haa… Yes… I suppose that is the correct approach…”

Although her maternal concerns persisted strongly, Empress Rosebeta had no choice but to acquiesce for the time being.

As her daughter stated, her current priorities lay with affairs in the East, firmly claiming the farthest reaches of the vast continent.

A matter that would determine the nation’s fortunes for ages to come – she could not afford to become entangled in trivial side issues.

Yet even so, as a mother, she could never completely allay her worries for her daughters. This drove her persistent desire to aid her children, even if it meant overexerting herself.

And…

Recognizing this maternal heart,

Polena adamantly refused her aid.

Not merely out of a sense of duty, but because in her view, the current situation was eminently manageable without her mother’s assistance.

She had at her side an entity capable of overcoming this crisis…

Her master, the miracle-worker Santana Andreas.

‘How fortuitously timed to have acquired such an excellent master. There’s no need to needlessly complicate matters. With that man, surely…’

Calmly sipping her tea amidst such thoughts, Polena was interrupted when:

“Ah, speaking of which, my child, there was one thing I was curious about…”

“Hmm?”

In the next moment, the Empress’ tone took on a marked seriousness as she continued:

“I must ask… what exactly is your relationship with that man Santana?”

“Khkh!”

Caught off guard by the unexpected blow, Polena reflexively choked, coughing violently.

“Khah…khah… Wh-What relationship… That’s… Obviously master and maid…”

“Hmm… Is that all?…”

“That’s… all there is.”

Wiping away the spilled tea with a handkerchief, Polena spoke haltingly.

In that moment, she understood.

She grasped the implication behind her mother’s question.

“After all, he’s the one who will be marrying Cazeros. Does she suspect I might harbor improper feelings for such a person?”

“I did not make any such implication. I was simply curious when our daughter might bring home a prospective groom.”

“Ah…no. That’s not it… Um…umm…”

Realizing she had nearly fallen into her mother’s trap, Polena cleared her throat lightly.

After regaining her composure, she spoke in measured tones:

“In any case, Mother, I assure you I hold no such feelings as you imagine. As I’ve said before, I have no intention of marrying.”

“Yet your sister already has eight children…”

“Haa…”

Letting out a deep sigh at her mother’s relentless prodding, Polena continued:

And…

Observing her daughter’s demeanor,

Empress Rosebeta inwardly formed a subtle smile.