Chapter 226: 99% Effort and 1% Luck 3

The situation was amicably resolved by sacrificing Queen Andreassia…

Having recklessly assaulted a noble lady during the course of overseeing the investigation, Athena was ultimately stripped of her authority and removed from her investigative role, allowing the matter to be brushed aside.

Of course, if possible, I wished to expose that Athena was indeed the mastermind behind this incident, aided by her co-conspirators.

However, we lacked sufficient evidence. Moreover, pushing a Grade 12 mage like her too far risked becoming the tail trying to wag the dog, so we decided to conclude matters at this stage.

And so…

Having swiftly defused the crisis, we were faced with the sight of our elder sister…

Queen, unable to even meet our gazes, wearing an expression of profound discomfort.

“…So this all began with that ambush incident, leading you to become the disciple of a Dragonian witch out of a desire for greater power, is that right?..”

“…Y…Yes…that’s it…”

Queen replied haltingly in a subdued voice.

Observing her demeanor, Bayther – who had worried about her the most – spoke with a tinge of betrayal and disappointment:

“How could you…? You knew full well how deeply concerned we all were for you! Watching that unfold right before our eyes, how could you…!”

“…I’m sorry…”

“…Kuh…”

Beyond a terse apology, Queen uttered not a word.

Seeing her state, I sensed there was more to it, yet could not bring myself to probe deeper.

One way or another, Queen’s situation was tied to the Dragonian Empire…and my wife Cazerios.

The assault by Dragonian witches on Bohemia had escalated matters to this point. As Queen was currently bound to the Dragonian Empire as a witch, further prying would only cause difficulties for Cazerios.

Though Queen’s deception that had caused us such worry left a bitter taste, I could not allow harm to befall my beloved wife.

Thus, as the representative present, I addressed my elder sister in a cold tone:

“…In any case, we shall put this matter to rest for now. Though unintended, your actions helped us overcome this crisis, so some leniency is warranted. More importantly, I wish to avoid any trouble for Cazerios due to this incident.”

“…Th…Thank you…”

“…”

My words brought a hint of relief to Queen’s expression, while Cazerios looked dejected.

Having concluded the matter, I addressed them in a composed manner:

“Whatever the case, this seems to have eliminated most variables within the conference. Word is that Wallenstein’s side no longer faces any assassins, and Athena’s matter has been resolved. Still, best to remain vigilant until the very end. I ask that you all persevere.”

“Understood, Lord Santana.”

“Hah…very well. The matter itself is the priority for now…”

After sorting out the situation, the others dispersed.

Eventually, only Cazerios and I remained once Polena exited after the last person had left.

“…I apologize. This occurred due to my negligence…I should have been more attentive…”

Cazerios offered me an apology.

Though she had committed no direct wrongdoing, the Dragonian Empire’s involvement seemed to weigh heavily on her conscience.

Seeing my wife’s state, I gave a wry smile as I gently stroked her head.

“There is no need to apologize. As I said, your involvement helped us to a degree. Moreover, this unfolded without your knowledge, so you bear no responsibility.”

“Lord Santana…”

My words visibly brought Cazerios profound relief.

Seeing her reaction, I pulled my beloved wife into a tight embrace.

Fortunately, Queen Andreassia’s situation was concluded without major incident.

Yet at this moment, the party in question wished she could disappear into a mousehole, if possible.

Her predicament had reached a relatively positive resolution through a fortuitous convergence of circumstances.

However, beyond the favorable outcome itself, Santana’s personal reluctance to harm Cazerios had been the decisive factor.

And this realization…

Could only fill Queen with profound shame for the foolish actions borne of her lingering inferiority complex and vanity toward Santana.

Simultaneously, amidst those feelings, Queen could only acknowledge the truth:

That no matter what she did, she could never surpass Santana.

‘…So it has come to this… No matter what I tried, I was ultimately…no match for our capable younger brother…’

Having effectively admitted total defeat while relinquishing her long-held desire to rival her brother, Queen promptly set off with determined strides.

Separate from acknowledging her loss to Santana, she had an urgent task at hand.

‘Here, I should…formally apologize. That fool Bayther has been so worried all this time, undoubtedly suffering tremendously because of me…’

With the failure of Athena’s attempt as the turning point, the conference’s progress rapidly accelerated beyond comparison to before.

Although the Imperial nobles’ final gambit had not been officially sanctioned as an issue, its failure meant they and Athena could no longer nitpick endlessly, forcing them to accept reality.

As the saying goes, the reckless overreach proved its own undoing. The drawn-out conference swiftly neared its conclusion, and the continentally situation that had been in turmoil began stabilizing.

Thus, this war waged with pens and rhetoric rather than blades was coming to a close.

During this time, I took a brief respite to meet with Friedrich, my longstanding ally.

“It seems we are nearing the end.”

“Indeed, a most fortunate turn of events. With this, I have safely regained the Palatinate, and you have secured Bohemia’s interests as desired.”

“However…I must admit, I was somewhat surprised. When Wallenstein nominated you as the next Emperor, I did not expect you to refuse so resolutely…”

In the original, there had been Anhalt’s scheming, yet Friedrich had still displayed a degree of ambition for the throne.

His firm rejection left quite an impression on me.

Regarding this, Friedrich showed a faint smile as he spoke:

“Hahah, say no more. You know better than anyone that such a position ill-suits a man like me. I am more than satisfied to have returned to my proper place.”

“Well…if those are Your Highness’s wishes, I cannot argue.”

Once again demonstrating his lack of lingering imperial ambitions, Friedrich sipped his tea and remarked calmly:

“In any case, the return of peace is a blessing, though recovering from the devastation will require considerable time. At the very least, religious conflicts should no longer arise.”

“Indeed. We shall continue collaborating on the forthcoming reconstruction efforts. I look forward to your steadfast cooperation, Your Majesty.”

“And I to yours, even if I am but a figurehead Prince-Elector. If the Palatinate’s aid is ever required, you need only say the word. We shall forever remain loyal allies to you and Bohemia.”

Friedrich’s words conveyed profound trust in me.

Seeing his demeanor, I too smiled warmly – the smile of a friend.