Chapter 229: 99% Effort and 1% Luck 6

The woman in red attire bore an uncanny resemblance to Polena’s appearance.

Beholding her, I was overcome with profound bewilderment.

“Mot…her?”

“Hm?”

Polena uttered those unexpected words.

I could only momentarily feel dumbstruck.

‘Mot…her? No, not sister, but mother…? What is this…?’

Though their appearances were indeed identical, there was no doubt this woman was related to Polena by blood.

However, her seemingly ageless visage that could easily pass for Polena’s age struck me as distinctly peculiar.

‘Could she too be a mage…or something of that nature? Likely so… Even Polena herself was quite adept with magic.’

With that thought, I regarded the ‘mother’ before me and the visibly flustered Polena.

“It has been too long, my child. Have you been well?”

“But…how…how is Mother here…”

Polena’s disbelieving tone revealed her shock at the woman’s presence.

In response, the woman firmly grasped Polena’s hand and gently placed a finger to her daughter’s lips.

“Shh… Calm yourself, child. Your mother has something to discuss first. Will you remain quiet for a moment?”

“Hm?…Y…Yes…of course…”

The woman soothed the uncharacteristically flustered Polena.

Observing this, I realized she was indeed Polena’s mother, and…

She addressed me in a courteous tone:

“We meet at last, Lord Santana Andreassia. I am Polena’s mother, Mina.”

“Ah…y…yes. A pleasure to meet you, Mother.”

Like Polena, she did not provide a family name.

I began to wonder if bearing only a given name was a custom of her household.

“I have heard my daughter has been much indebted to you over time. Thank you sincerely for caring for this inadequate child.”

“No…rather, I am the one who should express gratitude. It is I who have received tremendous aid from your excellent daughter.”

I spoke with earnest feeling, not mere courtesy.

Though our arrangement had made her a maid, truthfully, her contributions to my life far exceeded any service I had rendered her.

If possible, I wished to find some way to keep her from departing – Polena had become an irreplaceable presence in my daily life.

In response to my words, Polena’s mother showed a warm smile as she said:

“You honor me with such kind words.”

Her words carried a profound dignity ill-befitting an ordinary person.

Like Polena herself, I sensed this woman was anything but commonplace.

Then…

“In that case, Lord Santana, I would ask that you continue looking after my daughter. If that would be amenable?”

“Pardon?”

“Eh…Mother? What do you…?”

My momentary bewilderment was shared by Polena’s look of shock.

However, her mother simply maintained a gentle smile as she spoke to us:

“Truth be told, this child has quite a strong sense of duty. Even against her own desires, a sense of obligation often compels her to make unwanted choices. This time too, due to family matters, she intended to leave your service and return home.”

“Ah…”

Her mother’s words helped me vaguely grasp why Polena sought to depart.

It was clear she did not wish to leave her current life – my side.

Yet despite her unfiltered emotions, some weighty sense of duty – perhaps inheriting the family legacy or making sacrifices for it – had driven her eventual decision, however reluctantly.

However, at this moment…

Polena’s mother spoke in a tone tinged with both tenderness and an adamant will:

“However, I would prefer this child live as she desires, rather than being bound to make unwanted choices. In that regard…I believe she would find greater happiness remaining by your side than returning home, Lord Santana.”

As she said this, her gaze fell on Polena’s conflicted expression.

Then, Polena lowered her head, her trembling voice small:

“But…Mother. If I do, it may well put you in a difficult position… Perhaps an unbearable one…”

Polena’s words carried hesitation and what seemed like guilt, despite her evident longing.

Then…

“…!…”

The next moment, her mother tenderly embraced Polena.

Profound surprise crossed Polena’s features, before her mother spoke with profound affection:

“My child… Do you remember what I have always told you? That everything I do is ultimately for the happiness of my children… Of you, my daughter…”

“…Mot…her…”

At her mother’s words, tears began streaming down Polena’s cheeks.

Holding her daughter close, her mother’s voice brimmed with joy:

“Pay no heed to anything else. Live solely for your own happiness – the life you wish to lead. Unlike me, bound by duty… At least you… Live that way.”

“Hick…hickuh…”

Though the exact heavy duty and fervent wish eluded my understanding… Polena broke down sobbing before me for the first time.

As if finally casting off some great burden…

With heartfelt joy… And apologetic feelings toward her mother…

“…You are leaving already?… Even so, after such a long time apart, could you not stay a while longer…”

“I wish I could, but the matter I rushed away to attend cannot be delayed further. Once the situation settles, I shall return.”

Polena’s regretful tone prompted her mother’s soothing reply.

Then, mounting her deep crimson steed, the woman addressed me:

“I shall entrust my daughter to your care from now on, then… Son-in-law.”

“Eh…Mother!”

Her joyful smile elicited a flustered blush from Polena, yet I responded with resolute conviction:

“Yes, Mother-in-Law! I shall endeavor to bring your daughter the utmost happiness.”

“Fufufu…”

With those parting words, Polena’s mother – my mother-in-law – swiftly rode away.

Polena remained rooted, still blushing as she gazed after her departing mother.

Then, regarding her, I spoke in a composed tone:

“…Polena.”

“…A…Ah…Yes?”

At my words, as if time had restarted, Polena turned toward me.

Seeing her reaction, I proceeded to act upon what I had contemplated since her mother’s blessing.

“My…my lord…?”

As I knelt before her, Polena’s voice trembled slightly in disbelief.

Truly, on this day of uncharacteristic displays…

I addressed her with utmost sincerity and courtesy:

“I would make a formal request of you…”

Saying this, I took her hands as I knelt.

Polena’s cheeks flushed crimson.

Then, regarding her beautiful, bashful, yet longing expression…

I spoke with profound yearning:

“Polena… Will you marry me?”

“!…”

The feelings that had taken root in my heart from some point…

Were finally given voice in this moment I deemed perfect.

And to my words, she…

Polena…

Her trembling voice carried hints of joyful tears as she replied:

“…Yes… Yes… I…I gladly accept… Gladly… My lord… My beloved lord!”