Chapter 121: The Stellar Gala 2

“Is… is that really true, Mother?”

Cazeros asked again, filled with deep joy.

Seeing her expression, the duchess let out a deep sigh as she responded:

“Yes… it has become that way. Just as you wished.”

While her mother let out a deep sigh, Cazeros could sense the underlying displeasure, but at this moment, that didn’t matter to her.

“Then does this mean I can return to Bohemia now?”

“…You speak as if returning home. Is that man really so important to you?”

“Yes, I like him. For the place he is at is where I should be.”

No matter how forcefully her mother tried to restrain her, the duchess spoke with a profound sense of loss as a mother. However, Cazeros responded without any hesitation.

As if it was an obvious fact that didn’t need to be stated.

Hearing her words, the duchess let out a deep sigh as she slowly nodded her head.

It was the look of a daughter blinded by love.

While it was certain that she would be deeply saddened if she learned the truth that she had been betrayed… nevertheless, the duchess had no intention of telling her right away.

The first reason was that, unlike before, with the Dragonian Empire now supporting the Heretical Alliance, her daughter’s assistance was needed to smoothly handle matters.

And the second reason was that she felt this opportunity should serve as a harsh lesson for her.

‘Love is certainly important, but… she needs to learn through this chance that such love could also be a mere deception.’

Although she was currently enjoying a happy family life after meeting a man who could truly love her,

the past Duchess Catleena had also once deeply loved a man like her daughter, but ultimately experienced the bitter conclusion of betrayal.

Through this, she realized the painful truth that before loving someone, one needs discerning eyes to distinguish if that love is genuine.

Although it was an agonizing experience at the time, it ultimately helped her gain a broader perspective on the world and find someone who could truly love her.

Life is about learning through such painful and shattering experiences to find the right path.

From that perspective, she decided to silently observe the situation, believing this would be a good lesson for her beloved daughter.

Until the time when she naturally realizes the truth after returning to Bohemia.

“As you may have heard, Catan’s wedding will take place soon. You can depart after that ceremony is over.”

“Yes, I will do so, Mother.”

The wedding was about a week away.

Although even that was an agonizingly long wait for Cazeros, she had no choice but to remain silent for now.

Regardless, the mere fact that she could go and meet Santana again was enough to fill her with immense joy.

At this point, waiting another week was something she could easily endure.

“In the meantime, you should prepare as well. Also, since Her Majesty will be attending, you should be mindful of that. It would be best if you discard that Holy Knight attire as soon as possible.”

“Yes, I understand, Mother.”

While Cazeros had stubbornly insisted on wearing the Holy Knight attire as a form of protest, she now saw no need for it and readily agreed to her mother’s words.

Above all, she was well aware that the Empress disliked the Church and Holy Knights, so there was no need to cause any unnecessary misunderstandings.

With that, Cazeros left the room with her attendants to change her attire and adorn herself…

Watching her daughter’s departure, a bitter emotion began to well up within the duchess.

A modest-looking carriage painted in black.

Although the horses pulling the carriage were quite fine, the carriage itself had no decorations whatsoever, appearing utterly plain.

However…

Regardless of the carriage’s outward appearance, the person riding inside was no ordinary individual.

Her face concealed by a black veil, she sat quietly in the carriage…

She was the ruler of this land and the great empire.

Empress Mina Rozveta Dragona was taking in the familiar scenery with a serene smile, reminiscing after such a long time.

‘This place hasn’t changed much from the past…’

The forest path she had often walked with her children.

Gazing at it, the Empress began to indulge in peaceful contemplation, recalling past memories.

Before becoming the sovereign of a nation, she had spent time here as a mother to her children.

Although the nation’s power was not as strong as it is now, and the empire was merely a small duchy that had to be mindful of surrounding countries,

Nevertheless…

Rozveta felt that she was happier back then as the duchess of a small duchy, living with her beloved children.

The country had become prosperous, and her authority had become formidable.

No longer did the nation bearing the name Dragona need to heed the surrounding countries; instead, they had to pay attention to this country.

However…

This national development and the establishment of the empire had robbed her life of leisure…

Moreover, her children were no longer under her wing.

Like fledglings leaving the nest, her children naturally departed from their mother’s embrace.

Some remained within the empire’s reach,

while others went even further away…

Rozveta knew this was natural and right,

yet she could not help but feel a sense of longing, both in the past and in this very moment.

And in that sense…

The Empress’s visit to Sofia held great anticipation, for she would not only attend her grandson’s wedding but also see her beloved daughter and grandchildren.

‘Come to think of it, I heard the runaway child has returned. I wonder what kind of child she is…’

As she thought this, the Empress recalled the stories about how that child resembled her mother…

It was at that moment that the carriage finally came to a stop after the long journey.

“Your Majesty, we have arrived.”

After slowly disembarking from the carriage, the Empress began to take in the sight of those who had come to greet her.

Accompanied by soldiers assigned for her escort, the one standing at the forefront to receive her…

A woman with black hair, porcelain skin, and distinctive red eyes, appearing deceptively youthful…

The duchess ruling this land, who she could address without reservation as her daughter.

Seeing her, Empress Rozveta smiled warmly as she embraced her.

“My child…”

“Mother.”

Although they lived in the same country, its vastness made it difficult even to see each other’s faces.

Embracing her daughter, Duchess Catleena, whom she had not seen in so long, Rozveta felt a fleeting sense of past happiness.

“Have you been well? Are you feeling alright anywhere?”

“Yes, Mother. But have you been well yourself? Are you feeling unwell anywhere…?”

“I’m alright as well. In fact, I may be too healthy, if anything.”

Although they both knew, as witches, that their bodies would not suffer ailments or pain, they still affectionately confirmed each other’s well-being.

As the mother and daughter exchanged warm greetings, one person watched their interaction from a slight distance.

Cazeros intently observed the woman whose face was concealed by a veil.

‘So this is Her Majesty Empress Rozveta… the ruler of the Dragonian Empire, and simultaneously, my grandmother…’