Chapter 128: Their War 2

After pondering Estelle’s confession of love, I came to a decision.

“…I’m sorry.”

“!…”

My words carried the implication of rejection.

Estelle’s face instantly froze, but at this moment, I could only respond this way.

Offering flimsy excuses would only be poisonous in this situation.

I could choose to buy time for the sake of Bohemia and the Heretical Alliance, but even if I temporarily glossed over it, the truth would eventually come to light. The ensuing storm would undoubtedly be no less severe than addressing it now, if not worse.

It was better to inflict present discomfort than future feelings of betrayal.

Moreover,

Accepting Estelle’s feelings under false pretenses for national interests would be the worst choice as a man.

Even if I did not love her, deceiving her with feigned affection was unacceptable.

Especially when her feelings seemed so pure and resolute, all the more so…

The choice I arrived at eschewed feeble excuses or false love in favor of a direct, honest approach.

“I am grateful for your feelings towards me, Lady Estelle. However… there is already someone I love. Someone I have effectively promised my future to.”

“…”

Estelle fell silent upon my words, her expression clearly reflecting profound shock. Nevertheless, having resolved to clarify matters, I continued:

“Of course, you are a fine woman, Lady Estelle, more than worthy as my fiancée. However… even so, I cannot forsake my promise to her – the one I truly love.”

Thus, harshly yet unambiguously, I conveyed my rejection.

Seeing this, Estelle lowered her head for a moment without uttering a word.

Whether the emotion she harbored was sorrow or anger at my adamant refusal, I could not discern with certainty.

However, whichever it was, I steeled myself for the potential consequences.

‘As much as I’d like to bear the brunt of her reaction, things may not proceed so favorably…’

I braced myself for the possibility of her lashing out with curses, physical assault, or even political threats and attacks.

It was at that moment when Estelle spoke in a heavy voice:

“Now I understand clearly… why Lord Santana agreed to a contract engagement with me.”

Slowly raising her head, she looked me squarely in the face.

However…

Her expression did not reflect the sorrow or anger I had anticipated.

Rather, her demeanor conveyed a distinct clarity, as if everything had become apparent.

And… a sense of relief, of sorts.

Seeing her attitude automatically kindled my curiosity.

As if to answer, Estelle spoke to me with a faint smile:

“I had somewhat anticipated this possibility. No… thinking about it, it was the most likely reason. Among the inconveniences of marriage, this would be the most decisive factor.”

With those words, she raised the teacup before her.

Her unexpected reaction left me feeling quite taken aback, prompting me to heighten my guard even further.

“So… who is this person? The woman who holds Lord Santana’s heart so firmly…”

“…”

I maintained silence in response to Estelle’s question.

Her calm demeanor might have led one to believe the situation had been defused.

However, I knew better.

The most fearsome kind of person is the one who remains composed instead of expressing anger when they could.

“Hmm… I suppose you cannot divulge that? Then… allow me to venture a guess.”

Speaking in a composed tone, Estelle slowly swirled the teaspoon in her cup, a faint yet unsettling smile playing on her lips.

“First, it’s highly unlikely she is of high status like myself. If she were a noble lady, you could have simply become engaged to her without this convoluted process. The fact that you did not take that route suggests a strong possibility that she is of lowly birth, unable to be with you, the heir of a count.”

“!…”

Estelle struck at the heart of the matter from the outset.

However, as I could neither confirm nor deny it, I could only remain silent.

I knew well that vehement denial would only serve to affirm her assertions.

Seeing me maintain my silence, she continued:

“Moreover, she is undoubtedly someone who has been by your side even before you met me… no, given the circumstances, someone who has been with you since before you returned to Bohemia, is she not?”

“Hmm…”

With each word, Estelle seemed to inch closer to the truth, her composure unwavering.

I automatically felt a cold sweat forming.

Although I could not jump to conclusions, the possibility that her words stemmed from an undesirable truth I did not wish to entertain began to creep into my mind.

“Furthermore, for you to reject my confession so decisively, she must possess extraordinary beauty. And above all others, she must be someone who truly understands your heart, by your side.”

“Gulp…”

With those words, Estelle slowly set down the teaspoon she had been swirling.

As if firing a single, precise shot at the bullseye, her words caused me to involuntarily swallow hard.

“How pitiful for a woman of lowly birth to fall for someone like Lord Santana… Well, I did not imagine she would be the only woman to recognize your charms, but it is still a lamentable situation.”

Estelle spoke in a chilling tone.

Hearing this, I felt my composure beginning to waver as I instinctively retorted:

“Ah… lamentable? What do you mean by that?”

“There is no need for such agitation. It holds no particular significance.”

With those words, she slowly took another sip of tea.

Then, gazing at me with a cold smile, she continued:

“I was merely curious about the woman who holds Lord Santana’s affections. The woman who has taken your heart from me.”

“…”

After saying this, Estelle slowly rose from her seat.

Turning to me one last time, she added:

“If there is a woman to whom you have pledged your love first, it is only right to give her priority. My turn will come afterwards… but I do not mind waiting.”

“…”

On the surface, her words could be interpreted as gracefully conceding.

However, having witnessed the emotion on her face, I knew better.

While not explicitly stated, there was a possibility of undesirable developments I did not wish to entertain.

After her encounter with Santana, Estelle left the room.

Although she had struggled to maintain an air of nonchalance until then, at this moment, the emotion of jealousy burned fiercely within her.

‘For me, of all people, to be treated in such a manner… I had only suspicions before, so I remained quiet and observed. But now, it’s time to take action…’

The woman who had long been in her sights, though she had not revealed it.

Recalling the face of the one who was likely the true object of Santana’s affections, Estelle inwardly suppressed her anger.

‘I will not let her take him… Even if it’s just a contract, I am rightfully that man’s fiancée. I am meant to be his true wife. You, Polena, will be content with a subordinate position!’