Chapter 140: My Beloved 7

“…”

Returning to her guest chamber, the traces of her recent intimate encounter lingered vividly within Cazeros’s body and mind.

She had given her first time to the man she loved.

And in return, his seed now resided within her womb – Santana’s essence.

Whether it would take root and blossom was uncertain.

Cazeros knew that even after intimacy, the chances of conception were not particularly high.

To ensure pregnancy, they would need to continue their relations repeatedly.

Nevertheless, in this moment, her heart overflowed with an profound joy she had never experienced before.

The mere recollection of their recent union caused her chest to flutter.

Having become one with her beloved washed away the tribulations she had endured on her journey here, like melting snow.

‘Lord Santana…’

Though barely parted from him, Cazeros already yearned to see him again, her lips curving into a radiant smile as she envisioned his visage.

“You were gone quite a while.”

“…Yes… Well, that’s how it turned out.”

Having entered the room at dawn, I emerged close to dusk, greeted by Polena’s beaming smile at the entrance.

However, I could only avert my gaze from her for the time being.

With her keen perception, my considerably disheveled appearance would undoubtedly reveal that something had transpired, unlike our previous encounter.

After a brief exchange of glances, we departed for my study without further ado.

Although I regretted Cazeros’s absence, I knew there was nothing to be done about it presently.

Having regained her true identity, I now intended to formally pursue marriage with her.

However, there were matters to address first, necessitating the utmost secrecy regarding Cazeros’s identity until then.

‘Recalling Estelle’s expression then… she might attempt to harm Cazeros.’

Of course, given Cazeros’s status as a princess of the empire, the likelihood of Estelle resorting to rash actions was relatively low.

The political implications were considerable, with the worst-case scenario being the Dragonian Empire branding the Repsodi region as adversaries, effectively wiping it off the map.

However, this assumed a general case – a person blinded by love might deviate from such reasoning.

Recalling Estelle’s visceral, emotional expression when I rejected her confession…

I could not dismiss the possibility of her acting on a momentary impulse, prompting an unrestrained reaction.

To prevent such an eventuality, I needed to take preemptive measures regarding Estelle.

As I grappled with this intricate dilemma following my sweet reunion with Cazeros, Polena spoke:

“Then, what are your intentions moving forward?”

“Hm?”

Observing my contemplative state, Polena inquired in a composed tone:

“I refer to Lady Estelle. Although Cazeros has returned, and her standing is no longer unsuitable for you, you must still resolve the matter of your betrothed, Lady Estelle, first.”

As always, Polena’s insight pierced through to my thoughts.

Though mildly surprised, I had grown accustomed to such occurrences, acknowledging the truth with a wry smile:

“Truth be told, I have been contemplating that very issue. Frankly, although the contract engagement was for this purpose, Estelle’s resistance seems formidable.”

Truthfully, I could forcibly proceed if necessary.

Being a contract engagement, we had previously drafted an agreement in anticipation of such circumstances.

Officially announcing it would legally absolve me of any wrongdoing.

The issue, however, lay in Estelle’s potential retaliation and the scrutiny from her family.

‘If Estelle were to relinquish me willingly, there would be no problem. But if she were so cooperative, I would not be in such a predicament to begin with.’

Recalling her unambiguous declaration of love before me, I sensed the situation had become extremely precarious.

‘Under these circumstances, I must find a way to pressure Estelle into amicably fulfilling the contract…’

If words proved insufficient, the use of force would be inevitable.

As I entertained such thoughts, Polena, still bearing a faint smile, remarked:

“Certainly, in our current politically entangled situation, it will not be easy to arbitrarily terminate your engagement with her. While the Dragonian Empire’s involvement can be mitigated with Cazeros’s presence, the Heretical Alliance cannot disregard the Repsodi region’s influence.”

“You speak the truth. Moreover… as one-sided as her feelings may be, disregarding her heart entirely would be unbecoming.”

While reluctant, I could not bring myself to callously discard a woman who had consistently shown me favor.

More importantly, had she not facilitated the alliance with the Dragonian Empire, my reunion with Cazeros may have been further delayed.

As I grappled with this conundrum, Polena, who had repeatedly highlighted its difficulties, spoke in a composed tone:

“Under these circumstances, there is no choice but to revert to your usual methods, Lord Santana.”

“…Hm? My usual methods, you say? What do you…”

Momentarily perplexed by her words, I expressed my confusion.

In response, Polena articulated her meaning clearly:

“Negotiation. If accepting their demands is difficult, as is discarding them outright, then the best recourse is to propose another deal. Receive what you can, compromise where necessary.”

“…Hmm…”

Polena’s words resonated with me.

Now that Cazeros had returned, needlessly complicating the situation would only waste time.

Rather than circuitously scheming, it would be better to approach Estelle directly, giving and taking as necessary.

‘While this carries its own risks… it is indeed the path that minimizes harm for both her and myself. Moreover, negotiation is one of my specialties.’

Of course, there was a risk that Estelle might reject any deal, completely severing ties with me.

However, I felt this might be necessary in certain circumstances.

As with Mansfelt previously, an ambiguous alliance could prove more perilous than a clear adversary.

If our fates dictated an irreparable rift, it would be better to conclusively part ways here and now.

Naturally, if Estelle agreed to negotiate, I would need to provide suitable recompense.