Chapter 203: Towards the Finale 5

Having become a newlywed bridegroom once again on this night, the husband savored that quintessential loneliness – sipping tea pensively as Cajeros reflected upon her solitude.

“…Haaah…”

An uncharacteristically bitter aftertaste lingered unusually upon her palate this evening.

Perceiving her discomfiture, the ever-attentive Polena inquired solicitously:

“Is everything well, milady? You seem…somewhat unsettled.”

“…Am I truly that transparent?”

“Claiming otherwise would constitute deception, would it not?”

“…Heh.”

Cajeros’ wry chuckle accompanied that rueful admission as she slowly set down her cup – a pensive shadow clouding her elegant features.

In uncharacteristically subdued tones, Polena sought to reassure her melancholic charge:

“There is no need for such self-recrimination, milady. I was too insensitive – reacting qualmishly upon witnessing my lord taking a concubine betrays an appalling lack of decorum, does it not?”

“Haaah…no, you assess the situation accurately. It remains an unavoidable reality I accept intellectually – indeed, a nobleman of his stature acquiring additional spouses constitutes the societal norm nowadays. And yet…my heart cannot help but ache envisioning my beloved in another’s embrace…”

Cajeros’s candid confession prompted Polena’s tranquil, empathetic response – her expression radiating wistful familiarity:

“Believe me, I understand that sorrow all too intimately. My own circle harbors no shortage of individuals bearing those very scars, I’m afraid.”

“Is…that so?”

“Indeed. My own mother endured such anguish…as did the younger sister I doted upon so. Both loved their husbands dearly and occupied the esteemed ‘principal wife’ standing. Yet they still suffered mightily from their spouses’ dalliances.”

“Ah…I see…”

As someone traversing that identical crucible, Polena’s reminiscences resonated profoundly with Cajeros’s plight – illustrating the fortitude fate might soon demand of her as well.

Though her heart rebelled against this entire situation, the die had indisputably been cast – only acceptance and stoicism remained viable recourses at this juncture.

Admittedly, whether she could emulate Polena’s mother’s unshakable grace remained an open question.

But Cajeros resolved to strive for that paradigm regardless.

“Then…what of your younger sister? How did she contend with such tribulations?”

“Heh…in her case, truth be told, her demeanor reminds me uncannily of you at times, milady. That unrestrained candor constantly broadcasting her every sentiment and affection so brazenly…”

“I…is that so? Well…I cannot deny possessing certain…similarities in that particular arena…”

Polena’s playful observation prompted a rare blush from the typically poised Cajeros before she continued wistfully:

“In any event, unlike our stalwart mother, my sister displayed little patience or forbearance under such circumstances from what I recall. If anything, she endeavored to befriend her romantic ‘rivals’ – treating them as confidantes within their unorthodox domestic situation rather than adversaries vying for her husband’s affections.”

“Confidantes…?”

That revelatory anecdote suddenly conjured memories of Cajeros’s own upbringing – her imperial duchess mother Catlena maintaining an amicable rapport with her father’s concubines despite societal expectations.

Indeed, even as a young girl, Catlena had doted upon those unofficially annexed ‘aunts’ with childlike affection devoid of suspicion or resentment.

‘Was not one of them a Turkish princess, if my memory serves…? In any case, forging a similar dynamic with Estel need not prove utterly unpalatable…’

As Polena suggested, they would inevitably cohabit under this unorthodox domestic arrangement regardless – especially with a nation-defining conflict looming perilously.

Petty jealousies and infighting could only detract from the unified purpose their household required in these tumultuous times. A compassionate, accommodating approach would serve them all optimally under the circumstances.

‘Patience and magnanimity…admittedly lofty virtues for my current capacities. And yet…I must persevere regardless. Our family’s – our nation’s – fortunes may well hinge upon my ability to maintain domestic tranquility and stability in the days ahead…’

Resolving herself to upholding those ideals, Cajeros favored Polena with an appreciative smile:

“You have my gratitude – your counsel proved most insightful and opportune.”

“Heh, I live to serve, Lady of the Manor.”

“…Nhhh…must you persist with that appellation? Terming me your ‘mistress’ implies altogether too…untoward a relationship, does it not?”

“Heh, as you wish – I shall revert to addressing you familiarly as before, Lady Cajeros.”

Polena’s playfully irreverent manner reminded Cajeros yet again of her immense fortune harboring this one’s unwavering loyalty despite her saucy demeanor.

Favoring the crimson-tressed maid with a radiant smile, she inwardly renewed her gratitude for Polena’s steadfast presence by her side through every tribulation.