Chapter 216: Westphalia 6

Encountering an unexpected presence before her, Hestia was gripped by profound dread.

None other than Santana’s direct servant appearing here filled Hestia with deep terror.

Of course, from the circumstances until now, Hestia had anticipated that she would eventually meet this woman.

The traces of that woman gradually revealed as she worked alongside Wallenstein’s aides.

Sensing her existence surely lurking somewhere, searching for Hestia, she had been constantly prepared for an attack from the shadows.

Even while sleeping, Hestia would maintain a 10km mana sphere, ever vigilant against that woman’s ambush.

Despite being the powerful witch Hestia, at a certain proximity, the compatibility of their abilities meant she would be unable to act against that woman.

Conversely, as long as she maintained that distance, Hestia could strive for victory against that formidable enemy.

However…

The problem was not in the pitch-black night or a battlefield roaring with war cries and bloodshed where that woman appeared.

It was in broad daylight.

In a position absolutely untouchable for Hestia.

With a status allowing unfettered approach right before her eyes…

And that meant Hestia currently had no means to act against that woman whatsoever.

Moreover, their present location was a conference hall, not a battlefield.

Naturally, if Hestia preemptively attacked Santana’s aide here, the painstakingly arranged peace conference would undoubtedly collapse.

Especially given Hestia’s nature requiring conspicuous methods in combat, conducting it secretly was absolutely impossible.

In contrast, the woman before her could eliminate Hestia here and now without anyone noticing if she so desired.

Already firmly within her range, the situation would immediately end with a single strike the moment Hestia attempted an attack.

With no means to act against this perfect ambush, all Hestia could do was tremble in dread, awaiting the moment that woman would make her move.

Enveloped in profound despair, Hestia felt the despondency of a condemned prisoner awaiting execution as she gazed upon that woman…

Senel Polena Dragona, who was sending her chilling smiles at this very moment.

From the circumstances, Senel seemed intent on swiftly finishing her off without further delay.

Aware of this, Hestia began looking at the man she truly loved, Otto, with sorrowful eyes in these final moments.

‘…I’m sorry… It seems I’ve reached my end here…’

Senel’s mana, faint enough to go unnoticed but undoubtedly spreading through the hall, began enveloping Hestia’s body bit by bit, and she could do nothing but helplessly submit to its embrace.

But then…

“…Huh?”

The next instant, Senel’s mana suddenly vanished completely.

The force binding Hestia dissipated like dispersing fog, automatically leaving her puzzled.

‘What… what is this? Why did her mana…’

There was no way the ever-resolute Senel, ruthless against traitors above all else, would show her mercy.

Still gripped by dread, Hestia cautiously tried to make sense of this unexpected situation.

What she then saw was her master Santana, seemingly interrupting Senel’s attempt on her life, either by chance or some other reason, and giving her instructions.

With a grave expression suggesting something serious, Santana issued instructions to Senel.

Looking slightly startled, Senel lightly nodded in acquiescence before promptly leaving the conference hall.

Of course, she did not miss sending Hestia a chilling glare as she departed.

And just like that, the monster who had been aiming for her life momentarily withdrew, leaving Hestia feeling as if the strength had left her legs as she slumped into a chair.

“…Haa…”

“…Hm? Is something wrong? You don’t look well.”

Noticing her condition a moment later, Wallenstein showed concern.

Forcing a weak smile, Hestia told her master:

“Ah…no. I’m just…a bit fatigued from all the people.”

Hestia knew that revealing the truth now would only complicate matters.

Even Wallenstein lacked the power to resolve an issue involving the Dragonian Imperial Family, and doing so would only shatter the hard-won possibility of peace, the worst possible outcome.

In the end, the best Hestia could do was quietly accept her death here at Senel’s hands.

Of course, some commotion would occur, but since they would certainly be unable to determine the cause of death, it was highly unlikely to impact the conference beyond a minor disturbance.

Aware of this reality, a bitter smile formed on Hestia’s lips as she took her seat.

‘…Yes… this must be the answer… the fate befitting a traitor. No matter how much it was for my beliefs, the responsibility is mine alone…’

It was an inevitable future she would have faced sooner or later.

Rather, she should be grateful it was happening now, as most of what she had set out to do was nearing its end.

Feeling a mix of resignation and relief, Hestia steeled herself to humbly accept the approaching death.

‘Tch… Of all times…’

Grumbling inwardly with displeasure, Polena gathered people according to Santana’s instructions.

Just moments earlier, if given a few more seconds of leeway, Polena could have finally put an end to the mission she had upheld for over 10 years.

Delivering a fitting demise to the one who violated discipline and betrayed her homeland.

Severing that life at its greatest moment.

Polena had been about to carry out her duty without hesitation, but of all times, Santana’s instructions halted her actions.

His order was to assemble mages and security personnel near the conference hall in case of any incidents.

In this situation, even Polena risked exposure if she proceeded, forcing her to temporarily postpone dealing with the traitor.

Not that Polena had any intention of abandoning it, however.

The conference would continue for days, months, or even years from this start.

Opportunities to eliminate Hestia would abound during that period, so Polena decided to accept the situation as calmly as possible.

‘There are no obstructions now. I’ve already waited over 10 years, so what’s a few more days of waiting…’

Resigning herself to reluctantly ‘retreat for today’, Polena was thinking thus.

However…

“…It seems an assassin has infiltrated Westphalia, targeting Wallenstein and his aides.”

“Wh…what?”

That evening, Santana spoke with a voice full of grave concern.

And upon hearing those words, Polena’s face could not help but freeze rigid.