Chapter 217: Westphalia 7

Hestia Flamer.

A high-ranking official of the Dragonian Empire and one of its top witches, she possessed enviable power and command that would make others jealous, ensuring a peaceful and stable life.

However, one day, she abandoned it all in an instant and defected from the Dragonian Empire to the Holy Roman Empire.

A sudden betrayal despite the utmost treatment.

The defection of a top-tier Grade 11 witch under national control was an unforgivable act.

Thus, her direct superior and the Imperial Princess Senel Polena Dragona resolved to personally handle this matter herself.

Moreover, she developed resentment toward Bloody, who had aided Hestia’s betrayal.

Disguising her identity, Senel pursued Hestia into the Holy Roman Empire, traveling everywhere in search of the traitor’s trail.

However, finding one person in the vast Holy Roman Empire was no easy task even for Senel, and in the process of gathering information, she became entangled in the religious conflicts erupting within the Empire.

The Empire’s people had begun slaughtering each other over mere differences in faith.

Although they were the citizens of an enemy nation, Senel could not help but feel pity seeing their madness.

Unable to openly use force due to her hidden identity, she still wished someone could stop these crazed people if possible.

Then, as if by fate, that very person appeared before Senel harboring such thoughts.

A man who appeared with her young nephew, rumored to have gone missing after running away.

Santana Andreas.

He swiftly extinguished the flames of that insanity in an unanticipated manner, naturally endearing himself to Senel.

Of course, she did not forget her mission to eliminate the traitor, but aimlessly wandering this vast Empire had its limits.

Rather than that, Senel judged it would be more advantageous to trail this man likely to be involved in incidents, and as a result, she finally succeeded in locating her target under optimal circumstances.

Literally within arm’s reach.

The target that had consumed so much of her time.

All that remained was delivering the traitor’s fitting demise, but as Senel resolutely moved to conclude her duty…

Her actions were unexpectedly obstructed by none other than her own master who had brought her this far.

“An…assassin, you say?”

Stunned by her master’s unexpected words, Polena showed consternation.

Seeing her reaction, Santana spoke in a calm voice:

“Yes, although not certain… based on the current situation, the possibility seems quite high.”

Speaking with a seriousness far from joking, Santana’s tone stung Polena as she asked:

“May…I ask what grounds you have for that?”

“Well… you see…”

Santana briefly showed a slightly uncomfortable expression at Polena’s question.

Then, seeming to collect his thoughts, he spoke to her again in a serious tone:

“There was a warning. A warning that an assassin might infiltrate Westphalia. I cannot say who sent it, but according to it, the assassins are targeting General Wallenstein’s group.”

“Is…that so?”

“Yes, and Hestia’s condition earlier was very poor. As if she had seen something terribly frightening. The assassin had likely already infiltrated the conference hall and was lying in wait for an opportunity. Fortunately, after I sent you to reinforce security, that expression lessened.”

“…I see…”

Santana’s words left Polena in an indescribably complex mood.

‘Who could have passed on such information? My presence here is a top secret… But how did anyone…’

She was itching to ask about the identity of this mysterious informant, but Santana drew a line, indicating she should not inquire further.

In reality, he had often brought up unimaginable information from somewhere and utilized it, so this case was likely similar.

However, this time, his keen intelligence network was aimed squarely at Polena’s intended assassination attempt.

Fortunately, from Santana’s own account to her, he did not seem to have the slightest inkling that she, Polena, was the assassin.

Yet, if things proceeded this way, Polena risked losing her prime opportunity to carry out the mission.

If mages maintained heightened security throughout the conference duration, her assassination attempt could be exposed.

It would be one thing if she were an ordinary assassin, but as the Imperial Princess of the Dragonian Empire, her identity could never be revealed under any circumstances.

To avoid implicating her homeland, she had to maintain her maid persona as Santana’s secretary until conclusively completing her mission.

Abruptly constrained by her own master’s actions, Polena felt utterly vexed as she forced an awkward smile and said:

“W…well, if my lord says so, there must be an assassin present… But truthfully, I have some doubts. In such a case, wouldn’t it be better to inform General Wallenstein and let his side handle the security measures?”

Frankly, while Wallenstein’s regular soldiers were elite, the ratio of mages was not particularly high.

Rather, with Baiken, Queen…no, Freddie included, and the superior average mage capabilities of the Bohemian forces, their defense would become the main responsibility – a burden for Polena.

So, trying to create an opening for herself, she cautiously tested the waters.

But…

“I have already informed General Wallenstein about this. And it was decided that Bohemia would take charge of that security detail. Well.”

“Is…that so?”

“Our mage forces are better equipped to handle such situations, after all.”

“…Ugh…”

Santana swiftly shut down her attempt.

Polena felt a momentary headache as she voiced her displeasure:

“While I agree on the security aspect… I do have doubts. Why must you, my lord, take such meticulous care? They could very well become our enemies once the conference concludes, depending on the situation…”

“That’s because…”

Santana showed a slightly strange expression at Polena’s words.

Yet, even as she asked, Polena could somewhat predict her master’s likely response.

Most probably, taking charge of security would allow them to gain more benefits in the negotiations.

Still, she posed this question simply out of a momentary, vexing feeling.

And to Polena’s inquiry, Santana’s answer was…

“Well, of course it’s for the benefits in the conference… Ah, enough with the excuses. Since it’s you, Polena, I’ll tell you the real reason.”

“Huh?”

Bringing up an unexpected matter, Santana piqued Polena’s curiosity.

With a serious smile, he began speaking to her: