Chapter 218: Westphalia 8

Hestia’s past was barely mentioned in the original work.

All that was known was that she hailed from the Dragonian Empire and was being hunted there.

Even her eventual lover Otto was curious about this, but Hestia never revealed the full story.

However, through her actions depicted in the story, people could vaguely understand why she had come here.

To end this insane war by any means, as soon as possible.

That was her ultimate purpose for being here, and to that end, Hestia had devoted herself to aiding the key figure holding that possibility – General Wallenstein.

Utilizing her immense magical power on every battlefield, she fought more proactively than anyone, solidifying Wallenstein’s position through insightful and assertive counsel.

And decisively… after Wallenstein’s foothold was secured, Hestia often made the perilous move of goading him further.

Against that incompetent, reality-blind existence – the very root cause perpetuating this endless war.

She urged him to eliminate Emperor Tzyphos and seize real power to end the conflict.

Treacherous and extremely dangerous words, enough to be executed as a traitor for uttering them.

Yet Hestia persisted, citing precise facts to actively make her case.

However, whether due to loyalty to the Empire or practical danger, Wallenstein ultimately rejected her pleas in the original.

And as a result, that choice only prolonged the tragedy of war further, eventually leading to the ruination of Wallenstein himself, Hestia, and the protagonist Otto.

Hestia, who foresaw reality sooner than anyone and did everything she could based on that to prevent the looming disaster.

In the end, all her efforts failed in the original novel.

However… that was merely within the original story.

In this reality I currently inhabit, her painstaking efforts had finally borne fruit.

Wallenstein, undoubtedly influenced by Hestia’s urgings, chose the easiest, simplest path to end the war…

Instead of sacrificing tens of thousands of innocent lives, he opted to depose Emperor Tzyphos alone, naturally leading to this conference while the seeds of conflict had yet to spread too severely.

The endeavors of one woman to minimize innocent casualties and end the tragedy by any means had at last been rewarded.

“Simply put, that’s about the gist of it.”

After briefly explaining, in a way that wouldn’t reveal my identity, the actions of Hestia’s protagonist group from the original’s past timeline – Hestia, Otto, and Wallenstein – Polena’s expression grew quite complex.

“…So you mean, my lord highly values their utmost efforts to end the war?”

“Yes, to be honest, even I had expected to wage all-out war before Wallenstein’s rebellion. I mean, who would want a war that sacrifices citizens? And not just one or two, but thousands, tens of thousands dying.”

“…I see…”

Listening to my words, Polena slowly nodded with a gloomy expression.

In that moment, I automatically recognized the vague thoughts crossing her mind from that single look I had glimpsed once before.

‘That face… it’s been so long since I’ve seen it. She had the same expression when we first met in Munich…’

The citizens of Munich who had killed each other solely due to differing faiths.

Polena had worn that exact same expression while witnessing that scene.

Setting aside all other reasons, it was the look of someone witnessing an unbearable human tragedy with their own eyes.

At this moment, Polena’s mind must have been occupied not by the mere specter of war, but the far greater tragedy averted by Hestia’s group – one not much different, or perhaps even greater than what she had seen then.

And seeing her like that, I gently patted her shoulder with my usual smile.

“In any case, that’s why I hope nothing happens to them if possible. My eagerness to assist with their security detail stems from that.”

“…I…see…”

Polena responded with a slightly stiff voice to my words.

Although I did not fully understand why she reacted that way, I did not think too deeply about it for the moment.

‘She must have been a bit tired today… Well, it’s only natural after moving among such powerful figures…’

With those thoughts, I gave Polena a smile of appreciation as she politely withdrew, seeming to retire for the night.

In the room where Wallenstein’s group was staying, a heavy air of concern hung over the news from Santana about an assassin infiltrating to target them… or more precisely, Hestia.

“Dammit… of all times for this to happen…”

“In that case, wouldn’t it be better to officially announce it? No matter the assassin, this is a place where the continent’s powers have all gathered. If everyone is on high alert…”

“No, that would not be a good move. Revealing it before confirming the true identity would only cause unnecessary unrest… It’s better to control the situation with minimal security for now.”

“Kuh…”

“Haah…”

The two men showed deep frustration at Hestia’s words as the subject.

To them, Hestia, with whom they had spent over 10 years, was more than just a comrade – she was like family.

Yet despite her being in peril, there was little they could do, leaving them with an exasperating sense of helplessness.

As they agonized, unable to take any decisive action, a sudden knock came at the door.

-Knock knock knock-

“Who is it?”

Then, a cautious voice came from the guard outside:

“General Wallenstein, Lord Santana has sent someone.”

“Lord Santana? Let them in!”

One of the few they could trust in this situation.

Without much hesitation, Wallenstein ordered the door opened… but a flicker of unease passed over Hestia’s face.

‘…Could it be…?’

An image she did not want to entertain in these circumstances.

Yet the next moment, as the door opened, her apprehension became reality.

“Pardon the intrusion. I am Polena, Lord Santana’s maid and secretary. I have come regarding security matters and would like to take Lady Hestia for a brief moment, if I may?”

“Hmm… Regarding security?”

Wallenstein glanced at Hestia, seeming to ask her opinion first.

However, Hestia hid her stiffened expression and nodded with a casual air.

“Then… I shall return shortly.”

“Ah…yes. Of course.”

“Please be careful.”

Without further ado, Hestia left with Polena.

But this was not because she felt any semblance of reassurance.

‘If I had shown the slightest odd behavior just now, I would have been killed on the spot.’

The chilling killing intent that only Hestia could sense among the three of them.

She had no choice but to go outside, yet she could not help but wonder:

‘…But why is she hesitating like this? If she intended to kill me, shouldn’t she have done it already?’

Frankly, this woman could have easily incapacitated the guards, entered without opening the door, and killed Hestia then and there if she wished.

Yet she was going through this troublesome process, leaving Hestia puzzled.

And shortly after…

Their eventual destination was a small garden on the outskirts of Westphalia Palace.

There, Polena… no, Princess Senel of the Dragonian Empire, addressed Hestia in a calm voice:

“We… need to talk.”