Chapter 227: 99% Effort and 1% Luck 4

The two sat facing each other in the small room, teacups in hand, sharing quiet smiles – a stark contrast to their first encounter in this place.

“You worked hard. In the end, things resolved as you desired.”

“Your assistance proved invaluable, Lady Senel… It would have been impossible through my efforts alone.”

“…What are you saying? All I did was come here to deal with a traitor, and happened to give a decent man a little push along the way.”

“Fufufu…”

Hestia let out a soft laugh at Senel’s words.

Then, her voice tinged with curiosity, she asked:

“Come to think of it…there is one thing I’ve been wondering about, personally…”

“What is it?”

“This ‘man’ you mentioned…what are your intentions regarding him going forward?”

“…”

At those words, Senel abruptly stopped raising her teacup partway.

Sensing her guess was likely correct, Hestia cautiously inquired:

“Even if it was merely for amusement…has there never been a man who compelled you to act to this degree before?”

“…Well, you have a point there. Among men, none have commanded my interest like this. However…”

Pausing to take another sip of tea, Senel gazed at Hestia with a hint of wistfulness.

“However…this is where my role ends. With matters here concluded, I can no longer linger by that man’s side. The circumstances do not allow it.”

“…Senel…”

It was a rare sight – her old friend expressing such regret.

Yet Hestia could say nothing further.

Unlike her, Senel – a Grade 12 witch and Imperial Princess – was bound by far more intricate and stringent rules.

Moreover, the current Hestia lacked full context into Senel’s situation to advise her to act on emotion, nor would it be appropriate to do so.

Then, seeing Hestia’s sympathetic demeanor…

Senel forced a smile, speaking in the brightest tone she could muster:

“Well…this is how it turned out for me. But you’ll be fine – you managed to be with the one you love, despite everything.”

“…Senel…”

“Cherish him well, this hard-won love of yours. Take my share and nurture it faithfully.”

“…”

With those parting words, Senel rose from her seat.

For a moment, the profound sorrow etched on her face gave Hestia pause as she bade farewell to her friend –

A friend destined to bear an inescapable burden distinct from her own life.

The Westphalia Conference.

Despite some unsavory incidents along the way, its eventual seamless conclusion dramatically reshaped the continental situation.

The decade-long war’s end and Friedrich’s return as Prince-Elector of the Palatinate, along with France’s acquisition of Lorraine, were only the beginning of the sweeping changes.

The Lorraine region, long nominally part of the Holy Roman Empire, gained complete independence through these events.

Moreover, the quasi-core Bohemian alliance and heretical faction nobles effectively secured near-sovereign rights including independent diplomacy and trade.

Crucially, to prevent further religious wars, the entire continent enshrined individual religious freedom – no authority could impose any specific faith or persecute others on religious grounds.

As a result of these accords, the Holy Emperor’s authority was reduced to a mere figurehead, while the great nobles led by Wallenstein saw their powers enhanced at the expense of imperial authority, rendering the Holy Roman Empire more decentralized than even the Kalmar Union – essentially disintegrating into separate domains.

Upon hearing this outcome, Emperor Sigismund Ferdinand raged while confined, coughing up blood, yet lacked any means or justification to oppose the treaty.

Thus, the continental rulers amicably partitioned the Holy Roman Empire’s power and the Emperor’s prerogatives.

The Kalmar Union, having overreached and squandered what little leverage it had, emerged emptyhanded and disgruntled but lacked grounds to reject the terms outright given its unfavorable position.

“Well…until we meet again, whenever that may be.”

“Safe travels. Hopefully, our next encounter will be under better circumstances.”

“Hahah…indeed, how fortuitous that would be. Take care, then.”

And so, some departed Westphalia with joy, others with regret, and others still with despair – the representatives of states and provinces.

Among them was the Bohemian delegation, arguably the conference’s greatest beneficiary.

Inside the carriage returning to Bohemia, I conversed with my sisters in this world – Queen and Bayther.

A private conversation among siblings, without my wife Cazerios or secretary Polena present.

This was at Queen’s personal request to properly apologize to us.

“…I’m sorry…Truly, deeply sorry… No words could suffice before you both.”

“…Hmm…”

“Hah…”

Seeing Queen repeatedly bow her head before us, Bayther and I let out small sighs.

Blinded by jealousy to commit such senseless acts, our elder sister’s state left us…

No, to be precise, Bayther – who had genuinely worried for Queen the most and thus felt the strongest sense of betrayal – sighed deeply as she appeared to contemplate her response.

After a momentary silence, Bayther spoke to Queen in a composed tone:

“…Very well. I shall accept your apology.”

“…Bay…ther…”

“As Santana said, your actions did prove helpful to an extent…and more importantly, the fact that you are unharmed is what matters most. From my perspective of constant worry, this could be considered a relief.”

“Aah…”

Queen’s expression seemed touched by Bayther’s magnanimous words.

The two then embraced, reaching a heartwarming resolution.

Of course, apologies still awaited back in Bohemia from their father Count Thurn and youngest sibling Dust. Yet Queen’s face was visibly relieved at having received forgiveness from her closest sibling.

And seeing their interaction…

Having long since made peace with Queen’s actions, I too felt relieved that matters had concluded amicably.

‘Now then… All that remains is that other matter – I wonder how it shall be resolved?’

With that thought, I opened the carriage window slightly to glance at another carriage riding alongside ours.

Inside were my two beloveds, Cazerios and Polena, conversing privately.

“…Pardon? What do you mean…”

“She said it is fine. That you and Lord Santana being together is acceptable to her.”

“…”

Cazerios’s unexpected words momentarily left Polena stunned.

Then, after a pause…

“…Ha…hahah…ahahahahah…”

A complicated laugh escaped Polena’s lips.

Hearing it, Cazerios calmly continued: