Chapter 228: 99% Effort and 1% Luck 5

Gazing at Polena before her, Cazerios spoke in a composed tone:

“I knew. That you harbored sincere affection for Lord Santana. And…just how much you have done for his sake all this time.”

“…I see… You were aware. I am truly grateful.”

A profound wistfulness tinged Polena’s response to Cazerios’s words.

Observing her demeanor, Cazerios continued calmly:

“In that light, I wish to offer you an opportunity as well. A chance at love… A chance for a woman to attain her desire.”

“…Haah…”

Despite Cazerios’s solemn, resolute stance, Polena let out a deep sigh – an unexpectedly different reaction.

Having said her piece, Cazerios sensed Polena’s unanticipated response and cautiously inquired:

“…So, what is your decision? Will you accept my proposal…to become Lord Santana’s concubine?”

“……”

A silence followed Cazerios’s question.

Then, Polena slowly reached out toward her, a faint smile on her lips.

“…? Polena…?”

“How admirable…that you would go this far out of consideration, even though it cannot have been an easy decision.”

“…Pardon?”

Polena’s incomprehensible words and gentle tone only deepened Cazerios’s bewilderment.

As she gently stroked Cazerios’s hair, Polena continued:

“But you see…Cazerios… I appreciate the thought, but I cannot accept. You and I…are not in a position to do so…”

“What do you…mean…?”

“…Fufufu…You see…”

A profound wistfulness entered Polena’s voice as she began to speak.

After a pause, she called upon evidence in the form of magic…

By the time her explanation concluded, shock and disbelief were etched on Cazerios’s face.

Regarding her with a melancholic smile, Polena spoke softly:

“I am grateful for my beloved niece’s consideration… However, it simply cannot be. As an Imperial Princess holding the second claim to succession, such conduct would be unacceptable.”

“…Kuh…”

Polena’s words – those of Senel Polena Dragonia, sister to Duchess Katrena (Cazerios’s mother) and second daughter to Empress Rozheveta – rendered the mere Princess Cazerios speechless.

She was a being burdened with responsibilities incomparable to Cazerios’s own.

For such a woman to take a mere concubine’s status, let alone her niece’s husband’s, was utterly inconceivable – undoubtedly unacceptable.

“But…even so, do you not have any regrets? I…at first, I too thought it impossible, but I managed to fulfill my desire. Surely Princess Senel could do the same…?”

“…It cannot be done. The weight each of us bears from the outset is vastly different.”

“But…you love him…don’t you? I know full well how difficult it is to endure such feelings… While certainly not easy, if we explore some means…”

Despite Cazerios’s pleas, Senel’s response was tinged with both wistfulness and resolve.

Though Cazerios urged her to find a way, Senel firmly embraced her remarkable niece, saying:

“…That is precisely why I cannot. Because I love him… I do not wish to bring harm to that man…”

“!…”

Alongside sorrow, Senel’s words conveyed an indomitable will.

Cazerios understood why she had chosen to relinquish Santana.

It was not merely a matter of law or social norms.

Even if she discarded such concerns to be with Santana as his concubine, Senel currently held the position of Second Imperial Heir.

If anything were to happen to her elder sister Elios, the Imperial Crown Princess, Senel could become the next Empress.

Were Senel to officially bind herself to Santana, it could spark severe political complications and, in the worst case, even endanger Santana’s very safety.

And this was something the deeply devoted Senel could never allow.

“I cannot harm those I love out of selfishness. Santana…and you, Cazerios – you are both too precious to me. So…I must renounce this desire. To protect you all…”

“…Your Highness…”

Speaking with a weight and fortitude beyond her years, Senel left Cazerios unable to sway her further.

Instead, Cazerios found herself embracing her aunt for the first time as tears streamed down her face.

And holding her devoted niece, Senel spoke with heartfelt tenderness:

“Be happy… Take my share as well… Live the life I could not attain. Understood?”

After concluding matters in Westphalia, we returned to Bohemia.

Once Queen’s apologies to our parents and accounting for recent events were settled, we commenced hosting a grand celebration to commemorate our victorious war’s conclusion.

“For the eternal glory of Bohemia!”

“Hear, hear!”

At Father Count Thurn’s call, goblets were raised.

Amidst the many gathered to mark this momentous occasion, Cazerios, Estelle, and I spent a hectic while exchanging greetings and drinks with the guests in attendance.

Then, as the seemingly interminable festivities finally appeared to wind down…

I stepped out into the relatively secluded garden for a moment’s respite.

‘Whew… Feasts are all well and good, but I simply cannot get used to them. Blasted parties that begin and end with greetings, leaving no time to actually enjoy oneself.’

With that thought, I settled onto a bench in the garden to rest.

At that moment…

“Ah, thank you…”

She approached with a handkerchief, as if sensing my perspiration.

As ever, Polena materialized by my side with exactly what I needed, prompting a smile.

“You have worked hard. So…it is truly all over now.”

“Yes, it is. What began as war concluded with a conference and now this party… It is genuinely finished.”

At Polena’s words, I reminisced with a faint smile.

Since arriving in this world, I had endured a succession of ordeals – moments exhilarating, perilous, and everything in between.

Yet each time, with the aid of many, I had overcome them.

And among those who had lent me their support…

Was Polena herself, standing before me in this very moment.

“…I heard. That you chose to renounce being with me?”

“…Yes, while I am grateful, I feel it would be too lofty a station for one such as myself.”

A profound sense of regret tinged Polena’s words.

Though I sensed her refusal stemmed from more than mere burden, I did not pry further.

She had her reasons, and I wished to respect her position as much as possible.

‘Come to think of it…this too is likely because I care so deeply for her…’

Polena, toward whom I harbored feelings akin to love.

Thus, I did not want to force the situation, instead allowing her to decide as she wished.

And observing my contemplative state, Polena spoke in a composed tone:

“There is one request I would make of Lord Santana.”

“What is it?”

Though I asked, even before hearing her words, I knew what she intended to say.

A farewell…

Now that all matters were resolved, a request to release her from service.

Recognizing this would be her impending words, I steeled myself in preparation.

Then…

“Oh, there you are.”

“!!”

“Hm?”

The next moment, a strangely familiar voice reached my ears.

I turned toward the sound’s direction… and momentarily doubted my eyes.

‘Hm? Why are there two Polenas…?’