Chapter 70: The Aftermath of Victory 5

Politics and power possess the ability to disregard an individual’s opinions.

Even if the individual does not wish it, if the matter concerns the family’s glory and power, the person is inevitably compelled to follow.

Especially if the subject occupies a crucial position like the heir of the family, the pressure is bound to be even greater…

Fully aware of this reality…

And possessing the ability to manipulate it to some extent despite her young age,

She…

Dust Andreas decided to lay the groundwork for events to unfold according to her designs.

And it began with the man before her – her father, Count Turen Andreas.

“Hmm… So, about your dear brother’s marriage?”

“Yes, Father.”

Though somewhat abrupt, her youngest daughter broached a not entirely unexpected matter.

Santana was in his early twenties, an age when other noble families were already discussing marriage prospects, some even already wed with children.

The allied sovereign Prince Friedrich, currently residing here, already had three children with his wife pregnant with their fourth.

Moreover, it was an accepted truth that for a ruler overseeing a region, having many offspring was a virtue that strengthened the family’s power.

Thus, Count Turen could not help but show interest in his youngest daughter’s words. Watching him, Dust calmly continued:

“You are already well aware, are you not, Father? My brother Santana’s fame has now reached its zenith. In this situation, he could surely marry a high-ranking noblewoman, or if fortunate, even a princess?”

Of course, in this era, marriage was not merely the culmination of love between two people, but strongly resembled a major business transaction.

The concept of love matches was not entirely absent, but most high nobles and royals commonly engaged in political marriages to strengthen cooperation between families and benefit nations and territories.

And in that light… at this very moment, Santana Andreas, the Bohemian hero who led them to victory against the Imperial army in a difficult war, possessed immense value as a prime candidate for a political marriage.

Considering this, it was not at all strange to discuss Santana’s marriage prospects now. In fact, as Dust said, this could be seen as the perfect timing.

“Hmm… That is certainly not an incorrect observation. I did introduce Santana to the nobles and others today as well. As you say, I should look into suitable matches for him soon.”

Her father readily agreed with her words.

Hearing this, Dust automatically felt a deep smile trying to form, but she suppressed that emotion for now and continued:

“Then Father, may I also assist in finding that match?”

“Hoh… You, you say?”

“Yes, for all appearances, I have quite an extensive network in high society. Moreover, I should mention that while awaiting my dear brother’s return all this time, I have been keeping an eye out for potential brides. I am certain you will approve of my choices.”

“Ah yes, I have heard you are quite popular in social circles, Dust. If so, why don’t you and your mother discuss and shortlist some suitable candidates? I will support your recommendations as much as I can.”

“Yes, Father. I will do my utmost for my brother’s sake.”

Having secured her father’s desired approval, Dust’s heart swelled with joy, feeling half the task was already accomplished.

‘Excellent… With this basic groundwork laid, all that remains is to include that person among the candidates worthy of my brother.’

To be honest, if she could, Dust herself wished to be her brother’s spouse.

However… no matter what, she and her brother shared the same blood as siblings.

No matter how much she adored him, Dust was all too aware that it was an impossibility.

Thus, Dust chose this approach – to make someone she approved his spouse while ensuring that vile, lowly worm Cazeros could never aspire to be by his side.

‘Once the discussion of marriage is officially raised, and my brother sees women of far superior beauty and status compared to that lowborn wench, he is bound to change his perspective.’

Of course, given her brother’s strong sense of self, it might take some time.

Even if their relationship was presumed long-standing, untangling those feelings would require a period.

However, once this matter was made public, it would likely become almost impossible for Santana and Cazeros to openly unite.

The very Count Turen before her now harbored expectations of marrying his son to a noblewoman of high pedigree, thanks to her words.

And once the other high nobles learned of this, they too would undoubtedly set their sights on the prospective groom Santana, making the notion of him wedding a common peasant unthinkable.

Moreover, from her brother’s changed demeanor unlike the past, Dust could discern that Santana possessed a rather calculating, dispassionate side.

‘Take this very war, for instance. He boldly sacrificed the uncontrollable Palatinate forces as bait, opting for a strategy that instead secured victory, did he not? With such a clear sense of discernment, given a little time, my brother is sure to quickly realize how foolish it would be to choose a lowborn like Cazeros in this situation.’

Ultimately, men could only find true happiness with a woman worthy of being their partner.

For now, he might be captivated by a mere illusion before his eyes, but once he recognized who he was and his position, Dust was confident he would soon coldly reassess the situation.

‘Right then… I should write to that person first and foremost. She will surely make an excellent match for my brother.’

Apart from her eldest sister, she was perhaps the only woman Dust, intensely prideful about herself, truly acknowledged.

Envisioning that person’s image, an expectant smile automatically formed on Dust’s lips.

‘Combining intellect, beauty, and strength… Truly the perfect individual. I have already laid some groundwork with her, so she will undoubtedly agree without difficulty.’

More than anything, given her dear brother Santana’s stock was essentially at its peak, there would be no reason for that person to refuse.

With these thoughts, Dust returned to her quarters and immediately began writing a letter to that individual, requesting her attendance at an upcoming event to seek a bride for her brother.

And a few days later, as expected, a reply arrived before Dust agreeing to attend. Regarding its contents with a satisfied expression, she began re-reading it over and over:

‘With the central figure also confirming her participation, where shall I prepare a stage befitting this beautiful pair?’