Chapter 71: The Aftermath of Victory 6

In an ancient castle exuding grandeur and elegance, deep within its confines, a beautiful woman lounged in a bathtub, savoring her bath.

Gently lathering her body in the rose petal-strewn tub, her countenance exuded a sensual allure rather than innocence – a captivating woman with a hint of dark charm.

With azure tresses and emerald eyes, she caressed her flawless, porcelain skin with a serene expression.

Slowly tending to her ample bosom after her shoulders, a perfect embodiment leaving no hint of inadequacy, a faint smile graced her lips – the pride of a woman lacking nothing.

As those womanly assets evoked self-assurance, her mind drifted to the morning’s discussion.

‘A marriage proposal, huh… Admittedly, that time has come. This moment, when a woman is in full bloom, is indeed the prime to secure the finest groom.’

For highborn ladies, marriage was considered an almost mandatory affair.

Although Queen Andreas, the eldest daughter of Count Turen of Bohemia, was the exceptional unmarried case, her status in high society suffered for it.

Even within the family, her influence waned due to that perceived flaw.

Regarding this, the woman lathering her azure locks could only look down upon Queen’s divergent path, seemingly alike yet inevitably different.

‘I can somewhat understand her perspective… But regrettably, while such bold conduct might be acceptable in the neighboring Dragonian Empire, here in the Holy Empire it only invites disfavor. To ascend higher, one must leverage various circumstances…’

Slowly rising from the tub as she finished bathing, her body briefly glistened under the bright autumn sunlight – a breathtaking physique that could captivate any man, from her bountiful bosom to her slender waist and shapely hips.

“Hah…”

Feeling the autumn chill, she began covering her damp form with a large towel.

After this morning ritual, she made her way from the bathchamber to her dressing room, surrounded by gowns of myriad hues.

Her gaze settled on a black dress befitting her azure locks and emerald eyes.

Then, in a dignified tone, she addressed the awaiting maids:

“Dress me.”

“Yes, my lady.”

With admiring reverence, the maids adorned their extraordinarily beautiful mistress, their deft hands gracefully enveloping her statuesque figure and smooth, fair skin.

Once fully attired, she slowly exited the chamber to find a young boy awaiting her.

The boy, barely seven years old, rushed towards her with a broad smile.

“Sister!”

As he called out and embraced her, a tender smile formed on her face.

Although resembling a young mother and child at first glance, they were undeniably siblings sharing the same blood.

The boy over a decade her junior nestled in his elder sister’s arms.

Johan Bertina Fernandes, the young lord governing the Bohemian neighbor Lepsodia, still utterly ignorant of worldly affairs.

And his sister, the de facto ruler of Lepsodia on behalf of the inexperienced young lord.

Estel Bertina Fernandes.

After briefly stroking her little brother’s hair, Estel gently released him, taking his hand as they walked together towards the lord’s study.

“Did you sleep well last night, my lord?”

“Yes. I was a bit scared without you there, but I endured and slept well. Will you… praise me?”

“Of course, you did very well indeed, my lord.”

Though using the refined speech befitting nobility from childhood, Johan was still very much a young boy, evident in his childlike appearance.

Just two years ago, following his father’s sudden demise, he had automatically inherited the lordship solely by bloodline, knowing nothing of power or politics.

Even in daily affairs, he still lacked in many ways.

Hence, from his ascension until now, he had no choice but to rely almost entirely on his sister Estel, his sole remaining kin, whether for political or personal matters.

Having assumed Lepsodia’s true authority on behalf of her dependent brother despite others’ concerns over this peculiar situation, Estel had governed this significant border region between the Holy Empire and Dragonian Empire remarkably well over the past two years.

Despite her youth, proving her descent from the great Bertina matriarch who once dominated the continental trade, Estel had successfully subdued the unruly lesser nobles of Lepsodia using the young lord as pretext, consolidating her power.

Moreover, considering the Holy Empire’s instability, she had even extended her reach to the neighboring Dragonian Empire, further solidifying the lord’s authority – essentially her own.

Through these illustrious achievements, Estel’s renown now spread far beyond just her Lepsodia territory, extending into the Holy and Dragonian Empires.

And now, Estel’s attention was focused on the letter that had arrived that morning – a marriage proposal from an admirer in the neighboring land of Bohemia.

‘Bohemia’s noble son Santana, huh… Certainly, that caliber seems a decent enough prospect.’

She was already well-acquainted with his fame – the man who defeated the formidable Imperial army and led the war Estel had assumed would end in Bohemia’s futile rebellion to victory.

As such, she too harbored considerable interest in Santana, the pivotal figure of that conflict.

‘And now, he is seeking a marital match, it seems? Well, I should observe a bit more, but there is certainly a need to meet him.’

Whether she would truly unite with him as the third daughter of Bohemia wished remained a question for later consideration.

But as the ruler of the neighboring powerful territory of Lepsodia, Estel felt compelled to thoroughly assess Bohemia’s prospective heir.

So for now, focused more on gathering information and connections than the marriage proposal itself, Estel signaled her intent to visit Bohemia.

As always, for her own future and that of her young brother.