Chapter 78: The Steel-Willed Princess in Azure 7

Before me was a mug brimming with amber-hued beer.

And beyond that…

Whether from the intoxicating effects of the previous two mugs or the inherently melancholic situation, despite its artificiality…

Polena’s appearance seemed even more alluring than usual today.

Her translucent, creamy skin, ruby-like glinting eyes…

And a bountiful, beautiful bosom capable of stirring any man’s primal desires.

Receiving the attentions of this beauty, I once more raised the mug before me.

‘Who would have thought… I would find myself appreciating Polena’s services as a maid in such a way…’

With that thought, savoring Polena’s radiant visage amidst this setting, I drained the beer in one draught.

Already lukewarm, the beer had lost its refreshing taste.

Yet, I unhesitatingly downed it before setting the mug down with a thud – an uncharacteristically unkempt display.

Expressing concern at my unruly behavior, Polena cautiously remarked:

“My lord, you seem quite inebriated. Perhaps it is enough for today…”

“…No, it’s alright. Unlike other times, I feel I need to drink a bit more today.”

“…Very well. If you insist.”

Though initially trying to dissuade me, understanding my plight, Polena simply refilled my mug.

And as she anticipated, at this moment, I could only feel an acrid bitterness consuming me.

Despite being a contract engagement, I had nonetheless entered into a betrothal with someone else.

My candid desire was to tear it all apart, contract or not, but I knew all too well how foolish that would be – an act I could not bring myself to commit.

For if I broke off this engagement so hastily, the very purpose of the contract would be nullified, inevitably impacting my future relationship with Cazeros.

Hence, all I could do now was drown my sorrows in drink…

And apologize to her – the one I had vowed to stand by, no matter what.

“…I’m sorry… Truly, I’m so sorry… Cazeros…”

Consumed by intoxication, I began muttering apologies.

Then, as I reached for the next mug before me, I promptly lost consciousness.

“Hah…”

Having succumbed to inebriation and dozed off, Santana’s unguarded state prompted a soft sigh from Polena as she slowly rose.

‘I expected as much… but he truly seems distraught, our lord…’

Ever the picture of self-assured fortitude before others, in this moment, that steadfast facade was nowhere to be found as he slumbered drunkenly.

Here was simply a man overwhelmed by unavoidable circumstances, lost in sorrow.

Yet, witnessing this rare vulnerability in the ordinarily indomitable man…

A tender smile graced Polena’s faintly flushed features.

‘Truly… an alluring man in so many ways. Such a pity to merely observe.’

With that thought, Polena’s gaze lingered upon the prostrate figure before her, savoring the sight.

Having observed countless individuals, this man increasingly piqued her interest the more she witnessed.

From their first encounter, his remarkable resolution of a seemingly insurmountable crisis through unconventional means had left a profound impression.

And throughout their time together since, his unpredictable conduct, unwavering strength of character, yet ability to display such disarray for a woman’s sake – it continually brought Polena fresh delight.

Watching this man, Polena gently lifted and laid him upon the nearby bed.

‘As tempting as it is to claim him now… I should resist, for the moment. His first has already been decided.’

Acknowledging that reality, Polena nonetheless approached and leaned over him, tenderly caressing her master’s face as he slept soundly.

A warmth tinged with ruggedness…

A sensation that automatically set her heart aflutter.

Recognizing these stirrings, Polena suppressed the welling emotion as she reluctantly withdrew her hand from tenderly tracing his features.

‘Truly enviable… to receive such devoted love from a man like this… That Cazeros is quite fortunate.’

With that thought, after tidying the disheveled table, Polena departed – the image of her slumbering master etched in her mind.

“Then I shall see you again soon.”

“I wish you could have stayed a bit longer…”

“True. To depart so soon after the engagement ceremony…”

The morning after the engagement ceremony, as Estel prepared to depart by carriage, the Countess and Dust expressed their regret.

Regarding them with a beautiful smile, Estel replied:

“I would like to, but affairs in my territory do not permit an extended stay. Since Lepsodia is nearby, I shall visit frequently.”

Then, shifting her gaze towards me, Estel flushed slightly as she politely took her leave:

“Then… until we meet again, Lord Santana.”

“Yes, until next time, Lady Estel.”

I courteously responded to her parting words, to which she offered a small curtsy before departing in the carriage.

Thus, feeling the passing of a brief storm, I promptly entered the lord’s castle and began walking down the corridor.

“Ugh…”

“Are you alright?”

Clutching my head, prompting Polena’s concerned inquiry.

Still afflicted by a pounding hangover, I wearily replied:

“This… is harder than I expected. I should have heeded your advice yesterday, Polena.”

“Well, what’s done is done. I shall prepare some honey water for you shortly.”

“Um… Thank you.”

Regretting my overindulgence at Polena’s words, I headed to my quarters to rest further.

Then, at that moment…

“Hm?… That person is…”

A man came into view, and upon recognizing him, my throbbing headache seemed to alleviate.

“Is that not Chancellor Anhalt?”

“Indeed. It appears he has finally returned after fleeing all the way to the Kalmar Kingdom.”

The war’s conclusion was swiftly followed by the successive events of selecting my fiancée and the engagement ceremony, all transpiring within ten days.

During that period, while Prince Friedrich worked to regroup the scattered Bohemian forces and assess critical matters, Anhalt had fled to the distant northern Kalmar – something Friedrich had been awaiting his return for.

Due to these circumstances, Friedrich had been staying at the lord’s castle annex.

Today, he would finally reunite with the belatedly returned Anhalt, who had just heard of Bohemia’s victory.

However, seeing Anhalt’s pathetic state upon his return automatically filled me with a bitter feeling.

Not for Anhalt himself, now reduced to a pitiful friend of sorts…

But for the shocking news Friedrich, my naive comrade, would soon hear from him.

“Polena, follow me for now. It seems I must delay tending to this hangover.”

“Understood, my lord.”

With Anhalt kneeling before him, upon hearing his belated account…

Friedrich’s expression became one of consternation.

“What… What did you just say? Say that again, slowly.”

“My… My deepest apologies, Your Highness…”

Tears streaming down his guilt-ridden face, as Anhalt spoke, Friedrich cried out in shock:

“Explain yourself properly! What is this about the Palatinate being overrun?!”

“Your Highness!…”

The stunning news that finally emerged from Anhalt after nearly a month’s delay:

That Friedrich’s Palatinate territory had fallen to the Emperor’s offensive, launched ahead of Bohemia’s attack.

Only now learning of this, Friedrich felt the strength leave his body as he collapsed into a chair.