A woman, smiling leisurely while slowly sipping her teacup, sat as the ruler of the Dragona Empire.
Mina Rozebeta Dragona Emperor calmly spoke as she looked at her daughter, Duchess Kattlena, sitting across from her.
“In the end, we’ve come this far. It happened faster than I thought, which is somewhat disappointing… But anyway, I suppose we’ve achieved our modest goal.”
“Yes, Mother. To be honest, I thought this war would last another ten years… It ended in a rather unexpected way.”
“That man… Santana Andreas was probably the one who set everything up so well. The Heretic Forces were simply too strong, while the Emperor’s side was gradually weakening. In such a situation, no matter how loyal a subject you are… No, anyone who truly cares for the country would be justified in starting a rebellion.”
The massive rebellion led by Valenshtein was a success.
As a result of the Emperor’s stubbornness, the war that had been ongoing finally came to an end, and now representatives from all over the continent were gathering in Westphalia to conclude it.
However, the Dragona Empire had officially decided not to intervene in this war, and as they had no intention of getting involved in anything further in the west, they hadn’t sent any envoys.
But…
Even if they did not directly intervene in the peace talks, that did not mean they were completely uninterested in this matter.
On the contrary, one could say they were watching the situation even more carefully than other countries.
Not politically.
On a strictly personal level.
“Will Senel be able to handle things well?”
“Well… I can’t say for sure about that matter. If it’s her skills, she shouldn’t have any problems… But whether things will go that smoothly or not, who knows…”
The Emperor’s daughter, who once left in disguise for the Sacred Empire to handle a certain matter, was Senel Polena Dragona.
However, that task, entangled with the chaotic situation inside the Sacred Empire, took much longer and required more effort than initially anticipated, leading to today.
But now, that situation was nearing its conclusion.
Sooner or later, that task would reach a resolution, and the two women could only watch it with a humble perspective.
As mother and younger sister, not as Empress and Duchess.
*
In the carriage heading to Westphalia.
Inside, there were myself, Cazerose, Polena, and Vicer Andreas and Freddy as guards with combat capabilities accompanying us.
‘Westphalia… Though the circumstances have changed a lot, it was a very significant event in the original work. The treaty established here literally will shatter the Sacred Empire.’
Dragging negotiations and the ongoing war.
The contents of the talks fluctuated according to the result of the war, and ultimately, the completely defeated Sacred Empire would be torn apart while allowing the independence of each lord.
Only 100 years… No, it was just around 50 years ago that the empire reigned over the continent, and its end was indeed pitiful.
It served as a prime example that leadership can crumble an empire in the blink of an eye.
‘In that sense… Valenshtein’s rebellion could be considered a great fortune for the people of this country. At least, it spared them from a future where 30% of the population would be massacred.’
One person’s misfortune resulted in salvation for thousands of others.
And knowing that a character who was quite likable in the original work—and a member of the protagonist’s party—had done something significant, brought me personal joy beyond just benefiting our Bohemia.
‘Honestly, in the original, that character was miserably used by the Emperor and met a tragic end. It turned out well; surely, the protagonist Otto would find his salvation as well.’
As a reader of the original work, I longed for the happy ending of the protagonist’s party.
The fact that it was drawing closer filled me with a thrilling excitement.
Unknowingly smiling slightly at that thought, I began to eagerly anticipate the moment we would arrive at Westphalia to see the protagonist’s party with my own eyes.
*
With a serious expression and a gentle smile, Santana Andreas observed the scene.
Watching the man, Polena, who worked as his maid and aide, slowly began nodding her head inwardly.
‘Indeed… Even in this situation, he’s thinking of how to maximize the benefits for Bohemia and the Heretic Alliance. Truly, my Master… He’s someone who never leaves a gap at any moment.’
A remarkable individual she couldn’t help but acknowledge, who was, by family ties, her nephew by marriage.
Watching him…
Polena automatically smiled with a bittersweet expression.
He was someone who had given her a short but sweet time in her long life, making her feel a sense of reliance, one of the few people who had done so.
In that regard, Polena often thought that it wouldn’t have been so bad to be with this man if she could.
However…
Unfortunately, Polena knew very well that she had already missed that opportunity.
‘If I were to marry, I would have wanted it to be someone like him, but unfortunately, that seems impossible. If only I had known about him a little sooner than Cazerose…’
He was a person who had formally become connected to her nephew, not someone else.
Even a person as indifferent to such matters as Polena understood that making a move on him in this situation would be crossing a line.
And, crucially, there was another reason…
It was the fact that the moment was approaching when she would have to wake from the very sweet dream she had enjoyed for long enough.
No matter how sweet a dream, it was still just a dream.
It must end eventually, and now she had to open her eyes and rise from her place.
No longer as Polena, the maid of Santana Andreas.
But as a princess of the Dragona Empire—a being who had come to the Sacred Empire to deal with the Empire’s runaway.
Speaking as Senel Polena Dragona.
‘“It’s a shame” is exactly what this moment calls for…’
*
Westphalia.
Located slightly west of the central part of the Sacred Empire, it was a place that developed into a large city since ancient times as a key traffic point for the Empire.
At this moment, in the lord’s castle located at the center of that place, representatives gathering from all over the continent were starting to arrive one by one.
“I am the Duke of Buckingham from the Britten Kingdom.”
“Welcome, Duke! We’ve heard about your arrival. Please, come inside.”
“Minister Richelieu! I never thought I would meet you here.”
“Much obliged, I will be indebted for some time.”
Well-known figures from all over the continent were streaming in as guests.
Due to that, the Lord of Westphalia, who was overseeing the guards and situation inside and outside the conference hall, could only sweat coldly under the immense pressure that was increasing by the moment.
Naturally, with such high-profile guests gathered, any minor incident occurring here could escalate into a matter that would impact the entire continent.
Of course, this meeting, being important, was also an opportunity for the area of Westphalia to firmly engrave itself in history.
As someone responsible for the surrounding circumstances of the meeting, the lord had to pour all his efforts into ensuring everything was flawless.
Thus, he had been under tremendous stress these past few days, losing nearly 10 kg, determined to do his utmost in performing his duties.
“Phew… So, who’s next to arrive?”
“Yes, it’s finally time for General Valenshtein and his aides to arrive.”
“Ah… Understood. Make sure to check for any shortcomings and maintain utmost vigilance. He is, in essence, the one who holds the Empire’s real power. There should be no slack whatsoever.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Following the lord’s orders, the attendants moved busily to prepare for welcoming the next guests.
Watching their bustle, the lord inwardly began to fervently pray.
May it be that until the moment this meeting concludes, not a single incident occurs…
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