“Then I will wait.”
“Yes, I will see you soon.”
Since the topic of conversation was indeed a serious one, we temporarily sent the messenger away while mentioning that we would provide an answer shortly.
Right after taking a deep breath, Estelle and I began to seriously discuss how we should make decisions regarding this matter.
“Then first, let’s put the conversation about Queen aside and talk about that alliance.”
“Yes, that sounds good.”
Considering that the Dragona Empire, which had been a strong suspect, was now less likely to be involved in this incident, Estelle and I began to discuss the issues related to the Dragona Empire, which held significance that couldn’t even be compared to that.
“It looks like we don’t have much that’s overly disadvantageous for us.”
“Honestly, I believe that accepting the conditions set by the Emperor wouldn’t pose a major problem for us, but… what do you think, Mr. Santana?”
“Uhmm…”
In response to Estelle’s question, I started sorting out my thoughts in my mind for a moment.
Indeed, as she said, the terms presented by the Emperor of Dragona Empire this time could bring considerable benefits to us in various ways.
While there was no support in terms of large military forces, there was an offer of a significant amount of supplies, advantages regarding regular trade, and even a small number of witches dispatched to provide assistance.
However, there was one thing that had to be kept firmly in mind.
That was the condition which stated that, under no circumstances should the connection between our Heretic Alliance and the Dragona Empire be leaked to the outside, nor should it be officially mentioned.
At a glance, it seemed like a simple request for confidentiality.
However, the implication wasn’t that simple.
It meant we could not disclose our relationship with them to the outside world.
In other words, it indicated that the moment we fell into a critical danger, they would immediately sever ties with us without any hesitation, and it also meant we shouldn’t expect help beyond a certain level.
“Well… from their perspective, we are essentially just a disposable chess piece…”
The Dragona Empire viewed this situation as if we were a subordinate company being invested in by a large corporation, not as equal allies with trust.
However, from our standpoint, we considered ourselves fortunate enough not to complain about this arrangement.
After all, we were dealing with a colossal power on par with the Sacred Empire.
Just the fact that we drew their support was enough for me to consider it a significant achievement.
“I’ll accept this as it is. In a situation where even one ally is precious, there’s no reason to refuse a deal that won’t cost us anything.”
Given that our position wasn’t strong enough to argue about something here, I decided to accept the Emperor of Dragona Empire’s proposal promptly. Estelle beamed at me with a warm smile as she watched me.
“You made a wise decision. Although it might not provide decisive assistance, this will undoubtedly improve the situation for the Heretic Alliance.”
“Yes, I’m sure it will. And… thank you. Though it’s a little sudden, I appreciate your assistance in this way.”
Finding out about this was purely a product of coincidence.
But still, I couldn’t help but express my gratitude to Estelle for accomplishing something significant.
Even though it had turned out to be a mere false alarm, undertaking such business required us to embrace various risks, and I was sure a great deal of effort and resources had been dedicated to facilitating this endeavor.
Then, looking at me, Estelle blushed and said,
“No… please don’t say that. Although it’s a contract, I am publicly Mr. Santana’s fiancée. It is only natural for me to do my utmost as his fiancée and a member of this alliance.”
“Estelle…”
Estelle spoke with genuine joy on her face.
Seeing her like this, I suddenly began to feel a peculiar emotion stirring within me.
“Is she really doing this for me?.. Even if it’s just a facade of engagement.. to this extent…”
Although we were merely bound by an appearance of a relationship.
Her becoming my fiancée was just a temporary measure to maintain my relationship with Cazerose.
I thought such a significance meant nothing to me.
However, at that moment, witnessing her take considerable risks to support me, and noticing how she was visibly blushing right in front of me…
A single thought flickered across my mind.
“Could it be that this woman… really has feelings for me?”
While the possibility was not entirely absent, I had to refrain from voicing it out loud at that moment.
Even though Estelle was an incredibly beautiful woman with an impeccable background and abilities, I was still in a position where I couldn’t reciprocate her feelings.
After all, my engagement to her was primarily for Cazerose, and if I were to genuinely fall for her, it would be a significant betrayal of that purpose.
Moreover, while I suspected it, I had no concrete idea of how deep her affections ran.
Now was not the time to take undue risks and make things even more complicated.
“I’m already trying hard not to pay attention to Polena, and I can’t afford to add another complication into the mix.”
Of course, this didn’t mean I disliked Estelle or anything of the sort.
After all, which man would reject the affection of such a stunning woman?
It was simply a matter of timing; it just wasn’t that time yet.
“The only number one in my life is Cazerose… Even if I get closer to Estelle later on, that will ultimately happen with Cazerose’s blessing.”
So, I felt a sense of bitterness about confronting a fact I didn’t necessarily want to know.
At the same time, I thought it was strange how women seemed to be gravitating towards me in this unstable situation.
As I let out a small sigh, I couldn’t help but think more and more about Cazerose’s face.
*
“You made a wise decision. I will relay this to His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Yes, thank you. Please rest well after the long journey to this distant place.”
Estelle smiled with kindness and pleasure as she spoke to the messenger.
Although there had been some chaotic moments in between, ultimately, her plan had been successfully executed.
She had secured the cooperation of the Dragona Empire, and through this, the Rhapsody Region could further display its importance within the Heretic Alliance.
And crucially…
Seeing her like this, that man…
Santana Andreas slightly flushed and sincerely expressed his gratitude to her.
It was a fact that brought her more joy than merely pulling off the cooperation with the Dragona Empire.
Thus, Estelle struggled to suppress the intense feelings of excitement, trying to focus on her conversation with the messenger in front of her.
At that moment…
Observing her, the messenger spoke in a serious tone.
“Oh, and there’s one more thing I need to tell you.”
“What is it?”
His voice had a somewhat different mood from before.
In response, Estelle calmed her excited emotions and put on a serious expression once again.
“Before we continue, I want to clarify that this is more of an invitation than an obligation.”
“An invitation… you say?”
The messenger brought forth an unexpected topic.
Estelle felt a bit of tension as she began to pay close attention to what he was about to say.
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