Estelle’s words brought Dust’s attention as she mentioned there was something to ask.

Ever since Cazerose, who had been like a thorn in her side, disappeared, Estelle had officially become his fiancée.

Despite Dust’s worries that she might show signs of being shaken by lingering feelings for Cazerose, Estelle and Santana had maintained a close relationship since their engagement.

Just recently, Santana had even gone out of his way to visit Estelle, and now, she was directly visiting Bohemia.

If it weren’t for the incident involving her sister Queen’s disappearance, Dust would have been overjoyed, thinking this meant she could finally stop worrying about her older brother’s marriage.

However, at this moment, Estelle began to bring up a topic Dust hadn’t considered.

“Umm… So, what you’re saying is… that older brother might have feelings for another woman… that maid named Polena?”

“Yeah… Of course, I don’t have solid proof, but I have this feeling.”

“Th-That’s impossible… Especially not with you, Estelle, around. How could that be…”

Dust spoke with a sense of confusion.

However, her feelings weren’t solely due to Estelle’s words.

‘Polena, huh… That red-haired maid, right? I was just starting to feel relieved after Cazerose disappeared, but now that brat shows up…’

It was a given that Dust hadn’t said a single word to Estelle about the history between Cazerose and Santana.

In the light of their formal engagement and the good atmosphere between them, it wasn’t necessary for her sister-in-law to bring up ex-girlfriend stories.

After all, it could potentially create unnecessary conflicts that might drive a wedge between them.

But despite barely getting past that, another incident arose that could potentially stir up painful pasts for Dust.

This left her feeling anxious while listening to Estelle, her insides burning up…

Unbeknownst to Dust, Estelle continued on with her words.

“Of course, as you said, it seems unlikely that Mr. Santana would do something like that to me. But, I heard that Polena has been serving Mr. Santana for a very long time… and you know how matters between men and women often remain unknown until you actually check them.”

“Well… I guess that’s true…”

Although Dust wasn’t sure when Santana and Polena started hanging out, the way she expertly handled tasks and her casual attitude towards Santana suggested that their relationship had likely lasted for a significant time.

Considering this background, Estelle’s words, and the previous relationship between Cazerose and Santana, Dust began to suspect that Santana might genuinely have deep feelings for Polena.

‘Thinking back, ever since Cazerose disappeared, Polena has always been by older brother’s side. Though he has gotten close to Estelle, the person who has spent the most time with him is Polena… Could it be that… really…?’

Dust found herself naturally siding with Estelle’s thinking.

At the same time, feelings of obsession concerning Santana, which she had buried after their engagement, began to resurface.

‘Older brother… I thought you had finally woken up after the engagement. I didn’t expect you to stab me in the back like this again.’

At the very least, Cazerose’s situation was something she could justify as a phase.

But having another woman, Polena, while already engaged to someone was absolutely unacceptable for someone who called Estelle “sister.”

Thus, Dust began feeling disappointment towards Santana and hatred towards Polena at the same time.

Observing Dust’s turmoil, Estelle, with feigned sadness, made her request.

“Of course, it could just be a nonsensical story according to the situation. I sometimes think I might be overreacting…”

“…No, it doesn’t seem like it. I too… like you said, I’m starting to think there might be something between them.”

Dust spoke her thoughts candidly.

In response to her reaction, Estelle’s eyes sparkled slightly before she continued in her still-sorrowful voice.

“Do you really think so, Dust?”

“Yes, just as you said, based on the circumstances, I think we might need to suspect their relationship.”

Dust spoke with conviction.

At this, Estelle recognized that Dust had completely sided with her and inwardly smiled with satisfaction.

“If those two really are… I can’t just sit back and do nothing. Even if it’s a bit tricky with Mr. Santana, I think I need to have a word with that Polena.”

“I think that’s a good idea. It’s better to find such things out early and nip them in the bud.”

With their hearts full of hostility towards Polena, they cautiously began to discuss their next steps.

“First, no matter what, I don’t want to cause a big commotion here in Bohemia. I want this matter to progress as quietly as possible.”

“I understand. I have people I can mobilize, so I’ll proceed discreetly through them.”

“You know, especially Mr. Santana must not catch on, right?”

“Yes, of course. Just leave it to me.”

With that, both of them began discussing specific actions carefully.

They planned how to quietly take Polena away without Santana noticing, and afterward, how to deal with her too.

*

“Phew…”

“Thank you for your hard work, Master.”

Exhaling a heavy sigh, I stamped the last document.

The workload had already been insane, but after the secret pact with the Dragona Empire, it had only increased.

This meant I’d been pouring over work until the sun completely set lately, and today was no different.

Luckily, thanks to Polena’s knowledge of the Dragona Empire’s circumstances, I managed to handle it, or I might have really been buried in work.

Feeling both accomplished for working hard today and wishing things would wrap up soon, I stood up with a heavy fatigue.

“Well, I think that’s enough for today. Let’s go rest.”

“Yes, Master. I’ll guide you.”

At my words, Polena stepped forward, holding a lantern.

At first, it felt rather awkward to have her lead me like this, but I had gotten somewhat used to it now.

Walking in silence down the corridor for a short while, Polena broke the silence first.

“By the way, Master, there’s something I’m curious about.”

“What is it?”

“To be honest, I don’t quite understand—what is the significance of the deal made with the Dragona Empire? The amount of military supplies imported is unusually large for just being at a low cost… Do you have some other plan?”

“Yes, I do have another plan.”

“Oh… what is it? Is it similar to the method used to deal with that heretic previously?”

“Well… it could be seen as somewhat similar. You’ll get to see the details soon.”

I answered Polena with a smile on my face.

Honestly, it would have been fine to explain the details to her, but I was feeling so fatigued and considering that it’s better to experience it firsthand rather than explain it right now.

“Then, good night, Master.”

“Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

With our conversation finished, I parted ways with Polena, collapsing onto my bed, and quickly fell asleep.

In the last moment, I didn’t catch her mumbling something to herself.

“…Guests at this hour? How rude of these people.”