People each have their own pursuits, and naturally they will think in various ways to achieve them.

And related to this, there are times when one may obtain a method to reach their goals in ways they never considered.

Just like me right now.

*

Estelle, who is discussing status, demands a contract marriage with me.

However, hearing her talk, I had no intention of conceding to such a request.

‘Maybe in the past, but now, invoking Cazerose’s status is utterly useless…’

Not just anywhere, but she was Cazerose, the daughter of a duke from the Dragona Empire.

That status was more than enough to make others bow their heads in noble society, and compared to Estelle, it was actually at a superior level.

‘But Estelle couldn’t possibly know about that… I certainly didn’t expect that a twist worthy of a fairytale would happen like this…’

A twist that I never saw coming.

Although until now I hadn’t made a clear judgment on how to use this situation…

At this moment, paradoxically, I was able to decide how to turn this circumstance to my advantage through Estelle, not someone else.

‘A contract marriage… Estelle has unwittingly given me a great idea. If I use that method, no one will raise an objection between Cazerose and me.’

Honestly, I didn’t want to go this far to proceed with the matter.

However, judging from what I’ve seen so far, Estelle would never easily relinquish her position as the primary wife.

In the end, given the situation, the only remaining method was to force her to concede.

To carry this out, I left the room after telling Estelle that I would think about it a little more before giving her an answer.

And naturally, the place I headed to was the lord’s mansion where Cazerose was waiting.

*

Estelle was drinking tea in a leisurely manner.

Seeing her with what seemed to be some delightful news, Dust started to feel both suspicion and anxiety.

“Uh, Estelle sister? Is something going on?”

“Yes, there is. Something very good.”

Estelle spoke with a broad smile on her lips.

Seeing this, Dust felt a deeper sense of unease and cautiously inquired.

“Uh… if it’s not too much trouble, could you tell me what it is? I’m just curious.”

“Hmm… Sorry, but that’s still a secret. Since nothing is confirmed yet. Well, it should be sorted out soon enough, so I’ll let you know then.”

“Ah… I understand.”

Estelle spoke in a voice full of joy.

However, seeing her response, Dust could feel the unease in her heart growing even stronger.

‘If Estelle is this happy… she’s not planning something related to Polena, is she?’

Even though Dust tried to reassure herself, as time passed, her worries regarding Polena only intensified.

Despite what she had said, it became evident that Estelle had not let go of her suspicions regarding Polena.

Due to this fact, Dust couldn’t help but feel that her anxiety was deepening with each passing moment.

There was something Dust hadn’t told anyone, not even Estelle, nor her older brother.

That was… the very memory of that woman, Polena, who was currently keeping Dust awake at night.

‘I have no idea… what on earth is that woman… who possesses such terrifying power…?’

Even as a grade 5 mage, she was confident in battle.

But the amount of fear instilled in her just by recognizing that power was tremendous, making it incomprehensible for a human being.

Every time she thought of that power, which invoked such unparalleled terror, Dust felt chills running down her spine.

And now… Estelle was attempting to counter that monster, believing it to be her rival.

This was nothing short of a terrifying act akin to sticking a hand into a dragon’s mouth.

At risk, not only was Estelle in danger but also Dust herself could get involved due to having attracted its wrath, so she desperately wanted to stop Estelle’s reckless actions.

However… despite everything, she couldn’t openly mention her concerns.

With Estelle not even sharing the full story with her, Dust couldn’t inquire too deeply.

Moreover, if she decided to dig further and accidentally revealed the identity of that being, Dust truly couldn’t imagine what might happen.

‘Whatever it is, I just hope that it doesn’t provoke that monster…’

It’s true that, given the nature of the situation, it’s likely near impossible, but in such circumstances, there was nothing she could expect.

Thus, while thinking of the worst-case scenario where she might not survive to see the end of the year, Dust could only anxiously look at Estelle with an expectant smile on her face.

*

The Dragona Empire has established an unofficial cooperative relationship with the Heretic Alliance.

The details surrounding this matter were kept secret, yet there were still a few individuals who were aware.

Including Estelle and Santana, the masterminds behind this endeavor.

And among them was Count Turun, the representative of the Heretic Alliance and the lord of Bohemia.

‘As for the supplies that just came in… the volume is no joke.’

Having heard about this in advance, Count Turun had prepared to store the items as a lord, and some had already been set aside for distribution to other alliances.

However… despite this preparation, due to the number of items being delivered, progress was still slow, increasing the workload for Count Turun.

‘Looking at it this way… having such capable offspring and a daughter-in-law can be a burden as well.’

The person who initially led this effort was Estelle, who would one day be his daughter-in-law, and Santana, who made it all possible, was his proud son.

As a result of the two of them planning and executing the dealings, the Dragona Empire was now connected with them…

At the same time, Count Turun found himself suffering from increased workloads owing to the current circumstances.

While he harbored no dissatisfaction with that in itself, the fatigue was unavoidable.

As he pondered this, a servant cautiously entered.

“Excuse me, my lord.”

“Come in.”

Count Turun felt a strange sense of foreboding as he saw the servant enter with an unusually serious expression.

“What’s wrong? Why the grave face?”

“Ah… yes. It’s about that…”

The servant hesitated in his response.

Then cautiously, he pulled out a letter before Count Turun.

“What is this?”

“It seems to be a letter from the Dragona Empire. Given that it asked to be delivered in secrecy, it must contain something significant.”

“Hm… from the Dragona Empire? What on earth…”

At that moment, there was indeed someone from the Dragona Empire in Bohemia’s Lord’s Mansion.

Given this situation, the need for secret communication raised suspicions for Count Turun.

He carefully broke the seal on the letter and began to read.

Then…

“….! W-What is this?”

The next moment, Count Turun involuntarily raised his voice.