Sudden Summoning of Count Turun

Hastily, Santana and Dust gathered in the Lord’s office.

There, Count Turun and his wife, the Countess, were already waiting. Seeing them, the two cautiously took their seats.

“Father, what is the matter? Why did you summon us so suddenly..?”

“Could it be news about my big sister? If something happened to her…”

Santana and Dust expressed their confusion and concern due to the abrupt summons.

In response, Count Turun wore a serious expression and silently handed them a letter.

“Read it… It’s a letter from the Dragona Empire.”

“A letter from the Dragona Empire..?”

Santana asked, her voice filled with tension. He slowly began to check the contents of the letter, and Dust, who was sitting next to him, did the same.

And then…

“W-what does this mean? Why is the Dragona Empire suddenly…?”

“I don’t know.. I truly don’t understand why they made such absurd demands..”

With deep confusion, Santana questioned, and Count Turun responded with frustration.

After checking the letter as well, Dust spoke with a complex tone.

“Wanting to arrange a marriage between my older brother and the Dragona Empire princess… why out of the blue…”

Honestly, considering the circumstances, it wasn’t entirely impossible. It was an indirect approach disguised as commerce, but the Dragona Empire and Bohemia had practically formed an alliance.

However, despite this relationship, there were fundamental differences between the two factions. The core difference was the divide between Heretics and Pagans.

While the Heretics had deviated from the mainstream church powers, they still focused on God and Holy Scripture, whereas the Pagan forces fundamentally viewed those concepts negatively.

In that context, while Bohemia had its thoughts, the Dragona Empire also needed some form of assurance to strengthen their ties with Bohemia.

Especially since this ‘transaction’ was likely to extend over a long period.

But such a sudden marriage proposal would inevitably leave Count Turun and others utterly bewildered.

Moreover, Santana currently had a fiancée named Estelle.

Regarding this, Dust spoke with pronounced discontent.

“This is too audacious, no matter how you look at it! How could they propose a marriage to my brother, who already has a fiancée? This is unacceptable; we must refuse it.”

Dust spoke firmly, as if the decision was already made.

However…

“Hmm…”

“…? Father?”

In response to her, Count Turun, contrary to Dust’s expectations, didn’t show much sympathy.

“What’s wrong, Father? Is there some kind of problem? This is a matter that shouldn’t require contemplation. It is an affront to propose such to someone who is already engaged.”

The warm image of her father was unexpected, and Dust’s tone turned anxious, but Count Turun didn’t provide a clear answer.

‘A marriage, huh… our Santana getting engaged to the Dragona Empire…’

Of course, when he first heard this, his mind was racing with disbelief and confusion.

However, aside from that initial feeling, Count Turun and his wife were now pondering how they couldn’t easily refuse this matter.

‘The power of the Dragona Empire is certainly formidable. Although they’re under the Pagan influence, their emperor doesn’t seem to oppress or discriminate against others. Marrying our son to a high noble from such a powerful Empire could be serendipitous.’

A princess is a figure that even Count Turun must look up at in terms of status. If Santana marries someone of such status, it would elevate Bohemia significantly.

And the benefits gained from such a union would be on a different level compared to the connection with Estelle, who was simply the sister of the Rhapsody Lord.

Of course, breaking an already made engagement would burden them in many ways, and mishandling this matter could jeopardize their relationship with the Rhapsody Region, which held a substantial position in the Heretic Alliance.

Ultimately, given Count Turun’s belief in trusting people, he would normally have firmly rejected this idea, viewing any deviation from this as an insult to himself.

However…

That was only to be expected in stable times. In the current situation, even Count Turun had to reconsider.

Although things had calmed down after Mansfeld’s chaotic actions, Bohemia was still exposed to the threat of war.

If mishandled, not only could Count Turun and his family’s lives be at stake, but so could the livelihoods of countless subjects.

In this dangerous time, prioritizing power became an unavoidable reality.

From this perspective, the marriage proposal between Santana and the Dragona princess placed before him was too significant to be rejected purely on grounds of loyalty.

‘If the marriage between Santana and the Dragona Empire princess succeeds… Bohemia could completely free itself from the influence of the Sacred Empire’s emperor. No matter how powerful the Sacred Empire may be, they wouldn’t dare provoke a realm backed by such a strong Dragona Empire.’

While Dust felt anxious and frustrated, Count Turun began to seriously contemplate this matter.

Then, he turned to his son Santana, the person with the ultimate say in this matter.

“My son, what do you think? What choice do you think would be best for Bohemia regarding this marriage proposal?”

“Hmm…”

Santana appeared deep in thought at Count Turun’s words.

The potential benefits involved were considerable, making it a significant issue for someone who valued benefits like Santana.

And…

As he observed this, Dust began to feel an uneasy sensation rising within her.

‘Could it be… my brother is truly considering abandoning Estelle? No, surely not. He wouldn’t make such a harsh decision…’

With these thoughts swirling in her mind, Dust anxiously awaited his answer.

And after a brief moment…

Finally, Santana began to voice the answer Dust had been waiting for.

“First, I would like a bit of time to think about this. No matter how I consider it, this isn’t something I can decide alone. I’ll discuss it with Lady Estelle before making a judgment.”

“Hmm…”

Santana didn’t outright refuse, but he made it clear that he wanted to step back and think.

In response, Count Turun granted him permission.

Simultaneously, Dust felt a slight sense of relief within herself but still harbored strong concerns about the lingering uncertainties.

‘It seems he’s considering Estelle’s feelings, but I hope it all resolves well. No matter how esteemed that princess may be, my brother has to marry Estelle.’

As she contemplated her hopes, she watched Santana exit the room.

However, at that moment… she was unaware.

That a gentle smile had fleetingly crossed Santana’s lips as he opened the door and stepped out.