Hestia Playmer.

As a high-ranking official in the Dragona Empire and one of its most powerful witches, she possessed enviable strength and leadership qualities that guaranteed her a peaceful and stable life.

However, one day, she abruptly abandoned all of this and fled from the Dragona Empire to the Sacred Empire.

Despite having been treated with great care, her sudden betrayal was unforgivable.

The escape of an 11th-grade witch, who should have been under national control, was an act that could not be overlooked.

Thus, Hestia’s direct superior, Princess Polena…

Princess Senel Polena Dragona decided to personally handle the matter.

Moreover, during the process, she developed ill feelings towards Bloody, who had helped Hestia.

In this way, she entered the Sacred Empire, concealing her identity while tirelessly searching for traces of the traitor.

However, finding a single person in the vastness of the Sacred Empire was no easy task, even for Senel. During her quest for information, she became embroiled in religious disputes that arose within the Sacred Empire.

The people of the Empire began to engage in bloody conflict over simple differences in belief in God.

Watching them, Senel, although a citizen of a rival nation, couldn’t help but feel a sense of sympathy.

Though she couldn’t recklessly use her powers with her identity concealed, she began to hope that someone would calm these crazed humans if possible.

At that moment…

As if fate had led him there, a man appeared before Senel, who held such hope.

Santana Andreas, the man who had reportedly vanished after running away, appeared before her with his young nephew.

He extinguished the flames of madness in a way she never anticipated, and seeing this side of him, Senel naturally developed feelings for him.

Of course, even amidst this, she didn’t forget her mission to punish the traitor. However, wandering aimlessly in such a vast empire had its limits.

Senel concluded that it would be more beneficial to follow this man, who seemed to attract incidents, making it easier to track down her target.

As a result… she finally succeeded in discovering her desired target under the most favorable circumstances.

Quite literally, within arm’s reach.

This target made Senel spend quite a considerable amount of time.

Now, all that remained was to deliver the fitting end to the traitor. Resolutely, she sought to conclude her task… but her actions were unexpectedly restricted by none other than the master who had brought her this far.

*

“Ah… An assassin… you say?”

Polena showed perplexity at her master’s unexpected words.

Seeing her like this, Santana spoke calmly.

“Yeah, it might not be exact, but given the circumstances, I believe it’s highly likely.”

Santana spoke not in jest but with sincerity.

Polena felt a twinge of guilt as she asked him, “Uh… may I ask what your basis for that is?”

“Um… well, you see…”

Santana made a slightly awkward face at Polena’s question.

Then, after a moment, he seemed to have gathered his thoughts and spoke seriously to Polena.

“There was a warning. A note that an assassin might infiltrate Bestphalia. I can’t say who sent it, but according to them, the assassins might be targeting General Valenshtein’s group.”

“Is… is that so?”

“Yeah, also, just before, Hestia looked really pale. It was as if she’d discovered something horrifying. I think at that point, the assassin had already entered the conference room, lurking for an opportunity. Thankfully, after I sent you out, her expression seemed to ease.”

“…Hmm…”

Polena started to feel a complicated mix of emotions about Santana’s words.

‘Who conveyed such information? My presence here is supposed to be a closely guarded secret… Who could… how…’

While she desperately wanted to ask about the mysterious informant, Santana drew the line, asking her not to delve into that area.

In truth, he had often brought unexpected stories from somewhere, so it was likely to be a similar situation this time.

However, it happened that now, that sharp information network was targeting Polena’s actions intending to carry out an assassination.

Fortunately, judging from the fact that Santana was discussing these matters with her, he seemed unaware of the idea that Polena might be the assassin.

However… if things progressed this way, it could very well mean that Polena might lose a golden opportunity to carry out her task.

During the conference period, if the mages continued to heighten their vigilance, her assassination attempt could be exposed.

If only she were an ordinary assassin, that wouldn’t matter, but with the status of a princess from the Dragona Empire, she absolutely could not allow her identity to be uncovered.

To avoid bringing shame to her country, she must maintain her identity as Santana’s secretary, Maid Polena, at least until the task was conclusively completed.

Feeling truly inconvenient at the fact that she was now restricted by none other than her own master, she managed a forced smile and said to him.

“Well… since my master has never been wrong… if there are assassins, then there are… right? But honestly, I’m a bit skeptical. Wouldn’t it be better to just inform General Valenshtein and let them handle it?”

Honestly, the ordinary soldiers on Valenshtein’s side were strong, but the proportion of mages wasn’t that high.

Especially with Vicer and the Queen… I mean, Freddy being included, the average mages on the Bohemian side represented a greater defense capability, which only added to Polena’s burden.

Thus, she cautiously tried to create some openings.

However…

“I already told General Valenshtein about that. And our Bohemia is primarily responsible for the security.”

“Is… is that so?”

“Yeah, after all, our mage forces are a step ahead in responding to such situations.”

“…Ugh…”

Santana’s words landed a sucker punch on her.

In response, Polena felt a sudden headache and voiced her slight dissatisfaction.

“Well, I agree on the security part, but honestly, I’m curious. Why are you going to such lengths for this? After all, they might become enemies depending on the situation…”

“Well…”

Santana began to display a somewhat awkward expression at Polena’s words.

However, while questioning him, Polena predicted to some extent what kind of answer would come from her master.

There was a high chance he would say something about gaining more benefits in negotiations by being the one handling the security.

Still, the reason she asked was just an impulsive emotional reaction.

And Santana’s answer to her question was…

“Well, obviously for the benefits of the conference… Ugh. Let’s skip the excuses; I’ll tell you the real reason, just because it’s you, Polena.”

“Excuse me?”

Santana unexpectedly presented a different narrative.

This made Polena feel a twinge of curiosity, and with a serious smile on his face, Santana began to speak.