In front of him was Polena.
Looking at her, Cazerose spoke in a calm voice.
“I already knew. Polena, I know that you have genuine feelings for Mr. Santana. And… I’m aware of how much you’ve done for him during this time.”
“…I see… I’m truly grateful that you acknowledge that.”
With a deep bitterness in her voice, Polena replied to Cazerose’s words.
Watching her, Cazerose continued to speak in a calm tone.
“In that regard, I would like to offer you a chance. A chance to love… a chance to get what you want as a woman.”
“…Hah…”
Seeing Cazerose speak so seriously as if she had made a great determination, Polena let out a heavy sigh.
Feeling an unexpected reaction from her, Cazerose, having finished what he wanted to say, cautiously asked, “So, what will you do? Will you accept my proposal to become Mr. Santana’s concubine?”
“…..”
Polena remained silent for a moment at Cazerose’s question.
Then, slowly, she extended a hand towards Cazerose with a powerless smile on her lips.
And..
“…? Polena..?”
“How thoughtful… It must not have been an easy decision, but you’ve gone to such lengths to consider me.”
“…Yes?”
Polena spoke in an incomprehensible tone of kindness.
Cazerose began to feel an increasing sense of confusion about her actions, and Polena continued to gently stroke her head as she spoke.
“But, you see… Cazerose, I appreciate your consideration, but I can’t do that… You and I… we can’t be that way.”
“What… do you mean?”
“…Hehe… That is…”
Polena began to speak with a hint of bitterness in her voice in response to Cazerose’s words.
And a moment later…
After her story, laden with evidence called magic, finished, a deep shock and surprised expression began to surface on Cazerose’s face…
Seeing her, Polena quietly said with a wistful smile, “I’m grateful that my beloved nephew showed such consideration… But even so, some things just can’t be. From the perspective of royalty… it’s impossible for someone like me, holding the second imperial succession rights, to act in such a manner, right?”
“….Ugh…”
At Polena’s words…
No, at the words of Cazerose’s mother, Duchess Kattlena, who is also the second daughter of Emperor Rozebeta, Cazerose, merely a princess, couldn’t say another word.
She was a being bearing responsibilities and burdens that were incomparably heavier.
It was impossible for someone like her to become merely a concubine, and especially since that person would be her nephew’s husband, it was clearly unacceptable.
“Hah… But… isn’t it a bit disappointing? I… I thought it would be absolutely impossible at first, but still, I managed to achieve what I wanted, right? Wouldn’t you say Princess Senel could do the same…”
“…I can’t do that. The weight we bear from the start is on a different level.”
“But… But… We’re in love, right? I know that it’s impossible to suppress such feelings… Of course, it won’t be easy, but if we work hard to find a way…”
To Cazerose’s words, Senel spoke with bitterness yet decisiveness.
In response to her words, Cazerose attempted to suggest some way to break through, but…
Senel embraced her dear, lovable nephew and said, “So… that’s why it can’t be. Because I love him, I don’t want to hurt that man…”
“!!”
Sadness and a strong will resonated in Senel’s words.
At that moment, Cazerose understood why she had decided to give up on Santana.
It wasn’t just about laws or moralities.
Even if Senel disregarded the notion of becoming her nephew’s husband’s concubine and ended up with Santana, her status was that of the second successor of the empire.
If anything were to happen to her sister, the imperial princess, Glionis, she could very well become the next emperor.
If such a person were to become tied to Santana as a formal couple, it would complicate things politically, and in the worst-case scenario, Santana’s safety could be at risk.
This situation…
Was something Senel, who genuinely loved Santana, could never accept.
“I can’t let my selfishness hurt those I love. Both Santana… and you, Cazerose. You are both too precious to me. So… I have to give it up. For everyone’s sake…”
“…Your Highness…”
With a voice heavier and stronger than she had anticipated, Senel spoke.
At this point, Cazerose could no longer think of persuading her. Instead, she leaned into her aunt’s embrace for the first time, letting some tears flow.
And so, holding such a kind nephew in her arms,
Senel quietly spoke with heartfelt sincerity.
“You must be happy… even for me… You have to live as if you are realizing what I couldn’t. Got it?”
*
After finishing our business in Westphalia and arriving in Bohemia.
Following the apologies from Queen regarding our parents, the settlement of past events, etc.,
We began to hold a banquet to celebrate the victory of the war.
“For the eternal glory of Bohemia!”
“Cheers!”
Following the command of my father, Count Turun, the guests lifted their glasses.
As I, Cazerose, and Estelle greeted guests and shared drinks during this chaotic time, we enjoyed the moment.
And…
Finally, as the seemingly endless banquet time began to come to an end…
I took a brief moment for mental respite and walked toward the relatively quiet garden.
“Phew… Banquets are fine, but I still can’t quite get used to them. What kind of party starts and ends with greetings? There’s no time to enjoy anything.”
Thinking that, I sat down momentarily in the garden for a rest.
At that moment…
“Oh, thank you…”
She handed me a handkerchief as I was soaked in sweat.
As always, Polena appeared by my side at some point, bringing me what I needed, and a smile spread across my face.
“Thank you for your hard work. So… everything’s really come to an end.”
“Yes, indeed. From the war to the meetings and now this party… everything is finally done.”
Recalling everything that had happened, I began to quietly smile.
So many events had unfolded after coming into this world.
Among them were exhilarating moments and perilous times coexisting, but every time, I managed to overcome them with the help of many people.
And among those who extended their helping hand to me…
At this moment, Polena standing before me was included.
“I heard the news. You decided to give up on being tied to me, right?”
“Yes, I’m grateful for your feelings. However, I still think it’s a position I don’t deserve.”
With a voice heavy with regret, Polena spoke.
About her refusal, I realized that there was more than just a simple feeling of burden. Still, I didn’t delve deeper into it.
She had her own circumstances, and I wanted to respect her position as much as possible.
“Thinking about it… it might be because I like her that much…”
Polena was already someone towards whom I held feelings close to love.
Because of that, I didn’t want to force her into a situation, but I wanted to grant her whatever she wished.
And as I pondered these thoughts,
Polena spoke in a calm voice.
“I have one request for Mr. Santana…”
“What is it?”
I questioned her words.
However… before hearing what she wanted to say, I already knew what it would be.
A farewell…
Now that everything is over, a request to let herself go.
Knowing that it would come from her lips, I prepared my heart.
At that moment…
“Oh, there you are.”
“!!”
“Eh?”
The next moment, an unexpectedly familiar voice floated through the air.
I immediately turned to where the sound came from… and instantly, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
“Wait? Why is there two Polenas?”
