Lady to Queen

Rafaella said this with a serious look. The Empress' failure to receive the Holy Seed would not result in her being deposed as she was also the daughter of a Marquis.     

But if she were the Emperor's mistress, she would somehow bring down Patrizia. Therefore, even after the death of the Emperor, her position could not be guaranteed.     

"Lizzy, it's not the time to take it easy. You understand my words?"     

"Yeah."     

It was something that she didn't understand above and beyond. Actually, Rosemond had done this in her previous life. And Patrizia, would not stay put if she tried again in this life. Beyond getting her revenge, it was a matter of the lives of herself and her family.     

In the Marvinus Empire, menopause meant death. So that would mean there would be no nobly disposed Empress. Before she was to be called by that, she would have disappeared like the morning dew.     

"Don't worry, Ella. I'm not going to let things go that way."     

"Yes, I believe in you. You're smart. Just always be careful."     

"You'll protect me, won't you?"     

"In physical terms of course. But other than that, the political portion, I'm not confident. You know that."     

"That's plenty. Thank you enough for that."     

"That's a relief then."     

Rafaella laughed thinly. If anyone wanted to threaten Patrizia's life, she would eliminate them. But if that wasn't the way she didn't have confidence. That part was not in her area. Rafaella spoke in a soft voice.     

"His Majesty's infidelity may just be as a deviant for now, Lizzy. I wish you won't close your heart."     

"Is that so."     

Patrizia replaced her answer with vague words. No, Rafaella. This is not a deviation. If it had been about deviating, he wouldn't have been so cold to her sister, had raised the station of a mere Baroness Rosemond to that of a Marquis, and eventually, the Queen's position wouldn't have been given away.     

So, Rafaella, her heart had already closed. At least towards that man, there wouldn't be a chance of opening her heart to him.     

Rosemond opened her eyes late in the morning. With her eyes still sleepy, Rosemond stared at Lucio, who was sleeping next to her.     

Handsome, my husband. Rosemond, first fondly looked at him, and that changed to looking slyly and began to grope his body. Since he said there was no ordinance today, it wouldn't be bad to do it once more.     

"Ooh!"     

Lucio, who opened his eyes for a moment, pinned Rosemond roughly to the bed. Instead of biting his lips, he bit her reddened collarbone and opened his mouth in a muffled voice, "Why are you so not scared?"     

"I don't have any fear towards you, Your Majesty."     

She laughed seductively and she boldly swept his chest. He laughed low and told Rosemond.     

"I was in the Empress' Palace yesterday."     

"I must have cried, then."     

She swept down his chest with her long index finger.     

"All night long. While missing you, Your Majesty."     

"So that's why I've been with you all night. Even, after all that yesterday, it still isn't enough?"     

"I always believe Your Majesty thinks it is lacking. You know."     

Her fingers gradually hit the dangerous spot. He warned.     

"...It's the morning. You should stop."     

"Really?"     

"When I start now, I don't know when I'll let go."     

"Well ... it doesn't matter if you don't let me go until night."     

She briefly laughed, and she finally made the dangerous hand gestures. He sighed. She was always energetic. He didn't hate it for sure and rather welcomed it. He acted as if he had no choice and took charge of her lips while passing off the responsibility.     

"You were the one to tempt me first."     

"Yes. I was the one that tempted you first."     

It had surely been a clear and bright morning, but two people were wandering in the night. And that night, perhaps, would go on until the sun was placed in the middle of the next day.     

Patrizia's mind was already set before the wedding to disregard Lucio's private life and focus on doing her duties properly.     

She entered as the Empress, and not as someone to serve the Emperor at night.     

She didn't want to get caught up, and at least if she dealt with the imperial work accordingly, she could get help in the future if she was ever in an unfavorable position. Maybe she could even gather public sympathy.     

"I see the moon of the noble Empire. Glory to Your Majesty."     

The Duchess of Efreni found Patrizia and greeted her politely. In the past, the Duchess of Efreni had been in charge of the work, but Patrizia was now the owner of the palace, the chief decision-maker had to be changed.     

Patrizia made a kind smile and the Duchess of Efreni responded to it, "It's been a long time since I saw you, Duchess Efreni. I hope you've been doing well."     

"Due to the grace of the New Moon, I have been well, Your Majesty. Thank you for your attention."     

Then she made intentional eye contact towards the maids, and soon the maids standing behind her approached her desk and laid down a vast amount of papers. Patrizia almost frowned without knowing, but barely endured not making a face. She calmly asked, "What are these documents?"     

"You know, in the last 10 years I have been in charge of everything pertaining to the Imperial Palace."     

The Imperial work had been the responsibility of Duchess Efreni since the time of the past Emperor, in the place of the one who made the final decisions—the Empress.     

Since the abdication of Empress Alyssa, she had handled her affairs alone without another Empress being introduced again, and this was why most of the Imperial staff had followed her as the head of the Imperial Household.     

"I brought them thinking you might as well know about these documents. You will be comfortable in familiarizing yourself with everything."     

"If you think so, I shall."     

"Yes. Since it has not been long since you entered and received your education, there will be a limit in how you deal with the affairs of the Imperial Court immediately. For the time being, I will be in charge of leading the Imperial Court as before."     

"...In that case, what do I do in the meantime?"     

"It would be great for Your Majesty to complete a year's worth of education."     

"..."     

Patrizia made a thoughtful expression for a moment. Her words were not entirely wrong. The Duchess of Efreni had worked in the Imperial Household for over 20 years.     

Certainly, she would handle things better than herself who had just entered the palace. She did not intend to persecute any talent with the title of Empress.     

Also, in the past, Petronilla had been educated for a year and entrusted the affairs of the Imperial Court to the Duchess of Efreni, so her position was not without a precedent. Just...