Chapter 7 - CHAPTER 6. CONGRATULATIONS QUEENESS

Patrizia’s outlook towards the final part of the competition was calm. In fact, she had been this way for the two previous parts, but she felt more like this because the last one was the end. Patrizia looked at the Emperor that was ready to announce the last subject with a tranquil glance.

Always with that frozen expression. It was the same cold eyes as the previous life. The eyes would have been warm to Rosemond. The affection he never gave to her sister.

Patrizia bit her lips at the sudden rise of emotions. It was to stop the simmering thoughts. Maybe it was anger or sadness.

“I will announce the last topic.”

There was no support or encouragement for those that had worked through this competition. Of course, she didn’t expect it. Patrizia hid her eyes that had turned cold without knowing why. It was inappropriate where everyone was gathered.

“The seat of the Empress is to closely support the Emperor. That’s why I think the Empress’s health is important.”

“…”

What a bunch of baloney. Patrizia barely endured stopping a burst of laughter. The Empress’s health was of no importance, only the mistress. Her sister said he had never visited her when she was sick. When Rosemond coughed, he went overboard and sent the Imperial Doctor… Patrizia barely calmed her body shaking with rage. It was only today that she would have to hear this.

“So the results of the last part will be determined by the health of the Queeness.”

At these words, there was an eruption of noise. It was not just the intellect, the ability, the good looks, but also the health of the Queen. Patrizia was quite embarrassed by this ridiculous announcement, and she was especially more embarrassed than everyone else because…

“The servants may come in.”

Three years ago, the last theme was not this.

Patrizia was still unable to conceal her perplexed eyes. The past had changed. Obviously the first and second subjects were the same. But the third theme has changed… what in the world did this mean? Revealing her confused eyes, Patrizia looked wistfully at the servants that were greeting her. What in the world could this be about?

“Begin the examination.”

Everyone felt a lot of embarrassment about this situation, but the four Dukes, including the Emperor, didn’t seem to think so at all. Patrizia sat in the check-up chair, bewildered. She couldn’t believe that this was the last part of the competition. However, the examination continued to show this was a reality.

After a while, the check-up was completed. Five Queeness, including Patrizia, managed to finish the competition without a word. She wasn’t sure if she should ‘thank’ this.

“The end result will be announced tonight. The Queeness shall wait for the results at their respective quarters. That is all.”

The Emperor, who had finished his last line with hard words, turned his back without hesitation and left. The only thing left was the nobility’s conversations and Patrizia who couldn’t get used to the changed past.

“It was so random.”

Patrizia muttered. When she heard those words, Rafaella put the tea she was drinking down on the table. The two were having a chat with tea in Rafaella’s room after their last dinner as Queeness.

“It was unprecedented. Of course, His Majesty’s words are not wrong. Anyway, The Empress is the official wife of the Emperor and must be the most helpful to him. However… something doesn’t feel right. Don’t you?”

“Ella’s a knight, so obviously you will get the best score.”

At the end of Patrizia’s speech, Rafaella shook her head as if she was not worthy.

“Say something that makes sense. What does that matter?”

“It has to do with it. All four Queeness, including me, spend their time drinking tea, but Ella, you are always training. Of course, you’re healthier than us.”

Rafaella frowned and moved her head a little weaker than before.

“Don’t say something so terrible, Lizzy. I never wanted to be an Empress. You know that.”

“Well… that’s out of our control.”

Even if she didn’t want this position, a Queenez was selected as the Queen had to accept the position. That is the fate of the woman who was given the place. Rejection was defiance for the Imperial Court. Rafaella, who had a quick thought of something, opened her mouth again.

“But … when will the results come out?”

“They said to wait until tonight, so don’t you think it’ll be out in around 2 hours? Ah … then the fallen Queeness can return home tomorrow.”

She hoped she could be among those four. Patrizia eagerly tinkered with her own mug that had already been emptied. Whatever results came tomorrow, she could finally see Petronilla. In this state of unknown, Patrizia was consoled only by that fact.

“I must get going. Ella has to rest, but I’ve thoughtlessly been there for so long.”

As Patrizia slowly got up from her seat, Rafaella spoke in a tone of regret.

“I’ll go home tomorrow anyway, you can stay a little longer.”

“Still. It’s rude to be here by this time…”

At that moment, as if tied by her words, someone burst open the door and walked inside. Both Rafaella and Patrizia were amazed because it was so rude.

The person who came inside the room was Mirya. She wasn’t the type of person to commit this kind of disrespect… Patrizia asked with a dismayed look.

“What… why, Mir?”

“Queeness, that is….”

Mirya looked at Rafaella with a glimpse. Rafaella also was staring at Mirya with big eyes. After a little time, Mirya, who had ran for a long time and was trying to catch her breath, spoke again.

“Queeness Rafaella, Queeness Patrizia. The results are out.”

“Ah…”

The two women who heard those words both uttered a sighing sound. They were out faster than she had expected. Patrizia put her hand against her pounding heart and asked calmly, but there was nothing she could do about her voice trembling.

“Who is it?”

At Patrizia’s words, Mirya looked alternately at both Rafaella and Patrizia with the aforementioned expression. Regarding her behavior, Patrizia felt unknowingly anxious.

No, Oh no. No. It can’t be… right? She bit her lips without knowing how anxious she was, and at the same time, Mirya announced the final result.

“Congratulations, Queeness Patrizia.”

THUD. Patrizia’s heart crashed. Her blank glance swept through Mirya. Mirya, in a more subdued voice than the first one, corrected the words with a slight touch.

“No, now you’re the Queen.”

A sinister premonition never misses. Tragically.

Patrizia was surprised but not upset. Because she had already anticipated a certain amount of the possibility. But what surprised her was that she became Queen even though she couldn’t have had a good score in the first and second contests. That means she got a good score in her third…

Patrizia couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off.

The third contest was different from the past one she knew about, and it was not common even for other people.

There was also the fact that there was only one part where she could have gotten a good score. This meant her health was clearly better than those of the other Queeness, but it still didn’t make sense. How bad could the difference in health be between 18-and 20-year-olds?

Patrizia was not happy with the unknown feelings that continued to crush her. The biggest reason, of course, was that she had become Queen.

“Lady Patrizia, it’s Mirya. May I go in?”

“Oh, come in, Mirya.”

Mirya looked happy as she walked into the room. Of course, she was delighted that the lady she served would become Queen.

But was she aware of the rumors that were drifting about in the Imperial Palace…It was ridiculous to think that she didn’t know the truth, but even if she knew this fact would be upsetting as well

“Thank you again, Lady Patrizia. In fact, from the first time I saw you, I felt like I wanted to serve you within the palace. I am so happy I will be able to continue serving Lady Patrizia in the future.”

“…”

At that moment, Patrizia felt her emotions explode and come up in her chest. Mirya, who was Petronilla’s maid, was still invariably nice and loyal as Patrizia’s maid. She wrinkled her face for a moment, and Mirya, who looked at her, was startled.

“Lady Patrizia was it something I said…?”

Mirya looked taken aback at Patrizia who was hugging her. She wondered, ‘Why is the young lady acting this way?’ Patrizia hugged her for a while and then decided on one thing.

“I’ll do well.”

I’ll do well, I’ll stay alive, and Mirya, I won’t die.

“Thank you.”

I won’t let you die for me like you died for my sister.

“It’s nothing. I am the one who is thankful.”

Mirya smiled and whispered fondly. Then she spoke to Patrizia, as she was soon reminded of something.

“By the way Lady Patrizia. A letter came from the Marquis of Grochester. If it is alright with you Lady Patrizia, a visit is desired to the Imperial Palace to see you.”

Lady Petronilla does. Patrizia looked troubled for a moment but soon nodded. Anyway, now she was the Queen, so even if Petronilla fell in love with the Emperor, nothing bad would happen. Her sister was not stupid enough to do such a bad deed. Just pure. Like a new, white sheet of paper. Patrizia therefore accepted.

“Do I have anything to do today, Mirya?”

“Not yet. But in the next two months, the wedding preparations will begin with the Duchess of Efreni. Lady Patrizia will be educated as an Empress. But that’s probably going to start in four days. You can relax until then.”

“I see.”

It’s something that she already knew, just the fact that the subject has changed from Nilla to herself, made it feel a lot more forthcoming.

It was terrible to think that she must now walk the thorny path Nilla had walked, but, nevertheless, this was for the best for everyone. For the family, maybe even for the Emperor. Patrizia, smiling meaningfully, and said to Mirya,

“Then please write my sister a reply to visit me at any time, Mirya.”