Chapter 95

No one could have expected this. Who could have expected her to ask me this? However, people were originally more sensitive than anyone in front of their biggest problems.

In front of such a problem, a person would become desperate in nature and even rely on a person who they believed was an enemy. Petronilla spoke in a relaxed voice.

“Ah, Duchess. Compensation is not necessary. Do you not know? The situation in our household is not in need.”

“But just to ask as a favor… I also have a conscience”

“If you insist, please do me a favor later, Duchess. That is all.”

“However… Will that really be enough?”

“Yes, Duchess.”

Petronilla smiled gently and grabbed tightly onto her hand. However, she expressed concern to her in a voice that showed she was worried.

“But I am inexperienced and immature… Rather, I am not sure if I will just be a nuisance to you instead.”

“At least, you will do better than that thing. She does not know anything about this either. So I would rather be relieved and leave it to you, who was educated in a prestigious family.”

Moreover, this person was the sister of the current Empress. It seemed that even if she caused a problem, there was enough room for compensation. Of course, because of her sister’s status, she would never make a mistake. Even the Duchess of Efreni wasn’t speaking without having calculated the situation.

“I think it will be a good experience, Duchess. It may not be enough, but I will do my best as you have left it to me.”

“Thank you, Lady. It will not be a big deal. But the little stuff … It will just be a bit annoying.”

“It is okay, Duchess. If there is nothing big, I can do it.”

After Petronilla said that, she stood up. There was nothing good about staying too long today. At her movements, Duchess Efreni seemed to show it was unfortunate.

“Oh, are you already leaving? You should stay longer, Lady”

“No, Duchess. Her Majesty will be waiting for me. She might be worried because I did not tell her I would be here for such a long time. Moreover, because I have to stop by our home for a while as well…”

“Oh, then there is no helping it.”

There must have been some awkwardness and discomfort at first, but these things were now meaningless. Petronilla was now the one who would take over the temporary work of the Duchess. And that, of course, meant that Duchess Efreni had friendly feelings for Petronilla. With this fact, Petronilla could barely control herself from laughing.

“My goodness, the wife, and my husband had such different plans.”

“Then I will be going now, Duchess. You also need to rest. Preparations must be made for departure…”

“You are thoughtful, Lady. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I just wish you all the best. Then…”

Petronilla left through the door shortly after she had said that. The Duchess of Efreni sent her off to the end, and Petronilla showed the smile she had kept hidden as soon as she left and turned her head. She did not know yet what the unexpected harvest would bring.

“I’m back, Lizzy.”

“Older sister.”

Patrizia was looking at the papers at her desk when she welcomed back Petronilla. Petronilla spoke while hugging her naturally.

“There was a lot of that happened, Lizzy”

“Come on. I am dying of curiosity.”

“I came with such good news.”

Petronilla sat down, giggling. Patrizia waited for her older sister’s mouth to open, looking towards her. Petronilla started from the conclusion.

“When the Duchess of Efreni leaves the country, I will take care of the rest of the household.”

“…What?”

Patrizia asked with a dumbfounded look. What did this mean again? Petronilla calmly explained to her younger sister, who didn’t understand.

“I know, Lizzy. It is not easy to understand. In fact, I was very upset when I first received this offer.”

“Why? Why on earth did this happen?”

“Listen. The Duke has a mistress, and the mistress has a son. The Duchess hates the pair terribly.”

“Maybe it is normal.” Petronilla muttered and then continued to speak calmly.

“The Duchess of Efreni is afraid that the mistress will threaten her position in her absence. Of course, the position of the Duchess is high enough for the mistress to not even dare to look. Anyways, the Duke seems to care for her quite dearly.”

The mistress was the problem here and there. No, it was the men’s problem. Patrizia nodded with an expression of understanding.

“Not only that, the son who is supposed to succeed, is extremely ill. Isn’t it natural to be anxious?”

“Is that enough to ask my older sister to take care of the chores in the household? That is quite serious.”

“That is what I thought too. But I cannot interfere with how she thinks.”

“So did you say yes?”

Petronilla nodded to Patrizia’s question.

“Mhm. I said I would do it.”

“Why?”

Patrizia asked with a frown. To be honest, there was no reason why she should accept the Duchess’ proposal. Even her husband, Duke of Efreni, was currently in opposition with the Empress Patrizia. In this state, where was the need to get along with the enemy? She already had the Duke of Witherford.