Chapter 97

“Are you alright?”

“… Yes.”

When Rosemond barely managed to reply, Glara looked uncertain but returned to her duties. Slowly swaying on a rocking chair made of expensive wood, Rosemond settled down her thoughts for a moment.

Rosemond’s speculation lasted longer than usual, as she had to deal with having to leave the palace for several days. Rosemond, who had been pondering about something for a while, then calmly ordered Glara for something.

“Glara.”

“Yes, Lady Rosemond.”

“Bring paper and pen so I can write a letter.”

In response, Glara quickly brought over a pen and paper. Rosemond soon picked up the pen and began writing something down to someone, without any hesitation. Her movements seemed both sincere and full of joy.

After a long time, Rosemond finished writing the letter and folded the letter up well, putting it in the envelope with a stamp of her seal. Rosemond passed it on to Glara and then spoke.

“As usual, relay that the letter must be burned.”

“Don’t worry, Lady Rosemond. Isn’t that usually the case?”

Glara accepted the letter as if it was a familiar situation. Rosemond didn’t say a single word about the recipient, but Glara caught on who it was for. She put the letter in her bosom and asked Rosemond.

“Lady Rosemond, when can I deliver the letter?”

“The sooner the better. If possible, secretly so that no one notices. You know?”

“Don’t worry, Lady Rosemond. I have always done that.”

Glara nodded with a wicked smile. Only after seeing her attitude was Rosemond relieved.

This allowed her to rest her head for a bit, which would otherwise be filled with complicated thoughts. Glara was a smart person, so she wouldn’t have to worry about her. Rosemond laughed as her mood lifted at the fact.

As planned, Rosemond left the Imperial Palace as soon as it was the next morning. The distance to Baron Darrow’s estate was considerable, so no matter how quickly she arrived, she would only be able to return to the Imperial Palace in around 2-3 weeks. Patrizia thought that while it was only for a week that she wouldn’t see her, she felt a feeling of relief, similar to pulling out a tooth that had a cavity. In this way, Patrizia clearly admitted that Rosemond did place a great deal of harm to her mental health.

Lucio couldn’t bring himself to tell Rosemond, who was leaving for Baron Darrow’s estate, to have a good trip, and instead told her to be safe. After seeing off Rosemond, he returned to his office as usual. He nonchalantly sat at the desk and raised a pen to sign off the paperwork.

“Ugh!”

At that time, he felt a strong pain in his wrist and clutched his hand. A maid waiting outside heard the loud noise and urgently came into his office.

“Your Majesty, what is wrong?”

“Haa…”

Lucio swallowed a difficult breath and stuttered while asking the maid.

“To, today…”

“Yes?”

“What date is it today?”

“July 21… ah!”

As if something had come to her mind, the maid covered her mouth that gaped open in surprise. Lucio murmured, saying, “Damn it” and pressed his wrist with his other hand, while still feeling the pain. Damn it, how…

“Not even once does it skip over…”

“…”

The maid of the Central Palace said nothing, and Lucio looked extremely bitter. He raised his other hand, which was the painless side. He made a gesture as if to mean it was okay, so the maid hesitated for a moment to go, but then did as ordered.

The pain lasted for quite a long time. The pain did not heal as much as the time he had cried over it. He thought about how his body was truly cruel to him. His body was exceedingly smart and wicked. He laughed with a miserable expression on his face.

Petronilla smiled and set foot on the Efreni estate. The Duke’s butler recognized her and politely greeted her while welcoming her inside. The Duchess of Efreni recognized Petronilla, and also welcomed her.

“Lady, you have arrived.”

“Duchess, are you leaving today?”

Petronilla asked her in a sad voice. The Duchess of Efreni nodded.

“I think I have burdened my Lady too much… I am so sorry.”

“You do not have to be sorry, Duchess.”

Petronilla, who answered with a soft voice, told her.

“You promised me that you would grant me one wish later. Right?”

“Of course, Lady.”

The Duchess of Efreni used a reassuring voice letting her know not to worry.

“Do not worry, Lady. Putting my Lady’s hard work into consideration, I will keep that promise.”

“I also do not think you are one who forsakes trust. Please come and travel carefully, with good news. I will also pray for the Lord Efreni to recover.”

“Ah, thank you very much, Lady.”

Duchess Efreni hugged Petronilla with an emotional expression as if her feelings were overwhelming. Of course, in reality, it was more like she was being hugged by Petronilla. The Duchess of Efreni spoke further.

“I have told all the necessary information to the butler. He has been here for a long time in this household, so he will be reliable.”

“Thank you, Duchess. Do not worry and be on your way.”

“Thank you again, Lady.”

It was then that someone coming out of a room could be heard. Petronilla’s eyes naturally turned to the sound. Someone was coming out to the living room.