Chapter 124

“… So I need your help, Lizzy.”

Upon hearing Petronilla’s explanation, Patrizia nodded. Obviously, it was a troublesome problem. Patrizia thought about it.

‘How could our side benefit?’

“Anyways, we have to choose one from the two of them.”

Patrizia responded to Petronilla’s words, “Alright. The wife and the mistress can never become close. You do not have to have a hostile relationship with the person left over, but at least you need to stay cordial.”

“I think so too.”

In any case, the Duchy of Efreni was currently on the opposing side of Patrizia. Not only that, but she already had the Duke of Witherford. Even so, the choice was difficult because the fact remained that both the wife and the mistress were the Duke’s women. But nevertheless, choosing the wife was the best option anyone could come up with.

“The woman’s background is also obscure, and we know nothing about that mistress. There is nothing wrong with being careful.”

“Right. Either way, I have to finish this in a direction without any trouble.”

“I plan to ask her to submit a proposal detailing the items to be spent in the future. Review it, discard the parts that are not necessary, and only accept the parts that are. That is the best for now.”

“I think that way too. It would be better for the future to choose a direction that would benefit Duchess Efreni as much as possible.”

As soon as she had accepted the request of Duchess of Efreni, January also considered her as one of the Duchess’ people anyway. Petronilla changed the topic.

“Now let us stop talking about this… Lizzy, is there anything interesting here? I have not been to the Imperial Palace much these days, so I don’t know any of the news.”

“There is nothing I can call news… Oh, there is one. No, is it two?”

“What is it?”

“Rosemond returned to the Imperial Palace earlier than expected. And soon she will become an adopted daughter of Efreni.”

“… What?”

What was this situation? Petronilla’s face that hardened with the shock was remarkable to behold. While Patrizia replied with an undisturbed face.

“Well, it was something I expected. From going to the Baron’s estate…”

“Oh, Lizzy. But why are you being so easygoing?”

“I cannot say I am taking this easily, but it has already happened. She is probably thinking about attacking me with her higher status as a weapon.”

Not only that, but she came over in the morning and made a ruckus. When she heard Patrizia’s words, Petronilla made an expression as if she was in pain. How long had it been since she had returned, to be making the palace so noisy already?

“You have to tie this situation up. Whenever, and surely.”

“I know. But it is still too early. I have to wait for the opportunity to ripen.”

Until then, she would peek at the timing while faithfully doing her job. Petronilla nodded at Patrizia’s words. After all, she was truly the mature twin sister. Petronila asked, “The celebration is next week, are the preparations finished?”

“It is almost over. There are really only a few things left. Things you do not have to worry about now.”

“That’s a relief.”

Petronilla smiled lightly and asked her sister, “Will you have a date with your sister that day?”

“Well… no. I am sorry, but let us do it next year.”

“Why?”

“I will feel very tired that day. I will have to face bump into the nobles all day.”

“That is true.”

She nodded as if she understood. Then Patrizia asked her, “Will you not get married, older sister?”

“… What?”

Petronilla asked Patrizia with a taken aback expression at the sudden topic, and Patrizia recounted casually.

“Well… No, I did it too, but I was thinking if it was time for you as well.”

“Oh my gosh. Lizzy, do you want your sister to go so quickly?”

When she got married, she couldn’t be her maid anymore? Patrizia smiled and explained with a voice full of sadness.

“No, Nilla. Of course, I do not mean that.”

“Then?”

“Well… it is because I just want you to meet a good person quickly and be happy.”

“Useless words.”

Petronilla dismissed the possibility with a stern voice.

“I am happy even now.”

“Really?”

“You are by your side, and our parents are by my side. This is happiness. Just because one more man gets involved in my life, it will not determine my happiness.”

“Oh, Nilla you were so cool just now.”

“I know.”

Petronilla grinned, said to her younger sister.

“I like this time with you more than anything else. I still want to enjoy this freedom.”

“You do not plan to never get married right?”

“If a good person appears, I can do it in five minutes.”

Five minutes was a bit harsh. Patrizia laughed in a fit of giggles.

“I want to see my nephew or niece soon.”

“I also want to see my nephew or niece soon.”

Petronilla, who said that, teased Patrizia.

“Little sister, isn’t it more realistic for you than me?”

“Why?”

“I am single and you are married.”

Mirya, who was listening to the conversation of the two sisters on this most sensitive subject, had a shocked expression, but Patrizia was so calm as she responded.

“Nilla, my husband and I will not have a child in at least five years. I will wait until I can get pregnant and then have a son.”

“Who said they will give you a son? Your dream is wild.”

“What…? I will have to try until I give birth to one.”

Patrizia, who finished the topic roughly, told a different story.

“Anyways, look for a nice groom at this time of the event. You never know? Your fated person might appear?”

“Bullcrap. If it’s fate, I’m sick of it now.”

“Huh?”

Patrizia asked with a puzzled look.

“Why are you saying ‘now’?”

“I don’t believe in such a thing as fate. No, even if I believe in it, it’s not my decision.”

That was true. Patrizia nodded silently. At that time, Petronilla raised her body from the seat with a ‘cha’ sound, and Patrizia asked her, “What is it?”

“I want to eat bread. Do you want to as well?”

“I will, if it is freshly baked.”

At Patrizia’s words, Petronilla’s mouth broke into a smile. Her little sister was indeed cute.

“Sounds good, Lizzy. Wait just a moment.”