Chapter 134

“The accomplice…” Patrizia frowned as she read the words. Perhaps this woman had helped with all the evil deeds Rosemond had planned.

Petronilla spoke as if she had read Patrizia’s mind, “There is a possibility, Lizzy. I know what you’re thinking.”

“…”

“Even if they are accomplices, they surely cannot trust each other completely.”

“I think so, too.”

Rosemond said to burn the letter. However, January did not do so. So, this was the January’s fallback, just in case something went wrong. Was that it? Patrizia laughed. Indeed, a villain cannot trust another villain, because it was a daily occurrence to stab the backs of others.

“For now… it will not be bad to observe them for a while. How long will you be going to that house, Nil?”

“Actually a message came yesterday, from the Duchess of Efreni.” She sighed and continued, “Her son’s condition seems very serious. The Duchess seemed very worried.”

“…” Patrizia felt a bit of irony here. Apparently, she and the Duchess of Efreni were in a relationship of political opposites, but it was the twin sisters who were helping to manage the house. What an absurd situation! However, the world didn’t function in a way that everything had to be presented in a dichotomous fashion.

“It will not be bad to act after watching over the situation.”

“Believe in me, Lizzy.”

“I believe, of course.” Patrizia smiled lightly, and placed the letter in her jewelry box. She judged that it would become useful someday, and instructed Mirya to hide the jewelry box in a secretive location as possible. That done, she continued talking with Petronilla with a relaxed expression, “So Sister, did you have any fateful encounters yesterday?”

“…” Petronilla’s face turned red at Patrizia’s words.

Patrizia, as well as everyone who was there, predicted the answer. Oh, there was something! Patrizia smiled and asked, “Who is it?”

“There is no one.”

“Such lies.” Patrizia laughed as if it was funny, and Petronilla remained silent. Instead of teasing Petronilla more, Patrizia released some low laughs, and changed the topic. “Got it, got it. Anyways, Nil is too…”

“Your Majesty!” Someone urgently ran into the room. Surprised by the sudden ruckus, Patrizia opened her eyes wide.

Mirya scolded the maid who had come in such a hurry, “Your Majesty and the Lady are here, but to act so frivolous!”

“It is fine, Mirya.” Patrizia calmed Mirya down, and asked the servant, while furrowing her brow, “What is the matter?”

“That is… Lady Efreni appeared at the council meeting being held now…”

Rosemond? Patrizia’s impression wrinkled slightly. At the subsequent words of the servant, her face crumbled completely.

“Lady Efreni insisted that Your Majesty is infertile, and claimed that a concubine must be brought in.”

“…”

Everyone’s faces naturally hardened. For a while, there was only silence, and Patrizia was the first to break it. She asked calmly, “Please speak in more detail.”

“It is exactly as I just said, Your Majesty. This just came from the council meeting. That Your Majesty is infertile, so a concubine must be taken… The Duke of Efreni as well as other nobles are insisting on this.”

“Ha.” Patrizia gave out an absurd breath, while Petronilla had a serious look on her face. Mirya and Rafaella also did not look pleased.

Patrizia thought about this seriously. What is the reason for her to stick to infertility like that?

Patrizia was worried. Rosemond was not a woman who would risk her life for no reason. She was not so stupid. If so, then…?

“I…” Patrizia murmured to herself. “Am I really infertile…”

Nonsense. This was…, Patrizia muttered to herself as if it was unbelievable, and then someone else ran into the room.

What was going on this time? Ominous feelings poured down without giving her a break.

“Your Imperial Majesty.” The maid who came to deliver the news looked almost like she was about to cry. Patrizia swallowed, her throat dry.

“What is it?”

“It has been concluded that Your Majesty’s fertility will be tested,” the maid reported in a trembling voice. “Your Majesty, if really… really…!”

“Enough.” Patrizia cut off her words. She stood up suddenly, her face serious. Everyone looked at her, and Patrizia muttered coldly, “If that really is the case, then I will have to put in place a countermeasure…”

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Translated by Haeli

Edited by RED

Editor’s Note: Hello! My name is RED, and I’m the new Editor for this book. There’ll be some minor tweaks to the style as a result, but hopefully they make the story a more enjoyable experience. Be patient with us as we work out the minor kinks! ????