Chapter 137

Rosemond remained in Vain Palace, despite being given the title of Marchioness of Ethyller. She did not want to move to a larger palace. After she became a Duke’s daughter, she had even received a Marchioness title, and she was living the most comfortable life these days.

“Marchioness, a servant from the Empress’ Palace has arrived.”

Rosemond, who was in the middle of reading a book, frowned slightly at the words. This was not a very welcome guest, but because she had come from the Empress’ Palace, was impossible to ignore. She said bluntly, “Bring her in.”

Soon, Mirya soon entered the room, carrying a box tied with a pink ribbon. Rosemond asked arrogantly, “What is the matter? It is very rare for the Empress to send anyone here.”

“When my Lady became a Duke’s daughter, she regretted not congratulating you separately, and since you have been granted the title of Marchioness this time, she felt she could not push it back any longer and sent a gift.”

“A gift.” Rosemond shook her head,her expression amused. Although it was an arrogant attitude to the show towards the chief of the maids from the Empress’ Palace, even for a Marchioness, Rosemond opened the gift box sent by Patrizia before without any concern.

Rosemond, confirmed that it was a lame perfume, and crinkled her eyes. “Barely… perfume?”

“It is a perfume made from an herb called sterin. It is only grown in the East, but it is said to be quite valuable.” Mirya was very upset by Rosemond’s reaction, but politely explained it without revealing anything in her tone.

Rosemond tested the perfume by spraying the scent into the air, and soon made a satisfied expression. “The smell is very good. Her Majesty has taste.”

“Thank you, Marchioness.”

Mirya immediately left Vain Palace. Glara stared at the gift that Patrizia had sent with a dissatisfied expression on her face. Rosemond sprayed the perfume sent by Patrizia on her wrist and smelled it, and when she noticed Glara’s expression, she asked her curiously, “Why are you making a face like that? You don’t like the Empress’ gift?”

“Rather than that… Suddenly, to act like this, seems suspicious.”

“She is being wise.” Rosemond smiled and closed the lid of the perfume. “The Empress is infertile right now. It’s a miracle to just keep her position. As of now, I am the only woman in the Imperial Palace who has been acknowledged as able to produce an heir. If I were her, I would try to save myself, as well.”

“Is that so?…”

“Indeed. All we have to do now is make sure I give birth to an heir, and see to it that he becomes the Crown Prince. When His Majesty dies, we can poison the Empress, and won’t the Empress Dowager’s seat naturally become mine?”

“Yes, Marchioness. You are right.” Glara pulled the ends of her mouth up and laughed. There was only one point that worried her. It was the fact that after the day Rosemond and Lucio had argued, Lucio had completely cut off his visits to the Vain Palace.

Glara let out a sigh. Rosemond asked her, “Why are you suddenly sighing again?”

“His Majesty… has not visited Vain Palace in such a long time.”

“My age is still at twenty-seven years. I still have a lot of time to have children,” Rosemond said as she took out the sterin perfume and sprayed it around her neck. It smelled sweet and elegant.

“Anyways, since things have become like this, His Majesty, who values tradition, cannot produce an heir with someone who is not even a concubine. Even if that happens, it’ll be enough to go and put a hand in making sure there is a miscarriage.”

“You have a trick.”

“Whether it be using a drug or an aphrodisiac.” Rosemond replied in a voice that said there was no problem.

“Whatever it may be, it just has to be done.”

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Meanwhile, Petronilla had decided to visit Count Bradington herself, after thinking it over. The situation was as it was these days, and the date with Rothesay had already been pushed back for a long time. Anyways, she had even told him that she would contact him first, so she had to keep her promise. Count Bradington’s butler seemed quite surprised at her visit.

“Oh dear, Lady Petronilla. You really came. Actually, I was a little surprised when I got the message…”

“Ah… is the young Sir inside?”

“He is waiting in the reception room. Please come in.”

Petronilla arrived at the reception room in a graceful manner, not making any mistakes, even though she felt awkward visiting the Count’s home for the first time. As the door of the reception room opened, the well-dressed Rothesay caught her eye.

Petronilla laughed awkwardly without realizing it. “It has been a long time, Sir.”

“I thought my neck would break off from waiting. Please take a seat,” Rothesay said, and brought out the tea himself. Petronilla burst into surprise after tasting the tea.

“The tea here is amazing. I have never tried such delicious tea as this before.”

“Thank you for your compliment, Lady Petronilla. I was worried, as I had not brewed tea in quite a while, but that is a relief.”

“… I am sorry?” the flustered Petronilla spluttered. Wait, then this tea…

While Petronilla couldn’t speak, Rothesay spoke for her instead. “I brewed the tea myself. I am glad it seems to fit your tastes.”

That said, Rothesay looked towards her with a friendly smile. Petronilla muttered with a shocked face, “No, I… I am very taken aback, as I never thought that you would have brewed the tea. That is… I have never seen a man in my surroundings who knew how to brew tea.”

“Yes. I am actually a very rare case,” Rothesay laughed as he admitted this, and added more tea to Petronilla’s empty cup. “Being complimented by you feels better than anything else. It is an honor.”

“…” No, well, to go so far as honor… An awkward smile returned to Petronilla’s face at his excessiveness. After drinking a few more sips of tea, she revealed why she hadn’t been able to contact him in the meantime.

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Translated by Haeli

Edited by RED