Chapter 156 - Your Husband’s Wife

“It was not me who did this. Never…”

“What is it, Empress? You are being a little weird today.”

“Even if it is for the sake of the honor and dignity of the two of us, and for the sake of the Imperial Family as well.” Patrizia ended her words in a stern voice. “Please…”

“Alright. Whatever it is, you do not need to worry.”

After he said that, Patrizia seemed to calm down a little bit, but she still looked anxious. With this, Mirya and Lucio had even more questions on what this was about. Lucio stepped into the banquet hall, feeling tense and nervous. Sitting on the chairs placed on the highest position, everyone showed the appropriate greetings toward them.

“Greetings to His Majesty and Her Majesty. Infinite glory to the Marvinus Empire!…”

“I am thankful for you all coming together like this.”

He spoke briefly, and Patrizia continued to appear uneasy. Lucio held her hand to reassure her, but Patrizia rather put her other hand on top of it. She thought to herself with a trembling face, As long as he is able to endure it well, nothing will happen. No problem, Patrizia. So stay calm. Patrizia constantly repeated this to herself, and forced a smile onto her face.

“Your Majesty, we will now begin the presentation of the birthday bouquet of flowers prepared by Her Majesty, the Empress. The maids shall now…”

“Wait a moment please!” Someone cut off the words with an urgent voice. Everyone’s eyes were focused on them.

When Patrizia saw who it was, she murmured in a voice full of surprise, “Petronilla…!”

“I greet both of Your Majesties. Infinite glory to the Marvinus Empire!”

It was indeed Petronilla. Lucio asked her with a puzzled look on his face, “Lady Grochester? What is the matter?”

“It is the first birthday that Her Majesty prepared for since she became the Empress, so she said that it would also be quite impressive if I was the one to present the flowers to Your Majesty. Your Majesty, if it is alright with you, can I dare to present the bouquet of flowers to Your Majesty?”

“It is fine for me. Is it not?”

“But your Majesty, this goes against the lawful tradition…!” Rosemond shouted with a flustered voice.

Patrizia cut off her words, stopping her with a shaking voice, “Marchioness Ethyller!”

“…”

“This was something that was granted with my permission, as I am the Moon of the Empire. Is there any point that could be a problem?”

“…”

Seeing how Rosemond was biting her lips, it seemed what Patrizia had predicted was spot on. Patrizia face was cold, without realizing she had done so. Patrizia quickly returned to her original expression, and continued in a warm voice, “Keep going, Lady Petronilla.”

“Full of Her Majesty, the Empress’ grace…” Petronilla laughed coolly. “It has been prepared accordingly, for Your Majesty, the Emperor.”

At the same time as she said this, Petronilla lifted the cloth covering the box. And inside there…

“It is Her Majesty, the Empress’ sincerity, Your Majesty. Hopefully, it is to your liking.”

Amaryllis flowers were inside. Those redder than red flowers. In addition, there were white ones as well. Petronilla laughed, but Patrizia couldn’t laugh. She muttered to herself with a slightly shocked facial expression, “How…”

“These are such beautiful flowers, Empress. The combination of the red and white colors is impressive. Do you like amaryllis flowers?” Lucio casually smiled as he said that. “I received a wonderful gift, Empress. So I should also give a gift in return.”

“… There is no such need to.”

“I will refuse your declination.” He smiled brightly.

Patrizia murmured randomly with a dazed face. “Right this instant… There is nothing that I would like to receive.”

“There must be at least one.”

“If that is how you really feel then…” Patrizia continued to speak, unaware of what she was actually talking about.

“Could you one day, fulfill one of my wishes?”

“That is not difficult. I will do that.” Lucio affirmed, and lifted the cocktail next to him with a smile.

“For the Marvinus Empire’s prosperity, everyone let us clink our glasses for a toast.”

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After the birthday bouquet ceremony ended, Patrizia almost staggered as she descended below the platform. She looked at her older twin sister, her eyes tremendously shocked. Petronilla faced her sister with a calm expression on her face.

Patrizia called out with a shaking voice, “Petronilla.”

“… Yes, Lizzy.”

“Nilla, you really…” Patrizia covered her mouth, looking like she was about to burst into tears. She muttered in a voice full of disbelief. “Nil, I… I… Is what I am thinking, correct?”

“…”

“Is it so?”

“What are you thinking, Lizzy?”

“How did you know?” Patrizia asked in an empty voice. “How… how…”

“Once I was also,” Petronilla smiled coldly, “your husband’s wife.”

THUD. Patrizia’s heart dropped. She collapsed to the floor. Petronilla approached her in that state, and going down with one knee, greeted her with a tearful voice, “It has been a long time, Lady Patrizia.”

“… Ah.”

“My beloved twin sister.” Petronilla had tears brimming in her eyes.