Chapter 206 - Chapter 103 (2) - I Love You, Can I Say That to You?

“Cancel everything. Your health comes first.”

“Those are all thoughtless words. I also took a break yesterday,” she protested in a voice that showed her head was splitting from having to deal with so much. “Besides, there is less than a month left until the day of the birthday celebrations…”

“It is your birthday, not anyone else’s. So, we should put your health first and foremost.”

That was true, but… Patrizia was at a loss as she answered helplessly, “Your Majesty should also take care of the official Imperial affairs.”

“Fortunately, there are no meetings I need to attend today.”

“Your Majesty must still have some documents that need to be processed.”

“I will do it in a little while.”

“…”

At his transparent words, Patrizia could not say anything further as she recognized she was defeated.

Lucio smiled tenderly as he said to her, “If you look at it one way, I am partly responsible for your current state.”

“…” Patrizia blushed and turned around to hide her face.

He asked in a voice that was still as affectionate as ever, but clearly concerned, “Would it not be better to just call for the Imperial court physician?”

“I summoned him yesterday as well,” Patrizia responded with a drowsy voice. “At best, there is no alternate method, other than to eat and sleep. I was prescribed a lot of medicine yesterday.”

“I am sorry.”

As Lucio suddenly apologized to her in a depressed voice, she asked with a flabbergasted expression on her face, “What are you saying sorry for?”

“Because I feel like you got sicker because of me.”

“Haaa…” Patrizia sighed and reproached him, “If you know that, then be good to me.”

“Of course, I shall definitely be good to you. With that being said, do you need anything else?”

“… I am alright for now,” Patrizia told him as she felt a headache creeping in. “I would like to sleep a bit…”

“Shall I stay by your side?”

“I am not lacking in sensibility enough to keep the Imperial Sun of the Empire by my side from this morning on,” she answered in a slightly fatigued voice. “Please attend to the Imperial affairs in Your Majesty’s personal office. If something happens, I will call for a maid waiting outside… so please do not worry.”

“Then…”

He had facial expression showing he was reluctant to leave her, but he knew that it could not be helped. He was just as busy as she was; in fact, he was actually a busier. He heaved a sigh and placed a small kiss on her forehead.

As she watched him, he felt a slight flush spread on his cheeks as he told her, “Make sure to rest.”

“…Take care of yourself,” Patrizia replied softly, and immediately closed her eyes. Soon, she heard him moving away from her, along with the sound of the door being opened and closed. Only then was she able to rest comfortably.

<hr />

After an hour or so had passed, Rafaella visited the Central Palace.

“I greet Your Majesty the Empress.”

“Rafaella.” When Patrizia rose up from her position on the bed with a groan, Rafaella quickly ran over to support her.

Rafaella spoke to her in a scolding voice, “Ahh, you should have just kept lying down on the bed.”

“Did Mirya send you?”

“I came of my own accord. Her Majesty the Empress is not even in her Empress Palace, so what is the point of staying there? The one I have to protect is Lizzy, so only you,” Rafaella said and smiled, then asked Patrizia, “So, how was it yesterday?”

“It was just alright, well…”

“Oh, dear. His Majesty needs to work hard and improve.” Rafaella replied playfully and soon asked another question. “How is your health? Is it really bad? It would end up being a big deal if you are feeling worse than yesterday.”

“Not to that extent. I really felt like I was going to die yesterday.”

“That is a relief. Will you continue to stay here?”

“…” Patrizia paused and closed her mouth at Rafaella’s question, but soon responded slowly. “I do not have confidence all the way to walk to the Empress’ Palace.”

“Who told you to walk? I am going to carry you. Or I can call a carriage for you.”

“That would be a waste,” Patrizia briefly refused and then said to Rafaella, “I will just remain here until I regain some energy.”

“Hmmm…”

In response to Patrizia’s answer, Rafaella looked at her with a strange expression, but Patrizia ignored her and continued, “I think I have to take a break from work today, although I am worried that the Inner Palace will be in a state of panic as a result.”

“Just because you do not work for a day or two, does not mean that something bad has to happen. The Inner Palace is not so easily ruined. Take care of your health first.”

“Alright,” Patrizia answered briefly and proceeded to lay back down on the bed again.

Rafaella looked at Patrizia with a very worried look in her eye, and asked in a soft voice, “So you do not need anything?”

“I am alright, Ella. The security in the Central Palace is assured… If you want, you can just stay at the Empress’ Palace.”

“I cannot do that.” Rafaella cracked a smile and shook her head, “I will be outside waiting by the door. Please call me if there is anything you need. Understood?”

“I will.” Once Patrizia agreed with a feeble reply, Rafaella planted a light kiss on her forehead and quickly left the room. Patrizia shut her eyes right away. Was it because she had not slept much these past few days? No wonder she was so tired…

<hr />

She woke up when she felt a cold sensation on her forehead. Patrizia opened her eyes and gasped in a greatly flustered voice. “Ah…?”

“Oh no, did I wake you up?”

As she turned her head in the direction of the sheepish voice, he was there. Patrizia blinked both eyes profusely as she quietly uttered, “Your… Majesty?”

“I am sorry, Patrizia.”

“…” Patrizia, who had been silent for a while, finally muttered at one point. “Why?…”

“Because I was worried,” he whispered as he tidied up her messy hair. “Because I was worried about leaving you alone.”

“…”

“So, that is why I had to come.”

“What about all the matters you need to attend to, Your Majesty?”

“I have already taken care of everything that is urgent, so you do not need to fret.” Having said that, he kissed her forehead without permission.

Patrizia said nothing about this brazen act, and just observed the man who continued to gaze at her with infinite love.

Lucio noticed her behavior and apologized in a bewildered manner, “Oh, I am sorry. I…”

“Your Majesty.” Patrizia cut him off in the middle of his apology and asked, “Do you really love me?…”

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Translated by Haeli

Edited by RED