Lady To Queen Chapter 46

Chapter 46 – Please Help Me

“Hmmm? Didn't you read my message? No one knows more than me what happened eight years ago. Ah, besides you, of course,” Rosemond added with a smile.

“This…why are you showing me this?” Duke Ephreney said, forcing his voice to remain as steady as possible.

“Well, who would have thought that someone would call you 'Duke'?”

“…What?”

“Duke Oswin previously held the position as chancellor, but he's out now. Aren't you the chancellor today?”

“What are you saying?”

“The story behind it is fun. I want to tell the Emperor right now.”

Rosemond giggled, while Duke Ephreney's face grew pale. She continued to drive in her stake into him.

“Oh, do you think that'll be the end of it? Then let's talk about this. Um…for example, how about meeting with your wife right now?”

“You!” Duke Ephreney cried, but Rosemond remained unfazed. There was no reason for her to be afraid of him. On the contrary, he should be afraid of her. She did not hide her proud expression, and freely proclaimed her ambitions to the duke.

“I want to be queen.”

Duke Ephreney was dumbfounded. Did that girl, a mere baron's daughter, desire the throne? She wasn't even qualified to be a queen candidate. As if she could read his mind, Rosemond laughed out loud once again.

“Oh my, Duke. Are you thinking of me being queen candidate? I just want to be queen.”

“But without going through the tests—”

“Answer me.  How much have you accomplished with that head of yours?”

Duke Ephreney quickly flushed, not from shame or confusion, but of anger. Rosemond, however, smiled as if she hadn't a care in the world.

“Wouldn't it be more fun to take away the queen's position, My Lord?”

“Young lady, this is serious. How dare you covet—”

“Oh, but you of all people shouldn't say that. You've done many extraordinary things to get where you are, don't you think?”

He couldn't deny it. All the secret material Rosemond possessed proved it. How could he not be made a fool by her in this situation? How could he escape being discredited by her? They both knew that he was as good as trapped.

At the moment, Rosemond felt more joy than anyone else, while Duke Ephreney felt more anger than anyone else. The difference between the two was as stark as a comedy and a tragedy side-by-side.

“So…what is it you want?” he said carefully.

“Please help me, Duke,” she answered. She didn't have to hesitate. By now, Duke Elgy already understood what kind of person she was.

Rosemond smiled enchantingly and spoke.

“Help me to wear the Queen's crown. Then I will return the favor.”

The absurdity of the request caused Duke Ephreney's jaw to drop. He expected her to betray the higher-class noblewomen who would become queen candidate, and support her, a lower-class noblewoman? It made no sense. However, her skillful maneuverings ensured that he had no choice. He could not confess this truth, or what happened in the past, to anyone.

“And if I don't?” Duke Ephreney challenged, but Rosemond let out a mirthful laugh.

His future was already set in stone. He had no choice but to rebel against the future queen and help Rosemond, whether he liked it or not. Rosemond wondered if all nobles asked useless questions, or if Duke Ephreney was worse than she expected.

She spoke again, putting heavier emphasis on her words.

“It's a bore having to explain something you already know. Do you understand what will happen? Your political life will be completely destroyed. I'm certain that will be the case with the Imperial Family. Even if everyone forgives you, the Emperor never will. Your family will also abandon you. And your wife will be the first one to do so.”

“Should I say more? I can go on.”

“…No, it's fine.”

Duke Ephreney's face was blank. The path was already determined for him, and he was helpless to search for any alternatives. He had to choose Rosemond. It was a better choice than having his political career ended.

He nodded. “Very well, Lady Rosemond. I will join hands with you.”

Their relationship was not a partnership in essence; it was blackmail, plain and simple. He responded to her because it was what she wanted, and he followed her because it was what she ordered.

Duke Ephreney's expression remained somber. He sighed in resignation, thinking this was his karma, his destiny. Nevertheless, he would not regret anything he had done in the past.

Patrizia busied herself with her work, having no regrets for the consequences of the past. She focused all her energy into preparing for the National Founding Day celebrations, which was less than two months away. This was the first time she was in charge of it as queen, and the experience wracked her nerves.

“Your Majesty. Duchess Ephreney has sent a message saying she will not be able to help prepare for the National Founding Day.”

“What?” Patrizia said in surprise. Duchess Ephreney had a great deal of experience and power in the inner palace affairs. Aside from a few other ladies, none were as well-informed in the preparations as the Duchess.

“What is the reason?” Patrizia asked swiftly.

“Her son is studying abroad, and he is currently suffering from an endemic disease. He cannot travel, and he asks for his mother.”

“So Duchess Ephreney will leave the country? Does that mean her position will be vacant?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Apparently it's a life-and-death situation, so she doesn't care about her work.”

“So it's that serious.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. In the meantime, Duke Ephreney's concubine will take over.”

“Oh my word,” Patrizia murmured. She thought for a moment, then turned to Petronilla.

“Nilla, can you write a letter of support to the Ephreneys and tell them that if they need anything, they can ask?”

“I can, but…Ephreney?” Petronilla frowned. She knew the Duke had somewhat of a feud with her sister. Patrizia's response was incomprehensible to her. “You don't have to go through such trouble. I don't like it one bit.”

“There is no need for pettiness. It's not difficult. Please,” Patrizia pleaded.

“Well…if that's what you want,” Petronilla replied, albeit with a look of uncertainty, and she pulled out a piece of paper from a drawer.

Patrizia refocused on her work and turned to Mirya. “Who should we have to replace Duchess Ephreney? This is frustrating.”

“I'll look for people, Your Majesty. Let's skip that part and start with the little things.”

“Very well, then,” Patrizia said with a nod, her shoulders drooping slightly in defeat. At that moment, Raphaella's voice was heard through the door.

“Your Majesty, it's Raphaella. May I come in?”

“Yes.”

Raphaella entered the room, and Patrizia saw beads of sweat gathered on her forehead.

'She must have been working hard,' Patrizia thought. “Would you like a glass of water? You look hot.”

“It's alright, Your Majesty. Rather…” Raphaella said, still panting slightly. “I saw something a little unusual.”

“Unusual?”

“Duke Ephreney came out of Bain palace. Perhaps he's been planning something strange?”

Patrizia sighed inwardly. Rosemond was an aggressively ambitious woman. Despite having no real responsibilities, the concubine worked fiercely to get what she wanted. Patrizia thought that if their positions were switched, she herself would not be as diligent.

“Dame Raphaella, please keep a sharp eye again next time. See what they're up to…”

At Patrizia's worried tone, Raphaella drew up her shoulders and spoke in a stronger voice. “Don't worry, Your Majesty. I'll keep watch around Bain palace.”

“Thank you.” Patrizia nodded in gratitude, and Petronilla, who had just finished writing the letter, looked up.

“I'm done, Rizi. I'll go to the Duchess and make sure it reaches her.”

“Do you need to go that far? You can just have someone send it…” Patrizia said in puzzlement.

Petronilla smiled in reply. “I haven't been home for a while anyway. It won't take long. Can I go?”

“Of course. Have a safe trip.”

After the two sisters exchanged hugs, Petronilla left the Imperial Palace. She leaned against the carriage headrest and held on to the precious letter to be given to Duchess Ephreney. Her body felt exhausted. She hadn't been feeling well from the lack of sleep. She was just about to drift off, when—

“Ahhhh!” Petronilla screamed when the carriage gave a violent jerk. She calmed her startled heart, and opened the window to check the situation.

“What happened?”

“Oh, sorry, My Lady. I was about to bump into another carriage…” The driver turned his head to shout at another horseman. “Be careful! Do you know who's riding here now?”

“Oh come on, I said I was sorry!”

“Who's in the wrong, and why are you shouting loudly?”

Things weren't good. Petronilla opened the carriage door and got out with a sigh. The driver looked at her with an embarrassed expression, wondering why she left her seat.

“Oh, My Lady. Please stay inside, it's just—”

“It's fine. There is no reason to fight. Is the person inside alright?”

Petronilla's gaze turned towards the opposite carriage, and someone stepped outside.

Chapter end