Lady to Queen

Patrizia’s stomach was filled until bursting at lunch that day. She was never starved at the Imperial Palace, but Marchioness Grochester constantly kept insisting that she eat. Fortunately, Patrizia did not gain weight easily so she ate it with confidence, but she found it hard to breathe at the end of the meal.

Patrizia enjoyed a cup of sweet tea for dessert, then had a private meeting with her father in the drawing room shortly after.

”So, Rizi. Is it worth living in the Imperial Palace?” Marquis Grochester asked. Patrizia answered with a look of disappointment.

”For someone who is curious about that, you never come to Imperial Palace at all.”

”I thought you’d understand, my dear,” the Marquis said with a gracious smile. ”As you know, nothing good will come out if we stay close. I don’t want to trouble you. Not to mention the Imperial Family and His Majesty. I can’t afford to cause him unnecessary worries.”

”But you can still visit me. It’s not like you’re doing something bad.”

”What’s important is not to appear that way to others.” Marquis Grochester offered another reassuring smile. ”Anyway, how is your life in the Imperial Palace? I’ve only heard bits and pieces.”

”You already know about it.” She gave him a smile. ”My relationship with His Majesty is distant, and I’m busy arguing with Marchioness Ethylaire.”

Although she pretended to be cheerful, Marquis Grochester quickly picked up the tone of her words. He shifted his slightly perplexed look into something more affectionate towards his daughter.

”I’m sorry that I cannot help you.”

”Why are you sorry, Father? I’m the daughter of House Grochester.” She calmly shook her head and refuted what he said. ”I’m grateful enough that I inherited this bloodline.”

”More importantly, is your relationship with the Emperor still distant?” He tilted his head questioningly. ”From what I heard, His Majesty’s favor is not with Marchioness Ethylaire anymore…”

”…”

For a moment, Patrizia was taken aback.