Lady to Queen

0On the evening of the interview, Patrizia wore the most gorgeous red dress that she had. The intense red dress embroidered with gold thread was so splendid that Patrizia didn't usually wear such extravagant dresses, but it was an absolute must for today. It was an important day after all.     

The actual meeting of usefulness with the envoys would be held with the Emperor, but meeting the wives would be up to her. Anyways, it was a matter of national diplomacy, so there could not even be the slightest mistakes. After checking herself in front of the mirror, Patrizia carefully reviewed everything that she had to check.     

"Is all the food ready?"     

"Yes, Your Majesty. You don't have to worry. Not only the food, but all the other small matters have been taken care of."     

"You did a good job, Mirya. You must have gone through a lot of trouble. "     

As she smiled brightly and corrected the tiara on her head, a maid came into the room where the two people were and spoke.     

"Your Highness, I think you have to go out now. It is said that the envoys have arrived."     

"Yes."     

She replied in a calm voice, then moved towards the door. As she walked out of the door and walked to the small palace where the meeting would take place, Patrizia asked Mirya with passing words, "Did the Baroness respond to the invitation?"     

There was no last name mentioned, but only one Baroness had been invited to dinner today, so Mirya quickly understood. She replied, "She sent an answer that she would attend four days ago."     

After hearing that, Patrizia said, 'I had expected it, but ... ' and muttered to herself. Meanwhile, they had arrived at the small palace. Patrizia once again patted down her clothes and went inside. Already the ladies had arrived and were sitting down, and as soon as they saw Patrizia, they immediately stood up.     

"We greet Your Majesty, the precious Moon of the Empire. Glory to the mother."     

"Please, everyone sit down."     

Patrizia said that and began looking around making a face as if she was looking for someone. The quick-witted Marquess of Bringstone provided Patrizia the answer she wanted to hear.     

"Your Majesty, Baroness Phelps said she was going to be a little late."     

"I see."     

Patrizia nodded, and after that calmly replied. As soon as they sat down, the ladies began to pour out the compliments. Most of them were family members that had produced Queeness candidates like Patrizia, so they were generally friendly to her.     

"This is your first time doing this, so I dared thought you might be a bit clumsy, but it was my mistake. The preparation has been excellent."     

"That is an exaggeration, Duchess of Witherford. I'm relieved to hear that you like it."     

"But Your Majesty, what is the reason for going so far as to invite the Baroness?"     

Marquess Bringstone had been quiet, but then interrupted and asked the question. Her voice felt strong and wise like Rafaella's mother would, and Patrizia made a thoughtful expression before answering the question calmly.     

"What do you mean, going so far, Marquess Bringstone?"     

"Aren't all the people who gathered here all of Marquess or Duchess stature? I am curious as to why you have invited a woman who is not only just a Baroness but also His Majesty's mistress.     

"What would I do if she gets upset and uses this as an excuse to backhandedly go to His Majesty. That is what bothered me and why I extended the invitation."     

Of course, that wasn't the real reason. Patrizia briefly laughed, seemed to be completely unperturbed. Everyone felt a sense of disagreement as they looked on at her appearance, but they did not refute it.     

If the Empress said so, that's what it was. And actually, the explanation wasn't entirely unreasonable.     

"I am late, Your Majesty."     

At that time, someone with a clear voice rippled into the calm atmosphere. Obviously, she had been invited by Patrizia, but she felt like she had not been invited by the audience who had gathered here. The only one that didn't seem to think so was Patrizia, who welcomed Rosemond with a bright smile.     

"Welcome, Baroness. You are late."     

Patrizia glanced over Rosemond's appearance once, and then quickly remarked.     

"You look like it took a lot of time for you to dress up. It is very glamorous."     

"Thank you for the compliment."     

Neither the speaker nor listener accepted it as praise, but both of them pretended to do so. Patrizia pointed out her seat without removing her smile.     

"Please sit down. Soon the envoys' wives will arrive."     

"Thank you for inviting me, Your Majesty. In fact, there are many wives of higher rank than me attending, so I was unsure if I should include myself, but I am simply grateful that you have invited me so."     

"No, my Lady. I am the one to give thanks."     

After Patrizia responded with a warm voice, the Marquess of Grochester could only stare at her with an anxious look.     

The last she had heard, those two people had not faced each other with such an atmosphere, but suddenly, her daughter had changed so much, it felt strange.     

On the surface, there seemed to be no problem. Outwardly, it really was.     

"But you look happy today, Your Majesty. I heard that you usually don't wear a red dress, but you wore one specifically today. "     

Patrizia replied with a laugh at the words of Countess Arzeldo.     

"Ahah, you are fast Countess Arzeldo. As you said, I actually feel a little good today."     

"Oh my, did you have any particular reason? I don't think this meeting is the only reason today."     

"Yes. This meeting is definitely a good reason for me, but it's not just that. "     

She smiled mischievously and played with the glass of water in front of her.     

"I recently received a gift. Thanks to that, it made me feel so good."     

At the word "gift" the Marquess of Grochester's curious voice asked a question, "A gift? What kind of gift did you receive after entering the palace that Your Majesty felt so good about? I am curious."     

"It was a good gift. It was probably the best gift I've ever received since I started my life in the palace."     

"Is it a dress, Your Majesty?"     

Patrizia shook her head at the question from the Duchess of Vashi. Unfortunately, it wasn't.     

"No, my Lady. It wasn't that kind of thing."     

"Then what in the world is it?"     

"It was a gift that made my mind and body stronger. Thanks to that, I think I can become stronger. So that's why I feel good."     

"I'm curious, Your Majesty. Can you show this to us too?"     

"Yes, Duchess of Witherford. Unfortunately, this is not a situation I can show you right now. I will show you later on. Would that be okay?"     

The Duchess of Witherford nodded as if that was a given, and Patrizia smiled once again. At that time, Rosemond, who had been quiet, interrupted, "I want to give you a gift as well as Your Majesty too. Is that okay?