Lady to Queen

Rosemond did not think about clichéd thoughts such as how she was revealing her true colors. After all, she always did reveal her true colors to Patrizia. Patrizia just happened to overlook it. It was a good excuse for a warning and mercy.     

"The authenticity of these charges can be argued later, but for now you cannot be free from the charges. This way will be more certain."     

"It is unfair, Your Majesty! You cannot do this just because of Your Majesty's words!"     

"I suffered damage with His Majesty. I came back alive from the underworld's threshold. Do you think I would lie like that?"     

Patrizia smiled and reassured her.     

"Do not worry. The investigation will be held thoroughly. I also do not like things that are left open."     

She might be different. Patrizia, who had calmly added those words, glanced meaningfully at the Guards, and soon Rosemond was dragged away. She didn't scream out as expected, and she hadn't pleaded and protested due to the unfairness. She just glowered at Patrizia, who was now regent and walking away on her own feet proudly. However, for now, Patrizia had turned off the fire and immediately returned to the other problems at hand, as if she didn't want to worry about anything else.     

"The stability of His Majesty should be the priority, so it is better to return immediately. Sir Rafaella, do you have a carriage?"     

"I apologize, Your Majesty. I was not expecting this to happen..."     

Rafaella bit her lips quietly with a regretful face that showed failure. The bowed head displayed her feelings of being sorry and guilty.     

Patrizia felt her emotions soaring instantaneously but soon brought them down again as if nothing happened, and gave the following orders.     

"Then, it would be better for me to ride a horse with His Majesty, even for the efficiency of the escorts. What do you think, Guards?"     

"It is better for us that way, but if that happens, Your Majesty will be uncomfortable."     

"I do not care as long as all of you are comfortable."     

When Patrizia cut them off, they had no reason to refuse. She seemed to think the necessary work had been decided, and focused on the preparations to return.     

"So let us decide to do that, and bring new horses. My horse is so tired that I do not think it would be suitable to ride again."     

"Yes, Your Majesty. That shall be done."     

Soon, Patrizia climbed on top of a new horse, with Lucio, and she secured him so that he would not fall. Soon the nobles and knights who were arranged in rank started off, and the horse Patrizia was riding began to move as well.     

Fortunately, the hunting grounds were located not very far from the Imperial Palace, so it would not take too long to move there.     

"..."     

Patrizia listened to the noise of her horse walking and looked at Lucio who was almost embraced by her.     

He had a lower fever than before due to the first aid from the physician, but he was still hot. Patrizia sighed. What had happened for this point to be reached. Only a day had passed, and so much had changed.     

And more would change in the future. Patrizia gave the hand holding Lucio more strength, with a complicated expression. She also felt her body begin to tremble and shudder, but she couldn't rest and feel sick until all of this mess had been cleared up.     

Patrizia chanted a spell to herself to endure for a little longer and prayed for a little quick arrival to the Imperial Palace.     

Once Patrizia ordered the dissolution of all the nobles, she moved Lucio to his quarters. Naturally, the treatment was much more intense than what was given at the hunting grounds, and she was able to relieve some load. This meant that she had managed to end this task. Patrizia was about to leave the Central Palace to handle the next task when one of the court physicians grabbed onto her.     

"Regent Majesty, Your Majesty, should also be treated, is that not right?"     

"…"     

Patrizia paused for a moment, but soon turned back around with a casual look and replied calmly.     

"There is an urgent thing I must take care of, so the treatment can be delayed."     

"But Your Majesty…"     

"Do not worry. I will call for you soon. Chief Maid, please take good care of His Majesty."     

"Yes, Your Majesty. Don't worry."     

Only after Patrizia said this did she managed to leave the Central Palace. Now it was time to go meet Rosemond.     

Rosemond was imprisoned in her place by the Guards. Even though she was imprisoned, she sat still in one place with a face that was undefeated, and Glara had to worry about how her mind might have gone crazy because of this kind of appearance that she had not witnessed for so long.     

Whether it was a relief or regretful, she was fine. No, maybe this appearance was closer to her usual self.     

She closed her eyes and mouth quietly, as if she was thinking of something, and showed a thoughtful expression.     

"Her Majesty the Regent."     

This Imperial Palace didn't look like it, but it changed quickly. How many hours had passed, for them to say Regent Majesty? Rosemond criticized internally and then opened her eyes. She had not changed into a dress and was still dressed in armor, with blood everywhere. Ah, no dignity. Rosemond internally clicked her tongue and spoke to Patrizia.     

"You must have had enough time to change into a dress, Your Majesty."     

"What does that have to do with you?"     

Despite the sharp response, Rosemond calmly said the next thing with an unaffected look.     

"Well, sure, Your Majesty. So why did you keep me locked up like this?"     

"I know it was explained enough, Lady Phelps. You tried to murder the Empress, myself, and is that charge not sufficient?"     

"There isn't proof though?"     

"This will come out from the investigation. Until then, you do not need to worry at all."     

After Patrizia finished speaking, she looked her up and down at her. Although imprisonment had been imposed as soon as possible, it would be better to remove the fear of the destruction of evidence for an effective investigation. Patrizia smiled nonchalantly and soon called out to someone.     

"Is someone there?"     

Shortly thereafter, several Guard Knights came in. Patrizia commanded them with orders using a dry voice.     

"Lock Lady Phelps up in the dungeon. This is the best way to prevent the destruction of evidence. And make sure that no one else can enter this room unless someone has been stamped with approval by me."     

"Yes, Your Majesty."     

Rosemond was in danger of being dragged once again, and Patrizia looked on at the sight without an expression of surprise and added one more thing after seeming to have forgotten Glara who was by Rosemond's side glancing around, not knowing what to do.     

"Oh yeah, drag this maid along as well. Do not forget to keep them in solitary confinement."