Lady to Queen

'Something to discuss.' Patrizia quietly chewed the words around in her mouth.     

If the Duke of Witherford had visited her for "something to discuss," there could be only one thing. Something related to this investigation. And discussion meant that he wanted to talk about something that needed her consent. Patrizia nodded as if encouraging him to speak, with an interested expression.     

"If there is not any guilt, that can just be made up. Moreover, it is not so difficult for such a serious matter."     

"Duke's words are right. But I think the Duke has already visited me with someone in mind, who will make someone guilty. Is it not?"     

Patrizia asked with a small smile. The Duke of Witherford was in opposition with the Duke of Efreni as political enemies, which had been the case from generation to generation. So maybe the person in his mind was one of the people associated with the Duke of Efreni. 'It would be nice if it was Rosemond,' Patrizia thought. Wasn't it the most realistic person for now? If he even suggested it, Patrizia planned to push her on with her own plan.     

"I surely cannot deceive you, Regent."     

"Because the situation is like that. So who is it? The person you were thinking about."     

"It is a person whom Your Regent Majesty, no Your Majesty will like. And this is a person everyone knows."     

"…"     

The title had changed. Patrizia smiled quietly. Not addressing her as Regent, but someone she might like as the Empress. There was only one person. She asked with a pleasant smile.     

"But why? I do not quite understand why this is your choice. Does she have anything to do with the Duke of Efreni?"     

All she knew was that in fact, in her previous life there had been a certain kind conspiracy between the Duchess of Efreni and Rosemond, but perhaps the Duke of Witherford was more likely to not even know about this. But why was the person who was pointed out, not a person related to the Duke of Efreni, but Rosemond? The Duke of Witherford kindly answered her question, as she was drowning in curiosity.     

"It is possible if you think about it dichotomously, Your Majesty."     

"What do you mean?"     

"The Duke of Efreni is not regarding you very well. In order to maintain the power he holds, he will somehow try to connect with Your Majesty or Lady Phelps. But looking at his attitude towards you now, at least it is probably not you that will be the connection. In that case, there is only one person left. At least not officially."     

"…"     

"Do you think I am wrong?"     

"No, not that. However..."     

Patrizia made a thoughtful look as she ended her train of words. Yes, she knew to some extent. The Duke of Efreni didn't think too highly about her. After becoming the Regent, there were numerous tackles from him, and anyone would be a fool who did not notice it.     

But why in the world? Patrizia wondered why. She had never discriminated against the three dukes. She tried to be as fair as possible with everyone, and the result she got was a Witherford's friendly attitude and a relationship with the Duke of Vashi who was neutral everywhere.     

However, only the Duke of Efreni was hostile to her. No, truthfully it was too hard to say that he was being hostile, but that did not mean the attitude was friendly.     

Patrizia thought seriously. What was the cause of that? But even though she was worried, she couldn't get an answer, so she decided to ask a question, "I am just curious. Why do they hate me? I have never treated them poorly when I take the time to think about this."     

Patrizia waited for the Duke of Witherford's reply, and what followed was unexpected.     

"Your Majesty, why do you think the reason is yours?"     

"… What?"     

"Politics are inherently difficult to cut only by dichotomous thinking. Especially when it comes to this."     

"… Continue speaking."     

"I also know that you treated all the nobles equally. There should not be a noble who participated in the advisory council meeting that does not know this."     

"And so?"     

"So there is no problem with your attitude, at least. At least, I only do not know during the time before Your Excellency became the Regent or even the Empress. But, as everyone knows, you have been quiet in the social world, and your days of growing up as a Lady were ordinary. So it is hard to say that they are acting out just like that due to your actions."     

"Then why, for what reason did they not choose me?"     

It wasn't something to say in front of the Duke of Efreni's political opponent, the Duke of Witherford, but she was really curious. Why, why they didn't choose her. After she spoke, she briefly paid attention to the Duke of Witherford, but he just smiled.     

"I do not know why, Your Majesty. Perhaps only he would know."     

"… Yes."     

"What is for certain, Your Majesty. Is that we have already crossed a river where we cannot cross back."