The voice of a maid rang through the door, “Duchess, someone from the Imperial Palace has arrived.”
“Who is the person?”
“The Lady Mirya Prinski.”
“Marchioness Prinski has come? What is the reason for her visit?”
“She says that she came on behalf of the matters of Lady Efreni.” Duchess Efreni frowned slightly at her words. She asked Petronilla for her understanding, “It seems that Her Majesty sent a man.”
“Her Majesty probably sent Marchioness Prinski due to something related to the disowning of the once Rosemond Efreni.” Petronila did not seem surprised. “It would be best if I took my leave now. Her Majesty should be looking for me.”
“Yes, Lady Petronilla. I hope you will visit again soon, since I am all alone now.”
“I will make sure to do that, Duchess Efreni.” Petronilla politely bid farewell, and then opened the glass door of the drawing room. As she walked out her eyes fell on Mirya, and gave her a nod as they exchanged glances. Petronilla drew a small smile at the sign that everything was proceeding well.
It was extremely unusual for Mirya to leave the Imperial Palace unless it was part of her duty in assisting Patrizia, but she directly carried this task out this time due to the situation.
—
Duchess Efreni caught sight of Mirya and told her. “Welcome Marchioness Prinski. It seems like I have not seen you for a very long time.”
“Yes, Duchess Efreni, Your Grace. I hope you have been well?”
Mirya took a seat elegantly, and soon the maid took away everything Petronila had used, and brought over an orange milk tea for her. Unlike with Petronilla, Duchess Efreni jumped right into the occasion of her visit. “What is the reason for your coming?”
“The former Marchioness Ethyller’s trial ended a short time ago. Her title of being the Marchioness Ethyller has been taken away, and in two days she will be executed.”
“Everything seems to be progressing very quickly.”
“There is no reason to delay the punishment of a treasonous criminal. I heard you also had some matters to attend to…”
“Let us not discuss that any further.”
“Yes, Duchess. I did not come here because of that. I am sorry if I have offended you,” Mirya politely apologized and then proceeded to inform her of the purpose of the visit. “Her Majesty has been greatly angered by this situation, and warned that if Lady Rosemond was not disowned by the Duchy of Efreni, then the household of Efreni would also find it difficult to avoid punishment with the maintained connection of family ties.”
“As you may know, Marchioness Prinski, my husband will soon no longer be the Duke of Efreni. It was purely my husband’s will to bring in the Lady as a daughter of this house. She has absolutely nothing to do with me.”
“Duchess, then your words must mean…”
“I have no intention of being on the receiving end of the Empress’s wrath, so I, and the Efreni family, have no plan to back up or protect Lady Rosemond, Marchioness. I will disown her from the Efreni name. Is the procedure complicated?”
“Not at all, Duchess. The complexity of the procedure is not so important, as you have granted your permission. I will make sure to relay Duchess Efreni’s account to Her Majesty well.”
“Yes. Please take some care for me, Marchioness. I heard that James Headwick has interfered a lot and disturbed Her Majesty’s mental state, and I am worried that Her Majesty has certain feelings for the rest of our family, because of someone that is no longer a member of our family.”
“If I make sure to relay that to Her Majesty, she will understand, Duchess. Please do not worry too much.”
“Thank you, Marchioness Prinski.”
“Then I will be taking my leave now.” Mirya had finished what she set out to do, so she stood up quietly. Duchess Efreni stopped her to show her manners.
“Already? You have not even emptied your cup of tea yet.”
“Her Majesty cares a lot about this current incident. I have to go swiftly and let her know the results.”
“That is true. I guess that is the case.” The Duchess of Efreni nodded her understanding. “How is Her Majesty doing?”
“She has recovered from many of the wounds she suffered from the attack. Thank you for your concern.”
“That is fortunate. Sooner or later, I will send some good medicinal herbs through a maid for healing wounds. Her Majesty was harmed by that wrongfully adopted daughter.”
“Thank you for your thoughts, Duchess. Then I will leave now…” Mirya headed back to the door with an elegant pace, and silently opened the door and stepped out. Only the Duchess Efreni remained in the drawing room, still in her seat as she emptied all the milk tea that had already cooled down. Even if she left this room immediately, it would not change the fact that she would still be alone.
——
Mirya returned to the Imperial Palace and immediately shared the conversation she had with the Duchess to Patrizia . When Patrizia received the answer in the desired direction, she finally felt relief wash over her. Now she could really see the end.
Mirya asked her, “Lady Efreni… No, Lady Rosemond, should be informed about this?”
“She should be. How is she doing now?”
“It is serious.” Mirya sighed and shook her head. “Very serious. She continued to make commotion upon commotion, saying that it is unfair and that she is being wronged. Eventually, the prison guard could not take it any longer and hid sleeping pills in the food she ate so that she would finally fall asleep.”
“She will probably behave like that until the moment she dies, that woman,” Patrizia muttered in a soft voice, and then slowly stood up.
Rafaella asked. “Lizzy? Where do you plan to go?”
“It would be better if I convey the news. I have some final things to say, as well.”
All contact with a criminal sitting on death row was prohibited the day before the death penalty was to be carried out, so today was the only opportunity she would have to talk to Rosemond. She thought she should at least have one conversation with her in the end. Of course, Rafaella and Mirya were unable to understand her intentions when she explained this to them. After everything Rosemond had put her through, what last discussion was there to have with her? In response to their reactions, Patrizia told them that she was also not sure, and could only laugh weakly.
——
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Translated by Haeli
Edited by RED