“…”
Patrizia thought that the conversation was heading in a strange direction. Why was this interpreted in this way, and why is she getting angry?
To a sick person. Wasn’t it just a few days, or a day ago, where she begged him to wake up, that she was not going to get mad, and to please just wake up? Patrizia’s heart was shaking with confusion, but she tried to speak calm words out of her mouth.
“… That is not it.”
“Then why are you angry?”
“That..!”
Patrizia was momentarily at a loss for words. Yeah. Why was she angry? There was no reason to be angry when considered with common sense.
There was a reason to worry. But she didn’t possess special feelings to give him such a thing as anger.
She didn’t know the answer, but she had to answer. She continued to respond step-by-step.
“I was worried, Your Majesty.”
“Was that a reason for the anger?”
“Is that not enough?”
“Insufficient. Unless you really do not have any feelings for me. You would have been worried if you had really seen me as just the “Emperor,” but you wouldn’t have been angry.”
“…”
Patrizia did not say anything.
Was it possible to only get angry towards the other person when one had special feelings? She already knew the answer but did not admit it quickly. Wasn’t that too dichotomous? Instead, she calmed down and organized her thoughts. The reason for her emotion was not so simple that it could be explained so easily.
“I hate being a burden to others.”
“Burden.”
“I hate being indebted even more. I am indebted to Your Majesty for this.”
“…”
“So think that is why I was angry. Of course, I was also worried.”
“Since the story of debt came up, I surely remember what I had said.”
“…”
“Is that not so?”
He had brought up the events from the meeting with the wives of the envoys, and that he was repaying his debts. Ah, she couldn’t believe he said that at that time.
If she thought about it now, she could understand it to some extent, but that was not enough to replace the life of the Emperor. There was no reason why he really had to worry about that.
Patrizia had a troubled look for a while and soon expressed her thoughts honestly.
“I am confused, this situation.”
“I, as well. I did not expect you to be so angry.”
“Haa…”
Patrizia sighed. She didn’t intend to get angry from the beginning, but she had acted so emotionally.
She was confident that she would not act like this since that day, but why did she suddenly become like this? Patrizia was then angry at herself and turned the topic with a tired expression.
“As you already know, I have been acting with the authority of Regent since Your Majesty’s loss of consciousness. I have dealt with all urgent and trivial matters and delayed important matters that could not be decided on easily. It is not a lot, so it will not be overwhelming when you return to work later.”
“… Good job.”
“That is why I am here, to do that work in such a situation. Strictly speaking, it is also my fault…”
“That was not your fault. Mine, maybe so.”
“… The culprit has not been caught.”
She explained in a slightly lower voice.
“Although I am interrogating all those in doubt, it is not easy. As you know, it is hard to find any remaining evidence.”
“… Lady Phelps, is also included?”
“Yes.”
When Rosemond was mentioned, Patrizia’s facial expression disappeared completely. The subject of her was unwelcoming to share with anyone. Just because the Emperor did not change things. Patrizia spoke in a heartless voice.
“I will find the evidence no matter what. She will not be able to avoid punishment.”
“…”
Lucio had a painful expression, and Patrizia was honestly able to understand his heart. But understanding didn’t mean she wouldn’t continue with her actions. Patrizia planned to punish Rosemond. And the punishment clearly meant the taking of life. Patrizia asked him, “Will Your Majesty stop it?”
“What do you mean?”
“If I punish Lady Phelps. That woman… Do you not love her?”
“I thought like this when I was young. If I became the Emperor, I could do anything I wanted. So I waited for my turn to become the Emperor.”
“That is the truth.”
“No. There is no absolute power in the world. If you cross the line, consequences must follow. In that case, the absolute power would eventually break down.”
Lucio had a bitter voice, and Patrizia felt the anger in his words, although she didn’t know the reason. However, she remained expressionless and questioned him.
“Then, even if I present the guillotine to her, Your Majesty must remain still.”
“Empress.”
Lucio called out to her with a sigh, and Patrizia nodded her head, curious what his next words would be.