19 CHAPTER 10 (1). HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?

"Is that customary, Duchess?"

"If you are asking if it is customary..."

"Did all the past Empresses step in this path, I am asking?"

The Duchess of Efreni immediately answered Patrizia's question, "It was only a few, but..."

"..."

"This way would make Your Majesty more comfortable as well."

"Of course it will. However, it's hard to see this as a simple task, Duchess. The Imperial part being handled by the Empress is customary, as the symbol of the Marvinus Empire. Surely, you're not trying to drop my authority, are you?"

"You are mistaken, Your Majesty. I just ... did it for Your Majesty."

"Really if this was for me, you would ensure my authority wouldn't be pushed down for a whole year, Duchess. Not only that, but there are unsavory rumors swirling around in the capital."

"..."

The Duchess of Efreni, realizing that she was talking about Rosemond, closed her mouth.