20 CHAPTER 10 (2). HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THIS?

He silently stood up from the spot. The teacups were filled to the brim with tea, and not a sip was taken. Before he was out, at last, Patrizia spoke quietly, "Do not forget about what I had asked you then."

"..."

"If you want, I could even give her the position of Duchess. But it is up to that point. Not any more than that. You're not... going to provide me with an illegitimate child."

"..."

He left without answering. Patrizia bit her lips and glared at the spot where he had gone. If he broke the promise he made with her, then she also would not stay put. Patrizia sighed as she thought this far.

"Haa..."

It was unfair. After all, the Empress's respect depended on the Emperor. No matter how good the family background may be, it was the end if the Emperor's intimate favor was lost. The only reason she could keep this position, for now, was that she was the daughter of a Marquis, and would one day become the mother of the future Emperor.