CHAPTER 68 (1) - How could you do this to Me?

Patrizia visited the Central Palace first.

Lucio made a pained expression at the news that she was dropping by, as he pretty much knew the reason for her visit. It was unlikely that the news would not have entered her ears, unless the Empress was deaf. No, even if she was deaf!

"Her Majesty has arrived."

"… Escort her in."

Patrizia quietly stepped into his room. She was still, but Lucio knew how calm the sea was before the storm. He closed his eyes, and then opened them. A mistake he had made in the past had caught hold of his ankle in this way.

But was it a mistake? Lucio thought about it. No, this was just his own mistake. It was not a mistake in name only.

"Your Majesty."

"Yes, Empress."

"There was an insistence on formally bringing in a concubine. From the Duke of Efreni, at that."

"Yes."

"No, more than that." Patrizia let out a bitter laugh. "That I am infertile."

"… It is just a claim for a test, Empress."