Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 116

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I walked toward the carriages lined up along the garden with Olivia.
“What a mess.”
Olivia sighed as she spoke.
“Does it hurt much? I can’t leave that physician alone. I had a bad feeling about him from the start.”
She made no effort to hide her ragged breathing, the aftermath of the confrontation still clinging to her.
“I should have pushed him harder to earn his keep. Your complexion improved so much and you stopped coughing, so we all let our guard down.”
And I laughed quietly to myself, my thoughts drifting elsewhere.
“I can raise you without worry. No matter what happens, you’ll always choose what’s best for Evan.”
When Olivia said such things, I could only think she was wrong. After all, I was the one who suffered most.
Objectively speaking, Evan’s situation was far better than mine.
“That’s the insight of age. The only thing that improves with years is one’s senses.”
But family and love meant not dwelling on whose situation was better or worse. Apart from any comparison with me, I simply hated seeing that person unhappy.
“Even hypocrisy, when repeated enough, becomes genuine.”
I had become genuinely devoted to House of Icard.
Even though it started with dark intentions.
“Great-aunt.”
“Yes?”
“When I grow older… will I be able to possess the insight and senses you have?”
As I asked quietly, Olivia furrowed her brow and answered.
“You’ll need to experience many people. You were just sick and cooped up in that countryside.”
She continued with a grumble.
“You need to come to the Capital, ride on my back, experience all manner of trials, and take command of high society. That’s what I’ve been waiting for.”
I said nothing in response, only smiled faintly.
“Your problem is being too kind. I’ll have to direct your every move.”
If I were to enter the Capital’s high society with Olivia backing me, it would simply be my domain.
“So hurry and recover. Calaudin is summoning every physician on the continent, so you’ll improve.”
“Great-aunt.”
After arriving at the carriage where Serena was, I stood before Olivia once more and bowed respectfully.
“May you stay well.”
“Hm?”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed.
“What’s wrong with you? You sound like someone leaving.”
“It’s just… I may be ill, but I hope you’ll always remain healthy.”
“Who’s worrying about whom? Laria, I’ve been cursed so much I’ll live forever. You should worry about yourself.”
Olivia laughed softly and stroked my hair.
“Your ankle doesn’t seem that inconvenient to me… In any case, the men of House of Icard are quite dramatic. Though I suppose that’s Matilda’s shadow, so there’s nothing to say.”
I nodded quietly and smiled.
“But endure all this foolishness thinking you’re loved. Please.”
Olivia, who had been stroking my head, straightened her posture and continued.
“Laria, just head back to the Count’s Manor as you are. Honestly, there’s no point in staying to watch Icard meet his ruin in the banquet hall.”
“…Yes.”
“Don’t let those pretty eyes witness anything ugly. Take only the pleasant memories from tonight. When you and Evan shared your first dance, you two looked absolutely magnificent together.”
I gazed at Olivia’s resplendent gown, her towering stature, and glittering jewelry for a long moment. When I first encountered her, I had desperately wanted to avoid her at all costs. Now, she felt like someone I could truly rely upon.
“Then I shall return to settle my second round with that cunning Elani. Go carefully now. I’ll let them know you’ve already departed for the manor.”
“Yes, thank you.”
And I added softly:
“Godmother.”
Olivia fixed her gaze upon me.
Until now, I had always called her great-aunt, believing her bonds to Icard ran stronger. But this once, I wanted to call her by the name I had chosen—the name of the villainess godmother I had always admired.
“Hmph, it doesn’t sound entirely unpleasant.”
Olivia turned sharply and headed back toward the banquet hall. I remained motionless, watching until her silhouette faded from view.
“Lady Laria!”
Lisa was the first to spot me standing before the carriage.
“Is something the matter? Why didn’t you call for me?”
She must have been chatting with the other maids in the garden before rushing over upon seeing me.
“Ah, yes, there is something.”
I spoke to Lisa calmly.
“Lisa, I need you to go to the Count’s Manor immediately. There’s something I need you to do.”
“…Yes?”
Lisa seemed rather startled upon seeing my face. Until now, the version of me she had known was always smiling weakly, on the verge of tears, or utterly drained. But now, my expression was entirely different.
“Tell Morand this: under no circumstances is he to light the study tonight.”
“Pardon?”
“The Duke will certainly throw a tantrum. But it cannot be done. He’ll be far too intoxicated anyway and will fall asleep soon enough.”
“W-what on earth is this about…?”
“It’s too complicated to explain. Lisa, but this is incredibly important for Icard. You must take responsibility and ensure my words come to pass. No, this is…”
I grasped Lisa’s arm and spoke with absolute clarity.
“This is an order.”
Lisa’s expression went blank. I had never issued commands to her with such firmness before.
“As the Icard Nobleman—the sole mistress of this house—I command you. By morning tomorrow, everything will surely be fine, so don’t worry. Just ensure the study remains dark. You’ll understand why the next day.”
“Lady Laria. But doing this…”
“If Morand refuses or doesn’t believe you…”
I handed Lisa the tiger fan that Olivia had given me.
“Give him this. Then he’ll understand.”
Though I wouldn’t be there, I believed he would recognize the importance of the command upon seeing my fan.
‘How fortunate. If I hadn’t demonstrated my cleverness, Morand wouldn’t have obeyed my words.’
Yesterday in the library, Morand had looked ready to swear an oath of loyalty to me. So he would listen.
Lisa accepted the fan, trembling slightly.
“And where is Serena? Call her for me. And you—depart at once. Now.”
“Yes, understood.”
Noticing my expression was unusually grave, Lisa offered no further objections and answered immediately. Yet before she could take her leave, she spoke with careful hesitation.
“Then Laria, why don’t you go speak to her directly? Let me come with you.”
“No.”
I shook my head.
“I have somewhere else to be.”
“Ah….”
“Lisa.”
I offered her a slight smile.
The first person to attach herself to me—initially a spy, perhaps, but gradually becoming someone who truly cherished me. My first maid. I had come to understand her heart without her ever speaking it aloud. I felt anew that bonds forged between people through duty transforming into genuine affection were not as difficult as one might think.
“I’ve been truly grateful to you all this time.”
“Pardon? So suddenly?”
“It’s not sudden. I’ve always been thinking it. You’ve endured so much serving a fragile mistress, haven’t you? Now go quickly.”
Lisa seemed to find something suspicious about my words, but my insistence prevented her from asking further.
After waiting a moment, Serena emerged from the distant thicket alongside a man.
Adjusting her appearance, she hurried toward me.
“Laria!”
She grasped my hand with startled eyes.
“Is something wrong?”
“I’m sorry for interrupting your enjoyment, Serena.”
“What are you saying! There’s nothing special about it. It’s something we see all the time.”
“….”
The man beside her wore an expression of clear regret, while Serena remained remarkably cheerful.
“You haven’t been drinking, have you? You’re in your right mind?”
“Yes! I haven’t had a single sip.”
“Then it may be sudden, but now is the time.”
I spoke calmly.
“…Pardon?”
“I’m going to escape now.”
This decision had been made when Duke Icard cursed the Emperor as a brat moments ago.
Or perhaps it was when I screamed at Duke Icard from the balcony that the man was Duke Orlando’s instrument. If not then, it was when I received Simor’s confession.
Simor will not be bound to Elani. Then Evan will not be divorced. Which means Icard’s influence reaches even the Royal Court.
In other words…. Duke Icard’s long-cherished wish could be fulfilled.
“At some point, I became willing to grant my father’s every desire.”
Evan would remarry Elani if Duke Icard commanded it. Without Simor as a variable, Elani and Evan’s marriage would last considerably longer. Eventually, dark magic could be permitted, and thus time could be reversed.
‘Then… then.’
I could not calm my racing heart as I thought.
‘Matilda will return to me alive.’
I don’t know the exact process, but regardless, she returns alive. And time turns back.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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