Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 12

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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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The next morning, Evan’s newspaper featured an article about Laria.
More precisely, it was an article about Laria and Simor, who had won a considerable sum of money on the dark horse. Their backs were captured in photographs, but Laria’s image—as the Duke’s consort—was printed far larger than Simor’s, who was merely a commoner.
“Evan, you have a habit of reading the newspaper during breakfast?”
Laria asked playfully.
“Yes. I want to know what’s happening in the world.”
“Wow, that’s impressive. For someone so young.”
“I’m not that young.”
Evan replied sullenly and folded the newspaper.
Laria treated him like a child despite being only a year older. He couldn’t understand why she acted like an older sister when, at fourteen, she likely didn’t even know how babies were made.
“Evan, where are you going?”
“The Library.”
As soon as breakfast ended, Evan answered curtly and headed toward the Library.
He wondered if he should have spoken to her more kindly, but since he had never conversed with girls her age before, every interaction felt awkward.
“How bothersome…”
He grumbled and pulled out a thick book.
“Still, there’s nothing I can do about it.”
The book’s title was “Various Events of the Empire.”
“I wish we could attend these events together, all of us…”
He retrieved the calendar he had brought and began carefully noting what events would occur during the remaining days of the year.
Just a week away, the Ridahart Estate would host a flower festival, followed by the Empire’s greatest celebration—the Founding Festival.
‘There was also a Royal Court tea reception, but that doesn’t seem to be what Laria meant…’
After noting every festival, even the smaller ones, on his calendar, he left the Library with a sense of satisfaction.
Everyone at the Count’s Manor spoke only of the past—of his mother Matilda. How wonderful those times were, how warm.
But Laria was the only one in this Manor who spoke of the future. She wanted to live well together, and I wanted to fulfill that wish.
Everyone else had become unhappy because of the past, but it seemed Laria was different. For that reason alone, she was my only true companion.
“Well, since she wants to get along well, this much is nothing.”
So when Laria said, “Let’s get along,” I was ready to respond wholeheartedly.
As I emerged from the Library, I encountered the butler in the corridor.
“Ah, Morand.”
I called out to the butler, then cleared my throat before speaking.
“I have a favor to ask.”
I had never paid much attention to how I dressed.
In fact, my appearance was such that anything looked good on me, so I had no particular preferences.
But everyone said the matching red outfits we both wore suited us well, so there was nothing I could do about it. Laria was planning to order a few more as well…
“Order me a few more red cravats.”
“How many?”
“About a hundred, each in a different shade of red?”
“I beg your pardon?”
Evan immediately turned and left, so he didn’t see Morand’s bewildered expression.
* * *
After visiting the Racetrack, I developed a new hobby: slipping away to the Mansion Garden alone, savoring an Occlasia Fruit, and quietly gazing at my check.
‘How reassuring this feels.’
Peace of mind truly did come from money.
‘But since I’ve come to this world, I want to live better. I want to live far more lavishly….’
One could understand how wonderful money was simply by spending a little time here. A beautiful home, skilled cooks, luxurious furnishings, a daily life where I didn’t have to lift a finger.
‘I need more.’
For Plan A to succeed, more money was always better.
The problem was that I was only fourteen years old and couldn’t move about freely.
It was extremely rare for me to leave the Count’s Manor, and I had no trustworthy servants.
‘But I can’t accomplish anything while stuck here.’
I was grinning at the check when I spotted Duke Icard approaching in the distance, and I quickly scrambled to my feet.
“What are you doing out here?”
He seemed to have wandered here during his walk.
“I’m getting some fresh air, Father.”
I hastily tucked the check into my dress pocket and smiled brightly.
“And thinking a bit.”
“Thinking about what?”
Naturally, I was thinking about money, but I couldn’t say that. So I mentioned where I’d won this money instead.
“About the Racetrack.”
“You seem to have enjoyed it quite a bit.”
“Of course!”
I’d won quite a sum.
“So you enjoyed the outing that much.”
Since the outing truly had been enjoyable, I answered immediately.
“Yes. It was so much fun going with family. We usually spend our days separately within the Count’s Manor, so creating memories together like that was wonderful.”
Of course, I didn’t forget to add a touch of flattery at the end.
“If you had carefully selected your horse, Father, your excellent eye would naturally have ensured you won money too. What a shame.”
Since I’d committed to this approach, I’d see it through to the end.
“Of course, winning a certain amount of money is, ah, an easy matter for me.”
I forced the corners of my mouth upward. I was the weakest here and the Duke was the strongest. And I was someone with a weak, servile spirit before the strong.
“Ahahaha! Your wordplay is remarkable, Father! Ahahahahaha!”
Duke Icard seemed to have accepted my incorrect interpretation rather than Evan’s correct one. Making such jokes in the Count’s Manor!
“It’s so amusing!”
Thus, imitating Ordi, I reached maximum flattery level. With my expressionless face delivering such unfunny jokes, forcing myself to laugh was quite the ordeal, but there was no help for it.
“Well….”
He crossed his arms and spoke quietly.
“Still, since your health isn’t very good, it would be better to stay within the Count’s Manor.”
This was the first time the Duke had directly mentioned that my health wasn’t good. Until now, he’d known but pretended not to.
“That may be true, but….”
That’s right! You saw correctly! My body is in quite poor condition!
I forced myself to wear a sorrowful expression and turned my head slightly.
“Still, sometimes it feels so suffocating…”
I let out a small sigh before asking carefully.
“So, I was thinking of going into the City tomorrow and coming back. Would that be alright?”
In truth, I wasn’t even sure whether I needed to ask the Duke’s permission for an outing.
“I really want to go.”
“Is that so? I have plans tomorrow, so go with Evan.”
What does my outing have to do with the Duke’s schedule…
Still, I couldn’t very well speak my true thoughts aloud.
“It’s just… going with Evan is a bit…”
As I hesitated slightly, his eyes sharpened.
I certainly couldn’t tell him the truth—that I was going to create a false identity and properly line my pockets.
“I have my reasons, but I’d prefer to go alone…”
I finished speaking while hesitating, gauging his reaction carefully.
“Why?”
A suddenly frigid voice came at me like an interrogation. No matter how much I pretended to be close to him, the Duke was no pushover—he was a true schemer.
Of course, I had already thought of escape routes. After all, I’m a possessor riding on top of this scheming Duke!
For dramatic effect, I squeezed out my words in a more dejected tone.
“Couldn’t I tell you about it after I return?”
Just prepare to completely dispel your suspicions later, Father.

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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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