Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 144

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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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20. The World Where Laria Exists
These days, the most scandalous rumors circulating through the Capital concerned the Icard Nobleman’s wife.
“I mean, it was absurd from the very beginning when Duke Icard brought that insignificant girl into the family.”
Duke Orlando was actively shaping public opinion at nearly every gathering.
“I pointed out his dark intentions so clearly, yet everyone assured themselves that a man with such ambition would never take a wife without a proper background.”
So whenever the Capital’s nobility gathered, they busied themselves spreading Duke Orlando’s words.
“But it turns out he brought that daughter-in-law with the intention of killing her. Apparently, she was always quite sickly.”
Since Calaudin was absent from the Capital, the rumors spread freely. It was certainly true that everyone had found it strange when Calaudin took Laria as his wife, so they all found the story plausible.
For the House of Icard, it was a tremendous scandal. Using one’s own child and a young girl for power was truly deserving of moral condemnation.
It was even something that could cover up the crime of deceiving the Imperial Family by scheming over Princess Elani long ago. When asked how he would handle it if it weren’t true, Duke Orlando answered confidently.
“I have witnesses for everything I’m saying.”
He spoke leisurely while smoking a cigar.
“When Duke Icard returns, let’s make it a public matter. We’re already perfectly prepared on our end.”
Making it a public matter meant the Imperial Family and high-ranking nobles would gather to decide on punishment.
“Besides, that household has other truly terrible things—well, matters that would cause quite a social scandal. Since it damages the prestige of the nobility, I plan to reveal that additionally when we make this public.”
Of course, regarding these rumors, Olivia, the only Icard administrator remaining in the Capital, could say nothing. Because it was the truth. If she said, “Actually, it wasn’t for power but for dark magic,” it was obvious things would only get worse.
Dark magic was strictly forbidden by the Imperial Family as something that brought chaos to the world. Therefore, Olivia made no mention of that matter whatsoever.
“My name is Rivien. I’m in no position to lodge an official protest.”
Of course, the reaction to that was devastating.
“Would Olivia Rivien be the type to act according to such formalities and procedures? There’s definitely something going on.”
Everyone in the Capital knew that she only kept silent when it was disadvantageous to her. So the rumors spread even more wildly, as if they had grown wings.
Even at the Count’s Manor, only Olivia knew exactly what Calaudin wanted and why Laria had fled.
The servants at the Manor didn’t believe the rumors Duke Orlando spread. Because they knew how much Calaudin and Evan cherished Laria. Instead, they believed that “she was forcibly brought as a child, and after growing up, she ran away to find true love.”
This belief became even more solid after Elani came to the reception room and screamed.
“Well, among people who have political marriages in noble families during childhood, such cases happen quite often.”
“She didn’t even share a room with the Young Duke.”
“Since she actually stayed in the South for an extended period, she may have developed feelings for someone there.”
Many factors fueled that rumor. So the prevailing opinion was that Evan had gone mad and set out to punish the two of them. Only two people remained unmoved by that opinion.
Morand insisted, “Lady Laria would never do such a thing. There must be some circumstances we don’t know about.”
And the other person, Lisa, held the opinion, “It doesn’t matter. I’ve already chosen Lady Laria over Icard.” In the midst of such confusion, the day arrived when a carriage from Podelin pulled up to Duke Icard’s Mansion.
Olivia and Lisa waited for the carriage from early morning with determined expressions.
According to the message received, it was supposed to arrive today. There was no way for the Capital to know in detail what was happening in that distant region. Especially for Olivia, who didn’t particularly use informants, the letters she received were all she had.
After Calaudin left for Podelin, quite some time passed before Nathan arrived. And he suddenly said he’d found Lady Laria and demanded that the finest carriage be sent to Podelin.
“Only Calaudin went to Podelin, so why are you sending a carriage there for Laria? You said you came from Hanua.”
“Well… I’m just following orders based on a single note, so…”
“Then couldn’t that note have been written under coercion too!”
“I… I don’t know about that…”
In any case, according to Nathan, Evan had dragged Fred along and even coerced them while meeting with Laria.
He said something seemed to be happening between the two, but he didn’t know the details, then added that the next day, they suddenly disappeared leaving only a single note behind.
In conclusion, Nathan didn’t know anything either.
“But their relationship doesn’t seem particularly strained…”
“One of them could be acting. Both are masters at concealing their true feelings, so we must remain open to every possibility.”
That’s why Olivia and Lisa had been steeling themselves for the ‘Laria kidnapping theory.’ Since Duke Orlando was boldly spreading ominous rumors, they couldn’t simply welcome Laria with open arms.
“You understand, Lisa.”
Olivia was repeating the same words to Lisa for the 103rd time.
“The moment you confirm that Laria has her hair tied up high in a single knot, quickly throw a plate at Evan’s head from the second-floor staircase of the manor. Wait inside the manor.”
“Yes.”
“And since he’ll be shocked, tell him to drink water, then have him swallow it heavily laced with sleeping medicine.”
“Yes, I’m prepared.”
“And we’ll escape immediately. Understood?”
Morand had been so worried he couldn’t sleep all night, but hearing this flimsy plan finally put his mind at ease. And when the manor’s carriage finally arrived…, Laria’s lovely pink hair was hanging loose.
“What do we do?”
Lisa asked quietly.
“…It’s a bit disappointing, isn’t it?”
“The letter might not have been discovered. Don’t lose hope.”
At Olivia’s words, Morand shook his head vigorously.
“Don’t you think something has changed about both of them?”
“Then I’ll hit Evan first and then grab Laria to question her. You go inside for now.”
“Yes!”
Lisa rushed into the manor with a determined expression.
After that, the carriage door opened, and Olivia reflexively furrowed her brow at the people emerging from it.
“Calaudin? Laria? Where is Evan?”
“Ah.”
Laria said awkwardly.
“Evan had something to do… He’ll be here soon.”
And she ran to Olivia and hugged her tightly.
“Aunt, thank you.”
Only then did Olivia realize she had been so focused on ‘getting Laria to escape’ that she hadn’t properly welcomed her.
“Really… You really came back? You came to us on your own two feet?”
So she held Laria close and spoke.
“Yes. I missed you, Aunt.”
But she whispered, unable to let go of her suspicions.
“Are you sure? You’re not being coerced by Evan?”
“C-coerced…”
“Like threatening to cut off your ankles so you can never run away again, or locking you on a deserted island…”
Of course, the Evan who had chased after Laria was the type who could say such things and more. But regardless, it wasn’t true, so Laria shook her head and flatly denied it.
“No. All the conflicts between us have been resolved.”
At Laria’s answer, Olivia tried to stir up conflict again as if disappointed.
“Calaudin is the one who brought you knowing about your incurable illness. And he never told you until the end.”
“Khehehehe.”
The one who had come between them was none other than Morand.
“Welcome, Laria. You weren’t threatened or kidnapped by the young duke, were you?”
“Of course not.”
“Then please come into the manor quickly before you’re threatened or kidnapped by Olivia.”
Morand swiftly separated Laria from Olivia’s grasp.
“Morand? You were complaining about being sick.”
Olivia glared at Morand while pulling Laria toward her.
Morand endured Olivia’s gaze with difficulty and answered.
“It was an illness born from wanting to serve you, Laria, so I’m completely recovered now.”
At those words, Calaudin interjected with a sinister tone.
“But what’s the state of the manor right now? This isn’t even a proper welcoming atmosphere.”
When Laria first returned after going to recuperate, the two of them had made a fuss with musicians and fireworks.
“My apologies.”
Morand sighed as he answered.
“The final authority rests with Olivia…”
“…How unfortunate.”
Olivia sighed.
“I had already instructed Rivien to prepare a welcome party.”
At this point, it became impossible to tell who had actually planned the kidnapping.
“No matter how much I say I don’t keep my beloved child by my side, I had intended to make an exception when unavoidable circumstances arose like this.”
Just as Laria was about to respond, Lisa burst out from the manor holding a plate.
“Why are you taking so long to come in… Laria!”
Lisa embraced Laria while holding the plate in one hand, urgently searching for Evan.
Laria, catching on to everything, quickly spoke.
“Lisa, I’m not being threatened. So put the plate down.”
Seeing a hint of disappointment on Lisa’s face, Morand raised his eyebrows.
“Laria, please come inside. The manor has been waiting for you for such a long time.”
Morand smiled softly and personally guided Laria into the manor. In the hall of the manor hung a large photograph—one Morand had taken himself in the carriage just before going to the Imperial Palace banquet.
Olivia, dressed in her most splendid attire, was positioned in the very center with Laria, while the expressionless Evan and Calaudin sat at either end.
Laria stood before it for a moment in silence, staring blankly. This was the first family photograph she had ever possessed across all her lives.

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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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