Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 156

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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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Side Story 3. Divorce Law
So I first noticed the signs of my pregnancy in the carriage on our way home after our travels ended.
“Evan, why aren’t you eating? Is your stomach bothering you?”
“…Yes.”
Our trip away from Father and Olivia had stretched longer than planned. It was simply because dating just the two of us at various places had been quite enjoyable.
After we returned to the Duke’s Mansion and I discovered my pregnancy, Nyla, the capable new physician who had joined the household, stated matter-of-factly.
“The baby’s condition is excellent, and your body is very healthy, Laria.”
Then she added while looking at Evan’s face.
“Morning sickness will likely become progressively worse…. Well, if you can endure it until around twenty weeks, it often improves after that, though it varies from person to person.”
I, who felt perfectly fine despite a life growing within me, asked suspiciously.
“…I’m the one who’s pregnant, so why are you explaining morning sickness to Evan?”
“It happens sometimes. Cases where the husband experiences morning sickness instead.”
“What?”
“According to folklore, it happens when a husband loves his wife too much…. Well, there’s no medical basis for it, but such cases do appear fairly often.”
So Evan had a poor complexion throughout the early stages of pregnancy. Yet he never let it show to me and faithfully attended to my needs.
Once I entered the second trimester, Evan’s condition finally returned to normal. However, he didn’t seem particularly pleased about his morning sickness disappearing.
“I wish I could give birth instead of you. I hear it’s very painful, and I’m worried.”
Of course, everyone in the Duke’s Mansion, not just Evan, moved with me and the baby as their top priority. They trembled with concern over every morsel I ate and every step I took.
‘Isn’t this excessive overprotection? This really isn’t necessary, and it’s burdensome….’
I thought this while surrounded by all these good intentions.
‘But if they hadn’t done this, I would have been disappointed. It’s exactly the reaction I expected.’
And in the midst of all this….
A divorce law passed through the joint efforts of Princess Elani and Fred.
* * *
Since the inauguration ceremony hadn’t taken place yet, it was Father, not Evan, who attended the Grand Noble Council. And Father deliberated before the documents stamped with Icard’s seal, ultimately maintaining his silence.
“Laria.”
It was the night before the divorce law conference ended and was announced throughout the nation.
Father called me aside privately and spoke.
“Since there are already approved documents, it would be absurd to reverse them, so I simply passed the divorce law.”
“Yes, you did well.”
I nodded with a serious expression.
“With Evan’s inauguration ceremony right around the corner, it wouldn’t be good for controversy to arise around the Icard name at this time.”
Princess Elani likely brought this matter forward now for that very reason. The period just before Evan’s inauguration was an extremely sensitive time to stir up controversy.
In truth, I wasn’t opposed to the divorce law, so I hadn’t said anything particular to Evan. Somehow, I felt Evan would jump around frantically at the mere mention of the word ‘divorce,’ regardless of public or private matters.
The best outcome I desired was for the divorce law to pass smoothly without Evan even suspecting Olivia’s machinations.
“Rather than that….”
However, Father didn’t agree with my excellent insight.
“…If Evan ever treats you poorly later, just divorce him.”
“What?”
“Just strip him of his title somehow, give it to your child, and drive Evan out.”
“….”
In other words, even if we divorce now, it won’t be me who gets cast out—it’ll be Evan.
“If he took after me, such a thing would never happen. The truth is, Evan resembles me far too much.”
That was certainly true. I could easily imagine the man before me as Evan twenty years from now.
“And furthermore….”
Father added his words with a grave expression.
“Your older brother, the Rostri Count.”
My older brother had naturally inherited the Rostri Count title over time.
“He seems to be quite a talented individual. He’s received the favor of the Princess, and with his exceptional abilities beyond legal matters, it appears he’s already secured a position as one of her closest advisors.”
Well… it was something I’d anticipated.
I was quietly nodding along when Father spoke with utmost seriousness.
“Laria.”
“Yes?”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Sorry about…what?”
“About trying to use your death.”
“Oh, that’s ancient history.”
“Still….”
Father’s shoulders sagged as he laughed bitterly.
“…I think I’ll regret it for the rest of my life. I’ve received so much from you.”
“Father and Evan gave me my life. So please don’t say such things.”
I harbored no resentment toward Father whatsoever. If anything, I’d always been grateful that after I became pregnant, he took care of everything for Evan and me.
“However….”
But I spoke with careful consideration.
“Father and Evan still seem somewhat awkward with each other, don’t they? I’m worried this might make things even more strained….”
Father didn’t respond, as if in agreement. I smiled slightly and offered my advice.
“Why don’t you try having an open conversation with Evan?”
“How would I even….”
“Just the way you’re doing it with me right now—it works like this.”
I smiled warmly.
“Ah, Evan must be exhausting you by staying glued to my side most of the time, isn’t he? Since I’ve been at the Manor constantly lately….”
But I soon had reason to venture out briefly.
It was the day after the divorce law passed. Evan was unexpectedly composed and showed no particular reaction in front of me.
And that morning, an invitation arrived for me. It was from the Rostri Manor, a place I hadn’t visited once since I’d held my parents’ funeral. Naturally, the one who sent the invitation was Fred.
[Laria, I’ve finally reclaimed the Rostri Manor. Surely you should come visit once.]
I laughed softly upon reading the invitation.
‘What, he can’t even be bothered to visit me himself, yet he sends me an invitation? Even the very air of Duke Icard’s Mansion is being cautious around me now.’
[I understand this is a delicate time. So I’m sending you the finest carriage. Of course, to prevent any shock, the carriage will be lined with all manner of expensive cushions.]
Of course, I was somewhat curious about the premium carriage Fred had prepared. I’d always been rather susceptible to words like premium, expensive, and luxurious.
‘But that doesn’t mean I’m going to rush over just because of that.’
[I’ve bought plenty of gifts for you and the child at Rostri Manor. Since anything you dislike would be a waste, choose whatever suits your taste.]
“Lisa!”
I rose to my feet at once.
“I need to go to Rostri Manor this afternoon.”
It was my first declared outing since becoming pregnant.
Until now, people had made such a fuss that I’d only taken walks around the Duke’s Mansion.
Despite it being merely a few minutes’ carriage ride within the Capital, I could only move after consulting with my physician.
* * *
Calaudin appeared to be doing well, but he was still somewhat awkward with Evan.
No matter how well everything had turned out, and despite his efforts to save Laria throughout two lifetimes, the fact remained that he had always been an indifferent father to Evan. Moreover, while the past life was the past, in this life as well, the “Laria’s Flight” incident, which had brought great misfortune upon Evan, was primarily his responsibility.
Even if everyone else had moved on, Calaudin’s inherently timid nature made it impossible for him to suddenly laugh and joke with his son.
Especially since Evan was taciturn with everyone except Laria, Calaudin found himself being cautious. Thus, while there was no friction between them, their interactions remained slightly awkward.
“So, how is Evan doing?”
On the morning the divorce law was announced, Morand answered Calaudin’s question without concern.
“He shows no particular reaction. And it seems Laria plans to go out to Rostri Manor this afternoon.”
In other words, as long as he kept his wits about him, Evan—who was always by Laria’s side—was alone right now.
“Why don’t you have an open conversation with Evan?”
Since he had passed the divorce law, which Evan would surely dislike, the emotional rift could deepen if things continued as they were. So that afternoon, after Laria departed for Rostri Manor, Calaudin carefully knocked on Evan’s door.
“Evan.”
It was almost the first time he had sought Evan out directly.
“…Yes.”
Evan sat at his desk with a composed and calm expression.
Calaudin had a servant bring simple tea and refreshments, and thus they shared tea together for the first time, just the two of them.
“So, the reason I had to pass the divorce law was…”
“I understand. It wouldn’t be good for Icard’s name to be tarnished before my inauguration ceremony.”
Evan replied calmly to Calaudin’s words.
“I understand that the divorce law itself benefits many people.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“It’s not as though you’re immediately divorcing Laria and me, but rather creating a system for unhappy couples. So I don’t resent Aunt or Father.”
“That should be obvious, but…”
Calaudin took a shallow breath and looked into Evan’s eyes as he spoke.
“Still, I’m sorry.”
“Pardon?”
“Even if I made the decision rationally, I will still feel sorry toward you… I’ll probably carry that apology my entire life. You’ll understand when you have children, but that’s what parents are like.”
“…”
“I’m truly sorry for neglecting you during your childhood.”
“You were trying to turn back time anyway. I understand.”
“Even if you understand, I’ll still be sorry.”
Evan appeared somewhat taken aback, but his expression didn’t show hurt.
Until now, Calaudin had never apologized to him repeatedly like this.
“This is truly what I feel. I will probably spend my entire life….”
Evan cut off Calaudin’s words with a faint smile.
“I should live well then. If I were to be divorced, Father would feel even more sorry.”
Just as Laria had said, expressing one’s true feelings certainly proved effective.
Evan’s expression when mentioning ‘divorce’ had become noticeably softer than before.
Thus the divorce law was passed, and the awkwardness between father and son eased somewhat compared to before.

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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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