Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 169

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

Special Side Story 2. A Small Commotion
Our second child was a son. With pink hair and violet eyes, he was my spitting image. He was the complete opposite of Arienne, who had black hair and crimson eyes—an extreme resemblance to Evan.
When our second child first came into the world, Olivia’s reaction was as follows.
“Hmm, usually… don’t they come out a bit mixed?”
Then, after a moment of thought, she broke into a broad smile as if relieved.
“But I’m truly grateful. If the combination had been reversed and we’d gotten a daughter who was a complete copy of Laria, that daughter would probably…”
Olivia shuddered at the mere thought and pulled Arienne into a tight embrace.
“…would have needed to be escorted by ten guards even just to use the restroom.”
“Surely not, Olivia.”
I laughed at her words as if they were absurd and waved my hand dismissively.
“It would have been twenty.”
“Ah, I see. My sense of numbers has deteriorated with age. Ten was far too conservative of me.”
Olivia immediately corrected herself. Of course, the gentle and adorable Arienne simply beamed brightly.
Our son’s name was also chosen by Evan. So the child who resembled me so perfectly became Setinin Icard, a name meaning “God’s Mercy,” and once again, Evan had given him such a sacred name, declaring that no demon would dare come near him.
“This child…”
When Fred first saw Setinin, he blinked and murmured.
“…resembles me.”
“What are you talking about?”
And I frowned, my eyes narrowing.
“He resembles me.”
Whether he resembled me or Fred, our son Setinin was quite taciturn from birth and showed little emotional expression. He was completely different in temperament from the always-smiling Arienne.
When Father came to see Setinin, he furrowed his brow and murmured.
“…His appearance is an exact copy of Laria, but his personality takes after Evan.”
“Pardon?”
“Evan was just like this when he was born. He didn’t smile much, didn’t cry much… his expression was always blank. He had no aegyo whatsoever. He was the complete opposite of Arienne.”
Arienne, despite her somewhat strong impression, was a child full of aegyo and quick to smile.
But as Setinin grew, he became more and more like Evan—a child whose emotional expressions were rare and who spoke only when absolutely necessary. No matter how warmly Evan and I treated him, it was simply an inescapable aspect of the child’s nature.
Watching him, Olivia burst into laughter.
“Calaudin, you were exactly like that when you were little! The child had absolutely no cuteness factor. But our Setinin…”
Olivia poked Setinin’s soft cheek and chuckled.
“He’s so ridiculously adorable in appearance that even his reticence comes across as endearing.”
Setinin frowned and turned his head away sharply, but Olivia’s observation was quite insightful.
Because no matter how blank Setinin’s expression became, his appearance was so soft and fluffy like cotton candy that he was cute even just sitting still.
To be honest, by this point I had to admit it. Arienne had Evan’s outward appearance but was completely me on the inside, while Setinin was the exact opposite. It was truly an extreme arrangement.
“Laria. I’ve heard that some fathers favor their daughters too much sometimes.”
One night, Evan grasped my hand very seriously and spoke.
“But I don’t think I could ever do that. Even though he’s a son, Setinin resembles you so much more… I truly love them both equally. Could it be that God arranged all of this?”
“Evan.”
I answered with an expression as serious as his.
“You’re the one who made a contract with a demon.”
“….”
“The gods must have paved your path with flowers.”
Evan, who had been lost in thought at my rational observation, decided it simply wouldn’t do and pushed me back onto the bed.
“…Then shall we confirm with a third child?”
Despite having already borne two children, Evan’s desire showed no signs of waning.
It seemed he had more than exhausted everything he’d held back all those years, yet each day felt entirely new.
His warm lips touched my neck, and fine hairs stood on end. He chuckled softly, wrapping his hand around my waist.
“But… I hate it when you’re in pain. Every time you give birth, you look so agonized that it breaks my heart.”
I couldn’t help but laugh at those words.
“You’re not worried about your own morning sickness?”
Of course, the pain of childbirth was immense, but throughout both pregnancies, I hadn’t experienced any morning sickness at all.
It was likely because Evan suffered terribly from it instead. When I was carrying Setnin, Evan had retched earnestly the entire time.
Yet with that pale face, he dutifully attended to my needs, and when I gave birth the second time, he paced anxiously with Father, even sobbing.
When Olivia asked, “Hey, why haven’t you changed even the second time around?” Evan’s eyes were already completely bloodshot. And yet, even I, who had actually given birth, didn’t have burst blood vessels in my eyes.
“A third child is a bit much for now, Evan…. I’ve only just returned to society… Ah….”
I held my breath against Evan’s breathing scattered across my entire body and turned my head away. His crimson eyes made me feel as though I might be swallowed whole.
Evan was honestly a good husband. As Duke Icard, he carefully tended to his domain, was devoted to me and our children, and above all, he deeply respected my life. He always supported my active role in society and was a steadfast pillar of strength.
Truthfully, given the wealth and authority of the Icard Ducal House, there was no real need for me to exert myself, yet I found it genuinely enjoyable to manipulate various affairs in society.
I collected rumors, and whenever I discovered factions engaged in wrongdoing, I would secretly work behind the scenes to dismantle them swiftly. Even Princess Elani became my backing, so there was nothing to fear.
Already, whispers circulated through the Capital’s society that “one must not displease the Icard Duchess,” yet I always smiled graciously and feigned humility. Abusing power too much would likely lead to a bad end.
Evan, who always respected me and trembled at the slightest cough, was… somewhat rough in bed. He never tired, so long nights always ended with me completely spent.
“Laria….”
And as he kissed my limp body, he would whisper until sleep claimed him.
“I love you, I really do love you.”
Each time, I shamelessly felt profound gratitude that Evan had brought me back to life. My life now was simply too happy.
And then, a month later….
My cycle’s date had long passed with no sign of it. Suspecting something, I quietly summoned my personal physician.
* * *
“Ah, my lady.”
Ciel, the Count’s Manor’s personal physician, finished examining me and spoke with a slight smile.
“You are not pregnant. It appears to be delayed for other reasons. Such cases do occur from time to time. Moreover, given your previous medical history, we should pay closer attention. The aftereffects of the Garbas Castle lung disease include inherently unstable menstrual cycles.”
Ciel gathered his medical bag and glanced at me cautiously.
“You don’t seem surprised? Were you expecting it not to be a pregnancy?”
“Ah, yes.”
I couldn’t very well tell Ciel, “Evan hasn’t started having morning sickness, so I figured it wasn’t a pregnancy.”
I laughed awkwardly, only fidgeting with my fingers.
“I just had a feeling it wasn’t.”
“I see. In truth, it’s nothing serious. There are no other abnormalities in your body, and even healthy people sometimes experience such symptoms. You’re not experiencing any pain, are you?”
“No, there’s no pain at all.”
Ciel smiled reassuringly and continued speaking.
“Still, since your cycle is late, I’ll prescribe you a tonic to regulate your body’s vitality. Just as a precaution, I’ll also include some medicine related to the chronic condition you suffered from before. I’ll pass it along to Lisa so you can take it with each meal.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
I nodded with a slight smile.
“Lisa is probably out running errands for me right now. I’ll give you the key to her room—just open the door and place it on her desk. And please, don’t mention this to anyone else. It’s nothing serious, so I’d prefer to keep it quiet.”
Evan happened to be away from the Manor today.
In fact, I had deliberately summoned Ciel on a day when no one would be around. If Evan found out, he would undoubtedly worry excessively. Still, I gave Ciel stern instructions, and he nodded seriously at my words.
“Yes, I understand.”
His eyes conveyed complete understanding. After all, Ciel had been my personal physician throughout both of my pregnancies, so he knew well how excessive Evan, Calaudin, and Olivia could be.
“I’ll make sure to convey this to Lisa as well.”
Ciel borrowed a pen from my room and even wrote a note.
[Please make sure to take this before each meal. And my lady wishes for this prescription to remain confidential. She doesn’t want to cause worry. – Ciel]
Ciel carefully clipped the note to the simple medicine packet, then slowly rose to his feet and spoke.
“For now, I’ve prescribed only a three-day supply. I’ll return in three days to check on your condition. If your cycle begins before then, you can stop taking the medicine.”
“Ah, yes.”
“Oh, and I’m participating in a seminar at the Academy on Eastern Continental medical techniques. The Duke is already aware of this matter. I’m set to depart immediately, but if any problems arise, I’ll return at once.”
Ciel bowed respectfully and left my room.
I smiled as I saw him off, then made my way to the children’s room. It was an ordinary, peaceful afternoon. But that night, I found myself facing Evan’s grave expression.

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