Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 36

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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 moment I climbed into the carriage, I extended my hand to Duke Icard with a proud expression.
“Father.”
“What is it?”
“I have something to give you.”
And I presented the sacred relic I had received from Marcel.
“…What is this?”
Duke Icard’s eyes wavered.
“You wanted it earlier, didn’t you?”
“Laria, how did you….”
“I received it from Priest Marcel just now.”
“How on earth?”
“Priest Marcel has such tremendous holy power that he doesn’t need sacred relics.”
“Is that… even possible?”
“Well, it must be possible if he gave it to me, right? The High Priest said he’s an incredibly talented individual!”
“But this….”
“I wanted to repay you, Father.”
I placed the sacred relic directly into Duke Icard’s large hand as I spoke.
“That was just something I said in passing… No, more than that, how did you even obtain this….”
Duke Icard took a step back, apparently not wanting it revealed that he truly desired the sacred relic. Of course, I knew well how to pursue someone who retreated.
“Hmm… You don’t want it?”
I spoke quickly.
“Then give it back. I’ll return it to Priest Marcel.”
“No.”
Just as I expected, Duke Icard refused to let go of the sacred relic in his hand.
“The truth is… I’ve wanted a sacred relic for quite some time.”
“Then I’m glad.”
“But I didn’t expect….”
This was actually the biggest problem.
I couldn’t think of a convincing answer to the question of how I obtained it.
“I asked Priest Marcel earnestly. I must have looked so pitiful and sick that he took pity on me. In exchange, we agreed to keep it secret from others.”
I thought this might be enough to get past it, but Duke Icard surprisingly nodded slowly.
“You… Yes. You do look pitiful. I’d want to grant your wishes… Yes, that’s possible.”
Hmm. So he was saying I had a pitiable appearance.
“…Yes, if it’s you. I’d give you anything. It’s possible. Did you perhaps cough?”
I answered without hesitation.
“Yes, a little….”
At that, Duke Icard sighed as if he was completely convinced.
‘Did he fall for it?’
“Then of course… that’s naturally possible.”
It went over!
“But surely you didn’t have to go this far…”
This was the first time I had seen Duke Icard wear such an astonished expression. Perhaps a single gift truly does move the heart more than a hundred flattering words.
“You sent me to recuperate and arranged for my blessing. I’ve received so much from you, Duke. I’m sorry for making you spend so much money because of me.”
“…Since I took you in, such things are only natural.”
“Still.”
I placed my hands gently on my lap and answered.
“I wanted to repay you, even if only a little. It’s my sincere wish.”
Duke Icard gripped the sacred object I had given him tightly and let out a small sigh. Then, watching me smile bashfully, he murmured.
“With such a tender heart, it must not have been easy for you to ask others for help.”
“Still… your happiness is more important to me than anything.”
Perhaps a consistent facade is better than a pure one, after all.
“Of course, the Priest said it was fine, but still, coveting someone else’s possession made me deeply uncomfortable… Yet I endured it for your sake.”
With that sentiment, I spoke earnestly with honeyed words.
“Good girl.”
Duke Icard chuckled at my words.
“To endure such discomfort… you’ve truly become part of the Icard family. If you persist further, you won’t even feel discomfort anymore.”
Hmm… I’m not entirely sure if the word ‘persist’ is appropriate in this context.
“Of course, if you truly feel uncomfortable, Father, I can return it to the Temple. Please do as you wish.”
“That won’t happen.”
Duke Icard tucked away the sacred object I had given him and patted my head.
“I can’t remember the last time I received such pure sincerity from someone.”
I’m sorry… pure sincerity? That’s the one thing this gift was completely lacking…
“…Thank you, Laria.”
‘Then please allow me to spend a bit more money for a while…’
But why did I want the sacred object so badly in the first place? It doesn’t have any particular effect for ordinary people.
However, I instinctively knew not to ask too many questions. It was likely part of some greater plan of his that I was unaware of.
As soon as we returned to the Count’s Manor and descended from the carriage, we encountered Evan standing at the carriage entrance.
Duke Icard furrowed his brow and asked.
“You weren’t waiting here for us the whole time, were you?”
“No, sir. I was simply passing by on my way to the Training Grounds.”
“That’s in the other direction.”
“I was taking a walk as well.”
“Then hurry along. Laria and I need to have tea time.”
What? Father? Tea time? I had no idea that was on my schedule.
“Hmm…”
Evan maintained his expressionless face while not moving his feet. Instead, he spoke bluntly.
“Actually, I’m not in the condition to wield a sword either. A tea that promotes good sleep would be perfect.”
His face was far too composed, yet he continued without blinking.
“The morning sunlight has been pouring too intensely into my room lately, so I’ve been losing sleep because of it.”
“You’re making a fuss over nothing. Stop being so sensitive and just leave it.”
Duke Icard answered curtly, his expression showing he had no interest in such trivial matters.
“Well, I suppose…”
Duke Icard, who had been about to dismiss Evan’s words and move on, immediately stopped at my remark.
“Lately, quite a bit of sunlight has been coming through in the mornings. I woke up earlier today myself.”
“Is that so?”
Duke Icard answered seriously.
“I should have them move your bed.”
“Pardon?”
“Or I’ll speak to the butler immediately about installing blackout curtains.”
“You don’t need to concern yourself with something so trivial…”
“No, that won’t do. Do blackout curtains spoil the room’s atmosphere? Why not move your room in a different direction while we’re at it?”
“Father…?”
“It wouldn’t be a bad idea to designate one room each for north, south, east, and west, and move seasonally.”
“Hmm…”
“Tomorrow morning, I’ll hold a meeting to discuss solutions and make the best decision.”
What is this sudden change in attitude…?
6. The Tiger Grandmother (1)
After the Temple visit ended, my recuperation became completely official.
Everything began to proceed smoothly. First, the villa in Borotna underwent major renovations. Until the villa was completed, I had to continue staying at the Count’s Manor.
In the meantime, two important letters arrived at the Count’s Manor. The first letter came to Evan from the Academy, asking him to participate in an upcoming youth swordsmanship tournament.
“What…? Why you?”
“Because I won first place in the last tournament.”
Evan answered matter-of-factly.
“Usually, the previous tournament’s champion also serves as a judge and presents the trophy at the awards ceremony.”
“Oh my, I see. But you’re only thirteen—you’ll be judging?”
“Normally, champions usually emerge around seventeen years old.”
“So you’ll be judging people older than you. That sounds fun.”
Evan answered me immediately.
“Actually, that won’t happen. I’m not going.”
“Why on earth not?”
When I asked with wide eyes, he spoke without hesitation.
“It takes at least a week just to watch from the preliminaries.”
“Why is that?”
“Only participants and staff are allowed to watch.”
“So why does that matter?”
“Because I’d have to be away from the Count’s Manor alone.”
“Is that…a problem?”
Then how have you been living in the Academy Dormitory away from the Count’s Manor until now?
At my question, Evan’s brow furrowed slightly.
“We’d have to be apart.”
“…Evan, you were separated from me for thirteen years after you were born?”
“…”
“If the previous champion is judging, you can only observe this year. Why wouldn’t you go?”
“…You’re ill, and besides, you’re leaving soon…”
“Your presence won’t make me better. I don’t want you to skip such a grand event just because of me.”
Evan didn’t seem to be listening to my words at all.
But I desperately wanted to send Evan to the Academy. With the emotional wounds he’d surely suffered because of Ludba, wouldn’t his self-esteem recover a little if he went to the Academy and received praise?
At the Count’s Manor, I kept thinking of Matilda, and it seemed I could only grow depressed. So I hoped he’d go out and regain his spirits among those who admired him.
“You know what.”
So I decided to take a slight detour.
“The Youth Swordsmanship Tournament—wouldn’t the scene where you present the trophy appear in the newspaper?”
“It probably would. It has every year.”
“Then your photo could appear there too, couldn’t it?”
“It won’t. I’m not going.”
“But if you go, it will.”
I spoke slowly, as if singing.
“It would be so meaningful if both of us appeared in the newspaper this year.”
“What meaning?”
“Well, it’s unusual for a married couple to appear side by side in the newspaper in the year they wed.”
“That’s…”
“I think I’d feel so happy seeing my husband in the newspaper wearing the clothes I chose for him.”
“…”
“I’ll hang it in an album together with my photo from the Racetrack.”
“…”
“Oh, I should hang your article at the retreat too. And every day I’ll think about how amazing my husband is.”
Evan jumped up and sat at the desk, pulling out stationery.
“Evan? What are you doing?”
“…Writing a reply saying I’ll participate.”
His tone was blunt as could be, yet somehow it was incredibly endearing. Perhaps because of that endearingness, I wanted to treat Evan well—more than anyone else—even though I was only thinking of my own comfort here.

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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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