Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 52

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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 banquet was still five days away. Evan, who had arrived on horseback rather than by carriage, seemed to have grown noticeably taller in the meantime.
‘His growth rate is like a sprouting bean sprout….’
Duke Icard was quite tall himself, but at this rate, Evan would surpass his father before reaching his twenties.
‘Who would believe he’s only thirteen.’
Evan had well-defined features, but he didn’t look young for his age. Combined with his intimidating expression, it was impossible to find any cuteness typical of his age group. Then again, Evan’s charm didn’t lie in his appearance.
‘If he grew a beard, I’d believe he was an adult.’
Though he’d be turning fourteen soon enough….
The moment he was shown to his room at the villa, he tilted his head and spoke.
“Aren’t we sharing a room?”
“My room is too small.”
I patted his shoulders, which seemed to have grown even more solid without my noticing.
“You won’t find this place uncomfortable either.”
“….”
“What? Is something bothering you?”
“No, it’s just.”
Evan brushed his hair back and spoke sulkily.
“I thought couples who get along well share the same room.”
Unable to meet my eyes, he deliberately looked away.
“You said we should get along well….”
Despite his size, he was still only thirteen….
I took his thick hand and smiled warmly.
“Once we return to the Count’s Manor, we can share a room then. For now, this is a special circumstance.”
“Right, you’re not well.”
Evan, who had been grumbling just moments before, nodded obediently without complaint.
“Your comfort comes first. I’m sorry for being upset over nothing.”
Watching him, I murmured as if entranced.
“No, Evan.”
“Hm?”
“I’m… sorry for being ill.”
The words had escaped unconsciously.
I continued blankly.
“If something were to happen to me, or if I were to die….”
At my sudden words, Evan’s pupils trembled.
“What… what are you saying. Why would you die. If you die, I’ll definitely follow you. I can’t live in a world without you.”
“…I know.”
I didn’t understand why those words had suddenly come out either. I’d never thought such things before, but seeing his worried expression, the words had simply flowed out like a lie.
Evan raised his hand and gently stroked my hair.
“Don’t ever say such things again. And don’t apologize for being ill. You have nothing to apologize for.”
“Okay. I won’t.”
I had no particular reason to apologize, so I answered immediately.
Evan seemed to want to lighten the mood, speaking in a slightly different tone.
“I’ve been working really hard on my heir training. I finished the curriculum early, so I came ahead of schedule.”
“I see.”
“I train with the sword every day too. I even brought my practice blade with me here.”
“That’s good.”
“I wanted to tell you that I’ve been devoted to my duties.”
“You should be. You’re the heir, after all.”
“I’ve been living diligently.”
I wondered why he kept repeating the same thing with those expectant eyes, when a conversation suddenly came to mind.
“Working hard on heir training, training consistently with the sword.”
“So what are you going to do about it?”
“…Praise?”
He was asking for praise. A faint smile escaped me, yet it felt a little sad. This was like… a child visiting their sick mother.
“Evan, you’ve done really well.”
I met his reddened eyes and spoke gently.
“It must be difficult day after day, but only by living so earnestly can you become as excellent a Duke as Father.”
“Yes.”
Only then did a satisfied smile appear on Evan’s lips.
“You’ve been living faithfully without me—that’s impressive. Truly worthy of being first in the Academy.”
The tone considered the listener’s feelings, the facts were appropriate, and there was even a touch of exaggeration. It was excellent praise—everything was in place except for my soul.
“Would you like to see your room?”
“You would?”
I took Evan’s hand and led him to my room across the way.
“You’ve decorated it nicely.”
“Yes, I prefer expensive and quality things. In that regard, the things you ordered for me are really wonderful. Thank you.”
Lisa, who had been organizing letters, smiled brightly at us.
“Young Master, you look so perfect together with Miss Laria. It’s like seeing the Duke and Matilda when they were young.”
“…Thank you.”
While Evan answered slowly, I approached the table and examined the letters that had accumulated.
“There are quite a few letters.”
“Yes. With the banquet coming up, naturally.”
Evan left me to explore my room while I sat in a chair to respond to the backlog of letters. After Evan had glanced around the room once, he sat beside me.
“May I look?”
“Of course.”
“Is it okay if I read the letters? I’m curious why so many are coming.”
“Of course. They were sent under the Icard name anyway.”
Evan opened the letters stacked before me and began reading. I took out pen and paper, and instructed Lisa to bring tea for Evan and me.
Lisa brought tea and tea cakes, then left quietly with a knowing smile. Evan read quickly, and after finishing all the letters that had come for me, he began watching me compose my replies.
“The Eldspie Viscountess…”
Evan tilted his head as he watched me begin drafting my first response.
“Huh? What do you mean by visiting once every four days?”
“Ah.”
I answered with a gentle smile.
“You can’t be the only one receiving heir training. I need to take lessons too so I can learn to fulfill my role as mistress of the household.”
Normally I would have received such education from the Duchess, but that position was vacant, leaving no one within the Count’s Manor qualified to teach me.
Naturally, Duke Icard—who already knew I would soon die—showed no interest in my education either. Olivia had even pointed out this very neglect.
“The Eldspie Viscountess is said to be the most respected lady in this region. So I made the request directly to her.”
“No, but you’re ill—why would you take lessons on top of that….”
“Don’t you want me to become an excellent Duchess befitting you?”
At my words, Evan’s face flushed red and he fell silent for a moment before speaking again with renewed insistence.
“But why do you have to go? Ask her to come to the Villa instead.”
“What kind of student summons their teacher around like that?”
Realizing that seemed to be exactly what was happening right in front of me, I quickly added:
“Besides, these are lessons I’m requesting to receive. Your situation is different. She wasn’t originally a governess anyway.”
Of course the situations were different. The etiquette lessons I intended to receive were a complete deception.
To reach the Eldspie Viscount’s Residence, I would have to pass through Hanua. Which meant I could officially leave once every four days and slip away to visit Hanua. For someone under the Duke’s watchful eye—though not openly—it was a perfectly convenient cover.
So I sent a polite and lengthy letter to the Eldspie Viscountess requesting her instruction, and barely managed to secure her agreement.
Of course, my purpose wasn’t limited to that alone. People should know how to use situations efficiently.
The Eldspie Viscountess had a daughter named Kaite, who was meant to become my reliable backing.
“I won’t overexert myself and will take the lessons at a leisurely pace. That much travel should be good for my health anyway.”
“….”
“Serena approved it too. My physician said it was fine, so what’s the issue?”
At that, Evan looked even more displeased, though he seemed unable to argue. After that, I wrote three or so more formal responses while Evan rested his chin on his hand and stared blankly.
[Thank you for your letter. I’m truly delighted that we shall meet soon. I look forward to seeing you in good health until the banquet.]
Is this really enjoyable… Of course it isn’t.
Worried that Evan might be bored, I spoke to him gently.
“It’s all the same sort of content anyway… You can go outside and practice swordplay if you’d like. There’s no need to stay here with me.”
“No.”
Evan slowly handed me the next letter.
“Hurry and write your response.”
“But they’re all the same kind of content….”
“I just want to watch. Don’t worry about it.”
My expression stiffened slightly as I accepted the letter Evan handed me. The envelope bore the name “Simor Gold Litshia” written on it. Seized by an ominous premonition, I drew out the letter from the envelope that Evan had already opened.
[Our tastes don’t overlap only in paintings, it seems. Perhaps our tastes in horses also align, though we haven’t discussed that. And furthermore, have you not also enjoyed reading “An Afternoon in Hanua”?]
Praying that my pupils and hands wouldn’t tremble, I slowly finished reading.
[When we speak of our tastes, please set aside for a moment the young husband residing in the distant Capital.]
Good heavens.
It seemed to be a response to my comment about how such conversations were awkward because I had a husband.
And the timing couldn’t possibly be worse.
‘Forget? What’s there to forget.’
It wasn’t the young husband stationed far away in the Capital, but rather the hulking, scatterbrained husband sitting right before me.
He was currently obsessed with being a ‘loving couple,’ and moreover, he was in an extremely sensitive state regarding any man who dared to covet his wife over Ludba’s affairs.
Then Evan tapped the table lightly and spoke in a leisurely tone.
“You should write back, Laria.”

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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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