Because She Had A Time Limit, She Became The Villain’s Daughter-in-law - Chapter 6

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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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“I’m glad we came to an agreement.”
His tone was so solemn that it felt like we’d just concluded some dramatic negotiation and should shake hands to seal the deal.
“And wash up before bed. You won’t be sleeping alone anymore.”
I was planning to wash up and go to bed anyway….
But I couldn’t very well tell him that I’d jumped onto the bed in shock after accidentally reading his diary, so I simply nodded obediently.
“Sure. I’ll wash up, change clothes, and be right back.”
Though he was a year younger than me, his frame was larger than mine, and with that stern tone of his, he didn’t feel like a younger brother at all.
I pulled out my indoor clothes from the wardrobe. He still didn’t seem sleepy, so he selected one of the stacked books and sat at the desk. Peering over his shoulder, the content looked quite difficult.
‘Since I already said we’d get along well….’
Besides, after unintentionally reading his diary, a genuine desire to treat him well began to bloom within me.
Honestly, it would be difficult to genuinely follow Duke Icard, who could even kill me, from the start.
But Evan was different. Considering that he too had no choice in this marriage, we were in the same situation. If he wasn’t inherently cold-hearted and indifferent, I truly wanted us to get along.
“You graduated from the Academy today and you’re still studying?”
I casually asked as I approached his side.
“You’re incredibly diligent.”
Then I slowly raised my hand and stroked his black hair. The soft, silky strands wrapped around my fingers.
[When there’s something to praise, pat their head.]
“That’s impressive for someone younger than me.”
Since Evan said nothing, I wondered if he’d suddenly changed his mind, so I quickly withdrew my hand.
“Oh, did you dislike that?”
He didn’t even turn around.
“I’m sorry….”
“No.”
He murmured while gripping the book cover tightly.
“Okay, then I’m relieved.”
I quickly spoke and hurried toward the bathroom in small, quick steps. The last glimpse I caught of the nape of his neck seemed to be flushed red again.
* * *
“Have some more of this.”
Since Evan and I shared the same room, we ended up having breakfast together as well.
[Sharing favorite foods with each other.]
At first, I thought I should just treat him well because I didn’t want to clash with him, but after reading his diary, my feelings shifted somewhat.
I realized he wasn’t inherently indifferent—rather, he was a child who quietly concealed his own desires in loneliness.
Having never had a family, I understood that feeling well, and so I wanted to embrace at least his childhood, even if he eventually grew into a completely emotionless man. That’s why I was showing genuine enthusiasm to get along with him.
“That’s enough.”
Evan simply returned the tart I offered back to me.
“I don’t like sweet things.”
“Really?”
“I’m not a child.”
A lie.
‘His eyes were shining when the tart came out.’
I glanced sideways, lost in thought.
“If you don’t want it, there’s nothing I can do about that.”
But I wasn’t the type to press someone twice. I pulled the tart back toward myself.
While I ate the tart, Evan read the newspaper the servant had brought.
I was mechanically forking food into my mouth when one of the articles in the newspaper Evan had spread out caught my eye by chance.
[500th Anniversary Grand Horse Racing Event! Experts Predict Record-Breaking Betting Amounts]
‘Oh. The 500th anniversary!’
The 500th Anniversary Grand Horse Racing Event was where the male protagonist of the original novel “The Great Transaction of the Empire” made his first appearance.
Horse racing events where people wagered money on horse races were one of many entertainments among the Nobility, and while there were no restrictions based on status, the minimum betting amount was quite steep, so commoners rarely participated.
And I already knew how the male protagonist earned his initial capital here.
“….”
I swallowed the piece of tart. I had been wondering how to earn enough money to live comfortably like this even after running away.
‘Right. First, I need to participate in that event somehow and accumulate money. And I should decide where to go after I escape. I still have time, but I can’t miss this opportunity.’
The year I turned twenty-one. Seven years remained until I died according to the dark mastermind father-in-law’s plan and Evan married Princess Elani.
‘Let me disguise it as disappearance rather than death. After all, if I officially vanish, Evan can marry Princess Elani.’
What happened to the story after I disappeared was none of my concern.
‘I’ll just live quietly, spending money freely and enjoying myself like this.’
Living in hiding would be somewhat tedious, but it was better than dying.
‘I only need to hide until Princess Elani and Evan get divorced….’
A rough plan took shape in my mind.
“Do you want to go?”
While I was turning things over in my head, Evan suddenly asked.
“Huh?”
“You’ve been staring at this article.”
“Oh.”
He had noticed I was looking at the horse racing article.
“Yeah, I want to go. It sounds fun.”
Of course it did—this was an opportunity to secure good capital right now.
No matter that I was the daughter-in-law of a Duke, I currently didn’t have a single coin to my name. While all sorts of luxury necessities were provided, I had no allocated budget because I was still a minor.
“Young Master Evan has a budget allocated as pocket money since he attends the Academy, but… in the case of the Young Madam, there is currently no justification for an exceptional allocation.”
The last time I subtly asked the butler, he said a budget could only be allocated once I came of age. So if I needed anything, I should just request it then….
“While a formal budget hasn’t been allocated, the Duke has ordered that you may purchase anything you desire. If there’s something you wish to have, simply say the word.”
But I couldn’t answer that what I wanted was “cash that would never be traced.”
Creating a slush fund with the Duke’s wealth was nearly impossible in this situation. And I couldn’t ask the person who had even paid off the Count’s debts to reallocate a budget just for me.
“I can go, right?”
“If you want to go, who’s going to stop you?”
He said it flatly.
“It’s in two days.”
That meant in two days, I would have cash.
Now, let’s walk the path to money.
I asked eagerly.
“Who do I need to tell? Should I speak to the butler? I’ll need to bring a maid, won’t I? And can I place the bet myself? Do I need an adult guardian, perhaps?”
Since this was my first time venturing out on my own since arriving at the Count’s Manor, there was much I didn’t know.
But as my questions tumbled out one after another, Evan’s expression grew peculiar.
“Well….”
He tapped absently at his empty dessert plate, muttering to himself.
“I don’t particularly have anything to do these days anyway.”
“Hmm?”
“Watching events like that wouldn’t be so bad.”
“….”
“I don’t dislike crowded places.”
“….”
“And I’m quite good at reading horses.”
I stared at him, then sighed inwardly. Perhaps it was because he’d grown up emotionless, but I couldn’t fathom why he spoke in such roundabout circles.
There was nothing for it. I’d been the one to suggest we get along first, and besides, I was a year older.
“Well, Evan, then….”
I asked with a gentle smile.
“…would you like to go together?”

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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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