I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 129

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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I’m a Mother-in-Law, But I Don’t Want Family Conflicts Episode 129

 

I pondered for a long time about how to proceed with this event.

 

I had planned to end it moderately as originally intended, but my mind changed after hearing the circumstances.

 

‘I shouldn’t underestimate this.’

 

The Children weren’t the problem. The Parents who sent those children… no, the Nobles were the problem.

 

‘The event shouldn’t go too well.’

 

If it became a truly enjoyable event, Baroness Metokan advised, they would pester for the next event saying ‘the children want to go again.’

 

It meant that a high-quality event would rather become a burden.

 

Moreover, since the Reading Club was the only one in current High Society to hold this type of event, it could evolve into an annual event.

 

Of course, that didn’t mean I could ruin the event to the extent of damaging the Ducal House’s reputation.

 

‘It needs to succeed enough not to fall out of favor. It would be good if it became an event the Kids never want to come to again.’

 

It was a difficult task.

 

A successful event befitting the Ducal House’s name, while also manipulating the impressions of the Participants.

 

Even looking back at my memories as an Academy Teacher, I had never organized such an event.

 

So I turned my memories further back.

 

Because when I was a Student, there was exactly that kind of event.

 

‘Training camp! That’s it!’

 

The legendary event where Parents were happy their child was staying overnight somewhere, while Students all came thinking they were going to have fun but ended up complaining they only got scolded.

 

‘Did they say kids don’t go anymore these days? What do I care, this isn’t even the modern era.’

 

Of course, I wasn’t planning to apply the training camp I experienced exactly as it was.

 

No matter how much the setting was medieval fantasy, I couldn’t dare make noble children do Duck Walk for an hour, could I?

 

But I could create a similar atmosphere.

 

‘Let’s start a bit strictly. Then hold a Candlelight event on the last day. If I serve delicious late-night snacks to lighten the mood…’

 

The perfect training camp where they leave saying ‘it wasn’t too bad a place’ but still make a fuss saying ‘I never want to come back though.’

 

The training camp system that had been used on South Korea’s children for decades was as effective as it was wicked.

 

When I first shared this plan, the first to express approval wasn’t a Reading Club member, but Nata.

 

‘As expected of Grand Madam.’

 

I wasn’t sure what exactly was ‘as expected,’ but anyway, having Nata on my side made me feel reassured.

 

He boldly declared he would wear a Knight Order Uniform and act as my aide.

 

On the other hand, the Baroness nodded with a reluctant expression.

 

‘I don’t think there’s a need to be strict… but since it’s the Grand Duchess’s plan, you must have other intentions. I’ll follow along.’

 

‘Actually, there’s nothing like that. I’m just doing this for my own convenience.’

 

At times like this, the mastermind image I had built up was a great help.

 

Even though it was nothing special, the Bystanders assumed that since it was me, I must have some plan in mind.

 

I obtained Sunglasses similar to what Knights working under the scorching sun often wore, and tied up my hair with all my might.

 

After tying it up tightly, I looked quite like a drill instructor.

 

“Is this really okay?”

 

Anna, who had been fixing my hair, asked in an anxious voice.

 

It seemed she was concerned that my appearance had become too intimidating.

 

Nata, who was beside me, shook her head firmly.

 

“This much is necessary to make them feel intimidated.”

 

“But it’s camping, so why…”

 

“It’s a ‘training’ retreat, isn’t it? Even if there’s no physical training, their minds must be disciplined. For that, some degree of military discipline is necessary.”

 

Actually, I had gotten excited and focused because of memories from my school days, but with Nata taking the lead like that, it was hard for me to add anything.

 

‘Next time a similar opportunity arises, maybe I should let Nata handle the planning.’

 

It seemed like she could effortlessly implement not just duck walks, but also hell like standing in the auditorium for an hour or jumping jacks with arms spread high.

 

And so the event approached. I gathered the children in the garden in front of the annex building.

 

I had worried that some children might not follow orders, but surprisingly they lined up obediently.

 

Nata, standing beside me, muttered with satisfaction.

 

“They have the basics down.”

 

‘…I should probably recommend some trauma counseling to Nata.’

 

I couldn’t understand why Nata, who used to be sick of military culture, had changed so drastically.

 

While I was checking the children’s names and count, I saw Zeonil and Minerva arriving.

 

‘Right, she’s a daughter-in-law who clearly separates public and private matters.’

 

She had every reason to be angry with me, but she probably submitted the application form knowing there would be gossip if her grandsons didn’t participate in such an event.

 

Minerva herself seemed unwilling to participate, as her dissatisfaction was clearly visible on her face.

 

Zeonil, on the other hand, had eyes full of anticipation.

 

I felt a bit sorry that I would probably disappoint those expectations.

 

Since I had already started this training retreat, I opened my mouth with the intention of making it an unforgettable memory.

 

“Quiet. Did you all come here to play?”

 

* * *

 

The children froze at Wilhelmina’s cold words.

 

A few children who hadn’t yet grasped the situation tried to ask their nearby friends if that person was really the Grand Duchess, but shrank their shoulders after receiving Wilhelmina’s glare.

 

It seemed her announcement about conducting a personal belongings inspection wasn’t a lie, as the attendants who had been waiting behind her came forward and politely inspected the children’s luggage.

 

While alcohol and cigarettes didn’t appear like in modern times, all excessively flashy jewelry accessories and mischievous toys were confiscated instead.

 

At the attendant’s polite words that they would keep everything safely until the end, the children couldn’t object.

 

“I know what kind of summer camp you all were expecting. But I can say with certainty that this camp will not leave you with only pleasant memories.”

 

“…What is she talking about?”

 

“I don’t know, just be quiet.”

 

“Mother told me to have fun…”

 

The children murmured, not understanding the meaning.

 

At that moment, Nata, who was standing beside Wilhelmina wearing a knight order uniform, stomped her foot.

 

Thud-

 

It wasn’t a loud voice, but when the knight wearing the beret pulled down low moved, the children felt intimidated and closed their mouths again.

 

For reference, that beret was a hat that Nata had personally obtained, not included in the Knight Order uniform.

 

“Starting today, for the next 2 nights and 3 days, you are not nobles.”

 

In fact, since they hadn’t inherited titles, it was natural that they weren’t formal nobles, but what she meant here was an extension of ‘In this training camp, you are not students but trainees.’

 

“What you need to do is not enjoy the camp as nobles, but complete combat reading.”

 

“…Combat reading?”

 

What’s that supposed to be?

 

The children’s eyes shook violently with confusion.

 

“I heard that Academy students have started their vacation. Those who aren’t enrolled are probably resting too because of their private tutors’ summer holidays. So then… since summer started, have any of you read even one book that wasn’t homework?”

 

“…”

 

No one could answer.

 

Zeonil and Minerva were the same.

 

For the children, books were a symbol of homework.

 

Oddballs who read without being told were rare.

 

Of course, some among them had read creative novels, but they couldn’t readily raise their hands in this atmosphere.

 

“You’ve all probably heard that reading is food for the soul, but you’ve never applied that to daily life. The wisdom of sages, noblesse oblige, morals and beliefs… those concepts you’ve only heard the names of but never thought deeply about, we will awaken through reading over these 2 nights and 3 days.”

 

“Um… then what does combat mean?”

 

“It means doing it combatively.”

 

I still don’t understand what that means.

 

But perhaps liking the word ‘combat,’ the child who asked exclaimed “Ooh” in admiration and lowered their hand.

 

“From now on, you will study various books that weren’t recommended by the Academy or your private tutors.”

 

This time another child raised their hand.

 

“So, in the end, we’re… studying?”

 

Awakening knowledge through reading – isn’t that no different from regular studying?

 

However, Wilhelmina shook her head firmly.

 

“No, it’s reading and appreciation. We won’t do arithmetic, science, memorization, or tests – nothing like that. What you need to do is read the given books and share your thoughts about them.”

 

Not reading and memorizing. Not taking tests on it either.

 

Sharing thoughts about books – that was all there was to it.

 

At the news that there would be no tests or memorization, the child who had asked this question also lowered their hand with a brightened face.

 

“This instructor… Ahem.”

 

She cleared her throat and spoke again.

 

“I, Wilhelmina Layton, will make you realize the true meaning of reading.”

 

It was a lengthy opening ceremony.

 

Adults would have laughed at such ridiculous talk, but surprisingly, several children’s eyes began to sparkle with anticipation.

 

This kind of event was a first for them, and above all, the phrase ‘meaning of reading’ was impressive.

 

‘Special reading – what could that be?’

 

Noblesse oblige, morals… these were always knowledge force-fed from books, but they had rarely realized their necessity or meaning.

 

Children born into privilege tend to become numb to the sense of responsibility that comes with that privilege.

 

Even the dissolute nobles of high society had received superior education when they were young.

 

Yet they failed to grow because they had gained nothing from that education.

 

And there were children here who were going through the same process.

 

‘I couldn’t understand what the private tutor was saying… but the Grand Duchess seems different.’

 

She would solve the meaninglessness of reading that couldn’t be grasped.

 

At her words that she would show them something on a completely different level from their education so far, the children’s hearts began to race.

 

The children had never seen such a resolute teacher in their entire lives.

 

“If you want to give up, go home now. This is your last chance.”

 

No one moved.

 

There were children who had no intention of going back from the start, but there were also those whose unexpected academic passion had been ignited.

 

Minerva was a prime example.

 

‘Is this unexpectedly a proper reading club?’

 

Since it wasn’t just a summer camp for playing around, her anticipation actually surged.

 

As for Wilhelmina herself…

 

‘Well, since I spoke so firmly, they must be sufficiently intimidated, right?’

 

She thought, but the result was the complete opposite.

 

Her unique way of speaking had properly touched the children’s curiosity.

 

Ilia, who was listening from behind the garden, whispered to Jane who had come to check on the event.

 

“It’s speaking skills that would even captivate adults, but since the audience is kids, it’s a direct hit.”

 

Even Jane, who would normally have told her to watch her words, kept her mouth shut.

 

‘The Grand Duchess must have known that rebellious children would come. If that were the case, they would have complained about what this was…’

 

Most of the children gathered here had come after receiving invitations from Baron Metokan and Baroness Rollan.

 

In other words, it meant they had selected only relatively gentle and innocent children who wouldn’t cause trouble.

 

Wilhelmina wearing sunglasses under the blazing sun, the handsome knight standing beside her, a plan that stimulated their sense of adventure with the word ‘battle’…

 

After hearing such a stylish introduction, the children were naturally bound to be captivated.

 

‘The rumors about the Grand Duchess will grow even more.’

 

It was obvious what those children would tell their parents when they returned home.

 

‘I just hope they don’t consider it brainwashing.’

 

Looking at the passionate expressions of the children who had somehow become trainees, Jane let out a short sigh.

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