I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 145

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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 145

After various twists and turns, we arrived at the capital and headed straight to the Imperial Palace.

I would have preferred to stay at the Duke’s Annex, but I chose the Imperial Palace due to Kenneth’s earnest request and Samuel’s hint.

‘No matter how powerful Mikhail is, it would be difficult for him to interfere all the way to the capital.’

Instead, we compromised that half of the servants working at the Imperial Palace would be our people.

This seemed to be an already agreed-upon matter, as Kenneth readily accepted.

I sent the servants to the Imperial Palace lodging first.

They needed time to organize the luggage, and I had to stop by the Main Palace to meet the Emperor.

Since carriages were not allowed at the entrance of the Main Palace except for the Imperial Family, I got out of the carriage and walked to the Imperial Palace with my guards.

“There are so many people.”

“It’s the Imperial Palace open period. For the next few days, any noble with an invitation can visit the Imperial Palace.”

It was like looking at a massive theme park.

The sight of nobles dressed in colorful splendid clothes and the Imperial Palace, said to be the most magnificent on the continent, was so spectacular that even the indifferent Nata widened her eyes.

Of course, I felt the same way.

We began walking slowly, taking in the sights of the Imperial Palace.

‘I’m really feeling anew that this is the strongest great nation.’

Layton Castle was also of tremendous scale, but even so, it couldn’t compare to the Imperial Palace.

The platinum castle rising majestically in the center of the large city was like a fairy tale world.

‘But just because the scenery is luxurious doesn’t mean the people are the same.’

I inwardly clicked my tongue at the nobles’ wary and curious rude stares directed at me.

They were blatant stares trying to guess my status by examining the level of my clothing and jewelry.

I had often felt such evaluating gazes at banquets, but this was the first time they were so direct.

“Blue hair, her origins are…”

“Well, at least her appearance is worth looking at…”

Just then, Nata quietly called me, apparently bothered by the murmuring of some young men passing by us.

“Grand Madam.”

“Leave it be, there’s nothing good about standing out unnecessarily.”

“…I understand.”

I firmly warned Nata, whose expression looked like she might draw her sword at any moment.

I felt bad, but there was no need to engage with such lowly gossip.

At least until I met the Emperor, I had to avoid causing any disputes.

‘If they find fault with me, it’ll be troublesome. I need to escape quickly once the celebration is over.’

I had no intention of building connections with the capital nobles.

All I wanted was a quiet return home.

Understanding my intention, Nata quietly bowed her head and controlled her emotions.

“If Sir Kenneth would show his face, this wouldn’t have happened.”

Since entering the capital, Kenneth had been wearing his helmet the entire time, saying he needed to hide his true identity.

If only he could reveal his identity, I wouldn’t have to endure such stares. At my reproachful gaze, Kenneth muttered as if he felt ashamed.

“Ugh… I’m sorry. Please bear with it at least until you have an audience with His Majesty.”

Well, what could Kenneth do about something the Emperor ordered?

After receiving Kenneth’s apology, we finally arrived in front of the Main Palace.

The Main Palace, which housed the Emperor’s office, was less ornate than other palaces, but its solemn atmosphere was impressive.

I heard that in the past, it used to be a temple that worshipped the sun.

They say it’s a sacred place where the First Emperor’s soul resides.

‘Now that I know about the First Emperor’s atrocities, there’s not a damn thing sacred about it.’

Rather, I could only feel his hypocrisy.

To think he built such a pure white building after turning Titania into that state.

Just as I was about to stop my idle thoughts and enter the Main Palace, a commotion in front of the fountain caught my eye.

Four women were having an argument beside a fountain that was as large as a decent-sized building.

I was about to pass by, thinking it was just the usual power struggle among nobles.

“My goodness, did you dye it platinum? Miss Billia, you mustn’t forget your origins. That blood-like red color was your pride, wasn’t it?”

‘Dyeing?’

I heard a conversation that was hard to ignore.

I looked at the woman who was being criticized.

Gorgeous platinum hair, but the roots of her hair were red.

‘That damn Southern Region discrimination.’

I understood the situation in an instant.

Wherever you go, that disgusting discrimination never disappears.

Moreover, as you could tell just by the color, the hair dye that girl used was the Tilim Family’s special product, the most expensive one.

In other words, she was Chloe’s precious guest.

I felt uncomfortable just watching and passing by, so I was wondering what to do.

“Dyeing your hair doesn’t change the color of your blood.”

A statement I couldn’t ignore came out.

“What insolent brats.”

“Grand Madam?”

Even if they’re kids, there are things you can say and things you shouldn’t say.

Not even talking about blue blood, but insulting someone based on blood color.

At the racially discriminatory remarks that went beyond regional differences, I unconsciously quickened my pace.

I deliberately bumped their shoulders as I squeezed between them, then immediately praised the dyed hair.

“Wh, who are you…?”

I think the girl’s name was Billia.

To start the conversation, I introduced myself first.

Everyone was shocked when they heard the surname Layton.

“L, Layton?”

I tilted my head sideways toward them.

“You all think Miss Billia is beautiful too, don’t you?”

The Grand Duchess is asking. Answer me, won’t you?

At that moment, behind the women whose faces had turned pale, Nata and Kenneth made eye contact with each other.

“You said we shouldn’t stand out…”

“You’re having a hard time too.”

How noisy, but still, we need to discipline these kids properly.

I glared at the two men with fierce eyes.

The startled pair shrank their shoulders.

The women briefly exchanged glances with each other.

While I was watching with crossed arms to see what excuses they would make, a dignified voice came from behind me.

“It’s my first time meeting you, Grand Duchess Layton.”

“Hm?”

When I turned my head, a middle-aged woman dressed as a maid was greeting me.

“You are…”

“I am Jaina Fuller, the head maid of the Main Palace.”

When I glanced at Kenneth, he nodded with a tense expression.

Since she seemed to be someone from the Emperor’s side, I also politely returned the greeting.

“I’m Wilhelmina Layton of House Layton. Nice to meet you.”

She slowly raised her head.

With her strong eyes reminiscent of a margrave and upright posture, I also straightened my bearing.

“His Imperial Majesty is looking forward to the Grand Duchess’s visit. From here on, I would like to guide you, if that’s alright?”

“Of course. I’m delighted to be accompanied by the left hand of the Imperial Palace.”

‘Left hand’ was a title given to the head butler who oversees all mansion affairs.

She widened her eyes briefly at my words, then smiled and expressed her gratitude.

“Ah, Head Maid. Would it be alright if Miss Billia comes along too? I’d like to have a conversation after such a long time.”

“Of course, Grand Duchess.”

Seeing Jaina’s ready agreement, I was certain.

She was an ally who had approached to support Billia.

“What? M-me?”

Billia, who couldn’t grasp the situation, kept stammering.

And as she glanced at those who had insulted her, Jaina intervened as if she had been waiting.

“Are they your friends? Would you like to come together?”

“…No, we have some business to attend to.”

Unable to withstand the gazes of Jaina and me, the pale-faced women hastily fled the scene.

Since the Emperor’s name had come up, they must have realized that if they interfered further, they would be the ones humiliated.

I muttered while watching their rapidly retreating figures.

“Kids these days.”

Then Jaina beside me spoke in a voice full of agreement.

“Really, their manners are just… ahem.”

It wasn’t the kind of speech expected from an Imperial Palace head maid, so I looked at her with wide eyes.

She gave a shameless smile.

‘Perhaps she might be a friend I can communicate well with.’

Though we had just met, I felt like I had gained a kindred friend.

* * *

We headed to the reception room in the Main Palace.

After entering the palace, Billia, who only then realized she had received my help, kept bowing and expressing her gratitude.

“I, I will definitely repay you…”

“It’s fine, what repayment?”

I felt such determination from her that she might even cut her stomach if left alone, so I appropriately calmed her down.

“Still, if you leave now, they might follow and cause trouble again, so spend some time here before going back. As for our connection… yes, say we’re Academy seniors and juniors.”

“For the Grand Duchess to know someone like me, wouldn’t that be troublesome…”

I was almost bewildered by such polite treatment that I had never received even in the Western Region.

When I patted her shoulder and comforted her that it was fine, Jaina, who was guiding us ahead, let out a laugh.

“By the way, that was excellent handling, Grand Duchess.”

“It’s nothing. I just added a few words.”

“Hehe, how modest of you.”

It seemed Jaina had taken a liking to me.

According to Kenneth, who was sticking close by my side, she was guiding us to a reception room used only by the most distinguished guests.

A reception room that was used only among the Imperial Family.

‘I thought the Imperial Family would be conservative, but I guess that’s not the case either. …Well, the Emperor himself is that kind of person.’

On the way to the reception room, I had a brief chat with Jaina.

While listening to explanations about the celebration banquet, tourist spots in the capital, and the geography of the Imperial Palace, I noticed a group of people approaching from the other end of the corridor.

“…His Imperial Majesty.”

Sunset-colored hair visible from afar, golden ornate attire, his characteristic arrogant expression, a man accompanied by guard knights and attendants… It was the Emperor, Theorne Lu Peon.

As he approached, I tried to kneel and offer my greetings.

“Wilhelmina! You’ve finally arrived.”

‘…Who told you to call me by my first name?’

He approached with quick steps, grabbed my shoulders as I was about to bow, lifted me up, and kissed the back of my hand.

I grimaced at this burdensome expression of friendship and tried to step back, but he, still with his lips on the back of my hand, didn’t budge.

“Your Majesty.”

Kenneth, who had been following behind, tried to stop him with a troubled expression.

The Emperor opened his eyes lazily and looked behind me.

“It’s nice to see you after such a long time, but you’ve brought a tail with you.”

“Pardon?”

“Didn’t you know? There’s a wolf behind you.”

Wondering what he meant, I turned around and could see a man standing at the far end of the corridor.

‘What is that?’

The man’s attire was peculiar.

He wore black formal wear of an unfamiliar style and a dark red mask with no facial features.

It was an ominous appearance that didn’t suit the White Imperial Palace, an exotic sight like black ink dropped on a white canvas.

As I blinked in surprise at the appearance of this mysterious man, Jaina carefully explained to me.

“It’s Eastern mourning attire. So that person is…”

The Emperor released my hand from his lips, cutting off her explanation.

“A vassal of the Eastern Region, Duke Venice. Is this… your first meeting?”

His blue eyes gleamed mischievously.

In contrast, the masked man’s aura turned menacingly fierce.

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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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