I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 161

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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 161

10. Each One’s True Feelings

After the first celebration banquet ended, Theorne called Rohanos aside.

The location was a luxury hotel outside the Imperial Palace, a secret place where Theorne stayed for his escapades.

Theorne, who had taken a sip of strong alcohol, spoke with a voice full of dissatisfaction.

“What were you trying to do at someone else’s celebration banquet?”

“….”

Rohanos’s appearance as he approached Wilhelmina at the banquet hall as if to devour her was like a beast.

Rohanos leaned back against his chair and kept his mouth shut.

Seeing this, Theorne clicked his tongue loudly for him to hear.

“If I hadn’t stopped you, you would have been ready to kidnap her right there. There are probably several nobles who noticed.”

“…I’ll take care of silencing them separately.”

“Never mind. If they’re perceptive enough to notice that much, they won’t carelessly spread rumors either.”

Since the subjects were none other than the Grand Duchess of the Western Region and the Duke of the Eastern Region, if they got entangled in rumors, their own necks might be on the line.

Theorne was confident that such problems wouldn’t arise.

“Honestly speaking, I don’t really want to prevent her from regaining her memory. The situation is better than it was back then, and I did say I wouldn’t interfere in this matter anymore.”

Whatever justification there might have been, it was clear that Rohanos and Theorne had committed an unforgivable wrong against Wilhelmina.

That’s why Theorne always maintained the stance of an observer regarding this matter.

If Wilhelmina regained her memory and blamed him, he thought he should humbly accept it.

“…Then why did you stop me?”

“My thinking changed a bit. Even if I agree with her regaining her memory, you shouldn’t be the cause. I saw how she treats those who harm her family.”

Wilhelmina could abandon even her beliefs for the sake of her family.

If such a woman were to recall her memories because of Rohanos… the outcome was easily predictable.

‘Besides, I didn’t want to just stand by and watch her fall into Rohanos’s hands.’

Theorne didn’t deny that his heart was being moved by her unexpectedness.

“Anyway, be careful from now on. Don’t forget the reason you rose to that position. If you fall, I’ll have to bear losses too.”

“…Right.”

Rohanos closed his mouth again.

Whether he was regretting or thinking of Wilhelmina, Theorne sighed while watching his friend’s frustrating appearance.

He couldn’t understand how a sharp man who deserved to be called the Wolf of the Eastern Region became as dull as a bear only at times like this.

‘Does love cloud a person’s vision that much?’

Theorne downed his alcohol using Rohanos’s face as a drinking snack.

Normally, the hotel owner would stop his excessive drinking, but since it was just him and Rohanos today, he tilted his wine glass comfortably.

“Oh, come to think of it, I just received a report from Kenneth that Wilhelmina went to the commercial district….”

Just as Theorne was about to share news about Wilhelmina, someone knocked on the door.

When he told them to come in, Theorne’s butler entered the room with an unusually urgent expression.

“What’s going on?”

The fact that he came looking for this place meant that some significant incident had occurred.

The Butler answered Theorne’s question in a stiff voice.

“Your Majesty, a distinguished guest has requested entry to the Imperial Palace.”

“A distinguished guest? Was there someone I didn’t send an invitation to?”

“No, it’s someone who received an invitation. However, they say they need one more…”

“What kind of nonsense is that? Why would they need two invitations?”

The Butler gulped nervously.

“Because it has already been used.”

“…What?”

“The person requesting a new invitation is Duke Layton from the Western Region. He says the previous invitation was already used by the Grand Duchess, making entry impossible, so he’s requesting a new one.”

It was news that instantly sobered him up.

Theorne and Rohanos simultaneously rose from their seats.

“Currently, Duke Layton is waiting at the Capital Gate. If Your Majesty permits, he says he would like to meet even now…”

“…Like his Mother, an unpredictable move.”

Though he said “permit,” it meant he wanted to meet right away.

It was a bold request befitting one of only two dukes in the Empire.

Theorne took a sip of cold water from the Table, then spoke to the Butler.

“Prepare a place. I’ll meet him in one hour. I’ll visit after getting rid of the smell of Alcohol.”

“What should we do about the invitation?”

“Send a Blank Letter. He won’t read it anyway. And Rohanos, you come with me too.”

Rohanos frowned.

“Will that be alright? He’ll think you and I are keeping him in check.”

“That’s exactly why I’m bringing you. He probably didn’t come with good intentions either.”

Theorne spat out his irritated words while grabbing the Outer Garments he had taken off.

“Even on my birthday, instead of congratulations, only damn work keeps coming up.”

“Your Majesty, your language…”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it.”

He left the Hotels with a sigh.

* * *

One hour later, Theorne put on the Emperor’s Mask and headed to the Reception Room.

Rohanos was already in the Reception Room, conversing with Mikhail.

After adopting the arrogant expression and posture befitting an Emperor, he opened the Door to the Reception Room.

“It’s been a long time, Duke Layton!”

“I greet the sun of the Empire.”

Still with his dazzling Platinum Hair and perfect smile, Mikhail Layton welcomed Theorne.

“I didn’t expect you to visit so suddenly. If I had known in advance, I would have personally come out to welcome the Duke.”

“It’s fine. It’s an honor just to have you permit this late-night conversation.”

Theorne shook hands with Mikhail, then headed to the Sofa. He gave Rohanos a look and sat at the Head Table.

“But are you alone? I heard you came with your family.”

“Helene headed to the mansion first. She was tired from the long journey, so I came to see you alone.”

“Hmm, I see.”

‘It would have been more comfortable if Helene were here instead.’

Dealing with Helene would be much easier than with the unpredictable Mikhail.

Of course, if he were to meet Helene alone, they wouldn’t be able to have a rational conversation.

“It’s been a while since I visited the Imperial Palace, and it’s still as magnificent as ever. Our Duke’s Castle is impressive too, but it can’t compare to the Palace of the Sun.”

“Haha! It’s the center of the Empire, so that’s natural. But Layton Duchy Castle has its own quiet beauty.”

“Thank you for the compliment.”

They exchanged trivial pleasantries with each other.

While flowery small talk could be considered a noble’s refinement, it was Theorne who grew increasingly irritated as the conversation continued.

‘He absolutely won’t be the first to mention why he requested this meeting.’

More important than wondering when exactly he had arrived in the capital or why he hadn’t even sent word was the purpose of his visit.

He didn’t want to back down since asking questions first would prove he lacked information, but this time he had no choice.

Because Theorne also had something weighing on his mind.

“…So, what’s the reason you sought me out, Duke? Calling for me this late at night, there must be a good reason.”

“…”

Mikhail silently picked up the teacup from the table.

After taking a sip of the slightly cooled tea, he turned his gaze to Rohanos.

“Come to think of it, it’s nice to see the busy Duke Venice like this.”

“Did you not hear my question?”

“I heard you’ve been running around busily hunting the Black Hand.”

“…!”

Theorne held his breath for a moment.

He clenched his fist under the table and composed his expression.

The existence of the Black Hand was top secret.

Rohanos had erased all traces left in the Western Region, and even the influential figures in the capital hadn’t noticed the Black Hand’s activities.

Yet Mikhail knew about it.

Moreover, the Black Hand at this point naturally led to…

“Seeing that you have enough leisure to receive me, it seems our mother was of great help in the hunt.”

Wilhelmina.

Clink, Mikhail set down his teacup, leaned back against the sofa, and crossed his legs.

It was an arrogant posture unimaginable in front of the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, I heard our mother has been staying at the villa.”

“…Yes.”

“Is that place safe?”

“Of course. It’s the second safest place after my Main Palace.”

“I see. What a relief. I thought perhaps…”

Still wearing an innocent smile, Mikhail muttered.

“I thought the villa might be a bait trap instead.”

‘…This bastard.’

The bad premonition had come true.

Mikhail knew everything about the secret that Theorne had tried to cover up.

“Ah, since I’m visiting the capital after such a long time, I’d like to stop by the Academy as well. Is there perhaps someone who could guide me? I’d also like to visit Mother’s mentor.”

“…A guide, at least, I can find you easily enough.”

“Thank you. I’ll be spending the upcoming schedule together with Mother, and with Your Majesty’s consideration, it would be even more comfortable and safe.”

Theorne finally realized the reason for requesting this private audience.

This was a warning. A clear warning not to touch his family, his mother, any longer.

“I heard that some scoundrel has been targeting our Mother. She is such a beautiful woman, after all…”

This time he turned his gaze toward Rohanos.

With gentle eyes as if seeking agreement, feigning innocence as if he knew no secrets of the world, he continued speaking.

“I’d very much like to request Duke Venice’s help as well. If you happen to have time in your upcoming schedule, how about joining us? We could also arrange an occasion to promote friendship between the two Dukes.”

The answer that Theorne and Rohanos could give was predetermined.

‘He knew from the beginning that Rohanos and I would be together. This cunning snake…’

Theorne, tasting Mikhail’s true nature for the first time, raised the corners of his mouth.

The fact that he still had to smile like an Emperor deeply twisted his insides.

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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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