I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 202

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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 202

“…Is that true?”

At Rohanos’s question, Raymond let out a hollow laugh.

“I am different from that man. I have no intention of begging for my life using the truth as bait. I simply… want to help Grand Duchess Wilhelmina, even just a little, as she was sacrificed to my malice.”

Even knowing Raymond had no reason to lie, it was a story that was hard to believe easily.

As Rohanos’s silence continued, Raymond clicked his tongue briefly.

“You probably committed the act without knowing that man’s true identity. Rather than revealing the truth of the incident, protecting Grand Duchess Wilhelmina would have been the priority. I understand. Thanks to that, she was safe….”

Though she became half a person who lost even her family’s memories.

Instead of bothering to add those words, Raymond comforted him.

“Your judgment was correct. No matter how precious family may be, there are memories that should sometimes be forgotten.”

“…Is that your story?”

“Yes, it’s a lesson from the regrets I’ve felt while living my life.”

“….”

Just then, footsteps could be heard from above the prison. It seemed a guard was coming.

Feeling Rohanos’s presence gradually disappearing as the footsteps approached, Raymond muttered quietly.

“Duke, all of this is a sin we committed. Time cannot be turned back. But… you still have someone left to whom you can apologize.”

Rohanos had already vanished without a trace.

However, Raymond was certain he was listening to his voice.

“Don’t leave regrets behind. You must not become a fool like me.”

The prison was silent. As if it had been a space with only Raymond from the beginning.

* * *

The House of Count Zormon was exactly the kind of family I had imagined.

Desolate land, a splendid mansion standing tall upon it, and an interior filled with golden decorations that felt vulgar from being drunk on wealth and honor….

Finally, the stiff-necked members of the count’s family who didn’t want to bow their heads to a grand duchess from a fallen noble house.

“I’m pleased to meet the renowned Count Zormon.”

“I am… as well, Grand Duchess Layton.”

Unlike me who greeted with a smile, Count Zormon paid his respects reluctantly.

The countess behind him also offered greetings, but her gaze was focused not on me but on the two children behind me.

Her eyes looking at Jace and Gideon with their poor postures shook restlessly.

‘At least they’re not shameless.’

Still, they seemed to know what they had done wrong.

I briefly explained the reason for visiting the county.

“Actually, young Jace is a temporary member of my reading club. So Baroness Rollan and I have been acting as his teachers. Since he was such a wild student, I came to see if his relationship with his fiancée was going well.”

“Ah, yes. I see.”

It was a weak excuse for having come such a long way.

Count Zormon also frowned, finding it suspicious.

As if I had expected this, I next introduced Gideon.

“And Gideon… I have a personal acquaintance with his mother, Baroness Emily.”

“Oh.”

“According to Baroness Emily, Gideon is scheduled to be adopted into the House of Count Zormon. To think that my student Jace and Gideon, who is like a nephew to me, might become family… what an incredible connection for a coincidence, don’t you think?”

“…I see.”

“So for Jace’s visit, I brought Gideon along as well. I thought it would be a good opportunity for him to meet those who might become his family someday.”

With two people around me connected to Count Zormon, I had sufficient justification for this visit.

Since they had their own concerns regarding Gideon, it seemed difficult for them to openly refuse me.

In the end, they welcomed me warmly, exchanged pleasantries about hoping to build a closer relationship with the ducal family in the future, and then escorted me to a guest room in the mansion.

“Oh, and Gideon and Jace would like to look around the county a bit. Especially Jace seems eager to meet his fiancée…”

At my glance, Count Zormon flinched and trembled his shoulders, then soon nodded his head.

“Understood. I’ll make the arrangements.”

“Thank you. I’m delighted that you’ve welcomed us so warmly despite this sudden visit. If you ever come to Layton Castle, I’ll gladly welcome you with joy.”

“Thank you. I’m delighted that you’ve welcomed me so warmly despite this being such a sudden visit. If you ever come to Layton Castle, Count, I would be happy to welcome you with the same joy.”

Count Zormon answered after a strange silence.

Count Zormon answered after a strange silence.

Since the servants would stay in the lodging quarters, naturally the two boys would share one room.

I expected Jace to be displeased, but he had been unusually quiet since entering the mansion, as if something was bothering him.

Since the servants were to stay in the lodgings, the two boys naturally ended up sharing a room.

After roughly changing into my nightgown, I stopped by the two boys’ room.

It was late when we arrived at the mansion, so we had to go to bed soon.

“So, we’ll be staying here for about a week.”

“We’re staying that long?”

He briefly explained the plan ahead to a startled Gideon and a frowning Jace.

“The family’s secret? What, like slave contracts?”

“Are you staying that long?”

“Honestly, it’s hard to make an issue of that. I was sold the same way myself, and it happens quite often among nobles. What I’m curious about is this family’s children.”

From what I heard, Count Zormon has three daughters.

“A family secret? What, like some kind of slave contract?”

Since the second daughter was supposedly engaged to Jace, the remaining youngest daughter would be Gideon’s bride… but there was something suspicious about it.

“Honestly, it’s hard to make an issue out of that. I was sold off the same way myself, and it happens quite often among nobles. What I’m curious about are the children of this family.”

“Can’t say.”

“What?”

It was natural that the eldest daughter wasn’t there since she was married, but he hadn’t even seen the faces of the other two.

“It’s just a hunch. Good if it’s there, fine if it’s not.”

“What is that?”

“Didn’t you also feel something strange when you entered this mansion?”

Jace shut his mouth tight and rolled his eyes.

“What?”

I felt the same way.

“I was just going with my gut. It’d be nice if there was something, but no big deal if not.”

“What kind of irresponsible….”

“Didn’t you also feel something strange when you entered this mansion?”

Jace pressed his lips tightly together and rolled his eyes.

Even he couldn’t put it into words, but it seemed undeniable that he felt something strange.

I was the same way.

The Zormund Count’s family was certainly as expected, but there was something that bothered me.

Whether it was an ordinary misunderstanding or if there were hidden secrets was a matter to be investigated in the future.

“I’ll be acting together with the Count for a while. During that time, you two should thoroughly search this mansion. You need to act without arousing suspicion… but I’m sure you’ll handle it well on your own. However, Jace.”

“Yes?”

“You need to be more careful.”

“You seem to think I still go around picking fights like before, but even at the Academy I…”

“That’s not what I’m talking about. I mean be careful about your position.”

Jace frowned as if he didn’t understand.

Even though his patience had grown, he had no eye for politics at all.

I continued with a sigh.

“Gideon isn’t from the Western Region, so he doesn’t need to worry about reputation. But you’re different. You’re a child of the famous Baron Milo’s House in this area. And Count Jormon’s House is a family of high honor, even if they lack money.”

“So?”

“It means any mistake you make here will directly affect your father’s honor.”

“…”

The commotion at Layton Annex was fine since I covered it up, but this place was different.

If Jace were to act in a way that could be criticized, the responsibility would go straight to Baron Milo.

“So if anything happens, report to me immediately. Don’t make hasty judgments, and don’t step forward on your own. Remember that.”

“…I understand.”

Jace lowered his eyes and answered in a small voice.

He didn’t seem pleased, but he appeared to feel that my words were reasonable.

“Good, then work hard searching around starting tomorrow. My servants will help too, but since you two have good keen observation, I’m counting on you.”

I patted Jace and Gideon on the shoulders and stood up.

“Sleep well, and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

As I was about to leave for my room, Gideon, who had been quiet the whole time, suddenly spoke up.

“Um, excuse me!”

“Yes?”

“Grand Duchess, your nightgown… really suits you well.”

“…Oh.”

At those words, I inadvertently looked down at my nightgown.

Actually, this outfit was quite ordinary for a young Noble Lady to wear.

It was a nightgown with a loose-fitting shape, minimal lace and decorations, made from soft and thick fabric for warmth.

I didn’t understand why this outfit suited me, but judging by his expression, he seemed to genuinely mean it as a compliment, so I nodded with an awkward expression.

Just before closing the door, I thought I heard Jace saying something about being “lovestruck.”

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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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