I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 240

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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 240

Theorne irritably swept his bangs upward.

“To slowly spread ideology as you say would require at least several generations. My children after I die, and their children would have to work together to barely achieve it. I cannot tolerate such a long time.”

“….”

“Because the probability of an Emperor like me appearing more than twice is very low.”

It was a simple story.

For equality, the Emperor had to give up his own authority. Would such a person really exist even after Theorne? Even if there was one, would they appear in the very next generation?

Even if he prepared a perfect successor, their thoughts would surely change after Theorne’s death. The saying that position makes the person is a universal law in any world.

Of course, a ruler like Theorne might appear again several generations later, but… policies without continuity were bound to see drastically reduced efficiency.

Theorne could not tolerate such a future.

“The longer this era continues, the more unfortunate people will increase. My belief is that we must change the times and culture as quickly as possible.”

“…Many people will be sacrificed for that belief of yours.”

“At least it will be fewer than those sacrificed by the era itself.”

It was more efficient to quickly reach a conclusion over decades rather than producing misery over hundreds of years. That thought became more firmly established as he observed the Imperial Administrator and Nobles.

To change these stubbornly old-fashioned people, there was no choice but to shock them.

“You seem not to understand well, but victims don’t necessarily come only from Commoners and Nobles.”

Wilhelmina raised her index finger and pointed at Theorne.

“It could be you. Commoners who have seized power might target your life.”

Politics, power – these were addictive forces.

Once someone tasted it, they could never return to an ordinary life.

The Council of Elders would become the same way.

Wilhelmina’s warning was a foresight that looked ahead.

“Commoners targeting my life?”

But it didn’t work on Theorne.

“That sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? That very scenario is the world I want.”

He smiled, showing his teeth. It was the first genuine smile he had made during this comfortable but boring vacation.

“Then I could die very tragically. Remaining forever as the last Emperor and becoming a pillar of an equal world would be good too.”

As if she hadn’t expected such an answer, Wilhelmina’s eyes widened.

Theorne felt inexplicably pleased that he seemed to have caught her off guard.

“The one who doesn’t understand is you, Wilhelmina. Do you think I’m trying to change the world for my own safety? If I can achieve my ambition, I’m not afraid of death.”

“…You’ll be recorded in history as a tyrant.”

“I don’t care about evaluations after my death. What matters is whether the world I dream of can arrive, that possibility.”

From the moment he harbored this ambition, he had never dreamed of a peaceful death.

Because he was prepared to die, he won that terrible succession competition and became Emperor. He was a prime example of the saying that those who seek death shall survive.

“Well now….”

Wilhelmina hung her head low. Whether she was disappointed in Theorne or too shocked to speak, she couldn’t continue her words for a long time.

“Well, I understand your concern, but don’t bother trying to stop me.”

Just as Theorne was about to properly express his gratitude for her consideration, she suddenly raised her head.

“…!”

The exact same ecstatic smile that Theorne had worn bloomed across her face.

Even in the dark room, her eyes emitted a strange light.

“Wonderful. Really, very, very much to my liking.”

“What, what?”

“If it had been half-hearted resolve, I would have used force to stop you. Rohan seemed worried too. But… there’s no need for that.”

She rose from the sofa. Then she opened the curtains slightly and looked at the Imperial Palace across the window.

In the dark room, a single ray of light poured down onto her face.

“If your resolve is complete, then I have no reason to interfere.”

“…Will you be alright? As you said, there will be casualties.”

“We can think about that when the time comes.”

To just leave things alone knowing tragedy would unfold – it was an irresponsible thing to say.

But she didn’t care.

“Your Majesty, you see. I’ve always wanted to meet a great person who would be remembered in history.”

She no longer called him Theo. She clearly acknowledged the man before her as the ruler of this era.

“It seems that will be you. So this conversation I’m having with you right now is very meaningful. I’m having a sincere conversation with a future villain, or perhaps a hero.”

“Just… satisfied with having a conversation? If you truly sympathize with my intentions, there are ways we could work together.”

‘This wasn’t what I meant to say.’

The sudden surge of affection was somewhat embarrassing. Fortunately, Wilhelmina didn’t seem to notice.

“I told you before. I’ll cheer you on, but I have no intention of helping. Instead…”

She looked at the brilliant roof of the Imperial Palace and said.

“I’ll at least witness with my own eyes what kind of end you meet.”

“…”

It sounded as if she would share his final moments, making his heart sink.

“Why go that far?”

“Don’t make me repeat myself. I said I liked your answer, didn’t I?”

She moved away from the window and approached Theorne. Then she raised her finger and pressed it firmly against his chest.

“That ambition inside you, that greed, that selfish peace – I like it all. I quite enjoy biographies of great people who dedicate their lives to changing the world.”

“…Ha.”

‘She absolutely won’t say she likes me.’

Theorne let out a hollow laugh at that selfish affection.

Now he thought he understood her intentions.

“In other words, you just want to enjoy the interesting parts?”

“Correct.”

She didn’t want to participate in the revolution and leave her name in history. She also declined taking responsibility. And secretly helping was too bothersome as well.

What she desired was only to observe.

She simply wanted to witness the moment history changed, to become an audience member watching the stage and applauding.

She wanted an irresponsible and insincere position, but one where she could enjoy it the most.

‘Really, what’s so good about this kind of woman.’

She was so selfish. Wicked. He couldn’t sense even a speck of goodness in her.

And yet he liked her. He couldn’t help it.

“Fine, if that’s truly your will… I’ll make you a front-row seat to watch until the very end. Just don’t try to run away.”

I’ll give you the chance to witness with your own eyes how this Empire, how the world turns out.

If you won’t walk alongside me, then I want to keep you somewhere I can see you—it was the stubbornness of a young man who couldn’t forget his first love.

Wilhelmina smiled as if welcoming the idea.

“Good, as long as it’s until I die, I’ll wait with pleasure.”

Haha-

The two exchanged hearty laughter.

For those who would decide the Empire’s future, it was laughter that felt not the least bit elegant.

“Ah- that was a good laugh. Well then, I should head back now. You’ve confirmed my resolve, and since it’s been a while, I need to go back to the Western Region and spend time with my families.”

“Yes, see you again next time.”

Wilhelmina waved her hand as she headed outside. While quietly watching her figure, a certain question suddenly came to mind.

“Wilhelmina.”

“Yes?”

“What if I had met you at the Academy instead?”

“…What are you talking about?”

Perhaps because he was in a good mood, a boldness that he would never normally show burst forth.

Without blushing or showing any embarrassment, he calmly expressed the jealousy he had been holding inside.

“If I had met and dated you instead of Rohanos… if I had been in his place, could we have gotten married?”

“…”

Wilhelmina’s eyes widened once again.

And as if shocked, she remained silent for a long while.

“That’s…”

She moved her lips and waved her hands around, pondering her answer.

Then, as if giving up, she continued speaking.

“Well, wouldn’t we have gotten married?”

“…”

“His Imperial Majesty is quite a decent man too.”

Theorne couldn’t say anything at all. Regardless, frowning as if asking why he would pose such an embarrassing question, she abruptly opened the door and went outside.

“Anyway, take care. See you next time. And don’t tell Rohan about this conversation. He’ll get jealous.”

Well then~ she said as she slammed the door shut and left.

In the room wrapped in silence, Theorne muttered in a deflated voice.

“What am I supposed to do about this?”

If you shake someone’s heart like this and then leave, what’s supposed to happen to the person left behind?

[He had thought that even without Rohanos, Wilhelmina wouldn’t come to him.]

He had been a fool to think that way on his own.

There actually had been a possibility. He belatedly realized that Wilhelmina had quite favorable feelings toward him.

He crouched down on the floor and let out a sigh.

“Haah… If I’m reborn, I absolutely must enroll in the Academy.”

And this time, he would do his absolute best to marry her.

It was a futile wish, but if he didn’t say it out loud like this, he felt like he would die of frustration.

Theorne kept rubbing his face with dry hands.

This burning emotion didn’t seem like it would fade anytime soon.

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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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