I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 264

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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 264 Special Side Story

Unlike the confused Wilhelmina, Zeonil and Minerva continued their private conflict.

“C-calm down, Minerva. It’s not that I don’t want to play the Board Game with you, it’s just that it’s logically impossible…”

“Impossible or whatever, why does Elder Brother get to decide that?”

“If you think about the probability, that’s how it is.”

Minerva glared at Zeonil with fierce eyes.

“Who doesn’t know it’s difficult probability-wise? This is about mindset. And let me give you some advice – my Mathematics grades are higher than Elder Brother’s!”

Indeed, Minerva’s grades were superior to Zeonil’s. Zeonil was somewhat lacking in concentration.

Then Zeonil tilted his head as if finding it even stranger.

“Then Minerva would know better that it’s efficient for me to sacrifice myself.”

“Ugh, that’s not the problem…!”

Minerva stamped her feet in frustration. Watching this, Wilhelmina also felt a bit uncomfortable.

‘I also think Zeonil’s choice is right, but…’

That was a way of thinking focused on the goal of ‘winning the Board Game.’ But she needed to remember what the true purpose of starting this Board Game was.

“I didn’t play the Board Game to win! Of course it feels good to win, but… that’s a different issue from this!”

‘Wise words.’

“What’s important is that we enjoyed the Board Game together. If I sacrifice Elder Brother and win alone, what fun is that! That would be ignoring the time we spent happily together!”

‘…That’s also wise words.’

At Minerva’s innocent but direct words, Wilhelmina found herself nodding as well.

It felt strangely like self-reflection.

But unlike Wilhelmina, Zeonil didn’t seem convinced. Perhaps angered by the continued criticism, Zeonil pouted.

“Still, I’d rather have Minerva win even if it means doing that. Rather than both of us losing, I’d feel better if Minerva alone wins. Don’t you care about my feelings at all?”

“That’s…”

“Isn’t Minerva ignoring my feelings just the same?”

It was a remarkably logical response for Zeonil, who was usually quiet. Minerva, not expecting him to counter like this, was left speechless with only her lips trembling.

Eventually, she sent a pleading look to Wilhelmina for help. With tears welling up in her eyes, it didn’t seem like she could avoid answering.

“G-Grandmother! Elder Brother keeps saying strange things!”

“I never said anything strange. Right, Grandmother? My opinion is correct, isn’t it?”

She was trying to call for help, but Zeonil wouldn’t stay quiet either. He grabbed Wilhelmina’s sleeve and pleaded.

“Grandmother, am I wrong?”

“Grandmother, Grandmother!”

“W-well, you see…”

With both grandchildren pestering her, Wilhelmina put her hand to her forehead and was lost in thought.

Though she hadn’t been in it long, she had once been involved in education. Actually, which opinion was correct and how to mediate was obvious.

Yet the reason her mouth wouldn’t open easily was because she found the ones who created this situation annoying.

‘That aside, they can create Board Games, but how did the Dice stop exactly at this spot? Is it coincidence?’

For a coincidence, there was only one square where the Demon King appeared. Landing on such a square didn’t make sense unless the Fairy was playing some trick.

“Grandmother!”

‘…First, I need to do what I must.’

Wilhelmina let out a small sigh, then faced Zeonil and Minerva with a smiling expression.

“Now, calm down a little and listen to what this grandmother has to say, will you?”

Fortunately, the children listened to Wilhelmina’s words.

“This problem is…”

* * *

Perhaps because I had taught the children so passionately after a long time, my body felt stiff for no reason. I rubbed my shoulders and stepped outside the Annex Building.

It was late evening, and perhaps because there were no guests visiting the Duke’s Estate, the castle was quiet for the first time in a while.

‘I wonder if autumn is coming soon.’

It had been hot during the day, but the night was quite chilly. While I was contemplating whether to bring outer garments, Nata appeared with perfect timing.

He carefully placed the outer garments Anna had knitted over my shoulders and asked.

“Where are you going?”

“There’s someone I want to meet. Will you come with me?”

“Of course.”

Actually, I had planned to go alone, but judging by his expression, he seemed ready to follow me anywhere. Even when I told him that Layton Castle was safe so he could take it easy, he would say.

‘A master may abandon their sword, but I cannot tolerate the disloyalty of a sword failing to follow its master.’

And put on a serious expression.

I thought that knights were quite inflexible people.

As Nata and I left the Annex Building and headed toward the Main Castle, someone came pattering after us from the Annex Building.

It was Anna, wearing an overcoat similar to mine.

“Anna’s coming too?”

“Hehe, originally even if the master abandons the sword…”

“Sir Nata said that before.”

She seemed to want to express being a loyal retainer in a cool way, but I had already heard those script lines.

“What? Already? Those were script lines from last month’s new novel…”

“…”

I quietly looked at Nata. Nata had turned his head to avoid making eye contact.

“Um, Anna. What genre is that novel?”

“It’s a romance novel! It’s about two knights who meet across time and share love on a snow mountain! If Grand Madam is also interested…”

“No, that’s fine. Maybe next time.”

Once you start listening to Anna’s novel preferences, there’s no end to it. Now was the time to postpone it, saying I didn’t have time.

“…”

Nata was still maintaining his silence. Seeing his ears turn bright red, it seemed like a hobby he didn’t want to be caught having.

He was too embarrassed to make eye contact, but I could understand. When you memorize famous lines, you naturally want to try using them at least once.

Besides, what’s wrong with a knight reading romance novels?

‘But that’s different from teasing him about it.’

I brushed past Nata and murmured.

“What a trendsetting knight you are.”

“Ugh…!”

I walked cheerfully while listening to Nata’s short scream.

I had been feeling slightly defeated after falling into the trap of grandchildren, so it was nice to be able to change my mood like this.

Nata spoke with a sullen expression.

“Isn’t this taking out your frustrations?”

“It’s the master’s privilege.”

Nata let out a short sigh and stood behind me. Anna, who hadn’t fully grasped the situation, followed along with a bewildered expression.

Walking around the silent castle was quite boring. Moreover, since I didn’t know where what I was looking for was located, I had to walk quite a lot.

“…”

Feeling the weight of the silence that had come after a long time, I voiced the question I had been harboring.

“Anna.”

“Yes?”

“Anna, have you never wanted to quit being a servant?”

Anna’s eyes widened as if asking what I meant by that.

“Are, are you perhaps trying to fire me…?”

“It’s not that. You know how much I like you, Anna. It’s just a question. I was wondering if you’ve ever dreamed of a different life, not as a servant.”

Anna, who breathed a sigh of relief, tilted her head and said, “Well…”

“I’ve been working in the castle since I was young, so I’ve never thought about a different life. My father was also a servant.”

Parents and children inheriting the same profession was common in this era.

Anna trailed off with a “Hmm.”

“Seeing how my relatives live, I think I’m happy enough as I am… I didn’t have any particular complaints. Of course, when the Previous Master was alive, I just hoped I wouldn’t be assigned to the annex building.”

For reference, Anna was assigned to the annex building just before I came to the Layton Family.

So I was the first person she served closely.

“I’m not trying to talk about practicality. But dreaming is free, isn’t it? Anna reads many novels, so haven’t you ever dreamed of such a future?”

A servant’s life is hard. They’re so busy they can’t even properly take days off, and since all schedules follow the master, there’s no flexibility in their work.

It wasn’t strange to wish for a freer profession or a happier daily life than this.

Then Anna slightly leaned forward and examined my face.

“Grand Madam, this might be a somewhat rude question, but… are you perhaps feeling guilty?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

I readily admitted it.

“It’s a problem I’ve always thought about. I really like Anna, but I wonder if keeping you by my side just because I like you is truly beneficial for Anna.”

I try to be a good employer and give you the best treatment as a maid, but I don’t think that’s something for Anna as a human being.

This is just my hypocritical compensation to escape the guilt of ‘ordering people around.’

If she were to seek out other dreams or a different life, I would gladly let her go.

‘And I would be sad.’

Anna was now my family, like Helene and Mikhail. It was hard to imagine not having her by my side anymore.

Unlike Nata, who stays by my side to repay a debt, Anna and I had a contractual relationship that could be redefined at any time.

‘If Helene heard this concern… she would have clicked her tongue asking if I’d get hurt every time a servant left.’

For Helene, who thoroughly separates public and private matters, this was an incomprehensible concern.

But what could I do?

Liking people and wanting them to do well wasn’t a problem that could be solved with self-restraint.

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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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