I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 99

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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 99

 

Had it been about half a day since I sent Jace to the Western Sun gathering?

 

As dinner time approached, an unexpected guest arrived.

 

“Mabel?”

 

The guest who came without even an appointment was none other than Mabel.

 

While I was worrying that perhaps my sending Jace had been discovered, Mabel slowly approached me and tugged at my dress.

 

“What’s the matter?”

 

“…I went to Western Sun today.”

 

The moment I heard her dejected voice, I realized she hadn’t come because of Jace.

 

“I see, did you want to talk about what happened there?”

 

“…Yes.”

 

I didn’t know what had happened, but this didn’t seem like a conversation to have here.

 

I led Mabel toward the study.

 

I seated Mabel in the reading circle seat and instructed Anna to bring warm milk instead of tea.

 

After some time passed, I asked Mabel, who had relaxed a bit.

 

“So, what happened?”

 

“Mother told me to make friends at the Western Sun gathering.”

 

Mabel began to explain haltingly.

 

From the reason she joined Western Sun that I had already heard from her butler, to the incident on the first day, and today’s conflict with Yufina.

 

Though I frowned upon hearing about Yufina’s malicious trap, my mood lifted a bit at Jace’s subsequent actions.

 

Perhaps because it reminded him of his past self, Jace’s words seemed to give Mabel great courage.

 

Mabel boldly demanded an apology from Yufina.

 

‘Whatever circumstances there may be, I cannot forgive my sister. My inventions are everything to me. I had no choice either.’

 

Perhaps realizing something from Mabel’s words that she had no other path, Yufina seemed shocked and lost for words.

 

Even Cornell, who had been watching from the side, stepped in to apologize on her behalf, leaving Yufina with no choice but to bow her head.

 

‘She probably didn’t truly reflect. People don’t change easily.’

 

Considering that even Jace only became docile after going to the training camp, it was hard to accept Yufina’s apology at face value.

 

But Mabel shook her head, saying that was enough for her.

 

“Caring about my sister has become foolish.”

 

‘…That’s a mature response.’

 

It meant she wouldn’t even have expectations anymore.

 

In her heart, Yufina’s existence was already concluded.

 

She considered it sufficient to receive an apology and restore her honor.

 

Of course, even without Mabel’s interference, Yufina’s future was bound to be rough.

 

Having caused such an incident in a gathering called a small social circle, wouldn’t she now be treated the same way as the children she had tormented?

 

By the time all the explanations were finished, the sun had already set.

 

I leaned back against the chair and organized the situation.

 

‘Now I understand why Western Sun is so exclusive. Is this the result of matchmakers’ efforts?’

 

From what Yufina said, Western Sun seemed to be used as a meeting place.

 

They would invite children without fiancées through recommendation letters, trying to pair them up with each other.

 

It was called a ‘children’s gathering’ in name only, but in reality it was a place to scout for fiancées.

 

Moreover, since the Anette Family had rumors of trading their children, they must have forced Yufina into an engagement with high-ranking nobles too.

 

When Mabel appeared in the midst of all this, she became blinded by jealousy and anxiety.

 

‘The kids are one thing, but the parents are hopeless too. I can see why they don’t interfere. If unwanted rumors spread, they wouldn’t be able to use the gathering… Wait, then why did Baroness Metokan?’

 

Just as the sudden question was fitting together like a puzzle, Mabel, who had finished her milk, asked me.

 

“Grand Duchess… was becoming a Grand Duchess your dream?”

 

It was an abstract question befitting a child, but I quickly understood what she meant by it.

 

“Are you curious if I had other paths available to me?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well…”

 

Despite magic existing, this world was still cold and harsh.

 

Human rights, affection, morality – none of it was like a fairy tale.

 

Even at the Capital Academy, which was supposed to be indifferent to social status, gender and race followed like stigmas.

 

In such a world, I couldn’t easily say things like ‘dream big’ or ‘marriage isn’t the only answer.’

 

Yufina and the children of Western Sun had realized this fact too early.

 

And Mabel was…

 

“There was about one more option. Whether to give up everything and run away, or take the predetermined path.”

 

“Which did you choose?”

 

“I chose the latter. The other option didn’t work out well.”

 

“…Did you regret it?”

 

I had tried my best in my own way.

 

I had tried to rebuild the household, but everything failed.

 

The only conclusion was that the world wasn’t easy to handle.

 

‘Come to think of it, someone had helped me back then.’

 

I tried to trace back my memories, but Mabel was waiting for an answer.

 

“I regretted it. I still think about whether I couldn’t have done better, whether giving up was really right. …So Mabel, don’t you give up.”

 

“But what if I fail even after trying hard?”

 

“That’s when you can say ‘It can’t be helped!’ and brush it off.”

 

Perhaps my overly optimistic answer was unexpected, as Mabel blinked her eyes.

 

She looked like a squirrel, so I unconsciously patted her head.

 

“This might be a difficult story for you right now, Mabel… but when you give up on something, you need justification. To be able to say you’ve done enough to let it go now.”

 

Not encouraging challenges but preparing for failure wasn’t something a teacher should say.

 

But there was little comfort I could offer to a child who had learned about choices.

 

I could only add some advice so she wouldn’t blame herself.

 

“Effort is not only for success, but also preparation for yourself when you fail. So… you don’t need to be too afraid.”

 

I could guess what she might have felt seeing Yufina.

 

It’s a wall that any child would feel at least once.

 

When I withdrew my stroking hand, Mabel clasped her hands together and muttered as if praying.

 

“…Then if I fail, will my parents understand?”

 

“Yes, of course.”

 

I could answer this question with certainty.

 

If that weren’t the case, there would be no need to pressure the child by saying ‘I don’t understand.’

 

Parents who are truly indifferent to their children and don’t want to understand wouldn’t even say such words.

 

‘Even if they wouldn’t, I’ll make it so.’

 

Hiding my inner thoughts, I smiled at Mabel.

 

Mabel also seemed relieved and smiled back.

 

It was the first childlike smile I had seen from her.

 

“I’ll try harder. I’ll become a great inventor that Mother recognizes, become the head of the family, and… help Mother. Because we’re family, even inventors…”

 

Mabel took a deep breath and spoke while clenching her fists tightly.

 

“Can be happy. I’ll tell her that the path Mother chose wasn’t wrong.”

 

I nodded silently.

 

‘Yes, so that’s how it was.’

 

With Mabel’s resolution, I felt as if all the puzzle pieces had fallen into place.

 

I understood what Baroness Metokan wanted from Mabel.

 

She didn’t want a ‘good daughter’ or a ‘genius inventor.’

 

If that were really the case, she would have ordered her to study or make inventions.

 

There was no need to send her to Western Sun to make friends.

 

She wanted to raise Mabel as an ordinary person.

 

Someone who enjoys happiness unrelated to titles like genius or inventor.

 

‘I thought she was rational, but a mother is still a mother.’

 

You shouldn’t live like me.

 

She was putting into practice those common words that leave such deep wounds on children.

 

“…Mabel, let’s head back soon. It’s getting late, so I’ll take you home.”

 

“What? But I can go by myself…”

 

“No, I want to take you myself. And I have something to say to Baroness Metokan.”

 

I covered my lips with my index finger and grinned.

 

When Mabel looked at me with question marks in her eyes, I called Anna who was outside and told her to prepare the carriage.

 

“Oh, and Mabel. Could you do me one favor? If you have it, could you give it to me after we arrive at your house?”

 

“That thing…”

 

I whispered the item I wanted secretly into Mabel’s ear.

 

Mabel tilted her head as if she didn’t understand why I would need such a thing, but there was no time to answer.

 

Anna had quickly prepared the carriage.

 

‘Well then, it’s time for a home visit.’

 

I took Mabel’s hand and left the study.

 

* * *

 

Miliona Metokan, the head of the Metokan family, was holed up in her research laboratory again today.

 

All kinds of worries and concerns would disappear once she entered this place.

 

To forget the nightmare she had yesterday, she hadn’t come out of the research laboratory since morning.

 

But today, the memories followed her more persistently than usual.

 

‘Ignoring me again?’

 

The image of a man she wanted to erase from her past came to mind.

 

Her husband, who appeared with a distorted face despite the handsome features she remembered.

 

In the dream, he insulted Milliona as he always did.

 

‘Sorry about that, for not understanding such simple terminology. Unlike you, I’m from an uneducated background.’

 

‘No, that’s not what I meant…’

 

‘Do you know what kind of treatment I receive thanks to your great presentation? Haha, you must be suffering because of your incompetent husband? How admirable of you.’

 

At least in this dream, he didn’t approach her.

 

It was also fortunate that she woke up before seeing herself desperately craving his affection.

 

The love she once felt had made her sick.

 

It had taken away her self-respect, mental strength, everything she had built up.

 

She wanted to forget those terrible memories of an inventor praised by the Emperor becoming servile because she couldn’t receive her husband’s love.

 

“Kalsemo-”

 

She tied up her hair that was tickling her cheek with a hair tie and called for the butler.

 

She was about to ask him to bring her a beverage, but someone else entered instead.

 

“Master, did you call for me?”

 

“Ah, Kalsemo went out with Mabel, didn’t he.”

 

“Yes, that’s correct.”

 

She had completely forgotten. The report about attending Western Sun only came to mind now.

 

She wiped the cold sweat from her forehead and gestured to the butler.

 

“Bring me a beverage. It doesn’t have to be cold.”

 

“But Master, you’ve already had today’s portion…”

 

“Bring it. Don’t make me say it twice.”

 

“…I understand.”

 

The butler bowed with a troubled expression and closed the door.

 

Normally, the servants’ concern and loyalty would have comforted her heart, but today was different.

 

‘If it had been Kalsemo, we would have had a fight.’

 

If it were Kalsemo, he might have clung to her crying and pleading.

 

She would have lashed out at him harshly, then regretted it later and apologized.

 

It was rather fortunate that he had gone out.

 

She didn’t want to drive another nail into his heart anymore.

 

‘Understanding? How ridiculous, who would understand a freak like you?’

 

“…Damn it.”

 

As her mood was about to sour, the man’s voice began to resurface in her mind again.

 

She covered both ears and sat down in the chair. Then she closed her eyes.

 

When she endured like this, her mood would usually improve a bit.

 

‘You’re the one ruining my reputation. Swallow your pride and apologize. Do you think I’m asking for something big from you?’

 

‘Stop it….’

 

‘Is that pathetic pride more important than me? In the end, even if you call yourself an inventor, to the Emperor….’

 

While she was suffering from the thought of wanting to tear off her ears, the door to the research laboratory opened.

 

A Butler appeared beyond the door.

 

On the plate, she could see a large bottle containing a beverage and an empty glass.

 

“Ah, Master. It’s nothing special, but….”

 

“Give it here.”

 

She abruptly stood up from her seat, approached the Butler, and snatched the bottle away.

 

Using the glass was the last bit of restraint remaining in her.

 

Like a traveler who had found an oasis, she downed the light brown beverage that filled the glass in one gulp.

 

Gulp-

 

Along with the burning sensation, the auditory hallucinations gradually disappeared as well.

 

“Ma, Master. That’s currently outside….”

 

The Butler tried to say something, but she had already turned around with the bottle and glass in hand.

 

She was about to return to her desk, meaning for him to close the door… when a familiar voice was heard from behind.

 

“You there, freeze.”

 

“…?”

 

A calm and authoritative voice that settled her confused mind.

 

Just as Milliona turned her head with wide eyes.

 

Someone intercepted the beverage in her hand.

 

“…Grand Duchess?”

 

The one who had intercepted Milliona’s beverage, the alcohol, was… none other than Wilhelmina.

 

She spoke in a voice mixed with irritation.

 

“Good heavens, I didn’t know it was this severe… That’s enough, this is confiscated.”

 

“Wa, wait, why is the Grand Duchess here? And that’s mine….”

 

“I’ve decided not to listen to alcoholics. Sit down there, let’s have a glass of cold water instead. Resisting is useless. The Head Butler here is on my side right now.”

 

What kind of thug is this doing here.

 

Milliona looked at Wilhelmina with a dumbfounded expression.

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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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