I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 47

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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 47

Perhaps the Duke’s Estate had cleared the snow in advance, as a clean main road was visible. The castle that had looked hazy was now right before them. It seemed they would arrive at the castle in another half hour.

“What time is it now?”

“It’s just past five in the afternoon.”

“The year-end party was supposed to start at seven. We’re quite late… hurry up and move.”

He wondered what kind of guest would barge in right before an event, but in this Empire, the Emperor was the law.

Just thinking about receiving the glares of the Western Nobles made his stomach start to burn.

Kenneth put on a deliberately stern expression and gave his orders.

“Before entering the castle, brush off the snow and straighten your attire! Report to His Majesty so we can immediately participate in the banquet, and send a messenger to inform the Duke’s Estate that His Imperial Majesty has arrived!”

“Yes!”

Finally, after the long march, they arrived at House Layton’s castle.

The soldiers headed to the waiting area prepared by the Duke’s Estate, while the knights and nobles who would participate in the event dressed themselves and headed straight to the banquet hall.

As they hurriedly changed clothes in their respective carriages, various commotion broke out.

Complaints could be heard from the nobles who had hoped to rest even a little upon arriving at the castle, but when the Emperor took the lead, they had no choice but to keep their mouths shut.

Though it had been an arduous march staying up for two nights, the Emperor’s dignity remained unchanged. He entered the banquet hall with confident steps as if entering his own castle.

“We greet His Imperial Majesty.”

At the entrance to the banquet hall, the Western Nobles were waiting in formation.

Unlike the Capital Nobles with their splendid clothes but tired faces, the neat and disciplined appearance of these nobles made for a stark contrast.

The Capital Nobles kept clearing their throats, trying to regain their dignity.

‘Looking at the atmosphere, there must be some with military backgrounds.’

To Kenneth, the nobles’ clothes looked similar, but the aura felt from some people was not ordinary. They had the scent of soldiers who had experienced battlefields, like Kenneth himself.

Considering that Military Nobles were the ones the Emperor viewed with the least prejudice, it seemed like a strategy to win his favor.

Unlike the embarrassed Capital Nobles, the Emperor naturally received Duke Layton’s greeting.

“It is an honor that you visit House Layton, Your Imperial Majesty. It seems even the Snow Queen’s jealousy cannot stop the Chariot of the Sun.”

“Good to see you, Duke Layton. The Western Queen was quite fierce. I wondered if someone had cast magic to block my path.”

“Haha, it might have been the Queen’s small mischief.”

Though it was a conversation mixed with jokes and metaphors, those listening couldn’t hear it with laughter.

Duke Layton had compared the heavy snowfall to the ‘Snow Queen’ symbolizing winter, but the Emperor corrected it to ‘Western Queen.’ This was a metaphor that brought to mind the Empire’s history.

In the distant past, the queen who ruled the Western Region was defeated by the Chariot of the Sun, that is, the First Emperor.

Thus the Western Region was incorporated into the Peon Empire, and the Royal House became ‘House Layton.’

The Emperor was indirectly expressing that House Layton was in conflict with him by mentioning the Western Queen.

Even so, he hadn’t expected such psychological warfare from their first meeting. Kenneth struggled to suppress the sigh that tried to escape between his closed lips.

‘Duke Layton, was his name Mikhail? He’s handsome and has courage too.’

Whether it was fortunate or not, Mikhail was the type the Emperor quite favored.

He smiled throughout but showed no signs of servility, and was clever enough to understand the metaphors. Moreover, with his outstanding appearance, he wouldn’t be disliked based on first impressions alone.

‘I heard he was a young master who grew up under the Demon Duke.’

Having assessed Duke Layton thus, Kenneth followed behind the Emperor like a shadow.

The Emperor moved toward the inner part of the banquet hall, guided by Duke Layton.

The banquet hall, renovated for the year-end party, had an unusual structure divided into three tiers.

The Emperor and the Duke’s couple sat in the highest seats, with a platform for congratulatory speeches placed one step below. The wide floor level was where the subjects gathered.

It was a magnificent structure that maintained the Emperor’s dignity while preserving the banquet hall’s elegance.

The Emperor sat in the most ornate of the three chairs provided, while Duke Layton and his wife headed to the remaining chairs.

Kenneth hid himself behind the stage, half-concealed by curtains. It was the position of a guard knight who could respond to whatever might happen. He could see the Duke’s couple’s guard knight waiting on the opposite side as well.

‘His Imperial Majesty is quite handsome too, but the ducal family is practically like fairies from a fairy tale.’

Though it was well-known that House Layton was the Empire’s most beautiful family, seeing them in person was truly remarkable.

Kenneth, who had been secretly admiring the Duke’s couple’s beauty from behind the curtains, suddenly turned his head at the presence he felt behind him.

The owner of the presence in the darkness looked at Kenneth and greeted him in a carefree tone.

“Good evening.”

Behind the dark stage, a woman was looking at Kenneth with a smile.

“Ah… It’s my first time meeting you.”

“There’s no need for formalities.”

Kenneth instinctively tried to bow, but she waved her hand dismissively.

‘Those clothes…’

The moment he saw her attire, Kenneth wondered if she might be another guard knight for the Duke’s couple. She was wearing a military uniform.

Navy blue hair tied back and falling below her shoulders, intelligence gleaming in her deep eyes, and a face that revealed a neat forehead, exuding tidiness.

Though she was small in stature and didn’t give off an intimidating presence—she unmistakably had the bearing of a soldier.

“Don’t be shy and continue watching.”

“Ah, no.”

“Mikhail and Helene’s beauty is amazing, isn’t it? I was surprised when I first saw them too.”

“…Yes, the rumors don’t do them justice.”

“I think His Majesty is remarkable for maintaining his presence even next to those two. You must have had a hard time as his guard.”

“Thank… you.”

Through their conversation, Kenneth could finally guess who the woman before him was.

A young woman who appeared to be in her twenties, who could call the Duke’s couple by their names, Mikhail and Helene.

Someone who could speak casually to Kenneth without it being awkward.

There was no need for deduction. She was the Grand Duchess of House Layton, Wilhelmina Layton.

Though he didn’t understand why she was wearing a military uniform…

‘It suits her, which makes it even stranger.’

Looking closely, it was different from a real military uniform. Each button was studded with jewels, and the fabric seemed to be of high quality, giving off a sophisticated atmosphere.

If he had seen her outside, he would have suspected she was some army commander rather than a Grand Duchess.

‘But why a military uniform?’

The dress colors for the year-end party were white and gold, symbolizing snow and sun.

Even the guard knights were wearing white uniforms, so Wilhelmina’s dark red military uniform couldn’t help but stand out.

Just as he was wondering what Wilhelmina was thinking, Duke Layton’s clear voice could be heard from outside.

“I sincerely welcome the descendants of the sun, the proud pillars of the Peon Empire, who have graced us with their presence.”

“It’s starting.”

Kenneth glanced at the stage. He could see Duke Layton standing on the platform, beginning his congratulatory speech.

His powerful voice filling the spacious banquet hall was intense enough to capture the attention of even the weary Capital Nobles.

Kenneth’s evaluation of Duke Layton rose another level in his mind.

The Grand Duchess was next after that excellent congratulatory speech. Kenneth glanced at Wilhelmina. She was looking at the stage leisurely with her arms crossed.

“…Grateful for heaven’s grace, I hope this becomes a place to comfort a year’s hard work. Thank you.”

‘Huh?’

While he was imagining what kind of preparation the Grand Duchess had made, Duke Layton finished his congratulatory speech.

The Capital Nobles began murmuring. And for good reason, since Duke Layton hadn’t mentioned the Emperor at all throughout his speech.

In the long congratulatory speech, there wasn’t a single word expressing gratitude to the visiting Emperor or praising the Capital Nobles’ efforts. A plain speech containing only praise for the Western Nobles.

This was close to intentional disregard. So much so that there weren’t even empty words like ‘Glory to His Majesty.’

He thought the speech might continue further, but Duke Layton returned to his seat and sat down. Then a voice filled with hostility flowed from the Capital Nobles’ camp.

“…How rude.”

The Capital Nobles participating in the year-end party were loyal subordinates who had been with the Emperor since he fought over succession rights.

Since the Emperor had faced all kinds of false accusations due to his origins, they were extremely sensitive to attitudes that disrespected the Emperor.

A volatile situation where someone seemed ready to shout angrily at any moment.

Kenneth unconsciously placed his hand on the scabbard at his waist. If the Emperor gave an order, he was ready to draw his sword immediately.

“What is this now…”

In the end, it was a young noble who first lit the fire. Just as he, his face reddened with humiliation, was about to point and pour out his complaints to Duke Layton.

Wilhelmina brushed past Kenneth’s side.

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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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