I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 51

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

I’m a Mother-in-Law, But I Don’t Want Family Conflicts Episode 51

“That’s not it though…”

Anna hesitantly closed her mouth.

I was curious about what she was thinking and was about to ask again, when Nata, who had been standing by the door, spoke with a bitter smile.

“Anna was deeply moved by Grand Madam’s appearance during the Congratulatory Speech.”

“Really?”

“That’s why she feels even more regretful. The rumors about Grand Madam are rather malicious, after all.”

True, the good rumors about me could be counted on one hand.

The Baroness had said there were those who viewed me like a parasite clinging to House Layton.

I was well aware of the closed nature of the Nobility, so I didn’t think much of it…

‘The servants’ position would be different.’

When the master is disrespected, the servants are bound to be disrespected as well.

I could understand why Anna felt regretful.

“Anna hopes that Grand Madam could clear her false accusations…”

“S-Sir Nata!”

Anna hurriedly waved her hands frantically to stop Nata from speaking.

Nata cut off his words, saying he understood, but what Anna wanted to do had already been conveyed to me.

“…Alright, fine. A small book club should be okay.”

The Baroness had earnestly urged me to create at least one gathering anyway.

‘I can’t make it big. I’d attract unnecessary suspicion.’

I had to be careful about large-scale gatherings, as it might give the impression that I was building influence by exploiting the attention from the Congratulatory Speech.

Moreover, there was still the uncomfortable incident of ‘meeting with the grandchild’ remaining between Helene and me.

That was entirely my responsibility, so I didn’t want to burden the Main House with unnecessary worries.

Then there was only one option left. Gather acquaintances who wouldn’t affect my influence, hold a modest gathering, and appropriately deflect attention.

“…Anna, bring me new Letter Paper.”

“G-Grand Madam?”

“As Anna wishes, I’ll participate in at least one gathering. It’s nothing grand, just something we’ll hold in our Annex Building.”

“I’ll bring it right away!”

Perhaps thinking she needed to act before I changed my mind, she left the Bedroom with quick steps.

I muttered absentmindedly while watching Anna’s retreating figure disappear in a flash.

“When we go to the Main House, she’ll see such gatherings until she’s sick of them.”

“…It would be better not to say that in front of Anna.”

“It’s just a joke.”

Making light conversation, I slowly thought about the members to invite to the book club.

Actually, there wasn’t much to consider. I didn’t know many people to begin with, and inviting anyone too important would only arouse suspicion.

* * *

Time passed quickly.

The New Year’s party was scheduled to be held about two weeks after the year-end party ended, so the book club was scheduled in between.

The Baroness suggested it would be better to schedule it after the New Year’s banquet, but I vaguely deflected and declined.

This was because after the New Year’s banquet ended, I planned to hole up in the Annex Building until spring as a reward for working during the year-end.

I had absolutely no intention of being active during the early new year when the weather was coldest.

The book club venue was the Reception Room of the Annex Building, the book club theme book was appropriate Educational Books, and I invited a total of 4 people.

Naturally, I invited Baroness Rollan first.

Next, I proposed it to Ilina, the young lady of Baron Millize’s family whom I had met at the Margrave’s Celebration.

She sent back a densely written reply filled with excitement, showing her determination to definitely participate.

Additionally, she asked if it would be okay to bring one of her friends along, so I gave her an answer that it didn’t matter.

And the remaining one person was…

“I never thought… you would invite me.”

“Really? You’re also a proper young lady of a noble family.”

“That may be true, but…”

Jane Goldreail. She was a merchant receiving investment from me, and also the youngest daughter of the Goldrail Family.

She participated in the book club wearing not the Goldrail Trading Company Uniform she usually wore, but a Sky Blue Dress with impressive subtle gold thread. It was a dress that went well with her Navy Blue Hair.

She must have been quite nervous, as she arrived a full hour earlier than the scheduled time.

“The Goldrail Family is a one-generation nobility that isn’t hereditary. So by status, I’m a commoner. For someone like me to be invited to the Grand Duchess’s book club is an honor beyond my station.”

I had told Jane many times to speak comfortably, but when she got nervous, she would revert to her old ways.

Jane gave such a perfect greeting that even the Baroness would nod approvingly.

If left alone, she seemed like she would keep bowing, so I forcibly led her to the Reception Room.

“I’ll be calling you often in the future, so don’t feel too burdened.”

“Yes…”

“Did you read the Book?”

“【History of Southern Ceramics】 and 【Refutation of Romantic Letton Music】, and… 【Secret of the Ice Grand Duke】, right? I had read the first two books before, so I reviewed them. 【Secret of the Ice Grand Duke】 was my first time reading it, but… it was impressive.”

“Oh, really?”

Originally, book clubs are supposed to select books that match the participants, but since it was the first time and I couldn’t know their tastes, I chose appropriately.

‘【History of Ceramics】 and the 【Letton】 Book are books only used in Academy liberal arts lectures… Jane has broad knowledge.’

For reference, the last Book was recommended not by me but by Anna. I did read it too, but I remember being flustered because the type of spiciness was somewhat different from the romance novels I used to read in the previous world.

“By any chance, was it the Grand Duchess who chose 【Secret of the Ice Grand Duke】?”

I was about to answer no, but seeing Jane’s expression, I changed my words.

“It was my suggestion.”

“Oh… I see.”

Since I could see an expectation like ‘Our Grand Duchess wouldn’t do that,’ I tried making a joke.

While seating Jane, who was awkwardly blinking, in a Reception Room Chair, I happened to hear news that the Baroness had arrived.

“It’s been a while, Grand Duchess.”

“Welcome, Baroness.”

We were exchanging simple greetings when nervous Jane approached hesitantly.

“It’s my first time meeting you, Baroness Rollan. I’m called Jane Goldreail.”

“Goldreail, you say…”

Come to think of it, didn’t they say Goldreail’s reputation wasn’t very good?

When the Baroness sent me a glance, I nodded slightly, signaling that Jane was someone we could trust.

“…Nice to meet you, Miss Jane.”

When the Baroness naturally accepted the greeting, Jane’s face brightened considerably.

I was about to call Anna to have her bring some sweet drinks to help them relax, when more guests arrived.

“Hello, Grand Duchess! It’s an honor to be invited!”

“Welcome, Miss Ilina.”

Ilina, who wasn’t wearing the mismatched white powder or dress, looked much healthier than before. She approached with a bright smile across her face.

“I never thought you’d really invite me! To think I’m the first participant in the Grand Duchess’s gathering! And I heard about the year-end party too, my father was so excited his heart was pounding….”

“Miss Ilina, wait. Just wait a moment.”

She seemed excited before even taking a seat, so I patted her shoulder to calm her down.

“You should introduce the friend you came with.”

“Oh, right!”

I looked at the woman standing awkwardly behind her.

The woman, who seemed about two or three years older than Ilina, bowed politely when I looked at her.

“It’s my first time meeting you, Grand Duchess Layton. My name is Chloe Tilim.”

“She’s the young lady of the Count Tilim family! We recently became friends, but she said it would be difficult to participate in gatherings because her family is strict. But she said it would be fine if it was the Grand Duchess’s invitation, so I….”

“Yes, yes, I understand.”

It seemed like she would keep interrupting, so I briefly patted Ilina’s head before guiding her to a chair in the reception room. Then I faced Chloe who had followed behind.

She had an impression that clearly conveyed composure. Her slightly drooping eyes, her neatly arranged brown hair unlike Ilina’s, and her restrained movements revealed her personality.

The one curious thing was that the accessories she wore and the dress she had on were somewhat old-fashioned items.

Should I say they suited her, or that she was deliberately hiding her presence?

“Please come in.”

“Thank you for the welcome, Grand Duchess. I received sudden contact from Miss Ilina and couldn’t prepare anything. I will definitely send something in return when I go back.”

“There’s no need for that, it’s not such a grand occasion. Go and sit down.”

“But as repayment for the invitation….”

“Just bring some sweets when you participate next time.”

Ilina was problematic for being too energetic, while this one was burdensome for being too polite. I forcibly pushed her into the reception room.

When I sent the invitations, I had told them not to bring gifts or anything like that, but it seemed the message hadn’t reached Chloe.

With this, all the people I had invited had arrived. As I sat down in my chair, Anna coincidentally began preparing tea and refreshments with the attendants.

“Huh? Why are there five teacups?”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————