I’m a Mother-in-Law, but I Dislike Conflict with My Daughter-in-Law - Chapter 64

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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 64

“Could you… speak a bit more casually to me?”

“….”

As if it was an unexpected question, Wilhelmina’s eyes widened in surprise.

I had heard before about why Wilhelmina used such formal speech specifically with Jane.

‘Relationships involving money require formality.’

At first, it made her heart flutter, feeling like she was being treated well despite being just a merchant.

When she was by her side, she would feel that she was in an equal business relationship with her.

But as time passed, she began to want friendliness rather than formality. She especially felt envious watching her conversations with Ilina.

“That’s not difficult at all….”

Wilhelmina chuckled as she observed Jane’s face, which was starting to tense up again.

“…Is that really something to ask for with such serious eyes?”

“I thought it was an overstepping request….”

“It’s fine, what’s the big deal about changing my way of speaking. Alright, I’ll speak casually from now on.”

She waved her hand like a friend and left the room. Just before the door closed, Wilhelmina let out another laugh upon seeing Jane’s accomplished expression.

“How cute.”

Click-

The door closed.

…Jane buried her face in her hands again.

“I’m glad the Grand Duchess is… a woman.”

And she muttered some incomprehensible words to herself.

* * *

After consulting with Jane about the detailed plan, I immediately began preparing to meet Mikhail.

Jane left the Annex Building for investigation as soon as the rain stopped.

The ones who would help me were the Cooks, who had nothing to do since I had invested a considerable portion of the budget allocated to the Annex Building in Jane.

“What we’re going to make… are these three things.”

“We’re supposed to make such things? Shouldn’t we be looking for Alchemists?”

The Cooks were puzzled, but only the Pastry Chef’s eyes lit up, calling it a fresh challenge.

In fact, from my perspective having lived in modern times, Cooks and Alchemists had many similarities.

Roasting, steaming, and boiling over fire were ultimately cooking acts, so the Kitchen could be considered a small Laboratory.

‘I did get help from Alchemists though.’

I provided them with ingredients I had prepared using even my Dignity Maintenance Fund that I had saved as an Emergency Fund.

Among them were ordinary Grain Flour, but there were also quite a few materials I had received from Alchemists.

I broke out in a cold sweat trying to explain the materials I would make for them using scientific knowledge they lacked.

I spoke to the Pastry Chef whose eyes were sparkling.

“If this goes well, I’ll overlook the mistake the Pastry Chef made too.”

“Gasp, really!”

“Show me your skills.”

This would probably be the most suitable job for him among all of them.

I explained the properties of the product they needed to make.

Since I roughly knew the ingredients that needed to go in but didn’t know the detailed ratios, their job was to create a standard recipe with precise measurements.

After experimenting and proving its effectiveness, I planned to show it to Mikhail.

‘This is kind of protagonist-like.’

While explaining, that student suddenly came to mind after a long time.

‘…But how do those protagonists make money?’

‘They use modern knowledge. Making candles, making cosmetics…’

‘Do the materials exist in that era?’

‘It works out somehow in a fantasy way.’

Right, it did work out.

When I explained to the Alchemists who treated me like someone from another world, mixing in body language, they somehow understood.

I spent almost an hour trying to express the term hydrolysis in this era’s language.

Fortunately, it was just barely the time when research on molecules and atoms was beginning.

I had long since thrown away the question ‘Doesn’t this not match the historical period?’

Who cares whether the setting is Russia or England.

‘In some works, they even teach modern political systems…’

‘That’s enough.’

‘Right? I don’t like it turning into alternate history either. Anyway, modern knowledge will definitely come in handy, so it’s good to learn it.’

‘…So that’s why you participated in those lessons too?’

‘Yes!’

That’s how the reminiscence ended.

For reference, the place where I met that student was a free lecture called ‘Making Natural Products’ held at the Welfare Center during vacation.

I went there as the Academy representative because they said with a Certificate of Completion, we could later conduct play lessons for children too.

On the other hand, that kid participated with pure genuine intention.

‘If that kid had been reincarnated like me, they really would have made it big in life.’

I remembered that child’s dexterity in making products so perfect they looked like they were for sale.

If I had listened to the lessons earnestly back then, this wouldn’t have happened… Who would have thought I’d feel a student’s regret at this point.

“Then please take care of it.”

“Yes!”

I left the Kitchen after hearing the vigorous response from the Cooks.

Since there weren’t many ingredients, it seemed like it would be completed in about a week.

Next, it was time to start preparing for the experiment.

Then, Anna, who had been following behind me, asked me with a worried voice.

“That… Grand Madam, do we really have to make this?”

“Hm? Why?”

“Experimenting directly on Grand Madam’s body seems dangerous.”

Even though the finished product would just be a household item, it must have looked like some mysterious potion to Anna.

Well, if you don’t know chemistry, the ingredients would certainly look strange enough.

There was hydrolyzed glycerin and mineral powder, after all.

“It’s fine, it’s not like I’ll get hurt. More importantly Anna, did you prepare what I asked for?”

“Yes, I did, but…”

Seeing that I had no intention of withdrawing from the experiment, Anna’s gaze turned to Nata.

It seemed like she wanted him to stop me instead.

Nata’s expression was also stiff.

“Grand Madam, how about having another servant do it? No one would refuse.”

“That’s right!”

Anna chimed in agreement and even prepared to call another servant.

They had agreed when I explained the plan, but now that I said I’d experiment directly, they were acting like this.

I sighed quietly so they couldn’t hear and answered.

“It’s not even a big deal, don’t make a fuss.”

“But if it leaves a scar…”

“It won’t. Nothing will happen. So stop it.”

“…”

The two fell silent, but their worried expressions didn’t disappear.

It seemed unreasonable to continue with this issue as is, so I stopped walking.

Fortunately, I couldn’t sense any other servants nearby.

“Listen carefully, Anna, Sir Nata.”

“Yes, yes.”

“You have the right to voice your opinions to me. That’s why I keep you by my side.”

I needed close advisors to give me counsel.

I don’t know much, and my thinking is short-sighted.

But there’s only a paper-thin difference between advice and flattery.

If advice becomes excessive, it can transform into flattery intoxicated with one’s own loyalty.

“I’m grateful that you worry about me. Your efforts to find other methods are admirable. But… I cannot tolerate making unreasonable choices for my sake.”

“…”

“If I were a commoner, I might have used the option of delegating to someone else. But if I did such a thing in my current position, it would only sound like an order using my status. I cannot tolerate that.”

Of course, if it were truly dangerous, I wouldn’t even attempt it. I’m not crazy enough to do such a thing.

“But if you insist on perpetuating unreasonableness, I will punish you as a Layton.”

Though I thought it was a minor issue, it seemed good to give a warning at this opportunity.

While I’m grateful for what they do for me, this incident could become a butterfly effect causing bigger problems in the future.

Excessive loyalty can sometimes become poison.

That’s why I spoke a bit harshly.

‘But somehow their reaction…’

Anna was holding back tears with an overwhelmed expression, and Nata had a face similar to the noble soldiers I had seen at the stable before.

Thinking this wasn’t right, I tried to change what I was saying, but their actions were faster.

“I will follow Grand Madam’s words. I absolutely… will not commit any wrongdoing.”

“My oath will always be with Grand Madam’s justice.”

Since I got their agreement for now, was that good enough? I nodded my head in bewilderment.

“Uh- yes, that’s right.”

The ending felt unsatisfying, but at least they wouldn’t oppose future experiments, so it was fine.

I deliberately avoided their gazes and headed to my original destination.

“Then I’ll go get the items you mentioned.”

“Go ahead.”

The place I headed to was the Laundry Room.

A place with servants stirring the boiling washing tubs, and Page Boys diligently washing clothes beside them.

I planned to do laundry here for about a month.

What I had asked Anna to bring were the clothes I wore yesterday.

‘I have no choice. I need to show the effects.’

What the cooks were developing was none other than hand cream.

It was a moisturizer to treat hands cracked from detergent and water.

Make my hands rough through laundry, then later apply the developed hand cream to prove its effectiveness. That was the first stage of this experiment.

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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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