She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 157

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Epilogue 1. What Happened in Peloux (2)
Beneath the notice of Baron Barmeo’s death—my uncle by marriage—was a brief postscript.
Since the Baron had lost his wife and son long ago.
It was a request from the Lawyer that I, his sole heir, attend the reading of his will.
I stood in silence for a long while, clutching the letter.
‘My uncle has passed away….’
In truth, I had sent several letters to Peloux after Count Osburn’s trial.
I thought my uncle ought to know about my mother.
And I too wished to step within the bounds of family.
But no matter how many days I waited, no reply came.
‘Wendy, has any letter arrived from Peloux?’
‘Pardon? No, miss. Is there something you were expecting?’
‘No. Nothing at all.’
Eventually, I had to accept that my uncle had no desire to maintain contact with me.
‘Still, I heard he and my mother were not on good terms.’
Their relationship had fractured when my mother departed for Listea as a bride, dowry in hand, much to his displeasure.
Naturally, his niece would have been equally unwelcome.
So I had lived believing I had no family at all.
Yet receiving news of his death stirred my heart in unexpected ways.
‘…There’s no need for me to go.’
I could simply instruct them to dispose of the inheritance as they saw fit.
With that thought, I began to fold the letter away.
But then.
‘My father’s homeland lies to the south. It’s a truly beautiful place, with a sparkling emerald sea.’
Suddenly, Katarina’s words came back to me.
She had said she would go to her father’s homeland once her revenge was complete.
And I had thought it a noble thing, to seek out one’s roots.
‘Roots….’
That word took root in the depths of my heart, quite literally.
Peloux.
The place where my mother was born and raised.
A place that could become my roots as well.
I found myself wanting to go to Peloux, just as Katarina had.
“Cecilia, are you all right?”
“Oh.”
At Rainer’s question, I lifted my head abruptly.
He was regarding me with a serious expression.
‘He’s worried about me.’
I nodded to assure him I was fine.
“I’m all right. It was just such sudden news that it startled me a bit.”
She hesitated for a moment before adding her words.
“I think I need to go to Peloux. I apologize for leaving the manor vacant for a while, but―”
“Let’s go together.”
However, Rainer answered first before Cecilia could finish speaking.
She opened her eyes wide in surprise, and Rainer chuckled softly.
“As it happens, I have business in Peloux as well.”
“Really?”
“Yes, a trade matter.”
He answered briefly and immediately turned his head.
Harry was just coming out.
“Harry, perfect timing. Prepare immediately.”
“Yes? Prepare what?”
“The Peloux business trip. We’ll visit Count Monter Estate upon arrival, so include a letter of introduction.”
“What?”
Harry’s eyes narrowed.
Just moments ago, hadn’t he been putting it off with an annoyed expression, suggesting they discuss it tomorrow?
“I’m sorry, Harry. I’ve also found I need to go to Peloux.”
“Ah, I see…”
Only after hearing Cecilia’s words did Harry understand Rainer’s sudden change in attitude.
Harry let out a hollow laugh of disbelief.
‘My goodness, just moments ago he seemed to hate the very idea.’
To think he would change his attitude so completely at a single word from his wife.
Harry cast a sidelong glance at Rainer with an exasperated expression.
But Rainer’s gaze never wavered from Cecilia.
* * *
A few days later, in a rental room in Peloux.
“Brother! Brother!”
Sandy burst through the door and called out loudly.
The child who had been frail and delicate when with Listea
had now grown into a healthy young girl with full cheeks and a rather refined bearing.
“Brother! Are you sleeping? Wake up right now!”
Sandy stomped her feet as she approached the sofa.
Upon it lay her brother, his face covered with a script, sleeping carelessly.
Sandy removed the book and called to him.
“Bro―ther―!”
“Ah, Sandy.”
Michel frowned without even opening his eyes.
Attending the Pelosu Royal Acting School, he had been spending busy days preparing for an upcoming performance.
Especially since this performance was to be held before the royal court.
He had to endure grueling rehearsals that stretched until midnight every day.
“I’m taking a break for the first time in ten days, you know?”
He waved his hand dismissively, his face etched with exhaustion.
“Please, just leave me alone today―”
“The Dowager Duchess of Hays has come to Peloux!”
His body, which had been about to lie back down, froze mid-motion.
His eyes snapped open in an instant.
“…What did you say?”
“The Dowager Duchess of Hays is coming to Peloux! A telegram arrived earlier!”
Sandy could not hide her excitement.
She paced restlessly around the room.
“What should I do? What should I wear? I hope the Duchess will stay for a long time!”
“…”
Beside Sandy, who was making a fuss, Michel remained silent for a moment.
Cecilia.
It had been nearly three years since I came to Peloux.
Though I had not seen her for a long time, I had never forgotten her for a single moment.
Cecilia was Sandy’s benefactor, the one who had saved her life.
And she was the person who had cleared Father’s name.
And furthermore…
“Brother! Are you listening to me?”
Michel, who had been lost in thought, lifted his head at Sandy’s reproach.
Sandy was already holding an armful of clothes.
“Which of these suits me best? I’m going to pick out what I’ll wear when I first meet the Duchess!”
“Star, why are you making such a fuss just because the Duchess is coming?”
Michel spoke curtly, leaning back against the sofa.
“Just wear whatever.”
“You’re impossible! Fine! I was foolish to expect anything!”
Sandy, furious at his indifferent attitude, stomped into the room with heavy steps.
Michel buried himself back into the sofa.
Yet even as he said it, my mind was in turmoil.
‘The Duchess is coming here.’
Michel picked up the telegram Sandy had left behind and checked the date.
The news that the Duke and Duchess would arrive next week.
Michel glanced at the large calendar hanging on the wall.
‘Well, since she’s coming, I can’t just sit idle.’
Given that the visitor was the Duchess, I should at least observe proper etiquette.
That was how I rationalized it to myself.
Yet in a corner of my heart, I found myself hoping that day would come soon.
* * *
A few days later.
The carriage of the Hays Ducal House arrived at the capital of Peloux.
Rainer immediately switched carriages and headed toward Count Monter Estate, his business partner.
Cecilia went first to Baron Barmeo Estate.
‘Wow, so this is Peloux.’
Her gaze, seated by the window, moved restlessly across the landscape.
At first glance, Peloux possessed an entirely different atmosphere from Listea.
Unlike the orderly, classical style of Listea, the buildings here were far more free and ornate.
Delicate decorations adorning the frames of doors and windows caught her eye.
‘This is Mother’s hometown….’
Had Mother gazed upon these same sights while living here?
Lost in such thoughts, I could not tear my eyes from the window.
Shortly after, the carriage slowed its pace.
“Madam, we shall arrive shortly!”
With the Coachman’s voice, the Baron’s Manor began to appear in the distance.
Cecilia’s eyes deepened with intensity.
‘Uncle….’
The life of Baron Barmeo, as I had heard from others, was anything but smooth.
Five years ago, the Baroness and her son had taken their own lives together.
The shock had caused his health to deteriorate rapidly, and he had remained confined to his Manor ever since.
‘So that’s why contact was lost.’
Had I only known sooner.
I could have at least spared him some of his loneliness.
Belated regret and sorrow pressed heavily upon my heart.
‘I suppose I should be grateful that I can at least greet him now.’
I could only hope he would not resent a niece who came so terribly late.
Without realizing it, Cecilia gripped her skirts tightly.
At last, the carriage came to a complete stop.
As the Coachman opened the door and Cecilia descended.
“Welcome, Duchess. We have been expecting you.”
An unfamiliar voice greeted her.
As Cecilia turned her head, two women she had never seen before stood waiting.
The older of the two smiled brightly and welcomed Cecilia.
“This is our first time meeting face to face, is it not? I am Penelope Dellarab, the fiancée of Baron Barmeo. And this is my daughter, Sosie.”

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