She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 160

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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 (5)
That afternoon.
The House of Monter held a banquet to welcome the Duke and Duchess of Hays.
Beneath the resplendent chandelier, the grand banquet hall blazed with light.
Curtains embroidered with golden thread and glittering crystal glasses.
And people moving with elegant grace to the rhythm of music.
It was a gathering that perfectly captured Peloux’s characteristic splendor and freedom.
And at its center stood Cecilia and Rainer.
“My, are those the ones from the rumors…?”
“I tell you, even Peloux’s most beautiful women would pale before them.”
Laughter erupted from those around a man’s jest.
“Have you heard? The royal family opened the rose garden for the Duke and Duchess.”
“Oh my, the place called the Paradise of Pelosu? I heard only royalty could enter.”
“Thanks to the Duke, we’ll benefit from it too.”
All eyes turned admiringly toward where Cecilia stood.
“Hmm? Where did the Duchess go?”
She was nowhere to be seen, though she had been there moments before.
The noblewomen fanned themselves and glanced about.
“Phew…”
And beyond the balcony, Cecilia exhaled softly.
The banquet was splendid, but the endless stream of greetings and conversation had left her somewhat weary.
Rainer too had been cornered by other noble gentlemen.
‘At this rate, I’ll be trapped all night.’
Thinking she needed a brief respite, Cecilia drew the curtain closed.
In that moment.
“Madam!”
“You startled me!”
Cecilia flinched at the sudden voice.
But the instant she turned toward where it came from.
Her eyes widened in surprise.
“Michel! Sandy!”
The two beloved figures stood on the balcony, beaming with delight.
Count Monter, knowing of their deep connection to the Duchess, had extended them a special invitation.
“Madam!”
Sandy came scurrying over and clung to Cecilia.
Cecilia smiled and gently stroked Sandy’s hair.
“Have you been well? You’ve become quite the young lady.”
“Yes! I’m attending the girls’ academy here! And I don’t cough anymore!”
Sandy bounced excitedly on her heels.
Cecilia nodded with satisfaction.
Michel approached closer during this time.
“It’s been a while, madam. Have you been well?”
“Oh, Michel!”
Cecilia greeted him with a radiant smile once more.
The moment our eyes met, Michel hesitated for an instant.
But he soon smiled naturally.
“I never thought we would meet again like this.”
“I know. It’s even more delightful to meet here.”
The three of us exchanged pleasantries for a while.
Soon, Sandy grew bored and left to find some refreshments.
Michel’s voice grew somber.
“I’m sorry to hear about Baron Barmeo.”
“Yes….”
Cecilia also nodded with a heavy expression.
“Michel, have you ever met my uncle?”
“No, he was someone who rarely engaged in high society activities.”
Michel spoke with an apologetic expression.
“Had I known he was your relative, I would have paid more attention earlier….”
“No, that’s not it.”
Cecilia shook her head with a bitter smile.
After all, he had rejected even the letters I sent him directly.
Why would he have accepted my friend?
As if to shake off the heavy atmosphere, Cecilia shrugged lightly.
“Anyway, come by the Baron’s Residence soon. I’d like to invite both of you.”
“Ah, actually, about that Baron’s Residence….”
Michel began to speak but paused for a moment.
After glancing around the Banquet Hall, he opened his mouth carefully again.
“I heard that the Baron’s fiancée is currently managing the Manor. Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s right. Is something wrong?”
“It’s not certain, but….”
Michel’s eyes narrowed.
“The rumors about that woman are not very favorable.”
“Rumors?”
“Yes, I thought you should know about it as well.”
He relayed the stories he had heard in high society.
They were not mere gossip.
“That woman frequents the Back Alley Black Market and collects poisons.”
“What did you say?”
Cecilia’s eyes widened.
Poison was a forbidden substance in any country.
Yet here was a noblewoman collecting such things.
But the astonishment didn’t end there.
“So you’re saying this woman is connected to the successive deaths in the Baron’s family as well….”
Michel, who had carelessly voiced the suspicions circulating through society, suddenly caught himself.
After all, the Baron’s family was Cecilia’s own kin, wasn’t it?
It seemed inappropriate to speak of such matters so lightly.
“Ahem, well. In any case, it would be wise to keep your distance from such a woman.”
“….”
Cecilia said nothing.
How could she remain composed when her own family members might have been murdered?
“Nothing is certain, of course. There is no evidence.”
Michel added hastily.
He had spoken only out of concern for her.
But regret for his careless words came flooding back.
“My apologies, madam. Please, just forget what I―”
“No.”
Cecilia cut him off quietly.
“I’m grateful you told me.”
Everyone here had been too busy appeasing her to speak of such things.
It was information she genuinely needed to know.
“If that is your wish, madam….”
Michel exhaled in relief at last.
He regarded Cecilia carefully.
“Then, madam, tomorrow perhaps―”
But before he could finish.
“Ah, there you are.”
A low, measured voice cut through the moment.
Rainer emerged onto the balcony.
As he approached, he naturally drew Cecilia close, his arm encircling her shoulders.
Yet his gaze remained fixed upon Michel.
“Ah, it’s been quite some time since we’ve met.”
Michel greeted him awkwardly.
But Rainer’s eyes showed no softening whatsoever.
“What were you discussing?”
“Pardon? Ah, well that is….”
Michel hesitated.
He had meant to offer a tour of Peloux if her schedule were free tomorrow.
But saying so would surely displease the Duke.
And bringing up Penelope Della seemed equally awkward.
Then Cecilia stepped forward.
“Michel, you may go now. I’ll speak with Rainer myself.”
“Ah, yes! Then I shall take my leave.”
Michel seized the opportunity and hastily departed from the balcony.
After all, Rainer still seemed uncomfortable and awkward around him.
‘Phew… I thought my heart would leap out of my chest.’
He brushed his chest as he quickened his pace.
“….”
Rainer kept his gaze fixed until Michel disappeared from view.
The arm wrapped around Cecilia’s shoulders had grown tense.
“Rainer.”
“….”
“Rainer?”
“Ah, yes.”
Only then did Rainer lower his gaze to his wife nestled in his arms.
Cecilia found herself laughing softly without meaning to.
Rainer wiped his face, looking embarrassed.
“I understand it’s amusing, but I simply cannot take a liking to that fellow.”
“Still, don’t be too harsh about it.”
Cecilia spoke with playful teasing.
“Michel attends the Pelosu Royal Acting School. He’s destined to become a celebrated actor favored by the royal court.”
“…I am of royal blood myself.”
Rainer’s brow furrowed.
At his expression, Cecilia laughed all the more joyfully.
“Ah, is that so?”
As if to soothe his momentary sullenness, Cecilia continued with a smile.
But soon her eyes grew distant once more.
Beyond the balcony, she could see Penelope and Sosie in one corner of the Banquet Hall.
Laughing and mingling with the other noblewomen, they appeared utterly serene on the surface.
‘Those people….’
Did they truly harm my uncle and his family?
How could they laugh so carelessly after all that?
Even as doubt crept in, that strange unease I’d felt from them from the beginning resurfaced.
‘I must uncover the truth.’
If my uncle had died unjustly.
Then as his niece, it was my duty to set things right.
Cecilia’s eyes gleamed with resolve.
* * *
The next day brought a gentle, persistent rain.
Droplets traced long streaks down the windows of the carriage carrying Rainer and Harry.
“Today’s schedule concludes with this.”
Harry exhaled as he organized the documents.
It had already been four days since arriving in Peloux.
Fortunately, this business trip was proceeding smoothly.
‘At this rate, the work will be finished soon.’
Though the schedule was somewhat demanding, he could endure it as long as he could return to Listea early.
He loosened his cravat absently and gazed out the window.
“Hm? That person…?”
In that instant, Harry’s eyes widened.
He pressed himself against the window to get a better look outside.
Then he spoke to Rainer, who sat across from him.
“Duke, look over there!”

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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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