She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 23

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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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Chapter 23. Reclaimed Hays

“He’s handsome. He takes after both parents equally.”

The formal compliment from the assistant beside him didn’t even register in his ears.

Evan just stared silently at the child.

The doctor and assistant simply thought the father was so moved by meeting his child for the first time that he was speechless.

But the reality was different.

‘Hah….’

Seeing the actually born child, Evan felt as if his chest was completely blocked with stones.

When he thought about it, wasn’t this entire damned situation all because of this child?

No matter that it was his own offspring, he couldn’t look upon it favorably.

‘You’re the one who held me back.’

Evan looked down at the child with a bitter expression.

His gaze held sighs and complaints rather than affection.

The baby, knowing nothing, just slept peacefully.

* * *

The next morning, breakfast time at the Hays Ducal House.

Clang!

The fork fell from Cecilia’s hand.

Her face turned deathly pale as her hands trembled finely.

“Rainer, what did you just say?”

“Yesterday, Evan Machi’s wife gave birth.”

Rainer spoke calmly.

He had planted capable informants near the Osburn household and was quickly gathering information about the situation.

“There was an argument in Evan Machi’s office, and she went into premature labor from the shock.”

“Wh-what about the child? Did you happen to learn the name too?”

“Jeremy. It’s a son. He’s a bit weak, but apparently there’s no danger to his life.”

“…Good heavens.”

Cecilia muttered blankly, not even thinking to pick up her fork.

She had hoped it wouldn’t be, but it really was Jeremy.

Originally, Jeremy was supposed to be born a month and a half later.

Cecilia remembered clearly since she had personally helped with Rosena’s postpartum care in her previous life.

But this time, Rosena had given birth this early.

‘Could it be that Jeremy’s fate has changed because of me?’

A birth a month and a half earlier than scheduled.

Jeremy’s health couldn’t be good.

Moreover, Evan and the Osburn household were currently in a mess.

If the child fell ill, there was a high possibility he wouldn’t even receive proper treatment.

‘Even if Jeremy is healthy, there’s no way they’ll take proper care of him.’

She didn’t even need to use Rainer’s information network for this.

Even being generous, Rosena couldn’t be called a good mother.

In her previous life, she had used postpartum depression as an excuse to neglect Jeremy when he was just a tiny thing.

She was only busy going out to play, and didn’t hesitate to complain in front of Jeremy that he was ‘the burden of her life.’

‘Back then, I just thought Rosena was pitiable…. Like a fool.’

After Rosena entered the Duke’s mansion, caring for Jeremy became entirely Cecilia’s responsibility.

‘Waaah, Aunt Ceci….’

‘Jeremy? Where did Mommy go?’

‘Don’t know, waaah!’

‘Oh my, don’t cry. Should you sleep with Auntie again tonight?’

‘Yesh….’

Jeremy would come looking for her late every night, always crying.

Cecilia would hold Jeremy in her arms and comfort him.

Of course, while she was playing nanny like that, Evan and Rosena were probably committing their indecent acts.

‘…But Jeremy did nothing wrong.’

Cecilia could still vividly remember Jeremy’s soft skin and warm warmth.

During those lonely and painful times with child-related problems, Jeremy was her only comfort.

‘Aunt Ceci, Jeremy likes Auntie the most in the whole world.’

‘Really? Auntie really likes Jeremy too.’

The child who whispered with clumsy pronunciation was like an angel.

After her parents passed away, Jeremy was the first to offer such unconditional affection in Cecilia’s life.

That’s why she couldn’t leave Jeremy in Evan and Rosena’s hands even more.

“Rainer.”

Cecilia turned her head with a determined expression.

“We need to hurry with bringing Evan to the Duke’s mansion.”

* * *

Listea’s Victory Day.

Four years ago, the inter-empire war that Rainer had participated in ended with Listea’s great victory.

The Royal Court wanted to hold an annual commemorative banquet to honor his achievements, but Rainer politely declined.

Instead, it was replaced with a dinner between the Royal Court and the Hays Ducal Family.

Since Glenda, the Emperor’s aunt, was Rainer’s grandmother, it was essentially a family gathering.

This time too, a dinner was held with the Emperor and Empress, Crown Prince Nicholas and his wife, and Elise and Rainer.

“I still don’t understand.”

Crown Prince Nicholas grumbled with a displeased expression, holding his glass.

“How could you hide your marriage news even from me?”

Nicholas glared at Rainer, who was both his cousin and longtime friend.

He secretly prided himself on being closest to Rainer.

But to hear about the marriage in the same setting as everyone else.

His disappointment was beyond measure.

“And on a day like today, you don’t even show us the Duchess. I’m really disappointed. So disappointed I could wither away.”

“Your Highness.”

Crown Princess Mary chided him from the side, but Nicholas kept grumbling and gulped down his wine.

“Crown Prince. Show some restraint.”

Under the Emperor’s stern gaze, Nicholas finally closed his mouth.

But the Emperor and Empress felt the same way.

“How wonderful it would have been if the Duchess had joined us. She could have grown close to our Crown Princess.”

“That’s—”

“I apologize, Your Majesty the Empress.”

Just as Rainer was about to speak, Elise interrupted.

“Actually, I haven’t met my daughter-in-law yet either, Your Majesty.”

“What? She hasn’t even greeted the Dowager Duchess?”

“Unfortunately, that’s correct.”

Elise wore an expression of deep regret.

“According to rumors, she’s still lacking to be presented in society.”

“Oh my, all the more reason she would need the Dowager Duchess’s education.”

“I’m frustrated too, wondering what kind of child she is. Rainer simply won’t show her to me.”

Elise subtly mentioned the rumors while glaring at Rainer.

Rainer inwardly swallowed his scoff at her obvious intentions.

The Emperor and Empress’s gazes had changed subtly, so her plan seemed to have succeeded somewhat.

At least so far.

“Say something. His Majesty is curious too.”

At Elise’s triumphant urging, everyone’s attention focused on Rainer.

Nevertheless, Rainer showed no signs of nervousness whatsoever.

“Actually.”

He opened his mouth calmly without any wavering.

“My wife is currently very busy with important matters. I almost couldn’t attend myself, but my wife was considerate and sent me. Your Majesty.”

“Busy? What could she be doing?”

What matter in the Empire could be more important than an appointment with the Royal Court?

When the Emperor showed displeasure, Elise smiled faintly.

However, Rainer didn’t even blink.

He glanced at Elise with a mocking look, then turned his gaze away again.

“Actually… we found my brother’s son.”

For a moment, silence fell.

Nicholas was the one who broke it.

“A son? The previous duke had a son?”

Everyone couldn’t help but be surprised.

Gilbert had struggled to produce an heir but ultimately failed to have a child.

To make matters worse, his wife had died suddenly.

After that, Gilbert himself had been bedridden with illness for several years, so there was no way he could have had a child.

“Yes, it’s a family shame, so I wondered if it was appropriate to mention it…”

Rainer glanced at the flustered Elise and tilted his head slightly.

“Apparently, it’s an illegitimate child my brother had through a maid.”

“Oh, my goodness. Such undignified behavior.”

The Empress frowned.

Nicholas shrugged his shoulders with an interested expression, but closed his mouth when Mary poked him in the ribs.

Rainer concluded with a courteous smile.

“That’s why my wife couldn’t attend this gathering as she’s unavoidably handling related matters. I ask for the Royal Court’s generous understanding.”

“Well, since it’s family business, that’s understandable, but…”

The Emperor stroked his beard.

“I never knew Gilbert was such an irresponsible fellow. At the very least, a man should take responsibility for his own child.”

The Emperor clicked his tongue at his second cousin’s disappointing behavior.

At that rebuke that wasn’t quite a rebuke, Elise clenched her napkin tightly under the table.

Her fingertips trembled.

Watching this with triumphant eyes, Rainer opened his mouth again.

The revelation wasn’t over yet.

“My wife is currently preparing to bring him to the Duke’s Mansion.”

“Really? Who exactly is this person?”

“Your Majesty would know him. He recently caused quite a stir in Brisen with velvet tea.”

At his hint, everyone’s eyes widened.

No one was unaware of the velvet tea craze and the news that the duke’s wife had collapsed after drinking it.

And that name that had appeared countless times in newspapers during that process.

As if to confirm that people’s speculation was correct, Rainer quietly nodded.

“It’s Evan Machi.”

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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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