She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 42

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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 42. The Crown Princess’s Invitation

 

“Huh? Oh, it’s nothing.”

 

Evan hurriedly put on a nonchalant expression and shook his head.

 

If he said he was thinking about Cecilia, Rosena would surely cause another scene.

 

“Just, well… Thinking about how you, Rosie, and our Jeremy will lead the Hays Ducal House together in the future, I feel a sense of responsibility.”

 

“Oh my, Evan!”

 

Color returned to Rosena’s face.

 

She embraced Evan as if moved to tears.

 

“My husband really is different!”

 

Rosena kissed Evan’s cheek repeatedly with an excited face.

 

Her heart was already elated as if she had become the duchess.

 

“Ahaha, Rosie, you don’t need to go this far. Ahaha…”

 

Evan gently pushed Rosena away, saying they should go to sleep.

 

Meanwhile, he thought to himself.

 

‘Lia, even if things get difficult from now on, just endure it a little. In the end, it will all be trials for your sake.’

 

Cecilia would eventually understand too.

 

Who was truly the right person for her.

 

‘Even if she cries and clings to me, I should pretend to push her away about twice. That girl Lia needs to suffer a bit too.’

 

A pleased smile spread across Evan’s lips as he indulged in his private fantasy.

 

* * *

 

Cecilia and Rainer, who had returned to the capital, visited the Imperial Palace at the Crown Prince’s invitation.

 

It was an occasion arranged for the Crown Princess, who desperately wanted to meet the new duchess.

 

Even Cecilia, who was usually calm about everything, felt nervous at the Imperial Palace.

 

Since she had always been at the center of rumors, she was inwardly worried about what the Crown Prince and his wife might think of her.

 

“Well, I’m delighted to meet you formally like this.”

 

“Welcome. I’ve been wanting to meet you.”

 

However, Crown Prince Nicholas and Crown Princess Mary, whom she actually faced, warmly welcomed Cecilia.

 

Cecilia curtsied in greeting and felt relieved inside.

 

It seemed true that Nicholas was close friends with Rainer.

 

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

 

“Come, this way please. I’ve prepared tea and refreshments.”

 

Crown Princess Mary personally led Cecilia to her seat.

 

Rainer, who followed behind, quietly pulled out a chair and placed refreshments on the small plate in front of her.

 

Crown Prince Nicholas, who was watching this, laughed heartily.

 

“My, you’ve completely become a devoted husband. Who would have thought Rainer would be the type of man to treat his wife like such a treasure.”

 

“Is that surprising to you?”

 

“Of course! It’s amazing. When did the person who used to burn all the ladies’ love letters learn such tender manners?”

 

“Your Highness.”

 

At the Crown Prince’s mischievous joke, Mary poked her husband’s side.

 

But Nicholas just smiled, paying no mind.

 

“It’s nice to see my cousin finally experiencing true love. I should be able to meet a cute nephew or niece soon, shouldn’t I?”

 

“Your Highness, please maintain some dignity.”

 

Mary scolded him while tapping his arm, but Nicholas was not deterred in the slightest.

 

His eyes gleamed meaningfully.

 

“Right now Evan Hays may be the heir, but no one knows what the future holds. Especially when it comes to noble succession. Isn’t that right, Duke?”

 

“That’s correct.”

 

Rainer answered calmly.

 

Cecilia smiled awkwardly and glanced at Rainer.

 

If Harry had said such things, Rainer would surely have punished him with an enormous amount of work.

 

But now his opponent was the Crown Prince.

 

Since his opponent was who he was, it seemed he had decided to let it pass quietly.

 

‘Acting too affectionate in front of people is also problematic. All sorts of things get said.’

 

The heir to the ducal house.

 

Of course, she had no intention of letting Evan inherit that position.

 

And Cecilia would never bear that heir either.

 

‘Probably when this marriage ends, Rainer will meet someone new.’

 

Then that woman would bear Rainer’s child and become the real duchess.

 

Rainer’s real wife.

 

…Somehow, she didn’t feel very pleasant about it.

 

Just then, Crown Princess Mary, who was sitting across from her, noticed the subtle change in Cecilia’s expression.

 

She thought Cecilia was uncomfortable because of the Crown Prince’s joke.

 

“Oh my, madam. Please don’t take His Highness’s words to heart. I’ll apologize on behalf of His Highness’s rudeness.”

 

“Pardon? Oh, not at all. Rudeness? That’s absurd.”

 

Cecilia, coming to her senses, shook her head slightly.

 

“Just being invited to this occasion is a great honor for me.”

 

“Oh my.”

 

Mary’s eyes filled with fondness at Cecilia’s polite response.

 

At first, it was just curiosity about the woman the Duke had chosen.

 

But she really liked Cecilia’s calm demeanor when meeting her in person.

 

‘Hmm…’

 

When Mary nodded slightly, a maid from behind brought a small velvet pouch and respectfully handed it over.

 

Cecilia’s eyes widened when she saw what was inside.

 

“This is…”

 

Inside the pouch was an invitation to the Crown Princess’s salon.

 

“I often have small gatherings with noble ladies. This time, I’d really like the duchess to join us.”

 

Mary said with a gentle smile.

 

Though she expressed it modestly.

 

The Crown Princess’s salon was a place that any woman in high society would long for.

 

Music, theater, art, fashion – once something was introduced at the salon, it would soon spread as a trend throughout Listea.

 

“Oh, you mean the Princess’s salon. It’s a very distinguished tradition. Like a sanctuary permitted only to women.”

 

Nicholas, seeing the invitation, chimed in.

 

The corners of his mouth turned up mischievously.

 

“This time you’re watching a play, I hear. The lead actor is supposedly quite handsome.”

 

“Where on earth did you hear such things?”

 

“Shouldn’t I know in advance what kind of fellow my Princess will be facing? It’s all because of you, Princess. You can’t help yourself when it comes to handsome men.”

 

“Your Highness!”

 

Mary, her face reddening, poked her husband with her elbow.

 

Cecilia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the affectionate couple.

 

Nicholas laughed heartily and backed down, while Mary smiled awkwardly at Cecilia.

 

“A-anyway, I do hope you’ll come and grace us with your presence.”

 

* * *

 

The day the Crown Princess’s salon was held.

 

Cecilia boarded a carriage heading to the Imperial Palace.

 

Wendy, who was standing nearby, glanced back at the mansion with displeasure.

 

“When madam is graciously offering to take her along, she doesn’t even know to be grateful.”

 

Wendy frowned once more toward the mansion for no reason.

 

Actually, Cecilia had been planning to take Rosena to the Crown Princess’s salon.

 

Of course, it wasn’t because she found Rosena pretty.

 

‘Even so, I mean. A duchess who’s constantly the subject of gossip is just…’

 

‘Right. How can she adopt as a son the man she was about to marry? The duchess isn’t quite right in the head either.’

 

‘Isn’t she using her position as the Duke’s wife to harass the Osburn Viscounty?’

 

After the various incidents that had occurred, not everyone saw her as a victim.

 

Among those who felt fatigued by the endless string of issues, there were some who secretly blamed Cecilia.

 

So she judged it necessary to show people the image of a kind mother-in-law, at least publicly.

 

If it was the Crown Princess’s Salon, even the vain Rosena would gladly follow along.

 

‘Hmm, I appreciate the offer, but I have other business that day…’

 

However, contrary to expectations, Rosena’s expression was indifferent.

 

Even if she had agreed to go together, it would have been unpleasant, but in any case, Wendy was displeased that Rosena had refused Cecilia’s invitation.

 

Cecilia burst into laughter at the sight of Wendy glaring at the mansion with fierce eyes.

 

She looked just like a cute younger sister, and Cecilia almost reached out the window to pat her head.

 

Wendy tapped her shoe heels against the ground for no particular reason.

 

“Anyway, I’ll stop by the Information Guild before heading to the Imperial Palace. I promised to organize the investigation results from today.”

 

“Alright, Wendy. I’m counting on you.”

 

“Please be careful, my lady.”

 

Wendy curtsied slightly and left through the front gate first.

 

The carriage departed shortly after.

 

Cecilia leaned her head against the window and quietly watched the passing scenery.

 

‘Right. Without Rosena there, I can rest for today at least.’

 

She quietly closed her eyes.

 

But after Cecilia’s carriage had departed.

 

“Hurry! We don’t have time!”

 

Cecilia didn’t yet know that Rosena had rushed out of the Duke’s Mansion in a flurry.

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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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