She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 46

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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 46. Boundaries (1)

 

After the news that Michel had stood in the Crown Princess’s Salon.

 

The play he appeared in recorded sold-out performances day after day.

 

The front of the Grand Theater was always bustling with people, and among them were quite a few noble ladies.

 

And today, Cecilia was also among them.

 

Clutching her ticket tightly, she looked up at the towering Grand Theater building.

 

‘Will I be able to have a proper conversation with Michel today?’

 

She couldn’t gauge at all what expression Michel would make when she brought up that matter.

 

Tension gripped her chest, and even the excited chatter of the elated people sounded distant and faint.

 

“The lead actor must be quite handsome indeed.”

 

Just then, she heard Rainer’s voice beside her.

 

Dressed in a black coat with silver embroidered decorations, he looked even more aristocratic than usual.

 

After glancing once around at the noisy audience, he looked back at Cecilia.

 

“The Prince has been lamenting for several days.”

 

“Oh my, why?”

 

“He’s worried that The Princess might take the handsome actor as her lover.”

 

“What? Good heavens.”

 

Thinking it was an amusing joke, Cecilia’s tension eased slightly as she laughed softly.

 

Rainer shook his head.

 

“It’s not a joke. If you knew how seriously The Prince was worrying, you wouldn’t be able to laugh.”

 

“Then you should recommend that The Prince shave more cleanly. The Princess seems to like that type of man.”

 

Men must always be tense and make efforts too.

 

When Cecilia added this, Rainer chuckled.

 

“I’ll try conveying The Princess’s true feelings. Though I can’t guarantee anything. But more than that…”

 

Rainer crossed his arms and asked.

 

“I’m also concerned about my wife who insisted on coming to see that actor.”

 

“What?”

 

“Did you find him that appealing? I hear all the noble ladies who attended the salon are in an uproar.”

 

What is he talking about.

 

Cecilia shrugged her shoulders.

 

“I clearly explained the reason for coming to see the play. I said I have something to discuss with that actor.”

 

“But you didn’t say what kind of discussion.”

 

“That’s…”

 

Cecilia trailed off.

 

She couldn’t speak rashly when she didn’t know how Michel would react yet.

 

The Osburn Viscounty matter was also her personal business, unrelated to this contract.

 

“You also haven’t told me about the Crowley matter since then.”

 

“That’s because Harry is handling—”

 

“So I’ll handle this myself too. I won’t do anything that would harm our contract. Don’t worry.”

 

“…”

 

At Cecilia’s attitude that seemed to draw a line, Rainer’s eyebrows twitched slightly.

 

“Oh my, Duke of Hays!”

 

Just then, nobles who had come to see the play gathered around the two of them.

 

“I never expected to see you in a place like this.”

 

“This is the first time I’ve seen you come to the theater! Are you on a date with the Duchess?”

 

“We’re so envious of you two.”

 

As the surroundings instantly became crowded, Rainer naturally raised his hand to wrap around Cecilia’s shoulder.

 

Cecilia was startled by the sudden contact, but Rainer pulled her slightly toward him with a calm expression.

 

“It seems people will keep gathering. Let’s go inside for now.”

 

“Ah, yes.”

 

People naturally made way seeing Rainer affectionately caring for his wife.

 

Passing through them, the two entered the Grand Theater.

 

The wide stage, the reverberations of the orchestra tuning their instruments, and the excited murmur of the audience all blended together.

 

Cecilia’s heart also fluttered along with it.

 

Today she had come with a different purpose, but still, this kind of cultural activity was always exciting.

 

‘In my past life, I never properly enjoyed it even once.’

 

The Osburn Viscount couple said it was a waste of money, and Evan said it was boring, so they never took her to the theater even once.

 

After marriage, she did come a few times following Elise, but she always sat quietly in the back.

 

In a situation where she constantly had to watch her mother-in-law’s mood, there was no way the performance could catch her attention.

 

But today was different.

 

Cecilia leaned her body slightly forward with eyes full of excitement as she examined the stage.

 

Usually they would be busily preparing the performance behind the curtain, but today’s performance was different.

 

The perfectly decorated stage set was already showing off its splendid appearance before the audience.

 

‘Hmm, it seems like I’d see better if I moved over there…’

 

From the center seat of the box seats, one side of the stage was slightly obscured.

 

Cecilia leaned slightly toward Rainer.

 

“Rainer, could you move our seats a little to the right?”

 

“No.”

 

“What?”

 

Cecilia’s eyes widened at the sharp refusal.

 

Usually he would readily grant even her small requests.

 

“Is there some problem?”

 

Rainer himself just tilted his head with a calm expression.

 

He was definitely doing this on purpose.

 

“I want to see the stage a bit better. Moving a little isn’t a difficult thing to do.”

 

“I wonder about that.”

 

Rainer crossed his arms and spoke leisurely.

 

“Hearing the reason makes me even less inclined.”

 

“What? Why on earth—”

 

“Wanting to see the stage well ultimately means you want to properly see that actor, doesn’t it.”

 

Huh.

 

Cecilia looked back at Rainer with an incredulous expression.

 

Why is he acting so childishly today of all days?

 

Rainer slightly raised the corner of his mouth as if he found that expression amusing.

 

He looked around at the stage with a face full of mischief.

 

“Well, looking at it now, this seat seems to have glare from the lighting reflecting off the stage equipment.”

 

“Stage equipment is originally made with materials that prevent reflection.”

 

“Is that so? As expected, you know well because you’re so interested.”

 

“You really!”

 

Rainer shook his head and laughed.

 

“Anyway, I’m uncomfortable so I’ll move. You can watch from this seat, my lady.”

 

“Ha, how very thoughtful of you.”

 

When Rainer gestured, a staff member who had been waiting behind quickly moved the chair.

 

Cecilia sat in the moved seat while rolling her eyes.

 

If you were going to move anyway, couldn’t you have done it earlier without teasing me?

 

Far from being glaring, the entire stage came into view at a glance without anything blocking her sight.

 

‘Since I’m here, I should enjoy what there is to enjoy.’

 

Cecilia looked down at the stage with a satisfied expression.

 

Shortly after, the lights dimmed and the performance began.

 

* * *

 

After an hour-long play ended, the audience gave a standing ovation.

 

“Wooooah…!”

 

Amidst the people’s cheers, Cecilia calmly rose from her seat.

 

Of course it was a moving play and she had been fully immersed in it.

 

But right now, there was something more important than appreciation.

 

“Your Grace, Your Grace. Did you enjoy the performance?”

 

The neatly dressed Theater Owner entered the box seats.

 

He kept rubbing his hands together while bowing repeatedly to Rainer and Cecilia.

 

“For the Hays Ducal House to make such a large donation to our theater. I truly don’t know what to do with myself.”

 

“It’s for the development of culture. Of course we should do it.”

 

“Ah! To think there’s such a wonderful person!”

 

When Rainer answered calmly, the Theater Owner looked even more moved.

 

He carefully clasped his hands together and said.

 

“Um, if it wouldn’t be rude… could you perhaps give some words of encouragement to the actors?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Cecilia’s eyes lit up at the words she had been waiting for.

 

No matter how noble a lady she was, freely entering and leaving the actors’ waiting room wouldn’t look good.

 

If she wanted to, she could force her way in, but rumors would spread of her being a promiscuous noblewoman looking for lovers.

 

‘But if I’m an official sponsor, that’s different.’

 

Especially with her husband accompanying her, there would be even less chance of scandal.

 

Of course, the Theater Owner, who knew nothing, was simply leading the way with a moved expression.

 

“Come, come, this way.”

 

Backstage was full of heat.

 

Actors who had just finished the play and theater staff were bustling about.

 

The Theater Owner shouted toward the people.

 

“Everyone! Come greet Duke Hays! He sponsored a large amount for this play!”

 

Everyone’s gaze turned toward them at once.

 

The actors stood up one by one and bowed their heads.

 

The Theater Owner called the most eye-catching man among them.

 

It was Michel.

 

He neatly swept back his golden hair and bowed his head politely.

 

“I’m Michel Eimos. It’s an honor that you came to see us, Your Grace. And Your Grace.”

 

Even under the dim lights of the dressing room, his handsome face stood out.

 

Rainer momentarily recalled what Nicholas had said.

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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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