She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 80

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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 80. If Only I Could Have the Duke (1)

“Young Lady, are you feeling any better?”

“Mmm, I’m dizzy and my head hurts so much…”

The next morning.

The Hays Estate’s physician stood beside the bed, looking down at Tira.

Tira was still lying there weakly, steadfastly performing her role as a patient.

“Oh my, you absolutely must rest for the time being.”

The physician clicked his tongue as he spoke.

Those words meant she would have to stay at the Duke’s Mansion for the time being.

‘Good grief, what a performance.’

Harry, who had been watching, shook his head inwardly.

If it were up to Rainer’s usual personality, he would have sent her back immediately, sick or not.

But what could be done?

Since the physician was insisting on absolute rest.

They couldn’t very well put a patient in a carriage and chase her away.

“Um…”

Just then, Tira opened her eyes with difficulty and looked at Harry.

“Where is His Grace? I’d like to apologize directly for being such a burden…”

Well, would you look at that?

Harry blinked for a moment with an incredulous expression.

It made him wonder if this was the whole reason she was pretending to be sick.

“His Grace is busy.”

He straightened his back and spoke firmly.

“I’ll convey your apologies to him. I’m afraid it would be difficult for His Grace to visit personally.”

“Ah…”

Tira’s eyes wavered.

This wasn’t right.

Wouldn’t a normal man’s heart soften in this kind of situation?

‘Hmph, what does a mere aide know?’

Tira glared at Harry while grinding her teeth inwardly.

It seemed like this man was blocking the Duke from coming to see her.

But she couldn’t openly show her displeasure to the Duke’s closest aide.

“Yes… I understand.”

With her fists clenched tightly under the blanket, Tira spoke in the most fragile voice she could manage.

Tears quickly formed in her eyes.

An ordinary man would have been moved by that vulnerable appearance.

But perhaps taking after his superior, Harry showed not the slightest reaction.

“If you need anything, please tell the maids. I hope for your swift recovery.”

Though his tone was polite toward a lady.

Harry made no effort to hide his inner wish for her to leave as soon as possible.

Soon he turned around sharply and walked out.

“…Hmph.”

As soon as the door closed, Tira completely changed her expression as if she had never been tearful.

Just a mere aide.

She was displeased with Harry for standing between her and the Duke.

‘I’ll endure it. If I can just have the Duke… I can endure this kind of trial any number of times.’

Instead, once she became the Duchess later, she would chase that man away first.

As she was drawing such fanciful futures.

Knock, knock.

The sound of knocking on the door was heard.

“Excuse me, may I come in?”

“Yes, please come in.”

Tira quickly put on a fragile expression.

She felt a glimmer of hope that perhaps the Duke had come.

But it was Margaret who entered.

“Are you Miss Tira Russ?”

“Yes, that’s correct, but…”

“It’s nice to meet you. I am Margaret, head maid to the Dowager Duchess of Hays.”

Tira’s eyes widened.

Though she had never met her personally, she was well aware of Dowager Duchess Elise’s reputation.

She was of royal blood from a neighboring kingdom.

And such a noble and exalted person that ordinary people couldn’t even dare to look at her.

Why would the head maid of such a person come all the way here?

“The Dowager Duchess asked about Miss Russ’s well-being.”

“Sh-she did?”

That noble Dowager Duchess was showing interest in someone like her, who had no title or status!

Even Tira, who was always full of confidence in herself, was genuinely surprised.

“Yes, she heard about yesterday’s incident and is particularly concerned.”

The corners of Margaret’s mouth rose slightly.

“If you’re feeling well enough, how would you like to pay your respects to the Dowager Duchess tonight?”

* * *

Meanwhile, Naijel and Rainer were coordinating their future schedule.

Cecilia was also present at the meeting.

“You must be tired from yesterday’s banquet. Why don’t you rest?”

“I’m fine. How could I miss such an important discussion?”

Though Rainer was reluctant.

Cecilia quietly shook her head.

She turned her gaze toward Naijel.

“Mr. Russ, what about what I asked you for?”

“Ah right, look at me. I brought it here.”

Naijel pulled out a medicine bottle from inside his coat.

It was the tuberculosis treatment, which was also the core of this plan.

It was something Naijel had prepared in advance as a sample for the deal.

Cecilia’s eyes sparkled as she received it.

“Thank you so much. It would take too long until the official shipment arrives.”

“Oh no, not at all.”

Naijel waved his hand dismissively.

“When you asked so earnestly, of course I had to help. I don’t know what you need it so urgently for, but—”

Naijel, who had been chuckling, suddenly felt Rainer’s gaze and shut his mouth tight.

‘Well, there must be someone sick on the Duchess’s side.’

He didn’t pry further and just shrugged his shoulders.

“In any case, many people will regain their health thanks to this medicine. I guarantee its effectiveness.”

“Thank you so much, Mr. Russ.”

“Now.”

Rainer, who had been listening quietly until then, stepped forward.

“Let’s wrap up the contract discussion here. More importantly, about Miss Russ in the guest room—”

“Ah.”

Naijel gave an awkward smile.

“Well, she’ll be fine after resting for a few days. I’ll take her with me as soon as she recovers.”

He made a small grunt through his teeth, inaudible to the ducal couple.

Even before coming to this place.

He had earnestly begged Tira not to do anything unnecessary.

‘I’ll handle it myself, so mind your own business. You’re not helpful anyway.’

That was the only sharp response he had received.

Whatever happened, he just hoped she wouldn’t cause any major trouble.

‘No, maybe it would be better for her to learn her place here.’

In this grand and solid Duke’s mansion, what could Tira possibly accomplish alone?

In the end, she would have no choice but to realize the reality and give up.

‘At most, she’ll whine to the Duke about how great she is and get scolded.’

That much could be smoothed over as a foolish daughter’s mistake.

Then he could find a suitable match to dump that woman on and return to his hometown.

‘The contract has already been signed anyway.’

So whatever Tira was thinking, the impact on him wouldn’t be significant.

Naijel made such a complacent judgment.

* * *

“Is it really necessary to go this way?”

Tira was following behind Margaret with a frown on her face.

The clock hands had already passed midnight.

In the corridor where all the lights were out, only moonlight cast long shadows.

“Making a patient wander around at this hour…”

Tira grumbled discontentedly, pouting her lips.

She had imagined receiving the Dowager Duchess’s invitation proudly while everyone watched.

Reality was the complete opposite.

Moving around secretly like a little mouse, avoiding people’s eyes.

‘It’s not like I’m some criminal.’

Then Margaret spoke mockingly.

“You’re not a patient, are you? Everyone knows Young Lady is faking illness.”

“What, what did you say?”

Tira whirled around indignantly.

“On what grounds do you say such—”

But Margaret didn’t answer.

She simply stopped in front of a massive door.

“Dowager Duchess, I’ve brought her.”

“Come in.”

At the imposing voice, Tira unconsciously pressed her lips tightly together.

As the door opened, she caught her breath.

In the center of the room, she could see Elise sitting on the sofa.

‘Wow…’

Though Tira had been born and raised in the New Continent where there were no class distinctions.

Even she could instantly sense it.

That this person was different from birth.

“Come closer and sit down.”

“Yes, yes!”

Her manner of speaking unconsciously became respectful.

Elise slowly looked over Tira, who sat across from her, with unwavering eyes.

‘Hmm…’

She was similar to Rosena in that she didn’t know her place and acted recklessly.

But while Rosena at least had the bearing of a noble.

There was no trace of such refinement in Tira.

That fact made Elise even more satisfied.

“So, how are you feeling?”

“Yes, ah, I’m still quite dizzy…”

Though Margaret had called it fake illness just moments ago, Tira still pretended to be a patient with a weak voice.

At that sight, Elise smiled briefly.

“There’s no need to hide it in front of me.”

“Yes, what?!”

Tira gaped with a stupid expression.

As if finding that reaction amusing, Elise twisted up the corner of her mouth.

“I’m saying I already know you’re acting with ulterior motives.”

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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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