Surviving as the Wife of the Swordsmanship Clan’s Troublemaker - Chapter 110
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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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Chapter 110
So she was upset about my room.
At least Francesca’s anger wasn’t directed at my sleeping in late—that was a relief.
I deliberately brightened my voice as I explained.
“I chose it because the room was spacious and pleasant. Besides, it had a large sofa and an even larger wardrobe, which made it convenient to use.”
“I know that place was a warehouse.”
Francesca’s face grew cold and rigid.
“Whether it’s a warehouse or anywhere else, it depends on how you use it. Since it’s tucked away in a corner, it’s quiet, so I sleep well there. I’m rather particular about my sleeping arrangements—I can only sleep well when it’s quiet.”
I wasn’t sure why I was making excuses for living in a warehouse, but the atmosphere seemed to demand it. Francesca had tears in her eyes over the fact that I lived there.
“You are not a warehouse keeper, Hallara. You are my daughter-in-law.”
“Of course. I know that too.”
“…No. The house you lived in back at the village was like that too. So small you couldn’t even straighten your back properly.”
It wasn’t quite that bad.
“This is my fault. I should have prepared a proper room for you when you first arrived. I thought you would choose an appropriate room. I didn’t realize you were such a modest and pure-hearted child.”
Francesca gently took my hand and pulled me along.
“I would like to prepare a room for you in the Main Building if I could, but since you seem quite attached to the Annex, I won’t ask you to move that far.”
She opened her darkly painted eyes wide. I wondered if her makeup just seemed heavier today.
“But I cannot give up on the room itself. Move into this one.”
“Here?”
“Yes. We cannot reduce things further than this.”
This princess-like room?
“Am I really allowed to use this?”
“Of course you are. Hallara, why are you like this? You are now part of our family. I know I’ve made you feel unwelcome these past days. But please, don’t say you’re going back to that warehouse.”
Francesca was half-pleading. In truth, I had thought I wasn’t particularly ambitious about whether my room was large or small.
Until I stepped inside.
‘This is the dream room I’ve only ever seen in dreams…!’
As I entered, a sight that made my jaw drop unfolded before me. A canopy bed draped with pale pink silk curtains sat in the center of the room, and the light from gold-plated candelabras softly illuminated the interior.
By the window, a vase and a small vanity were arranged, with all manner of cosmetics displayed in front of the mirror.
‘Isn’t that the nourishing cream Junel used to steal so often?’
At first glance, everything was expensive. The decorative items were in a completely different league from those in the warehouse.
“Mother-in-law, you are the best mother-in-law I’ve ever known.”
Though unintentional, it turned out well that I had repurposed the warehouse.
“Do you like it?”
“I do indeed. I never dreamed I would receive a room like this as a gift.”
Francesca sniffled. Karl, who stood beside her, handed her a handkerchief.
“I should have looked at your room sooner. But I’m glad nonetheless. At least I won’t be an embarrassing mother-in-law in front of guests.”
She dabbed at the corners of her eyes and murmured.
“Guests?”
“Yes. It seems guests will arrive today. Of course, it’s not something you need to concern yourself with. I’ve told them you’re on your honeymoon. You should rest in your room.”
I found myself apologizing for how often I had compared Francesca to my Mother-in-law. Not only had she decorated the Annex Room while I slept, but now she was insisting I rest while we had guests arriving.
“Who is this guest?”
Still, I couldn’t hide in my Room while visitors were coming. Besides, I had something I needed to ask Francesca.
‘Inviting Elise is essentially inviting the representative of an entire Family. I can’t make such a significant request empty-handed.’
I would need to prepare for today’s guests myself. I had enough time for that. But then—
“The Duke of Cardia and his wife, apparently.”
Francesca delivered the unexpected news.
“Cardia? Could the Noblewoman be coming as well?”
“Most likely. The Cardia Duchy always travels together. They said they wanted to discuss business matters.”
Today was definitely my birthday.
Elise falling from the sky like this.
“Mother, you’re truly the best.”
“What’s gotten into you, suddenly praising me like that?”
“I’m a blessed daughter-in-law. I’ll do better going forward. Please, let me handle receiving today’s guests!”
I felt tears welling up in my own eyes.
***
As the warm breeze faded, the coachman announced that they were not far from the Bloodmere Domain.
“Elise.”
The weighty voice of Duncan, the Duke of Cardia, directed itself toward his daughter, whose head hung low.
Elise, lost in thought, did not respond. Duncan’s expression immediately hardened, and he raised his voice.
“Elise!”
“Yes? Yes?”
Only then did Elise snap to attention and lift her head. A faint trail of drool was visible around her mouth.
“What in the world were you doing at dawn that you’re sleeping so shamelessly in the carriage in broad daylight?”
“Ah…”
Last night, they had disembarked from the ship coming up to the Western Empire and stayed at a luxury hotel. Of course, she couldn’t remember where it was. Elise had been elsewhere all night.
“You didn’t break protocol and wander outside, did you?”
“How could I? You guard the door to my Room like an iron fortress.”
Tsk.
“How many times must I tell you not to wipe it with your filthy hands?”
As Duncan issued his rebuke, Eva, the Duchess of Cardia who had been watching anxiously, produced a handkerchief.
“Don’t be so harsh. She must be exhausted from sleeping in an unfamiliar place.”
Elise reluctantly accepted it and, to prove her point, scrubbed her face vigorously.
“You!”
“What? You told me to wipe it.”
“Will you stop that insolent tone?”
“I haven’t fully woken up yet. Once I do, please refrain from speaking to me. I humbly request it.”
Her words were polite, but their content was utterly disrespectful. Because of his daughter, who lacked even a shred of nobility in her bearing from head to toe, Duncan’s green eyebrows never seemed to relax.
“If you dare display such shameful behavior at Bloodmere, I won’t let it slide.”
“Yes, yes.”
Elise responded with a dismissive murmur.
Outside, dark clouds began to gather as if rain were approaching.
Eva’s expression darkened as she observed the mother and daughter. She exhaled deeply from the window. Bloodmere was drawing near. She longed to arrive there soon and have an open, candid conversation with Francesca.
“Sigh.”
And Elise, gazing at the same view, harbored the same thoughts.
***
The Main Building was already in complete disarray with preparations to receive guests.
I allowed myself to be led by May’s hands as she began my grooming. It was far more meticulous than what I had done before my honeymoon.
“Isn’t this excessive? How many flowers have you pinned in my hair?”
Red flower hairpins were clustered densely across my golden locks.
“This is the appropriate amount.”
“Why?”
What benefit would there be in appearing beautiful to the Cardia family?
“The Cardia noblewoman is coming, after all.”
“That’s true.”
As I nodded, May gently fluffed my hair to make it appear fuller and whispered.
“You mustn’t be outshone by the Cardia noblewoman. I’m sure she’ll arrive dressed quite lavishly as well.”
Elise?
Upon reflection, May had a point. The Cardia Duchy itself was known for pursuing dramatic impressiveness.
“I have no intention of competing with the noblewoman.”
“It’s not competition—it’s about maintaining your dignity as mistress. That noblewoman has quite a forceful personality. Well, I hadn’t meant to mention this, but…”
“Mention what?”
“I met her personal maid at the wedding, and her dark circles hung all the way down to her chin. How exhausting must it be for a maid’s face to look that terrible?”
At those words, I burst out laughing.
“This isn’t funny. I’m worried the noblewoman might know about your background and accidentally say something hurtful, or cause you pain.”
Meanwhile, May was on the verge of tears. I found her endearing and gently stroked her cheek.
“May, that won’t happen, so don’t worry.”
Then I removed one of the flower ornaments and left the room. I couldn’t look like a flower garden, no matter how pretty the flowers were.
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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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