Chapter 46

Translator and Editor: Effe and Nabi

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Chapter 46

It was because the amount invested by the Duchy of Valois was truly enormous. If all of that money was lost, the business could go beyond staggering and collapse altogether.

“I barely got my business back on track—!”

“Grand, Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony…”

At that moment, Viscountess Ivan clapped her lips. She pushed her body back as if she had been hit in the face.

“I will go and visit the grand madam of the Marquisate of Saxony.”

“Why the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony?!”

“Well, isn’t she the mother of the Duchess of Valois?”

For Viscountess Ivan, the Grand Madam of the Marquisate Saxony was her last hope. She is the only one who can stop the Duchess of Valois.

Obsessed with that thought, she nodded her head over and over again with strangely gleaming eyes.

“I mean, she’s going to save us.”

“…Honey?”

“Just wait. I’ll do whatever it takes…!”

With those words left, Viscountess Ivan ran out frantically.

Viscount Ivan, who was left behind, clenched his hair off.

***

Viscountess Ivan stumbled as she crossed the Marquisate of Saxony’s townhouse.

The Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony greeted her with a smiling face.

“Welcome, Viscount Ivan. Coincidentally, I was going to visit Anriche today…”

“From the Duchy of Valois, I have been told that they will recover the funds invested in our business!”

As soon as she encountered the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony, Viscountess Ivan howled like a beast.

At those words, the face of the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony hardened.

“What do you mean? They said they would withdraw the funds?”

“Yes…! They said they would get all the funds back within a week! They even considered the compulsory direction!!”

Viscountess Ivan, who raised her tight voice, eventually staggered over her body and collapsed into the seat.

Tears dripped down on her pale face.

“Now, the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony… you must save me.”

“…Viscountess Ivan.”

“Why? I did my best, so…!”

The eyes of the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony narrowed as she heard Viscountess Ivan’s cry.

Viscountess Ivan was a very useful person in many ways. She has raised numerous aristocratic ladies, and a woman she still has good relationships with. Among those ladies, there were quite a few people who now became Mistresses of their families.

So, it was rather disappointing to cut her off like this.

It would be better for her to clear her debts here, and then wield Viscountess Ivan at will.

Furthermore…

‘Because Anriche is rumored to be a villainess in the social world.’

If Viscountess Ivan was cut off like this, it would surely put a burden on Anriche as well.

So, if she, who is her mother, goes on her own and puts pressure on her, Anriche will pretend to be defeated and back off.

Recently, Anriche has been disrespectful to her in many ways, so it wouldn’t be bad for her to show her dignity as a mother like this.

“Yes, don’t worry too much.”

The Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony, who finished all her calculations, nodded her head cheerfully.

“I told you before, right? I was going to visit Anriche.”

“Grand, Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony…”

“So, Viscountess Ivan just go back home.”

Having said that, she slowly raised her body before finishing her last word.

“Because I think I’m going to have to go talk to my daughter right now.”

***

The Duke and Duchess of Valois, Elliot, and Liliana gathered for the first time in a long time. It was a rare day for Alexei to have free time, so everyone gathered to eat together.

But, the place was a little special…

“It’s a nice day, so I thought we’d eat in the sunny garden today.”

It was the garden of the townhouse.

The shade created by the deep green leaves that have bloomed in abundance, and the sunlight shining through them. Even the five-colored flowers in full bloom and the gentle breeze blowing.

‘Well, this feels quite nice.’

Anriche, with a satisfied expression on her face, opened her mouth with a smirk in front of the children.

“How about doing this? Doesn’t it feel like a picnic?”

“That’s right, mother!”

Saying so, Liliana glanced at the table, twinkling her eyes. Elliot also had a curious face.

The round table with a red-checkered tablecloth was as cute as a toy. A variety of foods were plentiful on top. A delicious smell rises.

With a proud expression on her face, she gazed into the eyes of Alexei, who was standing next to her with a glance.

“Du, Duke. If you feel uncomfortable because of something that violates the rules…”

“Not at all.”

Fortunately, he shook his head with a smile.

“It’s effective in many ways to be able to feel like you’re out on a picnic like this.”

“Still, nothing compares to a real picnic.”

Anriche smiled playfully, and then she turned to the children. “So next time, I want to go out on a picnic together… Anyone agrees with my opinion?”

“Me, me!”

“I like it, too!”

The two children chirped like chicks.

Even Alexei replied, “That’s a good idea.”

And so, the four of them sat around the table. The atmosphere enveloping them was soft and cozy the whole time.

Liliana moved her tableware with ease. A dining table where you can eat as much as you want, and even if you make a small mistake, you won’t be scolded.

However, the one who pleases Liliana the most is…

“Liliana, try some more of this.”

On Liliana’s plate, Anriche served loads of soft mashed potatoes with butter.

“Th, thank you.”

She blushed slightly and scooped out some of the potato dish and put it in her mouth.

The rich buttery taste and the texture of the fluffy potato wrapped around her tongue.

Anriche, who had been watching her with delighted eyes, suddenly narrowed her brow and looked back at Elliot.

“Elliot, you should eat tomatoes, too.”

Elliot, who was carefully picking out the cooked tomatoes, peered up at his mother with a piercing expression on his face.

“But, Mom…”

“Hmm, Liliana says she doesn’t like picky eaters—?”

“O, okay. I got it!”

In the end, the child closed his eyes tightly and shoved the tomato into his mouth.

‘My son is so cute.’

Looking at them, Alexei barely suppressed the laughter that was about to burst out.

Suddenly, Anriche and his eyes met.

“Ah, Duke, do you also need something?”

“No. Rather…”

After hesitating for a moment, Alexei pushed the plate of grilled sausages toward Anriche. “It’s good to take care of the children, but the Madam has to eat as well.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Feeling her chest tighten for some reason, Anriche hastily lowered her gaze towards the sausage.

It was the first time that someone took care of her meal first…

Happy, she cut the sausage into small pieces and put it in her mouth. The savory taste lingered on the tip of her tongue.

‘…Is this family?’

Anriche was soaked in her brief thoughts.

People of the Marquisate of Saxony acted like she had to be a ‘useful person’ to be recognized as a member of the family.

But, here… It’s just—Isn’t it comfortable just to be with them all…?

“Dad, Mom! I ate all those tomatoes!”

Then, Elliot called his parents in a loud voice.

Pulling out of her thoughts, she turned her head to the plate, which Elliot proudly held out. The child’s plate was clean and empty.

Seeing that, Anriche smiled broadly.

“Oh, did you really eat it all? It’s wonderful, our Elliot!”

“I think it’s the first time I’ve seen you eat all the tomatoes. Well done.”

Both parents lavished praise on the boy.

Now, Elliot, who had a proud face, glanced back at Liliana.

“See, Liliana? I ate all the tomatoes!”

“Uh, yes, well done…”

A little confused, Liliana nodded her head with a puzzled face.

After that, the family continued the friendly atmosphere.

Sometime later.

“Master. Madam.”

The maid, approaching cautiously, lowered her voice and whispered to the Duke.

“The Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony has visited.”

In an instant, Anriche’s eyes narrowed. Meanwhile, Alexei also narrowed his brow and asked the maid.

“Where did you take her?”

“I got her into the parlor… though she had a very unpleasant expression…”

The maid had a face that she didn’t know what to do.

Hearing that, Alexei raised his body with a brief sigh.

“Let’s go, madam.”

“No, we don’t have to go right now.”

Although Anriche shook her head. At her unexpected words, Alexei’s eyes widened a little.

‘You mean to leave the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony alone in the parlor…?’

“The mother-in-law seems to be waiting, wouldn’t it be better to go soon?”

“No, I’m telling you to wait.”

After answering that, Anriche buried her body in the chair.

“I’ve already told my mother several times. When visiting the Duchy’s house, send a word in advance.”

“…Madam.”

“But, mother doesn’t even listen to my words…”

The violet-colored eyes sank coldly as she spoke the next word.

“I have to treat her the way she deserves.”

Alexei looked at Anriche with a curious gaze. After cutting off the funds that flowed into her house, she was so determined to deal with her mother, the Grand Madam of the Marquisate of Saxony.

The embarrassment for the Marquis of Saxony before had disappeared without a trace.

“So, the Duke doesn’t need to get up already. Please, sit down.”

Anriche smiled at him slyly as she said so.

He felt a strange power, so Alexei sat back down in his seat without realizing it.

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Advanced Chapters!

Rate the novel on Novel Updates.

Join our discord to receive the latest updates as soon as possible!