When I Quit Being A Wicked Mother-in-law, Everyone Became Obsessed With Me

“I’m just saying that,”

“Well, that means Liche has deep thoughts,”

Alexei casually flattered Anriche, painting her face with compliments.

“…Um.”

Anriche felt a bit embarrassed and glanced out the window, trying to act nonchalant.

As she did, Alexei stared at her intently, his eyes narrowing mischievously.

“Are you embarrassed?”

“N-No, I’m not!”

Anriche raised her voice unnecessarily, feeling like he had hit the nail on the head.

Then, at that moment,

“It seems like Liche is quite weak to compliments.”

Huh?

Anriche blinked in surprise at the somewhat pitying tone in his voice.

Before she knew it, Alexei’s expression had turned serious.

“I know it might sound strange for me to say this, but wouldn’t it be okay for you to get used to compliments a little?”

“Um, Alexei?”

“You’re worth that much, you know.”

Alexei said firmly.

‘Ah.’

Anriche instinctively clasped her hands over her heart.

Once again, she felt a ticklish sensation deep within, as if something soft was brushing against her heart, making her feel like she couldn’t help but be overwhelmed.

‘Being with Alexei always makes me feel this way…’

Is this what it’s like to share time with someone you love?

Feeling her cheeks warm, Anriche turned her gaze away again.

Alexei furrowed his brow.

“Liche.”

“Yes?”

“Why do you keep avoiding my gaze?”

“W-Well…”

Ah, it’s because I’m embarrassed!

Alexei continued, sounding somewhat whiny.

“I just want to see your face.”

“…”

“Is this really how it’s going to be? There’s not much time left for us to sit here together.”

“…”

“Do you know how precious this time is to me?”

…Is it really that much?

Unable to withstand his pressure, Anriche shyly lifted her head.

At that moment, she finally looked at him.

‘Oh?’

What she saw was a playful glint in Alexei’s eyes.

Anriche raised her voice in surprise.

“Are you really just messing with me?!”

“Well, I did mean what I said,”

Alexei replied nonchalantly, his eyes crescent-shaped with a smile.

“Seeing you embarrassed is quite a sight to behold…”

I can’t take this!

Anriche’s face turned as red as a ripe tomato.

Just then, the carriage came to a stop.

“Oh, I guess we’ve arrived.”

Alexei hopped out of the carriage and extended his hand to Anriche.

“Let’s go.”

“…”

Anriche glared at her husband with narrowed eyes.

In response, Alexei waved his hand like a child.

“Quickly now. My arm is getting tired.”

In that moment, Anriche recalled all the various titles Alexei held.

The Emperor’s closest friend, the Empire’s greatest knight, the Iron-Blooded Duke…

Well, the first two were fine.

“…What do you mean by the Iron-Blooded Duke?”

That’s practically like being a child!

Pouting her lips, Anriche playfully took his hand.

“Well, I…”

Hearing her grumble, Alexei smiled brightly.

“When it comes to you, I don’t want to be the Iron-Blooded Duke.”

His smile was as radiant as sunshine.

***

At the carriage business, the drivers were already waiting for her.

Thanks to hiring without regard to gender, there was a good mix of both male and female drivers.

“This meeting is set up so that I can listen to your concerns,”

Anriche began as she scanned the drivers.

“So if there’s anything on your mind, feel free to speak up.”

“…”

“…”

The drivers exchanged hesitant glances, unsure of how to start.

Anriche patiently waited for them to feel comfortable enough to speak.

Finally, after a long pause,

“Actually…”

After much hesitation, one of the female drivers spoke up.

“There are times when people refuse to ride.”

“Refuse to ride?”

Anriche’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Why is that?”

“It’s because… I’m a woman.”

Anriche’s face hardened at the guilty voice.

The female driver averted her gaze.

“They say that riding in a carriage driven by a woman brings bad luck for the day,”

“No, what do you mean…!”

Anriche found herself raising her voice unconsciously but quickly bit her lip.

‘Getting angry here won’t help.’

She instinctively realized that this prejudice had to be broken by the people of the Duke’s family, including herself, not just by the female drivers.

‘But how?’

Anriche nodded, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

“Okay, I understand. Is there any other issue? Is there anything you lack or need?”

“Nothing.”

“We’re good enough as is, thank you very much.”

The drivers replied in unison.

“…They say that riding in a carriage driven by a woman brings bad luck for the day,”

Anriche mulled over those words repeatedly.

Indeed, her mouth felt bitter.

***

Even after returning to the duchy, Anriche’s expression remained gloomy.

“Mom, Dad!”

Elliot rushed over and hugged her,

“Did you have a good trip?”

Only when Liliana greeted them with a bright smile did her face lighten a bit.

“Yes, kids.”

Anriche embraced her children tightly before setting them down.

“Did you all behave and not cause trouble?”

“How young do you think I am?” Elliot grumbled.

“Well, from my perspective, you’ll always look like a child to me,”

Anriche replied with a playful smile.

But Alexei could tell.

‘…Liche has been forcing herself to smile for a while now.’

Her mood was still low.

That evening,

“Liche.”

At his call, Anriche, lost in thought, snapped back to reality.

“Oh, Alexei.”

“You look somewhat gloomy,”

Alexei said as he approached and sat beside her, gently rubbing her shoulder.

“Are you thinking about what happened at the carriage business?”

“…Sigh.”

After a moment’s hesitation, Anriche leaned her head against his shoulder and let out a long sigh.

“Did it show?”

“A lot.”

“Oh dear, I didn’t mean to worry you, Alexei.”

With a crinkled nose, Anriche tried to smile but spoke in a somber voice.

“I don’t know how to break people’s prejudices.”

“Prejudices?”

“Yes. At this rate, I’m worried that the female drivers will struggle. It will also affect the business.”

Her violet eyes deepened with concern.

“If I fire the female drivers, I would be no different from other businessmen.”

“Liche.”

“But… I just don’t know how.”

Hmm.

As he comforted Anriche’s shoulders, Alexei’s hand momentarily slowed.

Then, he suddenly spoke up.

“I think I might be able to help you, Liche.”

“…You, Alexei?”

“Yes. If the problem is the superstition that says riding in a carriage driven by a woman brings bad luck…”

Alexei shrugged lightly.

“Then we just have to prove that superstition is false, right?”

“Really?”

Anriche’s eyes widened in surprise.

Instead of explaining further, Alexei smiled confidently.

“Anyway, I’ll take care of that concern.”

Before she knew it, Anriche found herself completely wrapped in Alexei’s embrace.

‘Huh?’

Just a moment of confusion.

A sweet voice reached her ears.

“Instead, could you focus on me a little bit?”

“F-Focus?”

“Yes.”

Alexei nodded with an innocent expression.

But somehow…

‘Does he feel like a predator in sheep’s clothing, or is that just my imagination?’

Anriche blinked.

And then,

“After finally getting you back from your mother…”

Without a hint of formality, his lips brushed against her ear.

“Ah, Alexei?”

Anriche swallowed hard.

Her ears were already sensitive.

Hearing his voice so close made her toes curl involuntarily.

“Liche, you’ve been thinking about work all day…”

As he whispered against her ear, Alexei continued.

“You must know I can’t help but feel neglected.”

“W-Wait, that tickles…”

Anriche couldn’t finish her sentence, her whole body tensed.

His warm breath tickled her ear.

The sensation was strangely intoxicating.

“So, from now on… I want to monopolize you, Liche,”

As Alexei placed gentle kisses on her temples, he softly asked,

“Is that okay?”

…How could I possibly say no when he looks at me like that?

Swallowing hard, Anriche slightly nodded.

At that moment, Alexei’s gaze darkened intensely.

“You have my permission.”

With that declaration, Alexei passionately captured her lips.