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

‘…The Second Prince?’

Renald was Frederick’s Achilles’ heel.

It was no wonder; Renald lagged behind Frederick in every way.

The only area where he surpassed him was in “legitimacy.”

However, the problem was that the Emperor wanted to choose a successor based on superior capabilities rather than legitimacy.

‘How dare he mention Frederick in front of me!’

Flames ignited in Renald’s eyes.

Yet Anriche simply continued to ask calmly, unfazed by his anger.

“Weren’t you here to scout the shared carriage business of Balua to make amends?”

Renald gritted his teeth.

“I’m truly disappointed in the Duke’s family for treating a prince this way!”

“I’m sorry to hear that you feel disappointed.”

“Stop saying such flippant things!”

Renald shouted in a fierce tone.

“I’m thinking of going home right now!”

Anriche couldn’t hide her exasperation.

‘What is this…?’

Isn’t he just throwing a tantrum like a child because he doesn’t like something?

But then…

“What on earth is happening here?”

A seemingly cheerful voice interrupted the conversation.

‘Alexei?’

Anriche’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What brings you here?”

“My schedule ended earlier than expected today, so I came to lend a hand to my wife,” Alexei replied, smiling brightly at his spouse.

However, it didn’t take long for that smile to fade.

“Duke Balua, listen!”

Renald tried to lament to Alexei.

“The Duchess just…!”

“Oh, I see. You’re planning to go home?”

Alexei turned to Renald, still wearing a smile.

But despite the smile on his lips, his eyes were completely serious.

“Excuse me?”

Renald looked at Alexei with a dazed expression.

Then he clenched his teeth.

“The Duchess has committed a great rudeness against me!”

“Is that so?”

“Yes! So I’m trying to leave the Duchy right now…!”

Renald’s voice began to shrink.

It was only natural, as Alexei was staring at him blankly.

His gaze seemed to ask, “What’s the fuss about?”

Afterward, instead of comforting Renald, Alexei said:

“Then, please return safely.”

It was a farewell.

Renald, in disbelief, asked Alexei again.

“Aren’t you really going to stop me?!”

“Well, that’s up to His Highness the First Prince.”

“Ha!”

Unable to contain his anger, Renald abruptly left.

He turned back several times, but realizing that Alexei had no intention of holding him back, he cursed under his breath.

“Damn it!”

As he vanished, Anriche looked up at Alexei, unsure of what to say.

“Uh, Alexei?”

“Please, go ahead.”

Unlike with Renald, Alexei met Anriche’s gaze with a kind expression.

Anriche asked in a dazed voice, “Is it really okay to let a First Prince go like that?”

“What does it matter? The First Prince himself decided to leave.”

…Hmm, is it really fine to be so calm about it?

Anriche inadvertently trailed off.

“But still…”

“Didn’t you already know this?”

Alexei looked at his wife with a puzzled expression.

“In the current situation, the one at a disadvantage is not Balua, but the First Prince.”

Anriche felt a bit awkward at that response.

Of course, she had considered this possibility.

However, the main reason was:

‘Renald is being insufferable.’

It seems she accidentally ended up catching a mouse while backing away from a cow.

Anriche cautiously spoke up.

“Well, the Emperor hasn’t chosen between the two princes yet, right?”

“That’s true. But…”

Alexei shrugged lightly.

“It’s true that he secretly prefers the Second Prince.”

Then he playfully asked Anriche, “What do you think would happen if Balua broke neutrality and chose one side?”

“…The balance of succession would change.”

“Correct.”

Anriche’s eyes widened slightly at that insightful response.

“I see. If they can’t gain the support of Balua, they at least want to maintain their neutrality.”

“My wife is always wise.”

Alexei casually flattered her, which made Anriche feel a bit embarrassed.

‘Oh, this is kind of awkward.’

It felt strange to be praised for stating something so obvious.

Still a little flustered, Anriche posed another question.

“Well then, what if, hypothetically, Renald the First Prince becomes Emperor?”

“Nothing would change.”

Alexei answered nonchalantly.

That could be interpreted as somewhat arrogant. However, it didn’t come off that way because…

“People say Balua is the only family that can achieve independence with a royal title.”

It was said by none other than the Duke of Balua.

“Although it’s unpleasant to hear people gossiping like that.”

Alexei concluded lightly.

“But it is true.”

He spoke as if stating an absolute truth, his tone completely calm.

‘Wow.’

Anriche swallowed hard, realizing once again just how powerful the Balua family was.

‘And Alexei… is the head of such a family.’

The Emperor’s most trusted confidant, the only Duke in the Empire.

A man who naturally bore tremendous titles.

But…

“Therefore, you need not worry at all.”

…the Alexei in front of her was simply a husband who loved his wife dearly.

That realization brought her a strange sense of joy.

“Pfft.”

Anriche couldn’t help but let out a small laugh.

Alexei looked a bit taken aback.

“Why are you laughing like that?”

“Just…”

Anriche subtly reached out and held Alexei’s hand tightly.

“I like Alexei.”

“…”

In an instant, a flush crept onto Alexei’s face.

Even his immediate reaction was utterly adorable.

As Anriche gazed up at Alexei, she suddenly spoke.

“How can you be so cute?”

“…Don’t tease me.”

“I’m serious.”

“…”

Now Alexei’s face was not only red but also his neck.

He looked as if red liquid would spill out if touched.

“…Riche?”

Anriche, who had been holding her lips tight, finally burst out laughing.

“Haha!”

Her clear laughter was uplifting for anyone who heard it.

“Really, I’m telling you not to tease…”

Even as he grumbled playfully, Alexei ended up laughing along with Anriche.

***

Throughout the journey back to the palace, Renald was seething with anger.

“No matter how powerful Balua is, this is too much!”

Unable to control his rage, Renald clenched his fists.

He pounded the plush seat of the carriage several times in frustration.

“I’m a prince! The only legitimate heir of the Empire!”

After much turmoil, Renald finally arrived at the palace.

The carriage came to a smooth stop inside the palace grounds.

Renald nervously jumped out of the carriage.

“How dare they treat me this way!”

As he stormed into the palace, he was met with a voice.

“I humbly greet His Highness the First Prince.”

A maid bowed her head before Renald.

She was one of the Queen’s closest attendants.

Renald narrowed his eyes as he looked down at her.

“What is it?”

“The Queen wishes to see you.”

“…My mother?”

“Yes. She requests you to enter the Queen’s quarters immediately…”

Renald suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown on him.

Memories of the Empress’s earnest warnings before he left for the Duke of Balua came rushing back.

‘You must absolutely make Balua your ally.’

How had the Empress been at that time?

She had gripped Renald’s shoulders tightly, repeating her words over and over.

‘If you can’t do that, at least ensure that we maintain neutrality. Do you understand?’

As Renald mulled over that conversation, he pressed his forehead in frustration.

‘Damn it, this is bad.’

The maid urged him again.

“Your Highness the First Prince, Her Majesty the Empress is waiting for you.”

“I’m coming!”

Renald snapped, but his steps toward the Empress’s quarters were heavy.

***

In the splendid chamber located deep within the Empress’s palace.

As he stepped inside, Renald cautiously opened his mouth.

“Mother, I’ve come—”

In that instant, his cheek felt a burning heat.

Slap!!

The Empress had jumped up from her seat and swiftly struck her son’s cheek.

“Ugh! …Mother!”

Renald covered his stinging cheek as he looked at the Empress.

She was almost out of control with anger.

“You!”

The Empress pointed a furious finger at her son.

“What on earth did you do at the Duke of Balua?!”