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

It was understandable, given that the amount invested by the Duke of Valois’ family was immense.

If that amount were to be completely withdrawn, the business wouldn’t just stumble—it could collapse entirely.

“We just barely got the business on track…!”

“Ma-Marchioness of Sachsen.”

At that moment, Lady Ivan opened her lips hesitantly.

With a face as if she had been slapped, she took a step back.

“I’ll go and see the Marchioness of Sachsen.”

“The Marchioness of Sachsen? Why?”

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

To Lady Ivan, the Marchioness of Sachsen was the last remaining hope.

The only person who could stop the Duchess of Valois.

With eyes gleaming oddly, she nodded repeatedly.

“So, she will save us.”

“…Dear?”

“Wait, I’ll do something!”

Leaving those words behind, Lady Ivan dashed out frantically.

Left behind, Lord Ivan tore at his hair in frustration.

***

Lady Ivan staggered across the townhouse of the Marquisate of Sachsen.

The Marchioness of Sachsen greeted her with a smile.

“Welcome, Lady Ivan. I was just about to visit Anriche today…”

“The Valois family has announced that they will withdraw their investment in our business!”

As soon as she faced the Marchioness, Lady Ivan wailed like a beast.

At those words, the Marchioness’s face hardened.

“What are you saying? They said they would withdraw their funds?”

“Yes! They said they would take all the money back within a week! They’re even considering taking legal action!!”

Raising her voice sharply, Lady Ivan eventually couldn’t stand properly and collapsed into a chair.

Fat tears dripped down her pale face.

“Ma-Marchioness of Sachsen, you must save me.”

“…Lady Ivan.”

“Yes? I did my best, so please…!”

As she cried out, the Marchioness of Sachsen narrowed her eyes.

Lady Ivan was a useful woman in many ways.

She had mentored many noblewomen and still maintained good relations with them.

Among those ladies, many had now become the mistresses of prominent families.

So it would be a shame to cut her off now.

Instead, it would be better to make her indebted, so she could be controlled later.

Besides…

‘Anriche has a notorious reputation in society as a villainess.’

If she cut off Lady Ivan like this, it would surely add pressure on Anriche as well.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to show her some motherly authority, especially since Anriche had been acting rather defiant lately.

“Don’t worry too much.”

Having finished all her calculations, the Marchioness of Sachsen nodded calmly.

“I mentioned earlier that I was planning to visit Anriche, didn’t I?”

“Ma-Marchioness of Sachsen…”

“So, Lady Ivan, go home for now.”

With that, the Marchioness leisurely rose from her seat.

“I must go talk with my daughter right away.”

***

The Duke and Duchess of Valois, along with Elliott and Liliana, had gathered together for the first time in a while.

It was a rare occasion when Alexei had some free time, so they were having a meal together.

However, the setting was a bit special…

“The weather is nice, so I thought it would be lovely to have a meal in the garden today.”

It was the garden of their townhouse.

The lush green leaves created a pleasant shade, with sunlight filtering through.

Colorful flowers bloomed all around, and a gentle breeze wafted through.

‘Hmm, perfect.’

Feeling satisfied, Anriche looked around and spoke proudly to the children.

“What do you think? Doesn’t it feel like we’re having a picnic?”

“Yes, Mother!”

Liliana’s eyes sparkled as she looked at the table.

Elliott, too, looked curious and excited.

The round table covered with a red-checkered tablecloth looked almost like a toy.

It was piled with a variety of delicious foods, emitting mouthwatering aromas.

Anriche, beaming with pride, glanced at Alexei.

“Umm, Duke? If this setting feels improper to you because of etiquette, then…”

“Not at all.”

Fortunately, Alexei shook his head with a smile.

“It’s quite efficient to create a picnic-like atmosphere so easily.”

“But it can’t compare to a real picnic.”

Anriche gave a playful smile and then quickly turned toward the children.

“So, next time, I’d like us all to go on a real picnic… Who agrees?”

“Me, me!”

“I like that idea too!”

The two children chirped like little chicks.

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

And so, the four of them sat around the table.

The atmosphere was soft and pleasant throughout.

Liliana moved her utensils freely, feeling at ease.

She could eat as much as she wanted, and even if she made a small mistake, she wouldn’t be scolded.

But what made Liliana happiest of all was…

“Liliana, try some more of this.”

Anriche placed a generous portion of mashed potatoes with butter on Liliana’s plate.

“Th-thank you.”

Blushing slightly, Liliana took a small bite of the mashed potatoes.

The rich butter flavor and soft texture of the potatoes melted on her tongue.

Watching this with satisfaction, Anriche suddenly narrowed her eyes and turned to Elliot.

“Elliot, you need to eat the tomatoes too.”

Elliot, who had been carefully picking out the cooked tomatoes, glanced up at his mother with a guilty look.

“But, Mom…”

“Hmm, Liliana mentioned that she doesn’t like people who are picky eaters—”

“Alright, alright!”

In the end, Elliot squeezed his eyes shut and shoved the tomato into his mouth.

Alexei found it so endearing that he had to stifle his laughter.

In that moment, Anriche and Alexei’s eyes met.

“Ah, do you need anything, Duke?”

“No, it’s not that…”

After a brief hesitation, Alexei pushed a plate of well-cooked sausages toward Anriche.

“While it’s nice you’re looking after the children, you should eat too, my lady.”

“Oh… thank you.”

Feeling a strange warmth in her chest, Anriche hurriedly lowered her gaze to the sausages.

It was the first time someone had ever prioritized her meal.

Anriche cut a piece of sausage and placed it in her mouth.

The savory taste spread across her tongue.

‘…What exactly is family?’

Anriche briefly got lost in thought.

In the Sachsen family, it seemed one had to be “useful” to be recognized as family.

But here… just being together made her feel comfortable.

“Dad, Mom! I finished all my tomatoes!”

At that moment, Elliot called out loudly to his parents.

Pulled from her thoughts, Anriche looked at Elliot’s plate, which he proudly held up.

The plate was completely clean.

Anriche beamed at him.

“Oh, you really ate them all? Good job, Elliot!”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you finish your tomatoes before. Well done.”

Both parents showered Elliot with praise.

Elliot, beaming with pride, quickly turned to Liliana.

“Did you see that, Liliana? I ate all my tomatoes!”

“Uh, yeah, well done…”

Liliana nodded, looking a bit bewildered.

The family continued their joyful meal together, but just then—

“Excuse me, my lord, my lady.”

A maid approached cautiously, lowering her voice as she addressed the duke and duchess.

“The Marchioness of Sachsen has arrived.”

In an instant, Anriche’s eyes narrowed.

Alexei furrowed his brow and asked the maid, “Where is she?”

“I’ve shown her to the parlor for now, but she looked quite displeased…”

The maid looked as if she didn’t know what to do.

With a short sigh, Alexei stood up.

“Shall we go, my lady?”

“No, there’s no need to rush.”

At that moment, Anriche shook her head.

Surprised, Alexei’s eyes widened slightly.

Was she really planning to just leave the Marchioness of Sachsen waiting in the parlor?

“Your mother-in-law is waiting; wouldn’t it be better to go quickly?”

“No, let her wait.”

Anriche reclined back in her chair as she answered.

“I’ve already told her several times that she should give notice before visiting the duchy.”

“…My lady.”

“But since she never listens to me…”

Her violet eyes turned cold.

“I should treat her accordingly.”

Alexei looked at Anriche with an intrigued expression.

After cutting off the flow of funds to the Sachsen family, now she was firmly standing her ground against her mother, the Marchioness of Sachsen.

The way she used to cower before the Sachsen family was completely gone.

“So there’s no need for you to stand up just yet, Duke. Please, stay seated.”

With a sweet smile, Anriche spoke to him, exuding a strange sense of authority.

Without realizing it, Alexei sat back down.