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

“After consistently teaching Elliot, it seems he doesn’t have much interest in swordsmanship itself.”

“…I see.”

“Yes. He has outstanding talent, but one cannot progress solely on talent alone.”

Understanding what Alexei was contemplating, Anriče silently nodded.

Elliot was to become the next head of the Valua family.

Therefore, it was natural for him to inherit Valua’s swordsmanship.

However…

‘It can’t be helped; we must consider the child’s aptitude.’

Alexei, as the head of the family, was also a father who loved his son deeply.

“On the other hand, Lilianna is determined to win at all costs.”

“Are you saying that Lilianna has a competitive spirit…?”

“Exactly. During her training, she made every effort to see it through to the end.”

Alexei recalled Lilianna as she trained.

Even when pushed to her limits, she never gave up.

A faint smile appeared on his lips.

Anriče observed Alexei closely.

‘The Duke looks pleased.’

After all, Alexei was a master in the realm of swordsmanship.

With a talented child in front of him, especially one who would become Elliot’s partner…

‘…I can understand why he would feel good about it.’

Above all, if Lilianna grew properly, she could be a great help to Elliot.

Just then, Alexei subtly glanced at Anriče.

“So, may I take Lilianna under my wing and teach her personally?”

“Of course! If I tell her this news, she will be overjoyed!”

Anriče nodded with a smile.

***

Thus, Lilianna began training in swordsmanship alongside Elliot.

As soon as the training started, Lilianna demonstrated remarkably overwhelming achievements.

Gone was the gentle look from her eyes as she wielded the wooden sword.

Like a young wild beast, she was desperate to secure victory.

Alexei didn’t hold back on praising Lilianna.

“Excellent, Lilianna.”

“Ah, thank you!”

Elliot stared at Lilianna’s bright smile, lost in thought.

‘Lilianna is truly… a genius.’

Lilianna had found something that suited her, and she even had outstanding talent for it.

It was certainly something to be happy about.

‘But why…?’

Elliot bit his lip.

What Lilianna accomplished effortlessly was something he had to struggle for days to achieve.

Was there really such a vast difference between a genius and an ordinary person?

He was to be the next head of Valua.

The heads of Valua had always been exceptional knights…

“…”

It felt as if a large block of ice had been swallowed, chilling his heart.

Elliot turned his head slightly, avoiding the sight of his joyful father and Lilianna.

***

Anriče leaned against the window, watching the children train with a satisfied expression.

The sight of the small children scurrying around was adorable.

Just then…

Knock, knock.

At the sound of a brief knock, Anriče raised her head.

“Come in.”

As permission was granted, a middle-aged man stepped hesitantly into the reception room.

He was the teacher who taught Elliot how to draw.

“Lady Valua, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Welcome, teacher. Please have a seat.”

Anriče spoke in a warm tone, inviting him to sit down.

However, the teacher’s face still showed signs of nervousness.

‘The Duchess… wants to have a conversation with me?’

That arrogant Duchess would personally summon someone like me, a mere tutor to the young master?

Yet Anriče went further and offered tea.

“I prepared some tea, though I’m not sure if it will suit your taste.”

“Oh, yes. Thank you.”

The teacher discreetly gauged Anriče’s demeanor.

According to rumors, the Duchess didn’t even dine with those of lower status than herself.

But Anriče’s expression appeared completely calm.

‘They say the Duchess has changed a bit lately; could it really be true…?’

Now that I think about it, it seems that Master Elliot has been getting along well with the Duchess lately.

As the teacher pondered various thoughts, he ultimately shook his head.

‘No, didn’t he make Count Ivan’s wife kneel before him?’

Judging solely by her elegant and seemingly kind appearance might lead to serious trouble.

The teacher steeled his resolve.

At that moment, Anriče spoke up.

“I apologize for calling you in suddenly, especially since I imagine you have your own schedule.”

…Apologize?

The teacher couldn’t believe his ears.

‘That’ Duchess is apologizing to a mere tutor?

Anriče calmly continued.

“In return for the time I’ve taken from you, I’d like to compensate you with double the hourly wage based on Elliot’s classes.”

“D-double?”

“Yes. Or is there another form of compensation you would prefer?”

“No, that’s more than enough.”

With a bewildered expression, the teacher hurriedly shook his head.

In truth, most high-ranking nobles treated their hired help as nothing more than subordinates.

And the Duchess of Valua was the epitome of such ‘high-ranking nobility.’

To think that the Duchess would not only apologize for taking up his time but also offer monetary compensation…

“I would like to hear a comprehensive assessment of Elliot’s drawing skills, which is why I committed this breach of etiquette.”

Anriče gracefully set down her teacup.

“In fact, I happened to see a drawing Elliot made, and it seemed quite impressive.”

At those words, the teacher struggled to conceal his surprise.

The Duchess has personally examined the young master’s drawings?

But until now, she had shown no interest in whatever education he received.

“However, as his mother, I might be overly optimistic about Elliot’s abilities…”

In her gaze, filled with affection for Elliot, Anriče continued.

“Above all, I am not someone well-versed in art, so I wanted to hear your opinion as the teacher directly instructing him.”

The teacher swallowed hard and cautiously posed his question.

“Um… May I speak frankly?”

“Of course.”

“Master Elliot has an incredible talent for drawing.”

At that affirmation, Anriče’s eyes lit up with excitement.

It seemed her judgment had been correct.

“Moreover, he seems to genuinely enjoy drawing.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He has always been very proactive in class. He has never complained about not wanting to attend or seemed bored.”

Moistening his lips with the tea, the teacher added one more comment.

“Usually, children of his age find it difficult to sit still.”

Thinking back, it seemed there had never been any disruptions during Elliot’s drawing lessons.

In contrast, during sword training…

‘He was often so lazy that the knights would be at their wits’ end.’

It was only after Alexei personally intervened that Elliot began to focus a bit more in class.

“I see. I never imagined Elliot would have an interest in drawing… I should have paid more attention.”

“Well, I don’t think you need to be too hard on yourself.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

Anriče’s eyes widened in surprise.

After a long pause, the teacher spoke in a cautious tone.

“Actually, Master Elliot doesn’t want to make his interest in drawing widely known.”

“Why not?”

“Drawing is generally seen as an optional skill for gentlemen, something you can learn or not learn.”

A bittersweet expression crossed the teacher’s face.

“For a secondary heir like him, it’s not considered an important subject.”

“…But.”

“He is always mindful of his position as Valua’s secondary heir.”

…Valua’s secondary heir.

Had Elliot always lived with that awareness of his position?

That sense of responsibility wasn’t inherently wrong.

But…

‘Elliot is still just a seven-year-old child.’

There’s no need for him to suppress his own preferences because of that responsibility.

It must be a heavy burden…

Anriče pulled her lips tight and asked,

“Actually, I once suggested to him that he consider entering the royal art competition.”

“And what was Elliot’s response?”

“…He declined.”

The teacher ended his statement with a sigh.

“He mentioned that to become an excellent head of the family in the future, he shouldn’t get too caught up in hobbies.”

“Oh…”

Anriče felt her words fail her.

It felt as though a large stone had been swallowed, weighing heavily in her chest.