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

Finally, the conversation came to an end.

“Thank you so much for taking the time today. It was very helpful in many ways,” said the Duchess warmly.

“Not at all. I’m just the tutor for Master Elliot,” replied the teacher.

“Well then, I hope you’ll take good care of our Elliot from now on,” she said with a bright smile.

Bowing his head, the teacher turned to leave the reception room.

“……”

Just before closing the door, the teacher unintentionally glanced back.

The Duchess was standing close to the window, watching Master Elliot train, her face deep in thought.

Watching her elegant profile, the teacher couldn’t hide his subtle expression.

‘She’s not as authoritarian as I expected…’

In reality, the Duchess he had encountered was a polite and well-smiling lady.

Perhaps the rumors had exaggerated things a bit.

However, given the recent downfall of the Ivan family, it was too early to let his guard down.

The teacher tilted his head as he left the townhouse.

***

Anriče had recently been observing Elliot closely.

‘Why… is he training so hard?’

She narrowed her eyes.

At the end of her gaze was Elliot, deeply engrossed in his sword training.

The training ground was dark enough that it was difficult to distinguish objects, as dusk had settled.

‘…Elliot seems to be overdoing it.’

This was understandable, considering Elliot had first come to the training ground around two o’clock in the afternoon.

He had been cooped up there for nearly five to six hours.

Even Liliana, who was ambitious about swordsmanship, didn’t train to such an excessive degree.

Determined to intervene, Anriče stepped into the training area.

“Elliot!”

“…Mom?”

Elliot, dripping with sweat, turned to Anriče.

Goodness, what would happen if he ended up dehydrated like this?

With a worried expression, Anriče wiped Elliot’s sweat away.

“It’s getting late. Are you planning to skip dinner too?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Elliot was reluctant to put down his wooden sword.

Seeing such a child, Anriče couldn’t hide her mixed feelings.

Why does he look so anxious?

It was as if he were being chased by something…

“Training hard is good, but you shouldn’t endanger your health, you know?”

Only after hearing those words did Elliot nod with a sulky expression.

Anriče watched as Elliot put away his wooden sword.

At that moment.

“E-Elliot?!”

A scream-like voice escaped Anriče’s lips.

Elliot stumbled and collapsed to the ground.

***

“It’s a fainting spell caused by overexertion,” announced the attending physician after thoroughly examining Elliot.

Anriche couldn’t close her gaping mouth.

She had been worried that it might be a serious illness.

But to think it was just from overexertion?

“If he rests well, he’ll recover.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Anriche nodded.

As soon as the doctor left, Lilliana came running into the room.

“Mother.”

Lilliana looked up at Anriche with tear-filled eyes.

“Is Elliot okay?”

“…Of course, he’s fine.”

At that moment, a low voice was heard.

It was Elliot.

Although his face was pale, his usual mischievous expression remained.

Lilliana, who had clung closely to Elliot’s bed, scrutinized him with a worried face.

“Are you really okay?”

“Of course.”

Elliot grinned.

Lilliana puffed out her cheeks, grumbling softly.

“Get better soon. I want to train with you.”

For a brief moment, Elliot’s expression hardened.

‘Huh?’

Anriche’s eyes widened slightly.

But the next moment, Elliot teased Lilliana with a playful tone.

“You really want to train with me?”

“Of course!”

“Hmm, if Lilliana insists that much…”

The two children burst into laughter.

It was the usual sight of them getting along well.

Watching them, Anriche slightly furrowed her brow.

‘…Did I see it wrong?’

After a long conversation, Lilliana jumped off the bed.

“Good night, Elliot.”

“You too.”

Elliot saw Lilliana off with a smiling face.

After Lilliana left the room, Anriche, who had been watching Elliot quietly, suddenly asked,

“Elliot, why are you pushing yourself so hard?”

“What?”

“Recently, you’ve set aside your cultural lessons and focused only on subjects like politics and swordsmanship.”

Politics, swordsmanship, military studies, management…

All essential subjects for the future head of the family.

In exchange, Elliot had completely lost interest in the cultural subjects he usually enjoyed, like art and literature.

Elliot bit his lip.

“…”

Judging by that stubborn expression, it didn’t seem like he would answer easily.

Anriche subtly opened her mouth.

“Is it because of Lilliana?”

“Th-that’s not it!”

Elliot unknowingly raised his voice.

But sometimes, strong denial implies strong affirmation.

Anriche asked again.

“It seems like you started pushing yourself when Lilliana joined swordsmanship training.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“Is that really not the case?”

At those words, Elliot clenched his fists tightly.

He was gripping them so hard that the bones in his small hands stood out white.

“I think… Lilliana has an amazing talent for swordsmanship. She’s really incredible.”

Elliot’s voice was a bit strained, trying to suppress his emotions.

“I don’t dislike Lilliana. I really like her. It’s just… because of that…”

Elliot, breathing heavily, buried his face in his hands.

“…I hate myself.”

“Elliot, but…”

“I’ve been learning swordsmanship for years before Lilliana.”

Elliot spoke in a rough voice.

“But even so, it feels like I can’t even reach Lilliana’s level.”

“Why do you think that? It’s not like that at all…”

“I hate myself for not trying harder all this time. I’m so disappointed in myself.”

With that, Elliot finished his statement.

His shoulders were now trembling slightly.

Anriche silently looked down at Elliot.

What should she say?

Should she tell him she understands and comfort him?

That Lilliana is naturally gifted at swordsmanship, so it’s only normal for there to be a gap?

That feeling inferior is… inevitable?

“…”

For a moment, Anriche bit her lip hard, almost drawing blood.

What sense does that make?

Elliot is Elliot, and Lilliana is Lilliana.

Even though he’s suppressing himself, Elliot is also a very talented child…

“In that case, should Lilliana be disappointed in herself too?”

Anriche suddenly asked.

Elliot’s shoulders stiffened in response.

He looked up sharply and asked Anriche seriously.

“What do you mean by that? What does Lilliana have to do with this?”

“Elliot, you’re feeling down because Lilliana is more talented at swordsmanship than you, right?”

“W-well, that’s true, but…”

Elliot’s face turned bright red.

Anriche lightly shrugged her shoulders.

“From what I see, you’re much better at drawing than Lilliana.”

“…What?”

“The lily painting you did before looked almost alive, didn’t it?”

Elliot blinked in surprise at Anriche’s unexpected remark.

Anriche smiled softly.

“At first, I thought it was just me who felt that way, but it turns out your teacher thinks the same.”

“My teacher…?”

“Yes. Your teacher praised you highly, saying you have a natural talent for drawing.”

As she said this, Anriche glanced at the sketchbook on the table.

The sketchbook was worn, covered with marks from being carried around so often.

Anriche recalled what the teacher had said before.

“Just by looking at Elliot’s sketchbook, you can tell how much he loves to draw.”

“Really?”

“Yes. His sketchbook is filled with sketches. There’s hardly any blank paper left.”

At that moment, Elliot’s voice pulled Anriche out of her thoughts.

“But I’m the heir of the Valois family. I have to inherit the family one day.”

“Oh my, and yet you’re the one slacking off during class?”

Anriche teased, her words carrying a bit of sting.

Feeling called out, Elliot couldn’t hide his embarrassed expression.

‘Even with that sense of responsibility, the reason Elliot hasn’t been able to focus on his lessons until now…’

Was it because the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders was so heavy that he couldn’t settle his mind?