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

Unaware of Anriche’s expression, Lilliana excitedly continued chattering.

“They apologized for everything—from the tea time incident to the fencing practice!”

“Oh my, that’s wonderful news.”

“Right? Isn’t it such a relief?”

Lilliana clenched her fists in joy.

“I was honestly so worried that I might end up clashing with Lady Tornian over and over again.”

Then, she beamed brightly.

“But now that I don’t have to worry about that anymore, I feel so relieved!”

“Yes, I’m very relieved too.”

Just then, Elliot interrupted with a sullen expression.

“To be honest, I still don’t trust that girl.”

“Elliot.”

“Just wait. If she dares to bother Lilliana again…”

Anriche watched Elliot grinding his teeth with a satisfied expression.

Yes, just like in the original story, he’s already becoming someone who can’t live without Lilliana.

Hmm, this is a good sign.

As Anriche nodded approvingly, Lilliana hesitantly spoke up, watching her mother carefully.

“By the way, I heard you purchased the Rondini Orphanage, Mother?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Since she had no intention of hiding it, Anriche nodded calmly.

“So… what are you planning to do with the building?”

“Hmm?”

Anriche widened her eyes at the unexpected question.

With a slightly anxious voice, Lilliana asked again.

“Will the orphanage be completely closed down?”

“Well, I’m still deciding. Why do you ask?”

“Well, um…”

After fidgeting with her fingers for a moment, Lilliana cautiously spoke.

“…If the orphanage closes down entirely, the children there would have nowhere to go.”

“Lilliana.”

“It’s just that… it’s, it’s scary to think about having no place at all to go.”

“…”

Anriche felt a pang in her chest.

She could imagine the fear Lilliana must have felt while living at the Rondini Orphanage.

Being abandoned.

Being deprived of a place to stay forever.

That must be a deep-rooted fear for Lilliana, something she’s had to bear since birth.

So…

‘She must be worrying about the other children because of that.’

Anriche recalled a description from the original story.

‘The reason Lilliana managed to endure her hardships was the friendships she shared with the other children.’

That was how it was written.

They secretly shared food with her and treated her kindly, allowing her to endure the hardships.

‘Whereas the Rondini family, her own blood relatives, treated her like a servant.’

Anriche scoffed internally but replied calmly.

“Don’t worry, Lilliana. What you’re afraid of won’t happen.”

“Really?”

Lilliana looked up with a bright face in response to the warm assurance.

Anriche teased her playfully.

“Of course. Have I ever lied to you, Lilliana?”

“N-No! Not once!”

Lilliana shook her head fervently.

Anriche chuckled, wrapping both children in her arms.

***

A few days later.

Viscountess Ivan was on the verge of losing her mind.

“H-How did this happen?!”

She stared wide-eyed at the pile of letters on the table.

Though the senders varied, the content of the letters was identical.

“Why… why is everyone suddenly dismissing me, as if they’ve all conspired against me?”

Unable to contain her rising anger, she swiped all the letters off the desk.

Then, she stomped on the scattered letters in frustration.

“Why! Why?!”

Viscountess Ivan panted heavily, her voice rising.

She had no idea why her employers were suddenly dismissing her one after another.

She even tried visiting each household to ask…

“There’s nothing to discuss with Viscountess Ivan. Please leave.”

…But all she received was a cold refusal.

‘I suspect the Tornian family has something to do with this.’

Narrowing her eyes, she let out a rational suspicion.

That made sense, considering the first family to send her a dismissal notice was none other than the Tornians.

Following that, a cascade of dismissal notices began arriving from other households.

‘I need to see Lady Tornian face-to-face.’

She had already been turned away several times… but there was always a chance things could turn out differently this time.

She abruptly stood up, pushed open the door, and strode outside.

***

Today, Anriche was visiting the Tornian townhouse with Lilliana and Elliot.

Lady Tornian had warmly invited her, asking if she could visit the townhouse just once.

“Welcome, Duchess!” Lady Tornian greeted the Valois family with a bright smile.

Standing in front of her were Peter and Anita, shuffling awkwardly.

“What are you doing? Both of you, apologize to Lady Everett right now!”

Anita grumbled in annoyance under her breath.

“Oh, Mother, I already apologized, didn’t I?”

“Still, do it once more in front of me.”

Of course, her attitude softened under her mother’s stern gaze.

Anita, pouting, turned her eyes to Lilliana.

“Well, you see… I’m really sorry for being rude to you at the tea time…”

Anita fidgeted with her fingers and closed her eyes tightly.

“I truly apologize.”

“M-Me too…”

Peter sheepishly joined the conversation.

“I’d like to apologize as well, for everything that happened during the fencing practice and before that.”

“It’s okay.”

Lilliana smiled sweetly.

“Thank you for apologizing.”

But unlike Lilliana, Elliot was far from okay with it.

“What? They’re apologizing because they were in the wrong! Why thank them?!”

Elliot, flaring up, unknowingly raised his voice.

“Try picking on our Lilliana again. Just try! Next time, I won’t let it slide!”

Elliot clenched his fists, glaring at the Tornian siblings.

His gaze was so fierce that the siblings started to fidget and look away, feigning disinterest.

Seeing this, Lilliana called to Elliot.

“Elliot.”

“But…!”

“I really am okay.”

Lilliana smiled soothingly at Elliot.

“Lilliana, you’re really…”

Elliot, though looking discontent, ultimately closed his mouth out of respect for Lilliana’s wishes.

Watching with a nervous heart, Lady Tornian hurriedly spoke.

“My children may have apologized, but as their mother, I still feel incredibly sorry.”

She subtly glanced at Anriche.

By this, she clearly meant, ‘I made them apologize personally in front of you, so please consider the matter resolved and let it go.’

Seeing her desperate expression, Anriche nodded in acknowledgment.

“Would you like to come this way? I’ve prepared some tea and light refreshments.”

“Oh, thank you.”

The Valois family was then guided to a tea table in the sitting room.

Despite her modest remarks, the tea and refreshments were all top-tier, reflecting her effort to avoid offending Duchess Valois.

A little time passed.

“Mom, may we go to the playroom?”

“I want to show Lilliana the new doll I got.”

After filling up on juice and snacks, the children started tugging at Anriche and Lady Tornian.

“You can go, but take a nanny with you.”

“Yes!”

After the children scampered out, Lady Tornian cautiously called Anriche.

“Duchess.”

“Yes, please go ahead.”

“Previously, you mentioned that being too close to ink can stain one’s hands.”

“Yes, I did.”

Anriche nodded slightly.

“I also… agree with what you said, Duchess.”

“Oh? May I ask what you mean?”

“As of today,” Lady Tornian continued in a nervous voice, “our Peter and Lady Rondini will no longer be betrothed.”

“Oh my.”

Anriche blinked, then smiled gently.

“You’ve made a big decision.”

“It’s all thanks to the advice you gave, Duchess.”

“Well, they say medicine that’s good for you often tastes bitter.”

Anriche set her teacup down with graceful composure and continued.

“Even if advice is given, it’s rare for people to follow it completely.”

At that moment, there was a brief knock.

“Come in.”

Assuming it was a maid coming to clear the dishes, Anriche was surprised when the maid spoke up with unexpected news.

“Ma’am.”

“Yes?”

“Viscountess Ivan has come to visit.”

“What?”

Lady Tornian’s eyes widened.

Of all times, why now, when Duchess Valois was here!

“Make sure she’s absolutely not allowed into the townhouse, understood?”

“Oh, there’s no need for that.”

Anriche shook her head.

“Facing reality is the quickest way to make someone give up.”