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

“Then, I’ll let the servants know in advance.”

“That’s a good idea.”

“What will we need? Of course, we’ll need a picnic basket. Is there anything specific you’d like to eat? Oh, and we should bring some medicine…”

Alexei began listing everything they might need in an excited voice.

Anriche couldn’t help but smile at how endearing he looked.

***

The next day.

The Balua family headed to a lake near the estate.

“Wow….”

Liliana exclaimed in awe.

Elliot’s eyes were sparkling with excitement.

“It’s so beautiful.”

Upon hearing Anriche’s admiration, Alexei quickly turned his head to look at his wife.

“Do you like it?”

“Of course.”

Only after hearing her response did Alexei visibly relax.

But Anriche was sincere in her praise.

‘It really is a beautiful place.’

Unlike the remaining warmth of summer in the surrounding area, autumn was in full swing around the lake.

Crimson and yellow leaves danced above the cool, clear water that shimmered gently.

As she was admiring the scenery of the lake, Anriche’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Oh my, kids!”

Before she knew it, the two children had scampered toward the water’s edge.

“You mustn’t go too close to the lake without an adult!”

What if they fell in the water?

Anriche hurriedly chased after the kids.

Elliot was crouched in front of the lake, eagerly reaching his hand into the water.

Then, he quickly pulled it out in shock.

“Whoa, it’s cold!”

Liliana’s eyes went wide.

“Is it really that cold?”

“Yeah, you should try it too.”

“Hmm…”

After hesitating for a moment, Liliana gently dipped a finger into the water.

“Ah, it’s cold!”

“See? Isn’t it cold?”

“Yeah!”

The children burst into giggles.

Anriche, standing behind them, narrowed her eyes.

“I told you not to go near the water without an adult!”

“Ah, Mom.”

However, the children completely ignored Anriche’s scolding.

They were too fascinated by the lake they were visiting for the first time.

Elliot tugged at Anriche’s skirt.

“Mom, you should try putting your hand in too! It’s super cold.”

“Hmm, really?”

Anriche was about to scold them again when she inadvertently sat down on the grass.

In truth, she had never had the experience of being by such a large lake before.

Anriche cupped her hands together and scooped some water.

“Wow, it really is!”

Before she knew it, her eyes sparkled like a child’s.

Just then, Liliana eagerly asked Anriche,

“Mom, are we going to ride a boat?”

The child’s gaze was fixed on a small rowboat tied near the shore.

The rowboat was just the right size for four people.

‘I wonder… can we ride that boat?’

Since Alexei had taken care of everything for this picnic, she wasn’t sure who owned the boat.

Just as Anriche was deep in thought,

“First, let’s have a meal.”

Alexei answered Liliana’s question.

Elliot, who had been listening closely, hurriedly chimed in.

“Then, can we ride the boat after we eat?”

“If Elliot listens to his mother, behaves well, and doesn’t cause any trouble, I’ll consider it.”

“That’s not fair, Dad!”

Elliot’s face fell in disappointment.

Alexei chuckled and stood up.

“Lunch is ready. Let’s go.”

“Wait, Your Grace prepared all this by yourself?”

Anriche felt a bit guilty.

While she was busy playing with the kids, Alexei had finished preparing the meal.

Alexei shrugged.

“I did say I would handle today’s picnic, didn’t I?”

“Still…”

“You just need to relax, my dear.”

Alexei smiled at her gently.

“This picnic is arranged for you to have a chance to rest.”

“…Thank you.”

He was considering her feelings.

Anriche’s cheeks flushed with warmth as she nodded.

The three of them then followed Alexei to a shaded area beneath a tree.

And…

“Wow.”

Anriche gasped in admiration.

‘He prepared everything so thoughtfully…’

Alexei had prepared a luxurious setup complete with chairs and a table.

On it were an array of dishes laid out.

There were sandwiches, salads, sausages, meat pies, and a whole roasted chicken filled with various ingredients.

He had even brought along a stew that was somewhat cumbersome to prepare for an outdoor meal…

‘I thought we’d just spread a blanket and have a simple lunch.’

Anriche felt a profound cultural shock.

“You must have gone through quite a bit of trouble to prepare all this.”

“Well, it’s more likely the butler who worked hard,” Alexei replied playfully.

‘Ah, I see.’

Anriche realized,

‘This is typically something the subordinates take care of.’

At that moment, Alexei pulled out a chair and offered her a seat.

“Please, sit down.”

“Oh, thank you.”

Anriche quickly took her place.

The rich aroma of the food tickled her nose.

Alexei attentively served her during the meal.

He deboned the chicken for her, cut the meat pie, and placed it on her plate.

Of course, he was also keeping a careful watch to ensure the children had enough to eat…

‘Right now, though, it feels like he’s paying more attention to me than the kids.’

Is it just my imagination?

Anriche glanced at Alexei from the corner of her eye.

As soon as their eyes met, Alexei quickly asked,

“Is there not enough food?”

“No, that’s not it.”

“Is it not to your taste?”

“No, it’s very delicious.”

Anriche hurriedly shook her head.

At that, Alexei smiled brightly.

“Glad to hear that.”

…Wait.

It really doesn’t seem like it’s my imagination?

Or am I just reading too much into this?

As Anriche spiraled deeper into her thoughts,

‘Speaking of which, the Duke…’

It seemed like he hadn’t even touched his own food while serving her.

Feeling a little awkward, she subtly looked up at Alexei.

Now that she thought about it, Alexei had been standing throughout the meal.

“By the way, aren’t you going to eat, Your Grace?”

“I’m fine.”

“I’m not fine.”

With a determined look in her eyes, Anriche grabbed his sleeve and pulled him down into a chair.

Then she piled some food onto his plate.

“We should all eat together. It’s not fair for one person to eat while the other doesn’t.”

“Uh…”

After hesitating for a moment, Alexei flushed red and took a seat.

“…Thank you.”

Anriche’s eyes widened in surprise.

‘Wait, Alexei’s face just turned red, right? It’s not my imagination?!’

Just then,

Elliot suddenly spoke up.

“Why are Mom and Dad only talking to each other?”

“…”

Liliana didn’t add anything but vigorously nodded in agreement with Elliot’s comment.

Anriche awkwardly chuckled.

“Ahaha, it wasn’t intentional…”

“I can eat chicken too.”

“Oh, really?”

Alexei hurriedly placed some well-seasoned chicken on Elliot’s plate.

Only then did Elliot’s expression relax a little.

Then, Liliana looked at Anriche with a rare cheeky expression.

“Mom, I like sausages.”

“Ah, okay!”

Anriche pushed a juicy sausage towards Liliana.

‘Oh dear, I need to be careful.’

She hadn’t realized the kids would be so sensitive.

Watching Liliana confidently cut her sausage, Anriche felt a cold sweat trickle down her back.

***

After the meal was finished and only dessert remained,

Alexei once again offered dessert to Anriche first.

“For dessert, I prepared chilled pudding.”

He also placed a dish of caramel sauce to drizzle over the pudding in front of her.

Elliot’s eyes grew wider as he watched.

‘Dad only likes Mom!’

He looked ready to shout that at any moment.

Noticing the children’s expressions, Anriche carefully spoke up.

“I don’t really need all this.”

“I want to do this for you.”

Alexei responded in a gentle tone.

Then, suddenly realizing something, he asked her,

“…Am I overwhelming you?”

“Ah, no! Not at all!”

Anriche quickly waved her hands.

To be honest, she was very happy that Alexei was taking such good care of her.

But…

‘The kids are getting upset!’

Anriche silently wept inside.

Could we please be a bit more aware of the situation?

Why is Alexei so perceptive most of the time, but completely oblivious in moments like this?