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

Delfina snapped at Anriche in a sharp voice.

“I heard that Liliana is going to the deputy commander of the knights to learn swordsmanship.”

“Yes? Yes, that’s true, but…”

How did that make her negligent regarding Liliana’s education?

As Anriche blinked in confusion, Delfina continued in a fierce tone.

“Liliana is going to be the future mistress of the Balua Duchy, isn’t she?”

For a moment, Anriche felt a bit relieved.

That statement itself was akin to Delfina recognizing Liliana as her future granddaughter-in-law.

However, regardless of her relief, Anriche couldn’t understand the current situation.

“That… is true, right?”

Anriche asked again in a hesitant voice.

Delfina’s gaze grew sharper.

“Then why is she focusing only on less important education instead of the training she needs to be a mistress?”

Delfina raised her voice.

“Because of your neglect, even the servants are gossiping!”

“…The servants are gossiping?”

In an instant, Anriche’s expression turned sharp.

Delfina was the senior matriarch of the Balua Duchy and the Duchess.

It was rare for any servant to speak freely to her.

In such a situation, the person who could relay rumors among the servants…

“Who passed on such gossip?”

“What?”

“Was it the steward, by any chance?”

“…”

Delfina was struck at the core.

With an uncomfortable expression, she pressed her lips together.

‘That’s right.’

In any case, Delfina was not the type to lie.

Anriche swallowed her rising sigh and spoke up.

“If that’s the case, do you think the Duke’s judgment is also wrong?”

“…What?”

“There’s no way I could teach Liliana swordsmanship based on my own unilateral judgment.”

Anriche continued calmly.

“The Duke and I believe that Liliana has a talent suitable for learning swordsmanship. Of course, she has the ability as well.”

“Y-Yes, but…”

“Moreover, the Duke has taken her as his apprentice and teaches her Balua’s swordsmanship whenever he has the chance.”

Her violet eyes fixed unwaveringly on Delfina.

“Additionally, the Duke was the first in the Empire to appoint a female knight as the deputy commander of the Balua knights, wasn’t he?”

“No, why is Lady Müller…”

“Do you think Lady Müller should step down simply because she is a woman?”

Of course, that wasn’t the case.

‘Kate is an excellent knight.’

Delfina bit her lip.

Alexei’s trust in Kate was profound.

Above all, the knights of Balua were known as some of the most skilled in the Empire.

Those knights believed in and followed Kate as their deputy commander.

Anriche shrugged lightly.

“I don’t think women should automatically refrain from learning swordsmanship.”

“…That’s true, but…”

“Above all, Liliana is a very diligent girl.”

As Delfina’s intensity began to wane, Anriche spoke in a soothing manner.

“I fully understand the concerns you have, Mother.”

“…”

“However, Liliana is also diligently preparing to be the mistress of Balua.”

Anriche asked earnestly.

“I won’t ask you to trust me. Instead, can you trust Liliana just a little?”

“…”

Delfina wore a somewhat dissatisfied expression.

However, it wouldn’t be right to scold her for asking to believe in a child.

Above all…

‘Alexei is certainly not someone who acts rashly.’

If her son supported Liliana learning swordsmanship, he must have believed it was the right thing to do.

“Hmph.”

In the end, Delfina abruptly left with an icy demeanor.

Anriche, left behind, smiled wryly.

‘Well, I guess I managed to get through this round.’

But that smile didn’t last long.

‘By the way, the steward…’

She had to be careful.

Her violet gaze grew cold.

***

After that, she thought things had passed peacefully for a few days.

‘Ah, am I finally going to clash with the steward?’

With a rigid-faced steward standing before her, Anriche let out a long sigh internally.

‘If that’s the case, it makes my decision to be cautious about the steward meaningless, doesn’t it?’

But avoiding a fight altogether was one thing.

Running away with her tail tucked between her legs in the midst of a conflict was not Anriche’s style.

So, she faced the steward with a calm yet intense gaze.

“Why is it not allowed?”

The current situation was roughly as follows:

Anriche had called for the administrative officer of the Duchy to request several documents.

They were financial records related to the Balua Duchy and documents outlining the overall budget execution.

‘Well, even though the original Anriche hasn’t visited the Balua Duchy in nearly ten years.’

However, inspecting internal matters was both a duty and a right of the Duchess.

In fact, Anriche hadn’t thought there would be any particular opposition to this.

Yet, the administrative officer hesitantly opened his mouth, looking unsure of what to do.

“Uh, young lady, it’s a bit difficult to provide all the documents…”

“Why?”

“That’s because the person responsible for final compilation and sending the documents to the Lady is the steward.”

“…What?”

In an instant, Anriche’s expression became complex.

Of course, it was possible for the steward to be involved in such matters.

For instance, the townhouse in Balua was managed overall by the steward, who also served as Alexei’s secretary.

However…

‘You can’t compare the townhouse to the Balua Duchy, right?’

The townhouse, no matter how large, was just one residence.

But the Balua Duchy was a city where many people lived and also served as the northern capital.

In such a place, having the steward compile all the documents for final submission…

‘Hmm, I see.’

Anriche narrowed her eyes and spoke coldly.

“Then, bring the steward.”

“Pardon? The steward?”

“Yeah.”

Anriche nodded firmly.

And so, at present,

The two were facing each other over the budget documents.

“Why does the young lady want to look at those documents?”

Is this guy really asking that question?

Anriche was internally astonished.

“I would like to ask you the same.”

With a look of disbelief, Anriche replied to the steward.

“I’m planning to examine the finances of the territory governed by my family; why are you asking such a question?”

“With all due respect, young lady, you needn’t worry. The budget is being executed properly.”

The steward held his head high as he responded.

“I’m just concerned that it may add to the workload and create a burden for the servants.”

“I’m not trying to give them more work. I’m saying that I want to look at it myself.”

“Please understand that the very request for the documents is a burden.”

Anriche narrowed her eyes.

Although his tone was polite, the way he continually interrupted her…

‘It feels like he’s trying to crush my spirit.’

But the steward’s words were far from over.

“Dear lady, it would help us if you simply rested comfortably and then left.”

“…What did you say?”

Anriche doubted her ears.

The steward smiled smugly at her.

“You haven’t visited the duchy in a very long time, have you?”

“Steward!”

“I’m merely hoping the young lady won’t tire herself out unnecessarily and will leave comfortably.”

But just then,

The steward, who had been holding his neck stiffly like a rod, suddenly softened.

“…I’m sorry, young lady.”

Huh?

Anriche gaped at the steward, who had changed his demeanor as if flipping a switch.

Regardless, he continued to wear a deeply pitiful expression.

“As the steward responsible for supervising the servants, I intended to protect them from being overburdened.”

“What sudden nonsense is this?”

“I’m concerned that my daughter might be suspected because of the unpleasant incident involving her and you…”

Why is he suddenly bringing up Mag?

Weren’t we just having a discussion about the budget?

Anriche couldn’t hide her bewildered expression.

At the same time, the steward bowed deeply toward Anriche.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I’m truly sorry.”

“…What on earth is going on?”

At that moment, a stern voice rang out.

It was Delfina.

‘No way, did my mother-in-law notice her arrival and deliberately act like that?’

Anriche’s mouth dropped open in shock.

Meanwhile, the steward’s pathetic act was having its intended effect.

Delfina decided to take the steward’s side first.

“I hear you’re talking about Mag.”

“No, that’s…”

“I know Mag made a grave mistake, but the steward is different.”

Taking a step forward, Delfina defended the steward.

“The steward has been loyal to Balua for a long time.”

“Mother.”

“Suspecting the steward is the same as suspecting me.”

At that moment, Anriche saw a faint smile pass over the steward’s lips.

It was a smile full of triumph.

“…”

And Anriche was determined not to back down.

“I’m not suspecting; I’m merely exercising a rightful duty.”