MILND 13

Episode 13 of She’s My Mother-in-Law, But I Hate Family Feuds

Even though Duke Byunghyung said it was fine, it was more of an attempt to silence the gossiping socialites. Since he wasn’t giving them any pretext, it was hard to refuse.

Besides, being an organizer for the banquet… In my previous life, that meant things like booking pubs and balancing the budget, but here, being an organizer didn’t look easy.

“Alright, I’ll prepare it.”

Given that I was freeloading, I could at least do this much. I was the cause of the problem, after all.

When I agreed, Helene briefly explained the schedule for the upcoming celebration.

Fortunately, the venue and budget were already settled, so I wouldn’t have to deal with too much paperwork.

“Well then, shall we have some tea?”

No sooner had our conversation ended than Mikhail ordered the servants to set up a tea table.

I was about to say I wouldn’t eat and would just leave.

“…We’ve prepared herbal tea that’s good for colds. Please have a cup before you go.”

With even Helene saying that, I had no choice but to stay.

Mikhail still chatted cheerfully, as if he had forgotten the scolding I gave him.

‘How does someone with that personality run a ducal household?’

Even if Helene was highly capable, Mikhail was still the head of the family.

Seeing that overly optimistic face so easily read, I found myself worrying about the ducal family’s future, something I never cared about before.

Suddenly, the voice of my imaginary master of romance fantasy novels—who somehow became a mentor in my mind—resurfaced.

In my imagination, she was a middle school student wearing a graduation cap.

“No, teacher. The main character in a reverse harem is usually overpowered. That’s the default. Clueless ones have different traits.”

“…If you say so, then I guess that’s how it is.”

Well, unlike the previous duke, Mikhail did seem well-liked by the servants. He probably had qualities I didn’t yet understand.

‘Maybe that cheerful personality was cultivated for a reason.’

Trying to convince myself, I decided to hold off on judging him.

“We only have the year-end party and New Year’s celebration left now. Especially for the year-end party, a noble from the royal family will be attending, so we must prepare thoroughly. I hope you’ll help us too, Mother.”

“…If I’m able.”

The conversation continued, largely without substance. Mikhail would mix business and personal stories, I would play along, and occasionally Helene would correct his mistakes.

About 30 minutes passed.

Just as the tea was starting to cool, someone knocked on the parlor door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s Liam, sir.”

The elderly butler spoke quietly to Mikhail so we wouldn’t overhear, but it was clear something urgent had come up.

Mikhail approached with a regretful expression.

“Looks like I have to go. Please enjoy the rest of your time!”

Without waiting for a reply, he left with the butler.

Just like his sudden appearance, his exit was equally abrupt. Seeing my expression, Helene set her teacup down and spoke.

“He’s busy with royal affairs. I ask for your understanding.”

“…Alright.”

The fact that she mentioned the royal family so specifically likely meant there was some strain between them.

But that wasn’t my business. I sipped the rest of my tea.

‘These tea leaves are better than what we had in the annex.’

I should ask Anna if she can bring some over. If not, I might have to use my personal stash.

I was about ready to get up, but Helene seemed to want to continue the conversation a bit longer.

She ordered the butler to reheat the tea.

“Lady Rolland spoke highly of you, Mother.”

“That’s a relief. I was quite clumsy.”

“She said that while you may lack in etiquette, your kind heart is commendable.”

I didn’t realize ginger tea was so effective. It’s an expensive spice in this world—might have to dip into the annex budget to stock up.

Even as she complimented me, Helene stared at me with dry, emotionless eyes.

Then, she spoke words that would normally be considered very rude for a daughter-in-law to hear from her mother-in-law.

“Very well. Please continue to carry yourself properly and refrain from arrogance.”

“…”

It was blatant sarcasm, but to be honest, I wasn’t really offended.

As a mother-in-law, she had every right to grumble, and besides, our status difference was glaring.

Even though Mikhail wasn’t present, she expressed her displeasure so calmly. It showed how mature she was in a way.

Maybe she was hoping I’d get angry… but instead, I found her adorable.

“…Haha.”

“…?”

I figured out why she was being so roundabout.

Lady Rolland, who had educated countless noblewomen, praised me.

Helene wasn’t impressed by that fact—she was warning me not to get too full of myself because of it.

The fact that her intentions were so transparent, and that she pretended not to hate me while clearly doing so, was actually kind of cute.

‘Reminds me of the old days.’

Even if Helene was older in this world, I’d had more experience dealing with human behavior.

Acting like they’re not insulting you while mixing praise with barbs?

Is there anyone who’s lived in modern society and hasn’t experienced that?

People who’ve survived modern social circles have thicker skin than noblewomen with absolute status.

‘She could just be open about hating me.’

Noble decorum is ridiculous. Even expressing dislike has to be done with formality.

It was a strange sight—an awkward power struggle created by the differing roles of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, compounded by their class difference.

“Yes, as your daughter-in-law, I will remain proper in my conduct.”

“…Yes.”

I slowly got to my feet.

Just then, the butler returned with the reheated tea, but since Helene had said everything she wanted to say, I no longer needed to drink it.

“I’ll strive not to become arrogant and will work hard to become a dignified duchess.”

Did she catch the sarcasm in my tone? Helene listened without batting an eye.

Personally, I liked people like Helene and didn’t want petty arguments—but she threw the first punch, so this much was fine.

“Because conflict between in-laws disrupts household peace, don’t you agree?”

“…”

Our fight wasn’t determined by social rank, but by the roles of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. Once Helene acknowledged that, our relationship would become even clearer.

She didn’t respond.

I patted the butler on the shoulder as if to thank him and left the parlor.

I’d wanted to see a scene where the mother-in-law threw her teacup in anger—but alas, Helene’s composure held, and I heard nothing until I was far down the corridor.

Before the year-end banquet, two tasks had been added:

First, contact Jane, the merchant from Goldrail.

Second, successfully organize the banquet for the knights and soldiers.

‘I’m not confident in either.’

The banquet especially was problematic.

I’d confidently told Helene I’d handle it, but I actually had no idea what to do.

I thought maybe providing good food and drink with some fun music would suffice, but considering the duke’s household status, that might not be enough.

‘I don’t want to give them any reason to nitpick. I’ll need to think it through.’

First, I should take care of the immediate task.

After lunch, I headed to a small parlor in the annex.

It was extravagantly decorated to suit the previous duke’s taste, and a young woman was already waiting inside.

Her shoulder-length hair was neatly straightened, and her intelligent blue eyes shone sharply.

She looked to be in her early twenties—young, yet exuding the presence of someone seasoned.

Dressed in a tailored suit with golden embroidery, she stood and bowed as soon as she saw me.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Duchess. My name is Jane Goldrail.”

“Nice to meet you, Jane. I’m Wilhelmina.”

After greeting her, I gestured for her to sit.

Anna poured tea into her cup and glanced at me.

“You may go.”

She seemed uneasy about leaving me alone with a stranger but nodded and stepped out.

“Eek!”

Immediately, she bumped into a huge man standing just outside the door.

He had long hair covering his eyes and wore a high-collared tunic. His figure was so massive, I almost mistook him for a wall.

Through the crack in the open door, he stared silently into the parlor. For some reason, I felt like he was looking directly at me.

“Ah, that’s my assistant. Stay back.”

“…Yes.”

At Jane’s order, the man replied briefly and walked down the opposite hallway with Anna.

“I apologize. I should’ve told him to wait somewhere else…”

“It’s alright. It’s cold out—why don’t you try the tea first? I hope it suits your taste.”