-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: Vine
Chapter: 13
Chapter Title: Life as the Grand Duke's Daughter-in-Law is Too Easy
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Once it became known that I had an allergy to Delus flowers, Hadellus Castle was thrown into a commotion.
It was all because the little madam—whom everyone thought was arrogant and did whatever she pleased—had hidden her allergy.
They'd assumed she was the type to blurt out everything on her mind, so everyone seemed pretty shocked.
"Why on earth would you hide something like that!"
Hanna dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, her voice thick with tears.
Vivian's expression beside her was downright fierce.
"If you're going to act like this, why not just live alone? Don't you ever think about your maids who worry about you! I knew you were foolish, but not this foolish!"
"Vivian, that retort of yours has some real bite. Feels like you're seizing the chance to vent, but that's just my imagination, right?"
"Of course it's your imagination!"
Vivian shot back with a stung look, then snorted loudly.
I pretended not to notice and flashed a big grin.
Still, it was true I'd startled everyone.
Seeing how unexpectedly docile I was being, Shuri ground her teeth and grumbled about someone.
"If that family doctor had even a shred of insight, you wouldn't have gotten this sick."
"If it weren't for Lord Akid, we might've overlooked it again. What a quack!"
Vivian exploded in anger at Shuri's words, slapping the clothes she was folding. Hanna chimed in as she joined them.
"At least Lord Akid reported it straight to His Grace the Grand Duke, so we got a new doctor assigned. That's a relief."
"I've never liked that doctor anyway. He always examined you so carelessly. No matter how picky our lady is!"
Picky? That was putting it mildly for all the antics I'd pulled.
I averted my eyes as I watched Vivian bend the elbow in my favor.
Still, the doctor had been negligent in his duties.
If he'd properly examined me when I was sick last year, I wouldn't have been frolicking in the Delus flower fields like an idiot.
Above all, the part where Akid had gone to the Grand Duke on my behalf really touched my heart.
"I never thought Lord Akid would go to His Grace."
I fiddled shyly with the blanket, and Hanna spoke up.
"It was a first for us too. We were shocked."
The Grand Duke must have been shocked as well. It was the first time Akid had sought him out first.
"Seems like Lord Akid's the only one who really cares about our lady."
"Vivian, weren't you just complaining the other day about how she builds walls around herself?"
"Shuri, shut it."
Shuri burst out laughing as Vivian acted all prim.
Thanks to Akid, the family doctor—who'd been slacking off like a Lupin on payroll—got the boot. The new one, Marsha, was pretty enthusiastic and took good care of me.
Probably because she didn't know I was the hellhole landlord, aka the "ground owner."
But with the flower festival coming up soon, is it really okay to leave things like this?
I counted the days on my fingers, lost in thought.
Allergy or not, I was the Young Grand Duchess of Hadellus. I couldn't keep dodging Delus flowers forever.
And lounging around like this was basically dumping all the flower festival work on the Grand Duchess.
Our relationship was already strained, and now shoving work her way would only sour her mood further.
What can I do to help?
I was deep in such thoughts when Hanna and Vivian were suddenly deep in flower festival talk.
"Decided what seeds to plant? Mine from last time died right away."
"Eh, probably the same as before. Planting seeds is such a hassle anyway."
"You're so lame. Then just shake some dandelion fluff around."
"Oh! That's genius!"
I clapped and cheered, but Vivian gave me a puzzled look.
I hopped off the bed anyway, and she chased after me.
"Huh? Where are you off to, milady?"
"To see Mother."
"I heard she was going to the seed farm today..."
"Oh, looks like the carriage is just pulling in."
Shuri, who was tidying the curtains, announced that the Grand Duchess had arrived.
Seizing the moment—like ripping off a band-aid—I grinned and dashed down the hall.
Since Elena was back from the seed farm, it seemed perfect timing to pitch my plan.
"Wait up, milady—no, Little Madam!"
Vivian glanced around nervously before correcting herself and hurrying after me.
I didn't wait, bounding down the stairs two at a time.
The Grand Duchess, who had just entered the castle and was about to climb the stairs, widened her eyes in surprise.
"Mother, welcome ba—oof!"
I tried to curtsy mid-run but tripped on my skirt hem. Since it was the stairs, I ended up launching straight into Elena.
Her startled face met mine as I crashed into her arms.
"Gasp!"
I heard Vivian swallow a shocked breath behind me.
Clinging awkwardly to Elena, I broke out in cold sweat.
I hadn't planned such an enthusiastic welcome—damn legs wouldn't obey me.
It was like a puppy wagging its tail for its owner.
Elena was stiff with surprise too, but she still held me firmly so I wouldn't fall.
Ugh, I want to die.
Mortified, I hugged her neck tighter. Then Elena spoke.
"Quite the fervent welcome. My neck hurts a bit."
"...W-W-Welcome back?"
Face burning red, I hastily pulled back.
Or more precisely, she gently set me down.
If she hadn't caught me, I'd have face-planted on the floor. Being in her arms hadn't felt half bad.
Then Elena crossed her arms with a relaxed expression and asked,
"What's got you in such a tizzy this time?"
"Ah! I wanted to discuss something about this year's flower festival."
I jumped straight to the point, and Elena's face seemed to harden for a moment before she replied coolly.
"Oh, really."
"Are you free right now?"
"Even if I wasn't, you've already come to say it, haven't you?"
"Hehe."
"Follow me."
With her permission, I stuck right by her side.
She walked briskly, making it hard to keep up, but I felt her subtly slow down.
She's surprisingly considerate.
I'd expected her to chew me out for dumping all the work on her, but she didn't seem that angry.
Once we reached the terrace, a simple tea spread was neatly arranged on the table.
The macarons gleamed invitingly, practically begging to be eaten.
Come to think of it, it was almost snack time, and I was getting hungry. Should I...? As I hesitated, Elena said primly,
"Anyone would think I'm making you hold back. What's with the sudden pretense?"
"Itadakimasu!"
Taking her jab at my feigned restraint, I snatched a macaron and popped it in.
Right—when had Loena ever held back on food?
This allergy fiasco must've painted me as some considerate kid, but I was as willful as ever.
The pink macaron was as sweet as its color promised. The shell was chewy and stuck perfectly to my teeth.
The filling melted like clouds on my tongue. Dipping it in milk was pure heaven.
So engrossed in my macaron feast, I belatedly noticed Elena's wistful gaze and flinched.
Ah, too delicious—I forgot myself.
"Um."
"Were you always such a good eater?"
"Pardon?"
"You barely ate more than a bird's portion before, so I thought you had no interest in food."
Elena muttered cryptically, frowning. For some reason, she looked really upset.
Oh no, did I eat all the Grand Duchess's share!
Only then did I realize I'd devoured all four macarons on the plate in a blink.
"Uh... I didn't mean to hog them all."
"They're all for you."
Elena sipped her black tea curtly.
What was it? She seemed annoyed, but not exactly at me?
Anyway, not the macarons' fault, so with my belly full, I got to the point.
"I heard you've been struggling because of my allergy this time."
"Which dimwitted maid told you that? Name her."
Why was my mother-in-law suddenly going full rabid dog mode again?
I'd just assumed it casually, but now she was glaring and growling.
Ready to pounce like a fighting dog on anyone who slipped up.
Feeling sweat beading up, I replied politely.
"No, no one said anything. I just assumed."
"It's nothing. Nothing for you to worry about. I handled it alone last year anyway. Help now would just be more hassle."
This mother-in-law had a knack for sharp jabs.
The flower festival prep was the Grand Duchess and Young Grand Duchess's duty from the start.
Telling me not to bother since she'd always done it solo...
It was like a fed-up group project leader declaring she'd handle the slackers herself.
Suddenly, I felt like the deadbeat freeloader.
If it was intentional, she had a talent for verbal sparring; if not, that was a problem too.
Not wanting the Grand Duchess to bear the full load alone, I grinned and said,
"I want to help you, Mother. I have a great idea—want to hear it?"
