The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 93

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“Is that the eldest daughter of House Lizziana? I believe her name is Ailee. It’s laughable that a family poised to inherit a dukedom would treat such a simpleton as one of their own.”

My grip loosened on the perfume bottle I’d been holding. Luckily, Kin had already taken my hand, preventing me from dropping it. Just as I registered my relief, a loud crash echoed, followed by the sound of rushing water.

I turned to see what had happened, but Kin stopped me. “Don’t look at such an unpleasant sight. Mother will take care of it.”

“Unpleasant? What are you talking about?”

“What do you think of this diffuser? I think it would look nice in our room.” Kin smoothly guided me away, his hand still clasped in mine. Amid the commotion, I heard Mother’s voice, sharp and commanding, along with another, more frantic.

“Viscount Bezil. I didn’t expect to see you here. It seems you have something to say to my daughter-in-law. You should have sought my permission first and arranged a proper meeting. This display is utterly undignified.”

“A-are you seriously dousing me with water right now?! And on the cobblestones! I nearly broke my leg! I know you and the Duke are behind this! Such reckless use of your abilities is unacceptable, regardless of your title! I’m reporting this to the Guard immediately—”

“Report it.”

“E-excuse me?”

“I said, report it.”

Report it? Reckless use of abilities? He’s going to report Mother to the Guard? And Mother is actually encouraging him?

[Minerva, well done! That’s my girl! Show him who’s boss! ]

Father, this isn’t the time to cheer! You should be trying to stop her!

Anxious, I looked at Kin. He was calmly lighting a scented candle, seemingly unconcerned. I appeared to be the only one worried about Mother. I tried to pull away and go to her, but Kin effortlessly restrained me.

“What about this one? It smells a bit like you.”

“That’s not important! We need to stop Mother!”

“Why? Let him report her. Who’s going to listen to the son of the bankrupt Bezil family?”

[Bezil is still gambling away his fortune? Last I saw him, they weren’t completely destitute. Tsk, tsk. He even borrowed money from us. The son is clearly delusional with resentment. Imagine provoking us with Minerva right there. Tsk, tsk. ]

“Darling, why don’t you ignore that dying cockroach and pay attention to me?” Kin raised our joined hands, giving them a playful swing and winking. He then led me further into the shop.

“What about Mother? Kin! Kin!”

Father flew off to join Mother, eager to watch the spectacle. I twisted around, worried, but Kin’s pace made it difficult to see what was happening. I tried to wrench my hand free and return to the scene, but Kin stopped, his touch gentle but firm.

“Mother will have a harder time letting loose if you’re there. It’s better if you stay here.”

Letting loose? Is she planning on a full-blown brawl?

“My husband whimpered that I shouldn’t just throw a bear, even if it is a bear. I told him that the world is a cruel place, governed by the law of the jungle. If the bear isn’t strong enough to hunt me, then it’s only natural for it to be thrown.”

Why did that memory suddenly surface? Would Mother actually throw someone? Then who should I be worried about? Shouldn’t I still go back for her? He did say he was calling the Guard… that’s not good.

Kin cupped my cheek, tilting my face up. “If Mother isn’t back in an hour, then we’ll go find her. Until then, let’s just watch.”

“What are you talking about? We need to go now!”

“Ailee, listen. There are two things you never have to worry about in our family. Money, and Mother. She has the power, the influence, and the wealth. No one can touch her.”

“That’s ridiculous…!”

I glared at him, and Kin, as if conceding defeat, raised his hands in mock surrender. “Are you that worried?”

“Of course! Now let’s go back to Mother, please?”

Kin glanced sideways at the growing crowd now gathered to witness the unfolding drama. They pretended to browse perfumes while blatantly watching the aristocratic squabble. After a moment, he turned back to me and extended his hand.

“Alright, if we’re going to help Mother, hold on tight. We’ll have to push through that crowd.”

I nodded eagerly, reaching for his hand. He was right; I’d need a firm grip to navigate the throng. I looked up at him, nervous about losing hold in the press of bodies.

Kin smiled, a strangely mischievous glint in his eyes, and then… scooped me up into his arms. What?

“W-wait! Do we really have to… in this position…?”

“Hold on tight.”