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

In the late hours of the night, darkness had settled in.

“Bella, are you asleep?”

Anriche asked as she checked on her youngest daughter, who was sound asleep.

Alexei cautiously nodded his head.

“Yes, she seems to be.”

“Oh dear.”

Anriche let out a long sigh.

The chaotic pajama party had just come to an end.

The remnants of snacks and game items were strewn across the corners of the room.

Delphina had already gone to her room to sleep, while Elliot and Liliana were fast asleep, with Beatrice nestled between them.

“Are you not going to sleep, Riche?”

“Hmm… Maybe it’s because the kids’ wedding is just around the corner; I’m having a hard time falling asleep.”

Anriche shrugged her shoulders lightly.

“Would you like to get some fresh air?”

“That sounds nice.”

At Alexei’s suggestion, Anriche nodded willingly.

The two stepped out onto the balcony attached to the room.

It was unmistakably spring. The garden was adorned with clusters of blooming flowers, vibrant and lively.

A refreshing breeze swept in, tousling Anriche’s hair. As she savored the breeze, she suddenly spoke up.

“… It feels a little strange.”

“Do you feel the same, Riche?”

At his question, she turned to look at her husband.

“How does it feel for you, Alexei?”

“Well… I’m not sure how to explain it.”

After a moment of contemplation, he shook his head slightly.

“It’s surprising that Elliot and Liliana have become adults.”

“And?”

“It’s truly surprising that they’re actually getting married.”

Alexei concluded with a mysterious expression.

“To me, they still seem like children.”

“Oh, that sounds just like me!”

Anriche smiled brightly.

Alexei shrugged lightly.

“Well, after they get married, they’ll still be living with us for a while…”

“Eventually, they’ll need to become independent.”

“Right.”

The two fell into a brief silence.

Then, Anriche said,

“But it’s okay.”

She placed her hand over the back of Alexei’s hand, which was resting on the railing.

A warm sensation spread between them.

“Even if the kids become independent, you’ll be by my side for life, right?”

“… Riche.”

“It’s no use saying you don’t want that now.”

Anriche looked up at Alexei with a playful glint in her eyes.

“I’ll be sticking to you like glue.”

“Well, I suppose I should return that sentiment to you.”

With a soft laugh, Alexei cupped Anriche’s cheeks with both hands.

Anriche naturally closed her eyes and embraced him with her arms.

Their lips met in a sweet kiss, as delightful as honey.

***

On the day of the wedding,

the weather was beautifully clear, as if to celebrate their union.

Liliana and Elliot had chosen to have an outdoor wedding.

Since they had invited only a few close friends as guests, the atmosphere was relaxed throughout the ceremony.

Brightly blooming roses adorned the garden beautifully.

Guests sat on elegant chairs arranged throughout, watching the wedding ceremony unfold.

At the end of a long crimson carpet stood the priest who would officiate the ceremony.

A song was played in celebration.

Elliot, who stepped forward to the altar, tried his best to maintain a calm expression as he turned around.

However, that expression crumbled at the sight of Liliana as she made her entrance.

Her lace veil fluttered gently in the breeze, revealing her sparkling green eyes beneath it.

The dress flared out beautifully from her waist, reminiscent of blooming roses.

She looked as if the goddess of spring had descended upon them.

“……”

Elliot stared at Liliana with a dazed expression.

He was like this even when Liliana tried on her wedding dress, and now he’s completely lost again.

Anriche suppressed a laugh that threatened to burst out.

Meanwhile, the eyes of the guests sparkled with curiosity.

“Oh my.”

The ladies fanned themselves, covering their mouths.

“Look at the expression on the young duke’s face.”

“I’ve heard that the young duke cherishes and loves his wife dearly…”

“Isn’t it truly surprising? As far as I know, the young duke is quite a composed person.”

“It seems that all that doesn’t matter in front of his wife.”

Indeed, Elliot appeared to be a man thoroughly in love, no matter how one looked at him.

The guests couldn’t help but show warm smiles.

“Can you believe it? Liliana and Elliot are really getting married…”

Meanwhile, Delphina had tears welling up in her eyes.

“Oh dear, Mother.”

Anriche gently patted Delphina’s hand.

“You shouldn’t cry on such a happy day.”

“But…”

Delphina dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

Anriche couldn’t help but feel a lump in her throat as well.

They’re really getting married, aren’t they?

She thought she had come to terms with it already.

Yet, watching the children standing before the priest made her heart stir anew.

The priest posed a question to Elliot.

“Elliot von Balua, do you swear to accept Liliana Everitt as your wife, to cherish, love, and respect her for all your days?”

“Y-yes, I swear.”

Elliot, who had been blankly staring at Liliana, suddenly snapped to attention and made his vow.

His eyes, fixed on the bride, made the priest smile faintly as he turned his gaze to Liliana.

“Liliana Everitt, do you swear to accept Elliot von Balua as your husband, to cherish, love, and respect him for all your days?”

“Yes, I swear.”

Liliana also made her vow in a clear voice.

The priest nodded.

“In the name of the goddess, I declare that you two are now husband and wife.”

Clap, clap, clap!

Sounds of applause and blessings erupted from various corners.

The bride and groom paid their respects to the priest and then joined hands to continue their walk.

They headed toward their parents, the Duke and Duchess of Balua, and their uncle.

At that moment, the guests let out small gasps.

“Oh my, the young lady is actually serving as a flower girl?”

“She’s so cute.”

Beatrice, dressed adorably like a little fairy, sprinkled flower petals along the path the newlyweds walked.

The petals were pink cornflowers, wishing happiness for the new couple.

“Grandmother, and my parents.”

Elliot, standing before the honored guests, was the first to express his gratitude.

“Thanks to the three of you looking after me, I have grown up to start my own family. Thank you.”

Liliana continued in response.

“I will not forget your kindness. I will show you how well we live together in harmony moving forward.”

She paused for a moment, her emotions overwhelming her.

“… Really, thank you.”

Her voice trembled softly.

Just then, Beatrice piped up with a question.

“What about me?”

With that unexpected question, the previously somber mood brightened again.

Liliana wiped her tearful eyes with a smile.

“Of course, we’re thankful for our Bella, too.”

At that, Beatrice beamed, satisfied with the response.

“Both of you should live happily.”

Delphina was the first to offer her blessings.

Watching this, Anriche beckoned to Liliana.

“Come here, Liliana.”

“Mother?”

Liliana tilted her head in confusion and took a step closer.

Anriche took off the ring she had been wearing and handed it to Liliana.

At that moment, Liliana’s eyes widened in surprise.

“… What is this?”

It was the seal ring worn by the mistress of the Duke’s household.

All documents issued in the Duchess’s name had to bear that seal.

This meant that Anriche recognized Liliana as the mistress of Balua.

Anriche placed the seal ring in Liliana’s hand.

“Take it.”

“W-wait, Mother…”

Liliana called Anriche with a trembling voice.

As she looked around, she noticed that Alexei and Delphina were both quietly nodding in approval.

This indicated that it was a decision they had already agreed upon.

Tears welled up in her pale green eyes.

“Th-thank you so much…”

“It’s not a guarantee. If Lily doesn’t do her job properly, I’ll take it back.”

Anriche winked with one eye.

“So do your best, okay?”

“Yes! I won’t let you down!”

Liliana nodded vigorously, her eyes brimming with tears.

***

Following the ceremony, the reception began.

The two main characters of the wedding, Elliot and Liliana, took to the dance floor for their first dance.

As the joyful music played, petals fluttered around them.

The two held each other close and twirled in circles.

Cheerful laughter echoed throughout the venue.

They look so happy.

Anriche felt a surge of emotion watching the two dance, and she thought she might cry.

And then, at that moment…

“Riche.”

Someone took Anriche’s hand.

It was Alexei. He whispered gently,

“I said I would be by your side for life, so it’s okay, right?”

“That’s right, you did.”

Yes, this person is by my side.

With tears in her eyes, Anriche smiled brightly.

It was a happy smile.

– The End –