If it's to become my favorite stepmother, I'll gladly do a fake marriage! [Main story complete] - Chapter 23

“No, well… we love each other…”

Brigid blushed and stammered in response. Unaccustomed to matters of love, Brigid felt embarrassed using the word “love.”

“You don’t express it clearly, do you? Besides, I heard that Lady Brigid dislikes men. While a political marriage might be tolerable, a fake marriage with divorce as a premise is an act that deceives the gods.”

“Absolutely not. I love him!!”

Brigid retorted, her face turning bright red, overcoming her embarrassment.

“Oh, I think it would be natural for Miss Brigid to admire His Excellency, right? But what about His Excellency?”

“…”

“I can’t imagine His Excellency having feelings for a fallen and not beautiful young lady.”

“Marriage based on deceitful motives, especially for an impoverished and less-than-beautiful young lady, is an act of deceiving the gods.”

Giggling spread throughout the tea party.

“I heard the story about what happened at the jewelry store. They had an entire shelf of high-end guardian jewelry brought to the mansion for dear Lady Brigid. That must be proof that she is doted on.”

Ekné interjected to mediate.

“But, His Excellency didn’t even accompany her as an escort.”

Another lady chimed in.

“Surely, his actions at the shop are just a performance to dispel the rumors of a fake marriage?”

“It makes sense if you think about it that way.”

“To think that the Duke, who never opened his heart to anyone, would…”

“Right?”

“With those Zamasu Glasses.”

(😂😂)

At that moment, behind the Marquis of Mizugard’s son and wife, an elderly lady appeared.

“Brigid.”

The lady called Brigid’s name.

Brigid hastily stood up from her chair, gracefully bowing.

“Professor Keredwen, it’s been a while.”

Seeing Brigid, the ladies around also stood up.

“Mizugard Marquis, in good spirits, I see.”

The woman Brigid called Professor Keredwen was the head of the Marquis of Midgard and served as an honorary professor at the Royal Academy, specializing in archaeology.

In this country, it was rare for a woman to hold the title of Marquis and serve as a professor, but her abilities were highly praised.

Keredwen scrutinized the ladies with her snake-like eyes.

The formidable gaze of the renowned honorary professor made the ladies shudder.

“It’s been a while, Brigid.”

“Yes. I heard that Professor would be at the Grand Cathedral today, so I was hoping to return the glasses.”

Brigid said and took off the Zamas Glasses, revealing a graceful smile.

Storing the extravagant glasses in their case, she handed them back to Keredwen. The entire sequence of movements was beautiful, akin to an elegant dance.

“Are those glasses for your mother…?”

The Mizugards Marquis’ son’s wife widened her eyes in surprise.

“Yes, when I heard that Brigid would become a governess, I gave her those for self-defense. It’s challenging for a woman to work outside. I told her to return it someday when she no longer needed it.”

Keredwen, as a female Marquis, understood the hardships of working as a woman. Thus, as a form of support, she had given Brigid the Zamas Glasses.

“Thanks to Professor’s recommendation, I was saved.”

“You insisted on not pursuing further studies, didn’t you? It was a loss for the academy.”

“Thank you for your kind words.”

“But it’s frustrating. To be taken by the Frosvitnill family. The Duke, known as the God of War, surprisingly has discerning eyes.”

Keredwen said while checking the Zamasu Glasses. Reflecting on the scratched glasses, she empathized with Brigid’s struggles.

“Now, what is this ‘Zamasu Glasses’ about?”

Keredwen asked sternly, looking at her son’s wife.

The Mizugards Marquis’ son’s wife shrank in fear.

“I, um, didn’t know the circumstances…”

“In the future, refrain from shameful acts as a member of the Mizugards family. She is a prodigy who graduated at the top of the Royal Academy. My son saw potential in her, despite my foolish son being set aside. Moreover, she took care of her ailing mother and young brother, even without a father.”

Keredwen spoke sharply.

“I apologize.”

The ladies bowed deeply.

Brigid’s face was bright red. It was rare for the stern Keredwen to praise someone, and it felt both joyful and embarrassing.

“Thank you, Professor.”

Brigid bowed her head. The strict yet caring guidance from her admired teacher was reassuring.

“You should properly appreciate your students.”

Keredwen said, then headed towards the Grand Cathedral.

Ekné rushed to Brigid.

The ladies apologized one after another.

“I apologize for the rudeness.”

The Mizugards Marquis’ son’s wife bowed deeply.

“…My husband… Whenever he reminisces about his student days, he mentions ‘a talented girl’—referring to the Marquisess’s name. So, I…”

Although married into the knowledgeable Mizugards Marquisate, the son’s wife’s academic achievements were only average. Feeling alienated from the conversations between her husband and mother-in-law, she developed an inferiority complex towards Brigid, who often became the topic.

Moreover, she was the woman who prevented her proud husband from achieving the top position. She felt a desire to retaliate on behalf of her husband.

“No need to apologize. It’s true I’m unfamiliar with the social circle. I hope you can guide me in the future.”

Brigid smiled.

“I also hope to be of help, Brigid.”

Ekné called Brigid by her name, reminiscent of their student days.

“I’m counting on you, Ekné.”

Brigid also addressed Ekné by her name.

The ladies, gathered for the tea party, found themselves unable to say anything more to Brigid, who had the support of the Sleipnir Marquis’ son’s wife and the attention of the Mizugards Marquis.

Brigid smiled reassuringly.

“I’d love to hear stories about everyone’s children. I also want to share stories about Nisha.”

The ladies breathed a sigh of relief.

“That’s right. Well then, let’s prepare a new tea. We’ve prepared some rare tea for today.”

The Mizugards Marquis’ son’s wife took charge, redirecting the atmosphere, and the tea party began again in a cheerful atmosphere.

*(TL – Sorry for the long hiatus guys 😞 I’m back and I’ll be releasing 2 chapters daily so stay tuned and leave your comments below, so I’ll know what you all think about this novel.)*