If it's to become my favorite stepmother, I'll gladly do a fake marriage! [Main story complete] - Chapter 28

The night deepens in the Grinblusti viscount’s household.

Niasha sleeps together with Grua in his room.

Brigid, along with her mother Clidna, is sorting through Ogma’s letters.

“It seems like Father was searching for something hidden in the kingdom,” Brigid said.

Clidna sighed at Brigid’s words.

“He must have wanted to keep us out of it. Mother, did you hear anything?”

Clidna, staring blankly at the full moon outside the window, turned her face towards Brigid as if she had made up her mind.

“…He said he would cure my illness and ‘make you happy’… I refused. Even though I’m still happy now, but that man…”

Clidna struggled to speak, looking pained.

“I’m sorry. It’s because of me that you’ve had to endure hardships…”

“Mother’s illness…?”

Clidna hesitated and opened her mouth.

“As a noblewoman, it was unacceptable, but I once consulted a Sirenele tribe fortune-teller. They said my symptoms might be a disturbance of bestial nature.”

She confessed with embarrassment, bowing her head slightly.

In a world where being manipulated by bestial nature while undergoing the rites of adulthood was considered shameful, Brigid’s parents had kept the cause of their mother’s illness a secret from their children.

“No one can consult about a disturbance of bestial nature. So, I had no choice but to pray at the church. But one day, your father said that a solution might be found, and he said that…”

Clidna covered her face and choked on her words.

“…I’m sorry. For being such a mother. I’m sorry.”

Brigid snuggled up to Clidna and hugged her shoulders.

“Mother, don’t apologize. It’s not your fault. Besides, I’m happy. Meeting Niasha, my adorable son, is all thanks to Father.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yes.”

Clidna let out a sigh of relief and leaned into Brigid.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been able to touch each other like this. It’s very calming.”

“After undergoing the rites of adulthood, it’s somehow hard to be affectionate like a child.”

As Brigid answered, she gently stroked Clidna’s shoulder.

The rites of adulthood were a symbol of becoming an adult. After undergoing the rites of adulthood, it became embarrassing to cling to one’s parents like a child.

“I should have hugged you and Grua more. Both you and Grua.”

“It’s not too late to do it now.”

“You’re right.”

Clidna replied with a nasal voice.

At that moment, there was a knock on the door of the room. It was a maid arranged by Diarmuid.

“There is a guest for Lady Brigid.”

“At this late hour? Who is it?”

“Bishop Kian from the cathedral.”

Upon hearing the name, Brigid and Clidna quickly got up.

“Please show him to the reception room. Kian is always taking care of us at the cathedral. Please make sure to be respectful.”

The maid looked puzzled at Clidna’s words.

“However, it seems that Duke Frosvitnir has fallen ill, so Lord Brigid is asked to come alone…”

“I understand.”

Brigid headed towards Kian.

Kian, who was waiting at the entrance, had a black hood on. He was waiting for a carriage that was not from the cathedral.

Brigid was puzzled.

“Why is Bishop Kian…”

“I’m in a hurry, so I’ll explain in detail in the carriage. It concerns the honor of Duke Frosvitnir.”

Kian replied quietly, and Brigid nodded.

The two of them got into the carriage.

“You must be surprised by this sudden turn of events. Diarmuid and I have a relationship beyond work.”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

“For that reason, I received a message from Diarmuid about his illness. However, that stubborn man insisted that since he had ordered a vacation, he didn’t want to call back the servants.”

Brigid chuckled.

(Diarmuid is so conscientious in these matters… He’s serious, isn’t he?)

“However, if it were to be known that the war god Duke Frosvitnir had fallen ill, it might damage his pride, so I came secretly to ask for Lady Brigid’s help.”

“I see. It’s an honor that you would go to such lengths for my husband. Diarmuid would be pleased too. Thank you. I’ll take good care of him.”

Brigid’s words made Kian’s chest flutter.

(‘Husband’… She speaks of him as if he were her own possession.)

Kian asked Brigid, seeming worried.

“But, wasn’t it inconvenient for you to be interrupted during a family gathering?”

“No, Diarmuid is more important.”

Brigid replied naturally, making Kian narrow his eyes as he listened.

“Thank you on behalf of my friend.”

“No, I’m relieved to have a wonderful friend like Diarmuid. Thank you.”

Kian’s heart was touched by Brigid’s sincere words.

In the moonlight, the carriage arrived at the Frosvitnir Duke’s residence.

Kian escorted Brigid to the Duke Frosvitnir