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Episode 2
In the strange and awkward atmosphere, the first person to move was the aide who had followed behind the Duke.
Round glasses. Neatly tied reddish-brown hair.
He looked exactly like an intelligent, scholarly young man.
“I will support you.”
“……Sorry, Yuwan. This happens all the time.”
“It’s fine.”
The aide helped tidy the Duke’s clothes without showing any change in expression. Seeing this, it seemed that the Duke falling over was a common occurrence.
Walter awkwardly apologized to his flustered daughter-in-law.
“I’m sorry. I must have startled you.”
“No, not at all! I’m fine.”
She didn’t understand why her father-in-law had rushed toward her the moment he saw her.
As if he had read her thoughts, he lowered his eyes and spoke shyly.
“I’ve been counting the days waiting for you to come. I was just so happy to see you….”
“…….”
What is this, a puppy meeting its owner?
‘Foxes belong to the dog family, but aren’t they closer to cats in personality?’
As Raylee stood there in confusion, Walter continued introducing himself.
“I’m Walter Elestain, your father-in-law. I’m truly happy that you’ve joined our family.”
“I am Raylee Vitence. I lack many things, but I hope to get along with you.”
“…….”
For some reason, Walter looked gloomy again after hearing her greeting.
‘Huh? I was polite. Did I make a mistake?’
The aide beside them explained calmly.
“Although you will officially enter the family registry when you come of age, to outsiders you are already a member of the Elestain family. From now on, you may introduce yourself as Raylee Elestain.”
“Ah… yes! I’ll remember that.”
‘So he was upset because I used my birth family name?’
The more she interacted with him, the more unexpected her father-in-law seemed.
“Thank you for kindly accepting my rude advice, young madam.”
“No, it’s fine. Please speak freely in the future.”
“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Yuwan Willowes, the chief aide serving the Duke.”
‘Yuwan…?’
The name sounded familiar. Raylee politely returned his greeting.
Unlike her clumsy father-in-law, the aide had a very professional and reliable air.
“Yuwan is very meticulous, unlike me. I rely on him a lot. As you can see, I’m quite clumsy.”
Raylee couldn’t agree, so she smiled awkwardly.
“You must be disappointed in me as your father-in-law. I’m sorry….”
“Not at all! I used to fall down a lot when I was young too.”
Of course, the man in front of her was a grown adult, and her own clumsiness was years ago—but she wanted to comfort him.
“So I’m not the only one like this?”
“Of course not!”
“That’s a relief. Having something in common with my daughter-in-law means we’ll get along quickly.”
Walter laughed happily. His smile had none of the cold charisma one would expect.
“Oh! You can just call me Raylee.”
“…Is it uncomfortable to call you ‘daughter-in-law’?”
He even muttered, “I’ve been waiting so long to call you that….”
Who could reject that?
‘Honestly, being called ‘baby’ at this age is awkward!’
Raylee smiled brightly and nodded.
“I don’t mind. Please call me whatever is comfortable for you.”
“Alright…!”
Walter sat across from her, looking very pleased. (He almost tripped again, and Yuwan quickly caught him.)
After observing him, Raylee reached a conclusion.
‘So this is why the family falls in ten years.’
Not all demon hybrids were evil.
These days, stories often twist clichés—temples and priests are evil, while villains and shadow figures are actually good people.
‘Of course, that might only apply to the father. The son could still be bad. I should stay alert.’
Still, it was a relief that the Duke was more clumsy than dangerous.
For the sake of her future.
Running away right now with a child’s body wouldn’t work.
It would be better to stay under the protection of the ducal house, use her knowledge of the original story to earn money, and escape abroad when the time was right.
She couldn’t save a family destined for destruction. All she could do was protect herself.
At least, before running away, she planned to leave hints about the suspicious movements of the temple and the imperial family.
Walter spoke gently, pulling her out of her thoughts.
“Living in a new place must feel awkward. For now, don’t worry about studying or family duties. Just think of this as your home. Look around the castle and rest comfortably.”
“Thank you for your kindness.”
“Of course. We’re family now.”
Raylee smiled faintly.
The word “family” didn’t bring her comfort.
She vaguely remembered being an orphan in her previous life.
And in this life, her parents were worse than strangers.
“Father… isn’t that Count old enough to be a grandfather?”
“Yes. He’s over sixty.”
“Then marrying me is a bit….”
“How dare you talk back! Be grateful that such a noble man would even consider marrying someone as useless as you!”
Her parents were ready to sell her to an old man.
Thankfully, before that could happen, marriage talks with the Elestain family began.
Her parents were probably already dreaming of benefits from being connected to a ducal house.
That was why Raylee couldn’t break off the engagement.
If she returned home, she would be sold to that old Count.
“Thank you for your warm words. Is there anything I should be careful about while living here?”
“Well… sometimes Serge and I leave suddenly. Even if we disappear without telling you, don’t be surprised. Yuwan will take care of you in my place.”
Raylee guessed it was when they transformed into foxes.
She nodded obediently, pretending not to know.
“You must still be tired. We’ll meet Serge next time, right?”
“Yes.”
“He’s a bit difficult, but please get along with him.”
‘Difficult… so maybe my husband really is the dangerous one?’
Still, until she escaped, she planned to get along with everyone.
She was tired of a miserable life. She refused to die because of events she had nothing to do with.
She firmly resolved to claim the “happy future” she had never had.
After Raylee left the reception room, Duke Walter Elestain moved to his office with Yuwan.
“What about the Core Ruby mine?”
Walter leaned back in his chair as he asked.
The foolish look from earlier was gone. His golden eyes were sharp and intimidating.
“There are no major changes from the previous report.”
“Report immediately if any new information comes in.”
“Yes.”
After discussing work, Yuwan carefully asked:
“…What are your thoughts after meeting the young madam
