This Time, I Am A Mob's Potions Teacher Who Has Become Engaged To The Mastermind Of The Otome Game - 5

The first day of the new semester had its ups and downs, but after that, things settled into a relatively peaceful routine.

Or… at least, that’s how it was supposed to go—
Until I received another invitation from my future mother-in-law.

Apparently, she wants to discuss the design of the outfits Noel and I will wear to the upcoming ball.

“Do we really need to discuss it? Wouldn’t just coordinating the colors be enough?”

Honestly, I just don’t want to go—because it sounds like a huge hassle.
But I’m an adult, so I tried to say it diplomatically.

“My mother’s really taken a liking to you, Leticia. Indulge her, won’t you?
Besides, it’ll be quicker if we just decide things together.”

Normally, Noel would step in and decline on my behalf for these kinds of tea parties,
but this time, he didn’t.
On top of that, for some reason, he added pressure to his smile—leaving me with no room to say no.

I tried to push back, but he wouldn’t budge, and so this weekend, I found myself once again heading to the Fabius estate.

◇

“You look like the textbook definition of ‘unenthusiastic.'”

As I gazed out at the wide blue sky from the griffon-drawn carriage en route to the Fabius estate,
Noel leaned over and peeked into my face.

“Sorry. I just can’t help feeling gloomy when I think about the ball.”

I’ve never liked going to balls.The displays of social status, the veiled rivalries between women—it’s all such a pain behind the scenes.

And on top of that, having to stress over what dress to wear every single time is pure torture.No matter the world, fashion always influences social standing.

Some people get aggressive if someone else shows up in the same design,and if your outfit is seen as tacky, you’ll be ridiculed.

Because it’s such a delicate issue, just picking out a dress is enough to make me feel miserable.

◇

When we arrived at the Fabius estate, the butler—who had given me helpful advice before—guided us to the room.

Inside, my future mother-in-law was waiting, along with someone from the tailor that the Fabius family regularly uses.

Before I knew it, I was caught, measured, and dressed in gown after gown from the ones they’d brought.
My future mother-in-law examined each one with a serious expression,while Noel, wearing a pleasant smile, watched me with amusement.

Every time I changed, Noel would offer a compliment— but to be honest, from my perspective, I felt like the dress was wearing me, not the other way around. None of them felt like they suited me, and it made me feel guilty, as if he was forcing himself to say something nice.

“Still, I must say—it’s quite the surprise to see Mother personally taking the lead in choosing our outfits.
What’s gotten into her?”

After finishing with my dress selections, it was Noel’s turn to choose his outfit.

While the shop staff were getting things ready, he stole a glance at his mother, trying to read her expression.

Even Noel, sharp as he is, seemed unable to gauge her true intentions. Well, she is very good at hiding them.

“How unadorable. I simply want him dressed in a manner befitting the Fabius name.”

She snorted and turned her head away in a huff. And yet, when Noel’s not around, she’s always going on about how proud she is of him— it leaves me feeling conflicted.

She really does act like she’s possessed whenever he’s in the room, becoming cold and distant.
Just imagining the emotional whiplash of her “dere” (sweet) side inevitably coming out later is terrifying.

I mean, come on. I bet deep down she’s thinking something like, “I just want to pick the outfit that makes Noel look the most dashing, haa haa.”

Seriously… what a handful she is.

Noel then left to go change into the outfits brought by the tailor in another room.

“Noel’s gone now, hasn’t he?”

My future mother-in-law asked while staring at the now-closed door.

“Yes,” I replied. “He went to another room to change.”

Then, my future mother-in-law closed the fan she had been using to hide her mouth earlier and crossed her arms.

Even in such small gestures, she carried the dignity of the Marchioness of Fabius.
Too bad that whenever she opened her mouth, she turned into a complete doting parent.

“I need you to know a few things. I won’t tolerate Noel being embarrassed.”

“Oh, I’d love to hear all about it.” (monotone)

I wondered just how much of what she was about to say would actually be useful information. I was betting 90% would be her bragging about Noel.

“When you enter the venue, the first person to approach will be Count Sabatier. He’s been pestering us for years, trying to marry his daughter off to Noel. Honestly, it’s tiresome. Well, Noel is smart and knows how to handle people, so he’ll brush him off like usual. Just make sure you don’t get caught up in it and drag Noel down.”

“I’ll keep that in mind… with all my heart.”

As expected, her tips were sprinkled with doting-parent commentary.
She went on to tell me about Noel’s social contacts and even what he usually drinks.

After going over everything, my future mother-in-law suddenly lowered her voice.

“One last thing. Be wary of Laurent D’arcaic.”

That was unexpected.

He always seemed like such a kind, good-natured person—why would I need to be cautious?

“But Mr. D’arcaic is Noel’s colleague and they seem to get along well. Why should I be careful?”

“Oh dear, I thought you would’ve noticed. Seems you’re still a bit green. The way that man looks at Noel—it’s different. It’s not affection, it’s something closer to reverence.”

“Wouldn’t that mean I don’t need to be on guard?”

“You fool.”

My future mother-in-law let out a heavy sigh.

“Even respect, when taken too far, can drive a person mad. Noel is the kind of child who brings that out in people.”

She seemed to be saying something important, but to me, it still sounded like over-the-top doting-parent nonsense.

Still, because she wore such a serious expression, I simply replied, “Understood.”