I Became the Mother-in-law of the Regretful Female Lead

The time has come to reap the seeds I sowed.

What does that mean, you ask…?

“Is everything I ordered at dawn prepared?”

“Yes, madam! I’ve gathered all related articles from every newspaper as requested.”

Hehehe. So it’s all set.

I stifled a grin, making sure my aide didn’t see. Following my instructions, he began laying out the reports about the grand victory banquet that concluded well last night.

‘It was such an eventful night. Surely the journalists couldn’t pass on a hot topic like this.’

Though the reports were mostly tabloids… I couldn’t help but look forward to seeing them.

Unlike when the breakup news between Jeremyon and Lilliana was revealed, I was sure that this time, most of the coverage would be positive.

And indeed, my expectations were spot-on.

“Madam, from here to here, these are all stories focused on Lady Locke. The rest are simply articles about the victory banquet without any mention of her.”

Oh.

With an almost triumphant lift, my aide placed the towering pile of newspapers onto my desk.

Upon inspection, most of the headlines seemed to be about Lilliana.

‘Let’s take a closer look.’

I settled comfortably at my desk and began reading each article in detail.

Each title was slightly different, but the content was largely the same.

I scanned over the headlines on the scattered articles across my desk once more.

—

[Daily Scandal] The power couple we thought was over—Is it really Lilliana Locke, not Jeremyon Winder, who holds the upper hand in the relationship?

[Hotline Report] The dazzling transformation of the supposedly heartbroken Lady! Has she captivated the high-and-mighty Jeremyon’s Winder with her charm?

[Gossip Gazette] The love triangle between Jeremion Winder, Seira Benden, and Lilliana Locke! Who will he choose…?

—

There were some provocative titles mixed in, but upon reading, all of them spoke favorably of Lilliana.

‘Oh. This one’s interesting.’

I paused as I turned the next page.

—

[Style Spectrum] Lilliana Locke, who has ensnared Jeremyon Winder! Let’s dissect her fashion choices one by one!

—

With photos of Lilliana from the victory banquet, the article described each piece of her attire in detail, even identifying the boutiques behind her clothing.

‘How do they always find out this kind of information?’

Since my name frequently appeared in such articles, there was a time when I’d wondered the same thing.

Eventually, I learned that the boutiques themselves often leak information to the fashion magazines for easy publicity.

Usually, fashion magazines include almost all details about an individual’s outfit… but it seemed this time, even they were missing something.

—

The necklace worn by Lady Locke that evening is presumed to be a unique work by Walter Griezmann, known for his expert craftsmanship with precious gems. Griezmann, renowned for creating proposal jewelry for high nobility, is speculated to have designed it as a reunion gift from Jeremyon Winder to his beloved.

The gem in question sparkles with an unprecedented brilliance not typically seen in blue gemstones. While numerous opinions surround its true nature, Griezmann remains silent.

During the victory banquet, Lady Locke shattered the stereotype that fashion relies solely on visuals by introducing the element of fragrance. She revealed that the mysterious scent was a “perfume” but chose not to disclose its source.

This perfume’s debut has captivated many, perhaps heralding a new era in the empire’s fashion scene.

—Margaret Hayes, Journalist

—

Noticing my focused attention on this particular article, my aide standing nearby suddenly spoke up.

“Word has it that as soon as the article was published, more than five times the usual number of people purchased that fashion magazine.”

Hoho. So it’s true…

The fervent reaction of the crowd.

Indeed, Lilliana had become an overnight sensation—a true celebrity.

Her transformation was a complete success.

‘Though she was often mentioned in articles before, she was never admired in this way.’

In the past, the reports often ridiculed her, questioning how she managed to capture Jeremyon’s heart.

Thinking of that only fueled my anger.

‘Idiots who couldn’t recognize my beloved’s charm!’

Seeing the photo of Lilliana’s bright smile in the articles, my temper flared even more.

True to my notorious reputation, I shouted out.

“Bring me the scissors! I’ll tear up these useless articles myself!”

“Yes, madam!”

It was as if my aide had anticipated my demand. He swiftly pulled out a sharp pair of scissors he had ready at hand.

Scratch, scratch. I carefully cut out the article with delicate precision.

Then…

“Ah, it’s done. Perfect.”

I pasted the neatly printed picture of Liliana into my notebook.

“Margaret Hayes, was it…? To include such a beautiful photo in the article.”

It’s the kind of thing you have to collect to fully enjoy.

As I continued to scrap together articles that I liked one by one, my usually quiet aide carefully offered a suggestion.

“Forgive me for speaking out of turn, Madam, but as you can see, there is considerable interest in the perfume… Wouldn’t it be better to reveal the boutique?”

It was true. With so many people now intrigued by Lilliana’s perfume, releasing an article confirming that it was, in fact, our product—like other boutiques often did—would surely be beneficial.

However…

“No need to worry.”

It’s no fun if you reveal everything from the start.

After all, people tend to be more passionate about things shrouded in mystery.

When the article had spread nationwide, sparking countless speculations through people’s conversations, and interest had reached its peak…

That would be the perfect time to reveal it.

Four days later.

“Margaret, still nothing? You still haven’t found anything?”

Inside the office of Style Spectrum, the most popular fashion magazine in the empire.

Margaret nearly burst into tears from her boss’s relentless scolding.

She had been a journalist specializing solely in fashion for nearly eight years.

She thought that with all her experience, no challenge would shake her anymore… But this was driving her to the brink of insanity.

“How… how could it be possible? How could there be absolutely no information?”

The perfume’s debut had been sensational.

The idea of altering the overall impression a person gives with just a scent—simple as it may seem—was a concept that was hard to grasp in the empire, where the culture of fragrances wasn’t well-developed.

And Margaret was far from the only one who felt this way.

Ever since the victory banquet, inquiries had flooded the Style Spectrum office, all demanding to know where to purchase the perfume.

“This is driving me crazy.”

Usually, when a product gained this much attention, the seller would quickly reach out.

It made promotion easier—and meant faster profits!

So why, after four whole days, had there been no word at all?

She wondered if her information network was lacking, but that didn’t seem to be the case. Other fashion magazines were facing similar struggles.

“Ugh, seriously. Just wait until I find out. I’m so frustrated that I’ll plaster the magazine with articles about it for an entire week, just to make up for all this hassle.”

It was at that moment, as she ground her teeth with resolve, that an unexpected letter arrived for Margaret.

“This is…”

Her eyes sparkled as she read the contents.

“Finally!”

Margaret jumped up from her seat and shouted with excitement.

It was the long-awaited news she’d been waiting for.