Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 115

A century ago, since the merger of Rommel and Arren, Arren nobles always found themselves in a somewhat ambiguous position.

The two countries were united through the marriage of monarchs on equal terms.

However, the capital was the Rommel capital, and naturally, the majority of central nobles influencing the imperial court were Rommel nobles.

The marriage was no different. Queen Serenity of Arren was a wise queen, but her authority could not match that of the Rommel Emperor Friedrich.

In reality, marriages typically leaned towards the male side. Even in cases where a daughter signs a marriage contract to inherit the family, if the father of the daughter did not assert himself in the position of the head of the family, outsiders generally regarded the husband’s side as the representative of the family.

The imperial family did not deviate significantly from this norm. In this case, there was also the issue of Rommel attempting to unilaterally dominate Arren.

Emperor Friedrich and Queen Serenity, concerned about this, devised the Rommel-Arren succession law, among other methods, to ensure that the names of direct imperial descendants were given in the Arren style. However, that alone was not enough.

With the development of industry, there was a noticeable tendency for economic power to tilt towards Rommel due to the economic disparity.

Legal equality did not guarantee a balance of actual power. Arren nobles felt themselves to be in a position slightly lower than Rommel nobles and, indeed, social perception reflected that.

It was only natural for Arren nobles to band together and resist Rommel nobles.

Claire was an individualist and cynical about the nobility system.

Resistance was something the commoners should undertake. Even if the middle class did it, it would cost a lot. The title nobility itself was a privilege among privileges.

In her hometown, Claire had friendly exchanges with neighboring fiefdoms, but perhaps because it wasn’t her homeland, she didn’t have a sense of belonging to the class called ‘Arren nobility’.

She used to reply to Erich by referring to herself as something like Arren noble. It was more of a mockery aimed at the perspective of Rommel nobles than a genuine belief that she was of a low position.

Thus, there were no plans in her life to have an audience with Grand Prince Arren.

However, being a mere Baron was one thing; as Duchess Klausener, she had to carry herself entirely differently.

‘A day like this has finally come.’

Claire thought again as she looked out of the carriage window.

To ensure that the Arren royal family did not feel oppressed in the capital, Emperor Friedrich had paid special attention to the palace grounds. The guards, instead of stopping the carriage, simply opened the gates to allow passage.

“Wow, Auntie, did you see that just now? They were holding up a spear!”

Elliott shouted in awe.

“Your clothes are wrinkled, Elliott.”

“It’s cool.”

Elliott ignored Claire’s remark and reveled in excitement. From tomorrow onwards, he might start playing as a knight.

It seemed better than playing pirate, at least.

The carriage stopped in front of the main gate of the palace. Claire, while getting off from the door the attendant had opened, was surprised.

Grand Prince Arren was waiting at the main gate.

“Grand Prince.”

Claire quickly placed one hand over her chest and bent her knees to greet him.

Following her, Elliott, aided by the attendant, seemed to recognize the Grand Prince and exclaimed in surprise.

“Ah, it’s Crybaby Grandpa!”

“Elliott!”

Claire hurriedly tried to cover Elliott’s mouth, but it was too late.

People didn’t know how to react. The attendants and guards standing behind Grand Prince Arren were pale and stunned.

Grand Prince Arren, now older, had lost much of his energy after losing his daughter and grandson one after another. But in his youth, he was a stern and powerful figure, unchallenged by anyone except the Emperor.

Even now, he maintained that stern demeanor. The attendants dared not cross his path or make a sound carelessly.

To act so boldly in front of someone like him, even if it was a child. Everyone anxiously closed their eyes, worrying about what might happen next.

However, Grand Prince Arren spoke in a friendly voice.

“It’s been a while, little one. Do you remember Grandpa?”

“At the juice shop, Grandpa cried a lot! Are you okay now? Did the pain go away?”

“Yes.”

Grand Prince Arren reached out, and without hesitation, Elliott, recognizing the familiar face, grabbed the Grand Prince’s hand with a wide smile.

Without thinking, Grand Prince Arren lifted Elliott. It was only then he regretted that he had acted so casually with someone else’s child. But facing the child’s soft cheek, he couldn’t resist planting a gentle kiss.

Claire breathed a sigh of relief and politely greeted him.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

“I should be the one thanking you for visiting so willingly.”

Grand Prince Arren said with a smile.

Claire had never sought an audience with him. Considering that any Arren noble would typically seek an audience with the Grand Prince, this was an unusual occurrence.

At least immediately after accepting Erich’s proposal, it would have been typical for her to come to meet him. Considering that she had no father or grandfather, and no close relatives among the major nobility, it made it even more so.

Except for the royal family of Arren, no other noble family in Arren would be able to sit across from Klausener.

And it was not difficult to speculate about the reason.

[Duke Klausener has not been very involved in palace politics until now. Baron Delford also seems uninterested in politics, as she has not sought an audience with Your Highness.]

Duke Moore also spoke with concern.

Palace politics were different from sponsoring a member of the House of Representatives or expressing opinions on policies. The struggles surrounding the throne were secret and vicious; and rejecting and dominating Arren was not suitable for a noble figure.

Klausener had no need to be involved in such matters. As long as they controlled the essential energy and resources of the new era’s industry, there was no need to seek other lands, and no power could ignore Klausener’s influence.

However, now the circumstances have changed.

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