Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 117

It wasn’t wrong. Until Erich claimed the child as his own, Claire had never doubted that Elliott looked remarkably like her younger sister.

“I see.”

Grand Prince Arren responded with a gentle and emotionally deep voice, whether he was explaining to himself or because he was holding Elliott.

Instead of leading the two to the outer reception room, Grand Prince Arren took them to the living room attached to the inner chambers.

It was a spacious area with warm sunlight streaming in and a terrace opening towards the courtyard.

A stern-faced middle-aged lady had arrived a step ahead.

“Pleased to meet you, Duke Moore. I am Claire of Delford.”

“I hope my sudden intrusion doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

“Not at all. Besides, I had an important matter to discuss, so I wanted to meet you.”

Claire said so.

Soon, refreshments were prepared. Elliott shook his body as he grew restless, and was gently lowered by Grand Prince Arren. He went over to Claire, climbed onto her lap for a moment, and then crawled down. Claire handed a cookie to Elliott.

Elliott quickly settled down. Elliott had learned not to disturb work whenever they entered the study together. Claire often felt sorry for him. It was an unavoidable situation, but her heart always ached.

Seeing Elliott quietly nibbling on the cookie, Grand Prince Arren chuckled that his eyes disappeared between the wrinkles. Even Duke Moore, who initially opposed this meeting, couldn’t help but smile.

Claire refrained from engaging Grand Prince Arren in conversation, allowing him to enjoy the meeting. Instead, she spoke to Duke Moore.

“I should have visited you sooner, and I apologize for not doing so. I never really considered it, just thinking of me as the daughter of a mere Baron.”

“His Highness didn’t mind. While the fading glory of the Arren royal family is a pity, His Highness’ age is too much to oversee the Arren people anymore.”

If Princess Henrietta were still alive, things might have been a bit different. However, with the Princess becoming Empress and then passing away, the Arren royal family had no direct descendants.

Claire spoke gently.

“Isn’t Duke Moore there?”

“I am merely a collateral relative, and I too have no children.”

Duke Moore spoke with a faintly smiling face.

“Since the debut parties of Arren ladies have become the imperial family’s role, now all families under the imperial family are just high-ranking nobles.”

“If my parents heard that the Arren royal family was referred to as high-ranking nobles, my parents would have shed tears.”

Claire spoke softly. It was true.

For Claire, loyalty to the Arren royal family was something she couldn’t comprehend at all. The same applied to the Rommel royal family.

She thought it was good that the First Lady had replaced the debutante ball with an academy graduation party, it seemed more appropriate.

However, her parents and the nobles of neighboring territories, all harbored emotions deeper than mere nostalgia for the Arren royal family.

Duke Moore understood the hidden meaning in her words. She didn’t protest, only smiled. That smile seemed to accept Claire’s words and, at the same time, feel somewhat resigned.

Brushing off the cookie crumbs from Elliott’s hand, Grand Prince Arren chuckled and said,

“There aren’t many occasions as sweet to the eyes as the nostalgia for the good old days. However, since the Baron is still young, you wouldn’t have such an attachment to the old Arren, right?”

“It’s a shame but I haven’t forgotten that I am an Arren.”

“That’s good. You won’t move forward by being captivated by the past. Still, I haven’t lost everything, so consider me a reliable elder, and lean on me whenever you face difficulties.”

“Yes.”

Claire replied with a smile.

The conversation wasn’t particularly engaging, so Elliott, who quickly got bored, fidgeted. Grand Prince Arren laughed.

“Are you bored?”

“I’m bored.”

“I brought a few old toys to give you, do you want them?”

“Toys?”

Elliott’s eyes sparkled. Grand Prince Arren rummaged through his pocket. He deliberately brought them, wanting to casually give them to the child.

He pulled out two wooden horses. They were worn and old, but it seemed to have been originally finely carved with vibrant colors.

“Wow!”

Elliott shouted excitedly, quickly grabbing them as if afraid Grand Prince Arren might regret it. Claire spoke sternly.

“You should say thank you.”

“Ah! Thank you!”

Elliott quickly said his thank you and went off with the toys.

Claire watched with a bitter smile. It wasn’t like they lacked toys. Perhaps it was the influence of her own desires.

“Da-da-da-da! Whoosh!”

Elliott played, imitating the sound of horse hooves and pretending to hit the sofa arm with the wooden horse.

Despite Claire’s attempt to stop him, Grand Prince Arren nodded, indicating that it was okay.

“This living room used to be the children’s playroom, so the furniture isn’t that precious.”

“I see.”

Listening and observing, Claire noticed imperfections in the table and sofa, traces of children playing and mischievously breaking things.

It was unlikely that the Grand Prince’s castle would leave it like this because there was no budget or staff. Perhaps, it was probably left there for the sake of memories.

Five years ago, before raising a child, Claire wouldn’t have understood this sentiment. And now, after five years, she is coming to a new understanding.

The once abstract figure of Elliott’s biological father, whom she hadn’t even thought about, gradually took on a more concrete form.

In cold terms, he was merely her late sister’s boyfriend. However, as his figure became more tangible, Claire found herself gaining a better understanding of her deceased sister, her child Elliott, and even Erich, who looked similar but was distinctly different.

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