Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 118
‘It seemed like there was nothing I didn’t already know.’
Perhaps Erich might have torn at least one wallpaper here. As she thought about it, Claire couldn’t help but smile.
“Thank you. If it’s something with cherished memories, it must be precious. Thank you for giving it to Elliott.”
“It is. They are things I just left at home with no one to inherit them. It’s even better if they make him happy. Among the things decaying in the warehouse, it would be nice if Elliott could take something he likes.”
“We have so many toys now. Receiving a lot at once, he won’t be able to play with all of them…..”
“No, I can play with all of them!”
“No way! You pestered Uncle secretly without Auntie knowing and got a bunch of gifts yesterday.”
“Hehe.”
Elliott chuckled and quickly ran away.
Seeing his antics, both Grand Prince Arren and Duke Moore couldn’t help but smile.
Although Claire pretended to scold Elliott, when he escaped to the terrace, her attitude changed.
“I heard from someone experienced before that giving a big gift all at once makes children quickly forget. So, it’s said that if you often bring small gifts, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your grandson.”
Grand Prince Arren’s face brightened at Claire’s words. He understood it meant that he was welcome to come and see Elliott frequently.
However, his expression contradicted his words.
“It’s not good to say such things lightly.”
“You said you would play the role of a wise elder.”
Claire smiled softly.
“I raised Elliott quite liberally in the countryside, so I was worried about whether he would adapt well here. If you find him adorable, please meet him often and teach him well.”
Grand Prince Arren made an indescribable expression. Perhaps in his mind, various past experiences and complex political situations were passing by.
Claire spoke with a calm expression.
“Me and Erich have thought about the concerns. I’ve even considered whether it would be better not to create special ties with Your Highness and other Arren nobles, to be cautious and stay hidden.”
However, doing so wouldn’t change the fact that she was an Arren noble.
It wasn’t just a problem with Elliott. If she were to have a child with Erich, the same would apply to that child.
Even if she had no more children, the question remained. Would Empress Margot silently tolerate Duchess Klausener, an Arren noble by birth?
Since she wholeheartedly accepted her marriage to Erich, she had been prepared for this.
The issue was simply how to strategically handle it.
“I don’t think it suits my personality to tremble and hide when I haven’t committed any wrongdoing. Your Highness, I won’t ask you to push our child to become the emperor, so please don’t worry.”
Inverting the roles of the one worrying and the one being worried about, Claire’s words made Grand Prince Arren laugh.
It was hard to say how long it had been. It had been a long time since someone spoke so confidently and casually in front of him.
Especially someone claiming that the symbol of Arren wasn’t heavy.
“Thank you.”
Grand Prince Arren sincerely lowered his head.
Understanding his intention, Claire quickly lowered her body even more than Grand Prince Arren and replied,
“You shouldn’t say such things.”
“Since it’s rare for His Highness to express gratitude, just accept it gracefully.”
Duke Moore also spoke with a relaxed face.
Outside on the terrace, Elliott rolled his feet and shouted.
“Auntie! Can I go outside?”
“I’ll go with him. Take your time.”
Grand Prince Arren stood up with a cheerful face. Claire just nodded and took a sip of her tea.
Duke Moore spoke gently.
“I also want to express my gratitude. It’s been years since I’ve seen His Highness has such a pleasant face. Thank you.”
“No.”
In truth, Claire thought that it was actually an issue that required an apology.
After Elliott and Grand Prince Arren left, a brief silence lingered. Both Duke Moore and Claire were types to have many thoughts.
Duke Moore broke the silence first.
“By the way, what’s the matter that requires a private discussion?”
The other party was the woman who would become Duchess Klausener. Even bringing up or asking about a matter first could carry political significance. However, Duke Moore, genuinely grateful, willingly asked from her side.
Claire put down her teacup and took a moment to collect her thoughts.
“I know this might come off as impolite to ask, but have you noticed a significant decrease in the number of people visiting His Highness and Duke Moore in recent years?”
Duke Moore furrowed her brow.
In general, it was a truly impolite inquiry. Asking if the number of visitors had decreased was akin to questioning whether their influence and social standing had diminished.
Of course, Claire didn’t mean it that way, and Duke Moore understood that.
However, being a person with a sinister side, she stared at Claire with a slightly startled face.
“I never expected the Baron to be so concerned about His Highness’ loneliness.”
“I apologize if my questioning was too direct. However, it’s not something I can beat around the bush about, so I asked.”
Claire’s face was very serious.
Duke Moore realized that she was scrutinizing her. Not in the way she was observing her humanity.
Claire was gauging a specific reaction to her question. Was she aware that the number of visitors had decreased? And if she was aware, did she know that it was because of an ‘incident’?
‘Something has happened.’
Duke Moore inadvertently tensed at the thought.
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