Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 125

His lack of shame of sitting alone here, was evidence of suspicion that cracked his heart.

Then, like pouring fuel into that crack, the soprano’s singing reverberated, a voice he knew all too well.

He recognized this voice. How could he not?

The voice eerily resembled the singer he had once devoted his entire life to, the one he had loved.

21: Real Daughter

Iris was in the banquet hall.

She knew people were whispering.

“Oh, look at that. Lady Schneider has arrived.”

“This is really shameless. Isn’t it insane?”

“Well, Iris didn’t do anything wrong, did she? It’s not like she’s responsible just because her mother had an affair.”

“No, think about it logically. Countess Schneider tried to kidnap the Duchess. If it’s not because of Iris, what else could it be?”

“If Count Schneider’s family has any sense, they should stay quietly at home and reflect on their actions.”

“Is this really the time for a kidnapping case? Think about the unfortunate rumors that were circulating between the Duke and Lady Schneider.”

“Even if those rumors are true and it’s an unfair situation, today is not the day for it. How can she come to a place like this, considering the bride’s feelings?”

“She’s really shameless. Thankfully, at least she didn’t show up at the reception.”

Iris knew exactly what they were talking about, and with nowhere to go, frustration trembled through her body.

Not even a sip of water went down smoothly. But she couldn’t turn back.

She had to somehow make it seem like nothing happened. Trying to regain composure now wouldn’t make those words disappear.

Keeping quiet and staying still, everything would be over during such a time.

There wasn’t a specific plan on how to handle this. However, Erich was indifferent to others, and Claire didn’t seem like the type to publicly humiliate someone.

In a place where adults like Archduke Victoria or Grand Prince Arren were present, they wouldn’t be able to drive her away.

‘I have to meet them first. Show a good side and persuade them.’

If they seemed reconciled outwardly, Claire wouldn’t openly try to force Iris out.

If possible, she needed to appear pitiable. Even if Claire recognized the identity of the blonde maid, depending on how she handled it, the message delivered to her father would be different.

Until this storm passed, she had to endure humiliation somehow. Iris bit down on her lower lip.

She was waiting without dancing a single dance, but the newlyweds today didn’t arrive.

Pavel came forward as a representative and politely greeted everyone.

“The Duchess is feeling a bit tired, and since the Duke has been eagerly awaiting this day, the two decided to retire to their chambers early.”

He said with a playful look in his eyes.

“You know, it’s been 5 years. Hasn’t he waited long enough?”

“Oh my, that’s too much. Even though they’ve been living together in the same house for so long, no matter how beautiful the bride is, they should welcome the guests today.”

Viscountess Spee chuckled and spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. Pavel received her words.

“That’s true. But isn’t enduring something you already know about harder than something you have never known at all? I hope they don’t break the bed.”

People laughed. Even if they were not supposed to gossip about the Duke and Duchess, it was within the acceptable range considering it was a wedding reception.

“Instead, using all that Klausener has, we will treat all the guests. Please enjoy and celebrate all night.”

As Pavel finished speaking, attendants wheeled out a crystal tower as tall as a person on a cart.

“Wow!”

Golden liquor gushed like a fountain. The gold particles mixed with the liquor made the tower shine.

Bubbly champagne glasses were distributed indiscriminately.

Pavel raised his glass.

“If you will allow me, I would like to propose a toast. To Klausener. To the happiness of the Duke and Duchess.”

“To Klausener. To the happiness of the Duke and Duchess.”

“And, personally, my wish is for a lovely and smart young Miss resembling the Madam to come.”

“Let’s toast to that.”

Someone laughed and shouted, and thanks to that, a third toast was called out.

“May the Madam conceive a girl who looks like her!”

Joyful laughter echoed in the banquet hall.

Pavel stepped back, and the orchestra played three dance pieces in a row.

‘Should I go back?’

Iris thought with a forced smile. No one approached her, and she couldn’t speak to anyone either.

The plan for today was a mess. It was when she thought she should just go back as she was feeling tired.

The attendants hurriedly adjusted the brightness of the gas lamps. Soon, a bright and small stage appeared. It was a method frequently used in Iris’s salon.

“Oh my, what’s going on?”

“Is there a performance?”

People who found the situation perplexing exchanged such conversations. It was common for performances to be held for entertainment at banquets.

Iris shivered with unease. Silently, she moved her steps to leave the banquet hall.

At that moment, a small commotion engulfed the banquet hall.

Maximilian appeared, escorting a pure and beautiful young lady.

Just the fact that he accompanied a woman was enough to attract people’s attention, but the woman herself was exceptionally beautiful.

Her small and fair face had finely delicate features like a fairy, and her slender body was adorned with a sleek black dress without much embellishment.

A diamond ornament, almost the size of a scarf, covered her neck to her shoulders.

The chandelier earrings hanging from her ears sparkled and reflected the light. Even her honey-colored blonde hair was adorned with stars made of diamonds.

“Oh my.”

Iris took in a sharp breath.

‘That woman…!’

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