Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 152
“I just need to spend more time with our Elliot.”
“But… Dad likes me.”
“Did you know that and still got upset?”
“Hehe.”
Elliott laughed shyly and hugged Claire’s neck.
It was then that Gustav knocked on the door.
“Duchess, you have a visitor.”
“A visitor for me? I wasn’t expecting anyone. Who is it?”
“It’s Archduke Victoria.”
Gustav spoke in a tense voice. Claire, too, was taken aback and stood up.
Although she had sent a letter, she hadn’t expected a direct visit.
Quickly throwing a cape over her day dress, Claire hurried down to the lobby.
It seemed better to greet Archduke Victoria in her simple attire rather than keep her waiting with a more formal change of clothes.
Archduke Victoria was sitting in the lobby, her fur hat still on.
The butler, just bringing out the tea, was startled by Claire’s appearance and bowed his head.
“Madam.”
“You’ve come down quickly.”
“Welcome, Archduke Victoria. I expected a reply, not a visit. Ah, please come in. It’s cold in the lobby.”
“It seemed like a complicated matter to discuss. I hesitated to disturb a newlywed couple.”
Archduke Victoria said this as he smiled at Elliott, who clutched at Claire’s skirt.
“I thought it might be less disruptive than interrupting this cute little one. How have you been?”
“Hello, Great-aunt.”
Elliott grinned and bowed deeply. Archduke Victoria’s face lit up faintly with pleasure.
“Last time you just blushed and ran away.”
“I think it was because he couldn’t call Erich ‘Dad.'”
“Come here. Let me give you a hug.”
Elliott glanced at Claire. He had learned not to hug just anyone.
This time Claire was smiling.
Elliott joyfully ran over and hugged Archduke Victoria, then kissed her on the cheek.
“Oh!”
Archduke Victoria gasped.
She had softened in her old age, especially towards children, though she was still fundamentally a Romell noble.
She had expected to kindly hug the child and pat his back, but the sweet touch on her cheek genuinely flustered her.
“Hehe.”
Elliott beamed and reached out his arms, obviously expecting a hug.
Archduke Victoria awkwardly held the child, still rigid.
The warmth that spread from the spot where his lips had touched her cheek softened the usually stern expression on her face.
She truly couldn’t resist. But instead of lifting him up, she cautiously crouched and embraced him.
Then Elliott hugged her neck tightly before letting go, as if trying to share his tender scent and warmth.
She thought back to a very long time ago when she might have felt something similar.
“Thank you.”
As Archduke Victoria spoke, Elliott tilted his head, not understanding why he was being thanked.
In fact, Archduke Victoria herself couldn’t exactly articulate why she felt grateful.
His soft, golden hair bounced adorably. She couldn’t suppress the genuine smile that emerged from her heart.
Claire smiled awkwardly.
“He thinks every grandmother must be kind to him just because.”
“No.”
Elliott, holding Archduke Victoria’s hand, turned to look at Claire.
“She’s great-aunt.”
“Hmm?”
“Great-aunt means Dad’s aunt, so she’s really important to Dad. And she’s family!”
“Ah…”
Claire almost lost her composure for a moment, touched by the sentiment.
Could there be such an overwhelming love in the world?
Loving him, cherishing him, trying her best always, yet still wondering if it’s not enough compared to a mother’s care.
Each time she entrusted him to others for too long, other matters crept into her mind, sometimes for no reason at all.
Should emotions and time not be divided among other matters?
Each time she felt loved like this, it intensified.
Then Claire suddenly realized Archduke Victoria was smiling at her.
“Ah, I’m sorry.”
“That’s alright. I’m somewhat aware of your circumstances. To manage your family so well and raise a child amidst such turmoil, I think that’s quite admirable.”
“Hmm.”
Archduke Victoria’s demeanor, as if knowing everything, almost prompted Claire to ask which faction she supported. But she fortunately refrained from going that far. Instead, she guided Archduke Victoria with a smile.
“Please come this way, Your Grace. We are hardly prepared for guests, but I’m certain you’ll find our dinner to your liking.”
“Sausages!”
Elliott raised his arms emphatically, stating his preference. Claire playfully tapped his backside.
“Go check with Sir Gustav if Grandmother’s room is ready.”
“Okay!”
Tasked with the errand, Elliott dashed across the lobby.
The butler prioritized following Elliott over attending to Archduke Victoria’s luggage.
“Don’t run! You’ll fall and hurt yourself!”
“Yes!”
Elliot cheerfully responded. Claire sighed, worrying he might tumble down the stairs.
That was when Erich came out to greet them.
“What brings you here, Aunt?”
“My estate isn’t too far from here. Did you think I couldn’t make it?”
“I assumed you’d stay longer in the capital since you were already there.”
“It looks like you’re trying to send me packing, are you?”
“That’s not what I meant.”
Erich ran his hand through his hair, his face showing signs of fatigue.
“Something must have happened.”
“Just matters concerning the estate.”
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