Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 153

Claire glanced up at Erich, who met her gaze but did not change his expression or offer any further explanation to Archduke Victoria.

‘There must be a reason.’

Claire didn’t know much about Archduke Victoria. Considering she was a noble of Rommel, there was no guarantee she wasn’t on the Empress’s side.

Even if she wasn’t aligned with the Empress, it was likely she wouldn’t take the matter seriously, which meant revealing their hand without gaining anything.

Archduke Victoria shook her head gently.

“You are newlyweds.”

“Erich is busy due to an accident at the Kohlberg mine.”

Claire explained, giving a warm smile as she approached Archduke Victoria and linked arms with her, leading her towards the drawing room.

“Thanks to being somewhat neglected, I’m quite thirsty for any news you might bring, Your Grace.”

Unlike when she had been kissed by Elliot, Archduke Victoria’s expression remained stern this time, prompting Claire to laugh a bit more genuinely.

She didn’t look much like Erich, but at that moment, Claire could see him in her expression.

“You don’t seem to be intimidated by me at all.”

“How could I be? I hold you in high regard, Your Grace.”

“Not following protocol isn’t what I meant.”

Archduke Victoria said, pausing to look at Erich.

“Are you like this with her too?”

“I’m rather torn apart every day.”

“What are you talking about?”

Claire retorted incredulously, but Erich continued solemnly.

“Deny it? The scars you’ve left on my body are numerous…”

“What are you trying to say!”

Claire raised her voice and slapped his arm sharply. Erich looked towards Archduke Victoria as if to show her.

She chuckled softly.

“You two really do get along well. I didn’t believe it when they said Erich was in a relationship.”

“I don’t know what rumors you’ve heard, but Erich has been tormenting me!”

“So, you were happy being tormented?”

“…I must be crazy, really.”

Claire cut herself off and turned away abruptly. Archduke Victoria laughed.

“You don’t seem like you’re about to be downtrodden.”

“If I could have crushed your spirit, I would have done so years ago and kept you safely in my pocket.”

Erich replied, prompting another laugh from the Archduke.

“In your pocket?”

“It’s best to keep the important things hidden and for your eyes only. It’s safer that way, you know.”

Of course, Claire wouldn’t just stay put.

She wouldn’t just poke out of the pocket. She would blow up the whole thing.

That’s why he fell for her. He was drawn to her trying to hide away. Even when she wasn’t his, he wanted to bring her out into the world.

But now that she was clearly visible, he sometimes felt the urge to hide her away.

Preferably in the bedroom.

But that would probably result in more than just a painful hair-pulling.

The thoughts he had back then haven’t disappeared. But these days, things are a bit different.

Rather than being tormented by what he wanted to do with her, he found satisfaction just in looking at her. Maybe it’s because marriage has given him a sense of peace.

Before, it felt like something explosive filled him from the throat to the chest, constantly stirring within.

‘Ah, it was me who exploded.’

Erich realized anew, his lips unwittingly curving into a smile. Claire looked at him incredulously.

“Why are you smiling again? What is it now?”

“Nothing at all.”

Was he about to tell her that she’s always been in his pocket from the start?

If Claire were to understand that, she would need to outlive him and maintain sharp hearing.

“Ahem.”

Archduke Victoria cleared her throat. Claire turned to her in surprise, her cheeks and ears flushing with embarrassment.

Archduke Victoria said.

“I do not intend to disturb your honeymoon for too long, so I should conclude my business and leave early.”

“That’s no way, Aunt! Now that you’re here, you should relax and enjoy the hot springs at your leisure.”

“……Please do that.”

Erich’s response seemed somewhat reluctant, but Archduke Victoria, ever the dignified person, did not point that out explicitly.

After having a cup of tea, Erich left the room. Archduke Victoria then brought up the main topic.

“Claire, I’ve read the proposal you sent.”

“Yes?”

Claire looked at Archduke Victoria nervously.

“The proposal itself is intriguing. I know that the Shipowners’ Union has created insurance to deal with accidents, but your idea to have the lords reinsure that insurance is novel.”

“The scale of maritime accidents nowadays is unlike the past.”

Claire stated calmly.

With the advent of steamships, shipping has dramatically evolved, and the number of passengers traveling by sea has increased.

The increase in lawyers has been burdensome for shipowners.

If passengers have the status and financial means to hire lawyers, the liability for accidents could increase significantly.

“Even though the Shipowners’ Union has created mutual insurance, the damages from major incidents have become too large to manage. The primary issue is that sailors and passengers may not receive adequate compensation, but there’s also the risk of the shipping industry shrinking if the Union falters.”

“I see your point, and I understand that your proposal could mitigate that. But.”

Archduke Victoria spoke slowly to Claire’s answers.

“Why would you involve yourself in such a matter? Delford isn’t by the sea, and Klausener doesn’t have a major port.”

Claire smiled slightly. She always had an answer ready for such questions.

“It’s about the money.”

Whether that was true or not.

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