Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 157
Claire was a little out of breath. She pushed him with effort. Soon, they would need to board the train.
The steam locomotive began to belch smoke.
Elliott came running up, bouncing excitedly.
“Dad! You really can’t come with us?”
“I have some important things to finish first, but I’ll follow you soon, so wait for me.”
The same words he said to Claire, but the meaning in his voice was entirely different when he spoke it.
“You need to look after Mom while I’m away.”
“Okay!”
Elliott clenched his fist with resolve. Erich ruffled his hair.
“What kind of promises are you making to him?”
“Crush anyone who dares to approach.”
“One moment you’re worried about me breaking someone’s nose, and now this. Don’t worry too much. I’ll be the elegant and proper lady.”
Claire smiled, then lifted Elliott into her arms.
Elliott reached out to Erich.
As Claire leaned in to allow Elliot to kiss him goodbye, the boy joyously pecked Erich on the cheek.
Erich always looked slightly awkward during these exchanges, but he returned the kiss to Elliot’s cheek, then kissed Claire’s cheek as well.
“Let’s go now.”
As the goodbyes threatened to drag on, Archduke Victoria intervened.
“Please take good care of Claire and Elliot.”
“I’ll manage.”
Archduke Victoria gave Erich a disbelieving look and boarded the train first.
Claire followed, with Elliott clinging to her as they looked back and waved.
Erich smiled faintly and waved back.
* * *
An uneasy silence filled the drawing room of the Ludendorff estate. The warm atmosphere of their first meeting was nowhere to be found.
Knowing the Marquis himself was not the type to offer apologies, Hermann spoke up instead.
“My apologies, Count Krozik. We appreciate you coming all this way, but we’ve made no progress on our side.”
“Not at all. I never expected this to be easy from the start.”
Count Krozik responded slowly, then turned to Marquis Ludendorff.
“We could have reached out directly to Baron Gagern.”
Marquis Ludendorff’s face darkened as Count Krozik spoke calmly.
“What I was really seeking were gems, not bitumen. It’s risky getting involved in businesses one doesn’t understand well.”
“….”
“I suppose the Baron would have to pay me a finder’s fee, and it seems only fair. I tried to get a little greedy in my old age.”
Count Krozik then leaned on his cane and stood up. He looked ready to head directly to Baron Gagern’s estate.
Marquis Ludendorff, who had been keeping silent out of wounded pride, finally stopped the old Count.
“We will soon settle the rights with the Baron. I’ve prepared the finest room for you, why not stay and take your time for about a week? Hermann, please escort the Count to his room.”
“But…”
“Do not worry. I have a plan in mind.”
Count Krozik looked reluctant but couldn’t refuse the Marquis’s invitation and followed Hermann out.
After they left, Marquis Ludendorff picked up a water bottle from the table and threw it in front of Horst.
Crash!
The bottle shattered, scattering glass and water onto Horst’s trousers.
“This mine will eventually be yours to inherit, yet you couldn’t even persuade them!”
Horst bowed his head.
The statement about inheriting the mine was incorrect.
During his last visit, Baron Gagern, who was pale and constantly coughing, had glared at Horst with a sharp glint in his eyes.
[“You think you already own the Barony just because I have no children? Don’t be ridiculous!”]
[“That’s not what I meant, Uncle.”]
[“And you call this a proposal? Planning to develop a mine on my land, offering me a small sum to completely withdraw from the neighboring lands?”]
[“It’s not a small sum, Uncle. Isn’t it a share of the profits? If it succeeds, the Barony’s income could significantly increase.”]
[“And what if it fails? What if the profitability is lower than expected and the venture closes early? Developing a mine on that hill means, success or failure, giving up farming in the village below. That’s nearly half our family’s income. To take such a risk and then only share 10% of the profits if successful?”]
Baron Gagern scoffed.
[“Don’t be foolish, Horst. I have no obligation to leave this estate to you. However, if you show me genuine effort, perhaps I might change my mind.”]
[“What are your conditions?”]
[“Fifty percent.”]
[“That’s impossible, Uncle.”]
[“I won’t do it for less than half.”]
[“This project involves County Krozik.”]
[“Have you not considered that I might proceed directly with County Krozik?”]
Horst remembered these words and gritted his teeth.
“Father, please offer Baron Gagern 30%.”
“What?”
“We should also include relocation funds for the local residents, and some upfront payment.”
Marquis Ludendorff seemed ready to strike as he approached Horst. Summoning his courage, Horst continued.
“Otherwise, Uncle will pursue this project with County Krozik alone. The land belongs to him, and the discovery was made by Count Krozik’s people. If the two families join hands, Ludendorff has no right to intervene.”
“No, this punk!”
“You must accept that, Father.”
Marquis Ludendorff was seething.
“How dare a mere Baron Gagern be so ungrateful!”
“Father.”
It was then Horst called him in a frustrated tone.
The butler pounded on the door.
“My apologies for interrupting, sir. There’s urgent news from the station.”
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