Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 158
“What? From the station? Did something happen?”
“No, sir. It’s Viscount Maximilian from Klausener.”
“What?”
Marquis Ludendorff forgot his anger at Horst and hurriedly opened the door.
“Is this true?”
“Yes.”
“What brings Viscount Maximilian here?”
He was one of the most important figures among the Duke Klausener’s inner circle.
The butler, looking slightly apologetic, explained.
“He mentioned they’re preparing for a trip.”
“A trip!”
Recently engrossed in the discussions about the mine, the mere mention of Klausener triggered a flurry of positive thoughts in Marquis Ludendorff’s mind.
Even if the visitor had been from the land or asset management department, it would have been significant. But this was Maximilian, the head of security.
He never traveled alone. And he mentioned a trip. Who else could he be preparing for a trip with but the Duke?
The possibility of discussing business directly with the Duke now seemed within reach.
“Ha, such incredible luck!”
“Father.”
“If we can persuade Klausener, the difficulty of the mining operation will be a non-issue. Horst, go to Baron Gagern immediately and tell him we’ll offer 30%.”
“What? Father, but!”
Horst was taken aback.
Though he had suggested 30%, it felt impulsive now. There was no guarantee they could convince Klausener. And if Klausener did get involved, significant profits would have to be guaranteed to them.
This was no time for rash promises to Baron Gagern.
But Marquis Ludendorff, already excited, was not listening to Horst.
This occurred five days before Claire’s arrival in Ludendorff.
* * *
“You can smell the sea.”
Though the port was quite a distance from the station, the cold, humid scent was noticeable even before disembarking.
It was different from any smell Claire had known, yet her body instinctively recognized the proximity to the sea.
“Wow. Wo….ow!”
Elliott, who was pressed against the window, was ceaselessly amazed by the new scenery.
Claire and Archduke Victoria couldn’t help but smile at his excitement.
“This will be a good experience for Elliott.”
“Though I wonder if he’ll remember any of it at such a young age.”
Claire briefly thought it would have been nice if it were a summer trip. Then they could play until they dropped from exhaustion. The winter sea seemed worrisome.
When would they next get a chance to go to the beach in summer? She was lost in thought as the train began to slow down.
“Elliott, do you remember how you’re supposed to introduce yourself?”
“Huh? Uh, um?”
Elliott fidgeted with his fingers as he thought.
“I’m Elliot of Klau…gene, Klaugene.”
His pronunciation was off. It seemed the name was too long and difficult for him to say correctly, or perhaps he had misunderstood it entirely.
“One more time. Klausener.”
“Klau…sener.”
“Good. Now remember to say that if anyone asks you.”
“Okay.”
Elliott replied in a small, unsure voice.
“It’s okay even if you make a mistake.”
Claire was worried he might be picked on for it, but Archduke Victoria spoke calmly.
“Stand tall. No matter how you say your name, as long as you are Erich’s beloved son, you are a proud heir of Klausener.”
“Yes.”
Elliott nodded with a brightened expression.
Seeing his face, not just happy but filled with a sense of determination and pride fitting for a four-and-a-half-year-old, Claire felt a mix of emotions.
“Mom?”
“It’s nothing.”
It felt strange to think that Erich had probably grown up hearing such affirmations as a matter of course.
Claire put on the sun hat she had taken off and, holding Elliott’s hand, stepped off the train.
Maximilian was there to greet them at the station.
“Uncle Max!”
Elliott ran excitedly, lifting his arms to hug Maximilian around the waist.
Maximilian, though he didn’t fully hug Elliott back, gently patted his shoulder with a soft expression.
“Did you enjoy your trip, young master?”
“Yes! We had a snowball fight!”
“Of course. It snows often in Baden.”
Maximilian said this and then bowed respectfully to Claire.
“Welcome. We’ve been awaiting your arrival.”
“Thank you for meeting us all the way out here.”
“Of course, it’s my duty. I’ve acquired a house with a view of the sea.”
“What?”
For a moment, Claire thought she had misheard. Maximilian, without changing his expression, raised a hand and pointed somewhere in the distance.
“That house you see over there. It’s modest but tidy and should be comfortable for a few days’ stay. The view is quite spectacular.”
“Not a villa that was originally owned, but a new purchase?”
Claire asked again, missing the main point entirely. Maximilian, somewhat surprised by her question, replied.
“Yes. His Grace instructed me to do so.”
Claire stared at Maximilian in disbelief. His expression remained unflinching.
“How much did it cost?”
“However much it was, His Grace used his allowance and said you shouldn’t concern yourself with it.”
“Wow, allowance. I am really, really curious how much that is.”
“He mentioned that any small expenditures are considered in his allowance. He also told me to answer like this if you asked.”
Finally, Maximilian gave an awkward smile.
“And I don’t think it’s a waste, Lady Claire. It’s better for security to stay in a private house we own rather than a hotel or someone else’s home.”
“Ah, that’s true.”
Claire sighed. It was indeed better not because she wasn’t alone, but especially with Elliott in tow.
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