Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 159

“It’s just that I’m not used to buying a place just for a few days’ stay. But I guess for him, that amount is indeed pocket money.”

In the past, she would have felt rebellious about it, but this time, her first thought was to look into that allowance wallet.

‘Since I already have the signet ring, doesn’t that mean I have control over his allowance too?’

She didn’t intend to forbid spending but being told not to interfere? That wasn’t right.

It was essentially moving money from one pocket to another, but the idea of managing Erich’s allowance herself made her smile.

The thought alone was satisfying.

‘While I’m at it, I should buy him something too.’

It would probably feel like a candy exchange to Erich, but still.

“By the way.”

After finishing the conversation, Claire turned her attention elsewhere.

Behind Maximilian, a group that had been kept at a distance by the guards was now lingering nearby.

Claire handed a whining Elliott over to Maximilian and headed towards them.

“Are you from Marquisate Ludendorff?”

“Oh, yes. I’m honored to meet you. I’m Johanna from Barony Bloom.”

The woman at the front hurriedly curtsied. Claire smiled warmly.

“Thank you for coming to welcome us.”

“Oh, it’s nothing.”

Johanna blushed and lowered her head.

Her presence here was actually a breach of etiquette.

Maximilian had already once declined the Marquis’s invitation.

The Duke and Duchess Klausener’s wish to spend their honeymoon privately, without socializing with other families, was not impolite.

The era of surrendering weapons at borders and presenting oneself to the lord of the land was long past.

In fact, Maximilian had already paid respects and presented suitable gifts to apologize for their understanding.

Pursuing them to the train station was hardly the behavior of a dignified person.

However, Marchioness Ludendorff had pleaded with Johanna.

[You know how Horst is being blamed for the current mining issues.]

[Sir Horst being resented? Please don’t say such things.]

[No, I know him better. Lately, he thinks of Horst as incompetent, and if things don’t improve soon, he’ll blame him even more. Besides, isn’t Hermann already acquainted with the Duke and Duchess!]

Johanna thought it was something unavoidable.

What could Hermann, who had been practically exiled to the capital, forming a connection with the Duke and Duchess on his way back, do?

The fact that Marquis Ludendorff blamed others when things didn’t go well wasn’t new. But what could anyone do about that?

Unless Hermann was reinstated as the heir, Horst would remain the heir regardless. Even if he was disliked, he just needed to lay low.

But the Marchioness repeatedly insisted,

[That’s why we need to establish a connection with Klausener. If we succeed in inviting the Duke and Duchess, wouldn’t that change his mind?]

[I’m not sure.]

[And if that connection helps with the mining issue, it will be credited to Horst!]

So she had come, but no matter how she thought about it, it seemed unlikely.

Johanna, as a noblewoman of Rommel, the mere thought of approaching the Duke and Duchess without an introduction was overwhelming.

Especially not in a party setting but in a completely exposed public place.

After being blocked by Klausener’s guards, she felt an all-consuming sense of humiliation.

She never expected the Duchess to speak to her first with such a kind face.

“I was quite presumptuous, but thank you so much for your gracious understanding.”

“You came to greet us with good intentions. It’s not presumptuous at all.”

Claire smiled warmly and extended her hand.

Since Johanna was still curtsying, it was meant to suggest she stand, but Johanna, instead, took Claire’s hand and bowed even lower, almost kneeling.

“It’s really okay. No need for such formalities at the train station.”

Claire gently pulled her up. Johanna rose with a flustered and shyly reddened face.

She had her own prejudices about Arrens. She thought Arrens were lacking in dignity, overly emotional, and shamelessly vulgar. They had no qualms about touching others or invading personal space to peer into someone’s face.

These biases applied to men as well but were more often directed at women.

Johanna had even heard worse remarks from her youngest brother.

[Delford? Ha, I knew she’d turn out like that.]

[What do you mean?]

[She was always flirting with the Duke at the academy, and now she’s hit the jackpot. Not even that pretty, but she acted so pricey with me. What a wench.]

Her youngest brother was a notorious rake and scoundrel, so Johanna didn’t take his words seriously.

Seeing her in person confirmed her feelings even more. The Duchess was a vision of beauty, elegance, and kindness.

How could someone who approached others first, easing their discomfort, be considered vulgar?

Her brother’s claim that she wasn’t pretty was entirely wrong.

Her tall, slender frame looked refreshingly elegant.

The white day dress she wore reflected the sunlight, appearing simple and unadorned at first glance but was clearly made of thick, high-quality fabric.

Her presence was so radiant that whether she fit the traditional standard of beauty didn’t matter at all.

Her vibrant complexion was bright, and her auburn hair stood out like flames against the pale northern winter sky.

Not just Johanna, but everyone’s gaze was drawn to her as if by a magnet.

Whether Claire was aware of this or not, she spoke calmly.

“Thanks to the Marchioness’s thoughtfulness, I’m sure I’ll have a peaceful stay here. Please convey my gratitude to her.”