Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 160
“Ah… There was mention of wanting to extend an invitation to you both.”
Johanna’s heart raced as she spoke, cheeks flushed.
“We’ve prepared a guesthouse surrounded by birch trees. It doesn’t compare to the Klausener’s Ivory Palace, but the Ludendorff manor is well-built, and the guesthouse is quite romantic, so it won’t disturb your honeymoon.”
“Hmm. Please express my thanks for the Marchioness’s generosity. However, we have a child and came to see the sea, so we will decline for now.”
“Yes, I understand. I will relay your message.”
Johanna answered with a half relief.
Just then, Johanna’s entourage flinched. A tall, dark-haired man emerged briskly from the crowd.
It was Hermann.
“It’s been a while, Duchess Klausener. I almost missed the news of your arrival.”
He glanced at Johanna briefly. Johanna averted her gaze.
Claire caught the tension. It seemed the Marchioness had tried to hide her arrival details from Hermann but failed.
It wasn’t a significant concern for her. Her plans were already in motion, and she didn’t want to be directly involved.
Hermann would have to fend for himself within that arrangement. He would know that as well.
“It hasn’t even been a month; ‘it’s been a while’ seems a bit awkward, don’t you think?”
“If one truly longs to meet, a day can feel like a thousand, can it not?”
Hermann smoothly took Claire’s hand and kissed the back of it. His lips lingered a bit longer than a standard greeting would warrant.
“It sounds like you’re saying the purpose is to meet ‘me.'”
“And why would you think otherwise?”
Hermann smirked charmingly, rolling the corner of his eyes.
His intentions were clear.
Though his purpose might not be to seduce her personally, Claire knew he was trying to flaunt his closeness to the Klauseners in front of other members of the Ludendorff family.
Especially since the Marchioness was at odds with Hermann.
The sweetness of pretending to be close to someone of high status in front of foes was enticing, even if she hadn’t experienced it herself.
‘That nose will start to hurt.’
Claire stared whimsically at Hermann’s prominent nose and thought to herself.
It’s a shame if such a handsome feature were to be ruined, even if it’s someone else’s nose.
Hermann was already disliked.
Last time, as Erich read the letter aloud, his expression grew increasingly more grim, and by the final sentence, he muttered,
[It seems he wishes to die.]
The mention of the reaper with turquoise eyes, meant the jealousy in Erich’s eyes. It didn’t require literary sensitivity to understand.
Was he scared of dying, or did he actually wish for it? It seemed more likely the latter.
Erich hadn’t said much else. He could be surprisingly jealous.
Claire couldn’t help but smirk at the thought.
Honestly, even though she had promised to let Erich read it, she hadn’t expected him to actually go through with it.
Rather than being polite, given his etiquette, she thought he’d refuse to read someone else’s letter to the end.
She thought she knew Erich well, but marriage had revealed more than she had anticipated.
His reactions were amusing, which tempted her to provoke him further. Even though she often did that at her own expense.
Indeed, she really should be careful. There was enough provocation better directed at herself.
“Why are you smiling?”
Hermann asked, unwittingly joining in her smile. Claire shook her head lightly.
“It’s nothing. Anyway, we should get moving now.”
Seeing Elliott’s restlessness as he clung to Maximilian as he was bored to the limit, Claire spoke up.
Hermann bowed his head slightly.
“While I regret that I can’t invite you to stay at the manor, as Sir Maximilian has thoroughly prepared, please do visit our family at least once.”
“When my husband arrives, please invite us to dinner then.”
Hermann looked intrigued by her reply.
“Isn’t he with you?”
“There was an accident at the Kohlberg mine. He’s dealing with the aftermath.”
“Ah. I heard about it through the rumors. An explosion, wasn’t it? That must have been worrying.”
“I’ve heard there’s a need to hire new miners, or something like that.”
Claire said, pretending to be ignorant, yet her voice was loud enough for the people of the Marquisate to hear.
Hermann smiled smoothly.
“Indeed. After his arrival, I’ll visit with a formal invitation. Perhaps you might consider inviting me for tea beforehand?”
Claire hummed, looking up at his face.
It would be problematic if her husband punched someone else’s nose, even if it was someone as cunning as Hermann.
“If you’re trying to gain favor from a distinguished lady to compensate for your shortcomings, I might be able to introduce you to someone far more effective than trying with me.”
“Really?”
Hermann asked back.
Just then, Archduke Victoria, disembarked from the coach with the assistance of a maid. She looked clearly exhausted from the train ride and had waited until all her luggage had been transferred.
“Gasp!”
Johanna visibly startled and bent her knees, followed by the rest of the Marquisate’s entourage who bowed their heads in respect.
Maximilian and Klausener’s guards did not do the same, as they couldn’t afford to compromise their readiness to protect their mistress by bowing.
Instead, they placed a hand over their chest, offering a brief salute to the royalty.
Confused porters and other workers looked around, unsure of the protocol.
Claire flashed Hermann a sly smile.
“Women, whether young or old, tend to appreciate a handsome face, and that’s regardless of any romantic intentions.”
“Haha.”
Hermann let out a laugh, somewhat resigned.
“Truly, Madam, I cannot win against you.”
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