Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 164
“It is thanks to the Baron that he has become a man of worth. It seems he has gained some insight recently.”
“You’re too harsh on Sir Johann. His methods may not have been clean, but his ambition was probably for the sake of his family.”
Claire spoke gently, and the old Count showed a flicker of interest.
“Do you think so?”
“If that weren’t the case, Sir Johann would have had no reason to accept my offer. Staying under the Empress’s wing would have been much closer to advancement and far from danger. Didn’t I propose something that benefited the Krozik family more than Sir Johann’s personal interests?”
The old count paused for a moment, then closed his mouth as Claire waited for him to gather his thoughts and speak again.
“No, I knew that. I thought he was foolish, but… since this has led to a connection with the Baron, it turned out to be a fine outcome after all.”
“I understand why you were uneasy. But please, be a bit more affectionate towards him.”
At Claire’s words, the old count laughed heartily.
“At this point, he might appreciate praise from the Baron, more than kindness from his grandfather.”
“I guess I need to make quite an effort to not disappoint him.”
Claire smiled.
As they spoke, refreshments were brought in.
“To think you accepted my bold request to lend the Krozik name to this matter, and even came here personally without knowing all the details, I am truly grateful.”
“Honestly, I intended to owe the Baron a favor, to balance the scales.”
The old count fidgeted with the edge of his monocle as if it was a habit.
“By getting someone retired like me involved, it shows how seriously I take the task I’m asked. Besides, the Baron is known to care for your elders.”
“Did Sir Johann say that?”
Claire smiled awkwardly. It wasn’t intentional, but she tended to defer more to older people than those of higher status.
If it was truly someone from her own house, it might have been different. Regardless of her personal feelings, there were established hierarchies over the past 20 years.
However, Claire often felt uncomfortable when starting relationships with new people.
She preferred dealing with clearly respectable figures like the old Count or Archduke Victoria, where their age and status naturally demanded respect.
Sometimes, Claire wondered if she was too attached to her past life.
The old Count smiled.
“Being compassionate is not a flaw. The issue is only managing those who try to take advantage of it.”
“Managing?”
“I made an excuse for mobilizing my old body, but in the end, I owe another debt to the Baron. The mine in Baron Gagern’s territory is indeed real.”
“Yes, it was mentioned in the reports from Klausener. How did it go? I heard that Baron Gagern was stubborn, even when you visited.”
“In the end, Baron Gagern will agree to the development. Not only because of the pressure from Marquis Ludendorff, but also considering his own family’s financial future.”
“It is indeed a rare opportunity.”
Knowing that Klausener had already verified and even considered purchasing land in that area, Baron Gagern would have had no hesitations.
He would have started the development himself, even if it meant going into debt.
“You have given me an opportunity to secure a stake in that mine, so now Krozik owes you twice over. However, there’s something I’d like to consult with you before proceeding further.”
The old Count spoke cautiously.
“It’s said that the ground hardens after the rain. There may be disputes between Baron Gagern and Marquis Ludendorff, but once the mine begins extraction and the coffers fill up, those will quickly be forgotten.”
“That’s likely.”
“If that happens, it could solidify Sir Horst, the second son in the position as heir.”
The first thing Johann did for Claire was to discreetly arrange a connection with Hermann. So of course, her goal was naturally to gain influence over the Marquisate through Hermann.
This could potentially disrupt those plans.
“Shall we proceed with the project as planned?”
“You don’t have to be worried about that for me.”
Claire smiled. Having borrowed their name, she couldn’t afford to let them suffer losses, so she spoke honestly.
“At first, I intended only to borrow the Krozik family name and didn’t think it necessary to inform you. But I don’t believe Marquis Ludendorff will be able to push forward as he is now.”
“Do you think the Marquis will attempt something?”
“Marquisate Ludendorff is already stretched thin with the port expansion. They hardly have the capacity to meddle in other ventures without encountering issues. Starting an unreasonable thing in someone else’s mine will inevitably lead to problems.”
No matter how Marquis Ludendorff tries to cover it up, it’s useless. The bomb has been planted and will explode sooner or later.
Claire didn’t reveal this part to the old Count.
It was unclear if the old count suspected this or not as he responded with an ambiguous expression.
“I would not be foolish enough to doubt the Baron’s foresight. Do you have any other advice?”
“The coal mine itself has sufficient business potential, so I would recommend securing a stake if you have the capacity.”
Claire deliberately kept her tone light as she continued.
“And if there are shares that you cannot secure due to financial issues, I would like to purchase them.”
“Hoo.”
“I’ll take any shares that the Marquis decides to sell off later as well.”
The old Count chuckled.
“That’s a pity. I think the Baron must be aware that Krozik’s finances are quite stable now.”
“It’s only natural that the original informer gets the lion’s share, isn’t it?”
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