Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 183

Marquis Ludendorff’s residence closed its doors coldly, and the same was true everywhere else.

Joanna’s mother tried to seek help from anyone she could.

From families with connections or friendships with the Klausener household, to ladies who once had an excellent reputation in the Salzgitters’ social circles, and even to priests and officials.

With such standing, it was unlikely she could directly influence the Duke and Duchess.

Yet, even knowing this, she reached out in desperation, clutching at straws.

She hoped that someone might whisper a kind word into the Duke’s ear and give her a chance to apologize.

But no one in the social circles was willing to deal with the Bloom family.

Even those who had been expected to be matches were no exception.

[We regret to inform you, Baroness Bloom, that while we sympathize with your plight, we find ourselves in a difficult position as well. And to be honest, we’d prefer if the children’s engagement were called off.]

[What?]

[We were planning to formally issue an annulment, but since you’ve come all this way, we have no choice. Since Lord Bloom never formally proposed to our Manuela and there was no affection between them, it seems acceptable for us to annul the engagement on our end.]

Baroness Bloom was heartbroken, feeling like someone who had nowhere to go, but Joanna thought it was a blessing for Manuela.

It wasn’t just the reputable families in high society who acted this way. Legal advisors and estate managers also resigned overnight.

[We regret to inform you that Count Goerdeler is a senior mentor of mine, and I can’t possibly face him in court. Even if I tried, it’s clear I have no chance of winning, so I can’t boldly tell you I’ll do my best. If you wish, I can introduce you to another law firm.]

[I’m sorry. Although the Baron entrusted me with managing the estate, I am a beneficiary of the Klausener Scholarship Foundation. I have a responsibility, so I will do my best to ensure a smooth handover.]

Since both were merely employees and not retainers or supporters of the Bloom family, they couldn’t be held accountable.

Once they had left, it was only obvious that other employees would follow suit, abandoning the sinking ship.

Before even starting the lawsuit, they hadn’t even properly discussed the options Count Goerdeler had presented.

Baron Bloom immediately left for Duchy Ernst as soon as he experienced this setback.

He realized that solving this issue required someone with enough power to negotiate with Klausener.

Of course, Duke Ernst would not meet with the Baron. They had only exchanged greetings once at a party.

In the end, the only person left to handle the matter was Joanna.

Claire came out about an hour later, sooner than expected.

Joanna quickly got up. Hermann greeted Claire first with a polite bow and kissed the back of her hand.

“I was prepared not to meet you, so seeing you here like this makes my heart race.”

“Don’t flirt too much or you might break your nose, Sir Hermann. Your mother gave you such a handsome face, you should cherish it.”

Normally, Hermann would have taken this as a joke and responded with a lighthearted comment, but this time he merely rubbed his nose awkwardly.

Though it wasn’t just his nose but his neck that was more concerning.

“It seems that Archduke Victoria was pleased with the hospitality of the Ludendorffs, excluding the incident at the tea party.”

“That’s a relief. Can you be a bit more lenient with me in delivering this message? My father said he would do anything if it meant he could obtain the Duke’s forgiveness.”

“Well, even if Erich were willing to accept a material apology, I’m not sure if the Ludendorffs have the means to do so.”

Hermann smiled without embarrassment.

“I’ve spoken with the Duchess, so I’ve done my part.”

“Sir Hermann’s duties are likely not yet finished within the Marquisate.”

Claire concluded the conversation and turned her gaze away.

In response to Claire’s look, Joanna didn’t simply bow but knelt on the floor, both knees touching the ground.

“Lady Bloom!”

Claire was taken aback. Hermann also looked surprised and attempted to help Joanna up.

However, Joanna gently but firmly rejected Hermann’s hand and bowed her head in front of Claire.

She emptied all her complicated emotions. She didn’t think this would earn her forgiveness. Since no one else in the family was taking proper action, she felt she had to do something herself.

“I wanted to sincerely apologize, Duchess, for the disrespect and unspeakable words that Bruno has directed at you.”

She knew well what Bruno had been saying for a long time.

Whether Claire had heard those words or not, and whether the Duke had taken any action in retaliation, an apology was necessary.

Claire looked at her with a troubled expression.

“Please don’t, Lady Bloom. You’re not in a position to apologize; rather, you must have been put in a difficult position because of your unfortunate brother.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

Joanna’s heart ached. Claire was the first person to acknowledge that Bruno had caused her distress.

Her parents had scolded her for not taking better care of Bruno, and those who disliked Bruno had also avoided her, citing her as part of the same family.

In either case, the feeling that Bruno was her responsibility did not change.

“However, the person who has suffered the most is you, Duchess. It’s only natural that Bruno should be the one to apologize, and the responsibility for managing him falls on our parents, but the reality is that Bruno is not whole.”