Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 188

The Baroness looked alarmed and stared at Joanna. Joanna decided to address her concerns.

“If you refuse to sign, I’ll place you both under house arrest. Although, I hope I get the chance to do that. Duke Klausener will not hesitate to wield his power against unworthy nobility.”

Almost a hundred eyes were fixed on the Baron. He realized that each one was demanding that he hand over the head of the family position to Joanna.

Baron Bloom swallowed hard. The authority of the head of the family had already become meaningless.

With trembling hands, the legal advisor placed the pen back in the Baron’s grip. The Baron skimmed only the top of the document, which stated that he was transferring all rights to Joanna for the rest of his life.

Reluctantly, he signed it. The legal advisor then handed Joanna the ink pad. She hesitated for a moment while holding the Baron’s signet ring before pressing it onto the document.

“The documents are now complete. I will send them to the House of Lords for approval at the earliest opportunity.”

“Do you really think it will be that simple?”

The Baron glared at Joanna with hatred.

“Do you think the council will believe that a perfectly capable heir’s title was handed over to a mere girl without any reason?”

“In my opinion, they’ll see it as seizing an opportunity rather than letting the family fall into ruin, Father.”

Joanna replied calmly, clutching the signet ring as she turned away. Her retainers followed her.

* * *

When Claire emerged from the bathroom, Erich was reading documents under the gas lamp. Despite the cold weather, Claire opened the curtains and window to clear out the smell of gas.

A chilly breeze rushed in.

“Is there news from Barony Bloom?”

“Yes. Since it’s something you’re concerned about, I told them to come in regardless of the time.”

Erich answered while scanning the documents with his eyes.

There was nothing particularly notable. The documents included the transfer of all rights from Baron Bloom to his eldest daughter, as well as papers related to the succession of titles. There was also a unanimous pledge of support from all family members, including collateral relatives.

Claire leaned over Erich’s shoulder, reading the documents along with him.

“It was easier than I expected.”

“You went there yesterday. Did you think there would be any problems?”

“No, but I thought it would take more time. I thought the Baroness’s side might oppose the female succession.”

“There was a condition.”

Erich handed Claire a separate document. Claire sat up and read it.

“It’s done then.”

“Was it not your idea to choose a husband from the collateral relatives of the maternal side?”

“No, I just suggested keeping options open and being flexible about marriage. If necessary, adopting from the collateral relatives is also an option.”

However, if Joanna decided on this, that’s fine too. The Bloom family will continue, and the relationship with in-laws will be maintained as it was under the previous generation, ensuring the stability of the Bloom Barony.

“It’s a conservative choice, but I understand. Miss Joanna made this decision from the start to protect the family.”

In reality, the situation was surprisingly simple. If Baron Bloom had been a good father to Joanna and fulfilled his role as the head of the family, it might not have succeeded. Joanna didn’t spend years planning a rebellion and recruiting allies, and even now, most people resist the idea of a woman inheriting the family.

Nevertheless, Claire had visited Barony Bloom household on the first day this all started and realized that it wouldn’t be a problem.

Baron Bloom had no trust or respect. The family’s affairs ran smoothly not because of the Baron’s efforts, but rather because he did nothing at all. It could be considered luck. The steward and the property manager were honest people.

Of course, the Baron and his wife didn’t see it that way. They lamented that the family was not giving wings to their smart son. While the Baron and his wife were busy mingling in high society and trying to gain favor, and Bruno was indulging in his drunken antics, it was Joanna who actually took care of the estate.

Who repaired the dikes before the rain, commanded the snow removal, and managed the surrounding mountains of the ranch? Who distributed food and clothing to poor relatives and sent doctors?

Baron Bloom and his wife didn’t know, but the retainers were aware. Joanna had referred to it as trivial tasks, but in reality, they were the most crucial duties of a lord. Only Joanna had maintained the connection with the estate.

“She must have developed some attachment with all the care she’s shown. She seems anxious, worried that the estate might suffer just because she’s a woman.”

“That’s a good sign for a lord. As long as she understands that caring for relatives and managing retainers and estate residents is the most important duty, that’s what matters.”

Erich said this as he handed Claire a one-page report. Claire removed her arm from Erich’s shoulder and sat down on the table in front of him.

Erich grimaced slightly but didn’t point out the impolite behavior. It was natural for the table to be physically closer than the chair on the other side, considering they were alone in the room.

Claire’s soft feet, suspended in the air, gently brushed against Erich’s calf before dropping.

Whether it was intentional or not, Claire continued to read the report calmly and said.

“I was worried that she might lack courage, but she handled it decisively. Forcing the signature and seizing the seal. It’s refreshing to see.”

“Why didn’t you stay to watch it all?”

“If I had gotten involved that much, it would have seemed like too much interference from the Klausener’s side.”

Claire put down the report and leaned in to look at Erich’s face.