Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 190

Erich got up. Claire tried to frown, but he didn’t move an inch from between her legs. Instead, he rummaged through a pile of papers and pulled out a few.

“What’s this?”

“I need to sign these.”

Erich signed hastily over Claire’s body, then pushed the pen and papers onto a nearby chair. He settled back on top of Claire, and his fingers slipped through her hair.

Claire’s lips moved softly, whispering something, but sometimes, there are days when one can’t always attend to every request.

The One to be Wary Of

It took less than three days for news of Barony Bloom to spread. The Baron and his wife had already shared their plight far and wide, seeking assistance.

“They say the Baron and his wife have completely left the Barony. Considering what Sir Bruno did, it must have been quite something.”

Officially, they were reported to have retired due to health issues and were taking a rest at some southern villa. But no one was foolish enough to believe that.

And few understood the true situation.

“Passing the title to his eldest daughter was already a generous act.”

“Lady Joanna isn’t married yet, right? There were rumors that her parents had been holding her back, reluctant to part with the dowry. Now, she’s suddenly an heiress with both title and estate.”

Since news of her negotiations with her maternal family hadn’t yet spread, everyone’s eyes were fixed on this major catch hitting the marriage market in the next social season.

Young men without titles and their parents were all agog. How long had it been since a heiress with a dowry had appeared in Ludendorff?

“Won’t she head to the capital? There must be many graduates from the academy there.”

“There would be more eligible suitors in the capital. In today’s world, a marriage to a wealthy and capable son-in-law might not be a bad idea.”

“Though she’s a bit older, anyone would gladly become a chaperone if they had the conditions of Lady Bloom.”

While some spoke cautiously, others were bolder in their remarks.

“Even so, it’s best to find someone from the same region. How do you explain to someone who doesn’t know the situation why the heiress suddenly came into the picture? That would be quite an embarrassment.”

“There aren’t any relatives in the capital, and it seems a bit odd for Lady Bloom to seek a chaperone on her own, doesn’t it?”

“There are plenty of fine young men in our region, too.”

These comments gathered around Marchioness Ludendorff. Given Joanna’s previous service to the Marchioness, many believed she would become Joanna’s guardian.

Wise individuals, however, shook their heads at both possibilities.

“Most likely, Duke Klausener’s household will make arrangements. After all, it was His Grace who originally demanded that the family’s dowry be allocated to the daughter.”

“Isn’t the Duchess a bit young to play the role of a chaperone? But, what does that matter? She’s Duchess Klausener.”

Yet, no one thought that the documents related to the title succession were already on their way to the capital.

Claire had learned about this through a letter from Hermann.

‘They’re already making up stories.’

Joanna was likely unaware of the buzz in high society. Considering the previous Baron’s condition, it was clear that nothing was properly recorded. Even if Joanna had taken care of the estate, it would have been on a case-by-case basis.

There was likely no proper record-keeping.

At least she hoped there wouldn’t be any issues with the safe. In the current state of Baron Bloom’s household, it would be disastrous if there were any budget gaps.

“Hmm, hmm…”

“Is there something good happening?”

Martha asked. Claire kept silent and subtly looked around.

The butler who had brought the letter pretended not to know. Maximilian did as well.

Claire cleared her throat. She could not bring herself to voice the malicious thought that if there were difficulties with Barony Bloom, finding new talent might be easier.

Still, it was true that she hoped for some way to help.

‘I’d prefer it if it seemed necessary to start a new business.’

Joanna seems to be quite conservative and meticulous, so suggesting a new industry to someone like her isn’t an easy task. That’s partly why Claire wanted to persuade her even more.

Claire herself wasn’t that meticulous and had often faced difficulties due to her unconventional thinking.

“By the way, is the Duke still sleeping in today?”

Martha asked. Normally, he would have been out at this time, reading letters with Claire.

Claire sighed. Maximilian answered in his stead.

“He left for the office early this morning for work.”

“The office?”

“Yes, he bought a building right by the station.”

Claire chuckled in disbelief. It was a rational choice, but it was amusing how he had bought three buildings as easily as buying candies, two of which were for security purposes. It seemed like, in fifty years, he might end up being a real estate tycoon rather than just having oil money.

Her husband was indeed fulfilling her dreams, but Claire felt a strangely mixed emotion about it. Martha, on the other hand, had a somber expression for entirely different reasons.

“It’s supposed to be your honeymoon.”

“Ha ha.”

Claire laughed.

“Honeymoon, what. I’ve given up on that idea. No matter how I think about it, it’s clear that some restless spirit from Klausener is hanging over Erich’s shoulder.”

She responded as if she had no work to do, fully aware that Roger was probably struggling and screaming in the capital at that very moment.

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