Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 193

Claire’s eyes widened in surprise. Linus noticed for the first time that her eyes weren’t simply yellow but held a mix of various hues. She chuckled, as if she found his comment absurd.

“Why? Because if you die, Erich’s chances of succession increase?”

“….”

Linus remained silent, feeling mocked and irritated.

“I don’t think like that. We’re not lacking anything right now.”

“….You seem quite certain. Who knows, one day you might want more.”

“I love money, and I already have the richest Duke in the Empire as my husband. What more could I possibly want?”

Claire smiled brightly.

“And honestly, I don’t think anything would change if you died.”

“….”

“Anyway, I’ll leave you be. If you ever need someone to share a meal with, just tell the guards. They’ll let me know.”

With that, she left the room first.

Linus remained seated for a while, staring blankly. After eating something warm, he realized his fingertips were warm for the first time in a while.

* * *

Later that afternoon, a visitor arrived—Joanna.

Claire greeted her warmly with a bright smile.

“Welcome, Joanna. Or should I say, Baron Bloom now?”

“It’s still a long way before it’s officially approved. And please, just call me Joanna.”

“Lady Joanna.”

A voice interrupted—not from Claire, but from Elliott. He had apparently become quite familiar with Joanna after a few meetings and already felt quite comfortable around her.

With a dignified air, Elliott tucked one hand behind his back and attempted to take Joanna’s hand in the other. He meant to kiss her hand, but he was too short to reach.

Joanna suppressed a laugh, and, to accommodate him, she knelt down, lowering her hand for him.

Despite everything being settled, her heart had felt heavy recently, making it hard to genuinely smile. But in this moment, her heart was filled with nothing but laughter.

“It’s been a while, Sir Elliott. Do you remember me?”

Joanna’s encouragement made Elliott beam with excitement. He turned into the most courteous little gentleman and returned her greeting.

“Of course, Lady Joanna. Uh… uh…”

Of course, Elliott couldn’t manage to string the words together smoothly beyond that. Claire tried to help by feeding him the next line.

“We met at Mom’s tea party a few days ago.”

“We met at Mom’s tea party! A few days ago… uh…?”

Elliott repeated her words eagerly, but then frowned, clearly not satisfied.

“Hmm…”

“What’s wrong?”

“Dad doesn’t talk like that!”

“Well…”

If it were Erich, his words would likely be missing at least four formalities. It’s amazing how someone can speak so perfectly in terms of etiquette yet still sound so arrogant.

Elliott, being a sweet child, wasn’t in danger of growing up into a disrespectful young noble just because he tried to imitate his father a little too much.

Claire chuckled and wrapped Elliott in her skirts.

“Lately, he’s been trying to copy everything Erich does.”

“Well, the Duke is an impressive figure, so it’s only natural that Sir Elliot would want to follow in his footsteps. I doubt you’ll need an etiquette tutor at this rate.”

“Before learning to bow with precision, he should first learn how to respect people.”

Claire hugged Elliott close as he started to squirm, clearly bored and trying to wriggle out of her arms. But she couldn’t hold him for long.

“Mom, I want to go to the sand!”

Elliott waved his arms excitedly, and Claire nodded, letting him go.

She had brought him out mainly for introductions anyway. The boy shot off like a bullet, only to be caught by his nanny before he could get far.

Despite being told not to go to the beach alone because of the stairs, he didn’t seem to want to listen.

Once Elliott had left, the room fell into a peaceful quiet. Claire gestured for Joanna to take a seat.

“Please, make yourself comfortable. And thank you for keeping Elliott entertained.”

“Not at all. Sir Elliott actually made me laugh for the first time in a while.”

Joanna’s lips still show traces of a smile from her conversation with Elliott.

“You must have been incredibly busy lately.”

“Yes. I’ve met all the relatives I needed to, and the vassals have pledged their loyalty. Honestly, it wasn’t easy.”

Though the vassals and hired staff in charge of practical work had remained, and Joanna herself had been involved in managing the estate for a long time, starting as the head of the household was a different challenge. She had to sort out legal matters, restructure the ledgers and operations, and completely overhaul the chaotic state of the library.

“You’ve done well. Now, all that’s left is to update the Noble Registry.”

“The Duke has signed as a witness, so I believe the process will go through without any issues. Now, all that’s left is to wait for the official confirmation. I wanted to come today to express my gratitude.”

“There’s no need to thank me. And you don’t have to thank Erich for signing as a witness either. He only did it because he believes you deserve the title.”

Then, in a playful whisper, Claire added.

“He thinks it’s his duty to put the right nobles in their proper place.”

“The fact that the Duke holds me in such high regard is something I’m deeply grateful for.”

Joanna replied earnestly, not realizing that Claire’s comment was more of a jab at Erich’s overly serious attitude. Claire could only offer a vague smile in return.

Well, this was normal, she supposed. Claire knew many capable commoners, but few would catch on to such remarks as a joke. In fact, Roger was likely the only one who would.

Soon, the tea was brought out. As Claire poured a cup for Joanna herself, she asked.

“Have you heard any of the rumors?”

“What rumors? I’ve been so preoccupied these past few days that I’m quite out of touch with the news…..”

“Apparently, Miss Joanna is the most sought-after prospect in the upcoming social season.”

“Many will be disappointed, then. I’ve already exchanged engagement letters.”

Joanna gave a wry smile in response.

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