Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 194

“The engagement will take place after my partner graduates from the academy, so it’s still some time away. However, the marriage contract between our families has already been established.”

“Your fiance is attending the academy?”

Claire asked, surprised.

“Yes. I was told that the only unmarried close relative on that side is the youngest son. I agreed, as I think it’s best to take my time. I’m not in a position to welcome someone new right now.”

Joanna replied, as if justifying herself.

“I’ve kept my options open. If he decides to refuse the marriage in three years, they mentioned adopting one of the collateral relatives instead. Considering my age, it would be reasonable to have an heir soon, but there are things I want to accomplish first.”

“You don’t need to justify that to me. It’s perfectly understandable. While the issue of heirs is important, what matters more is what Miss Joanna needs to do.”

Joanna seemed relieved at Claire’s words.

“You’re right, you’ll only be thirty-three in three years. That’s certainly not too old, Miss Joanna.”

Joanna smiled.

“I doubt anyone else would genuinely say that but you, Duchess.”

“Whether many agree or not, my words are always right.”

“Yes, I plan to focus on my own work first, and then consider the heir situation afterward. Even if I miss the timing, as you mentioned, I can always adopt a qualified child.”

“Exactly.”

“So, I have a request for you, Duchess… no, for you, Baron Delford.”

Joanna stood up.

Slowly, she knelt before Claire and presented something she had been holding in her hands.

* * *

When Erich returned home, Elliott was asleep inside the round windbreak tent on the beach, covered with a wool blanket and his bare feet were dusted with sand. Claire was sprawled out on the armchair.

A small campfire provided some warmth, but since one side of the tent was opened to let out the smoke, it couldn’t be said to be adequately warm.

“Ah, you’re back.”

Claire said, reaching out. Erich leaned down and gently cupped her cold cheek with his hand, planting a brief kiss on her lips.

“This doesn’t seem like the right place for a nap.”

“Elliott has been insisting that I show you his sandcastle. He seemed to think it would collapse if we left it alone.”

Claire said, pointing to a corner of the tent.

There stood a small but impressive sandcastle, still intact.

“Did he make that?”

“He doesn’t have that kind of talent. Sir Maximilian built it for him.”

Claire yawned in response. Maximilian gave a slight nod to Erich.

“Sir Maximilian cooks well too, doesn’t he? If he has such good craftsmanship.”

“…Not particularly curious about it.”

Claire laughed.

“So, you just came in without going inside?”

Erich was still wearing the morning coat and cape he had on when he left. Though a bit wrinkled, he still looked sharp.

“I thought it wasn’t necessary to go in and come back out again.”

Erich wrapped Claire in the cape. Then he noticed a golden ring glimmering on her middle finger.

“What is that?”

Erich furrowed his brow and asked.

“I was proposed to.”

“….”

“When someone kneels down and gives you a signet ring, declaring they’ll leave their fate in your hands, that’s a proposal. It was better than anyone else.”

Erich fell silent. He realized it was the signet ring of the Bloom family, but that didn’t make the news any more pleasant to hear. He smoothly slipped the ring off Claire’s finger and placed it in his pocket.

“I’ll have my secretary take care of it tomorrow. You were planning to get a new one made for Baron Bloom anyway, right?”

“It’s instead of the investiture ceremony. Hand it over.”

Erich didn’t respond. Instead, he approached the sleepy Elliott and picked him up.

“The sun has set. It’s too cold to stay out here, let’s go inside.”

“Erich, are you trying to dismiss my monumental first engagement?”

“I didn’t know you wanted to be a noble who clings to tradition.”

Erich teased. This time it was Claire’s turn to fall silent.

Of course, Erich understood that it was Joanna, not Claire, who needed to uphold the formality.

Even in a half-asleep state, Elliott mumbled.

“Uuh, Dad. My sandcastle.”

“I’ll help you make it again tomorrow.”

“Uungg.”

Elliott squirmed in Erich’s arms, not sure if he understood.

“It looks like it might rain, so take down the tent.”

Erich, after giving a command to Maximilian, adjusted Elliott on his shoulder and extended his arm as if to escort Claire. Claire chuckled softly and placed her hand on his arm.

Linus observed this scene from the terrace. It struck him as bizarre. The child ran around all day with a smile, and the woman in red allowed it.

It was odd to see Erich carrying the sleeping child so tenderly, as if he was a commoner and not even in a moment that required escorting, he walked arm in arm with his wife.

Linus felt like an audience member sitting at the end of the third-floor row. And that fact annoyed him.

His cough had already stopped, but an uncomfortable sensation gnawed at his insides. The excitement that had made it difficult to stay still all day had now turned cold.

So, he decided to open the door.

* * *

Martha rolled her eyes.

She had been told a guest was coming, but suddenly the Second Prince appeared without a servant.

Of course, Martha immediately recognized that he was the guest from the third floor. Most of the maids likely did as well.

The fact that the previously restricted third-floor path was now open, along with the prince’s appearance, made it memorable.

With his clear silver hair and red eyes, he was far from ordinary. His features were delicate, and he was tall.

Perhaps it was due to being too thin, or perhaps the shadows on his face made him look somewhat precarious.

“Wow.”

Elliott’s eyes sparkled.

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