Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 202

Augusta was not the type to suffer from waiting.

If it was a matter of pride, she would never have taken on the role of the lady-in-waiting in the first place. Yet, she kept track of time.

She was the chief lady-in-waiting to the Empress, and keeping her waiting too long could openly signal a confrontation with the Empress. So, she was curious about just how far Duchess Klausener would go.

At the same time, Augusta remained uncertain. Was Duchess Klausener truly in league with Grand Prince Arren? If she was simply relying on Klausener for protection for herself and the child, what then?

‘No, even so, the situation remains the same. I can’t leave any potential threats.’

With that thought, she waited until sunset.

“The Duchess is being unreasonable.”

One of Augusta’s lady-in-waiting quietly complained. Augusta raised her teacup and replied peacefully.

“I’m fine. Can’t you see the sunset over the sea through that window?”

“It is beautiful, but…”

Augusta was usually busy, so having this leisurely time was rare. It wasn’t a bad experience.

The door to the reception room opened just after sunset, as twilight began to settle. The Duchess appeared, fully adorned as if she was going to an evening party, only after the maids had turned on all the lamps in the reception room.

She smiled brightly at Augusta and said.

“Oh dear, I’m quite late, aren’t I? Welcome, Lady Augusta.”

Claire smiled and extended her left hand.

“I was worried you might leave.”

Augusta looked at that hand without breaking her calm demeanor. On Claire’s left ring finger was a wedding ring, and on her index finger was the Klausener signet ring.

It was a gesture indicating that she expected a kiss on the back of her hand.

Augusta gazed silently at the hand without revealing any emotions on her face. Ever since Margot Ernst ascended to the throne, no one had dared to extend their hand to her so arrogantly, not even the closest associates.

Duchess Ernst and Archduchess Manfred had bowed their heads in her presence, and even Archduke Victoria respected her.

Regardless of personal feelings towards the Empress, everyone acknowledged that she deserved special respect. Augusta, who often acted as the Empress’s representative, was equally important.

When had she last received such a demand? It must have been when she was in her twenties. Yet, coldly assessing her status, it was natural for Duchess Klausener to rank above the Empress’s chief lady-in-waiting.

Given the signet ring on her finger, it was impossible to ignore that fact.

‘Hoo…’

Augusta let out a bitter smile inside. She hadn’t expected this. From her research, the Duchess appeared to have a humble personality. However, being humble did not mean one was unaware of the power they held.

She bent her knees and deeply lowered her waist, lightly placing and withdrawing her lips from Claire’s ring.

“It seems you had a party or dinner today. I apologize for visiting without prior notice.”

Augusta spoke with a warm expression, though they both knew there was no such event.

“Oh, not at all. I just planned to have dinner alone with my husband.”

Claire said with a bright smile, consciously tucking her hair behind her ear. The room was brightly lit with lamps, causing her diamond earrings to shimmer and reflect light all around.

“We’re on our honeymoon. It’s not easy to find time alone with a child present. I believe Lady Augusta understands that.”

“Indeed. The two of you have a great bond, which is also wonderful for Klausener. The Empress is pleased as well.”

“Really?”

Claire smiled back.

“I thought the Empress opposed our marriage since she hasn’t sent any congratulatory words. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Empire’s most noble lady felt embarrassed to have someone like me, a mere Baron of Arren, beside her.”

“The lady-in-waiting must have conveyed gifts and blessings. It’s unfortunate that the sentiment didn’t reach you sufficiently.”

Augusta said with a somber expression.

“I shall definitely address this matter. If there was a mistake, I will apologize on the spot.”

“Lady Augusta…!”

At Augusta’s bow, the lady-in-waiting, who had been holding back her anger since the kiss on the back of her hand, suddenly raised her voice.

Claire looked at her kindly.

“Ah, please introduce your lady-in-waiting. I’m sure she comes from a very noble family.”

Only then did the lady-in-waiting realize her mistake and flinch. A lady-in-waiting’s demeanor is often tied to her mistress’s dignity. If the mistress bows in respect to the Duchess, it would be unacceptable for the lady-in-waiting to oppose that.

Forgetting that her own treatment was borrowed from her mistress’s status and thinking of herself as noble had led to this situation. However, Augusta did not seem particularly perturbed. She no longer needed to concern herself with social reputation.

With a calm expression, she looked at Claire and said.

“The lady-in-waiting has indeed committed a rudeness toward the Duchess. Please forgive her.”

“Forgive? Please don’t say that. Isn’t it commendable that she harbors such admiration for Lady Augusta?”

Augusta slightly bowed her head.

“She’s just a child running errands with letters.”

“What could be more important? A letter from Lady Augusta isn’t something just anyone can touch.”

“What significance could my letters possibly have? The letters I receive are merely complaints or everyday tales from my brother or relatives who are just country nobles.”

“Country nobles? Marquisate Ludendorff is not only one of the oldest families with the strongest history in the north but has also recently earned the Empress’s favor to take on significant national projects.”

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