Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 203

“From Klausener’s perspective, it must be trivial news, but you seem to know it well. After all, you must have heard it through County Krozik.”

This time, it was Claire’s turn to manage her expression. It seemed that Johann was already raising suspicions.

Given the rapid expansion of the diamond business, she thought it wouldn’t last long. If Louisa had been there, they wouldn’t have been able to change personnel and would have had to keep Johann in place.

‘After all, I was drawn in because of Mother. It’s about time Sir Johann stepped back.’

If she hinted at it to Count Krozik, he would handle it well on his own.

While it was about leaving the information network, Johann’s role hadn’t dealt with anything so confidential, so it wouldn’t be a significant problem. His position within the County must have stabilized enough, and given the expansion of the family, making excuses wouldn’t be difficult.

Putting all those thoughts aside, Claire spoke playfully.

“Well, they did bring me investment proposals for some promising business ventures, but my expertise lies in textiles and fashion, so I can’t speak confidently about areas I don’t know well. I passed it on to my husband. I suppose Klausener’s estate manager will handle it.”

“I see.”

Augusta realized that pursuing that topic further would be futile. If she used Duke Klausener as a shield, there was nothing more she could investigate.

“However, since the Duchess is all dressed up and waiting, it seems the Duke isn’t present during your honeymoon. I assume he has some pressing matters to attend to.”

“Isn’t it terrible?”

Claire whispered, sounding like she was making fun of herself.

“There seems to be a situation at the Kohlberg Mine. Ah, you must have heard about the new office, right?”

Augusta narrowed her eyes. She knew that the Duke had purchased a building in front of the Ludendorff Station, and that the Klausener staff were operating from there. Was it possible that Linus wasn’t involved in that? Did Claire say it to see if she was aware of that part? Or was she indicating that she was oblivious to it?

There was no way the Duchess wouldn’t be involved in the large-scale audits suddenly occurring in Duchy Klausener’s domain. Unable to react hastily, Augusta responded as if she didn’t know.

“It seems His Grace has been too much. If he is busy, he could have stayed in Salzgitter or Klausener’s main estate instead of coming to a countryside place like Ludendorff and leaving you lonely.”

“What are you saying? This is such a wonderful place with this beautiful sea.”

Though it was meant to suggest there might be another motive, looking out the window now, it was hard not to agree with Claire.

The silver waves were shimmering under the moonlight. Augusta found herself smiling softly, having unconsciously expressed her affection for her hometown.

Claire then said.

“But the truth is, I came here on behalf of Archduke Victoria. Thanks to that, my husband’s advisors have had quite the challenge.”

Augusta, pulled from her sentimental mood, quickly lifted her head to look at Claire. She had heard that Archduke Victoria was staying at Marquis Ludendorff’s residence, but she didn’t know there was a specific purpose behind her visit, thinking she was just staying on Hermann’s request.

‘Clothilde, that fool…!’

It was fine if he dealt with Barony Gagern or County Krozik; even if it went south, it would only be a matter of money. But if he had involved Archduke Victoria in his schemes, the situation was different.

No, this wasn’t the time to think about that. She needed to find Linus first.

It was then that the outside grew noisy. Though she didn’t hear actual sounds, she felt the commotion of people moving in haste.

“Looks like Erich has returned.”

When the Duke walked, it felt like the number of people unseen far exceeded those in view. Augusta, accustomed to such things, didn’t find it strange when a secretary rushed in and handed Claire a small note.

Claire calmly unfolded the note in front of Augusta. It wasn’t a message that Erich had arrived. It was from Hermann.

‘Gagern Mine, tunnel collapse.’

Finally, it had begun.

Claire smiled as she calmly folded the note and slipped it into her pocket.

Shortly after, the drawing room door opened.

“A guest at this hour…?”

Erich, carrying the night breeze with him, paused mid-sentence when he spotted Augusta. Instead of finishing his reply, the butler politely bowed and closed the door.

Erich spoke in a notably low and monotone voice.

“Lady Augusta, it’s been a while.”

His formal greeting lacked any sign of courtesy.

For a brief moment, his gaze, which had shifted toward Augusta, was pulled back to Claire like iron filings drawn to a magnet.

“Erich.”

Claire touched her cheek with her palm to suppress an almost bursting laugh and subtly gestured towards Augusta and the lady-in-waiting with her eyes.

Erich’s gaze followed hers toward Augusta, accompanied by a faint sigh and a sense of frustration that escaped his breath.

This was clearly a mistake on Erich’s part.

However, it took him several times more effort than usual to switch his attention away from Claire and hide his agitation.

Whether by design or coincidence, the drawing room was brighter than usual, filled with warm, glowing lamps, and the light cast a rosy hue on Claire’s cheeks and forehead.

The mix of gold and black in her dress flowed down her body, shimmering like waves.

Erich felt his mouth go dry and secretly licked the roof of his mouth to avoid being caught.

The other person was an elderly noblewoman and the Empress’s chief lady-in-waiting. To make amends for a slight toward such a person, he would have to repay it manifold.

Yet, Erich was determined to do anything to seize a moment to embrace his wife first. The guest was not his concern at that moment.

If Claire hadn’t smiled again right then.

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