Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 213
“The profitability isn’t nonexistent, but it’s not a great venture either, especially since it’s located in another territory. There’s no real reason to secure shares in it.”
The Duke said with a bored expression.
“If the problem is a lack of development funds, why not sell off something else?”
“Are there any assets in our family that you’d be interested in?”
“If the Marquis is willing to sell shares in the port, I’d be happy to acquire as much as you want.”
Marquis Ludendorff’s face drained of color. The port wasn’t his—it was a state-run project.
Technically, the land where the port was being built belonged to Marquis Ludendorff’s territory, but the Marquis couldn’t freely dispose of it. To sell it, he would need the Empress’s permission, and that was only the first hurdle. He would also need approval from the council.
With a sense of dizziness, the Marquis looked at the Duke.
“That’s… difficult.”
“Ah, that’s unfortunate.”
The Duke replied nonchalantly.
The port was the only thing he ‘desired’ in the Marquis territory. The Marquis now realized that fact.
Marquis Ludendorff inhaled sharply. He felt a tightening in his throat.
* * *
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- A Friend Who Came by Ship
When Claire heard the news about the Marquis’s visit, the first question she asked was.
“Are you trying to buy the port with your allowance?”
“…..”
Erich stared at her, bewildered.
“No, I was just wondering if it was necessary. The port here isn’t really tied to Klausener’s transport. They don’t have a port, and it’s quicker to move goods from the south by train anyway.”
“Wasn’t it someone who said you can’t just leave gold coins on the ground when they’re there to be picked up?”
“That was me. But I told you not to take on extra work just for the sake of money.”
“This isn’t just about money. This is very close to Ernst. It could easily become a strategic facility.”
“Ah.”
Claire murmured softly. Even without considering war, there was certainly meaning to such a move.
“I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
“Well, I just thought I’d mention it, since it seems like an opportunity. The Marquis isn’t that much of a fool.”
Erich said calmly, lifting his teacup.
It wasn’t something he had to secure immediately, but then his eyes glanced up, and he noticed Claire’s face had suddenly moved closer.
“What’s this?”
“Are you saying that if you put in the money to buy shares, my plans will be ruined?”
“Your business is your own, and mine is mine. I’d hope you didn’t start your project without the ability to overcome something like this, Claire.”
“If the money you’re offering is around the usual level, then I’ll be able to deal with it.”
Though she said this, her amber eyes were shining with energy, as if she would actually be pleased if such a thing happened. Despite her words, it was clear she would take pleasure in it.
Thinking this over, Erich wondered if he should take a firmer approach with her.
“Ah, were you trying to make me angry just now?”
“I didn’t say anything or do anything.”
Erich smirked.
“It’s fun to make you mad, but not now.”
“So, you’re planning to do it someday?”
“If we become competitors, I might. But for now, it seems like we’re on the same side.”
“Your wallet is pretty solid.”
Erich pretended not to hear that and took a sip of his tea.
“So, what do you think the Marquis will do now?”
“If he clings to Lady Augusta, it’ll cause trouble for us in many ways. After all, I don’t think Lady Augusta was supposed to be involved in your plan to begin with.”
“True, but the Marquis probably won’t do that because of his pride.”
Claire shrugged.
“Any updates from Sir Hermann?”
“Now that Lady Augusta is here, even if he has doubts, he won’t show them too openly. The real blunder is being made by the head of the family, not the second son.”
“Still, everyone’s watching.”
“Let’s wait a little longer. Whether Lady Augusta leaves or the mine faces a bigger issue, something will change.”
Or he might open a purse he shouldn’t touch.
Erich answered with a neutral “I see,” but his face showed reluctance, so Claire tilted her head.
“Why? Is there something you don’t like? Is it boring here?”
“No. I’m just sick of the interruptions.”
Erich said that and pulled Claire’s hand from the table.
His lips met her cheek before her mouth.
It felt a bit like a childish gesture, and the fact that he thought so amused Claire, making her laugh slightly.
“When we go back to the capital, it’ll be worse than this.”
“What did I say?”
“You didn’t say anything.”
Claire’s tone was teasing.
As she tilted her head to return the kiss, Elliott, who had somehow crawled under the table, banged his fists on Erich’s knee.
“Me too! Me too!”
“Elliott.”
Erich sighed slightly as he lifted the child from under the table and set him on his lap.
Then Elliott leaned forward, offering his cheek.
“Really? You said you wouldn’t act like a baby.”
“It’s okay because Dad is doing it!”
Elliot shouted cheerfully.
Claire kissed both of Elliott’s cheeks, and then Elliott grabbed her cheeks and kissed her nose. Erich turned Elliott toward him.
“What about me?”
“Dad too!”
Elliott kissed his cheek and nose, then quickly hopped off his lap and ran to kiss Joanna, who had been playing with him.
Claire smiled as she watched him.
“I was worried that he might be upset for leaving without saying goodbye, but he seemed fine.”
“What did you say to him?”
“Aunt came and took him away.”
Erich chuckled.
“Sounds about right.”
“Right?”
Claire smiled brightly.
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