Obviously, It's My Child - Chapter 227
“They’ve already started loading the luggage outside. I knew you were leaving, but I didn’t expect you to leave so soon.”
“There’s no reason to delay. We’ve stayed in one place long enough. A friend invited me to take a ship ride, so I’m planning to go there.”
“Sir Elliott must be really looking forward to the boat ride.”
“He was so excited he couldn’t sleep last night.”
Claire smiled.
“We’re leaving, but Archduke Victoria will stay here a little longer, so there’s no need to be too disappointed.”
“Ah, I’ve already heard. Your Grace, are you really planning to move into this house?”
“Isn’t it a bit awkward to stay in the Birchwood annex any longer?”
Archduke Victoria spoke bitterly.
She hadn’t really interacted much with the Marquis’ family even when staying at the residence.
“Well, I can visit whenever I like. I’d be glad if Your Grace stayed longer in Ludendorff.”
“Although it’s nice to visit, there’s no need to go out of your way. I’m sure I’ve earned the Marquis’ displeasure by introducing the Shipowners’ Union to him.”
“Anyway, my father already hates me.”
Hermann answered nonchalantly.
“It’s more enjoyable for me to have the favor of Your Grace rather than trying to win over my father now.”
Archduke Victoria didn’t find that honesty to be bad, so she only smiled.
The butler came to find Claire. There was something to confirm regarding the luggage, so Claire stood up.
Hermann followed her.
Since they had something to discuss, Claire didn’t decline and gladly accepted his escort to the garden.
“When are you leaving? I’ll escort you to the train station.”
“Erich will probably be there at the station.”
Hermann’s smile faltered slightly.
“I think the Duke will hate me less even if I leave now?”
“You don’t need to try so hard anymore.”
“Excuse me?”
“What I mean is that it’s time to stop pretending to show interest in women.”
Hermann paused, then asked in surprise,
“Do you think I’m forcing it?”
“Well, you don’t really like people, do you? There’s a difference between being friendly and liking someone. Playing the rogue had its uses, especially as a way to avoid being dismissed when interacting with other men.”
This time, Hermann was silent.
“I don’t think you realize how attractive you are.”
“I don’t think I’m ugly, but Hermann, that’s another issue. It’s fine now. The game is set, and all that’s left is time.”
“…”
“And even that was shortened by your own actions.”
After a long time, the smile disappeared from Hermann’s face. What appeared beneath it was a face full of sorrow.
Claire waited for him to regain control of his emotions.
“I have a wide circle of acquaintances. There was nothing else to do but make friends and socialize.”
“That’s a talent in itself. Is Count Brüning one of your many friends?”
“Honestly, among the men who frequent the social clubs in the capital, there are few who aren’t my friends.”
No one was particularly special, to the point where they couldn’t be singled out.
And since Hermann returned to his hometown, he had written countless letters.
It didn’t even matter where the information that reached Albert Brüning began.
Someone must have recognized the meaning of the stories he had sent.
Others probably noticed the signals he had sent as well.
Claire quietly gazed at his profile and spoke.
“If this becomes a debt again…”
“Yes.”
“Let’s think about what to do. So, contact me whenever.”
It was nothing special, but Hermann suddenly felt an odd fluttering sensation, as if his heart had dropped to his ribs.
It felt like he had forced down a large lump that had been stuck in his throat, sending it to his stomach.
He was someone who could control his expressions, so Claire didn’t seem to notice at all. She looked up at him and smiled softly.
“Isn’t that obvious? You didn’t think I dealt with the cards fairly like a dealer, did you?”
“No.”
“I believe Count Brüning will handle things well enough on his own. In fact, we might not even need to intervene.”
Claire said this and then added, feeling a bit harsh,
“Even if you’re free, contact me. You should hang out with my husband, who has no friends.”
“Haha. The Duke certainly won’t welcome me.”
“Mm. It’s hard to deny that.”
“But I’ll gladly visit. Especially when there’s a lack of people for the game table.”
Hermann replied with a cheerful laugh. His heart was still beating in his stomach rather than his chest.
* * *
Albert Brüning returned to the hotel, whistling in a lighthearted manner.
A full pocket makes a person feel generous, and the profits he was about to gain would be just as satisfying.
“Here.”
As he entered the suite’s living room, he flicked gold coins with his fingers, tossing them to his servants. The servants scrambled to pick them up.
The secretary respectfully bowed and said,
“A letter has arrived from Duchy Klausener. They say they’ll cover the insurance payment.”
“Really?”
“It seems it’s a project initiated by Archduke Victoria. They say a full representative will arrive by tomorrow. Should we set up an appointment?”
“Are they giving money?”
“Probably not. Judging by what Archduke Victoria has done, part of it will likely be used for the salvage costs, and part will be paid to the crew.”
“I see.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
