Obviously, It’s My Child - Chapter 73

Chapter 73

Translator: Effe

Editor: Yonnee

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‘If I’m going to be criticized for this kind of nonsense anyway, wouldn’t it be better to be called a mad dog than be looked down on?’

Forgetting that she used to let her temper get ahead of her to the point of regret, Claire turned around with a big smile.

Baroness Steltzer, who had been standing beside her and complimenting her earrings all along, said to Claire with an uneasy face.

“It’s better just ignoring such things…”

But she couldn’t advise Claire directly. Because in the end that means she overheard the insults.

Lady Bettina spoke with a smile.

“She doesn’t look like someone who would be hurt by something like that. Shouldn’t we rather worry about Countess Pfaffenheim?”

She’s right.

As Claire approaches, Countess Pfaffenheim almost stepped back. According to her common sense, it was normal for a beautifully-grown lady to run away, not knowing what to do with the shame and embarrassment.

‘That’s why you couldn’t get married and only got older!’

Countess Pfaffenheim muttered with her mouth under the fan. The nobles who surrounded her murmured.

But the Countess couldn’t back down here. Since Louisa wasn’t coming back, she had to step up to the plate and change the atmosphere.

If the focus were to shift to Claire, what would happen to Louisa’s position later on?

As Countess Pfaffenheim was solidifying her status as a socialite by saying that she was Louisa’s closest friend, this was an issue that could not be ignored.

“…….”

Claire stared at her and smiled. Countess Pfaffenheim averted her gaze, covered the bottom of her face with a fan and simply ignored Claire.

It was not ladylike to talk to someone without an introduction. The other side must know that too, but the Countess wondered what would happen if no one opened their mouth on this side.

Even though the music was still playing and people were dancing, a subtle silence fell over the banquet hall.

Claire spoke in a voice that everyone could hear, knowing that people were pricking up their ears.

“Oh my… Erich’s introduction doesn’t seem to work for the entire party.”

It sounded like she was talking to herself, but her gaze was fixed on the Viscountess Spee, with whom her eyes met. It was a signal for her to answer.

Viscountess Supe did not know what to do with her body. She didn’t want to ignore Claire. Claire is going to be Duchess Klausener, so of course she had to greet Claire first.

But if she did, she would have to deal with Louisa.

Viscount Spee looked around her, but looking at those eyes wasn’t going to solve anything.

She finally lifted her skirt and lowered her head for a curtsey. She really wanted to cry. She wondered why things were pointing at a small-fry like her.

“It is an honor to greet you. I am Agnes of the Spee Viscounty.”

“Nice to meet you, Viscountess Spee.”

Claire smiled and greeted.

She then raised her head and slowly made eye contact with the ladies one by one.

Some raised their noses and turned their heads like Countess Pfaffenheim, and a few lowered their eyes anxiously.

Viscountess Spee gradually became antsy. She tried to sneakily get away, however.

Claire took a step towards Countess Pfaffenheim. The Countess flinched and unknowingly backed away.

Not only Countess Pfaffenheim, but all the dresses in full bloom parted the way for Claire. Like waves in a pond full of flowers rippling.

“I understand how you must feel, Countess. You must have invested a lot in Mother.”

Claire smiled brightly. Her voice was low, but it was loud enough to be heard by Countess Pfaffenheim and the nobles.

“If Mother steps down, you won’t be able to reap the benefits of being a part of House Klausenner’s inner circle. If you at least keep staying in the group, your status as Mother’s confidant in the social world would still be valid.”

“What in the world are you talking about?”

“That doesn’t mean you should be so estranged from me. Others will misunderstand your actions towards me as blatant insults if you continue refusing to greet me.”

Some of the noble ladies, still undecided whether to stick to Louisa’s side, covered their mouth with their hands and slipped away from Countess Pfaffenheim.

It was only then that they realized that Countess Pfaffenheim had deliberately blurted out those insults in public in order to make them her accomplices.

The group strengthened in solidarity against her. Moreover, if they humiliate her in public like this, it will be impossible for them to turn back later.

But perhaps there was no such scheme in the first place, Countess Pfaffenheim spoke with her grave face.

“What are you saying, Baron? You might not be aware because you’re a countryside noble, but it’s natural for people to gather around a noble lady.”

She gave Claire a sneaky look and looked away ignorantly.

“You talk about it as if we were sticking to pick up fallen grain… Maybe it’s because you’re a businessman, so you think differently.”

“Unfortunately, I’m a countryside noble and a shallow pragmatist, but I know a little bit about the logic of life and what real honor is.”

Claire smiled lightly.

“All of the people here have had a long relationship with House Klausener, so I should embrace them all.”

So if Countess Pfaffenheim were to change her mind now, she’d let it slide.

With that connotation hanging in the air, this time, Claire looked at the ladies around her one by one and smiled.

“Ah. Of course. Thank you so much for your consideration.”

Viscount Spee unhesitatingly sided with Claire and fawned over her. She had no special affection for Louisa anyway.

Since the master of the cornflower key had changed, they must accept and adapt. Many people here were still undecided until just a moment ago, but they soon made up their minds.

Some of the people standing behind Countess Pfaffenheim had sneaked up to Viscountess Spee, and took the opportunity to greet Claire politely.

“Come to think of it, what is the matter with Elder Madam? To be away for so long, leaving her close friends behind.”

Claire said with a hint of concern. It was then that Countess Pfaffenheim clenched her fan.

An attendant in uniform stepped forward cautiously. Claire looked back and asked.

“What is it?”

“Ah, Baron. Sorry for interrupting your conversation. This…”

The servant held up the tray. Clear red wine was poured into a small, round crystal goblet placed on a silver tray.

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