Abandoned Maid of the Grand Duke - Chapter 29
Kainri understood his feelings all too well, so he slumped down next to the guy and tapped the back of his hand.
“I’m on your side.”
Ernst glanced at Kainri and let out a small chuckle before closing his eyes.
It was only after seeing him like that that it seemed he finally realized there was no other choice.
I have to let you go now.
For someone who wants to possess her completely and give her everything, their current relationship is unacceptable. Especially since he was clinging onto her so desperately, her future was clear as day.
If she were merely a courtesan warming his bed for a night, it would be one thing. But the moment pure love mixes in like an impurity, it becomes nothing more than a high-profile scandal.
Even if a child were born between the two of them, it would be an illegitimate child who couldn’t even be officially recognized by the household. He couldn’t possibly push her that far just for his selfish desires when she adamantly refuses to accept him.
So, if he can’t pull her up to where he is, the only option is for him to descend to where she was.
Isn’t that right, Ernst?
“Make sure that maid falls in love with you.”
This is for him, and it’s for her as well.
Shouldn’t love be the one thing that remains after everything else is left behind? That way, neither him who leaves nor her who stays will have any regrets.
So, use everything you have to capture her heart.
“I’m sure you can do it.”
At Kainri’s encouragement, Ernst, who had been slumped over, managed a faint smile.
It occurred to Kainri then that no matter how strong a man is, he’s helpless when it comes to love.
A man infamous on the battlefield for shooting off the heads of distant enemies without hesitation was now trembling at the thought of being hated by just one woman.
So Kainri nudged his shoulder and urged him on.
Don’t hesitate, go to her. Even if she says no, don’t be afraid, have courage.
You can do it.
***
But—
“I didn’t mean it like this.”
Suppressing the urge to call him a crazy bastard, Kainri rubbed my forehead as Luina clicked her tongue, covering her mouth.
“Oh my, oh my, he really did it.”
Cradling the blushing maid in his arms, the Grand Duke proudly beamed.
“Six weeks. She’s not showing yet.”
“Of course not, you idiot.”
“Watch your tone, you brat.”
“Are you looking for a fight? Want leave behind all status and just go?”
“What do you think would win, a sword or a gun?”
“Hey, if it comes down to swords, I won’t lose to you.”
The showdown between the famous sniper, Grand Duke Ernst Kaltblüter, and the Empire’s Sword, Lady Elva, was once a hot topic of debate. However, it was a meaningless competition as their specialties were completely different.
So, let’s pretend this conversation never happened.
From now on, Kainri would just rather prefer to meet the Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke only when everyone else is present. At least in public, they could understand the importance of decorum and respect.
The maid gaped at their coarse language and bickering, and at the sight of their disgraceful behavior, Marquis Elva personally stepped in to separate them and introduced himself.
“Ahem, Miss Julie? I’m Marquis Kainri Elva…”
“Don’t speak informally.”
“…”
This man, blinded by a woman, seems to see nothing else. Is he seriously telling a marquis to show respect to a mere maid?
Kainri gaped at them, but seeing how nonchalantly Ernst crossed his arms, he was left speechless.
Miss Julie gave an awkward smile. But since Kainri was fully aware of just how wretched the grand duke’s notorious temper was, he wisely spoke more respectfully, aware that the guy wouldn’t hesitate to shoot his leg if he spoke disrespectfully.
“Since you carry the precious heir of the Grand Duchy, I will treat you with the respect you deserve.”
This is the art of noble conversation. No sooner had he displayed his elegant sophistication than a crude brawl erupted behind him.
“Oh my, then can we raise our child in the Elva household?”
“Why don’t you have another child? Why keep pushing it?”
“Unbelievable. Am I just a childbearing tool to you? Shouldn’t we take turns having kids?”
“Do as you please.”
“Please, just stop.”
Wishing they would both just leave, Kainri covered his ears, and Miss Julie hesitantly asked in a flustered voice,
“Is there any chance I can raise this child?”
Everyone froze. It was a question no one had ever considered.
“Well, naturally, as the Kaltblüter heir…”
“Of course, the Kaltblüter line should continue!”
“No, we’ll raise the child, so don’t worry.”
Marquis Elva interjected, leading to another round of bickering.
Though a child had been conceived, no one had discussed how to raise it.
The original plan was for the Grand Duke to disappear quietly while recovering from an illness, leaving the child born to Grand Duchess Luina to inherit the entire household.
But with the unexpected arrival of a true heir, the Elva household naturally wanted to continue their own family line with their child.
“I want to raise my child— Kainri’s child.”
