His deep green eyes glowed as if saying there was no room for negotiation. In fact, Baxter had no intention of changing his mind.

“I have a child. It’s this person’s child.”

Deciding so naturally as if recalling the trust and affection shown to me by Edith, the decision seemed entirely natural.

Although Edith had never explicitly mentioned it, Baxter was subtly aware of it.

She had become accustomed to handling everything on her own after her mother passed away, the most challenging and frightening time in her life when she had no one to lend her shoulder to.

If he had been by her side, would she have found it easier to rely on others? It was something he couldn’t know.

Finally, having gained the trust of such a woman and being unable to protect the child, it was better to say that he would rather die.

“You’re awakening magic to share it, and yet, you say you have three years. The baby has less than a year left.”

“… ”
“So, let’s start by sharing magic with the baby. As for my issue, let’s find a solution over the next three years. We happen to have a skilled magician with excellent magical understanding.”

Franz and George were at a loss for words when the person involved, who might lose memory and suffer physical damage, spoke strongly.

Baxter nailed the point to the two of them.

“Maintain secrecy until we find a solution. Especially for Edith.”

Baxter had no intention of telling Edith what was happening to his body.

There was no solution to the problem at the moment. Perhaps, by investing Lexion’s resources, a solution could be found.

Just a few days ago, he and Edith lay side by side, embracing each other, placing their hands on her still-hidden belly, yet now faced with a situation where he had to choose between the child and himself, he couldn’t throw her into such a dilemma.

His own emotions were complicated enough. Edith, who held the child, could simply think positively, see only the good, and as long as she safely gave birth, everything would be fine.

“……Baxter.”

At that moment, a trembling voice from behind was heard by Edith, who had not heard the entire conversation but felt the atmosphere getting heavier.

Others who saw Baxter’s gaze left the two alone. When they were alone, he embraced Edith and whispered.

“Edith, I heard about the child. Don’t worry; I’ll quickly awaken my magic and infuse it into the baby.”

“……. ”

Edith recalled the atmosphere from a while ago. Of course, it was heartbreaking to her as well to hear that the child would become a stillbirth without intervention. However, the expressions of the Duke and the physician were darker than when discussing problems with no apparent solution.

‘It seemed like the child’s matter was not as easily solvable as they said.’

As she was about to ask if they were really discussing such a thing, Baxter pressed his lips against her forehead.

“As long as you know that I won’t give up on you and our child under any circumstances, Edith.”

His sincere words needed no addition or subtraction.

At a similar time, in the mansion in the capital acquired by Elizabeth through inheritance, a simple tea time was taking place.

“Thank you for inviting me, Elizabeth.”

The one putting on a friendly facade was Lady Carter, who was close to her.

Elizabeth forced a fake smile and thought to herself.

‘Why did she pressure me to invite her when we’re not even close?’

Lady Carter, also a confidante of Empress Hwangbi, wore a composed expression, but they were far from being close enough to have tea alone.

Although she seemed to have good intuition and a keen sense, she was not someone who could drink tea alone without clinging to more significant power. It made Elizabeth feel strangely uncomfortable.
‘Of course, I won’t cling blindly without knowing the subject.’

Above all, the woman in front of him had subtly campaigned through her status until she became the Portrion Lady.

She must remember that incident, and if she came to see him, it was likely to break his pride as well….

‘Is she in need of money?’

As he contemplated what her purpose might be, she spoke first.

“It’s not unrelated. Patricia Hwangbi is quite concerned about Lexion’s affairs. This morning, the Duke of Lexion invited the Lady of the Manor to his mansion.”

“……. ”

“Surely, preventing the successor from coming up to the capital wasn’t Elizabeth’s role?”

The main reason why Elizabeth disliked Lady Carter was precisely this.

She had no hesitation about taking on major tasks, and rumors had it that she was bright in the areas she shouldn’t be. Selling her temper and sneaking gifts, she cunningly intervened in important gatherings, knowing a lot of information as a key figure in the Hwangbi faction. Annoyingly.

“Hwangbi seems upset. I thought I should drop by to soothe her with some sweet news.”

Lady Carter wrapped up her personal regret for the embarrassment she had suffered in the Lexion mansion because of Edith, presenting it as an act for the greater good.

“People would enjoy hearing stories about the Lady of Portrion Manor, so I thought I’d drop a few words. I hope you could support me financially.”

As she spoke, a sinister smile lingered on her lips.