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“Walter, it seems like someone has sent you a gift.”

During a rare dinner together, Franz remarked.

Even though she knew it wasn’t her gift, Edith couldn’t help but perk up her ears.

“[Wishing for the fortune of Duke Lexion.] [Wishing the protection of the gods upon the sword of Duke Lexion.]”

She was aware that noblewomen who considered themselves as fans of Duke Lexion had been sending him gifts under the pretext of the sword fighting tournament.

In reality, it was natural for those who represented the nobility to attend the tournament, and everyone hoped for Duke Lexion’s victory. However, the cards with supporting messages emitted a sensual fragrance, as if they were sprinkled with perfume. It was an unmistakable expression of rational affection.

After the party welcoming his dukedom, gifts had only arrived from families with connections. However, since a painter had featured him in a newspaper, gifts started pouring in from all directions.

“I haven’t even chosen a gift yet.”

Confirming Edith’s slightly stiff expression, Franz swallowed dry saliva. The nagging lecture, as if brainwashed, automatically played in his mind.

“Maintain a proper distance and show proper courtesy. You’ve already been affected by the magic of Duke Lexion once; be afraid of your father.”

“If you don’t treat Edith kindly when she has a child, soon, the relationship with your future grandson will become awkward, won’t it?”

“It’s still before giving birth to the first child, so don’t talk about the second, Father.”

Franz quickly added an explanation to ensure that the prospective daughter-in-law and the child in her womb would not be discouraged.

“If it’s a gift from ladies, I’ve been appropriately responding in the family’s name, as you asked before. So, there’s nothing else to worry about. However, this gift is a bit peculiar.”

Watching Edith’s anxiety with a delighted mind, Walter shifted his gaze to his grandfather.

“Why are you mentioning it like that?”

“Someone sent a card with just your name on it and a single sword.”

“Did enemies send it?”

“It was suspicious enough for Lexion’s wizards to inspect it, but nothing was detected.”

“It’s an expensive sword.”

If the intention was to gain favor with me like other young ladies, they would have revealed who gave the gift. Otherwise, they could have sent our estate’s specialty to generate interest and provide information about the sender. But sending only my name and a sword made it difficult to guess their intentions.

“Someone wanted to give a gift anyway.”

Walter brushed off the anonymous gift as if he was accustomed to receiving such things.

Avoiding his overt gaze, Edith opened her mouth as if something had come to mind.

“Could it be from your paternal side? Lady Leah mentioned something like that. She said that the child’s father has a considerable interest in martial arts.”
“The story of the party celebrating the induction seems to have spread quite far, so it might be the reason.”

Walter thought Edith’s words made sense. He had no memory of his biological father, but it was possible that his father’s side might be aware of his existence.

However, a deep shadow fell on Duke Lexion’s face.

“Biological father. My son returns, but instead of rushing out to the party, he sends a cheap sword without revealing his identity?”

Walter chuckled at the change in attitude, as if turning the back of his hand.

“Just a moment ago, you said the sword was so high-end that it was unusual.”

However, Franz spoke firmly as if he couldn’t concede this matter.

“Walter. Imagine if your child, to be born next year, is a daughter, and some scoundrel impregnates your daughter without even revealing his face.”

“…”

Even with a brief imagination, Walter felt his blood run cold. If it were his daughter, who would likely resemble Edith a lot, how dare anyone?

With a dark expression as Franz, Walter looked slightly at Edith’s protruding belly.

“If my child is a son or a daughter, you don’t know yet. Of course, from Duke Lexion’s perspective, there’s no reason for my biological father to be pleased, but Lady Leah seemed to love him.”

At the mention of his daughter, Franz softened ever so slightly.

“Thanks to Lady Leah, I can often hear stories about my daughter. How grateful I am… If anything comes to mind in the future, feel free to let me know.”

Edith smiled. Her attitude had changed dramatically, like a different person compared to when they first met.

“Of course, Duke.”

Even though they couldn’t become completely comfortable with each other, considering the Duke’s efforts and protection, it seemed acceptable to let down some guard.

“Still, for the time being, it’s better to concentrate on resolving the issue of the child’s magic power than looking for the biological father.”

Walter did have curiosity about his biological father, but it wasn’t a priority compared to the child between Edith and him.

Franz nodded approvingly at his grandson’s decision.