Leaning against a soft couch near the fireplace, Edith had been reading a newspaper with similar content for the past few days. People were more fascinated by the fact that Lexion’s Sogongjak not only defeated the knight of Gotturk Bacjag but also expressed sincere interest in a woman.

Of course, the news about poison mixed in Balter’s distributed food and the fact that the poison was the same used by Gotturk’s assassins had a significant impact. However, many saw the fact that he achieved victory in the tournament while under the influence of poison as a fantastic seasoning for the romance.

Since repeatedly stating the fact that he passionately kissed a woman’s back of the hand was not an option, the newspapers started putting more provocative headlines.

“‘Lexion’s Sogongjak’s Taste in Women: Beautiful Married Women.'”

Reading the newspaper together behind the couch, Balter, as if appreciating the beauty, gazed intently at Edith’s face and smirked.

“Not entirely wrong.”

“Balter.”

Edith glanced at him slightly. No matter how much the physicians assured her that it was okay, she wished he would rest a bit after vomiting blood. However, Balter abstained from going out, using rest as an excuse, and stuck closely to her side.

Balter actually enjoyed this situation. The more provocative headlines the journalists came up with, the more people in the capital read and reread about the special relationship between Edith and him, thinking they were deeply entangled.

Now, a few days after the end of the tournament, even a six-year-old would know about him kissing Edith. Laughing at the thought of his reputation being tarnished or not, it was undoubtedly abnormal.

Franz, sitting across from him, commented, “Although it’s considered disgraceful for a Sogongjak to be attracted to a married woman.”

Edith turned her gaze toward him at his serious tone. Although he had been very kind to her lately, there were times when he still felt like the distant Lexion Duke.

‘I guess news that the heir of a noble family is attracted to a married woman might be disconcerting.’

As she was contemplating what to say, Franz casually suggested, “If the madam allows, we could use Lexion’s attorneys to annul the title of Lady Portrian.”

In fact, since Vain, who received Balter’s request, had already prepared all the documents for Edith’s divorce, it could be resolved within a week if she gave her approval.

However, Edith couldn’t readily agree. Just because she slightly licked her lips, Balter and Franz became extremely anxious.

“Anyway, you didn’t even inherit the title. Even if there’s money to handle it, Grandfather there can take care of it.”
“Indeed. We have plenty of money.”

Franz, who had become desperate, almost reflexively responded, momentarily forgetting his authority as a high noble. A few days ago, when Edith felt the signs of pregnancy and held out her hand to lead him, Franz, who thought his mistakes were slowly being forgiven for becoming a grandfather, now noticed Edith’s lingering attachment to her status as Lady Portrian.

However, seeing Edith still holding onto her identity as Lady Portrian, he wondered if Lexion felt uncomfortable because of him.

“It’s not about the inheritance issue.”

When Edith spoke softly, Balter finally understood what she was worried about.

“Is it because canceling the marriage to Lady Portrian might affect the deferment application to the academy?”

Balter had heard that Lexion was pouring a considerable amount of money into the academy while secretly attending heir classes. Even if Edith received a failing score on the entrance exam, the astronomical amount of money could secure her admission.

About to mention using flexibility with the academy, Balter hesitated for a moment and changed his mind.

“Well, claiming that we got engaged while riding in Lexion’s carriage with a nice ring on your finger might work. Even if you announce it after the baby is born, it should be fine.”

“That would be good, milady.”

When even Franz agreed, Edith was somewhat surprised. She had expected discussions about engagement or marriage to come up soon, anticipating that it would take some time for the rumors about the nobleman marrying a woman bought with money to die down.

“Really, is that okay? Even though he’s Lexion…”

When she asked, Balter gently touched her blonde hair and replied, “What can’t I do if you need it?”

Balter spoke in a sweet voice. Franz nodded as if there were no problems.

Delighted to escape from the annoying title of “Lady Portrian,” Edith blushed and smiled.

“I’m relieved. I didn’t want to be called another man’s wife anymore.”

Balter, for a moment, felt like he placed his heart briefly in the fireplace and took it out. Edith’s casual words felt to him like a sacred and precious prayer, uttered like the chant of a saint. Lexion Duke smiled contentedly as he watched the two people close to each other.