“Yes. He named her before being deployed in the Humphrey territory operation, before losing his life. He had plans to return safely and announce the love affair to everyone and hold a wedding…”

It wasn’t a rigid question, so the answer flowed effortlessly. It seemed as if she had been waiting for someone to ask about her story.

Balthazar briefly observed the baby in Cassius’ arms and continued speaking.

“I recently gained a son myself, and just his birth alone made the world seem different.”

“……”

“Fears have also increased. I worry that the child, still weak and powerless due to my actions, might suffer harm.”

At the moment he heard the natural response, Rosaline’s suppressed fear suddenly revealed its presence.

When she had a child, she only dreamed of a happy future as Patricia Empress’s closest confidante.
When Gilbert returned with my true self, who had left with him, in the form of a cold corpse, I took a brief leave as if I had poured cold water over my head. However, once I went down to my hometown, gave birth to the child, and held that child in my arms, an unexpected fear struck me.

‘I know that Patricia Empress used another man to conceive Claude.’

‘Will my sins really disappear? If this child suffers the consequences because of me…’

‘The sin of disrupting the imperial family’s lineage… Is forgiveness possible?’

Thinking that my past actions could lead to the end of this little child’s life tightened my heart. However, the viscount’s attitude, as if he knew that I had betrayed Patricia and approached Lexion for that reason, remained calm.

“If you are afraid that passing information to Lexion might result in the child facing the consequences, do not worry. As long as you reveal everything you know, there will be no killing of the child under any circumstances.”

“……”

“If the information you provide is useful, I will create a fake identity, allowing you to start a new life with the child in a foreign land.”

Watching him suggest this proposal with a matching gaze, Cassius swallowed dryly.

‘Until recently, I thought I could overpower others with intimidation and strength alone. When did he become so persuasive…’

Cassius easily recalled the moment when Balthazar’s gaze had softened.

At the moment when Edith handed Adrian into his arms, Balthazar had undoubtedly learned not only the happiness the child brought but also the fear of the child going astray.

The fact that people collectively refer to these two emotions as ‘love’ was also something Cassius understood.

‘Is it due to Madam this time too?’

Cassius also let out a soft laugh.

Balthazar’s persuasion brought relief not only to his heart but also to Rosaline’s heart.

After struggling to calm her trembling breath, she revealed the secret she had kept in the depths of her memory.

“Hu… Claude is not the son of Empress Patricia. When she tried to have a child with another man, I overheard.”

“……!”

To the unexpected disclosure, not only Balthazar but everyone present doubted their ears.

⭐⭐⭐

Meanwhile, the Emperor’s secretary entered the study with a pleased expression.

“Your Majesty, the little master of Lexion, the chief physician, and the mages have arrived.”

Until now, the Emperor had not summoned people for personal matters. It was because he preferred not to reveal the weight of his condition due to personal affairs.

However, after learning that the viscount was his son, the Emperor’s complexion improved. Today, he even went as far as inviting the viscount’s wife under the pretext of recommending a tonic.

‘Nothing encourages people more than joyous news. If your condition continues to improve, I have nothing more to wish for.’
Among the servants of the imperial palace, the secretary who was the only one to know the true identity of Viscount Lexion welcomed Edith with a pleased heart.

“This way, madam.”

“Thank you. Greetings to the sun of the Empire. I hope you have been well.”

The Emperor looked at Edith and her companions. Although he had been a chief physician who had experienced numerous surgeries due to prolonged illness, today’s atmosphere was different.

“Lexion can be quite cruel. Coming to draw blood but asking about well-being.”

Seeing even an unanswered joke, it seemed like his health had improved significantly since he learned about the existence of his son.

Moreover, he had mentioned that my blood was the key to preventing the viscount’s magical outburst. The Emperor extended his arm without hesitation.

“There’s no need to delay. Come here. We’ll have tea later.”

“Yes, yes!”

The task of collecting the Emperor’s blood was entrusted to Theos. Using magic, it was possible to obtain blood without causing significant wounds.

‘Me, taking the blood of Emperor… Huh?’

Theos, who raised his magical power with trembling hands, soon noticed something and smirked.