“Nothing has been decided yet. Deciding adoption is not a common issue. I intend to explore other alternatives as much as possible. However, it’s true that there are no close relatives to ensure Swan’s safety. The guardian appointed for the child… I can’t even jokingly say they’re a good person. Do you understand my intentions? So, excluding relatives, I am the closest relation to that child. He is my successor.”

Swan. Maiana silently repeated that name in her mind. It was the first time she learned the child’s name.

She knew that the concept of a successor, whether a heir or heiress, did not necessarily encompass religious aspects in this context. While there might be individuals who attach importance to religious meanings, generally, it meant entrusting the child to a close and trustworthy person.

Maiana wasn’t well-versed in noble culture, but she knew that guardians or mentors typically helped children establish basic connections when they first introduced themselves to society.

They might introduce influential people or provide practical education to prevent them from behaving improperly…

But this isn’t such an issue, Maiana thought.

It wasn’t that she didn’t feel pity for the boy named Swan. If she had an equally close friend and received such a request, could she have coldly refused? She wasn’t sure.

“What do you think?”

Maiana looked at him with her words stuck. Then, she spoke cautiously.

“I don’t think it’s something that requires my opinion.”

“It’s not like that. Because you value Ariante more than anyone in this mansion. Isn’t that true? Even more than me, I’d say.”

Maiana’s face became slightly tense. It was certainly not due to positive emotions.

“To be very honest, Your Lordship. Lady Ariante needs more time emotionally… to find stability. Especially in our relationship.”

“Primarily in my relationship with you.”

Maiana repeated his words verbatim, nodding.

“Primarily in your relationship with me. Yes, that’s right. You are still concerned that Lady Ariante might not love you. And… you were aware of the rumor about another child under His Lordship. Even Lady Ariante knew about that rumor.”

Suddenly, Cedric’s expression changed frighteningly harsh. A chilly silence enveloped him for a moment.
Cedric let out a short laugh as if there were no other choice. He was angry at himself, and those who made such words reach Ariante’s ears.

“Next time, it might be better to hire someone who can’t speak at all.”

He spat out with irritation.

Maiana, who was silently staring at the enraged Cedric, continued.

“Even if you tell Lady Ariante the truth, she is still young. It won’t be easy for her to regulate her anxiety. So… yes. Just as you said, Your Lordship, I prioritize Lady Ariante more than anyone else in this mansion. To be honest, in any form, bringing that boy here, as you suggested, doesn’t seem like a good choice. But…”

Cedric continued to gaze at her as if urging her to keep speaking.

After a brief hesitation, Maiana closed her eyes and sighed.

“In the end, the decision is Yours, Your Lordship. And I also think the situation of that child… Swan, is pitiable. I wonder why the deceased would make such a request. I also understand that greedy people eyeing the wealth of the deceased may not even care about the child’s situation.”

After finishing her words, she closed her lips seriously. Cedric had stated that Ariante’s position as the successor wouldn’t be shaken, but would the situation unfold as he desired?

“I’ll say it again, nothing has been decided.”

Cedric repeated his previous words once more. There was a moment of awkwardness. Both Cedric and Maiana knew well what caused this awkward imbalance. ‘Nothing’ had been decided yet. However, the moment of that decision was imminent.

And Cedric’s available choices, the final cards he could play, were not numerous.

“If I bring Swan here, it would be good if you persuade Ariante. What do you think?”

Maiana firmly denied his words.

“No, Your Lordship. That’s not possible.”

“Not possible?”

“What’s the point of me persuading her? Besides, this is a really important issue. You may already know that this could be a task Lady Ariante carries for a lifetime. Just knowing that Lady Ariante is the successor to the Vautermister Viscountcy won’t be enough. Regardless of who comes here, no matter how many children come, no matter what else happens, you need to make it clear that you will love Lady Ariante as your daughter. You have to convey that fact, Your Lordship.”