Cedloy, with a bitter smile, rubbed his roughened face with the palm of his hand.

“At times like this, it’s proper to respond that everything is okay… But no, Harman. It’s not okay. Nothing is okay.”

Whether due to the lack of sight, Cedloy’s tone in addressing Harman was straightforward.

The two, of the same age, had been very close since childhood. After the death of the Marquis and Marchioness of Valtermin, when Cedloy, then fifteen, became the young marquis and left the royal palace… Harman and Cedloy had grown up together like brothers.

Harman lightly clicked his tongue.

“You seem to care more than Glodon’s relatives. What about the son of the marquis? I heard you’re considering adopting him into the Valtermin family. Is that true?”

Cedloy, wiping his eyes as if tired, responded slowly.

“No. I haven’t decided to adopt him yet. But, Harman, you know what kind of people Glodon’s relatives are. Especially about Hessel.”

A disdainful expression appeared on Harman’s face.

“Of course, I know. How could I not know that scoundrel? He’s probably already squeezing the young cousin to get something out of him. You can see it without looking; it’s written all over his face.”

Cedloy nodded.

“Yes, that’s true. His mother is the same… Swan is still only ten. Too young. There’s no way she can handle Hessel or Madame Duplée. We can’t even guarantee that they won’t harm Swan.”

“Madame Duplée is officially the legal guardian of Glodon’s son, right?”

Cedloy blinked his eyes as if acknowledging what Harman said.

Harman sighed irritably.

“This is getting complicated. Wouldn’t it be better to have the child stay in the royal palace?”

“Even if we decide that, Glodon’s fortune will all go into the hands of Hessel and Madame Duplée. To inherit Swan’s title, he must become an adult under the protection of a legal guardian. He needs the guardian’s protection until he reaches the age of fifteen, at least. Then it will end up with the same problem.”

With a blurry ending, Cedloy chuckled bitterly.

“Not everyone is as lucky as I am. Even I, if Your Majesty hadn’t become my guardian, wouldn’t be in this position right now. I almost completely severed ties with relatives, but considering the whole family, including distant relatives, there are a considerable number of people. Some of them undoubtedly wanted to kill me. Without a doubt.”

Harman ruffled his hair as if frustrated.

“I may not think the same way, but I’m against it.”

Cedloy glanced briefly at Harman.

“Against me adopting Swan?”

“Yeah. You’re already designated as the heir, and adopting an older child… a boy, at that. Can you guarantee that there won’t be any issues later?”

Cedloy said firmly, “Yes.”
“Arianthe will follow behind me and become the Marquis of Valtermin. That fact will not change.”

Harman turned his body toward Cedloy, leaning against the railing. His expression was very complex, a mixture of reproach and sorrow.

“It’s probably as you wish. And of course, it will happen that way. Even if something happens to you, that child… Arianthe, we can leave a document certifying her as the next Marquis of Valtermin. However, Cedloy, think about it. About that child named Swan. The child is desperate enough to think anything is fine as long as they can escape from Hessel and Madame Duplée. You might say it’s okay to adopt the child as your son, even if there’s no chance of becoming the heir. But will it still be fine in the future? Can you guarantee that the child won’t develop unreasonable ambitions?”

Cedloy, lowering his gaze, sighed. He, too, shared Harman’s concerns. No matter how kind and tender-hearted Swan might be, understanding the dynamics of noble society, it was an issue that couldn’t be overlooked.

Harman spoke, “Ultimately, it’s your decision, Cedloy. As your friend, my advice is… against it. I feel sorry for that child’s situation. But you can’t take responsibility for someone else’s life. There’s no need for that.”

“I know, Harman.”

Cedloy replied in a subdued voice. He looked down on the procession of black carriages moving through Glodon Marquis’s garden, observing the mourners in mourning attire.

Among the many people excessively grieving, how many were rolling their eyes like grave robbers, scouring Glodon’s mansion as if trying to steal pieces of bread…

“I know too. Thanks for your concern. I’ll gradually think about this issue. I’ll make a decision before it’s too late.”

Harman, looking at him with a complicated and sympathetic expression, nodded as if there was no other choice.

“Don’t try to solve it on your own; talk to His Majesty. He might not readily accept it, but he won’t turn you away if you ask for help.”

“I know, Harman. Thanks.”

After Harman led the mourners away, Cedloy re-entered the mansion’s hall where the mourners could be seen again. There were familiar faces and strangers moving around the hall like ghosts.

“Really pitiful.”

From somewhere, a sorrowful sigh was heard. The sound was so loud that the gaze of everyone in the hall concentrated on it.