Jane, who had returned after seeing Cedric off, exhaled as if expelling a breath.

She was proud that Joseph was the son of a judge, and it was good to restore the surname of his birth father to the child.

But to abandon Hastings…

Jane knew with what feelings Cain had brought Joseph and raised him.

Although he wasn’t a good father, he had affection for Joseph and tried to give the child the best.

And he abandoned Hastings for the child’s sake.

Of course, Jane was the catalyst, but his feelings for Joseph clearly played a big role too.

So that Joseph could live with pride in his roots, so he could be confident even if his identity was revealed.

Arthur Pan was indeed Joseph’s father, but it was Cain who raised him.

It was Cain who provided living expenses for Joseph’s mother, who took him out of that hellish place, who gave him the Hastings name, and now who restored his birth father’s name.

How would Cain feel if he heard this news?

He would smile and say it’s good, but he’d be upset inside.

Jane looked at the sleeping Joseph and recalled Cedric’s suggestion.

“The Reconstruction Committee insisted on giving Joseph the Pan surname unconditionally, but I think a bit differently. How about letting the child decide, Jane? Joseph is smart like you and Cain.”

Knowing that was the best Cedric could do, Jane accepted the proposal.

But seeing Joseph sleeping with such an innocent face, unaware of anything, made her uneasy.

To choose his own surname…

Wouldn’t that be too difficult for a child?

In the end, Jane spent that night lying awake.

* * *

“Mother, when did you wake up?”

Joseph, who came down to the clattering kitchen, rubbed his eyes and clung to her waist.

Since leaving Somnium House, Joseph had become much more childlike.

Jane found the clingy Joseph adorable and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re up early, Joseph.”

“Can I eat the apple on the table?”

Joseph pointed to the table, breaking away from Jane’s hand stroking his cheek.

“Yes, wash your hands first.”

The child nodded and went to the bathroom to wash his hands and face thoroughly. Then he ate the apple while watching Jane prepare breakfast. Jane smiled, enjoying the crisp sound.

“Are you busy today too?”

“As always.”

“Then will I go to Wolfgang’s house again today?”

While Jane worked, Joseph stayed at Mrs. Merche’s house.

The Merche family had avoided major troubles thanks to supporting the Rose faction early on. The fact that they weren’t a family that received much attention in aristocratic society also helped them avoid trouble.

“No, we have somewhere to go together today.”

“Where?”

Joseph put down the apple he was eating and brightened.

She thought he got along well with Wolfgang, but was he secretly wanting to be with her?

Jane’s heart ached.

“I, I get along well with Wolfgang too. But I, I like being with Mother a little more.”

Joseph quickly added, seeing Jane’s bitter smile.

He’s quick-witted and clever as always.

Jane put down a plate of toast and fruit in front of Joseph and hugged the child tightly.

“Oof, Mother, Mo-Mother.”

Joseph laughed and squirmed. To give such a trial to this child. Jane looked up at the ceiling while hugging Joseph’s head so he couldn’t see her face.

She was at a loss for how to explain to the child that he had to choose a father.

* * *

“It’s an easy question.”

Contrary to Jane’s worries, Joseph gave a straightforward answer after arriving at the Reconstruction Committee and hearing the explanation.

The child stunned both Cedric, who had difficultly broached the subject, and Jane, who had been watching anxiously.

“Did you understand correctly?”

Cedric asked. Joseph nodded, his large eyes sparkling.

“You said to choose a name, right?”

“To be precise, a surname.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?”

“A surname is a bit different from a name. People will predict what kind of person you are when they hear your surname. It’s a bad side of humans. But that’s how the world is.”

The child’s expression became more and more puzzled.

“Strange, isn’t it?”

“Yes, extremely so.”

Cedric scratched the back of his head, seemingly embarrassed by his own explanation.

“Jane, why don’t you try explaining once more?”

Cedric asked Jane for help.

“No need.”

It was Joseph who refused.

“I’ll be Hastings.”

The faces of the Reconstruction Committee members seated around the meeting hall hardened at this unexpected decision.

“Joseph, you might not know because you’re still young, but your birth father did truly great things. He’s a hero of this country.”

“My father, Cain Hastings, is also a great person. He pointed a gun at the Queen. To save me.”

The child remembered Cain from the day of the uprising. He was more handsome than a knight in a fairy tale, braver and greater than a historical figure.

To Joseph, he was the most prideful father.

And now they’re telling him to get rid of that father’s surname? For a father whose face he barely even saw?

It was impossible in Joseph’s world.

“Joseph, this is for your own good. If you live with the Pan surname, you’ll have greater opportunities. After all, Hastings is… ahem.”

Cedric shot a cold look at the committee member trying to persuade Joseph.

It was clear without hearing how the member, who held great antipathy towards the nobility, would disparage Hastings in front of Jane and Joseph.

“If it’s difficult, would you like to think about it a bit more?”

“I said it’s not difficult. I like Hastings, so why is everyone acting like this?”

Joseph whimpered, feeling wronged and frustrated. Jane quickly hugged the child and looked around at the Reconstruction Committee members.

“Let’s stop here. You’re the ones who suggested respecting the child’s wishes. The child has clearly expressed his opinion.”

“We naturally thought he would choose Arthur Pan as his father. To follow a stranger without a drop of shared blood as a father… tsk tsk.”

Jane didn’t want to see the Reconstruction Committee members clicking their tongues anymore.

“Joseph, your mother looks tired. How about we take it easy for a bit?”

The vice-chairman of the Reconstruction Committee approached and spoke while making eye contact with Joseph.

Jane was disgusted.

She had barely managed to finish her assigned work and was planning to leave the capital, but now she was getting held up over this name issue.

They blatantly expressed the Reconstruction Committee’s intention to somehow pass on Arthur Pan’s name to Joseph.

Joseph looked up at Jane. Jane immediately smiled, but her discomfort was obvious.

“Would you like to talk with me separately for a moment?”

“No. Talk here where I can hear.”

Jane immediately intervened, but Joseph took the committee member’s hand.

“Joseph!”

“Weren’t we supposed to respect the child’s wishes, madam?”

Jane heaved a deep sigh.

“Don’t worry, Mother. I’ll do well.”

I know. Jane was rather worried because Joseph did everything unlike a child, no matter what it was.

Jane tried to hide her displeased expression as she kissed Joseph’s crown.

“Do well and come back.”

Joseph nodded his head vigorously and followed behind the committee member.

Jane glared at the door the committee member and Joseph had entered.

What on earth were they talking about inside? Surely they wouldn’t bully Joseph?

“Jane, you’ll burn a hole in the door.”

“If I could, I’d like to smash it with a hammer.”

Cedric handed a drink to Jane, who was crossing her arms and continuously tapping the floor with one foot.

While Joseph was talking with the vice-chairman, the committee members were given a short break.

“Frustrating, isn’t it? I feel the same. I didn’t expect the committee members to be this adamant. We clearly said we’d respect the child’s wishes. I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault, Cedric.”

“I’m the committee chairman, but I have no power.”

Cedric laughed dejectedly. He looked very tired too. Jane clinked her glass against his.

The two exchanged silent comfort and stood side by side, waiting for Joseph to come out.

Shortly after, the tightly closed door opened. Jane handed her empty glass to Cedric and rushed to Joseph in one step.

She wanted to see the child’s expression, but Joseph hugged her so quickly that she couldn’t check.

Jane looked up at the vice-chairman while tightly hugging Joseph.

His expression was subtle.

“Can we go home now?”

Jane asked sharply, and the vice-chairman reluctantly nodded.

“I won’t have to come here again regarding the child’s name, right?”

“Yes, well, that’s right.”

“Joseph, are you satisfied?”

Jane looked down at Joseph. Joseph, peeking his head out of Jane’s arms, smiled brightly.

It seems he managed to keep Hastings.

Jane was so proud of the child that she showered him with kisses without hesitation, even with others watching.

“Ugh, Mother, uh, wait a moment! I have something to say!”

“What is it? Go ahead.”

“I’m going to… change my name.”

“What?”

“Huh, Joseph?”

Cedric and Jane’s eyes widened.

“Well… the person who said it would be good to change my name was Father. That… Father Cain.”

A deep wrinkle formed between Jane’s brows. She turned to look at Cedric. Cedric shrugged, seeming to hear this for the first time too.

“Ah, if it’s Father’s wish, I want to accept it.”

An unchildlike dignity flowed around Joseph. Jane and Cedric closed their mouths and looked at the child.

And the moment the name he would change to flowed from Joseph’s lips, Jane let out an exclamation and hugged the child tightly.

Joseph was a much wiser child than she had thought.