At first, Daymond gritted his teeth as if he would capture those who had recklessly spread rumors right away. However, he soon changed his mind. Chasing them down and interrogating them would be futile, as reversing the already-spread rumors was nearly impossible. Rumors were, after all, a kind of unstoppable force.
The most effective way to cover up a scandal was to spread another rumor.
Afterward, Daymond, dismissing all the absurd rumors about compensation, subtly hinted that there were underlying reasons for the original incident. He suggested correcting the rumors by insinuating that he had fallen in love with Anne at first sight during a masquerade at Duchy Mulaite’s ball and that she agreed to marry him.
As he anticipated, the new rumor had an effect. People believed the story, especially since there had been previous rumors about the Duke’s age. The original gossip quickly faded away. Unlike Anne, who hadn’t considered it at all, Daymond took immediate action to protect his wife’s dignity and honor.
In addition, wanting to dispel the rumors and ensuring the validity of the corrected information, he chose a suitable household and arranged a marriage between a distinguished man and Marie.
Of course, it was not a forced marriage, considering Marie’s consent. She initially refused, pledging to repay the Duke’s kindness until she grew old. However, given the exceptional qualities and good character of the man from the other household, a natural meeting took place.
Although she had denied it in words, Marie smiled like a girl in love every time Anne asked if she was truly happy. Shyly, she admitted that she, too, wanted to experience a fateful love like Daymond and Anne’s. Anne couldn’t be more delighted to see Marie embracing a new life and meeting someone special.
Not long after they exchanged stories, Eariel ran toward the couple and hugged Anne’s skirt.
“Eariel.”
To Daymond’s deep voice, Eariel, with a somewhat startled expression, took a step back from Anne. Daymond, as if reluctant to yield even to his young son, hugged his wife even more tightly.
Pushing Daymond slightly aside, Anne met eyes with her son as Eariel looked up with a proud expression.
“Mother, did you see me lighting the lantern?”
“I saw it, my son. Did you enjoy it?”
Although the person responsible for lighting the lantern changed every year, in the first year, the Duke and Duchess themselves took charge, and since then, the person with outstanding achievements that year was chosen. This year, it was the team who had developed seeds of a new plant, and they insisted on giving way to the successor of the Grand Duchy, Eariel.
Even though he was out of breath from running, Eariel nodded enthusiastically with a lively face.
“Yes, it was really amazing. I hope thenext year comes quickly.”
“Oh my. We’re just starting, and you’re already talking about next year?”
As Anne brushed away Eariel’s tousled hair, he warmly laughed.
“Next time, I’ll have the opportunity to participate in the lighting ceremony with my real skills.”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
Anne let out a gentle laugh, looking at her adorable son’s face.
“Oh, Mother. What about a younger sibling?”
“Huh? A younger sibling?”
At the sudden and unexpected question, Anne exchanged a glance with Daymond standing next to her before addressing her son.
“Do you really want a younger sibling that much?”
“I mean a younger sister. I want a pretty younger sister.”
Though cute but dependable, her son seemed unusually enthusiastic about the idea of having a younger sibling today. While Eariel was generally a mature and wonderful child, he occasionally acted in such childlike behavior.
Looking down at Eariel, Anne looked perplexed. Eariel, with a bit of awkwardness, looked at his mother. Despite not actively using birth control and maintaining a healthy relationship, there had been no news of a second child.
Daymond, seemingly wishing for a child but also considering Anne’s well-being, didn’t forcefully insist. However, it didn’t mean he didn’t care. He was a man who never let a day pass without showing his love to Anne.
Regarding the second child, Anne casually accepted Daymond’s advice not to worry too much. However, in recent months, Eroel, who had no idea about the adults’ situation, had suddenly started expressing his intention of wanting a younger sibling.
“Eariel, a younger sibling doesn’t just come out of the blue. Did Luciel say something again?”
“Godfather said that I will have a pretty younger sister by next year.”
Eariel believed Luciel’s words steadily and smiled brightly.
“What on earth…?”
Tsk, Daymond clicked his tongue, visibly displeased.
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