Chapter 12 (2/2)

“What about Luca’s mother?”

“She died 5 years ago due to the plague…”

As soon as I replied, Rüdiger’s face turned somber.

Glancing down, his blue-gray eyes wavered like the morning fog.

His expression abruptly reverted to his usual calm, stony demeanor.

He closed his mouth and silently made the sign of the cross.

“May she rest in peace.”

His figure appeared so holy; it looked like rays of light shone from behind him.

“I have no words to say concerning Jonas’ wrongdoing. Even as a member of the same household, I am ashamed.”

“Well, there is a black sheep in every household, regardless of status.”

Judith was that person in the Maybaum home.

Since I wasn’t myself, I lied through my teeth.

Rüdiger, likely unaware of Judith being the black sheep, he nodded in agreement.

“Jonas was single, so Luca was his only child. My mother and father learned of Luca’s existence and are enthusiastic to meet him.”

He briefly paused.

He was about going to bring up something that seemed disgraceful.

Even though I had a rough idea of what’s to come, my heart was still racing.

Rüdiger’s lips unsealed as he deeply inhaled with determination.

I could see his fist clenching on top of the table, the veins in his hands bulging.

He finally spoke.

“I realize it is rude in asking since you have been taking care of Luca until now, but may I take Luca to Winterwald with me?”

As expected!

Luca is heading to Winterwald!

Watching the novel finally spark into motion firsthand, I honestly felt quite excited; I wanted to give a standing ovation.

But I couldn’t do that.

I had to rethink about the 2 things I had to be cautious about.

‘I don’t know anything, other than I’m a good aunt who cherishes Luca. I’m a good aunt.’

As if I conditioned myself many times, I put on a face of shock and worry.

I wasn’t sure when to time my nods to not raise any suspicion, so, as if I was lost in distress, I fiddled with my teacup instead.