The bond between Theor and Vellian grew stronger in just a day or two. This connection appeared to be due to the young count's pure and innocent demeanor.
Watching Theor play with a doll, Vellian askd of Astelle once more, "The child is still quite young, yet he displays remarkable manners. Have you continued to care for him all by yourself, Lady Astelle?"
"Ever since the mansion vanished five years ago, I've been looking after him. My grandfather has been a tremendous help," Astelle replied.
"You both have raised a fine child. He's sure to grow up splendidly," Vellian expressed his genuine admiration.
It was a remarkable feat for a 20-year-old noblewoman, who had once been an empress, and an elderly man who had lived as a high-ranking noble all his life, to raise a newborn child without any financial resources.
Astelle had managed not only to provide for the child but also to educate him at home, which was truly astonishing.
"Forgive me, but what about the child's mother?" Vellian asked.
"She gave birth and then left. She resides elsewhere," Astelle explained.
Typically, when a child born to a commoner in a noble family is chosen as a successor, the mother is separated from the child.
In such cases, most birth mothers were often maids or prostitutes. While the child is destined to be a successor, keeping such a woman by his side could have a detrimental impact.
Providing financial support and sending the birth mother away was likely the best choice, although it was a heart-wrenching decision.
In situations like this, it wasn't uncommon for any family member to handle the birth mother in that manner. Perhaps the old marquis was particularly adamant about following conservative traditions.
Older nobles typically adhered to strict laws and customs, and it seemed that only Astelle, the poor granddaughter, was suffering greatly as a result.
Like Kaizen, Vellian couldn't help but condemn Astelle's maternal grandfather, Marquis Carlenberg, under his breath.
"Oh, by the way, His Majesty has ordered the reinstatement of the Marquis' pension, so I've contacted the capital, and it will be paid regularly starting this month," Vellian mentioned.
"Oh... thank you very much," Astelle expressed her genuine gratitude.
When she first visited her maternal grandfather's mansion, he was still quite affluent in his own right.
Astelle's maternal grandfather had lost his estate when Astelle was still very young, but he had managed to hold onto his pension. He lived comfortably in a small mansion located in a picturesque spot in the east.
However, when the rebellion in the north was quelled and her maternal grandfather's pension was abruptly cut off, his life took a sharp turn towards poverty.
He had hidden and taken care of the pregnant Astelle, and this hardship only intensified. By the time Theor was born, they were forced to move to an old house on the eastern outskirts.
"It was unjust for the Marquis to have his pension stripped away. His grandson lost his life fighting for His Majesty in that civil war. There must have been an error in the administration," Vellian commented.
In reality, it was more likely that the old man had been disadvantaged by the emperor's administrative officials due to his connection to Duke Reston. However, Vellian chose not to delve into this matter further.
"Yes, I'm relieved he has it back now," Astelle replied with gratitude.
The situation at the manor might be challenging, but their lives would significantly improve with her maternal grandfather's pension restored.
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Hiding the Emperor's Child
عشوائيA FAN TRANSLATION Astelle, the empire's one-day empress brought with her a secret when she left the palace after the divorce: she was pregnant with Emperor Kaizen's child. Six years later, Astelle is living a peaceful life in the countryside with th...
