Chapter 81
Dylan, who had promised to find a wealthy and suitable family for Aria, nodded without further persuading her. Whether it was the drooping corners of her eyes or her bright blue eyes, which rippled as if stirred by waves, that had greatly influenced his decision, he handed Aria back into Charlotte’s arms.
When Charlotte stroked her head, Aria let out a clear, lark-like laugh. Watching the pair, who looked unmistakably like mother and daughter despite having no blood ties, Dylan, without stepping onto the dais, immediately relayed the emperor’s response to Charlotte.
“Let me be honest, Your Grace. I initially thought that you only brought up adoption out of a fleeting affection.”
Charlotte nodded in agreement. Even if she were the emperor, she would have judged that a young lady suddenly requesting adoption might not yet understand the ways of the world or could be swayed by her emotions.
“But it seems I was mistaken.”
“!”
“Though I only observed briefly, I could clearly see how strong and unbreakable the bond between you and Aria is. More importantly, I now understand the sincerity with which you brought up such heavy words as adoption and responsibility.”
Charlotte’s petition had certain legal discrepancies, yet Dylan generously overlooked them and reacted positively to the way she had appealed with a mix of emotion and logic. Charlotte felt her heart pounding uncontrollably. Thankfully, her sincerity seemed to have been conveyed—could this mean she would be allowed to adopt Aria?
Charlotte gazed at Dylan more earnestly than ever. Please, allow me to become Aria’s mother.
“However, under the laws of the Agent Empire, an unmarried man and woman cannot adopt a child. I understand your feelings, but the law cannot be changed.”
Despite her desperate heart, Dylan’s decision was cold. Charlotte’s face turned pale. She tried to compose herself, but it was not easy. A feeling of disappointment, arising from the corner of her chest, spread across her face. This was her best chance to be allowed to become Aria’s mother, so her despair was unavoidable.
‘This…’
Blanche Marquis felt the same way. The moment Dylan declared it impossible, he barely restrained himself from standing up. Though he knew the emperor might not allow it, seeing Charlotte so sad put him in a foul mood.
The difference was that, unlike Charlotte, the Marquis set aside his emotions and began considering future options. At this point, only two solutions remained.
One was to have Aria adopted, but Charlotte’s personality made it clear she would never give up on Aria. That left only one remaining method… marriage. Yet no matter how he considered it, this option did not satisfy the Marquis.
Who would he marry off his beloved granddaughter, whom Ronan had cherished and Charlotte had cared for? He had no intention of lowering his standards just because Charlotte loved Aria. If anything, he would scrutinize the match more strictly.
He intended to evaluate family history, relationships, upbringing, character, reputation, and social standing. Most importantly, the man had to genuinely love Charlotte—and also treat Aria affectionately, as if she were his own daughter. While persuading Charlotte to give up adoption might have been faster, he was confident there were suitable candidates.
At that moment, an image of one person came to his mind.
‘Yes, Theodore should be fine. He’s fond of Charlotte.’
Having spent most of his youth as the commander of the Knights, the Marquis was highly skilled at reading people. He had already noticed Theodore’s feelings for Charlotte. Whenever Charlotte was mentioned, Theodore, normally calm, became emotional, and his face flushed. Anyone unaware would have wasted their youth.
Theodore was more than suitable—he was ideal. His origin from the slums didn’t matter. At worst, he would be granted the rank of Count; with luck, a Duke. Everyone knew of his fame as a knight, and he liked Charlotte, which was a major plus. He liked children, so he would likely treat Aria well.
Of course, Charlotte would need to confirm that Theodore was acceptable. If marriage were the only solution, she would arrange a meeting with him. She had no intention of allowing Aria to marry anyone inferior to Theodore.
‘Or perhaps Ash could be suitable too. Aria gets along with him well, and he’s treated Charlotte with special care since childhood. I should discuss this with Charlotte after the joint conference.’
As the Marquis considered potential suitors, Charlotte quietly waited for the emperor’s next words.
Though “quietly” wasn’t quite accurate—she was too upset to speak. Her eyes reddened, and her throat tightened. Above all, she felt sorry for Aria. She had no intention of giving up on her, but she felt guilty for not having done anything meaningful for her yet.
Yet Dylan still wore a deep smile before the obviously pitiful Charlotte.
“Is it too soon to give up?”
“…Excuse me?”
Charlotte was a beat slow in responding, not fully understanding his words.
“Lady Blanche. You have achieved great merit in stopping the monsters and aiding in the arrest of the Kennys. Not only that, you relinquished both honor and reward to make this petition to me. And not out of selfish desire, but to take responsibility for your own choice. Isn’t that admirable?”
The law could not be changed for an individual. So while he could not approve the petition, he could offer another solution.
“I will grant you the authority of the emperor’s name.”
“!”
“From the moment you leave this conference hall, you may introduce Aria as your daughter. If anyone questions your relationship, you may invoke the emperor’s name and say, ‘The emperor has approved this family relationship.’ Should they still refuse, I will personally punish them.”
Charlotte’s eyes widened. She had been granted the emperor’s authority to acknowledge her mother-daughter relationship. The law might not explicitly list them as family, but sometimes the emperor’s word outweighed any law.
Who could challenge it now? A smile spread across Charlotte’s face.
But Dylan did not stop there.
“If you marry, you may skip the complicated adoption process entirely and immediately list Aria in the family registry. Moreover, the adoption date on the documents will be the date you receive this authority, not the day of your marriage.”
Charlotte had never considered even after marriage, so Dylan’s meticulous thoughtfulness filled her with gratitude. She had only hoped to be allowed to adopt Aria, yet she had received an unexpected gift. The shadows that had darkened her mood vanished, replaced by bright joy.
“Aria.”
“Mom?”
“Now you can take the Blanche name too.”
Aria did not fully grasp the significance, but seeing Charlotte smile made her happy, her cheeks flushing.
Aria… Aria Blanche. Now she could bear the Blanche family name!
Charlotte hugged Aria tightly and expressed her gratitude to Dylan.
“I will never forget your favor! Thank you so much!”
Her voice rose slightly from sheer joy, but no one found it uncomfortable. Watching Charlotte bloom with happiness, the Marquis finally exhaled in relief. The happier Charlotte was, the more his eyes softened.
At that moment, the palace guards announced Ash’s arrival.
“Duke Valian has arrived!”
“You may leave now, Lady Blanche. Spend time with your beloved daughter.”
Hearing these kind words, Charlotte again sincerely thanked Dylan before leaving the conference hall with composed but light steps.
Outside the main gate, Ash stood in his navy uniform. Upon seeing Charlotte, his previously expressionless, icy demeanor softened. His stern gaze and lips relaxed.
Charlotte approached quickly, closing the distance. Ash was slightly surprised but stepped back in a familiar, measured manner, watching her. His silver eyes took in her flushed cheeks and radiant, flower-like smile.
“Ash…!”
Overjoyed, Charlotte called him by his name instead of his title, gripping his sleeve tightly. With so much happening, she found it impossible to speak calmly—her tongue tangled with words and sentences.
Where should she start? From the moment she had petitioned? Then mention persuading the emperor? Should she mention crying briefly when she became emotional while persuading him? Or should she first tell him Aria was officially recognized as her daughter before the joint conference?
Aria, her beloved daughter. Every feeling Charlotte had soared over her daughter’s bright, sunlit smile. Ash reached out and cupped Charlotte’s cheeks. Handling her gently as if she were a delicate flame, he seemed to recount the conference as if he had witnessed it himself, even without speaking.
“Now it’s Aria Blanche, not just Aria.”
“!”
“Now she can call you mother wherever she goes. Congratulations, Aria.”
Somehow, Ash seemed as happy and congratulatory as Charlotte, regretting he could not stay longer.
“When we return to the Marquis’s residence, will you tell me what happened?”
Before entering the conference hall with the palace guards, Ash once again stroked Charlotte’s rosy cheeks. Charlotte let out a clear, bright laugh, like the chime of a pure bell.
“There was so much that happened. Are you sure you can handle it?”
“Of course. I’ll stay up all night if I have to, to hear it all.”
