Chapter 30
Eleanor was at a loss for words.
How on earth had he come to that conclusion?
Did the Grand Duke say something? That the woman who bore his child was staying in the annex?
But this wasn’t the remote countryside village where she’d once hidden away.
There was no one here she needed to hide her identity from, so there was even less reason to make up a lie about the baby’s father.
“I’m sorry I thought you were a thief.”
Teddian spoke in a small, apologetic voice.
“It’s just—you were wearing such nice clothes that I naturally thought you’d stolen my sister’s. But I was wrong, wasn’t I? Those clothes were gifts from my brother.”
Well, technically the Grand Duke had provided them, so it wasn’t entirely wrong to say he’d bought them for her—but that didn’t make their relationship what Teddian was imagining.
“When did you come here? How long have you known my brother? Was that why he was gone for months—that trip was to bring you here, right?”
Questions poured out of Teddian.
He was clearly trying to hold back his excitement, but his curiosity overflowed anyway.
Eleanor swallowed hard.
She had no idea where to even begin untangling this misunderstanding—nor how much truth she should reveal.
After a moment’s thought, she decided to start with introductions.
“My name is Eleanor.”
“I—I’m Teddian Hilliard!”
Teddian exclaimed, face lighting up.
“I’m thirteen years old—born in April. My favorite food is steak, and my dream is to become a great knight like my brothers! And, um…”
He started chattering away about himself.
Eleanor blinked in mild surprise.
Only thirteen?
She’d thought he was at least seventeen, with those long limbs of his.
He was still at that age where being doted on was natural.
Until now, Eleanor had thought the Grand Duke was just a hopelessly doting brother—but this was an unexpected discovery.
“You can talk to me comfortably. You’re my brother’s woman, after all.”
“His woman…”
A strange discomfort twisted in Eleanor’s stomach.
The boy’s bright, trusting eyes made it clear he truly believed that.
Eleanor steadied herself and replied calmly,
“I can’t do that. You’re a Hilliard, my lord.”
“Ah…”
Teddian drooped his shoulders, disappointed.
“Then… I have one more favor to ask.”
“…?”
“I’ve never had a younger sibling before.”
His cheeks flushed pink.
“Well, technically she’s not my sister but my niece! I only saw her once before, but she was so cute. Would it be okay if I saw the baby up close?”
Teddian fidgeted with his fingers, glancing toward the child behind Eleanor.
The tension melted from her shoulders.
She couldn’t bring herself to refuse him.
“As long as you keep quiet so no one else hears, that’s fine.”
“Thank you!”
Teddian hurried over to the baby.
The child giggled at the sight of the new face.
Teddian’s expression softened completely.
“She’s so cute. I’ve never seen a baby this adorable—it’s like a little angel fell from heaven.”
“Ubaba,” the baby babbled, reaching her tiny arms toward him.
Teddian glanced at Eleanor for permission.
When she nodded, he smiled widely and extended a finger.
The baby’s tiny hand gripped his pinky tightly.
“W-wow…”
Teddian breathed in awe.
“She’s so strong! You want to be a knight like my brothers, huh?”
Eleanor smiled faintly—Matthias had said something similar not long ago.
The brothers truly were alike.
“How old is she?”
Teddian asked, unable to take his eyes off the baby.
“She’s five months old now.”
“Really? She’s so little! What’s her name?”
“I haven’t given her one yet.”
“What? She doesn’t have a name? Why—oh.”
Teddian’s shoulders drooped, realization dawning.
His voice turned soft, heavy with guilt.
“My brother hasn’t given her one, has he?”
Eleanor’s brow twitched.
“Why would you think that?”
“Because fathers are the ones who name their children. My father named me, and his father named him.”
Apparently, in House Hilliard, it was tradition for fathers to name their children.
Eleanor stayed silent—it was too awkward to bring up Charlotte and explain.
Trying to sound cheerful, Teddian continued,
“S-still, I’m sure my brother won’t keep you here forever. This annex is too old for living in anyway. It’s not really a good place to raise a child.”
“I wonder about that. Do you really think the Grand Duke will let me go?”
“Let you go? What do you mean?”
“I mean I’m being kept here.”
Teddian’s mouth fell open in shock at the blunt truth.
“K-kept here?”
“Yes.”
“But you came to the training grounds! We met there!”
“You found the secret passageway yourself, didn’t you? You know what kind of passage that is.”
That hidden tunnel no one else knew existed.
Teddian’s expression turned rigid.
Eleanor took advantage of the pause to ask,
“Did you tell anyone that you saw me outside?”
“No!”
He shook his head vehemently.
“I didn’t tell a soul. No one knows you live here—only me. Well… my brother knows, but…”
“Did you tell the Grand Duke, or does he just already know?”
“He already knew! He’s been coming and going here for a while. I didn’t tell him, I swear!”
Eleanor exhaled in relief—Matthias was still unaware of this encounter.
To be safe, she decided to set up a little insurance.
“Then, could you keep our meeting a secret?”
“Huh?”
“If His Grace finds out I met you, he won’t be happy.”
“Why not? I’m glad I met you and the baby.”
“Why do you think I’m confined here?”
Eleanor lowered her gaze sorrowfully.
“From the beginning, His Grace never intended to introduce me or the baby to his family. That’s why he’s keeping me locked in a place only accessible through a secret passage.”
Teddian’s eyes wavered helplessly.
In a trembling voice, he asked,
“Is it… because my niece is an illegitimate child?”
Eleanor didn’t answer.
But silence was answer enough.
“So my brother really doesn’t plan to marry you?”
“I don’t know. But judging by the fact that I’m imprisoned here… probably not.”
“But there’s a baby!”
“You said your sister once told you, didn’t she? There are relationships the world won’t acknowledge.”
In truth, what she and the Grand Duke had wasn’t even a relationship to acknowledge.
“I just want the baby to be safe. If people find out about us, she’ll be the first one in danger.”
“The baby… in danger…”
“Please keep it a secret that you saw me here. From everyone—including the Grand Duke. Please.”
Eleanor decided to make use of Teddian’s misunderstanding.
He stayed silent for a long time, clearly shaken.
Finally, he said quietly,
“I won’t tell anyone. I promise.”
“Thank you.”
“But she’s still my niece…”
He grasped the baby’s tiny hand again, eyes full of reluctant sadness.
He must have realized this would be the last time he’d get to see her—at least for a while.
Eleanor, watching him, offered a small carrot.
“You can come visit her.”
“What?”
His head snapped up.
“Really?!”
“Yes. You know the secret passage, after all. As long as no one sees you.”
“I promise!”
Teddian’s eyes shone as he exclaimed,
“I won’t let anyone find out! You have my word!”
Teddian Hilliard—the youngest son of the Grand Duke’s family.
As a direct heir, he could move about the estate freely, without anyone stopping him.
You’ll be the one to help us escape, Eleanor thought, smiling sweetly as she hid her true intentions behind her gentle expression.
