TOOCM 78

Chapter 78

Upon hearing the news, Aiden visited Kaiden with Dahlia.

Confirming her aura, Kaiden chuckled. “Aiden, you’d better watch out. When Dahlia grows up, you won’t stand a chance.”

“Is that true?”

Far from offended, Aiden looked thrilled, his eyes brimming with fatherly pride.

His constant grinning made Kaiden shake his head. Is he that happy?

Having never considered marriage or children, Aiden’s reaction fascinated him.

“She probably can’t control her aura freely yet. Teach her like Father taught you.”

“Of course.”

Aiden beamed, resolute.

At the time, nothing seemed amiss.

Soon, word spread that Dahlia had manifested aura, earlier than her father.

Northern nobles sent congratulations, as her potential to become the next Crensia Duke grew.

Dahlia, overwhelmed by the praise, felt both flustered and elated.

She began daily aura training with Aiden.

At first, it was exciting, but soon anxiety crept in.

My aura doesn’t move as I want…

Even reassurances that she’d improve couldn’t quell her unease.

A conversation overheard at a recent social gathering nagged at her.

“Will Sir Aiden’s daughter become the next Crensia head?”

“Of course. Isn’t that why Sir Aiden’s the deputy head?”

“I’m not so sure. The Duchess is young, beautiful, and close with the Duke.”

“True… If she bears an heir, things could get complicated. Even with their brotherly bond, neither will yield on their children’s futures.”

“Dahlia’s talent is impressive, but it might become a poison to Crensia.”

Many voices subtly worried about her ability, treating her as a potential problem.

Her exceptional talent could spark conflict.

Unable to grasp the adults’ calculations, Dahlia only thought she had to try harder to avoid trouble.

She loved Reina and didn’t want to strain their relationship.

As this quiet unease grew, she repeated the same mistake during training one day.

Aiden spoke up. “Dahlia, you’re not focusing today.”

“Sorry.”

“Want to rest?”

She nodded, looking dejected.

Aiden watched her with concern. “Are you feeling okay?”

“No, I’m fine.”

“You seem down.”

Coaxing gently, he prompted her to ask, “Papa, do I have to be the Duke?”

“Huh?”

Her sudden question surprised him.

Dahlia fidgeted with her milk cup, silent.

Aiden probed softly, “Why ask that?”

“Everyone says I’m making things hard for Reina.”

She recalled similar words from Lady Mary before her departure a year ago, making it impossible to ignore.

Feeling she was causing Reina discomfort, Dahlia found it unbearable.

“I don’t care about being Duke. I don’t want to fight with Reina. What if she hates me?”

Her teary face broke Aiden’s heart.

Since Mary’s departure, Dahlia constantly sought approval, a trait he knew well.

He felt her anxiety keenly.

Lifting her onto his lap, he said, “My little princess, have you been down because of some nonsense you heard?”

Her eyes widened as he playfully tapped her nose. “Papa doesn’t care if you become Duke.”

“Really? You won’t be mad?”

“Why would I be?”

Dahlia hesitated, unable to articulate her vague fears.

Stroking her hair, Aiden said warmly, “All I want is for you to grow up healthy, doing what you love.”

His wistful expression made her hug him tighter. “I won’t leave you early like Mama.”

Feeling his longing, she clung closer.

He patted her back, comforting her. “We’ll live happily together for a long time. This training is for you, not to make you an heir.”

“Okay,” she mumbled, nestling closer, acting spoiled.

Aiden’s thoughts deepened.

He later learned the Northern nobles were seriously discussing the succession issue.

It wasn’t about trust between brothers—it was time to revisit the long-delayed matter.

* * *

“What brings you to my study?” Kaiden asked with a smirk, sitting down.

Aiden’s serious face replied, “I need to confirm something.”

“What’s with the grim look?”

Kaiden dropped his playful tone, sensing family matters from Aiden’s rare seriousness.

After a pause, Aiden asked, “You still don’t want kids?”

“Kids?”

“You said you’d never marry or have children, and my child would be Crensia’s next head.”

“I did.”

Kaiden sipped his tea, musing quietly.

Years ago, marriage wasn’t in his plans.

But Reina’s proposal had changed much—someone more precious than blood family had entered his life.

“If it’s about succession, don’t worry,” Kaiden said as Aiden cautiously raised the topic. “Whether I have a child or not, Dahlia will be the next Crensia Duke. Reina and I agreed on this.”

At the start of their contract marriage, he’d told Reina about his brother and niece, promising Dahlia would be his heir.

It was an excuse when she mentioned marital duties, but it was sincere.

Kaiden didn’t want children, especially after falling for Reina.

Amy, Aiden’s wife, weakened rapidly after bearing Dahlia, her frail body strained by their draconic blood.

He wasn’t sure Reina, already delicate, could endure it.

The fear of losing her, like Amy, haunted him.

Dahlia’s existence eased succession concerns.

“That was when it was a contract marriage,” Aiden countered. “You two might have kids someday, and your thoughts could change.”

He voiced the nobles’ growing concerns.