Chapter 42: 42

“I see that everyone knew, except me.”

The Grand Duke said this in a low voice, but the people in the room started as if a bomb had gone off. Is this what freezing a person with your gaze was like? Those emotionless eyes fell on the butler.

“I… I was….”

Unable to withstand the Grand Duke’s scrutiny, the butler fell to his knees as if he had lost strength in his legs. He opened his mouth to make excuses, but couldn’t speak properly.

The Grand Duke turned away from the butler as if dealing with him was not worth it. His next prey were the two men who were working with him.

“Why did you not tell me when you knew?”

The first man stood like a sinner, unable to raise his head, but the other stepped forward to say his part.

“In the beginning, I had reported everything regarding the young master. But this only resulted in the dismissal or resignation of those involved.”

At first, the Grand Duke looked confused, as if he was unable to recall any such occurrence. I watched as he searched his memories, and finally furrowed his brows as he remembered the incident. When I saw him about to speak something with a severe expression, I cut in.

“Your Grace, please stop! You have no right to be angry with others.”

“What are you talking about?”

I quickly started explaining, before the Grand Duke could start reprimanding me.

“Your Grace could’ve been aware of this matter if only you had talked to your son at least once a day, or even just for an hour each week. Why would you hold someone else accountable for the consequences of Your Grace’s own irresponsibility?”

There is a limit to the information one can get from a report. If the reporter wanted to fake it, it would be too easy for them to do so. The situation now is a prime example.

So this was entirely the Grand Duke’s fault. Not to mention it was his own family affairs. It should be personally taken care of instead of being entrusted to others. This was the result of his indifference.

At each sentence from me, the Grand Duke’s eyes shook, as if he was being stabbed by a dagger. When I was done, he pressed his hand to his forehead, covering his eyes to hide his agitation.

When he removed his hands after a while, his face was back to the cold mask. He was someone excellent at hiding his emotions.

“The reason you created this situation was not for Kirsec, was it? Rather, it was to lecture me on the topic.”

The calm eyes of the Grand Duke were looking straight at me.

I was caught! This was going to be troublesome.

Why did I have to say that so directly? I’m merely a child, for sure. I was only trying to enlighten him about the situation appropriately….

However, looking back on the conversation, I did speak too bluntly.

It was only when I heard the admonishment in the Grand Duke’s voice, did I realize that I had gone too far. I might’ve got a bit too excited.

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But what was with these adults? They looked more surprised by my rebuking the Grand Duke than the decidedly un-childish way I was speaking.

True, this was like a mere intern lecturing the chairman of a company, but does it make sense to accept the other part so easily?

Everyone’s attention was focused on how I was going to answer. I licked my lips nervously and spoke.

“How could I dare to lecture you, Your Grace. No way! I was only trying to give you a glimpse of what Your Grace was unaware of. Just trying to do a good deed…”

The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes at me as if asking what nonsense I was spouting now. I tried to look away to escape his scrutiny, but that was of no use.

So I did what I was best at. I looked straight at him and wielded Arendine’s own special I’m-a-harmless-7-year-old-kid smile!

I watched as the corners of the Grand Duke’s lips rose slightly at my display.

“Oh my…”

He let out a soft chuckle.

I sighed in relief at his reaction. I had taken a gamble, and luckily, won.

“All right then. What am I unaware of?”

“You are unaware about your only child, Your Grace. Children do not grow up alone. They need a family’s care.”

“I’m taking care of him. There is no shortage of anything.”

I was speaking very seriously but got such a predictable response that it is making me want to sigh.

This is the mistaken belief of a lot of adults. Of course, it is important to provide a child with a good environment. And you work harder and make yourself busier to do so.

However, this results in the child not receiving enough parental affection and restricts the development of emotions like empathy in them.

Working hard overtime, pulling all-nighters is a modern concept. The Grand Duke has no need to force himself like that to earn money.

Naturally, I understand that the demands of his position are not low. Nevertheless, no matter how busy they are, it is the duty of a parent to make time for their children.

“I’m not talking of material things. A parent’s affection must be true and unconditional. Your Grace, have you ever picked a present for your son and gifted it to him personally?”

The Grand Duke was silent as a mute. Of course, there was nothing for him to say. Since I had hit the nail on the head, I softened my words.

“One of the main reasons children become violent is the lack of affection. How can they learn to love others when they’re not getting enough of it themselves?”

The Grand Duke remained silent despite my censure. Of course, my audaciousness was unimportant in view of his indifference and neglect.

Kirsec’s mess itself proved the truth of my words. It was the very reason we were in this situation right now.

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