Mikhail was going to the study with Adel. He was in quite a good mood, Irene's status in the whole territory could be said to be directly below the count, countess, him and his two sisters.
"Say Adel if you could identify Irene as a descendant of the Dertain family now why couldn't you identify her when she was a slave."
"Young master emerald eyes doesn't always mean one is a part of the Dertain family. However since the lord had a past relationship with her mother it could be said assured that Miss Irene is indeed the lord's bastard child."
Adel was concerned about how his young master would react to the situation; it seemed for now that he was taking it quite maturely. This somewhat relieved Adel.
'If Irene becomes a part of the Dertain family then there is no chance that she is going to join the hero's party. After all, what is the point of becoming an adventurer if you could become a noble?'
If his previous action was like dodging the death flag then this would completely uproot the flag from the ground. This could not help but put a smile on his face, things were going better than he had expected.
While walking he would get disgusted glances from the maids working in the mansion. They looked at him as if they were looking at scum.
He was confused at first then self realization hit him. 'Could it be that they were able to hear Irene's cries yesterday.'
"Adel, do the others know about Irene's situation?"
"Only people who know about it are your mother and sisters."
"So not even a single servant knows about this?"
"Yes"
"Looks like we will have quite the rumors about her then."
"....."
Adel didn't say anything but it was evident from his expression that he was really concerned.
Rumors were quite a headache for nobles after all they would rather lose all their money rather than prestige.
"Will you fire all the servants and replace them? Or else you know our family might become the topic of all aristocratic gossip."
"Young master the lord won't do such a thing, the servants are loyal people, they won't let such gossip slip out."
Adel didn't know what to say other than this, he could only be optimistic for the sake of his master.
After reaching the study Adel took his leave, knocking the door Mikhail got in after receiving the permission.
Inside he saw his father sitting and reading documents.
"You are here, take a seat. I have something to discuss with you."
"It's about Irene then."
"Yes
I used to sleep with a lot of women back in those days. You can think of it as the passion of youth.
But Clara was different, I met her one day in a tavern when I was incognito. That time I was having some disputes with my father and ran away.
She was from a poor family and I was masquerading as a bard, we got along with each other. She even got pregnant with my child, well you already know who it is.
But the happy thing couldn't last long. I was discovered by the family and had to return. I had to deny any relationship with Clara more like I had to hid it. I knew if it was discovered then they would kill her and her baby."
"Isn't that a bit extreme?"
"Killing an unknown woman and an unborn child is better than having loose threads. Or at least that is what your grandfather thought. Good he is dead now.
After I became count I tried to search for Clara but only got the news that she was abandoned by her family. After that I never heard about her again, not until I again saw her today.
Son I will not blame you for what you did to Irene, I am also at fault in this if I had done a better job in persistently finding her then all this could not have happened but....
I want you to promise me two things, you must not hurt or bully her and you must apologize to her."
The count was firm in his will to atleast make his do at least these two things rest would be made up by him after all it was his responsibility.
"Okay "
Seeing his rebellious son agreeing so easily took him aback a bit. Then his mood brightened.
'Looks like my son has finally started to reform. It must be because of the girl. Looks like everything happened for the better, I was worrying too much.'
"Good then."
"I also have some thing else to ask."
"What is it?"
"Are there other bastards aside from Irene?"
"...."