Charlotte’s impassioned cry froze Claudia-san in her tracks, halting her retreat.
「It doesn’t matter what kind of person someone close to you is! Claudia is Claudia! That’s all that matters!」
「Charlotte-sama…」
Claudia-san’s emotions were visibly shaken, her resolve wavering. It was clear how much Charlotte meant to her, and it became evident that leaving wasn’t something Claudia-san truly wanted in her heart.
However, knowing Claudia-san’s earnest and dutiful nature, it was unlikely she would simply return to the Blaffer family without further persuasion.
—But there was one person present who could make that possible.
「I understand how you feel, Claudia.」
That one person—Lawrence-san—spoke, though his tone carried a trace of resignation. Was he about to let her go with a simple “do as you wish”?
As outsiders to the Blaffer family, we could do little but watch from the sidelines. Still, as people who had shared time with Claudia-san in the treehouse, we silently hoped for a peaceful resolution.
A solution that would fulfill the wishes of both sides.
And in this moment, Lawrence-san held the key.
「Your decision to step away for the Blaffer family’s sake is commendable, a shining example of a loyal servant’s pride. Truly praiseworthy.」
His words were calm yet firm, and his gaze was unyielding as he continued.
「But ignoring the wishes of the very masters you serve is unacceptable.」
「L-Lawrence-sama…」
「As Charlotte said, Claudia is Claudia—that alone is enough.」
「B-But…」
「Reputations can be rebuilt. But losing you would be an irreparable loss to the Blaffer family. Surely you’ve realized that by now, haven’t you? If not, why would Charlotte and I have come here ourselves?」
「…!」
It seemed Lawrence had struck a nerve.
Claudia-san’s knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground—tears streaming down her face.
I couldn’t help but feel surprised. As long as I’d known her, Claudia-san always seemed like the epitome of professionalism, someone who never showed weakness or vulnerability. Seeing her cry was something I never would have imagined.
Of course, everyone cries—it’s only human. But with Claudia-san, she always carried herself so impeccably that it felt out of character to witness such a moment.
Still, her tears made it clear: her heart, once torn, had now begun to lean decisively toward staying.
Now, the real issue was… how to handle Milen.
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