Chapter 58

A grand party was held to announce Mary Albert's pregnancy.

Even so, as Mary's belly grew gradually over time, her assertion became stronger, and in proportion to that, those around her became increasingly overprotective. Anyone who observed the changes in Mary and her surroundings would have noticed.

Still, no one pointed it out, and when the party was held, everyone awaited the announcement of this day with anticipation and blessings.

And so, the moment of the announcement arrived.

Mary, bathed in the expectant gazes of all, felt neither tension nor anxiety. The hand on her waist belonged to Addy, who supported her with his large, gentle hand, never letting go for a moment.

"I have something to announce to everyone."

Slowly, without shouting, but loud enough for the entire venue to hear, Mary began to speak.

She had been granted a new life.

The moment she announced this, the venue erupted in excitement. Everyone offered their congratulations, rejoicing as if it were their own good news. Even the waiters paused in their tasks, and some were even teary-eyed.

In the midst of this, someone called out, "Mary."

Lang and Lucian approached her. Lang held a small box, which he presented to Mary before she could ask what it was.

"Let me say it again, congratulations, Mary. This is a gift from us."

"A gift... Brother, you've been giving me gifts all the time recently."

Mary laughed mischievously.

Since she had announced her pregnancy in Silvino, Lang and Lucian had been giving her gifts frequently.

The gifts varied, from things Mary would enjoy to items for the baby. They even gifted her and Addy a cushion, which made her more exasperated than grateful at the time.

So, Mary had expected them to bring something today, and indeed, they did.

But today's gift seemed different. Lucian said, "This is special." Indeed, Lang and Lucian were not as exuberantly overexcited as usual; they were quite composed. Their eyes, fixed on Mary, even had a serious look.

Surprised by their unusually serious attitude, Mary took the small box from Lang, feeling its slight weight.

"To Mary and Addy, this is the best gift we can give."

"And to your child... No, to the generations that will follow, this is a gift that will last for a long time..."

Under the gentle smiles of Lang and Lucian, Mary carefully unwrapped the gift.

She slowly opened the last remaining white box...

"This is..."

She murmured.

Addy, standing beside her, peered into the small box and drew a sharp breath. The celebratory atmosphere around them seemed to notice, and a few people turned their curious gazes.

But Mary had no time to answer their curious looks. Instead, she gently took out what was inside the small box.

A beautifully shining... pocket watch.

It was clearly expensive. But the true value of this pocket watch was not its price.

The meaning it held. The authority it bestowed upon its holder.

This pocket watch was the symbol of the head of the Albert family.

Mary had once held it, but she had returned it to her father, declaring that she would not take it as the rightful heir. It felt just as heavy and shone just as brightly as it did then.

"Brother, this... to me...?"

"Yes, it's a gift from us to you. Will you accept it?"

"But I have to prioritize my child over the duties of the head of the family..."

"Of course, that's only natural. That's why we will support you... We are so fortunate to be able to support both you and your child..."

Hearing their words, Mary, who had been staring at the pocket watch in her hand, slowly raised her head. Her brothers were looking at her with such gentle eyes.

And along with the gentleness, she could see a firm resolve.

By presenting this gift in front of countless people today, they were declaring that they had chosen Mary as the heir.

Understanding their feelings, Mary tightly gripped the pocket watch in her hand. Addy's much larger hand overlapped with hers.

"Hey, Addy. Raising a child and the duties of the head of the family... It's going to be tough, isn't it?"

"Yes, I think it will be tough... But..."

He began, then smiled gently.

He was looking at her intently, probably giving her the chance to speak. It was as if he was setting the stage for her declaration.

So, Mary, feeling encouraged, firmly squeezed the hand that was enveloped in Addy's.

"No matter how tough it is, we can do it, right?"

When Mary said this, Addy nodded vigorously in response.

The cheers at that moment were as loud as when they heard about her pregnancy. If anything, the excitement was even greater, and the sound of toasts could be heard around them.

Mary and Addy looked at each other. Addy's hand gently left Mary's, caressed her belly, and then rested on her waist, pulling her close.

"We can do it."

Addy's words, spoken with passionate eyes, made Mary's smile grow.

As long as Addy was by her side, everything would be fine. And with their child joining them eventually, no matter how tough it might be, there was no room for anxiety. Only hope and expectation filled her heart.

Most of all, amidst the cheers, a voice rose up,

"Lady Mary, me! I'm here too! Lady Mary!!"

It was Alicia's voice,

"Mary, we're here too! You quickly entered your world with Addy, but we will always support you!"

"...Our dear Mary. If possible, please keep us in your sight..."

The brothers' voices, trying to assert themselves, made Mary shrug in exasperation.

"Lady Mary, congratulations."

To the congratulatory words of Carina and Margaret, Mary, sitting on a bench in the garden, smiled in response.

She wore a soft cape over her shoulders, and a long blanket covered her legs down to her feet. Cushions were placed on both sides, and a cushioned backrest was also provided.

Seeing Mary so well-protected, Carina and Margaret laughed joyfully. According to them, Mary's appearance, wrapped in a blanket and buried in cushions, was a topic of conversation across the country.

It was as if she had announced it publicly, or rather, it was hard to pretend she hadn't. Mary laughed, feeling embarrassed, as Carina and Margaret teased her. It was indeed an embarrassing situation.

"Lady Mary and Lord Addy's child will surely be a wonderful one. We look forward to meeting them."

"Thank you, Carina."

"And the heir... I knew about the child, but I didn't expect you to decide the heir here. You always surprise us, Lady Mary."

Mary laughed heartily at Carina's words. "I'm sorry," she said, but her voice was filled with joy, lacking any real apology.

She realized that she had been shaking the social scene since her pregnancy was announced, and this time was no different. It seemed she couldn't change that.

So, when Mary laughed, Carina smiled wryly. "That's just like you, Lady Mary," she said, her voice filled with friendship.

Next, Mary and Carina turned their gaze to Margaret, who seemed to be deep in thought. She had been muttering to herself with a serious expression, as if she had come up with an idea.

"Lady Mary and Lord Addy's child, the decision of the Albert family's heir... This marks the beginning of a new era..."

"A new era? That's quite an exaggeration, Margaret."

"Bernard will surely be inspired and decide to take the next step. This is the perfect opportunity to propose, the ultimate move to make now..."

"I like your unwavering stance, even if a new era is coming."

Mary's words, half exasperated and half friendly, made Carina laugh in response.

But their pleasant conversation came to an abrupt stop when a young voice asked, "What's the ultimate move?"

Looking up, they saw Anna, dressed in a pink dress, running towards them, followed by Eleonore in a classic dress.

Lang and the others were behind them, having guided them to this spot.

"Anna, Eleonore, welcome."

"What's the ultimate move?"

"It's the one line to win over your crush. It's most effective when delivered with the right outfit, timing, and a top-notch smile."

"Don't teach Anna strange things. Anna, these sisters are scary, let's go over there. There's cake over there."

Mary patted Anna's shoulder and coaxed her, making Margaret laugh.

Ignoring Carina's question, "What do you mean by these sisters?"—her cold and beautiful smile was indeed scary—Mary heard the sisters' playful voices from behind, "That's rude," "Yes, really."