One Day, I Picked Up a Mom - Chapter 77

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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One Day I Picked Up a Mother – Episode 77

Were those tears?

“Why….”

Ludrio felt displeasure beyond bewilderment at the Countess’s sudden reaction and took a step back.

Adelaide Rharhart.

She was a woman who hadn’t shed a single tear even on the day her own daughter returned as a cold corpse.

But now.

Her eyes were glistening with tears.

“How extraordinary.”

The Countess murmured low in a wet voice.

“Truly extraordinary.”

She wiped around her eyes with very neat and quick gestures.

Because of this, the tears quickly disappeared without a trace, but even so, she couldn’t erase the reddened complexion.

Why on earth….

“To think words asking me not to leave would come from your mouth, when you’ve been busy pushing me away your whole life.”

At the self-deprecating smile that hung on her lips, Ludrio’s brow furrowed terribly.

“What do you mean.”

His recent suggestion had never come from a desire to improve their relationship.

It had simply been a thoroughly calculated proposal.

“Ha? You seem to be gravely mistaken. I certainly didn’t mean it that way.”

He found this situation absolutely terrible, where his true intentions were being misunderstood and packaged as filial piety or affection.

“Never mind. Forget what I just said and do as you originally intended.”

Ludrio passed by the Countess and went up the stairs.

Even knowing that the Countess’s gaze was persistently following him from behind, he never once looked back.

Ludrio couldn’t contain his twisted mood and roughly rubbed the back of his neck.

Even if he had made a brief mistake due to lack of sleep, what on earth was wrong with her?

He then quickly mulled over his words from just before.

But he still couldn’t understand.

He was amazed at how arrogant and self-centered a person could be to shamelessly misinterpret his words as a grandson’s plea lamenting their parting.

At the same time, fierce regret washed over him.

“Haah….”

There wasn’t a single helpful aspect to her.

From the day she stayed to the very day she was leaving.

* * *

Knock knock.

At the sound of someone knocking on the study door, Ludrio glanced at the clock.

It wasn’t time for Hark to visit yet.

“Come….”

As Ludrio was turning pages of documents and opening his mouth, the voice from beyond the door made his thoughts freeze.

“Count, it’s Luna.”

“…!”

Ludrio’s shoulders visibly flinched.

Hastily raising his head, he frowned while looking at the tightly closed door.

After clearing his voice once, he spoke slowly.

“…Come in.”

The door opened and Luna entered carefully.

Ludrio wondered whether he should get up and go to the couch or stay seated as he was.

She drew closer and closer, and still unable to make a decision, Ludrio kept rubbing the corner of some innocent documents.

“I have something I’d like to ask you.”

It was Luna who spoke first.

She looked at Ludrio with the same calm gaze as usual.

No, she seemed even calmer than usual.

“…Should we move to a different spot?”

“Oh, no. I don’t think it will take very long. If you’re busy, should I come back later?”

When Luna stopped walking after noticing the documents in his hands, Ludrio finally put down what he was holding and shook his head.

“No, I’m not busy.”

His hastily spoken voice was a little louder than usual.

Ludrio was startled by his own tone and cleared his throat while pushing the pile of documents aside.

“Speak comfortably.”

As Ludrio said this, his mind was working busily.

Trying to guess even a little what reason Luna might have for seeking him out.

Unable to wait for that brief moment when her words would begin.

“Iban said he wants to go to the zoo together.”

“Ah….”

At those words, a small sigh escaped from Ludrio’s lips.

He had thought she came to dissuade the Dowager Countess from leaving because of yesterday’s incident or the awkwardness it created.

Like she had in the dining room.

“He must have heard about the zoo at yesterday’s banquet. He’s looking forward to it, and since he’s at an age full of curiosity, I thought it would be a good experience, so I came to ask if we could go together.”

But the zoo.

Who would have thought she came to talk about wanting to go to the zoo with Iban.

“Yes, I’ll tell the servant.”

Ludrio was momentarily flustered but quickly answered.

“If you decide on a preferred time or day and let him know, he’ll take care of the rest.”

“Oh, that’s not what I meant.”

Luna, who had been quietly listening to his words, quickly shook her head.

“The three of us. The child said he wants to go with you, Count.”

“…The three of us.”

For a moment, Ludrio’s fingertips hesitated. Then he quickly examined Luna’s expression.

Was it really okay for him to go?

Did she really want to go with him?

However, he couldn’t find any particular reluctance on Luna’s face.

“If you come with us, Iban will be truly delighted.”

As if there was no lie in what she was saying now, her eyes were crystal clear without the slightest waver.

“…Alright.”

Ludrio eventually found himself nodding.

‘I have no intention of making either you or Iban uncomfortable with such half-hearted emotions. This relationship started because of Iban in the first place, and I have no intention of taking anything away from the child.’

It was because he remembered her words about not wanting to take anything away from Iban.

Luna probably wanted him to play the role of Iban’s father.

The corners of Luna’s mouth curved up faintly.

“Then when would be good?”

“Tomorrow is fine with me. I can make time for that kind of outing anytime.”

“Please let me know once it’s decided.”

At her words, Ludrio quietly nodded.

“I’ll tell Iban about it.”

“…Alright.”

“Well then.”

As if that was all she had to say, she gave a light bow and turned around without hesitation, leaving the study.

Ludrio couldn’t take his eyes off Luna until her skirt hem completely disappeared beyond the threshold.

Silence settled with the sound of the door closing.

Ludrio stared at the door where she had disappeared for a long while, then rubbed his eyebrows several times and sank deep into his chair.

I hadn’t thought she would come to me first to initiate a conversation.

Contrary to my worries, Luna was very composed.

‘…I’m not asking you to do anything about it. I won’t do anything either.’

Just as she said, nothing had changed from usual.

She said what needed to be said and gave the necessary greetings.

Her demeanor was reassuring, yet at the same time, it made me worry even more.

Even though there wasn’t really anything I could do for her.

Still, this must be the right way.

This is how things gradually get sorted out.

“….”

He fidgeted with the fountain pen on his desk before setting it back down.

So I won’t meddle unnecessarily, and for now, I’ll only go as far as she allows.

I planned to wait at whatever distance Luna wanted.

It seemed like that was the best I could do for her.

I belatedly turned my gaze back to the documents, but strangely, not a single word registered.

This continued until some time later, when an excited Iban burst into the study without even knocking, wanting to confirm a date.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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