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Upon hearing that the bone would need to be rebroken and realigned, the room’s atmosphere grew heavier with sympathy and concern for Ryan.
Sighing, Edward asked, “When will the surgery be performed? We can come over to help care for him. Or if you’re busy with wedding preparations, we can keep Ryan here at Highcrest Estate.”
Sophie replied, “Sebastian mentioned that Ryan is still weak. He hasn’t been eating well for a long time, which caused severe damage to his digestive system and depleted his energy. He will need some time to recover before we can proceed with the surgery.”
She glanced around at the gathering in the spacious hall, where everyone from the Klein family was present.
my
She continued, “It would be better for Ryan to stay with me. Although I’m preparing for my wedding, it’s second marriage and doesn’t require extensive preparations. Northwatch Estate is quiet and suitable for his recovery. Furthermore…”
Her voice grew more somber. “I discussed it with Prince Rafael. After our wedding, we will bring Ryan to live with us at Hell Monarch Estate. Ryan has come to trust His Highness. After all, His Highness rescued Ryan from that den of wolves.
“Once Ryan is in better health, His Highness will arrange for a prestigious tutor for him. My mother always hoped that her grandchildren would focus on scholarly pursuits rather than martial skills. Ryan won’t need to exert himself too much-as long as he maintains good character and acquires a decent education, he can pass the peerage examination. With the duke’s title, he will be assured of a lifetime of wealth and security.”
At first, everyone was taken aback by the idea of Ryan moving to Hell Monarch Estate.
It was unusual for a woman to bring her nephew with her to her new home after her marriage.
However, Rafael had agreed, and living at Hell Monarch Estate would indeed broaden Ryan’s horizons. Even if Ryan only held a ceremonial title in the future, he needed to have a proper perspective.
Yet…
Ingrid held her chest as she looked at her grandson, and then expressed her concerns.
“The only worry is that once he moves to Hell Monarch Estate, it will be harder for us to see him. I’ve also heard that Helen will be living at Hell Monarch Estate, and I’m concerned…”
Ingrid didn’t voice her concerns aloud, but everyone understood that she was worried Helen might make things difficult for Ryan.
Although the Klein family had rarely attended social gatherings over the past two years, they were still somewhat aware of outside events. They knew about Sophie’s situation, though they chose not to delve deeply into it.
It was common knowledge that Helen was not entirely pleased with Sophie as a daughter-in-law. Bringing Ryan along might only increase Helen’s displeasure.
“I will always prioritize Ryan’s well-being. If Helen cannot accept him, then I will return to Northwatch Estate. I assure you, Ryan will not suffer any grievances,” Sophie said.
However, her assurances did little to ease the concern of those present. After all, a woman marrying a second time and not receiving the favor of her mother-in-law would undoubtedly face daily challenges. Even if Rafael was fair and just, the strain between mother and wife could become burdensome over time.
Edward’s brother, Elliot Klein, said, “Actually, it would be best if Ryan could stay here at Highcrest Estate. With so many of us to care for him, he would be well-protected and would certainly not suffer any undue hardship. As for finding a prestigious tutor, we can arrange that ourselves.”
With these words, everyone nodded in agreement.
After her initial excitement, Ingrid’s emotions began to calm. Though she wished Ryan could always be by her side, her life experiences had taught her to think more long-term.
Holding Ryan close, her dark, wide robe spread out like a mother hen’s wings protecting her chick. Then, she said softly, “Ryan is to inherit a title in the future, and he’s the only son left in the Duke of Northwatch’s family. The Klein family will support him wholeheartedly. However, our support alone isn’t enough. If he stays with Prince Rafael and is occasionally introduced to various circles and influential people, it will be more beneficial than all the efforts we could put in.”
She then looked at Sophie and added, “I also don’t agree with what you said earlier. Ryan shouldn’t be a mere idle noble. He had an esteemed grandfather, father, and uncles who were all heroes in their own right. Even if he may not surpass his grandfather and father, he must strive to do his best and not tarnish their reputation or the name of the Duke of Northwatch.”
Ingrid then looked at Ryan and said, “No matter whether you can achieve it or not, you must put in your best effort. If you do your best and still don’t succeed, no one will blame you. But if you don’t put in the effort, you will be ashamed to face your grandfather, father, and uncles.”
Ryan looked up at his great-grandmother, and nodded vigorously.
He mouthed silently, “Understood!”
With tears welling up in her eyes, Ingrid hugged him tightly. “The Klein family will always be your support. We will always stand by you.”
Cuddled in his great-grandmother’s embrace, Ryan was as obedient as a little kitten.
Sophie thought about it, and realized that Ingrid’s perspective was indeed far-sighted. A noble title without the capability to back it up would only attract envy. No one could protect Ryan forever; only by being capable and self-sufficient could he stand firm in the world of power and influence.
This was the true message Ingrid wanted to
Copy. She wanted Ryan to take his grandfather and father as examples and to be motivated by their legacy.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Suddenly, Sophia stood up.
“Lady Devin and Ryan will have dinner here before they leave. I’ll immediately ask the kitchen to prepare more delicious dishes.”
Although Sophie hadn’t planned on having dinner there, it was obvious the Klein family wanted Ryan here for dinner. She was happy to comply with their wish and allow them to see him a little longer. Sophia was indeed skilled at managing the household. Within just two hours, she had arranged several tables, and all the family members gathered to share a meal together. Even Ingrid joined them and seemed rejuvenated after the dinner.
After they had eaten and talked for a while, Sophie and Ryan left.
Ingrid called everyone to the main hall. Her eyes, once clouded, now sparkled with clarity.
She instructed her children and grandchildren, “With Sophie getting married, the Klein family should assist with the wedding preparations and prepare a generous dowry. We must keep in touch with her frequently.
“You all need to be more active in social engagements-attend banquets and gatherings as and when you need to. Don’t isolate yourselves as you did before. Build connections and networks. My great- grandson will be inheriting a title, and he needs influential support!”
“Yes, ma’am!” Her children and grandchildren, daughters-in-law, and sons-in-law all responded in unison.
The next day, the Klein family sent over Ryan’s favorite dishes. They also mentioned that the ladies of the house were busy with their needlework, making clothes, shoes, and socks for him. The Klein family was clearly showing their love and care for Ryan through their actions.
Ryan finally felt at ease. His maternal grandparent’s family didn’t despise him. In fact, they were genuinely concerned about him.
Today, Sebastian personally came over again, saying he wanted to check Ryan’s pulse one more time, just in case he had missed something.
Given his medical expertise, Sebastian had already understood everything from the diagnosis the day before. His thoroughness could only be attributed to how much he cared about the bloodline of the Duke of Northwatch’s family.
After Sebastian left, Rafael arrived with Dylan in tow. Rafael told Sophie that he was there to visit Ryan and to bond with him.
Ryan was thrilled to see Rafael. He even showed him the inkpots Anthony had gifted him, and generously offered to give Rafael one as well.
Rafael accepted with a smile, and taught Ryan how to use the proper wrist technique to write for a while before excusing himself to speak with Sophie.
As Rafael, tall and graceful, walked over to Sophie, he playfully waved the item in his hand in front of her and said with a grin, “He was actually willing to gift me an Ebonwood inkpot. Such generosity!” Sophie chuckled, and called for coffee. “He’s being generous with someone else’s gift. This was from his eldest uncle.”
“The Klein family must have been overjoyed, right?” Rafael asked as he sat down, placing the inkpot aside.
Sophie recalled the scene from the day before and replied, “At first, they didn’t believe it. But once they saw him, they were overwhelmed with excitement.”
Rafael remarked, “The Klein family is passionate and sincere, though a bit obsessive. Don’t let it bother you.”
“Why would I?” Sophie smiled, watching as Rafael picked up the inkpot again and began to play with it. The thought of Meadow Ridge crossed her mind. She had been so focused on Ryan that she hadn’t asked about it. “Your Highness, when you went to Meadow Ridge, what did my master say?” “He was hesitant at first, but once my master spoke to him, he had no objections.”