Chapter 101: The girl has a family... What is it? (3)
Despite Ihan’s visibly sour expression, the marquis only seemed to find it all the more amusing, grinning with genuine enjoyment.
That was just how serious he was.
“I want you to be my son.”
This wasn’t some offhand offer to adopt him as a ward, like Revi; he was proposing for Ihan to take on the name of [Tristan]—to be given a name with centuries of history. In other words, he was offering Ihan the qualifications to be his successor.
“This isn’t just about qualifications either. I have no children of my own, and none among the collateral branches are sharp enough to carry on the full legacy of Tristan. The closest might have been Vale, but he gave up his rights to the inheritance when he joined the knights’ order. So, if you accept, you’d become first in line, heir to the Tristan marquisate! Such an opportunity doesn’t come twice.”
It was a rare and tempting offer that would sway nearly anyone, even those indifferent to wealth or power.
But for Ihan...
“No, really, thanks, but I’ll pass.”
“.......”
“Just so you don’t think I’m playing hard to get—I genuinely don’t want it.”
“Do you think you’re dismissing Tristan too lightly?”
“It’s not that. I just find the whole idea of calling you ‘Dad’ rather nauseating.”