Demonic Witches Harem: Having Descendants Make Me Overpowered!-Chapter 72: Dalia & Ezra Dilemma

Instead of the joy Claude expected, Dalia's expression twisted into a deep frown. Her face paled, fear creeping into her features.

It was as if, in that instant, her morals had resurfaced—reminding her that their relationship was anything but ordinary.

Claude's excitement plummeted. "What's wrong, Mother?"

She opened her mouth, but her voice was barely above a whisper. "T-That's… that can't be."

Her hands trembled slightly as she clutched the sheets. "We… we can't, Claude. This…" She trailed off, unable to finish.

But Claude understood. Dalia had been human once.

He knew all too well that her morality had been shaped by human society—where what they had would be considered unnatural, even forbidden.

He tightened his grip on her hand. "Mother… are you not happy to be carrying my child?"

His voice lowered, laced with something unreadable. "Do you want to get rid of it?"

Her breath hitched. "Of course not!" she blurted, shaking her head. "It's not like that, Claude! I—I want to be happy. I am."

Yet, her voice wavered with hesitation. "But… is it really alright? Won't your people judge you? You're their king, after all."

Claude chuckled softly. "Dalia, in daemon society, there's nothing strange about our relationship. No one will care." He squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"And besides…" his lips curled into a teasing grin, "didn't you always say you wanted to give me a little brother? Now you're giving me both a brother and a child at the same time."

Dalia let out a sharp breath before weakly hitting his chest. "Don't say things like that."

Still, a small, reluctant smile crept onto her lips as she lowered her hand to rest over her still-flat stomach. A faint warmth flickered in her gaze.

"I just… I hope this child grows up happy."

Claude leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. "They will." His voice was firm, unwavering.

"I'll make sure they're given all the love they deserve."

Dalia kissed him back, her initial fear melting into something new—an unfamiliar but undeniable excitement.

She was carrying the child of the man she loved most in this world.

***

Claude had prepared something truly special for Dalia—something deeply significant to daemon society, something that defined their very identity.

A name. More specifically, a surname.

For too long, he had endured Keira referring to her as Dalia Easton—a name that once belonged to Enzo.

The mere reminder of that man grated on his nerves, making his blood boil. It was time to erase that name from her existence and give her one worthy of standing by his side.

When he brought the matter to the court, they didn't seem to object. If anything, their perception of Claude had shifted after the Game of Honor.

More nobles had begun to respect him, making fewer waves than before.

Of course, Eldrich remained a thorn in his side—his opposition was as relentless as ever. If anything, the old man had become even more active in criticizing him, which only pleased Claude further. It was proof that his rule was forcing change.

In the midst of court proceedings, Eldrich suddenly stood, his voice carrying across the hall.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on your concubine's pregnancy! This is a legendary day, worthy of celebration!"

Claude, already in high spirits, gave a pleased nod. "Oh, I will celebrate it—both with a small garden party and a formal ceremony."

Applause erupted across the court as nobles joined in offering their congratulations. The discussion soon returned to pressing matters—namely, Ezra's current struggles.

Ranon was the first to speak, his voice sharp with urgency. "Your Majesty, Ezra is completely unfit for this position! The common folk have been protesting, and they refuse to cooperate with him!"

"We have already agreed to your ministry and policies, even when they are… unconventional. But this—this is beyond reason!"

His brow glistened with cold sweat as he rubbed his temple, stealing glances at Claude for his reaction.

Of course, just because Claude was in a good mood didn't mean he would extend kindness to the court.

Claude's eyes narrowed. "Then tell me, Ezra—what will you do about it?"

Though Ezra was a trusted subordinate and the best candidate for the role, Claude knew better than to coddle him. This was a test—a chance for Ezra to prove his worth.

Ezra remained unshaken despite the hostility from half the court. "Your Majesty, give me more time—a week. That should be enough." His tone was calm, resolute.

Ranon, however, refused to back down. "No! Your Majesty, it's already been a week since he made the same promise! We can't afford any more delays!"

He cast a quick glance at Eldrich, silently urging him to intervene, but the old noble merely remained silent, watching.

Claude drummed his fingers against the table, deep in thought. Ranon had a point—they were running out of time.

Finally, he exhaled. "Fine. Five days." He raised his hand, displaying five fingers. "If you can't convince them in that time, it's over."

Ezra bowed without hesitation. "Yes, Your Majesty! I will not fail you."

After the court meeting ended, Ezra was the last to leave the chamber. As he pushed open the heavy doors, he was met with an unwelcome sight—Eldrich, standing just outside, as if waiting for him.

Ezra's expression darkened, his brows furrowing in irritation. Without a word, he turned sharply, intending to walk past without acknowledging the man.

"Ezra!" Eldrich called, his voice firm. "Why do you keep refusing my help? I can restore your House's honor!"

The words made Ezra halt abruptly. He slowly turned, his eyes burning with resentment.

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"Enough, Eldrich!" he snapped.

"Do you really think I would ever accept your help? Do you expect me to forget everything? The House you love the most is the one that destroyed mine!"

His voice trembled with anger as he took a step closer. "Where were you back then? Why now? Why offer help only after my House has crumbled? If you truly wanted to help, why didn't you step in when we were on the verge of ruin?"

Eldrich opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. He wanted to defend himself, to explain that he had been a coward—that he had chosen silence rather than risk being dragged into the conflict. But the words never came.

Instead, his voice turned cold. "I'm not helping you out of goodwill, Ezra," he stated, his tone sharp. "Don't forget—you killed my family."

Ezra's fists clenched at his sides, but he remained silent.

"This is for His Majesty," Eldrich continued, his voice unwavering.

"Do you realize how close you are to tarnishing his name? He appointed you, Ezra. And if you fail, he will bear the consequences. Consider my offer carefully."

For a long moment, Ezra said nothing. His jaw tightened, his expression unreadable. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and walked away, his emotions a tangled mess.

From the shadows, a hidden figure observed the tense exchange.

"Hmph… seems like I can't use him anymore."