Can he just talk to ayrin

He likely isn't saying anything because he fears Ayrin will choose Collins

I didn't think of that, but you have a great point. Wizard Collins did make a valid argument, when he realized that she became dear to him and wasn't just one his many entertainment ploys (which now I suspect has some grief attached from his wife) he should have applied for adoption right then an there or when he was going mad looking for her, so that she know just how serious he was...that would have been before their other adoption request. （￣へ￣）

Duke Etam finally talked to Wizard Collins in his expected rude fashion, but things would have went smoother had he brought Ayrin so that she could say where/who she wanted to stay with and call daddy. Also, if Aylin had visited the Collin's manor to let them know she was safe and unharmed and told him that she has family and home to go back to...while consoling Richard then this strange unwarranted parental battle wouldn't go on and on. Also, I wonder why there wasn't any speculation about the birth of his 3rd child at some point?

i could see that. i feel like he is still insecure about his relationship with ayrin, seeing as she did leave once. maybe if he adopted her first it'll be a "harder" proof/evidence/reason why ayrin needs to stay with him.

i agree that ayrin should've atleast contacted all the people who offered her safety and told them she's fine and explain things. Not just to duke collins, but also to the orphanage head. I just want this parental battle to be over >.<

I dont remember much from the earlier chapters lmao but I thought the wife died with the 3rd child. Actually, now that I think about it, was it ever stated how the wife died? damn do i need to reread TT TT

Supposedly she died delivering young duke etam’s 3rd child. She believed she was going to have a girl and hoped that he wouldn’t feel lonely (I mean he has 2 sons) but there was also the thought that there’s something special about daughters and he’d change. Not much else was said about grieving his wife or what happened to their child. But putting pieces together we have a toddler roaming around who seems to fit the bill of the long lost child.