I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 153

As befits the capital of the Empire, Hildak was brimming with sights and attractions.

Everywhere the group walked, something new was always welcoming them with open arms, and the one most excited was none other than Silvia.

“Ariel, look! That flying thing is a butterfly made with magic!”

As they passed through Monter Street, known as the artist’s street in Hildak, a scene of colorful butterflies fluttering caught her eye, igniting her enthusiasm.

Silvia immediately began to tug on Ariel’s arm, pulling her towards the butterflies.

The men, taken aback by the sudden change in direction, could only follow behind with wry smiles.

“That’s amazing. You can create living creatures with magic?”

As a butterfly gently approached her, Ariel launched into a serious discussion about magical theory, prompting Silvia to playfully smack her arm and retort.

This was quite a rare sight between the two of them.

“No, no! It’s not like that; it’s artificially created to emit light, and then it’s animated with magic!”

“Is that so? Ah, there’s an explanation written over there.”

Noticing a sign hanging in front of a plumply dressed man, Ariel finally understood and nodded.

Since creating living beings is the most taboo in magic, if someone were to actually make butterflies and parade them on the streets, they could be immediately arrested.

“They’re so shiny and pretty. Do you think we could decorate the castle with them?”

“That’s not a bad idea! But I wonder how practical it would be.”

“What’s the point of practicality in decoration? As long as it’s pretty, that’s all that matters.”

“That’s true.”

The two were engrossed in a rather deep discussion while watching the butterflies flit around.

They talked about the amount of magical power required and the estimated costs if they were to use them as decorations.

Listening in beside them, Edgar felt his head spinning from the content of their conversation.

“Anyway, it’s fascinating. Nowadays, there really is everything.”

“Ha, you’d think we were old folks.”

Seeing Ariel speak as if saying, “Things have improved a lot over the years,” Silvia couldn’t help but chuckle, while Ariel, slightly embarrassed, scratched her cheek and replied, “Did it really come across that way?”

Since she hardly ever left the castle, for her, this newfangled stuff was like stories from another world.

As they wandered past the street buzzing with butterflies, Silvia suddenly smiled mischievously and tapped Ariel on the shoulder.

“Ariel, do you know what that is?”

She pointed to an ice cream shop.

It was the first food Ariel had seen when she visited Etrelle with Edgar not long ago.

“Hah, what do you take me for? That’s ice cream!”

“Oooh, really? I thought you wouldn’t know.”

Although ice cream had recently become known due to shops popping up all over, it was still seldom seen in the relatively colder northern regions.

Thus, Silvia had thought Ariel would definitely be clueless and teased her, only to be unexpectedly met with a correct response.

“I know about that much! Do you think I just hide myself away in a castle?”

Ariel replied haughtily, lifting her nose, causing a chuckle to escape Edgar, who overheard.

It was amusing to see the former noble lady, knowing about ice cream merely because of her prior trip to Etrelle, act proud as if it were an extraordinary feat. This delightful scene was one he could relish all to himself, aside from the other two who remained oblivious to the backstory.

Meanwhile, Silvia wasn’t done yet and decided to fully capitalize on teasing Ariel.

After all, she had the perfect material to work with.

“Hey, you used to be clueless about such things. Of course, when you wanted to see Edgar, you would always be on your best behavior, flying all the way to Ardenum… Uh-oh!?”

“What, what are you blabbering about, you fool!”

Ariel hurriedly covered her mouth with both hands, glancing nervously at Edgar.

Though he already knew the facts, there was a difference in shame when it came to admitting something himself or having it exposed by someone else.

“It seems you’re quite a loud bunch while walking around.”

“Who’s not?”

Hagel smiled happily at the sight of the two bickering, while Edgar only wore a bitter smile.

It was supposed to be a double date for the four of them, but it felt more like babysitting two kids.

‘Still, it’s not bad.’

Of course, it would be nice to have a pair cozied up and share a sweet atmosphere, but Edgar found this raucous and joyful scene quite enjoyable as well.

After all, even when they were just two people, he could still relish that sense of joy, and for now, he was savoring a more spirited and lively pleasure.

Most importantly, observing those two together felt like watching a comedy, which was quite amusing.

Who would ever think they were the master of a grand duke’s house and the daughter of a prestigious count?

“Speaking of which, should we buy some ice cream now? It’s getting warm out.”

“Good idea! I was just thinking about that! Hehe.”

As soon as Edgar proposed the idea, Silvia cheered in response.

Despite living in a cold region, Silvia, who disliked warmth while preferring her warm climate, found this weather—though not overly hot—just enough to perspire slightly during their walk, making ice cream the perfect choice for her.

“Ariel, are your legs okay? Should we take a break?”

While mulling over whether to eat on the go or at the shop, Edgar casually asked Ariel, who had been walking since they got off the carriage.

“I’m fine. What’s there to complain about?”

Ariel shook her head firmly, indicating she had no issues.

Though many might assume she didn’t get out much from the castle, thanks to her regular lessons with Edgar, she was quite adept at the dance.

For someone who looked delicate, she was surprisingly resilient and certainly not the type to whine over a little walking.

Anyway, once they decided to enjoy ice cream, Hagel stepped forward to take charge.

It was quite characteristic of him to take on any inconvenient task without hesitation.

“I’ll go get the ice cream. Please wait here for a moment.”

“Should I come with you?”

As Edgar wondered whether accompanying him would make it less cumbersome to carry four ice creams, Hagel politely declined his kindness.

“No, I’m fine. It wouldn’t be right to leave the ladies alone…”

“Right, I hadn’t thought of that.”

They weren’t just any ladies either; from the perspective of outside men, they were stunning beauties, eager to strike up a conversation.

Though they could tell by their attire that they were not ordinary, there were always those who didn’t know their place.

So, just in case, Edgar decided to guard the two ladies while Hagel swiftly went off to the shop.

It’s always a hassle when many orders are involved, but fortunately, besides Silvia’s request to add some fruit, there was nothing else.

“Yawn… I feel kind of sleepy. Is it the sunlight?”

Once Hagel was out of sight, Silvia yawned loudly.

She tried to keep it small in front of her boyfriend, but that didn’t apply with these two.

Meanwhile, watching this side of Silvia, Ariel glared at her with icy eyes and teased:

“Of course you’re tired. Who told you to stay up late?”

“…Huh? Stay up late? What do you mean?”

However, Silvia widened her eyes in surprise, questioning the meaning behind Ariel’s remark, as the latter’s casual jab came off as a perplexity for her.

It was true that Silvia had stayed up late the previous night, but she pretended to go to her room first while with Hagel.

Ironically, it was Ariel who had been sticking it out in the reception room, and it simply didn’t make sense for her to be scolding Silvia about staying up late.

In other words, the fact that Ariel could taunt Silvia with such confidence meant that she knew of the particular reason for her sleeplessness.

“…Oh.”

“…”

Once that thought clicked, Ariel realized she had just made a big mistake.

Though it was much too late to take it back.

“Hehe… Ariel? What does that mean?”

“W-What do you mean?”

“Oh, come on! Are you feigning ignorance? Maybe a deep conversation between just the two of us will help you understand better?”

Silvia turned to glance at Edgar with her uniquely charming smile.

As his body trembled at that moment, she assumed there was a co-conspirator and provided an even broader smile.

Just then, Hagel returned from getting the ice cream, sensing that the atmosphere was off and discreetly halted.

“Hagel, I’m sorry, but could you give Edgar and me a moment alone? It seems I have something to discuss with my friend.”

“A discussion? Then what about this…?”

Hagel, standing there with wide eyes, pointed at the ice cream in his hands, and Silvia responded as if she had completely forgotten.

“Oh, just hand that here. I’ll be talking with Ariel alone while we eat in the shop, so why don’t you two go find something to do?”

“Y-Yeah, how long…?”

“About an hour should be enough.”

It was a short time, yet for Edgar, who wished to escape this ice-cold atmosphere, it was a welcome conversation.

Before Hagel could say anything, he threw his arm around the man and quickly moved away.

Ariel watched him with large, pleading eyes, but Edgar saw it as her own fault for being unable to keep her mouth shut, and he turned away.

“Alright, Ariel. Let’s have a nice conversation since we have some time. I’m sure there’s plenty to discuss.”

“Uh, um…”

That day, Ariel experienced the humiliation of being overshadowed by Silvia for the first time.

Usually, that’s just the way it goes for a sinner, isn’t it?