I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 102

The man who appeared in the hall seemed to announce his identity with a single scar on his face.

As the crowd scrutinized him, some felt their breath catch simply from Yulken’s imposing presence.

Moreover, the impression he gave off was far from being cold or blunt.

If I had to express it, “iron-blooded” might be the term that fits.

As he exuded the might of one who had protected this rough northern land, the overwhelming presence distracted the men and women of this year’s adulthood.

“I apologize for the interruption while you were enjoying yourselves.”

Yulken calmly absorbed the countless gazes directed at him and ascended the modestly arranged stage.

Offering a brief apology for interrupting the young folk’s good time.

“Oh, no! Your Highness!”

At this, a man from the crowd unintentionally reacted without thinking.

Knowing that silence was the virtue in such moments, the man hurriedly covered his mouth and bowed in apology, but Yulken didn’t mind at all and flashed a light smile.

No, it wasn’t just indifference; he felt a sense of gratitude.

After all, he also found it tedious during his youth to listen to adults’ lectures and words of wisdom.

Of course, the credibility of those giving such words could vary, depending on who it was, and the audience’s focus could also change, but generally, it tended to be that way.

Being well aware of this, he had tried to avoid such situations as much as possible.

He simply thought it would be sufficient just to celebrate that the young ones had reached adulthood and to enjoy the moment together.

However, even if he was the ruler of the north, pillow talk was always fearsome.

Just the other day, Helene had hinted that he should say at least a word during the event, leading him to eventually step out.

“I believe everyone knows my name, but since there are many who are new to this, allow me to introduce myself. I am Yulken Robeheim, the heir of the Robeheim Family.”

Yulken, who had walked in alone without even a common attendant, introduced himself before starting his speech.

Among those in high society, it wouldn’t be surprising if anyone didn’t know his name, but nonetheless, it was one of the most important acts before engaging in conversation.

“……”

Clap, clap, clap—

In response, those gathered could do nothing but offer enthusiastic applause.

What else could they possibly say?

Even if they knew it, they couldn’t exactly state the fact, nor could they whistle casually as if watching a street band’s performance.

But even if they couldn’t cheer him extravagantly, their applause was genuine.

The rulers of the great houses had many who had left their marks throughout history, but among them, Yulken Robeheim was a figure worthy of being included in the epics.

About 20 years ago, when those present were not even born yet,

He was a hero among heroes who never retreated in the fierce battles against the foreign tribes and had defended the north.

Just the poems, writings, and paintings that poured forth to commemorate his achievements at that time were numerous.

It was said that even the proud heads of various families often shook their heads in awe and instructed their children to genuinely respect Yulken Robeheim above all others.

“Felix, this can’t really be a dream, can it?”

“I know how you feel, but calm down. My legs are shaking too, but I’m holding it together.”

If the feelings that the women held for him were admiration, the men looking up at Yulken genuinely felt awe.

Especially for those whose fathers had returned from the battlefields or who might have experienced that war 20 years ago.

Seeing a person who had previously only existed in legends told by their fathers become a reality.

“His presence… it’s on another level. No, it’s like he’s a different species altogether.”

“You idiot, what if His Highness hears you?”

“That’s not what I meant! It came from a place of respect.”

For a moment, voices began to murmur among the silent crowd, but Yulken deliberately ignored it, cleared his throat, and quietly opened his mouth once more.

As soon as he did, the whispering voices that had started to rise quickly faded away.

He understood perfectly that the moment his words were interrupted, the pressure from those around him would be no joke.

“I consider it an honor to have gathered you here who are coming of age this year. This is not mere flattery; I sincerely feel this way.”

“It is an honor for us, Your Highness!”

“Indeed!”

In response to Yulken’s humble words, his followers chimed in from all around.

They wanted to express their respect as long as they didn’t interrupt him.

And knowing this, those around nodded in agreement rather than giving them disapproving looks.

Yulken’s lips turned up into a content smile, and he shook his head slightly, adding,

“I am like the setting sun. You are the new rising sun that will lead this nation. Merely gathering you here to share greetings is truly an honor for me.”

Although the formal owner of this nation was the Emperor, Yulken’s values he had cherished throughout were slightly different.

He believed that in the end, whether it be him, the Emperor, or the heads of the prominent families in various regions, they were ultimately just fading suns.

The ones who would lead the nation would inevitably be the new blood that arises, and this was true in every era.

Just as he would soon pass the mantle of the family’s legacy to Ariel and quietly step back, every cycle followed such a law.

This coming-of-age ceremony was essentially a gathering of the new masters of the nation.

Boys and girls who had only been observing their parents’ work would now step onto the starting line where they would hold their own pens.

That was why he had readily decided to host this event and take the stage.

Though he was the master of the grand family, he was ultimately a minister of the nation, and they were to become the new masters of this land.

Celebrating their bright futures was, in a way, his duty too.

“Is there anyone who feels this place is too heavy?”

While reciting words of encouragement, Yulken paused and suddenly posed a question.

Understanding that he wasn’t referring to facing him but to the ceremony itself, a few in the crowd carefully raised their hands.

Among them was Sally, standing next to Ariel, and the other three beside her looked at her with surprised expressions.

“Ah, I see. If it’s not too rude, may I ask those who raised their hands for your reasons?”

“…Because I still do not understand what it means to become an adult.”

One of the young women dressed in a light pink dress spoke up with courage.

Though it might have sounded somewhat vague, it was enough to draw an amazed reaction from Yulken.

“Oh, that’s a fine observation. In my youth, I too harbored such questions.”

What does it mean to come of age?

When Yulken was in his green years, around fifteen or sixteen, he had also asked his father this.

What is it about becoming an adult that warrants a celebration through a coming-of-age ceremony?

What changes when one becomes an adult compared to now?

Even if his father would provide an answer, it would be a bittersweet smile, suggesting he wouldn’t fully understand.

Eventually, without any notable realization, Yulken also underwent the coming-of-age ceremony and gradually found his own realizations, which he wished to share with those present today.

“What I’m about to say doesn’t necessarily need to be etched into your ears. It is merely a cautious word of advice, hoping you do not become confused as you step into adulthood.”

Yulken took a moment to gather his thoughts and then cleared his throat before continuing.

Everyone gathered in the hall promised to pay close attention to his every word.

“A coming-of-age ceremony is simply a process that provides an opportunity for a change of heart. Even if one celebrates their 19th year, some reflect on their position and gather their thoughts, while others may still waste time, remaining in their youthful state.”

Based on the footprints of their lives, some gradually grow mentally, while others do not.

Yulken believed this difference arose between those who recognized they had become adults and those who did not.

And this process was merely a modest gathering called the coming-of-age ceremony.

“So what is the difference between the two? It lies in reflecting on one’s life. Those who raised their hands just now probably started thinking along those lines as they participated in this event. They might be wondering what kind of change will occur just because they’re having the coming-of-age ceremony.”

In response to his words, most of those who had raised their hands nodded as if they were in agreement.

Some exchanged looks, surprised at how they had aligned their thoughts, eagerly asking each other with their eyes, ‘You too?’

“Some believe that merely having a coming-of-age ceremony means they will automatically become adults, gain experience, and become like the parents they respect. However, I want to tell you this.”

Yulken paused to gather his thoughts and cast his gaze around, wearing a gentle smile.

At the end of his gaze stood a pair of young men and women lovingly supporting each other.

Hoping that he could be of some help to his own daughter and that young man, he uttered his final words.

“Do not rush. But do not remain stagnant either. Understand that there will come a time when you will shift from being led in your position to leading someone else. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t have to happen right now, nor is there any need to urgently race forward.”

Becoming an adult means carrying both obligations and rights.

But Yulken knew that there was no need for one to grasp that too early, nor could one remain childlike forever.

“Do not be crushed by a sense of duty, but do not attempt to wield your rights recklessly. This is what I wanted to convey to you.”

Finally expressing his genuine wishes for their coming of age, Yulken took a step back.

Hoping that the fresh sprouts gathered here would move toward the right direction.

Even though he had never prayed to gods on the battlefield when his comrades were dying, if such beings existed, he could only wish for them to fulfill his hopes.