I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 121

The next day, the Robeheim Family’s army finally arrived at Whitewood.

Among them was Ariel, who had chosen to stay in Hespania.

She insisted on coming along, arguing that how could she just watch as her lover rolled into danger? If this was not permitted, she could not accept it.

However, just because she was there did not mean she would personally command the soldiers; the authority rested with Gale.

She would only need to fulfill the role of ultimate decision-maker, listening to the reports from behind the scenes.

“Did you find out where Father is?”

Upon arriving in Whitewood, a delighted expression appeared on Ariel’s face at the good news.

It turned out that they had merely tracked Yulken’s location, who arrived a day earlier.

“Yes, Ras, who was with the Prince, has brought the news.”

“Then let’s proceed as planned, Gale. I entrust everything to you.”

“Understood, Miss. This time, I will do my utmost not to disappoint you.”

Gale felt considerable shame that he couldn’t bring Yulken back himself, having served him all this time.

With that in mind, he clenched his fist, determined to ensure this matter concluded successfully.

“Who is in charge of the detachment?”

“Sir Bignes has taken it upon himself.”

Bignes was someone who had always handled fast-moving units like detachments or reinforcements under Yulken’s command.

In this plan, they organized a detachment to go rescue Edgar if he encountered danger while retrieving Yulken, and Bignes volunteered for that role.

“Could you call him over? I have something I want to say.”

“I’ll fetch him right away. Please wait a moment.”

Despite having a messenger beside him, Gale personally left the room to bring Bignes back. They were close friends, making it possible.

Before long, a man with sharp features and sandy hair entered with Gale.

Bignes immediately queried Ariel about the purpose for which he was summoned after showing his respect to her.

“I heard you called for me, Miss.”

“Sorry to pull you away when you’re busy. I have something to convey.”

“Looks like you’re starting to resemble His Highness in that regard. I don’t mind, so please go ahead.”

Yulken also used to offer a brief apology before getting to the point when urgently calling someone, which made both men smile lightly at Ariel’s similar demeanor.

“As you know, this operation can’t afford many soldiers. You understand that, right?”

“Yes, I’m aware.”

Above all, discretion was crucial.

If the movement of the detachment revealed their intentions, the infiltrator Edgar could be in life-threatening danger if the detachment’s presence was discovered and attacked.

Thus, Bignes was to be given just enough strength to safely rescue Yulken and the other two.

That number would be a little over a hundred, or perhaps even fewer.

It was about ensuring the safe return of those who had infiltrated.

Should a battle occur, there was a possibility that the detachment might fail to save themselves in the process.

Looking at Bignes, who had taken on such a role, Ariel continued with a somber expression.

“Even though you’re going for my father and my lover, I don’t think of your life as expendable.”

“I know well that you’re not such a cold person, Miss.”

Ariel found it hard to respond to Bignes’s words.

She considered herself rather cold, or perhaps very heartless.

Yet, she offered a bittersweet smile and nodded encouragingly at the subordinate who trusted her.

Although the age difference was more than twenty years, no one mentioned the awkwardness of the scene.

“…Anyway, just make sure you come back alive. I called you here just to convey that.”

“Since it will be my first order from you, I promise to come back safely.”

With a grin, Bignes offered a bow and quickly left the room.

Now that the command was given, it was time to make serious preparations.

The journey to reclaim the Master’s life.

“Gale.”

Ariel called Gale softly, who was gazing absently at the door where Bignes had exited.

He turned slightly, lowered his head, and replied.

“What is it, Miss?”

“It seems that those who stand above face their own troubles. Giving orders to someone whose fate is uncertain and having to watch them this way.”

“Your Highness must be pleased to hear that you came to this realization.”

“…Really? Then I should tell my father when he returns.”

There was much to consider and learn through this experience, from how difficult the role of successor could be to the lessons learned.

Ariel smiled bitterly, realizing there were many things to convey upon her father’s return.

Normally, a particular man who would have lightened the mood with a joke would have been sitting next to her at times like this, and how she missed that now.

‘The tea has gone cold.’

She used to enjoy drinking even cold tea quite a bit.

Today, though, it felt too bitter to sip.

She thought it was truly whimsical how the body fluctuated with feelings.

* * * * * * *

The next day, Edgar scrutinized the ins and outs of Whitewood, having discovered Yulken’s location.

He had to make a swift escape in the best direction once rescued while also sending a heads-up to Ariel’s side beforehand to ensure reinforcements could arrive.

“I still need to venture quite a distance.”

Stepping outside the castle with Ras to survey the surroundings, Edgar rested his chin in thought.

While the northern region is usually rugged, Whitewood was notably complicated even among them.

Considering the impossibility of escaping through the castle gates, scaling the castle walls or taking a different route was necessary.

The issue was that it was quite far to anywhere a reinforcer might come.

Especially with guards stationed atop the walls, the reinforcements would need some hiding spots nearby, but there seemed to be nothing suitable.

“The layout is pretty peculiar.”

“Whitewood is originally like that. The most feasible route seems to be heading towards the northeastern exit after rescuing His Highness…”

“Is there an exit in that direction?”

According to what Edgar had heard, Whitewood only had entry points through its southern and northern castle gates.

So he had been planning to scale the castle walls; if an exit existed, it would certainly increase their options.

“Yes, it’s quite a secret passageway. It should be safe if they haven’t caught wind of it yet. But the problem is…”

“…If they are aware of that passage’s existence, they won’t let their guard down.”

“That’s right.”

Since he had sent a letter to Ariel, the attack would soon begin in earnest.

At that point, they would heighten their vigilance even more during wartime.

While they intended to attempt stealthy infiltration with a small number of personnel, it also meant there was a risk that the secret passage could be blocked by this newfound attention.

“Is it very discreet?”

“Yes, it is almost invisible to the general public. It’s an exit made by Lord Melvick in case of emergencies.”

“Hmm…?”

As Ras explained, Edgar’s thoughts deepened.

It would have been easier if the spot were visible enough to disguise himself as a commoner to check it out, but since it’s discreet, he could attract suspicion if spotted.

Of course, if the foreign ethnic groups were unaware of the existence of that exit, it would be the best-case scenario.

“Can we keep an eye on it from atop the castle walls?”

“That would be difficult. Moreover, from what I saw earlier, there seem to be restrictions on the castle walls allowing only commoners to access certain areas.”

“Tsk, that’s disappointing.”

Edgar felt it was unfortunate that his attempts to choose the safest route were thwarted, and he made a regretful expression as he re-entered the castle.

While outsiders weren’t checked when leaving, returning ones had to have their identities verified, so he could only take longer routes.

“What a strange procedure.”

It was hard to distinguish whether the vigilance was tight or not.

That ended up being welcome news for Edgar, as the ease of exiting was a positive point.

“For now, I think the last spot I saw is the most suitable. The guards were most lax there, so in case of an emergency, I can escort His Highness to escape.”

“You also considered the secret exit in that choice.”

“That seems to be the best route.”

Edgar decided on a hillside northeast outside the castle as a rendezvous point with the reinforcements.

Not only was there a huge tree that was quite visible from afar, but even if they met at night, it would be easy to identify each other.

Moreover, the secret exit Ras mentioned was also in that direction, so if all went well, it would allow them to escape easily with Yulken.

“Then I’ll contact the Miss right away. When would be a good time?”

“I think it would be best to reach out after things settle down a bit inside the castle.”

“Good call. I’ll inform them that the timing shall be determined on our end.”

“Then let’s plan to meet here when the sun sets.”

With that, they set a time to meet, and Ras briefly parted ways with Edgar.

Confirming Ras’s disappearance, Edgar returned to the castle, setting out to explore alone.

It was always less noticeable to go as one rather than two, and even if wards surrounded key locations, he could infiltrate easily.

With not much time left until sunset, he couldn’t explore too deeply, but he still needed to gather at least minimal information.

“I miss Ariel.”

Trying to shake off thoughts of her face that he longed for more than usual today, Edgar hurriedly moved his legs.

Now the real beginning had started. There was no time even for a short break.