I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 137

The guests watching that astonishing scene all shared similar sentiments.

“Isn’t this just like a pre-wedding ceremony… Haha.”

“Indeed. Who would have known that the princess… no, His Highness would be so proactive?”

“Seeing her shy afterward reminded me of my granddaughter… Although she’s inherited the title of a Grand Duke, it seems she still has some innocence left in her.”

No one dared to voice their disapproval about the frivolity of the sudden kiss amidst such solemnity.

Of course, the fact that they were in the Robeheim Family’s main hall played a role, but in their eyes, she appeared only as a cute girl overflowing with possessiveness.

Most attendees were either heads of noble families or at least in the age range to have one or two children of their own.

“I certainly couldn’t have been as bold as that when I was young… The youth these days are so spirited.”

“That’s true. I used to think it was good for men to be proactive, but watching this made my heart race. How silly of me at my age.”

“What does age matter? We are still in our prime!”

Such positive reactions weren’t limited to the men.

The ladies of the noble families, who always liked to gather and gossip in social circles, were also feeling the flutter of youthful emotions stirred up by what they had just witnessed.

In particular, some reflected on how they had not been as bold with their husbands during their own courtship.

They realized anew today that merely sitting quietly and hoping for something to happen wouldn’t do.

“I need to tell my daughter what happened today when we get back. She’s been complaining that a man she likes has appeared lately…”

Had Ariel heard this, she would have clung to her mother’s legs, adamantly insisting it be kept quiet, but unfortunately, she was not present, leaving no way to intervene.

All she could do was remain cooped up in the castle, unaware that her actions were being passed around like a legendary tale.

Meanwhile, a light-haired woman chimed in to agree with Lady Lepenia’s remarks.

This was timely, as her own daughter had recently said something similar.

“So Lady Lepenia feels the same way.”

“Oh my, then what about Lady Vendit…?”

“Don’t even get me started. Recently, after my father took me to visit a closely-knit family, I could see she was completely smitten.”

Women, no matter their age, always take love affairs seriously.

If the conversation can resonate with them, it becomes even more engaging.

As each hostess began to share stories about their daughters or their own experiences of romance, the atmosphere naturally lightened.

Most of them weren’t well acquainted with one another, yet that didn’t hinder the cheerful atmosphere.

Whether Ariel wanted it or not, her presence had sparked a lively conversation among the previously awkward guests.

Although the topic was likely one she would prefer to avoid, the important thing was that the ambiance had perked up.

* * * * * * *

Ariel truly believed she had no regrets about her actions this time.

While there might have been a hint of impulsiveness in the act, she felt it had firmly declared her claim over him to the world. She genuinely thought it was a good deal.

“Wow, Ariel. You did well! You were so bold today!”

“…….”

However, her miss was not considering the variables right in front of her, which was a bitter regret.

“…Where did you leave your man?”

“Huh? I told him to wait outside for a bit. After doing something like that, it would be awkward to meet.”

“Tch.”

Ariel clicked her tongue at Silvia, who was showing unnecessary concern.

If only Hagel had been there, she could have had some hope that he would have stopped Silvia.

But now that hope lay shattered, and there was no one trustworthy around her. The reason being…

“So Edgar, how did you feel?”

“I, well…”

Today, even Edgar found himself in Silvia’s crosshairs, leaving no room for his assistance.

“If you just came to tease, you should go back. I have to meet Father soon, and I have a mountain of work to tackle.”

In truth, there were no other appointments later.

Once the evening event took place, she would greet the guests in her capacity as the new head of the Grand Duchy. Until then, she planned to take a breather.

But knowing that Silvia would be reluctant to leave without doing something like this, Ariel resorted to fabricating a schedule to make her go.

“Seriously, Ariel. Why are we like this among acquaintances?”

Nevertheless, Silvia, with a playful smile, only took a step closer to her.

“What do you mean you know? Aren’t you leaving? I said I’m busy!”

Despite thinking this was a clever move, instead of deterring Silvia, her confident grin only intensified, causing Ariel to instinctively cringe.

That look on her face, as if she had one last ace up her sleeve, made her feel oddly uneasy.

“Hehe, I figured this might happen, so I asked Shuri standing outside… Apparently, until tonight, there’s nothing scheduled?”

“……!?”

Like a dagger piercing her heart, Ariel’s eyes widened as she instinctively glanced towards the door behind Silvia.

Surely she didn’t anticipate Silvia would think to check the schedule with Shuri so early on.

What a strange woman, always a step ahead in the oddest situations.

She mused that had she applied that striking intelligence elsewhere, she could have accomplished something monumental.

“Are you still going to make excuses?”

“Ugh…”

Ariel ground her teeth at Silvia, who seemed to say, ‘Just accept my teasing.’

Now, it looked like she’d be tormented by her until nightfall, but she couldn’t just cast a guest out for no reason, given that Ariel was obligated to treat her since she had come to celebrate her upcoming inheritance ceremony.

Just as Ariel was about to declare defeat, Edgar suddenly interjected.

“How about we stop teasing and go together to the Imperial Palace since it’s such a rare occasion?”

“The…Imperial Palace?”

“What do you mean the Imperial Palace?”

Without thinking, they both tilted their heads in confusion.

In surprise at the mention of the Imperial Palace, Ariel quickly recalled details she had heard regarding it.

“Actually, a decree came down not too long ago. So I have matters to attend at the Imperial Palace.”

“A decree… you’re saying a letter from His Imperial Majesty has arrived?”

“Exactly.”

As Silvia stared at Edgar with disbelief, he sheepishly smiled and scratched his cheek.

News of the incident in Whitewood had reached even the Emperor’s ears.

During that time, the Emperor felt he had to send a decree to express his gratitude to the man who had saved the Grand Duke.

Not to mention, Edgar had already received an overwhelming reward from Yulken due to the recent meritocratic apportionment, and now the Emperor himself was recognizing him, leaving him feeling utterly flabbergasted.

“In any case, once this inheritance ceremony is over, I plan to head there immediately, so wouldn’t it be good if you and Prince Hagel also joined?”

Since Ariel had been unable to fulfill her promise to Silvia during the coming-of-age ceremony, Edgar thought this could serve as a compromise.

From Ariel’s perspective, this was a chance to fulfill a promise made back then while, more importantly, escaping the current situation.

For Silvia, while Hespania was lovely, spending enjoyable time with her friends in the most bustling city of the country would surely be exhilarating.

“Yes! I want to go! But has Ariel said yes?”

“That’s something you should ask her now. What do you think?”

Edgar asked cautiously but inwardly expected Ariel would have a hard time declining.

“…Hmph, even if I say I don’t want to go, you’ll simply drag me along.”

Even allowing for permission stung her pride, Ariel sulked as she mumbled with her lips pouting.

Seeing the look on Silvia’s face, as if she’d been caught, turned into a naive smile, and Ariel surrendered, shaking her head to let her do as she pleased.

Tonight was bound to be even more exhausting, yet already she felt a wave of fatigue wash over her.

“With that said, let’s go. I want to talk with Prince Hagel as well.”

Noticing this, Edgar subtly led Silvia out of the room. Ariel managed to keep up a façade of not feeling worn out.

However, the dark circles around her eyes were openly betraying her, signaling ‘I’m exhausted!’

“What about Ariel?”

“I’ll let her rest. Now that you’re a Grand Duke, just think about how many mountains of work you have ahead.”

“True.”

The two chuckled softly and said their goodbyes before leaving the room.

Ariel, feeling tempted to ask them to stay longer, stopped herself, her eyelids growing heavier. She reluctantly headed for her bed.

“Did that guy tell Shuri?”

She thought about telling Shuri waiting outside to wake her up before it got too late, but once she lay down, she found even that too tiresome.

Trusting that overzealous man would surely have informed Shuri, she closed her eyes and felt a sense of calm wash over her like she had the entire world in her embrace.

“Something was different than usual.”

Ariel absentmindedly touched her lips at the thought of their kiss.

Normally there was a warmer and sweeter sensation, but at that moment, it felt as if her lips were ablaze.

The same feeling had surfaced at the coming-of-age ceremony, though today’s had been more intense.

“Wait. I’m supposed to meet those people tonight.”

As she continued her thoughts, Ariel suddenly realized she would have to engage in cheerful conversation with the witnesses who had observed that scene just moments ago.

It was strange that she had only now come to that realization. Perhaps her mind had been trying to forget it all along.

Bang!

Ultimately, despite having resolved to face her actions today without shame, she kicked the blanket off once more.

Though it wouldn’t erase the deeds of her past.