I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 198

The two people returned to Hespania accompanied by the escort knights.

At the same time, upon hearing the news that the owner of the castle was returning, a considerable number of people had already gathered outside the castle in anticipation.

As the carriage approached, kicking up a light cloud of dust, Helene, who was at the front with Yulken, took a step forward.

Having understood from her husband what business had taken him to the Imperial Palace, she was worried, and upon seeing the carriage, her body reacted instinctively.

Creak… Thud.

“Be careful coming down.”

“Okay.”

Finally, as the door of the stopped carriage opened, Edgar disembarked first.

Then, extending his hand to Ariel, who was coming down behind him, he escorted her, which brought a faint smile to her face as she happily placed her hand on his.

It wasn’t a particularly special sight, but the Robeheim couple smiled happily, exchanging glances.

The more they looked at them, the more they felt they made a well-matched pair.

“Did you return safely, your highness!”

As Ariel made her appearance, the soldiers and subordinates lined up behind the Robeheim couple bowed their heads in unison to greet her.

In truth, Ariel didn’t particularly enjoy these formal situations.

However, given her status, she accepted that sometimes there was no escaping such circumstances and willingly waved her hand in return.

Moreover, from their perspective, it must have felt a bit odd for Yulken and Helene to be outside marching while they just lingered inside the castle.

Those position differences also had to be taken into account.

“You two are something else. Why did you bring such a large entourage?”

“I apologize for the delay.”

Yulken couldn’t help but chuckle at the contrasting first greetings from the two.

First, he patted Edgar on the shoulder, praising his efforts, then turned his gaze straight to his daughter.

“As your father, I wanted to wait in silence knowing your personality… but it seems your mother couldn’t hold back, resulting in this.”

“Dear! If you say it that way, it feels like I was the only one pacing around…!”

“Ahem. Anyway, I’m just glad to see you returned safely. Was everything all right?”

Since most of those inside the castle didn’t know the reason they had been to the imperial capital, Yulken made an effort to generalize his question.

“Nothing much happened in a day.”

“There was nothing particularly special.”

The two exchanged knowing glances, realizing it wasn’t the right time for elaboration and responded accordingly, feeling that they needed to move to a more appropriate setting for serious discussion.

“Let’s not stand around here. We should head inside; it seems like you have a lot to talk about.”

“Sure. But what about Father and Mother?”

Noticing the absence of Ransel and Katria despite searching the crowd, Ariel inquired.

After arriving at the castle, she had wanted to see the adorable Sonia to lift her heavy mood; it seemed her plans were about to go awry.

“They said they couldn’t leave the family home unattended for long after you left, and set off shortly after.”

“They’ll be back in about two weeks.”

Surprised by the unexpected turn, Ariel’s eyes went wide.

Though missing Sonia was disappointing, the reason for her reaction went beyond just that.

“Do you have some business with them?”

“No, I’ll explain once we get inside.”

Wanting to learn about their conversations during the carriage ride and any additional information she may have missed, Ariel hurried her parents towards the inner castle.

At the same time, Shuri and Elin, who had been accompanying the Robeheim couple, quietly approached Edgar.

They were there to help carry the luggage of the two people who had disembarked with the escort knights.

“Master, can I assist you with this?”

“Sir, the lady’s luggage is with me…”

“Yeah, I’d appreciate it.”

In the past, Yulken probably would have insisted on carrying the bags himself, but now he had grown used to receiving help, so he handed them over without fuss.

Ariel stole a glance at this scene and smiled with satisfaction.

Could it be that as he began to lead subordinates, he was gaining the demeanor suited for someone in a higher position?

It had long been since he had become a man worthy of the Duke’s household, but now it seemed he was realizing it himself, which made her very happy.

Clunk.

As the massive castle gates swung open, the two stepped inside together.

Even though it was just a day away from home, it felt oddly warm and welcoming.

* * * * * * *

Boom!

A rough sound echoed through the space that seemed to be filled with pleasant conversation.

The source was the table in the center where the four of them were seated.

And as Yulken slammed his hands on the table, his face reddened with fury, his fists trembling as he let out a roar.

“Did that ungrateful bastard actually do something so outrageous?!”

Having received a brief summary of the events at the Imperial Palace from the two, he could no longer contain his anger.

While he believed in keeping his cool, he wasn’t the type to just shrug off such extreme misdeeds without a reaction.

“Calm down for now, dear.”

“Right, Father. We’re thankful for your anger, but there are still things to discuss…”

Helene stood up and grabbed the sleeve of Yulken’s robe to stop him, while Edgar chimed in late, causing Yulken to realize he had let his emotions get the better of him and sat back down.

Of all places to lose his composure in front of these three people!

He felt utterly embarrassed.

“Whew, I’m sorry. I behaved in a way that’s uncharacteristic of me.”

“There’s no need to apologize. Rather, I’m grateful for it.”

Edgar felt thankful for Yulken’s outburst of rage.

It was proof that Yulken truly cared for him, not just for being his daughter’s fiancé.

Even after delivering heavy news, Edgar felt a warm sensation inside due to this acknowledgment.

“By the way, even if you’re the Duke, for you to do such things in the sacred Imperial Palace… honestly, I find it hard to believe.”

“Yes, I honestly have my doubts. Until morning, I even considered the possibility that it might be the act of someone feeling inferior to the Robeheim family…”

As Edgar continued, he wore a faint smile and shook his head, which Helene partially understood his unspoken words.

Though she didn’t know the exact reasons, it seemed there would soon be a clue to cement Albrecht as the perpetrator.

“Ariel, what happened when you were there?”

“The maid being manipulated had already been subdued by him. I tried to rummage through my memories, but… only fragments of the previous day remained.”

“……”

Yulken gritted his teeth at the meticulous scheme.

After disguising as Ariel and manipulating her speech and gestures to attempt an assassination…

It was offensive enough that someone aimed at his son-in-law, but more infuriating was that they used his beloved daughter as a decoy.

“That level of skill indicates a considerable wizard, huh? No wonder Bertus has to be a suspect in this case.”

“Yes, I think so too.”

Helene calmly absorbed Ariel’s input and began piecing together the puzzle.

Though she wasn’t an expert in magic, she picked up enough bits and pieces, so she understood that the wizard who utilized control magic possessed significant talent.

If they were to analyze the situation, Albrecht fit the bill perfectly as an adversary.

“However, you didn’t inform His Majesty about this… is that true?”

“Yes, I instructed him not to do so.”

“I’m curious as to why. Even without solid evidence, hearing the testimony from those in the palace might easily lead us to the mastermind behind this.”

Yulken’s remarks were, in a sense, the voice of reason.

There weren’t just a few eyes in the palace, and with maids and users scurrying around, plus several ministers, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone could have identified the culprit.

For instance, looking for individuals who had spent time with Albrecht the day before the incident would have likely yielded better results.

Yet, Yulken’s curiosity was left unquenched regarding why Edgar hadn’t pursued it.

“I was also wondering about that. Honestly, until the morning discussions, I thought both Edgar and I should have informed His Majesty.”

“Then your opinions must have changed. May I ask why?”

“I believe it’s a matter that needs to be addressed. Frankly, I caused quite the uproar with Ariel by not informing her of that point.”

To lighten the mood, Edgar dropped a light joke, causing Helene to let out a soft laugh.

Of course, it was a bit understandable that a headstrong and determined Ariel hadn’t been informed of such significant matters.

Just imagining how he had been scolded in the carriage by her would involuntarily bring a smile to one’s face.

But that was only a momentary thought.

In an instant, Edgar wiped any trace of a smile from his face and leaned slightly forward.

From that small action, Yulken sensed that whatever was about to be brought up was a matter that could only be discussed in private.

“Judging by your expression, it seems something quite serious is about to come out.”

“…Yes, to be honest, I’m worried that it might be a significant breach of courtesy to you, Father.”

“To me?”

Why could something related to Albrecht pose such a grave inconvenience?

Yulken furrowed his brow in surprise at Edgar’s unexpected response and exhaled a long breath.

Then a faint smile began to form on his somewhat troubled face.

“…I don’t know what you’re about to say, but I believe I’ve already received far too much from you.”

“Too kind, really.”

“No, it’s not flattery. My wife, daughter, and I will surely share the same thoughts.”

As Yulken spoke, Edgar glanced sideways, locking eyes with Ariel and Helene, who each nodded in agreement.

“So considering your contributions so far, feel free to speak without hesitation. I’m not the type to harbor grudges over trivial matters, so don’t worry about upsetting me with just a word or two.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Bowing his head, Edgar waited for Yulken to lean back comfortably in his seat, finally catching his breath and looking for the right moment to speak.

Once Helene took a sip from her teacup and calmed herself down, Edgar knew that the time had come and cautiously opened his mouth.

The words that even Ariel wouldn’t dare to utter.

A conjecture that could potentially shake the very foundation of the nation.

“In fact, I worry that His Majesty the Emperor may be in cahoots with them.”