I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 201

The next day.

Edgar, still a bit dazed from last night’s drinks, made his way to the office.

Ariel, who was sorting through documents while waiting for him, suddenly threw out a curious suggestion.

“How about we have your parents come live here?”

“What are you talking about? My mother might be fine, but my father would have a hard time, especially with his position as the head of the family.”

Even though Ransel was merely the head of a small rural house, he still held that title.

Plus, he had territories to manage and residents who depended on him. There was no way he could just leave them behind and hop over to Hespania.

“I ran into my mother just now, and she casually asked about it. I didn’t think it was a bad idea.”

“Hmm…”

When Edgar heard that even Helene had mentioned something similar, he fell into deep thought.

Of course, it wasn’t impossible. The fact that the Billhark Family was currently allowed to govern Ardeunum was thanks to the favor granted by the Robeheim Family generations ago.

Originally, they were just local nobility with very little power, and the land they received was so barren that it was hard to even cultivate.

However, the head of the Robeheim family in previous generations showed generosity to a few subordinate families, including the Billhark Family, granting them territories with the Emperor’s permission.

So, the land currently governed by the Billhark Family was originally the property of the Robeheim Family.

Though it was a bit embarrassing to bring up this old favor now, if it ever came up, the Billhark Family wouldn’t have much to say.

Just like Edgar now.

Perhaps realizing this, Ariel waved her hands in a hurry and added an explanation.

“Oh, I don’t mean you should give up that territory. But you could manage it from here to some extent, right? It wouldn’t be too big of a deal.”

“That’s true.”

Since the place wasn’t a city as large as Hespania or any other metropolis.

It was just a small town that, thanks to its fertile land and specialty products, scraped by well enough.

Moreover, considering the groundwork already laid out, there wouldn’t be too much effort required from a ruler.

It would suffice if the Billhark Family maintained their rights while a trustworthy individual from the Robeheim Family managed things on their behalf.

Though, that would somewhat render the Billhark Family’s territory more or less meaningless.

“At least I see it as a good idea.”

“Why? So you can see Sonia?”

As Edgar asked, pretending he didn’t already know the answer, Ariel narrowed her eyes and raised her voice.

“I do cherish Sonia, but I’m not foolish enough to bring her up in such a serious discussion!”

“I know, I was just joking. But seriously, what’s the real reason?”

Edgar casually shrugged, not particularly invested in his own question. But he was still curious about why she was positively considering bringing over his family.

To be frank, from Ariel’s perspective, whether or not they came, as long as she married Edgar and lived well, that would be more than enough.

In fact, it wouldn’t be strange to prefer them not coming, as it would just add to her concerns.

Yet still, why was she like this?

Edgar’s question caused Ariel to fidget with her hands, looking for the right moment to respond.

After a moment of hesitation, she realized it was something necessary to say in order to convince him.

“Actually… with what happened at the Imperial Palace, I can’t help but worry that the threat might reach your family.”

“….”

Edgar fell silent, caught off guard by her reasonable response.

Given the current situation where an assassination had been attempted at the Imperial Palace, there was no guarantee that the members of a small noble family wouldn’t be touched.

They could very well be used as hostages to negotiate with Edgar or Ariel.

In such a case, the right way out would likely be lost already.

There would only be two options: give up family in exchange for not negotiating, or agree to negotiations knowing it was a trap.

From that perspective, bringing them quickly to Robeheim Castle might not just be a concern but a necessity.

“I’m sorry for making you think of these things unnecessarily.”

With the heavy silence hanging in the air, Ariel thought she’d stirred up anxiety in his heart and hastily apologized.

It was something that needed to be said, but the notion that his family might be in danger was certainly not pleasant for him.

However, Edgar shook his head and instead patted her shoulder.

If that was the case, what he did with Yulken yesterday was downright awful.

Sometimes someone has to read the situation objectively and give advice. Today, that role just happened to be passed onto Ariel.

“It’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. I should be the one thanking you.”

He felt like he’d just been hit in the head with something he hadn’t considered, but he didn’t particularly feel anxious about it.

If anything, he felt a bit lighter.

“Anyway, I need to discuss this with my father right away. I can’t decide everything by myself.”

“Then go to your room and get in touch with him. You can take a day off.”

Ariel already heard the news that Edgar had been drinking with Yulken to cheer him up last night.

So rather than pressing him to work while nursing a hangover, she thought it would be better for him to rest today while contacting Ardeunum.

He could let his aide, Leonel, handle any minor tasks.

“…Then I’ll just check in quickly and come back.”

If Edgar were his usual self, he would have likely declined even this much and focused solely on work.

But given the urgency and the fact that it was about family, he decided to gratefully accept her consideration.

Ignoring Ariel’s suggestion that he should take a day off was pretty typical of him, though.

“I swear. Even when I tell you to rest, you just won’t listen… Then bring Shuri along on your way back.”

She must be having a chat with her lover in the garden right now, likely taking a moment to catch her breath.

Edgar and Shuri typically structured their shifts so that one of them was always next to Ariel.

Today, since he had to leave, it made sense for Shuri to fill in.

“I’ll ask Elin to do it. Thanks for everything.”

“Just hurry up and go, you fool.”

“Right…”

Feeling pressed by Ariel, he hastily headed for the door, only to suddenly turn back to her.

He lightly placed a kiss on her cheek, producing a squeak, and then stepped back with his usual playful smile.

“I need to say thanks before I leave. See you soon.”

“Ugh, I’m not a child and what’s with the kiss… You better make it up to me later.”

“Alright, alright, I got it.”

While they weren’t kids anymore, there was no need for such promises, but the trust between them had noticeably deepened compared to those earlier steadfast commitments.

It was a natural trust built over time.

Slam.

Once Edgar left the office, he was about to call for Elin when suddenly a brilliant idea struck him. He approached the window.

He opened one of the tightly shut windows and shouted outside.

“Shuri! Your lady is calling you!”

“Eh!? Y-You mean right now?!”

Just as Ariel predicted, Shuri, who had been in the garden with Ronan, heard the voice and stared with wide eyes like a startled rabbit, rushing back into the castle.

And in the middle of that rush, she didn’t forget to send a cute kiss to her lover.

‘She’s certainly multitasking even while busy.’

Edgar chuckled at the sight, shaking his head as he continued on his way.

It was just an ordinary morning story.

—

When the unexpected news reached the Billhark family’s mansion in Ardeunum, chaos erupted.

This was understandable, as the word Edgar sent out was essentially a rumor about preparations for a wedding.

“Of course, the kids are of an age where marriage wouldn’t be unusual…”

When Katria heard this, she too was thoroughly confused.

While she had mentally prepared for the fact that a wedding would happen someday, she never expected things would go into preparation mode so suddenly.

Even though there was already some degree of familiarity between the two, these matters often required timing; she expected they would have formal introductions before moving forward.

Unless, of course, Yulken and Helene’s casual probing had been sincere, which sent a shiver down her spine.

“Isn’t it a bit early for that?”

“Well, what do you think?”

“It’s fine by me. In fact, it’s a blessing. How about you?”

“Same here. I already solidified my feelings for that girl when I met her recently.”

The girl in question was none other than Ariel.

Having become quite comfortable with her, Katria had laid down any desire to meddle in their relationship.

Whatever outcome they reached would be a result of their own making, and as parents, all they could do was support their son and, by extension, the woman he chose.

However, she was taken aback by their sudden speed.

Most of all, the suggestion for them to move in here practically meant they’d be giving up governance of their territory for the time being.

It was a dilemma, especially when residents of the territory would be left behind while the two hadn’t even tied the knot yet.

“Dad, was that about my brother?”

“Yeah, sweetheart. Turns out Ariel and Edgar might be getting married.”

It seemed like the request for them to come live here had flipped into a solid confirmation somewhere along the line, as the two were already discussing marriage.

Meanwhile, Sonia, aware of what marriage meant, threw her arms open wide, excited by the news.

Who wouldn’t be thrilled to hear that her most beloved brother and sister were getting married?

“I want them to marry! Sonia’s happy!”

“Heh, our little girl knows what’s up about marriage, huh?”

“Of course! Ariel told me all about it!”

With a proud chest and an impressive demeanor, Sonia’s enthusiasm brought smiles to the parents’ faces.

Seeing their innocent daughter made them feel foolish for their earlier concerns.

“Then, let’s proceed as Edgar suggested and talk with the in-laws in Hespania. Honey?”

“Sounds good. But who would have imagined I’d become the father-in-law to a Duke?”

“Tell me about it. If I told people I have such a dream, they would probably lock me up.”

Could this be what it felt like to live well because of having a good son?

Although nothing was set in stone yet, they were already spreading their dreams, talking joyfully.

In a burst of enthusiasm, Sonia also chimed in, expressing her eagerness to see them get married.

Thanks to all this, the decision for a move took a rather positive turn.

The specific arrangements could only be determined upon reaching Robeheim Castle and having some serious discussions.