I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 215

Four days had passed since the letter arrived in Hespania.

A horse from the Imperial Palace galloped quickly into Hildak through the darkness, carrying someone.

This was also two days after Edgar and Ariel had returned to Hespania.

“That means most of the preparations are done.”

“Yeah. From what I’ve heard, Albrecht hasn’t shown any signs of leaving the castle yet.”

“I see…”

At Edgar’s succinct report, Ariel nodded while squinting from her place of honor.

Even though those in attendance knew the circumstances behind the incident, she was the one leading the discussion today.

Normally, Yulken would have occupied that seat, but he had relinquished it, claiming that as the head of the family, it was wrong for him to sit in the position of honor.

“All that’s left is the curse affecting the members of the imperial family, right?”

“Pretty much. Although we still don’t have a clear picture of their forces, there’s much to consider.”

The latter issue could be resolved somehow if they could borrow a hand. However, the former issue was an element that would leave them helpless unless they could devise a countermeasure.

It was a problem that ideally should be resolved before taking any action.

“Minette, is it possible?”

“If we have a sample, it should be generally doable.”

“Sample?”

“Yes, Sir Edgar had promised to prepare one quickly… but we’ve heard nothing so far.”

Edgar, catching Minette’s gaze, offered a faint smile as if to say “just wait a little longer.” He already had a solution prepared; it was just a matter of when the news would arrive.

“Have you informed the soldiers?”

“Not yet. I think we’ll need a proper means to persuade them.”

Many within the Robeheim Family were still unaware of this news.

Rather, to be more precise, most were unaware that they would be going to war against the Bertus Family.

They only knew that a traitor who had invaded the castle recently was rumored to be a member of the Bertus Family, but there was a pervasive atmosphere of silence regarding this matter.

If they were to hear this news, they would be dumbfounded.

Even the seasoned veterans who had fought battles against the northern tribes would never have anticipated fighting against a family of Marquises within the same empire.

“Weren’t you trying to keep this fact hidden?”

“How could we hide it? After all, they are also citizens of this empire.”

Kelrag, who had been listening to their conversation, asked in surprise, and Edgar shook his head firmly.

Of course, it might be possible to keep it concealed. But doing so would inevitably lead to many unfortunate people joining the war without understanding the reasons behind it.

War always requires a justification.

There are many reasons why justifications are necessary, whether for political reasons or depending on each party’s position.

But fundamentally, justifications are needed because they are the means to persuade the soldiers participating in the war.

“In the end, soldiers can only fight if they know why they have to fight. Putting their will into the sword depends on their capabilities, but instilling the will in the soldiers is our job.”

Of course, explaining all the intricacies would be difficult.

The fact that the imperial family was being manipulated, the tangled relationships, and positions in the midst of it all.

If everything were laid bare, this country could quickly turn to chaos, with those seeking to revolt springing up from various places.

However, at the very least, they should explain what kind of enemies they would be fighting and why.

Edgar considered this the minimum virtue required to convey to soldiers on the side instigating the war.

“Ha, you speak well. The more I see you, the more it seems a waste for you to rot in your office.”

This remark seemed to please everyone so much that even Yulken, the great one, burst into a bright smile and clapped lightly.

Among those in higher positions, there are often many who see the soldiers they manage as mere tools or appendages, so it felt truly impressive that someone at such a young age had grasped this truth.

However, there was one person shooting him a disapproving look…

“Ariel, please don’t try to pull Edgar into the battlefield.”

It was Ariel.

Though Yulken might have meant it as a compliment in jest, for her, who had almost lost her loved one on the battlefield, it was a difficult remark to pass over lightly.

“Ariel.”

“Oh… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…”

When Edgar cautiously called her name, she realized belatedly that she had spoken too sensitively and hurriedly apologized.

Even if it was a sensitive subject, there is a fundamental etiquette to be maintained when dealing with her father, and she felt she had crossed that line for a moment.

“No, I also forgot how much you’ve suffered and said something unnecessary… so don’t worry about it.”

Had Yulken’s reaction been a little colder, the atmosphere might have soured, but being a person of experience, he was unbothered and rather defended her.

Thinking about it, it was indeed because of his shortcomings that she had suffered, and she felt nothing but shame for having forgotten those times and acted rashly.

Taking a sip from the tea placed before them, they paused to breathe before shifting to the next topic.

Since the Bertus Family was rather shrouded in mystery, there was much to discuss.

“While we might have the upper hand in strength, the real question is how many hidden cards they have.”

“That’s true. It’s possible that Albrecht committed such an act in the palace because he trusted the emperor’s backing… but there could be other allies involved as well.”

Previously, when Edgar had sent someone to investigate inside the palace, nothing particularly stood out.

However, that doesn’t mean they could let their guard down. After all, their opponent was a malicious villain who had toyed with the imperial family.

If it turned out that key ministers in the palace or members of other families had been won over, they could be in for serious trouble later.

“At this point, is it impossible to request communication with the emperor again?”

“Probably. I heard that the day after I left, Albrecht immediately visited the palace.”

He truly was a man with an exceptional nose for smells.

Though he appeared calm, he undoubtedly increased the number of personnel watching Bartheus.

If news of the emperor contacting his wife had reached his ears, he might have even started watching Beatria closely.

In any case, with no help to seek from the emperor at the moment, thoroughly understanding their forces became a task that fell solely to them.

They possessed the upper hand, but it was uncertain at what time or under what circumstances this position could change.

In times like these, they needed to steadily and surely tighten the siege.

“Sorry to interrupt, but would it be alright if we received some help from this side?”

“You’re talking about the Carvita Tribe?”

Just when they were getting anxious about where they could borrow some more strength, Kelrag unexpectedly made a proposal, causing surprise to register in the eyes of everyone in the room.

Of course, all present knew that the Carvita Tribe and the Robeheim Family were essentially in a position of alliance.

However, since they hadn’t officially formed a contract or document of alliance, and because there were still lingering resentments between them, it was a common thought that they were not enemies but could not expect much help either.

Thus, none had expected that Kelrag would out of the blue offer help.

Especially surprised was Yulken, who had long been in battle against the Carvita Tribe.

“Do you think the tribes would comply?”

“If they don’t comply, we’ll have to persuade them. Of course, that’s assuming the Robeheim Family accepts this proposal.”

As Kelrag spoke, he shifted his gaze to Edgar sitting across from him.

He already felt indebted to them for the help received. Repaying them in this manner wouldn’t be bad.

Moreover, thinking more broadly, this could be a good opportunity for the future to align with the Robeheim Family after this crisis subsided.

“We would obviously be grateful. The aid would be significant as well.”

Exchanging glances with Ariel, Edgar nodded once, accepting the proposal.

True to their title of a warrior tribe, the fighting capabilities of the Carvita Tribe surpassed imagination.

The Robeheim Family, who had long been lords of the north, had never completely annihilated them, not only because of their great numbers and widespread presence but also because they possessed skills that could stand against trained soldiers.

To harness such power would feel like obtaining an army of heavenly soldiers.

Most of all, unlike the soldiers of the Robeheim Family, they could move while hiding from the eyes of the Bertus Family, making their utilization even more effective.

“Are you trying to create a debt?”

However, Ariel couldn’t easily shake off her suspicions and shot a sideways glance at Kelrag.

Though she had realized from their previous conversations that their interests were similar, still, her nature was such that she couldn’t blindly trust him.

In response, Kelrag raised one corner of his mouth, giving a strange smile.

From a position that had been facing swords against each other just months ago, this was indeed the more normal reaction.

It could be said that Edgar was the one more easily trusting him. Hence, he wasn’t particularly offended.

“Rather than creating a debt, it would be more appropriate to say I’m clearing it. Even disregarding our tribe, I personally feel a lot of gratitude towards the Robeheim Family.”

“You sure know how to talk. It’s just a continuation of what you told me not long ago.”

Ariel saw through his motivations and offered a jab.

This was not purely an expression of gratitude. She could guarantee that it was not merely about thanks because she had heard directly what Kelrag desired.

“Sooner or later, you’re planning to create an opportunity to ally with the Robeheim Family, aren’t you?”

“You caught me.”

“You weren’t even trying to hide it, and you’re saying this easily.”

Most certainly, Kelrag’s thought was that by helping the Robeheim Family, he would not only lighten his debt but also create a bond between the Carvita Tribe and the Robeheim Family.

Even if they had been pointing swords at each other just yesterday, a bond would surely form if they worked together and defeated a common enemy.

In other words, it could be considered a two-fold gain.

“So, will the ruler of the north refuse this proposal?”

“Hmph, who would refuse? Since our desires are aligned, I’ll gladly accept.”

“Well, that’s tearfully generous of you.”

Both Ariel and Kelrag shared a common hope for peace in the north.

Yet they had each shelved those thoughts, taking different paths, simply due to a lack of opportunity and justification.

However, with the leaders of the two groups meeting right before reaching the end, the long-closed path finally opened.

Tap. Tap.

“…What does this mean?”

Ariel stood up and approached Kelrag first, extending her hand, and he looked taken aback, staring at his rough hand contrasting with her slender one.

“Can’t you tell? It’s a handshake.”

“I know that, but…”

He wondered why she was offering him her hand at this moment.

He knew the reason, but he never imagined that Ariel Robeheim would extend her hand first.

“Regardless of the occasion, we’ve agreed to share the same boat now. So please accept this graciously. It’s not exactly an ordinary hand to extend.”

“…Alright.”

As she clasped his hand, the faces of those watching broke into warm smiles.

Though this wouldn’t change everything, it would at least serve as the first stepping stone toward change.

Upon this land of the north, which seemed to be entirely shrouded in blood and eyes, all present sincerely wished for peace to arrive.