I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 260

Fortunately, a tragic incident didn’t occur right in front of him with two people suddenly committing seppuku.

The moves that took down the Empire’s greatest magician weren’t going anywhere, as the two guards succeeded in blocking before they even had the chance to swing their swords.

Having left that small commotion behind, Edgar intended to climb back into the carriage and return to the castle.

Regardless of doing it for the kids, he didn’t want to cause any disruption to the academy’s regulations he’d just established.

However, as soon as this news reached the Chancellor’s ears, permission was granted.

More like an order passed down to the nearby guard to swiftly bring him in.

Thus, ultimately accompanied by Elin, he was being guided by the two guards to the Chancellor’s office.

In fact, this situation arose because Edgar rejected the Chancellor’s intention to meet him at the school gate, wanting to take a look around the academy instead.

“Um, it’s truly an honor for our family. I’ve been captivated by the tales of the hero, Count Billhark, but I never imagined the day would come when I’d meet you in person…”

The tales of heroes were written by a man named Bergev, who was a renowned historian and novelist of the Helbenior Empire.

Literally passing down stories from heroes renowned throughout history, the quality of these tales was remarkably high, especially considering that some were regarded as must-reads for knights.

This guard, who identified himself as Kashara, was also a huge fan of that book.

“I—me too. I was especially moved by the part where you single-handedly halted the Carvita Tribe’s great army at Whitewood…”

And the other guard, Marinette, was such a devoted follower of Edgar that she trembled with excitement at meeting him.

It was evident that she recognized him just by seeing his face.

“Thank you. You make me feel quite bashful by showering me with compliments.”

“Please, don’t hold back. It’s not every day a hero of the Empire speaks kindly to a mere guard.”

“It’s just my way of being comfortable, so don’t mind it.”

“If you say so…”

Hearing such respect from the second-ranking noble of the Grand House, the man who saved the Empire from the evil magician was truly uncomfortable for the two guards.

However, since the man himself didn’t seem to mind, demanding more would be quite rude, and so they quickly fell silent.

Having already committed a significant offense, there was no room for second mistakes.

Soon enough, the four of them arrived at the Chancellor’s office.

Perhaps thinking that even closing the door would be rude, they could see Chancellor Boldwen lingering just beyond the wide-open door.

“Chancellor, we have brought Count Billhark.”

“Oh! You’ve done well! I hope I haven’t committed any rude actions?”

“Um, that is…”

Boldwen’s direct interrogation made the two guards exchange cautious glances.

After making a huge blunder right from the first meeting, they thought of attempting to take their own lives, but since hiding the truth wouldn’t do any good, they decided to be honest.

“Ac—actually, we didn’t recognize Count Billhark and were quite disrespectful…”

“Ah, I’m sorry, but would it be alright if I spoke for you?”

Before Kashara could continue, Edgar, unusually, interrupted the conversation and asked for the floor.

Recognizing him, Boldwen rushed over in surprise, realizing he had been hiding behind the two guards.

“It’s Count Billhark! I’m truly sorry for the delayed introduction. I’m Boldwen Petelus, the Chancellor of the Academy.”

“Thank you for the warm welcome, Chancellor. If it’s not too much trouble, may I relay what the guard was about to say earlier?”

“Of course! Please allow me to apologize if I’ve caused any offense.”

Boldwen tried to bow his head, but Edgar, smiling like a gentleman, stopped him.

“Offend? No, not at all. If anything, I was hoping that these gentlemen could be rewarded by the academy.”

The unexpected statement caused the eyes of the two ladies, who were anxious just a moment ago, to widen.

On the other hand, Elin, who was standing behind, merely smiled faintly as if she had expected this.

“Reward… are you suggesting? Any particular reason?”

“Well, it seems those two were quite cautious of me until my identity was confirmed, not allowing me to pass.”

“Is that so? But how does that relate to a reward…?”

From the perspective of someone of higher rank, it might have been seen as a rude matter. Yet, asking for a reward left Boldwen puzzled.

Once again, a smile appeared on Edgar’s face.

“It’s because they fulfilled their duties as guards of the academy. Knowing that most parents of children here are of high status, I believe there’s ample reason to commend them for standing firm in their principles.”

“Ooh…! If that’s your reasoning, then we must grant them a reward! Yes, absolutely.”

Had any other noble of a higher standing mentioned such a thing, it might have been seen as overstepping, but with someone of such a reputation, it was an exception.

A hero revered throughout the Empire, it would be an honor simply to acknowledge their request.

Meanwhile, the two ladies listening in quietly on the conversation were unsure whether this was a dream or reality, glancing at each other while pinching themselves.

Considering the pain, it seemed to be real after all.

“I express my gratitude for watching over the place where my precious children reside, so please accept this.”

After turning to face the guards, Edgar offered them words of praise, causing the two to quickly kneel on one knee and bow their heads with utmost reverence.

In this land, excluding royalty, only two individuals were granted such respect.

The current Grand Duke and the man in front of them.

“We—we merely did our duties!”

“On the contrary, we are just grateful for such a great favor bestowed upon us!”

While Edgar found their overwhelming respect a bit burdensome, he decided to accept it graciously, viewing it as part of the fruits of his efforts.

Rewards were soon given to the diligent guards, and after having a brief conversation with the Chancellor, he followed the guidance to the classroom where his children were.

Considering how worried they must have been when their father vanished suddenly, he planned to give them quite the surprise.

* * * * *

Due to the commotion at the gates, news had already spread throughout Serina and Evan’s classroom.

“Serina, did your dad really come?”

“Yeah, he did.”

Unlike Evan, who enjoyed being by himself, children who usually didn’t approach quiet Serina came over to ask questions.

Since they knew Serina was a kind kid with a quiet demeanor rather than someone withdrawn, they felt comfortable approaching her.

“But where did he go? He’s not here right now?”

“I don’t know. He said to wait a second and then left?”

Serina was just flipping through the already read fairy tale book, wishing her dad would come soon.

While everyone in the class shared the same anticipation for one person’s arrival, the classroom door creaked open, revealing a familiar face first.

It was none other than their homeroom teacher, a woman named Roxanne.

“Okay, everyone. Please pay attention for a moment.”

“Yes!”

As Roxanne clapped her hands to gain their focus, all the children turned to look at her in unison.

“Today, we have a very special guest. You know that usually, your fathers or mothers can’t come to the academy, right?”

“Yes!”

“!?”

As everyone shouted in unison, Evan and Serina glanced around in bewilderment.

They hadn’t expected such a rule existed.

They regretted their casual assumption that as long as their identities remained hidden, they would be fine.

“However, since he is an incredibly remarkable person, I wanted you all to see him at least once, so he’s here specially today. So please don’t say anything disrespectful. Understood?”

“Yes!”

Giving a final instruction, Roxanne smiled at Edgar waiting outside, signaling him to enter.

Then, with the sound of footsteps, he made his way inside, and among the initially puzzled faces of the children, some began nudging each other’s arms.

It was mostly the boys who had a keen interest in hero tales.

“Sorry for interrupting your playtime. I’m Edgar Billhark. I’m the father of Serina and Evan who attend this class.”

As soon as his name was revealed, the whispers grew even louder.

Roxanne attempted to regain control over the class, but this time, it proved quite challenging.

Edgar gestured for her to proceed, calmly surveying the lively classroom, where a few students raised their hands, eager to ask questions.

When Edgar pointed at a boy, the student carefully got up, gazing at him as if still in disbelief, and began to speak cautiously.

“Uh… are you really Count Billhark?”

“Yeah. Do you know me?”

“I saw you in a book. And my dad says that when I grow up, I should be someone wonderful like you…”

“Haha, your dad is overly flattering me, isn’t he?”

As Edgar nodded and confirmed his identity, the eyes of several children sparkled with excitement, reminiscent of the guards who had met him just moments ago.

Indeed, children usually idolize heroes or exemplary figures.

Especially boys tend to have strong inclinations toward such admiration.

So, it was no wonder that an eminent hero in the empire had suddenly appeared in their classroom.

Instantly, the room erupted into chaos as the children leapt from their seats, bombarding him with questions.

“Wow! Evan, your dad is really amazing.”

“Right? I told you so.”

As his partner Lily let out a soft gasp, Evan puffed out his chest as if he were the one being complimented.

It was ironically funny that even Evan, the son, didn’t quite realize the magnitude of his father’s greatness.

Nonetheless, the first Academy visit of the Empire’s hero, which had started off in such a raucous fashion, was just beginning.