I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 261

Edgar Billhark only just realized today that looking after two kids wasn’t much of a task at all.

Kids were clinging to him from all sides, firing off all sorts of questions, and answering them all was draining him to the bone.

Yet, despite that, he did his best not to show it, sincerely answering every question and spending time playing with the children.

It was heartwarming for him that these little kids, who weren’t even born when he was active, recognized Edgar Billhark and treated him like a hero.

It filled him with even more pride than the respect he’d seen from the guards just moments ago.

As he juggled several kids, he suddenly couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing.

Turning his head to scan the classroom, he spotted a girl deeply engrossed in a book by the window.

It was none other than his daughter, Serina, who wouldn’t hurt a fly.

It seemed she decided not to intrude on the crowd around him because there were too many people.

After all, she had been sneaking glances his way while pretending to read.

‘This is the complete opposite of Ariel.’

Despite having a strong possessiveness like Ariel, it was super cute that she couldn’t express it strongly.

As a father, it wasn’t right to leave a daughter he’d been eagerly awaiting alone like this, so Edgar thought it was time for him to take action and stood up.

“Okay, everyone. Didn’t we say we shouldn’t bother Lord Billhark too much? Let’s wait here.”

“Yes, sir!”

Fortunately, it seemed Professor Roxanne noticed his intentions right away.

She managed to distract the kids who were eager to follow him by diverting their attention.

Seizing that opportunity, Edgar approached Serina, crouched down, and matched her eye level.

“My daughter, what book are you reading?”

Surprisingly, Serina showed no sign of being startled even though he suddenly spoke to her.

That was because she had been keeping a close eye on her father approaching, so there was no reason to be surprised.

“It’s the fairy tale book you bought me before.”

Serina replied, showing him the cover of the book she had laid on the desk.

Edgar nodded at the familiar cover.

Even though he remembered getting it quite a while ago, it was somewhat surprising that she was still reading it.

“Oh, that one. Is it fun?”

“Yes! I’ve read it forty times already. Hehe.”

“R-really?”

Edgar was slightly taken aback, contrasting Serina’s proud announcement.

That was because ever since he bought that book, he had brought lots of other books as gifts whenever he stopped by Huangdo or elsewhere, so he thought she had plenty of reading material to choose from.

Yet, if she had read that book forty times, did it mean it was that good?

At least from his perspective, it was an act that he couldn’t comprehend.

“It’s a fun book, but how about going over there to play with Dad and your friends?”

“…But, there are too many friends around you, Dad.”

Serina pouted, showing a frown as she hesitated at Edgar’s suggestion.

It wasn’t that her timid personality kept her from approaching; her jealousy was much more significant.

For little Serina, seeing her father, who could barely share space with her mother and younger brother, enjoy himself with other kids was more than enough to irritate her.

“What does it matter? Even with so many friends, you two are precious family to me. You’re not worried that I might neglect you because of all these friends, right?”

“A little… I was worried.”

Fidgeting with her tiny hands, Serina replied gloomily.

Just moments earlier, when Edgar had entered the classroom, she had simply been happy.

It was satisfying enough to know that the one she loves most in the world was there to see her life and to be in the same space as her.

However, as he garnered more attention than she expected, she wondered if she had invited him for no reason at all.

Originally, her plan was to show off how amazing her dad was to everyone around her while sticking close and having fun with him at the same time.

“Dad is Serina’s, but you keep playing with other kids…”

*snort.*

Edgar couldn’t help but laugh at his adorable daughter’s jealousy.

He had thought her calm and quiet personality would keep her from wanting to butt in with others, but it turned out jealousy made her stay away instead.

This side of her reminded him of Ariel in some ways.

“Alright. Even if I play with my other friends, I’ll make sure to stay right next to my son and daughter. Would that be okay?”

“Hmm…”

Though Edgar tried to make a pinky swear to solidify the promise, Serina was not impressed.

To be honest, she wanted to cling to her dad like a cicada on a gnarled tree, entirely ignoring Evan.

But then again, it was Evan who suggested bringing him to the Academy today, and being her only younger brother, Serina resolved to concede on that point.

Considering her possessiveness matched Ariel’s level, it was quite a big step for her.

“Okay. It’s a promise.”

“Sure. A promise.”

With that, every time Serina made a promise by linking their pinkies, she got her desired kiss from her dad, which was successfully dodged.

Then, Edgar took her hand firmly and led her over to where her classmates were, settling her beside him.

In an instant, Serina wrapped her arms around her dad’s waist with glee.

The other kids looking on were quite taken aback.

After all, Serina wasn’t one to easily approach anyone, and she didn’t usually have such a cheerful demeanor.

You could say she was like a noble ice princess.

Thus, while there were plenty of boys who admired Serina, they often retreated rather than daring to approach.

Seeing this unexpected side of her, the kids felt all the more happy and couldn’t help but whisper among one another.

“Looks like Serina really likes her dad.”

“With a dad that cool, who wouldn’t?”

“Yeah, yeah. When I first saw her, I thought she was his older brother!”

“Ugh, my dad’s all hairy and fat…”

Some kids brought up topics that would make their parents shed a tear, but most found the scene heartwarming.

“What about Evan? Isn’t he going to his dad?”

“No! I’m fine! I’m just happy Dad’s here!”

Meanwhile, Evan was standing off to the side, chatting with his friend Lily.

The reason he had hoped for Edgar to come in the first place was to show off how amazing he was to his friends, not to cling to him like Serina.

Besides, he also knew how much his sister liked their dad, so he decided to back off this time.

“Since it’s a rare occasion, shall I tell an old story? Kids, is there any story you’d like to hear from the uncle?”

“Me! I want to hear the tale of the evil wizard fight!”

“Really? It might get a bit long.”

Thanks to a boy enthusiastically raising his hand and making a suggestion, the kids got the rare opportunity to hear about the battle with Albrecht that they could hardly hear from anyone else.

And so, his old story began with him holding his daughter in his arms.

As expected, it turned out to be quite lengthy, but not a single child looked bored; their eyes filled with gleam as they listened intently to his tale until the very end.

It was indeed a story about a hero who defeated an evil wizard and saved a nation, a tale straight out of a fairy tale book for kids.

That was an incredible subject that would ignite the imaginations of children, regardless of gender.

—

At the same time, Ariel, who was working alone in the castle, was wide-eyed at the news Shuri brought to her.

“What? So originally, it was actually not permitted to enter?”

“I-it seems so. It appears that both Lady Serina and Young Master Evan weren’t fully aware.”

Ariel sighed deeply, putting down her pen as she responded with a bemused smile.

“Ha. And I told them to find out properly and go…”

This morning, when she first heard Edgar would be visiting the Academy, she initially tried to dissuade him, but with Evan and Serina insisting it was fine, she had reluctantly allowed it.

She didn’t know all that much about Academy rules, but she knew very well that students weren’t allowed to reveal their family names.

Of course, simply showing up wouldn’t make one’s identity immediately known, but that didn’t apply to people like Edgar or Ariel.

At least anyone with ties to the nobility or a keen interest in the latest gossip would find it hard to miss their faces.

But to have someone of that caliber show up at the Academy without any prior notice? It must have turned everything upside down.

Let’s hope the principal didn’t faint from shock.

“Fortunately, it seems he’s been doing well, sharing good tidings with the kids. I heard he even ordered the guards to bring him personally…”

“Of course. No matter how strict the rules are, unless the guard’s stomach starts to show, there’s no way they’d just turn him away.”

What would have happened if the Academy’s principal had turned him away at the door under the guise of rules?

Edgar might not care much, but word would spread quickly, and he could easily be replaced in that principal’s chair.

Especially since the most frightening part about Edgar is how closely he’s tied to the royal family.

Wasn’t it because the previous emperor had urged to treat him with honor and respect, thinking he was royalty?

While the rules are certainly important, the principle should allow exceptions for those deserving of it.

“Anyway, it’s a relief if nothing serious happened.”

“Oh, but Lady, there’s one more piece of news…”

“…News?”

Did something remarkable happen that warranted a special note?

Ariel’s ears perked up at the thought of concluding the matter.

“Actually, there were guards who attempted to stop him there, but it seems he rewarded them personally.”

“Rewarded? Wait, were those guards women?”

“…It seems so.”

Bang!

The desk that Ariel slammed down with the power of her domination magic cried out in protest.

“So while I’m grinding away at home, he’s out there charming women?”

“N-not charming! More like commending those who did their duty… Eek!?”

As Ariel’s fierce gaze bore down upon her, Shuri recoiled with a shriek reminiscent of a small animal and backed away nervously.

“When Evan comes to the castle, tell him to come find me. Keep it a secret from him.”

“Ar-are you going to interrogate him?”

“What kind of interrogation is in between letters? I merely wish to…”

By the end of that statement, Ariel flashed a bright smile, leaving Shuri dumbfounded as she cautiously exited the office.

She silently apologized to Edgar as well.