I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 266

The imperial capital, Hildak, was particularly bustling today.

Soldiers were rushing out, surrounding the city’s main road, while residents seemed to be waiting for something outside their homes.

It wasn’t just this place that was extraordinarily busy today.

At the same time, in the Imperial Palace, Edgar was fitting into his conquest attire, looking into the mirror.

His somewhat tight clothes made him frown slightly, causing the women guarding him to gasp and rush off to fetch different outfits.

For about an hour, the situation had been somewhat repetitive.

‘It’s like I can’t choose any clothes.’

Watching this spectacle, Edgar forced a smile and ultimately chose the last outfit he was presented with.

There are no perfect clothes in the world, and every outfit has its unique touch or flaw. Yet, if he showed even the slightest dissatisfaction, they’d immediately rush to bring him something else, making the selection process a chore.

“That suits you well, my friend,” a familiar voice chimed in.

Turning his head swiftly upon hearing the sudden voice, Edgar bowed respectfully towards Bartheus, the former emperor, who had quietly stood watch.

“Your Majesty…! I apologize, I didn’t realize you were here…”

“Don’t trouble yourself. I’m just an old man who has handed over the throne to my son.”

Bartheus appreciated Edgar’s formality, despite his young age being praised as the empire’s great hero and standing almost on par with royalty.

Even though it’s easy to become arrogant, his respectful demeanor towards both the current Emperor Robert and the former Emperor and Empress suggested he still held onto his humility.

“Fortunately, it seems preparations are going well outside. Once you two finish getting ready, everything will be set.”

“That’s a relief, but we should hurry,” Edgar replied, looking slightly anxious.

Bartheus, realizing his words were inadvertently stressing Edgar, quickly reassured him.

“Hmm. I didn’t mean to rush you. On such a fine day, why would we need to hurry?”

It was indeed a day when the empire, in particular the royal family, was regaining its lost shine—exactly ten years since that day.

Just thinking about that day still made Bartheus’s heart race.

He believed that if someone were to wake him from his slumber right now and say that the past ten years were merely a beautiful dream, he would readily believe it.

What had transpired back then was far beyond the mere word “miracle.”

The man standing before him was the beacon of peace and new prosperity.

How could he possibly scold such a person for simply being a bit late?

At that point, he might as well blame old age for being senile.

“Ed, are you ready… Your Majesty?”

While in the middle of changing clothes, Ariel cautiously opened the door and peered inside.

Upon making eye contact with Bartheus, she hurriedly entered and greeted him formally.

Unlike Edgar, she did not show any signs of anxiety; she merely displayed her subject’s respect.

“Excuse me, Your Majesty. It seems you’ve come to see my husband.”

“Yes. I merely wanted to share a conversation. As I age, I find myself craving companionship more often.”

With a self-deprecating remark not commonly associated with a former emperor, smiles spread across the faces of both individuals.

As they aged, Yulken would often say similar sentiments, leading to the thought that they might be growing more alike as friends.

“Ariel, how does this outfit look?”

Edgar posed for Ariel, showing off his appearance for one last check.

Observing closely, Ariel nodded in satisfaction.

“It looks good! Though, isn’t it a bit tight?”

“It’s the only fitting size available right now.”

“It should be fine as long as it doesn’t hinder your movement. The outfit is lovely.”

“That’s settled then.”

Just as Ariel always asked Edgar about her outfits, Edgar had also made it habitual to consult Ariel whenever he dressed up.

There wasn’t really anyone else they’d want to impress.

Moreover, there’s a saying that pretty clothes look best in the eyes of the opposite sex.

After finalizing his look, Edgar adjusted his clothes with satisfaction and set off.

“Duke, you seem to be getting younger and younger. If you have a secret, wouldn’t you share it with my wife and me?”

While strolling down the corridor, Bartheus suddenly spoke.

He didn’t intend to throw compliments to mask his aging; he simply found it astonishing that Ariel’s beauty remained unchanged.

Though Edgar’s face hadn’t changed much, Ariel was strikingly timeless in comparison.

She might as well have been in her twenties!

“Well, maybe it has something to do with mana from reaching the level of a grand sorcerer.”

“Hmm, that’s something we can’t relate to.”

Not just any wizard, but a grand sorcerer.

A title typically reserved for the sages of the Mage Tower.

Currently, there were just over ten individuals in the empire with the title of grand sorcerer, including the five sages from the Mage Tower, Minette of the Robeheim Family, and Ariel.

To protect against facial aging was a realm far removed from where Bartheus could tread.

He decided to enjoy life as it is and be content with his current self.

“Oh, there you are!”

As they reached the end of the corridor, a man popped out from the right, beaming while greeting them.

Geldrick Eiferz.

He was the one overseeing the event in which Edgar and Ariel would participate today.

“I’ve come to inform you that preparations outside are complete. It seems you two are ready as well.”

Seeing their attire, Geldrick nodded and promptly led the couple outside.

Thinking he should take his place among the spectators, Bartheus bid them farewell and moved on.

Surely his family, minus his son, would have finished preparations and be waiting for him by now.

“Then I’ll see you later. Good luck!”

Giving an encouraging shout, he left.

* * * * * * *

Before the event commenced, a speech was in progress at Hildak, gathering the city’s residents.

The one delivering this address was none other than the current Emperor, Robert Helbenior.

Wiping beads of sweat from his forehead, he was recalling the glory of this day—a day reclaimed after ten long years—before the townspeople.

“…Thus, we hailed them as heroes! I, Robert Helbenior, do not stand here merely as the Emperor, but as one of this nation’s residents! Today, I wish to honor those who defeated the evildoers and opened the path toward coexistence with the other races, heralding a new era of prosperity!”

“Waaaaah!”

As soon as Robert finished his speech, cheers like flame erupted from the crowd.

There were only two individuals in this nation who could garner such enthusiastic responses despite not being royalty.

However, as they seldom appeared in public, the residents of Hildak had been eagerly waiting for this day.

“Are the great heroes really coming?”

“His Majesty just mentioned it earlier!”

The title of Great Hero belonged solely to Edgar.

Initially, Ariel was supposed to share this title but declined, giving all credit to Edgar instead.

“I may admire the Great Hero, but I also want to engrave the Duke’s noble figure in my eyes at least once!”

“Exactly! He rarely graces us with his presence in official matters.”

Typically, those who achieve such fame would want to enjoy the spotlight by making a few public appearances.

Yet, those two seemed completely disinterested in such things, only showing up for essential events.

Even when invited by the royal family, they would merely attend without lingering.

So, for the residents of Hildak, every opportunity to see them felt like a distant dream, finally coming to fruition today.

“A carriage is coming!”

At someone’s shout, the eyes of the townsfolk, gathered in the square and along the streets, focused in one direction.

What approached from the end was a grand carriage adorned with gold and jewels.

As the faces of the man and woman aboard came into view, cheers erupted from all ages, nearly bordering on screams.

“The Duke has arrived! It’s my first time seeing him in person!”

“They truly are a perfect match. How did those two even come to meet?”

“They’re undoubtedly a fateful pair brought together by the heavens. Perhaps even God couldn’t resist watching over their bond!”

“Hehe, that makes sense.”

Compliments for the duo filled the air alongside the cheers.

A few even attempted to cross the rows of soldiers guarding the road to rush towards them, only to be swiftly subdued and taken aside.

Amidst it all, several women blushed as they gazed dreamily at Edgar.

“How can the Great Hero look so dashing? I wish I could be embraced by him just once…”

“Watch your mouth! You’ll lose your head for saying that!”

“You know, everyone in the world knows how dearly the Duke cherishes his wife.”

Even if Ariel might not often show her face in public, her love for her husband had garnered notoriety long before.

Rumor had it that if a woman penned a love letter to Edgar, her neck would be floating in the river by sunrise.

Whether that was true or not, only she would know.

Meanwhile, the two individuals receiving such extravagant treatment while entering the road felt quite overwhelmed.

Even with all their remarkable achievements, was this level of reverence really necessary?

After all, this cart was permitted only for royal family members during grand occasions.

“I’ll never get used to this treatment, no matter how many years pass.”

“I know, but don’t you feel proud of what you’ve accomplished?”

“I do. I just sometimes wonder if I truly deserve this kind of adoration.”

Edgar had never done any of it for anyone but his loved ones.

He simply wanted to protect those close to him, stretch his hand to help others, and before he knew it, he found himself holding a multitude of lives while clawing his way from a blaze.

He had never considered himself a hero.

He thought people merely praised him for attempting to save a little more than others.

Ariel gently took hold of Edgar’s hand and smiled.

“You don’t need to overthink it. Just remember, the path you’ve walked isn’t wasted.”

“Is that so?”

Edgar scratched his cheek, letting out a shy laugh.

Perhaps throughout his life, he’d never become accustomed to receiving such overwhelming support and cheers.

Yet, just like this day, the thought of wanting to save even more lives from ten years ago gave him a sense of pride.

“Wave to the people. They’re calling for you.”

“Should I do it together with you?”

“I’m good, thanks. Plus, isn’t it the Great Hero’s job to take the lead on such occasions?”

With a playful nudge about the title she had just given him, Edgar resignedly stood up while chuckling.

The cheers rose, even louder than before, rumbling like thunder, which somehow lightened his heart.