I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 267

As the two of them circled around Hildak like victorious generals returning from war, they finally arrived at the Imperial Palace, where another day’s agenda was already unfolding.

It was a grand banquet held to celebrate a joyful occasion.

Two individuals, known for rarely showing their faces even at the palace, had made an appearance, which sparked much interest among those who wanted to catch a glimpse of them.

Dressed in fresh attire, Edgar and Ariel arrived late to the banquet hall, having put the children to bed early, as it was now the adults’ time.

“It’s been a while since we had a banquet.”

As they reached the entrance of the banquet hall, adjusting each other’s attire, Edgar pondered about when the last time they hosted a banquet in Hespania was.

“Hasn’t it been about eight months?”

“Sounds about right. It’s gotta feel different from when we throw a party at the castle, right?”

“Probably? Even though we’re the stars of the show, it’s not one we organized ourselves.”

At the Robeheim Castle, they could sit back and relax since they were the hosts.

But today was a banquet hosted by the imperial family to honor the two of them.

So, naturally, they should engage with representatives from other noble families as a way of giving back.

“Let’s head in.”

“Okay.”

Nodding, Ariel linked her arm with Edgar’s as he reached out to swing open the enormous door, which could easily be twice his height.

Creeeak.

As the door opened, the dazzling lights of the banquet hall flooded towards the two, drawing the attention of everyone present.

Even without someone announcing their arrival, the sudden silence suggested that the main characters had arrived, causing all heads to turn towards the door.

“Finally, you two are here…!”

A young woman with lavender hair excitedly tapped her companion’s arm, as if this had triggered a wave of chatter among the guests.

“That’s the great hero. Looks like his aura can’t be hidden, even from this distance.”

“Tell me about it. Just seeing him gives me chills.”

Even with a beautiful flower like Ariel standing next to him, most men’s eyes gravitated towards Edgar.

Especially, the up-and-coming young heirs of various families seemed particularly captivated.

Typically, men of this age idolize strength, and for them, Edgar was like an idol straight out of a hero’s tale.

As the two continued through the throng of admirers, two men started whispering again.

“Is it rude to go up and say hi?”

“You’d be lucky if your father just gives you a slap on the back. My dad would just keep quiet and wait for his turn.”

“Damn it. I just want a chance to talk to him at least once.”

They spoke desperately, but it was nothing more than an empty echo.

In the grand scheme of things, the heads of noble families were far too busy trying to create connections to pay any mind to young heirs.

At the same time, the women gathered in a corner weren’t any different.

“I’m so nervous; it’s my first time seeing them in person. Have any of the other ladies met them?”

“No way. They rarely show up in the social scene.”

At the lavender-haired woman’s question, everyone around shook their heads.

Edgar, at least, could make occasional appearances if the imperial family sent an invitation, but Ariel hardly made an appearance and was practically confined to the castle, making it nearly impossible to see her unless one had connections to visit Robeheim Castle.

It was truly rare for women of this age to avoid social circles and interactions with others, so this was an exceptional attitude.

“Hoho…”

Meanwhile, one woman listened to their conversation, wearing a victorious smile.

The mistress of the Rosfeller family sharpened her gaze and spoke up.

“Lady Nelloa, is that smile perhaps…?”

“Hmm. Did you catch on? The truth is, I had the chance to meet them a few weeks ago. I wasn’t sure when to bring it up.”

Though she shrugged as if trying to appear elegant, to the onlookers, she resembled nothing more than a gleeful fox eager to brag.

However, meeting those two was a noteworthy experience in the social scene, and so they had to listen.

“Do you know who I’ve become close to recently?”

“W-Who?”

“None other than the mistress of the Lorentz family. We happened to meet a few weeks ago.”

“Is it THE Lorentz family we’re talking about?”

While the Lorentz family itself was quite renowned, they became even more well-known because the current head’s daughter was closely associated with the grand duke and had helped Robeheim during that incident ten years ago.

“Exactly. And thanks to the kindness of Lady Lorentz, I had the chance to visit Robeheim Castle a few weeks ago.”

“So, that’s how it was…”

“Did you, by any chance, really get to meet those two?”

One lady asked with a trembling voice, and Nelloa’s smile widened as if she had been waiting for that question.

“Of course. The grand duke was busy with state affairs and only showed his face for a moment, but Edgar Billhark actually personally guided us through the garden.”

“!”

“How fortunate you are… I’m so envious.”

It was clear that every woman present had admired that great hero at some point, and the thought that someone had the chance to speak to him up close stirred jealousy in their eyes.

Honestly, just sharing that experience in the social scene would have folks talking for a month straight because everyone would be envious.

And while stories about them blossomed all around, the Robeheim Couple was bickering over something trivial.

“I told you not to give any other women attention.”

“I didn’t!”

The reason was, of course, due to the grand duke’s jealousy rearing its head once again.

She subtly rolled her eyes, glancing at the other ladies nearby and pouting her lips.

The fact that she tried to avoid the social scene and didn’t host gatherings was primarily due to this reason.

It wasn’t out of inconvenience or trouble; it was just that women trying to subtly flirt with him tended to pop up every now and then.

Of course, they all knew he was married and that he had a wife who was the grand duke, so it wasn’t as though any sane woman would approach him openly.

“Ugh, this is precisely why I hate banquets. Do you even know how many girls have blushed just from seeing you?”

“You can see all of that?”

Despite walking side by side, Edgar’s eyes widened in disbelief at her comment—which seemed like she had seen a completely different scene than he did.

Just how intense did her possessiveness have to be to notice something like this?

The most absurd part was that Ariel took such occurrences for granted.

“Of course I can see! There was a girl who whispered she wanted to hug you midway; I swear I could’ve….”

“I get it, just hold it in. It was just a slip of the tongue.”

Edgar tried to soothe Ariel, wrapping his arm around her waist, as a cheeky grin started to appear on his face.

“By the way, you look really pretty today. That outfit suits you perfectly.”

“I know you’re just trying to change the subject. I see through you!”

“Really?”

Edgar blinked innocently, raising his eyebrows as though he had no intention to divert the conversation and was simply complimenting her beautiful appearance.

It was a survival tactic he had developed to navigate life with such a possessive wife.

Although it was also true that Ariel’s beauty was particularly radiant today.

“I think it’s a good thing I’m here with you, or the moment I step away, all those guys will rush over to you star-eyed.”

“Hmph. Who’d care to talk to me?”

Ariel turned her head sharply away, as if rejecting the thought entirely.

She wasn’t foolish enough to confuse those who approached her with genuine intentions with those who were just trying to gawk at her beauty.

There had been countless men who tried to approach her just to get a glimpse of her beauty, but she coldly dismissed them all.

Only one man had the right to look at her that way—only he.

“Excuse me, Your Grace. If it’s not too much trouble, could I request a moment of your time?”

Just as she was resting her head on Edgar’s shoulder, someone spoke from behind them.

Ariel’s expression instantly soured at having their private moment interrupted. But then she recognized the voice, and she quickly turned her head.

Standing before her were two familiar women.

One with short yellow hair and the other with lavender hair flowing down to her shoulders caught her eye.

“Sally, Gria…!”

Ariel’s eyes lit up, and joy spread across the faces of the two women.

“It’s been a while, Ariel.”

“It’s hard to catch a glimpse of such an elevated lady nowadays.”

Meeting friends who had started their own families now, Ariel thought that tonight might turn out to be quite a pleasant evening.