I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 268

It had been quite a while since Ariel was this happy to meet someone.

And why not? She hadn’t seen Sally and Gria since her last birthday.

Even then, the two had rushed in, offered gifts and greetings, and quickly departed, making the gap feel even longer.

“It’s been so long. Why did you come in, say hi, and leave last time?”

Ariel was rarely this comfortable in conversation with someone.

Except for close relatives, of course.

Hence, those around them realized how close the three were and refrained from encroaching.

In fact, if it had been a more formal discussion, they would have been cautious about interrupting, but interrupting a chat among friends was as bold as sticking one’s neck out.

“We wouldn’t want to take up your time when you’re busy.”

“Right! Plus, we can always meet again later.”

Gria chimed in, followed by Sally, but Ariel still wore a grumpy face.

Given her position, it was understandable to be somewhat reserved with friends, but was it really fair for her friends to just drop by on her birthday without spending any time?

If only they knew how much regret Ariel felt alongside Silvia on that day, things would’ve been different.

“Ed. Why don’t you handle this? You remember that day, right?”

“Of course I do. Do you have any idea how much I struggled trying to cheer Ariel up that day because of you guys?”

Edgar smirked with a playful grin.

And he was right; Ariel was extremely upset that day.

Though she came off as somewhat cold, she loved looking after her friends and relatives.

So when the two came, she had thought of a hundred things to prepare for them, only to be left feeling utterly deflated after they just dropped by for quick greetings and gifts.

The two didn’t seem to anticipate this, their eyes wide with surprise as they exchanged glances.

Especially Gria, who was so taken aback that she had to double-check with Edgar.

“W-Was it really that bad?”

“Yes! Why do you think I’m telling you this? And look, the main subject’s here, so ask her!”

“Huh? The main subject… oh.”

Edgar gestured towards the back with his chin, but confusion flickered in Gria’s eyes.

However, she soon turned her head and gasped as she realized what he meant.

“What’s everyone up to, leaving us behind?”

“It’s been so long!”

Silvia and Hagel stood there, happily waving to the group.

* * * * * * *

With six people standing awkwardly in a spot everyone else could pass by, they decided to move to a quieter corner, specifically to the leftside room where the banquet was being held.

Fortunately, no one was around to scold Edgar and Ariel for leaving their spots, claiming that the main characters shouldn’t disappear.

“Long time no see, Silvia.”

“Right? It’s been ages.”

As soon as they moved, everyone reached out for a handshake or a hug, savoring their reunion.

Especially Silvia and Sally, who looked most delighted, as they immediately clicked due to their similar personalities.

If they were to reminisce, they’d have to go back over seven years.

“I had no idea you were coming! You could’ve at least given us a heads-up.”

“We were invited just the day before. Thanks to that, my wife is in a frenzy about not having enough time to pick an outfit.”

Hagel shrugged, trying to smile through the chaos.

But as he exchanged greetings with Sally, Silvia’s voice thundered like a clap of thunder.

“H-Hagel! You don’t have to say that in front of everyone!”

“Haha, but it’s true!”

Hagel seemed unbothered by Silvia’s protests, chuckling shamelessly.

“Two days isn’t enough time? I can’t grasp that world.”

“Shut up! Women need more time for these things! Right, Sally?”

“Of course.”

Who would’ve thought anyone could agree with such a peculiar stance?

Surprised by who was jumping to Silvia’s defense, Edgar shook his head.

“More importantly, are we really not having any drinks at a banquet?”

In the midst of their conversations, Silvia suddenly realized there was no alcohol on the table and blinked in confusion.

Isn’t drinking essential for enjoying reunions?

Even if she’d be out cold after just three drinks, she still felt it was a must on such an occasion.

Ariel, feeling a bit thirsty herself, decided to speak up, glancing around.

“Should I ask for someone to bring us some?”

“On a day like today, we should definitely drink! Don’t you think?”

Silvia winked playfully, but Edgar’s response was as cold as ice.

“Please, try not to pass out today and cause trouble for your husband.”

“T-That only happened last time!”

“Silvia, just to be clear, that also happened last week…”

“Hagel, are you on my side or Ed’s!?”

Watching Silvia getting barraged by both her husband and friend brought only laughter to those around them.

It’s a rare sight to see the usually mischievous Silvia getting thrown into turmoil.

“Haha… I just can’t believe you never seem to change as you grow older.”

Ariel, alternating between giggles and tears, muttered softly as she wiped her eyes.

This was the same flow of conversation they had back when they were teenagers.

Whenever Silvia tossed out a comment, Edgar would typically retort, with Hagel chiming in and watching Silvia crumble.

Ariel enjoyed observing them, laughing quietly.

And even after all these years, having families of their own and leading others, things hadn’t really changed much.

This truth left Ariel genuinely astonished.

“It seems like not much has changed, huh?”

“Right! It’s basically the same.”

Ariel affirmed with a smile without a moment’s hesitation, following Gria’s question.

“Then, hasn’t anything at all shifted? What was it like back then?”

“Well… I’ve been close to Edgar since he first started walking, but I only got to know Hagel and Silvia in my mid-teens…”

Though she shared a loose friendship with the two, there were still many things Ariel didn’t know about them.

“If I had to put it into words, Silvia is like a tough exterior hiding a soft interior, while Hagel was the total opposite.”

“Wow, talk about a mismatch!”

“Maybe that’s why we met? It felt like we could balance each other out.”

Ariel had never thought about Edgar in a calculated way, thinking he was suited to her just because he had such appealing traits.

It was more that, growing close over years, she often found herself drawn to him, discovering what he treasured, striving to catch his attention.

“Will I ever find someone like that?”

Gria tilted her head, deep in thought after hearing Ariel’s words.

She had experienced the flutters of admiration or a racing heart before but never felt the thought of “this person is meant for me.”

Ariel scrunched her face in a realistic way as she offered Gria practical advice.

“You should get out there and meet people. Just hiding away at home won’t work.”

“I still love this life.”

Though even those around her had long since given up on pushing her, Gria still didn’t feel like finding someone special.

“Well, if you’re indifferent to the idea, there’s no rush, right? But if you do want to meet someone, you’ve got to change the current situation.”

“True. Just the other day, an opportunity for a matchmaking arranged meeting came up…”

“A matchmaking? Who is it?”

Ariel’s eyes widened at this unexpected twist.

Recently, she had grown very interested in the romantic entanglements of those around her, much like Helene once did.

She likely had more room to breathe now that she had reached a point that could be viewed as the destination of love.

Especially news around a close friend’s new encounter became unmissable juicy gossip.

If I could buy this information, I’d gladly throw away gold bars just to hear it.

As Gria caught the glimmer in Ariel’s eyes, she instinctively shrank back in her seat.

“W-Well, nothing has been confirmed yet…”

“But you at least know who it is, right?”

“Y-Yeah, I’ve heard something about it…”

Since the details of a matchmaking are essential, she had certainly heard something, including feedback on the family name and the person’s character, among other things.

However, since the meeting wasn’t yet a definite arrangement, Gria attempted to bury it, but Ariel just beat her to it.

“Ed! Where’s the booze?”

“It should be here soon. Why?”

“Gria has a matchmaking meeting coming up, but she hasn’t told us about it. Maybe a drink would loosen her up?”

Ariel, treating the silence like a sickness, was acting in an engaging way this time, and it was enough to gain everyone’s support.

“Wait, you hid such crucial news?”

“Then we should rush to get that drink. I’ll go!”

“Gria, are you for real? I thought you said it wasn’t settled yet!”

“A matchmaking? That’s something to celebrate!”

In a sudden clamor within the room, Gria quickly waved her hand in protest.

But it didn’t take long before the attendants began carrying in drinks and food, cutting that sort of noise short too.

“Since we’re all finally here, let’s share some old stories and hear about Gria’s matchmaking!”

“Right. But is it really okay to leave the banquet hall like this?”

“I doubt the king cares too much.”

What started as a simple conversation soon morphed into an interrogation about Gria, reminiscent of a year-end party where everyone reminisces about the good old days.

Later, someone in the banquet hall desperately looked for the Robeheim Couple, but they never managed to make an appearance until the end of the event.