I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 277

Thanks to his son’s help, Edgar managed to arrive at the hall on time.

With his wife’s encouragement backing him up, he had no choice but to do his best.

Having that mindset, he reached the door, finishing his preparations and giving a nod to Elin, who stood beside him.

With a nod in response, she, along with another user, pushed open the massive doors, revealing the scene inside the hall.

‘Just a bunch of young folks, huh.’

Amidst the gathering of handsome men and beautiful women filling the hall, Edgar took a step forward, chuckling softly.

It felt like just yesterday when he looked up at Yulken during the adult ceremony alongside Ariel, but now he was stepping onto that same path himself, and it was a poignant moment.

“It’s Count Billhark.”

Amid the joyous chatter among the group, a man’s voice suddenly rang out.

Even though it was a fairly small voice that could easily be drowned out by the ruckus inside, it provoked reactions from all corners.

“What? Count Billhark is here?”

“No way, he actually came?”

A few of the men stared in shock as he walked calmly down the path leading up to the stage.

Since this was Ariel’s coming-of-age ceremony hosted by the Robeheim family, it was only natural to expect her to be the one bringing the greetings if someone was coming for that purpose.

“What a towering presence he has, right?”

“Yeah… honestly, just looking at him can be intimidating.”

The women were equally astonished.

Especially because of the unique aura Edgar exuded, some were so awestruck that they kept a respectful distance while trying to catch glimpses of him from afar.

“That man is just three years younger than our father? I can’t believe it…”

“Seriously. He looks way older than his age, doesn’t he?”

“He’s so incredibly handsome…”

Some even found themselves questioning Edgar’s age as they compared him to their fathers, mistaking the two due to their similar ages.

There were rare moments where a few felt a crush, but usually, they’d just end up getting shown up by other women.

Receiving countless longing gazes from many, Edgar smiled and looked around at the crowd.

At the end of his gaze were his children, the Robeheim siblings, who were tightly hugging each other as they watched their father with fond expressions.

Eventually, as the din began to settle, Edgar believed that most eyes were fixed on him, and he opened his mouth.

“I apologize for interrupting your festivities.”

His opening remark was a request for understanding for barging in among the young people.

It was just like Yulken’s first words when he took the stage on the day of his own coming-of-age ceremony.

“I’ll skip the formalities as I’m a bit shy about introductions, so if anyone doesn’t know who I am, please feel free to ask someone nearby.”

Hahaha—

As he attempted to lighten the mood, which threatened to become too serious, smiles spread across the faces of those gathered in the hall.

After all, it was impossible for them not to know him.

Though not everyone present had witnessed Edgar’s contributions firsthand, they had heard stories from history books or their parents, making it feel like they had lived through those times.

Moreover, even in their childhood days while still sheltered by their parents, many had seen Edgar from afar.

A man revered almost as much as the Emperor, who commanded the respect of everyone around him.

Finding a person of his caliber was almost impossible, even through the annals of history.

“However, just to keep up with the minimum courtesy, let me introduce myself. I am Edgar Billhark. I am honored to speak on behalf of the previous generation to congratulate the next generation.”

Clap clap clap.

Only after he explained why he was on stage did a delayed round of applause fill the hall.

Once the applause died down, Edgar took a breath and slowly turned his head from left to right, surveying the audience again.

He couldn’t help but wonder if Yulken felt the same emotions while witnessing a similar scene earlier.

However, he pushed his emotions down, telling himself that it was not yet the time to get carried away, and began to speak.

A smile still graced his lips.

“It’s been over twenty years. Back when I was your age, I sat in a similar spot and listened to a speech from someone…”

As Edgar’s words began, most in attendance could vaguely guess who the speaker of that past congratulatory message was.

Since the speaker today would have presumably been a woman who followed in that person’s footsteps, it wasn’t too hard to make the connection.

“That individual spoke to us like this, calling themselves the setting sun. They said it was an honor to gather all of us, the rising sun, in one place and exchange greetings.”

Back then, Edgar somewhat understood Yulken’s words, but at the same time, he wondered why he felt the need to elevate them so high.

He had such fundamental questions.

But now, standing in the same position, he finally grasped the sentiment behind those words.

It was a joyful occasion for someone in charge of passing down the generations to see the gems of the new generation gathered in one spot.

“I have something to convey to you as well. You may not realize it, but I genuinely believe that each of you assembled here has the ability to lead the next generation.”

At times, gems often don’t recognize their own worth.

Although Edgar certainly didn’t place himself in that category, he couldn’t help but think that perhaps he was one of those shining gems Yulken had spotted long ago.

The words he just uttered were meant as encouragement and praise for young people who might be questioning themselves.

“So stand tall and walk forward. Me, Edgar Billhark, alongside the previous generations, believe in your future and bless you.”

As he said those words, Edgar cast a gentle glance towards his two children at the edge of his vision.

Did they feel that loving gaze?

The Robeheim siblings nodded their heads in an expression filled with complex emotions, as if to say they would surely follow through.

With that short but heartfelt response, Edgar wore a satisfied smile and turned his attention back to the other audience members.

What he initially intended to keep brief had somehow turned lengthy, but no one among them bore a dissatisfied expression.

It was that appreciated.

A heartfelt trust being handed down to the youth, who had yet to achieve anything as grand as a hero.

Finally, Edgar concluded his speech and stepped down from the podium.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t have done so.

It wasn’t his style to speak in a way that seemed self-important in front of others, and he was uncertain whether he was deserving enough to grace that occasion on behalf of the host.

Yet, what compelled him was the fact that among the young bloods becoming adults today, his own children were included.

It felt less like delivering a message to those present and more like he simply wanted to bless his two kids as they stood at the starting line in front of so many people. That was the mindset of a father.

Fortunately, his words left a profound impact not only on his children but also on many others.

Clap clap clap—

The thunderous applause that erupted as soon as he finished speaking didn’t cease until he made his way to his children’s side.

As the speech drew to a close, several courageous individuals from among the audience stepped forward to risk potential rudeness and asked for a handshake from Edgar.

Their shining eyes were a bonus.

“It’s the Jest family. I’m sorry if the speech dragged on and bored you.”

“Oh, no! I’ve respected the heroics of Count Billhark since ages ago, so it was rather appreciated!”

Although the nobles were noble, it was particularly the sons of martial arts families or knights who wore their admiration for Edgar on their sleeves.

And it made sense, as Edgar Billhark is almost worshipped as a divine figure among swordsmen and knights.

After all, even though he wasn’t a knight, his name is at the pinnacle of the Imperial Knights’ Hall of Honor, alongside the past commanders of the knight corps.

“Today, it seems like you’ve been busier than we are, Father?”

“Right? If I’d known, I would have just let your mom handle it instead.”

“Though you say that, you did amazingly well. You’re definitely a great dad!”

Serina cutely showed both her thumbs up and leaned against his arm.

Seeing his daughter, who remained both mature yet still a bit of a child in front of him, Edgar couldn’t help but smile warmly.

It seemed like every father becomes a bit of a softie for his daughter, hoping she wouldn’t wander too far from his side for too long.

Yet, that didn’t mean he intended to raise her like a greenhouse flower, never allowing her to stand beside any man.

“Evan.”

Just as he was happily chatting with the others while still holding on to a flower that was his daughter, he turned toward a familiar voice.

Standing there was a woman with delicate blond hair down to her waist, leaving an ethereal impression.

None other than Claire, who had recently begun dating his son Evan in earnest.

“Oh, sis! Thanks for coming.”

“No, thank you! I’m actually sorry for being late.”

With her naturally gentle smile, Claire greeted Edgar and Serina before subtly edging her way towards Evan.

As soon as the two commenced whispering sweet nothings to each other, Edgar realized it was time for him to step aside and gently patted Serina’s shoulder.

“Serina, your mom will be here soon, so let’s move over to the side.”

“Yes, Dad.”

Understanding his meaning, Serina threw a sidelong glance at her little brother and chuckled before following closely behind Edgar.

From his perspective, he was left feeling helpless, wishing he could do nothing but bless his child’s budding romance, but he believed that might be what Evan truly wished for.

After all, during his own time with Ariel, leaving the two of them alone without interruptions was the best and most enjoyable way for them.

This was also a kind of rite of passage.