I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 56

Ultimately, Yulken sought understanding, filled his wine glass anew, and returned to his place.

Edgar’s cup was nearly empty as well, so I offered him another drink, but he declined, chewing on the salty biscuits laid before him.

‘What a bold heart he has.’

Usually, those facing him one-on-one couldn’t behave as they normally would, whether for better or worse.

Even snacks served as refreshments were often left untouched.

In that sense, Edgar was indeed a man of great composure.

He didn’t excessively adhere to protocol nor came off as frivolous, but he did everything he needed to do.

Yulken found that quality quite admirable.

‘That’s a discussion for later, though.’

His wife seemed quite fond of the boy, and though Yulken didn’t think him a bad sort, it wasn’t the topic to dwell on right now.

Shaking off those thoughts, Yulken turned back to the boy seated opposite him.

“I hear that Ariel is your closest friend. So shouldn’t you be expressing your anger towards me?”

“Yes, if I had anything in my hands, I would stand up and swing it around right this moment.”

Indeed, Yulken noticed Edgar’s hand resting on his thigh trembling faintly.

It surely meant he was holding back genuine anger.

Yet Yulken’s response was icy.

“How honest. Do you even know who you’re dealing with?”

“Even if you are the master of the Duke’s household, you think being the one who brought tears to my friend’s eyes will change?”

That’s a brave response, but it didn’t touch Yulken’s heart.

He had witnessed dozens, if not hundreds, of talkative rookies like him on battlefields and in politics.

“One word from me, and your head would roll.”

“Yes, that’s exactly why I’m controlling my anger.”

“Ha.”

Life is precious, indeed.

Yulken exhaled in disbelief, thinking that he was just a loud-mouthed little crony, and Edgar, watching him, opened his mouth again.

“If I were to die, he’d surely feel burdened and guilty, blaming himself.”

What he meant was that it was not merely about valuing his own life but rather an act for Ariel.

Yulken felt a brief tremor within himself but quickly regained his composure and let out a sneer.

At that moment, Edgar added.

“I came to find you not to burden my friend with guilt but to make her smile again.”

“Even in my absence, her life wouldn’t be greatly affected. You know that very well.”

“…Do you genuinely not understand what you’re saying?”

Yulken flinched at Edgar’s cold retort, which bore no rise or fall in tone.

“If you were truly indifferent to whether you exist in Ariel’s life, why did she react that way this morning?”

“Just a whim, I suppose. That’s typical at her age.”

“Are you saying the Duke speaks to stones that just roll around on the street as whims?”

“……”

Yulken took a sip of wine in silence, savoring the tang of the biscuit in his mouth.

Edgar, observing him, sighed softly before speaking once more.

“I’m not asking for much. As I said, please don’t cast Ariel aside.”

“Don’t cast her aside? That’s already an unreasonable demand.”

“Was I asking for an apology? Or did I ask you to approach her and hug her first?”

True, that wasn’t wrong, but it wasn’t right either.

If Yulken accepted this proposal, it was akin to saying he would restore the relationship with Ariel.

That would inevitably lead to him having to tell Ariel the truth.

Yulken didn’t desire that.

“…She should stay unaware. An ignorant and resentful father, a loving and warm mother. That is how she should live.”

Upon hearing his response, Edgar’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Could this man really think that Ariel would remain ignorant and request time alone with a father who hadn’t spoken with her for years?

“Your highness, may I ask… do you really believe Ariel knows nothing?”

“Doesn’t she? No way…”

To Yulken’s ears, the boy’s implications sounded as if Ariel knew everything about the matter.

“Yes, Ariel knows it all. Of course, it’s based on my deductions and Lady Helene’s words.”

At last, Yulken’s red eyes widened.

He hadn’t even heard such words from his wife.

She hadn’t mentioned what conversations she’d had with Edgar or even that he had requested a meeting.

The implication that Ariel had shared was also interpreted by him as her being unaware of the situation.

But now he learned she was aware of all the ins and outs? And to think she had behaved as she did even knowing that?

“Why on earth would she do that?”

“I simply told the person who needed to know the truth what was true. Isn’t that a problem?”

“It would’ve been better if she hadn’t known! Did you even consider what that child is feeling right now?”

To Ariel, her trust was in her mother.

However, if she learns the whole truth, she would likely come to see her mother as colluding to isolate her.

This was the worst-case scenario Yulken could imagine.

On the other hand, despite hearing his roar, Edgar maintained a calm demeanor.

What a stubborn man. Yet still so blind.

In that case, he needed to point it out to him. The feelings of that child.

“Your highness, didn’t you encounter her today?”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ll answer your earlier question again. Ariel’s actions this morning were not driven by me and Lady Helene’s nudging.”

Thud.

As Edgar repeated his earlier words, something settled deep within Yulken’s chest.

Simultaneously, those always steadfast eyes of his began to waver.

Remember, he had indeed stated so.

Ariel abruptly suggesting a hunting trip, even desiring to be alone with her father without any friends was all her intention.

‘Was it about respecting her wishes?’

Having risen from his seat, Yulken plopped back down, hands trembling.

It was the same situation, yet the mere condition that his daughter acted knowing the truth revealed a completely different meaning.

With this, both the direction of the story and the parties asking and answering questions needed to switch.

Why? Why indeed?

“Are you really saying that she wants to face me knowing the entire truth?”

“Your highness, didn’t you meet her directly?”

“No, that’s impossible. Why on earth would she…?”

The truth was far too burdensome for a fifteen-year-old to bear.

Even if she had crumbled, it would have been reasonable for her to lash out in anger towards her father or hurl curses at her mother.

Yet why would she want to look upon such a woeful father again?

What is the reason for her not feeling anger, sadness, or even disappointment?

This wasn’t merely about being strong-willed or having strong mental fortitude.

“…What is this?”

“Please, open it.”

A letter envelope was extended towards him, throwing him into confusion.

Yulken looked at Edgar with skepticism, and he personally placed it in Yulken’s hands before resuming his seat on the sofa.

The words inscribed on the envelope read, “To Father.”

At that moment, Yulken had to tighten his grip to keep the tears that were about to pour forth at bay.

Because now he could finally understand who sent this letter.

“How can I read this?”

“If you’re unable to read it, she asked me to read it aloud for you. Would that suit you better?”

Eventually, dismissing the choice of not hearing the contents written within the letter was impossible.

Yulken, trembling hands at work, tore open the envelope containing the letter and pulled out the folded stationery.

The content of the letter wasn’t lengthy at all.

Or rather, he thought to himself whether such words even needed to be put in a letter, for it was starkly short and to the point.

However, the moment Yulken laid eyes upon the brief phrase written in that letter, he could no longer hold back his tears.

“I love you, Father.”

How long had he wanted to hear those words? But it was also something he had never dared to hope for.

The choices his daughter made upon knowing the whole truth, her sincerity—all of it was packed there in that one sentence.

She must have pondered how to convey this to a father she had never shared even a single conversation with.

Even if she had added some flowery embellishments or crafted it to seem as though she understood his feelings, it wouldn’t feel satisfying.

That’s why she conveyed it. With love.

Even if she may have resented him, even if she might fear how he’d look at her.

Nevertheless, she would still approach him and attempt to show herself.

That noble intent was encapsulated in this short phrase.

“I initially intended to negotiate with you. But when I spoke to Ariel yesterday, she insisted that she should be the one to resolve it.”

“…….”

“And then she gave me this letter with one request before suggesting what she did to you this morning.”

Yulken fought hard to suppress his emotions.

He mustn’t allow the letter to soak through. To prevent the precious sincerity from his daughter from fading away.

Edgar cautiously took out a handkerchief and offered it to him.

Generally, his principle was to completely empty oneself of tears when the moment called for it, but there was a reason why today must be different.

“Can you pass this message on to her?”

“I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but please tell her directly.”

“Directly, you say…?”

It wouldn’t do to seek out his daughter at this hour.

Was he suggesting to go hunting together tomorrow and converse then?

Knock, knock.

To stifle his curiosity, a knock came from beyond the study door.

Edgar, smiling gently, stood up, slowly made his way to the door, and cautiously opened it.

“Oh, Ariel…?”

“Did you read the letter? Father.”

There she stood, the owner of that brief letter, Ariel.

“Ariel, Ariel…!”

“Father….”

As Yulken raised his head and faced the long-desired face of his daughter, he stood up and called her name.

In response, Ariel rushed to his side, embracing him.

He had almost forgotten the feeling of being held by this large and robust father.

Feeling that sensation, Ariel shed tears together with her father.

‘So in the end, a father is a father, and a daughter is a daughter, huh?’

Edgar, watching from afar, let out a small chuckle and quietly exited the study, handling the door as softly as he could.

Ultimately, he hadn’t achieved anything substantial.

Ariel had stood up and sought to confront her father entirely of her own volition without being pushed by anyone.

All he had done was offer a little push to those who hesitated to take the first step.

But perhaps this was the best ending after all.

Gathering those who wished for her to choose her path, they joined hands and finally walked down the brightest road together.

At the very least, this much should leave a memorable impression, like a supporting character in a beautiful story.

‘I look forward to tomorrow.’

That father and daughter would go hunting together for the first time, sharing conversations and heartfelt words unspoken thus far.

Surely, among the many endings he had experienced, there had never been a day that he anticipated quite like tomorrow.