I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess – Chapter 9

Three days had passed since Edgar received a whole house as a birthday gift.

Today was none other than Edgar’s birthday.

Though not from an exceptionally powerful family, it was only fitting for the noble son to have some unfamiliar faces visiting the mansion to celebrate.

Among them were a few renowned families known for their heavy-bottomed attitudes.

‘So many are here just to make a good impression.’

Edgar, a small figure, greeted the guests on the first floor alongside his parents.

It was obvious why these people, who usually went unnoticed, had come to the mansion under the pretense of celebrating his birthday.

The fact that the matriarch of the Grand Duke’s family had personally connected her daughter to this family’s second son had long been common knowledge.

‘Adults have their struggles too.’

While it might be a joyous day for children like Edgar to receive birthday wishes, the adults’ circumstances were quite different.

Edgar didn’t scorn that fact or view it negatively.

He simply felt it would be tiring.

“How wonderful, my son. Look at all the people who have come to celebrate you today.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Katria was sharp enough to pick up on their true intentions.

She simply spoke in that way to avoid shattering her ten-year-old son’s innocent heart.

Oblivious, Edgar smiled sweetly and nodded.

‘My head’s going to be scrambled.’

One by one, every person passing by complimented his beautiful hair, asking for permission to pat it, which was quite common.

The red hair symbolizing the Billhark family was a rare sight in other regions, making it stand out.

As a result, Edgar soon gave up on trying to fix his hair. He figured he could tidy it up once everyone had passed.

“Lady Helene is running late. Dear, did she send any word?”

Ransel couldn’t hide his impatience as he queried amid the dwindling crowd.

Everyone gathered in the hall was here primarily to meet the matriarch of the Grand Duke’s family.

What if she couldn’t make it?

Even if they couldn’t speak loudly due to shame, it wouldn’t stop them from whispering among themselves.

“She probably will. I’ll stay here, so you go ahead.”

“I should, indeed. I can’t leave the guests unattended.”

Although Ransel had no formal obligations to stay since this wasn’t an official event, he was still the head of the family.

At the very least, he needed to greet the guests and make a lasting impression.

Once Ransel stepped away, he hurried up the stairs to the second floor.

“Even if the princess can’t make it, don’t feel too disappointed, okay? Got it? Edgar.”

“Don’t worry, Mother. Ariel will definitely come.”

“You’re quite confident, aren’t you?”

Edgar knew better than anyone that nothing in this world was guaranteed, but today, he felt certain.

If it were anyone but Helene, she would have sent a letter in advance if she couldn’t attend the birthday party.

And she would have sent the promised sword along with it. Although she wasn’t a man, Helene was tight-lipped and responsible for her promises.

Click-clack. Click-clack.

As if responding to Edgar’s confident words, the sight of two women walking hand in hand caught Billhark’s eyes just as the guest parade was coming to an end.

The moment their eyes met, the mother and daughter exchanged smiles simultaneously, as if in sync.

Edgar waved happily.

“Sorry for being late, Katria.”

“Happy birthday, Edgar!”

The two greeted each other first, adjusting their greetings to fit their heights.

Ariel bounced around as if it were her birthday instead, resembling a little black rabbit flitting about.

“Thanks. You look lovely today.”

“Oh, you noticed!? I didn’t wear this for a compliment from you, you know!”

“Who says?”

Was it so hard to understand where this princess drew the line for annoyance?

Edgar had merely offered a pure compliment, so why was she reacting like this?

Still, since her lips didn’t pout like they usually did, it didn’t seem like she was truly upset.

Why bother responding so sensitively if she wasn’t angry? Edgar’s confusion only deepened.

“Hey, listen up, Edgar. Our daughter may say otherwise, but she…”

“Ugh, Mom! What are you talking about?”

What was this? Was there some hidden story lurking somewhere?

Regrettably, Ariel’s near-scream silenced any further revelations, but Edgar decided to make a mental note to find out later.

In that moment, a sharp, blood-red gaze pierced through him.

Without realizing it, Edgar flinched.

“Just try asking my mom about me when I’m not around!”

“Okay, I won’t ask.”

“Really?”

With her hands on her hips and a faux serious expression, Ariel asked again.

Edgar contemplated whether he should make a finger-swear promise, but just nodded once more to quell her.

‘This is why I dislike sharp-witted kids.’

He shook his head.

With a sigh, Edgar confirmed that there were no more guests before closing the mansion’s door.

Since these guests had come to celebrate his birthday, he should refrain from teasing them too much.

As he led Katria and the two women to the second floor, Ariel tapped his shoulder.

“Hey, Edgar. Is there anyone among the guests today who’s your friend?”

“A friend? Hmm…”

Sadly, Edgar had almost no one he could truly call a friend.

He knew there were kids around his age from different families, but he had rarely met them.

Most of the familiars he was acquainted with were already adults or significantly older than him.

“Not really.”

“Oh, really? Hehe.”

“…?”

Edgar was left speechless by her unexpected reaction.

How could she laugh at the fact that her childhood friend had no friends? The inner workings of this silly princess were utterly baffling.

‘Ariel probably has lots of friends.’

She must have a few pals she connects with due to their familial ties, but he had no way to know for sure since he hadn’t heard anything about it.

As they reached the second floor, the four of them stood before the door leading into the hall.

The staff from other families, chatting outside, quickly bowed and greeted Helene as she arrived.

Among them were some individuals of considerable power, even Edgar could recognize a few faces.

‘That’s quite impressive, isn’t it?’

Were they actually on friendly terms with someone like him?

Edgar hadn’t gotten close to Ariel because of her family, but this certainly explained any rumors circulating around them.

The family was one of the top three most powerful in the empire, reputedly among the top two.

Now he realized how luxurious and fortunate it was for him to be under their protection.

Creak.

As they opened the hall door and entered, conversations gradually faded into a sudden silence.

Fearing Helene might find it rude, he tried not to look their way, yet most were glancing at Edgar and his party.

“Lady Robeheim, isn’t it? What a pleasure to see you again.”

Breaking the silence, a burly man in his forties approached them.

Helene, once unsure, finally recognized him and exclaimed, “Oh!” while returning the greeting.

“It’s nice to see you. You must be… the head of the Ardeltain family? I apologize for not remembering your name.”

“Haha, my name is Maltred Ardeltain. It’s not particularly grand, but I’d appreciate it if you could remember it in the future.”

He wore a friendly smile, but Ardeltain was considered a powerful Count in the region.

For a man of such standing to greet someone whose name he had forgotten with such ease indicated just how high her status was.

Edgar couldn’t help but chuckle at Maltred’s plight, offering silent condolences to the once-remembered head of the house.

Though he pretended otherwise, he might be boiling inside.

People with shaky power and influence tend to have inflated pride.

“As it happens, the others from my family were eagerly awaiting your arrival. If it’s not too much trouble, might we have a word?”

Maltred attempted to guide her along with a rather eager demeanor.

In this situation, where others were merely watching, it was obvious he was trying to weave her into a web with his family.

However, she was the matriarch of the Robeheim family.

Having gone through countless social events, she was well aware of how to handle such overtures.

“While I appreciate the sentiment, I’ll pass. Today, I’m here as a friend of my daughter to celebrate a birthday.”

“Oh, I see… My apologies for being so presumptuous.”

While she spoke indirectly, the underlying message questioned why he couldn’t distinguish between public and private matters.

The star of the show here was undoubtedly the young heir of the Billhark family celebrating his birthday, while she was merely the mother of his childhood friend attending to convey her congratulations.

She had no intention of becoming a pawn in some family squabble or gossip.

After quickly regaining his composure, Maltred bowed and made a hasty exit.

“Katria, let’s leave the kids for a moment and have a chat among ourselves. I’m not feeling too well today to mingle with the crowd.”

“Ah, I understand, my lady.”

Helene intentionally spoke loud enough for everyone around to hear.

It was essentially a blatant warning not to address her further.

If the matriarch of the Robeheim family went this far, anyone approaching afterward would either be completely oblivious or already beyond caring about life itself.

“Ariel, let’s go play over there. They say there are lots of tasty snacks today.”

“Okay!”

Edgar, picking up on her subtle cue, took Ariel’s hand and made a quick exit.

He momentarily caught Helene’s gaze, but she silently smiled and waved them off.

The eyes of the other family members watching them sparkled.

If they couldn’t shoot arrows at the enemy, they had to use words.

The two children, now free from their mother’s side, seemed like mighty steeds in their eyes.