I Became the Childhood Friend of the Northern Duchess - Chapter 76: Princess's wind

Translator : Idris

Editor : Aizen

In the end, Ariel chose not to explain today’s incident to Elfred.

Initially, she wanted to share it, especially because it involved Edgar and no one else. However, she worried that doing so could lead to complications.

First and foremost, it’s evident that the enemy is among them.

However, when dealing with external enemies, there are some differences in approach.

That’s the enemy’s point of view.

For example, when two external families, A and B, are fighting, they both know they are each other’s enemies.

But when the enemy is concealed within, they consider the hidden group as enemies, while it is challenging for the other party to recognize them as enemies.

Of course, if the enemy becomes aware that their cover is blown, the situation might change slightly, but those who have hidden their secret plans are overflowing with confidence.

That’s exactly what Ariel had in mind.

If she informed Elfred about this right now, he would likely discover the existence of schemers within their ranks.

And he would intend to find a way to make it public.

However, she believed this would be a bad idea.

Rather, if they informed Elfred without proper physical evidence, the plotters would likely retreat back into the shadows.

Even if Yulken returned and initiated an investigation later, there was little chance of catching them in the act.

Ariel wasn’t sure if she could hide this from Elfred and secretly seek help.

But her genuine feelings were that she couldn’t trust anyone in this situation.

‘Maybe I’ve become too sensitive.’

As Ariel lay alone on her bed and closed her eyes, a bitter smile appeared on her lips.

She felt reluctant to doubt the right-hand man who had served her father even before she was born.

However, knowing that Edgar’s life is on the line, she couldn’t afford to take any risks.

To be honest, she didn’t see anyone around her who appeared to be a trustworthy ally.

‘At least I can trust Shuri.’

She believed she could trust Shuri enough, so she secretly gave her an order.

She wasn’t sure if it would be useful, but she thought it was better than doing nothing.

“Huh…!”

Ariel stretched out in the same position she was lying on the bed and jumped up.

Realizing that she was worrying for no reason, she wanted to see Edgar’s face.

Now that dinner was over, there was a relaxed atmosphere, and seeing his face would provide some relief.

Having made that decision, she didn’t leave the room but went to the dressing table and looked at herself in the mirror, something she hadn’t done often.

To be precise, it was something she had started doing recently.

The meaning of ‘recently’ meant ‘since she became Edgar’s lover.’

Because throughout history, women in love have always wanted to look beautiful.

“… Oh, right.”

She finished her quick grooming and was about to leave the room but then decided to put on a thin shawl hanging from her chair.

The dress she was wearing showed off some of her shoulders.

But it wasn’t a concern for her.

The only issue was that, unexpectedly, Edgar did not easily approve of such attire.

Normally, she would have been annoyed if someone else told her what to do, but for some reason, Ariel was more than happy to consider Edgar’s wishes.

It felt like proof that he cared for her properly as a lover.

Recalling the memory of about a month ago, she smiled and eventually left the room.

Her room was right next to Edgar’s, so seeing him at any time was a great advantage.

smart.

“Ed, can I come in?”

– Oh, come in.

A very simple entry procedure.

In the past, she might have just opened the door and entered without permission, but being in a romantic relationship had slightly changed Ariel’s behavior.

“You weren’t sleeping yet.”

“It’s been a while. Besides, I still have some things to think about.”

Understanding what he meant by ‘thinking,’ Ariel nodded slightly and sat down nearby.

“What’s that?”

She asked discreetly, recalling the assassin she had just hidden away in a sack. Edgar replied, lowering his voice a bit.

“I put them in the basement.”

“Didn’t the others notice?”

“It didn’t seem like it.”

Ariel was satisfied with his answer and sat with her hips pressed against him, smiling contentedly.

“Sorry, because of me.”

“It’s not your fault. Don’t blame yourself.”

Her brief apology made him laugh.

Edgar wasn’t a fool; he had some idea about what had happened today.

While Ariel’s additional explanation would be needed to confirm his suspicions, he already knew that the incident was not a simple assassination attempt against a grand duke’s daughter.

Can we dare to argue who is to blame for this?

Edgar believed that neither of them had done anything wrong.

The real problem lay with the unknown person behind this scheme.

‘It seems more complicated than I thought.’

He knew there would be external interference when he decided to be in a relationship with Ariel.

However, he hadn’t expected it to be so severe.

Their motives were still shrouded in mystery, but their intention to eliminate him was clear, even if it required ruthless measures.

And the first time might have been easy, but predicting what means they would use next was harder.

“But it’s a bit surprising.”

“Yes? What do you mean?”

As Ariel tilted her head at Edgar’s sudden introspection, he responded with a mischievous smile as if his serious expression from a moment ago had been a lie.

“I thought you might ask something like, ‘Do you regret being with me?'”

“That’s ridiculous. Of course, I might have such thoughts, but…”

“But?”

As Edgar repeated the word, the smile on her lips grew even wider.

Then, Ariel reached out and embraced his broad hand, which seemed to be twice as large as her own.

In response, without a word, he also placed his left hand over hers and held it gently.

“It wouldn’t be fair of me to say such a thing now. Besides, if you truly regretted it, you would have confronted me about it”

She added, explaining why she hadn’t asked him earlier.

Realizing that she was growing up and becoming more considerate, Edgar nodded warmly.

“Oh, Ed. As you said, I’ll have an escort when I leave the castle tomorrow.”

“Really? That decision was made quickly.”

Contrary to Edgar’s expectation that she might delay such a decision, Ariel acted promptly.

It seemed that today’s events had left a strong impression on her.

“I don’t know about my safety, but I don’t want to lose you. I’ve already spoken to Elfred about it.”

“Good idea. Regardless of how I lived before, I knew I’d have to face it someday.”

“Yeah, but I don’t like it… I want to go out alone but must use an escort. Why does it have to be so inconvenient?”

When Ariel expressed her frustration with the requirement of having an escort, Edgar couldn’t help but chuckle softly while gently stroking her hair.

He might have found a different way to persuade her if he had known earlier.

He had assumed her reluctance stemmed from a dislike of being constrained by others, but it seemed there was more to it.

“But let’s be cautious for now. Once things are settled, we can venture out alone when it’s not too far, okay?”

“If that’s the case… great.”

Though the decision had already been made, it was comforting for Ariel to hear that Edgar was open to the idea of going out alone in the future.

Over the past 20 years, Edgar had learned how to handle Ariel’s feelings and quirks, which made their relationship strong and understanding.

“I’ve been holding you for a long time today. Was your public work difficult?”

Ariel had nestled her face into Edgar’s chest.

It was endearing to see her like this, resembling a cute cat seeking comfort.

Edgar didn’t tease her. He allowed her to stay as she pleased.

“Yes… It wasn’t too bad, but I was a little scared.”

“You were scared?”

“When I was attacked earlier, I realized that they were only targeting you, and I couldn’t help but think about the possibility of losing you… even just once.”

Ariel was aware of both Edgar’s abilities and her own skills.

Yet, the thought of his life being as fragile as a lantern in the wind had stirred anxiety in her.

“Don’t worry. I’m still here.”

Edgar reassured her, patting her back gently. Ariel looked up for a moment, examining his face, and then leaned in to kiss him softly on the lips.

Her lips parted with a delicate sound, and she nestled her face against Edgar’s shoulder, her eyes shining.

She cherished this warmth.

The warmth of his presence, his soothing voice, and even his strong body that insignificant individuals had almost harmed.

She vowed never to lose him. Even if fate tried to take him away, she would fight against it.

Just as he had protected her in their youth, now it was her turn to protect him.

She wished for this moment to last forever, to remain in this room, safe and content, with him by her side.

She didn’t want him to soil his hands by dealing with those who sought to harm them.

“I hope it stays like this forever,” she thought.

Reminiscing about her naive days as a princess when she didn’t understand much.

No matter how many dark deeds he might have committed, she wanted to preserve the memory of their innocent friendship from their childhood days.