I Became The Male Lead's Female Friend

At the time, I was looking down at the document with information about magic.

‘They live in the dark forest?’

Because it did not receive constant direct sunshine, this innate woodland was given its name.

It was completely swamped with monsters and had a dense forest surrounding it that made it difficult for plants and animals to survive, let alone sunlight.

It was also where Duke Bouser traveled every winter to exterminate monsters at the same time.

‘Because of its proximity to the North.’

Duke Bouser made it a tradition to venture out and kill monsters every winter to cut down on their numbers because for some reason the number of monsters in the forest increased in the winter, severely harming the people.

Although the scale of the extermination has been markedly reduced since the Duke of Bouser came to take the lead. 

The remaining knights were now backhandedly protecting the domain as our family helped the Bouser and started getting stronger.

When the former Duke was in charge, nevertheless, the operation could not have been conducted on such a big scale.

‘Since he hasn’t been around, the number of monsters must have grown significantly.’

Everyone in the capital was aware of the specific harm done to the settlements near the Dark Forest. I would have known everything if the Imperial family had dispatched volunteers immediately if the northern region would be invaded.

But now, circumstances have changed.

Because the Duke of Bouser’s owner, who rose to prominence as an Empire hero, came home from war. Would soon raise an army to carry out his obligations as a Lord and set out on his own to annihilate monsters.

“However, there is still time before winter.”

As Rudrick said, I don’t think the barrier would break, but how long has it been since we met that we have to part again?

I couldn’t help feeling sad at the thought.

‘It’s just been a little over a year.’

When we were younger and at this point, our time spent together was rather brief. However, unlike before, there were no obstacles in our way this time, and more importantly, unlike back then, if we were helpless, we grew into mature adults.

We could meet whenever we want. Of course, I’ll be a little busy until I’m recognized as the successor.

‘We can now write letters like we used to, so why not?’

But it didn’t take long to realize that it was my mistake.

No, to be precise, I knew that day. I mumbled “Dark forest…” staring off into space at the bookcases.

Leona Selvig, the 3rd Division of the Knights of Bouser said, “Uh, did the Princess know too?”

“What?”

“The desserts of the Duke of Averine are excellent,” she was chatting nonstop, then raised her head and asked me when she heard that small voice again.

Instead, I was ashamed of myself.

“What do you mean?” answered Dahlia.

“Didn’t you just say ‘Dark Forest’ earlier?”

‘Wow, I wasn’t even able to speak indiscreetly in front of actual knights.’

Or was it because she’s one of the Bouser Knights’ top divisional leaders? I calmly smiled while clicking my tongue inwardly at her animal-like senses, and pretended I didn’t understand.

Dahlia stated, “I’ve heard tales of many monsters growing in the Dark Forest.”

“Oh, that’s right. But because of this, His Excellency merely despatched the commander of the 1st division to the north. I’m, uh, glad that bastard didn’t show up now that I think about it. Really…”

“The 1st division commander… a bastard?”

“What? Uh… its… That bad-tempered bastard.”

Looking at her again, who had fallen into the height of chatter, I realized that I had now become accustomed to the existence of division commanders.

However, I didn’t have such a good affinity that I felt familiar with them that I haven’t seen them a few times. It’s just…

‘We frequently cross paths.’

I’ve been seeing them almost daily lately, so I know why.

Was briefly passing out during the award ceremony really that shocking?

Rudrick had been sending a division commander of the Bouser Knights to the Duke of Averine’s residence one by one every day from the day he returned to his home at that time until today.

Not even one person comes consistently.

To be honest, I felt like I was sick of the load when each division commander arrived in turn, as if they had been assigned some sort of task.

I got the impression that I wasn’t the only one there who felt troubled.

As a result of Rudrick’s abrupt catastrophe, the division commanders also paid a visit to the Duke’s house and asked me carefully how they were doing, unable to conceal their uneasiness.

After a day or two, then a week, I realized ‘this isn’t right’ and politely requested in a letter for him to stop sending them. Rudrick, though, paid no attention.

When he kept dispatching his men every day, I was the first to raise my hand. I’ve even become friendly with a few Division Commanders now that I’ve acquainted.

I laughed out loud just thinking about it, but I had no answers for any of the questions.

“But why doesn’t he show up?”

Sending division commanders every day would mean that they worried about me a lot, but the person who said he was worried that much hadn’t shown his face once since that day.

You’re just happy to hear the news? Or are you very busy without even showing your face?

I even questioned the division commanders, but they gave me a variety of answers. You’re buried in papers, but… and some individuals avoided conversation while others lowered their heads as if they had no idea.

But we all shared the fact—as did I—that we were unaware of Rudrick’s thoughts.

Later, my curiosity reached its peak and I tried to find it first.

The successor problem, however, caused the timing to be off, and as a result, only this haphazard state has been upheld thus far.

“What was he really thinking?”

I was still curious about Rudrick’s intentions, but I stopped paying attention to him.

To be precise, I had no time to worry about it.

In the meantime, I was chatting with the Division Commander, Leona, who visited our mansion today, and I heard unexpected news from her.

“… His Majesty declared that he would put together a punitive force himself?”

She had just finished describing the ‘dark forest’ she came across like a ghost.

“The number of people who have seen a powerful monster at the woodland’s entrance is growing, so yes, the forest has become unusual these days.”

“I see. It must be very serious if it goes into His Majesty’s ears.”

“Um, but since His Excellency has returned, we should have had enough, but it’s strange that he’s been so active with reinforcements.”

I tilted my head at her words and asked,“Reinforcements?”

The Imperial family promised to go on an investigation jointly since the magic wave of the dark forest is rare, although it feels a little strange.

How long has the war been over, yet he was still attempting to send troops to the North? More than one or two questionable pieces were present, for sure.

Was this related to the Emperor’s plan to have Rudrick marry his daughter?

Whatever it was, I stated with a dejected expression on my face that Rudrick’s return to the North appeared to be true.

“It’ll take some time to get reinforcements, so he may go ahead of schedule.”

“What, you weren’t aware of it?”

She said, her face showing surprise, “He’s leaving this month.”

✿

“I’m not going.” Rudrick said strongly while crossing his arms.

The face of the Imperial Knight who was in front of him was bewildered.

“If you’re going to launch a large-scale cleanup operation, it’s better to move and prepare for it in advance from now on…”

“You moved the schedule against of my will, didn’t I say I was leaving right before winter in the first place?” 

“However, other soldiers may suffer from the cold of the North because they are not used to it.”

“It’s none of my business.” said Rudrick.

As the knight observed Rudrick responding sarcastically without pausing for a single word, his countenance deepened. He spoke his final remarks after a few more pointless talks.

“You disregarded the order, despite what you might say, because the Emperor himself had given it.”

But Rudrick retorted, “Did I break it?” in a quiet voice.

“Are you going to pull out your sword? What are you going to do?”

He gazed at the knight’s sword that was fastened to his side at the same time, and the knight momentarily turned to look around and murmured. He didn’t turn white or quickly open his mouth until he noticed the two division commanders standing next to Rudrick holding their swords in their hands.

“I’ll tell him exactly what you said, Your Majesty.”

Then he turned around and fled. Rudrick, who was observing the back with satisfactory gazes, heard a low voice from beside him.

“However, because it is the Emperor’s decision, wouldn’t it be preferable to act as though you are listening?”

“It won’t matter because I’ll be required to tame monsters nonetheless.”

Rudrick lowered his eyes briefly before firmly stating, “Not now.”

One of the division commanders gave him an enigmatic look when he said it, but Rudrick was also unable to stop himself.

‘How could you have known? I didn’t know he was such a coward.’ thought Rudrick.

“Ha…”

He held an unconscious Dahlia in his arms and swore to her the night she passed out.

Let’s face it, this time he wants answers from her heart as well, rather than just regrets turning a blind eye to his feelings. She could stay on the leaf if she wants to, however, Rudrick was not sure how it would affect their relationship.

Rudrick hasn’t been able to enter the Duke of Averine’s residence, nevertheless, since that time.

When we next meet, what should I say first? Should I immediately admit that I know what she feels before asking her for a response?

I felt a tightness in one side of my chest and a nebulous terror when I imagined such things.

I resolve to say this every night, but the next morning I pause once more. Another day was coming to an end after thoughtfully choosing what to say and carefully considering it all day, and that was how the day became longer by one day each.

Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but worry about her health, so I dispatched my men in my place and only learned of the news.

‘But all of a sudden to head to the north.’

Dahlia and I last spoke a time ago. The Emperor was hurling ashes at a conversation between us that has only begun.

If I had to go, I would put it off until just before winter so that the road to the North wouldn’t be closed by snow. Of course, up to that point, he had completed forming his bond with Dahlia.

But nothing would go as planned if I left straight now.

Far from establishing a relationship with Dahlia, we might return to an awkward relationship while we are apart, and above all…

‘What if Goldman intervenes in the middle?’

“I can’t leave…”

✿

I was taken aback to learn that Leona had given her a makeshift rifle.

I knew Rudrick was going, but it was just around the corner. I was more frustrated than disappointed by the faster breakup than I thought.

However, the woman who was conveying those words had a strangely regretful expression on her face, so I smiled bitterly as a courtesy.

“I can’t help it because it’s His Majesty’s orders.”

“I’m sorry. You should have listened to me, but I told you first…”

“It’s okay. I’m sure Rudrick was going to tell you when the time came. And just because you’re breaking up now doesn’t mean you won’t be able to meet…”

“Please tell him to have a safe trip”, Dahlia pleaded, continuing her tremulous speech as she gazed up toward the ceiling.

“Princess…”

Leona gasped while covering her mouth. Don’t worry too much, she added abruptly, dabbing her tears with the towel I offered her. 

“This time, River Goldman will be traveling with his majesty, and the two of them work well together, so please stay safe.”

“Shall I go, too?”

“What?”