The Childhood Friend of the Villainess in a Romance Fantasy

Translator: Elisia

Editor/Proofreader: TempWane

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Evan Alwen was a prince born in an exceptionally peaceful era.

Although in the past, Alwen had engaged in a hundred-year war with a neighboring country over succession disputes, and even dispatched expeditions to distant regions for religious reasons. However, a hundred years had already passed since the end of that war, and the expeditions had taken place even longer ago.

In this age, bloodlines were so intricately intertwined among nations that it was common to find family trees overlapping between royal families of adjacent kingdoms.

The situation was no different for Evan Alwen, the first prince of the Alwen Kingdom.

His father was the second prince of the nearby Saxon Empire. Thus, nominally, Evan Alwen also held a right to the Saxon imperial throne. Of course, as the current emperor was still in good health, there was a likelihood of him having more children, which would naturally distance Evan’s claim over time.

In such a peaceful era, life was generally favorable for most people. Nobles and royalty benefited from not having to deal with the headaches of war budgets, and commoners were spared from being suddenly dragged off to war, losing their lives, or becoming widows and orphans overnight.

However, even in such a peaceful time, there were still a few minor issues.

For men, it was necessary to establish merit. Especially for high-ranking nobles or royals—and especially those poised to become the next king—proving one’s capabilities before ascending to the throne was essential.

Typically, the best way to prove such abilities was through war.

Even if it wasn’t a real war, one could accumulate minor merits by capturing bandits somewhere. However, for that to happen, there needed to be significant issues with the local lord of that area, making such cases hard to witness in reality.

Thus, in the Saxon Empire, it seemed common to broaden the scope of merit to include intelligence or administrative abilities—

Unfortunately, in the Alwen Kingdom, creating such “justifications” was somewhat trickier.

There were no wars between nations. However, Alwen still had to contend with the Northern Barbarians.

If there were no fights to speak of, one might use alternative approaches to claim merit, but in a nation where there were “clear reasons to fight,” a king who was only smart wasn’t looked upon favorably.

Prince Alwen was now ten years old. He was not yet of an age to be helpful in battle. So it was widely understood among his entourage that his purpose in coming here was merely to establish credentials.

Even if a “real” battle broke out while he was here, there would be no need for him to participate.

…Of course, from the prince’s perspective, spending a year in the Delkis territory—where food was scarce, and it was bitterly cold—was quite unappealing.

*

The two knights leading the way halted their horses.

“What’s going on?”

Prince Alwen asked the knight riding alongside him.

Before that question could even be relayed to the knights up front, one of the knights leading the group quickly turned his horse around and approached the prince.

“It appears the Lady of Delkis has come out to greet us.”

“The Lady of Delkis?”

Prince Alwen racked his brain. From what he remembered from his lessons before coming to Delkis, there was only one person in the House of Delkis who could be referred to as “Lady.” And she was three years younger than the prince.

“Didn’t we only inform the Grand Ducal House of Grattanmount before coming straight here? The Grand Duke shouldn’t have had time to send a messenger to the Barony of Delkis.”

Wondering if they had sent a messenger pigeon or something, he asked, and the knight bowed his head before turning his horse and quickly riding forward again.

After a brief exchange, the knight returned to the prince.

“Usually, anyone arriving in Delkis is either a merchant or someone from the Grand Ducal House. Therefore, the people of Delkis do not have a separate guard post in the rear. Instead, the scouting party patrolling the forest comes to greet visitors as soon as they’re detected.”

“Is that so?”

He had heard that they lived with a shortage of manpower, almost miserably so, but it seemed they still had enough people to scout their territory.

“In that case, it would only be polite to respond to their welcome. I’ll meet her in person. Lead the way.”

The knight nodded and turned his horse around.

Following the knight on his horse, Prince Alwen soon saw the woman who claimed to be the Lady of Delkis, and for a moment, he doubted his eyes.

He had heard that the Lady of Delkis was three years younger than him.

But her height seemed nearly the same as his. Though he was on horseback and she was standing on the ground, if they stood face-to-face, he might even have to look up at her.

For a moment, he was captivated by her snow-white skin and hair. But when his gaze fell to her attire, his brows furrowed.

Is that… really an appropriate outfit for a young lady?

The way she wore what looked like an untreated animal hide draped over her shoulders honestly made it difficult to recognize her as the baron’s daughter.

Her appearance was closer to that of a bandit from a storybook.

Her hair was reasonably well-maintained and glossy, her skin appeared fair and smooth, and there was a certain noble quality about her as she looked up at him with her red eyes. However, the fur clothing she wore swept away any hint of elegance.

“I am Elsie Delkis, the eldest daughter of the House of Delkis.”

Surprisingly, she held up the heavy fur clothing, as if it were a dress, and greeted him gracefully.

“…I am Evan, the first prince of the House of Alwen.”

Momentarily at a loss for words, Prince Evan quickly introduced himself after noticing a knight by his side nudging him.

“It is an honor to meet the renowned Prince Evan of the illustrious Alwen Kingdom.”

Keeping her gaze lowered, the Lady of Delkis replied.

It seemed she was indeed a noble.

Though her actions weren’t entirely fluid, he was surprised to see her performing noble etiquette, considering his initial impression. Yet, her movements lacked the refinement he was used to seeing from the women in the capital.

“I am equally honored to meet the loyal daughter of the House of Delkis. You are as beautiful as I’d heard.”

His words were half-flattery and half-genuine. It was flattery because he had never actually heard of her beauty before, and genuine because he did think she had a certain charm.

Of course, he wasn’t infatuated. Prince Evan didn’t have such a peculiar taste as to fall for someone dressed in such a manner.

“If it’s not inconvenient, may I, the eldest daughter of the House of Delkis, have the honor of guiding Your Highness?”

“There’s no reason to refuse such a generous offer. However…”

Prince Evan looked around.

No matter how he looked, it seemed she was alone.

This forested area wasn’t the most conducive for riding horses, but the barony wasn’t so small that one could cover it on foot. One would typically ride up to the edge of the forest or leave horses tied somewhere.

Given the reputation of the fearless House of Delkis, it was understandable that a woman would serve in the scouting party, but a “party” would imply she wouldn’t be alone.

“Is there no horse? Do you usually scout on foot?”

“Yes. Sometimes it’s faster to move on foot through the forest.”

“Is that so…?”

Though puzzled by her response, Prince Evan quickly composed himself.

“Then where is your scouting party?”

“Ah, well…”

For the first time, the Lady of Delkis hesitated before responding.

“Are you… alone?”

“I’m not alone, but…”

“…Hmm.”

Was there some unspeakable circumstance?

He’d heard that monstrous beasts roamed the northern forests, which meant lives could have been easily lost. Judging by her expression, this seemed to be a common occurrence.

Was her unmarked appearance a result of her companions dying to protect her?

“Still, following the road is faster on horseback. If you prefer, I could give you a ride behind me.”

Feeling a pang of pity after realizing her situation, he made the offer—

“Oh no, that won’t be necessary. It’s just… if I call my companions or my mount, I worry they might startle you and your men.”

At her cautious reply, Prince Evan finally began to understand.

The men of House Delkis were all famously massive. He knew this not only from hearsay but also from having seen a knight of Delkis origin who served the royal family.

Oh, so that’s what it was about?

The dramatic fantasies he’d had moments ago deflated completely.

“If that’s all, then there’s no need to worry. Warhorses aren’t easily startled by minor scares. My men and I are even less so.”

And with that thought, he felt a hint of irritation.

After all, she seemed to believe her companions’ appearance would scare both the horses and his men.

“Is that so?”

The Lady of Delkis tilted her head curiously at his response.

“It is.”

“…”

At Prince Evan’s answer, the Lady of Delkis pondered briefly, then nodded.

“…Very well. In that case, I shall summon my companions. We’ll need them for the journey back to the barony.”

“Good.”

At Prince Evan’s reply, the Lady of Delkis turned around.

She cupped her hands to her mouth, then—

“Awooooo—!”

…She howled.

…Awooooo?