**Chapter 11: Viola Rosemary’s Yearning**
If I were to marry, it must be someone stronger than myself. This was a decision that Viola Rosemary, the eldest daughter of the House of Marquis Rosemary, had made long ago.
“Haa… Who on earth is that boy…?”
Viola lay on her bed, idly murmuring to herself. Her golden hair spilled across the sheets, framing her delicate features. Dressed in a sheer nightgown, her well-developed figure was on display, revealing more than she would have liked. But being alone in her room, she felt it was unavoidable, even if it left her feeling quite vulnerable.
(Rest… Rest-kun… He didn’t mention his surname, but he must be a child of the Viscount Ebern House, right?)
The face of the boy who had saved her and her sister’s lives just days prior lingered in Viola’s mind. The boy who had only introduced himself as Rest was impossible to forget. Since that day, she had found herself reminiscing about him repeatedly, letting out sighs of longing.
Viola’s father, Marquis Rosemary, served as the head of the Court Magicians. The Court Magicians were powerful sorcerers who served the royal family, standing as the kingdom’s shield alongside the Royal Guard Knights. The Marquis House had a long lineage of magicians, producing many exceptional sorcerers over the generations. Growing up as the eldest child in such a family, Viola had also been trained in magic from a young age and had achieved remarkable results.
(I will eventually welcome a husband and continue the legacy of the House of Marquis Rosemary. I must uphold the honor of this great lineage of sorcerers.)
For this reason, Viola had resolved to marry only a magician superior to herself. It was during this time that she heard from her father’s subordinate about the talented son of the Viscount Ebern, who happened to be the same age as her. He was set to take the entrance exam for the Royal Academy next year.
What a perfect match. I should meet him and see what kind of person he is as a potential fiancé.
With that thought, Viola visited the Viscount Ebern House with her sister, only to be met with immediate disappointment. Cedric Ebern, the heir of the Viscount Ebern House, turned out to be arrogant, selfish, and utterly self-centered. How spoiled must he have been to grow up like this? He looked down on everyone else as if it were the most natural thing in the world, convinced that he was the center of the universe. Whenever he spoke, it was nothing but tales of his own superiority. He leered at Viola and Primula, his gaze lingering on their faces and figures, utterly devoid of respect.
(He may be a talented magician, but honestly, the thought of marrying him sends chills down my spine.)
Despite her determination to marry a stronger magician, Viola found it impossible to consider Cedric as her husband.
His magical talent was indeed impressive. She had witnessed him defeating monsters in the forest, and it was clear he was a superior magician compared to her. However, in every other aspect, he was utterly lacking. If Cedric were to marry into the Marquis House, it was evident that he would squander their wealth and lead the family to ruin.
(This won’t do. I need to look for someone else.)
Early on in their excursion into the forest, Viola had already decided to cut ties with Cedric.
(Being a strong magician is a minimum requirement, but character is equally important. I would even consider a man of lower status if he were a skilled and noble young man. Surely, there must be someone like that out there?)
Viola thought it was impossible to find such a person. However, to her surprise, a man who met her criteria appeared sooner than she expected.
“My name is Rest. I’m Cedric’s… well, half-brother, I suppose.”
The boy who had saved them from the attack of the White Fenrir claimed to be Cedric’s brother. Though his clothes were tattered, his features were handsome, and above all, he exuded a sense of consideration towards Viola and Primula. Despite his appearance, he was a gentleman, and Viola felt an immediate fondness for him, even upon their first meeting.
And… that boy was strong. Stronger than Cedric, who was already more powerful than Viola. He had blown away the White Fenrir, effortlessly deflecting its attacks with a Barrier spell. Then, he unleashed an overwhelming surge of magical power, driving the beast away.
An undeniable talent. A level of skill that felt worlds apart from her own. In that moment, Viola was certain that he was the only one who could become her partner.
(He is the one. He is the only one who can be my husband, the only one worthy of joining the House of Marquis Rosemary…!)
If Viola were to bear the child of the boy named Rest, that child would undoubtedly become the greatest magician of the next generation. In fact, they might even give birth to a sage rarely seen in the history of the kingdom.
(Primula seems to have taken an interest in him as well, but… this is something I cannot concede.)
To Viola, Primula was her beloved little sister. She would gladly give her precious jewels or dresses for Primula’s sake, but she could never share Rest with her. No one else could ever compare to him as a suitable partner.
(To be honest, I’m reluctant to compete with Primula. Perhaps I could share him with her… What am I even thinking!?)
Viola shook her head in a fluster as she lay on her bed.
In order to make Rest her husband, she first needed to gain her father’s approval. She owed him a debt of gratitude for saving their lives, and she would invite him to their home.
(I need to prepare tea and sweets… I wonder what kind of sweets Rest-kun likes?)
With her heart racing, Viola began to think of ways to welcome Rest.