**Chapter 15: The Rosemary Family Quarrels**
After moving from the garden, Rest and the butler stood facing each other in the training grounds located within the grounds of the House of Marquis Rosemary. The three members of the Rosemary family watched from a distance, eager to observe the impending battle.
On one side stood Rest, the boy who had saved the lives of Viola and Primula—the Rosemary Sisters—and who was now the object of their budding affections.
Opposite him was the butler of the House of Marquis Rosemary, a man named Diable. A master of magic and an exceptional warrior, he was one of the most formidable assets of the marquis’s household.
As the two prepared to fight, it was clear to anyone watching that Diable would undoubtedly emerge victorious. No matter how strong Rest might be, he was still a fifteen-year-old boy, lacking both the experience and skill of his opponent.
“Father! What on earth is going on?!”
“This is terrible, Father…!”
Viola and Primula confronted their father, their faces flushed with anger. They were furious that he had placed such an unreasonable challenge upon the boy who had saved them.
“Why are you being so cruel to Rest-kun?! Depending on your answer, I might not forgive you!”
“I won’t forgive you… even if you are my father…!”
“C-Calm down, both of you! I’ll explain everything!”
Faced with the ire of his beloved daughters, Albert Rosemary, the head of the House of Marquis Rosemary and the Chief Court Magician, faltered. It was the first time he had ever experienced such anger directed at him from his daughters, who he believed trusted him completely.
“L-Look, this is necessary! As the head of the marquis’s household, I must ascertain his capabilities!”
Desperate to justify himself, Albert faced the furious expressions of his daughters.
He wasn’t being cruel by forcing a mock battle upon Rest. This was genuinely essential. The Royal Academy was an institution designed to cultivate individuals who would play significant roles in the governance of the kingdom, including royalty, nobility, knights, and bureaucrats. Initially, commoners were not allowed to enroll, but later, the gates were opened, permitting commoners to enter if they had the recommendation of a noble.
When a commoner was recommended by a noble, they were regarded as part of that noble’s “house” by those around them. In fact, Albert himself had once provided recommendations to his peers during his own student days, allowing them to enter as attendants.
“This isn’t a matter of sentiment. If he is to receive our recommendation, he must demonstrate that he possesses the requisite strength.”
Indeed, Albert was not mixing personal feelings with his duties. He was not jealous of the attention Rest received from his daughters; he simply wanted to ensure that the boy was worthy of their family’s endorsement.
“But…!”
“However…!”
“I never said that I wouldn’t write a letter of recommendation if he doesn’t win! I just want to ensure that he can enter the academy without issue! If someone recommended by the House of Marquis Rosemary fails the entrance exam, it would tarnish our family’s reputation!”
Albert insisted firmly, addressing his dissatisfied daughters.
“Besides, that butler is one of our household’s finest subordinates. He was once a Court Magician and now serves us in retirement. No matter how skilled he is in magic, there’s no way he could lose to a child.”
He wasn’t saying that Rest shouldn’t try to win. If Rest could at least put up a good fight, Albert would gladly recommend him.
“If he truly possesses the strength to repel a White Fenrir, then there’s nothing to worry about. He will surely achieve a fitting result…”
Just then, a loud *thud* echoed through the air. Startled, Albert turned to see that their trusted butler was rolling on the ground.
“Guh… Ugh…”
“Can I take this as my victory?”
“Not yet… I can’t show such disgrace in front of my master…”
“Then shall we continue?”
“Y-Yes, I’m coming at you…!”
With renewed vigor, the butler lunged at Rest, who prepared to counter the attack. The Rosemary family watched in stunned silence as the intensity of the battle escalated.
“This is absurd… Diable is struggling? Who is that boy?!”
“He really is strong…!”
“Rest-sama, you’re amazing…!”
The Rosemary family stood in awe, captivated by the fierce clash unfolding before them.