**Chapter 28: The Return of the Lady**
“Is that Lady Irish…?”
“Yes. The Lady of the House of Marquis Rosemary, and the mother of the two young ladies, is returning. She should be arriving at the mansion shortly.”
It was one particular morning when the butler, Diable, came to Rest’s room and conveyed this news.
“Now that you mention it… I’ve never actually seen the Lady. Where has she been?”
“The Lady has been accompanying the Queen to a neighboring country. She is a highly skilled sorceress and has been friends with the Queen since their school days,” Diable replied to Rest’s inquiry.
From what Rest gathered, the rightful heir of the House of Marquis Rosemary is the Lady, while the Marquis, Albert, appears to be a son-in-law. It seems that the House of Rosemary is a matrilineal lineage, with a significantly higher probability of giving birth to daughters. Consequently, they have historically brought in husbands from outside the family.
“The House of Rosemary is renowned for its sorcery. By incorporating talented sorcerers from outside, it has flourished. It’s also a characteristic of our family that beautiful women tend to be born,” Diable added.
“……”
For some reason, the implication of ‘talented sorcerers’ struck Rest as oddly intriguing.
“Regardless, I should greet her, shouldn’t I?” Rest asked.
“Of course. I have informed the Lady about you in a letter… She is quite concerned and has been looking forward to meeting you,” Diable assured him.
“I see… Well, that makes sense.”
A young lady had brought a man into the mansion from outside. As a mother, it would be only natural for her to be curious about what kind of man he was.
“Understood. Then I will go greet her. Though I’m not entirely sure how to properly greet a noblewoman…”
“Yes, rest assured, the Lady is a gracious person and does not adhere strictly to etiquette… Oh, speak of the devil.”
Diable turned his gaze toward the window. Rest followed suit and saw a splendid carriage arriving in front of the mansion. It was drawn by two white horses, and the family crest of the House of Marquis Rosemary was engraved on the side of the carriage.
“The Lady has returned. Shall we go out to greet her in these clothes?”
“Understood.”
Rest slipped into the butler’s attire he had received and checked his appearance in the mirror to ensure there were no wrinkles. The butler’s uniform was merely a façade, as he was staying in the mansion as an apprentice servant.
Having quickly changed, Rest made his way to the entrance of the mansion, just as the Marquis’s wife was stepping inside. The woman was adorned in a dress of young green, with wavy golden hair cascading down her back. Her youthful features and the well-defined silhouette of her figure were evident even through the dress.
(Is that really the mother of the two young ladies? She looks no older than her twenties!)
The mother of the sisters, Irish Rosemary, bore a striking resemblance to her daughters, creating an impression more akin to that of an older sister or a distant relative than that of a mother.
“Welcome home, Mother!”
“Thank you for your hard work abroad, Mother.”
Viola and Primula, who had arrived at the entrance before Rest, greeted their mother. Upon recognizing her daughters, Irish’s face lit up, and she embraced them both.
“I’m back, my lovely daughters! You look well; I’ve missed you so much!”
“We’re just glad to see you looking well, Mother.”
“How was the neighboring country? I heard it was quite cold there…”
“Yes, it’s already snowing, so it’s quite unbearable. I never expected to have to wear a coat at this time of year!”
The family engaged in a warm conversation. The sight of the similar-looking mother and daughters drew the attention of Albert Rosemary, the Marquis.
“Irish, welcome back. I’m so glad you’re home.”
“Yes… I read your letter. It seems quite interesting has been happening,” Irish replied with a smile before her gaze subtly shifted.
Her searching eyes landed on Rest, who stood a little distance away alongside Diable, dressed in his butler’s uniform.
“……That must be him.”
“Oh, Mother! Let me introduce you! This is him!”
“He is our lifesaver, Rest! He’s been living with us in the mansion.”
“Well, well… I never thought my daughters would start bringing home boys. I suppose you’re of age now?”
Irish walked over to Rest with an upright posture, drawing closer. Rest felt a twinge of nervousness and bowed his head.
“I-I’m Rest! I’ve been in your daughters’ care!”
“Yes, thank you. I hear my daughters have been helped by you,” she replied warmly.
“Y-yes…!”
Irish’s tone was gentle, and there was an atmosphere of welcome surrounding her.
(I guess I won’t be hearing anything like, “I won’t allow you to meddle with my daughters.”)
Rest felt a sense of relief, but shortly after, he was left in shock by Irish’s next words.
“Well then, I’ll go change, so you wait outside for me.”
“Huh…?”
“Shall we have a spar? Prepare yourself, as I’ll make sure to give you a good thrashing!”
“…………”
Rest’s face contorted in surprise at Irish’s words, her fists clenched in determination.