Chapter 11: Viola Rosemary’s Yearning
If I were to marry, it would be to someone stronger than myself. This was a decision that Viola Rosemary, the eldest daughter of the Rosemary Marquis House, had made long ago.
“Haa… Who on earth is that boy…?”
Viola lay on her bed, idly murmuring to herself. Her golden hair, released from its confines, spread across the bed like a shimmering halo. Dressed in a delicate nightgown, her well-developed figure was on full display, revealing more than she might have wished, especially since she was alone in her room.
(Rest… Rest-kun… He didn’t mention his surname, but he must be a child of the Eberrn Honorary Viscount House, right?)
The face of the boy who had saved her and her sister’s lives just days prior floated into Viola’s mind. She couldn’t shake the image of the boy who had only introduced himself as Rest. Since that day, she had found herself recalling him repeatedly, sighing softly each time.
Viola’s father, the Marquis of Rosemary, served as the chief court magician. Court magicians were powerful magicians who served the royal family, standing as the kingdom’s shield alongside the royal knights. The marquis house was originally a lineage of magicians, having produced many exceptional spellcasters over the years. Growing up as the eldest child in such a family, Viola had also been trained in magic from a young age and had achieved outstanding results.
(One day, I will welcome a husband and continue the legacy of the illustrious Rosemary Marquis House. I must uphold the reputation of this great lineage of magicians.)
For that reason, Viola had resolved to marry only a magician who surpassed her in skill. It was during this time that she heard from her father’s subordinate about the talented son of Cedric Eberrn, the Honorary Viscount. To her surprise, this son was the same age as her and was planning to take the entrance exam for the Royal Academy next year.
He seemed like the perfect match. She decided to meet him to see what kind of person he was as a potential fiancé.
However, upon meeting him, Viola was immediately disappointed. Cedric Eberrn, the heir of the Eberrn Honorary Viscount House, was arrogant, selfish, and self-centered. How much had he been spoiled to grow up like this? He looked down on everyone around him as if it were the most natural thing in the world, firmly believing himself to be the center of the universe. Whenever he spoke, it was nothing but tales of his own superiority. He leered at Viola and Primula, his eyes lingering on their faces and figures with an insufferable smirk. There was not a single aspect of him that she could respect.
(He might be an excellent magician, but… honestly, the thought of marrying him sends chills down my spine.)
Though she had decided to marry a stronger magician, Viola could not imagine wanting 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, everything else about him was utterly lacking. If Cedric were to marry into the marquis house, it was easy to foresee the family’s wealth being squandered and the house declining.
(No good, this man. I must look elsewhere.)
Viola quickly dismissed Cedric as they entered the forest.
(Being a strong magician is a minimum requirement, but character is equally important. I would even prefer someone of lower status if he were a talented and gentlemanly young man.)
She thought it was impossible to find someone who fit such criteria. Yet, to her surprise, a man who met her conditions appeared sooner than she expected.
“My name is Rest. I’m Cedric’s… well, half-brother, I suppose.”
The one who saved her from the clutches of a White Fenrir was a boy who claimed to be Cedric’s brother. Though his clothes were tattered, his features were handsome, and above all, he showed genuine concern for Viola and Primula. Despite his appearance, he was a remarkably gentlemanly young man. Though it was their first meeting, she found him very likable.
And… that boy was strong. Stronger than Cedric, who was already stronger than Viola. He had blown away the White Fenrir and absorbed its attack with a barrier. Then, he unleashed an overwhelming surge of magical power, driving the beast away.
An extraordinary talent. A level of skill that was worlds apart from her own. As she witnessed his prowess, Viola became convinced that he was the only one who could be her partner.
(He is the one. He is the only one who can become my husband and join the Rosemary Marquis House…!)
If she were to bear a child with 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 kingdom’s history.
(Primula seems to have taken an interest in him as well… but this is something I cannot yield.)
To Viola, Primula was her beloved little sister. She would gladly give her precious jewels or dresses for Primula’s sake, but she could not give up Rest. No one else could ever compare to him as a suitable partner.
(Honestly, I’m not keen on competing with Primula. Perhaps I could share him with her… wait, what am I even thinking!?)
Viola shook her head in a fluster as she lay on her bed.
To make Rest her husband, she first needed to gain her father’s approval. She had to express her gratitude for saving their lives and 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.