Chapter 15: The Rosemary Family’s Quarrel
After leaving the garden, they moved to the training ground located within the grounds of the Marquis House. In a circular, open area, Rest stood facing the butler, while the three members of the Rosemary family watched the impending battle from a short distance away.
On one side was 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.
On the other side stood the butler of the Rosemary Marquis House. His name was Dibble, a master of magic and an exceptional warrior. Among the forces at the Marquis House’s disposal, he was one of the finest.
As the two prepared to fight, it was clear that Dibble would undoubtedly emerge victorious. No matter how strong Rest was, he was still a fifteen-year-old boy with far less combat experience and skill.
“Father! What is the meaning of this!?”
“This is terrible, Father…!”
Viola and Primula confronted their father, clearly furious at him for putting their benefactor in such a difficult position.
“Why are you being so cruel to Rest? Depending on your answer, I won’t forgive you!”
“I won’t forgive you either… even if you are my father…!”
“C-Calm down, both of you! I’ll explain everything properly!”
Faced with the ire of his beloved daughters, Albert Rosemary, the head of the Marquis House and the Court Magician Chief, faltered. It was the first time he had ever experienced such anger directed at him by his daughters, whom he believed trusted him.
“L-Look, this is necessary! As the head of the Marquis House, I must ascertain his capabilities!”
Desperate to justify himself to his daughters, who were now wearing expressions of unprecedented anger, Albert continued to plead his case.
He wasn’t being cruel by forcing a mock battle. This was genuinely necessary. The Royal Academy was an institution designed to cultivate individuals who would engage in the governance of the nation—royalty, nobility, knights, and bureaucrats. Initially, commoners were not allowed to enroll, but later, the gates were opened, allowing commoners to enter if they had the recommendation of a powerful figure. When a noble recommended someone, that individual was regarded as part of that noble’s “house.”
In fact, Albert himself had once given recommendations to his peers during his 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 strength worthy of it.”
Indeed… he was not mixing personal feelings with his duties. The fact that his daughters were so fond of Rest did not incite jealousy in him. He was not demanding a mock battle out of spite.
“But…!”
“However…!”
“I never said that I wouldn’t write a letter of recommendation if he doesn’t win! I just want a guarantee that he can enter the academy! If someone recommended by the Rosemary Marquis House fails the entrance exam, our family’s prestige will be tarnished!”
Albert insisted firmly, addressing his dissatisfied daughters.
“Besides, that butler is one of our finest subordinates. He was once a Court Magician and now serves our house. No matter how skilled he is in magic, there’s no way he can lose to a child.”
He wasn’t saying that Rest shouldn’t lose. If Rest could put up a good fight, Albert would gladly recommend him.
“If he possesses the strength to repel a White Fenrir, then there’s nothing to worry about. He will surely achieve a worthy result…”
Before he could finish his thought, a loud thud echoed through the air. Startled, Albert turned to see that the butler, whom they all trusted, was rolling on the ground.
“G…uh…”
“Can we consider this my victory?”
“Not yet… I can’t show such a disgraceful side 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 assault. The Rosemary family watched in stunned silence as the intensity of the battle escalated.
“This is absurd… how is Dibble 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.