Chapter 20: Marquis Rosemary’s Torment
The discussion between the Rosemary Marquis House and the Evern Honorary Viscount House had concluded, and it was decided that the Rosemary Marquis House would take custody of Rest.
On the way back, inside the carriage of the Marquis House, Albert Rosemary let out a deep sigh.
“What can I say… it’s a dreadful situation. That man is truly something.”
“Indeed. It was quite an eyesore,” the Butler replied from the seat across from him. The disgraceful behavior exhibited by Lucas Evern during the meeting was more than enough to leave both of them in disbelief.
“I knew he was obsessed with his noble status and looked down on commoners. I also knew his fixation on magical talent was stronger than most. But… I never imagined he would treat his own son so cruelly.”
Throughout the discussion, Lucas had referred to Rest as “that thing,” “a failure,” and “garbage.” For Albert, who was known for loving his family and being lenient with his kin, such words were utterly shocking.
“Yet, he dotes on his arrogant son, despite his talent. It’s infuriating. Honestly, I almost want to have him dismissed from his position as court magician.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to dismiss him then? You have the excuse to do so, after all.”
His legitimate son had taken the Marquis’s sisters out and put them in danger. Even if he held the father accountable, no one would blame him.
“No… let’s hold off on that for now. If he loses his noble status, it will become difficult to make Rest my daughter’s fiancé.”
While Albert didn’t care what happened to the Evern Honorary Viscount House, his daughters had taken a liking to Rest. To arrange a marriage with one of them, Rest needed to maintain his noble status.
“It won’t be a problem once Rest graduates from the academy and secures a position as a court magician or elsewhere. Until then, it’s more convenient for him to remain a noble. We could also consider having him adopted by another family, but that wouldn’t be feasible before next year’s academy enrollment.”
Next year, Viola and Primula would be entering the Royal Academy. Albert wanted to secure a marriage engagement between Rest and one of his daughters before that time. Once they enrolled, many young men would undoubtedly vie for the sisters’ attention. Even without parental bias, both were exceptionally beautiful, with great figures and impeccable lineage.
“…Next year, that foolish prince will also be enrolling. Having Rest as their fiancé would help protect them from him.”
The “foolish prince” referred to Rodel Aiwood, the third prince of the royal family. His personality was tyrannical, arrogant, and a womanizer. Yet, he wasn’t entirely incompetent; he possessed magical talent, making him a troublesome individual. He was a more troublesome version of Cedric, and now he would be entering the academy alongside the Rosemary sisters.
“If only he could fail the entrance exam… but that’s wishful thinking. He’s quite capable, so he will likely pass.”
If Rodel entered as a classmate, he would undoubtedly pursue Viola and Primula. He had caused problems in the past, such as trying to woo a noblewoman he met at a ball, leading to trouble with her fiancé. He had also assaulted a young maid working at the royal castle, attempting to force himself upon her. Moreover, he had tried to seduce a princess visiting as a diplomatic envoy, only to rage when she rejected him.
So far, he had managed to avoid major scandals, but everyone knew Rodel was a notorious failure of a prince.
“…The Duchess Crocus’s daughter is also set to enroll in the same year. The second prince is two years ahead, so it’s not guaranteed that he will cause significant trouble.”
“…For the safety of my daughters, it would be better if they had a fiancé.”
With a fiancé, even a prince would think twice before making advances. If they were forced into a corner and retaliated, the blame would fall on him.
“If Rest passes the exam, I will arrange for the engagement immediately. I cannot bear the thought of my daughters falling prey to that foolish prince.”
“Thus, the Evern Honorary Viscount House is necessary. Understood.”
The Butler nodded deeply at Albert’s words. However, he soon interjected with a “But…”
“Which of the young ladies, Viola or Primula, do you intend to engage to Rest? Whichever you choose, the other will surely be dissatisfied…”
“Ugh…”
Albert grimaced, struck at a painful point. To protect his daughters from the foolish prince, it would be better for them to have a fiancé, even if it was a temporary arrangement. However… Rest was but one, while he had two daughters. No matter which he chose as a fiancé, it would undoubtedly create tension.
“If they were nobles, polygamy would be permitted. Perhaps it would be best to engage both of them…”
“No! No, no, no, no!”
Albert shook his head vigorously at the Butler’s suggestion.
“I know Rest is a fine young man with magical talent! But… giving him both my daughters is going too far! Absolutely out of the question!”
“However, if you choose one, the other will certainly harbor resentment. Can you endure that, sir?”
“Ugh…”
Imagining his beloved daughters saying, “I hate you, Father!” made Albert clutch his chest. He couldn’t bear it. His heart felt like it might burst.
“On second thought… if we were to marry both to Rest, we could keep both daughters at home without sending either away…”
“That… might be true, but… still…”
Inside the moving carriage, Albert buried his head in his hands, overwhelmed with despair. Until they arrived at the Marquis House, he continued to groan in agony.