Chapter 259: It Seems I Might Gain More Fiancées
In the townhouse of the Rosemary Marquis House located in the Royal Capital, Rest found himself being interrogated by two beautiful girls.
“What can I say… As expected of Celestine. Her determination at critical moments is on another level…”
“To think you would even bathe together before your engagement is official… That’s terrifying.”
Under the relentless questioning of Viola and Primula, Rest ended up spilling every detail about the events that transpired in the fishing village. Well, not every detail—most of it revolved around bathing with Celestine and the subtle hints of engagement that were exchanged between them.
Once the Rosemary Sisters finished listening, they pouted, their lips jutting out in a sulky manner.
“Um… Are you, uh, angry?”
“I’m not angry.”
“Indeed, not angry at all.”
It seemed they weren’t angry, though it was clear they were in a foul mood.
“I’m not angry, but… I do feel like I’ve been suddenly cornered after leading the way.”
“Celestine has been enduring her engagement with that Prince Rodel for a long time. Her heart is truly strong.”
“Ah… I heard you both accepted that I would be engaged to Celestine…”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Indeed, we have given our consent.”
The sisters nodded in unison at Rest’s question. He had heard that they had already given their approval in the hot springs, and it seemed that was indeed the case.
“I may have mentioned this before, but… our mother is trying to push a multitude of mistresses onto Rest. If that’s the case, it might be better to include our friend Celestine as well.”
“If my sister and I stand by Celestine, we won’t be outmaneuvered by any mistresses that come later. It should also contribute to the prosperity of both the Rosemary Marquis House and the Clover Count House.”
“I see…”
Rest’s expression turned complicated. Even though he was simultaneously engaged to two girls, he still couldn’t shake off his commoner sensibilities. He hadn’t fully embraced the noble mindset that accepted polygamy and mistresses as a matter of course like they did.
“Besides… Celestine is my friend. I can’t just stand by and watch her suffer.”
Viola sighed, her expression tinged with sadness.
“The Crocus Duke House is connected to the Royal Family. There’s no way a lower noble could marry into it. Most men of suitable status and age are already married or engaged… If Rest were to refuse, Celestine would end up either single for life or married to someone less than ideal.”
For instance… a man much older than her. Or perhaps a powerful figure from the allied nation, the Geisel Empire. The former was out of the question, and the latter could potentially lead to a dangerous marriage depending on future international relations. Celestine, who had already suffered as the fiancée of the Foolish Prince, should not be subjected to another miserable engagement… That was the consensus among those close to her.
“Prince Andrew II seems to dislike the idea for some reason, and the Crown Prince’s future consort is famously jealous. So, in the end… I really think Rest is the best choice.”
“I share my sister’s opinion. I want Celestine to find happiness.”
“I see…”
In other words, the outer defenses had already been established. What remained was the inner moat… that is, Rest’s own feelings.
(It’s not that I dislike her… Of course, Celestine is beautiful and has a wonderful personality. That’s precisely why I wonder if I’m good enough for her…)
“I’ll do my best.”
Rest nodded, despite his inner turmoil. He wanted Celestine to be happy, just like everyone else did. Throughout this trip, he had been shown just how capable Celestine was and how she complemented the areas where he fell short.
“With two marquis daughters and one duchess… it seems I have to rise to an incredible position…”
He realized that he needed to achieve a status far beyond that of a mere count to be worthy of such jewel-like beauties. Rest felt the weight of his changing circumstances more than ever.
“I just hope it ends with the three of us…”
“Indeed…”
Viola and Primula exchanged glances, sharing a wry smile.
“I have a feeling there might be one more added soon.”
“Yes, it seems so… and probably in the near future.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?”
Rest tilted his head in confusion, but just then, the door to the room burst open with great force.
“Hey, everyone! I’m back!”
The familiar figure that rushed in was none other than Yuri Cattleya, a classmate and friend.
“Y-Yuri Cattleya! This is troubling…!”
“With that appearance… Ah, the floor!”
Behind Yuri, the servants of the Rosemary Marquis House hurried in, clearly flustered. For just a moment, Rest wondered what was going on, but he quickly understood the reason.
“W-What happened, Yuri?! You’re covered in blood!”
“Yuri!? Are you injured!?”
Yuri’s clothes were indeed drenched in blood. While it appeared she had no serious injuries, her appearance was reminiscent of someone who had just emerged from a gruesome scene.
“I just had a little spat with my father. Oh, don’t worry! I won!”
“Your father… You mean Marquis Cattleya!?”
The Knight Commander and the kingdom’s strongest warrior, Iljas Cattleya. Could it be that she had fought and emerged victorious against such an exceptional fighter?
“That’s the case, so… Rest!”
“Y-Yes?”
“Marry me!”
“…………………………….Huh?”
The sudden confession left Rest stunned, his voice faltering in disbelief.
“Excitement, excitement…!”
With a sparkling expression, Yuri leaned in, eagerly awaiting his response to her proposal. She looked like a child waiting for Christmas, leaving not only Rest but also Viola and Primula at a loss for words.