Chapter 28: The Return of the Marquise
“Is that you, Lady Airish…?”
“Yes. The Honorable Marquise Rosemary, mother of the two young ladies, is returning. She should be arriving at the mansion shortly.”
It was a particular morning when Butler Dibble came to Rest’s room and delivered this news.
“Now that you mention it… I’ve never actually seen the Marquise. Where has she been?”
“The Marquise has been accompanying the Queen to a neighboring country. She is also a remarkably skilled Magician and has been friends with the Queen since their school days,” Dibble replied to Rest’s inquiry.
From what Rest gathered, the rightful heir to the Rosemary Marquis House is the Marquise herself, while Marquis Albert seems to be more of an adopted son-in-law. The Rosemary family appears to be a matrilineal lineage, with a significantly higher probability of giving birth to daughters. As a result, they have historically brought in husbands from outside the family.
“The Rosemary Marquis House is a noble family of Magicians. They have thrived by incorporating talented individuals skilled in magic from outside. It’s also a characteristic of our house that beautiful women are likely to be born,” Dibble added.
“…”
For some reason, the implication of “talented individuals skilled in magic” piqued Rest’s curiosity.
“Regardless, I should greet her, shouldn’t I?” he asked.
“Of course. I have informed the Marquise about you in a letter… She is quite concerned and eager to meet you,” Dibble assured him.
“I see… Well, that makes sense.”
A young lady had brought a man into the mansion. As a mother, it was only natural for her to be curious about what kind of man he was.
“Understood. I will go greet her. Although, I’m not quite sure how to properly greet a noblewoman…”
“Yes, rest assured. The Marquise is a gracious person and does not adhere strictly to etiquette… Oh, speak of the devil.”
Dibble turned his gaze toward the window. Rest followed suit and saw a splendid carriage arriving in front of the mansion, drawn by two white horses, with the family crest of the Rosemary Marquis House engraved on the side.
“The Marquise has returned. Shall we go out to welcome her in these clothes?”
“Understood.”
Rest slipped into the butler’s attire he had received and checked himself in the mirror to ensure he looked presentable. The butler’s uniform was merely a facade, as he was staying at the mansion as an apprentice servant.
Having quickly changed, Rest made his way to the mansion’s entrance, just as the Marquise stepped through the front door. She was clad in a dress of soft green, her wavy golden hair cascading down her back. Her youthful features and the well-defined silhouette of her figure were evident even through the fabric of her dress.
(So that’s the mother of the two young ladies… She looks no older than her twenties!?)
The mother of the sisters, Airish Rosemary, bore a striking resemblance to her daughters, giving off an impression more akin to that of a distant older sister or a relative than a mother.
“Mother, welcome back!”
“Thank you for your hard work abroad, Mother.”
Viola and Primula, who had arrived at the entrance earlier, greeted their mother. Upon recognizing her daughters, Airish’s expression brightened, and she embraced them both.
“I’m home, my lovely daughters! You look well; I’ve missed you!”
“It’s wonderful to see you looking so well, Mother.”
“How was the neighboring country? I heard it was quite cold there…”
“Yes, it’s already snowing, so I was caught off guard. I never expected to wear a coat at this time of year,” Airish replied.
The family engaged in a warm conversation, and soon, Albert Rosemary, the Marquise’s husband, approached them.
“Airish, welcome back. I’m glad you’ve returned.”
“Yes… I read your letter. It seems quite interesting has been happening,” Airish smiled at her husband before her gaze subtly shifted.
What she seemed to be searching for caught her eye… Rest, standing alongside Dibble in his butler’s attire, was a short distance away.
“…It’s him.”
“Oh, Mother! Let me introduce him! This is him!”
“He’s the one who saved my sister and me, Rest! He’s been living in the mansion with us.”
“Ah, I never thought I’d see the day when you two would bring a man home. I suppose you’re both of age now?” Airish teased, walking towards Rest with an upright posture.
Feeling a bit nervous, Rest bowed his head.
“I-I’m Rest! I’ve been in your daughters’ care!”
“Thank you. I appreciate that my daughters have been helped by you,” Airish replied, her tone warm, creating an atmosphere of welcome.
(So she’s not going to say something like, “I won’t allow you to get close to my daughters,” huh?)
Rest felt a wave of relief wash over him, but that relief was short-lived as Airish’s next words left him in shock.
“Now, I’ll go change, so you wait outside for me.”
“Huh…?”
“Shall we have a little spar? Be prepared; I’ll make sure to knock you around a bit!”
“…”
With her fists clenched and a fierce look in her eyes, Airish’s words made Rest’s face contort in surprise.