Chapter 29: A Duel Awaits
Rosemary Marquise… Airish Rosemary had challenged Rest to a fight. While she changed into more suitable attire, he made his way to the training ground in the garden ahead of her.
Standing there with Professor Dibble, Rest gazed up at the clear blue sky, feeling utterly lost.
“Um… how did it come to this…?”
“…I sincerely apologize, my lord.”
As Rest voiced his heartfelt confusion while aimlessly standing in the training ground, Dibble wore an expression of deep regret.
“Lady Airish is… how should I put it? Impulsive, perhaps? She seems to have a straightforward temperament… the type of person who can only communicate through magic and fists…”
“Are you saying she’s a musclehead?”
“……………………Yes.”
Dibble affirmed Rest’s words with a troubled expression. Although Lady Airish appeared to be a beautiful lady, a gentle young wife, she was reputed to be quite the martial artist. It was said that she had single-handedly annihilated a group of assassins who had targeted the royal family.
“Please don’t misunderstand. Lady Airish doesn’t dislike you or want to drive you away; she simply wishes to communicate through fists. There is no malice or ill intent whatsoever.”
“Malice aside, what about ill intent? I think I might get hurt if I’m punched…”
“…Lady Airish is a master of Body Enhancement Magic and Healing Magic. While she may struggle with long-range spells, in close combat, she might be stronger than you, and perhaps even stronger than the Knight Commander.”
“The Knight Commander… you mean Marquis Cattleya, right? That’s impossible!”
Marquis Cattleya, the Knight Commander, was a very famous figure. Even during Rest’s days as a commoner, he had often heard tales of him. He had performed heroically in skirmishes with neighboring countries and battles against barbarians, saving the nation time and again.
Marquis Cattleya stood at the pinnacle of martial prowess, while Marquis Rosemary stood at the pinnacle of magic. Together, they were referred to as “The Two Wings” that supported the kingdom.
“Um… am I about to be killed here?”
“P-please don’t worry. Lady Airish won’t fight seriously. She only wants to test your abilities…”
“Sorry to keep you waiting!”
A dignified female voice echoed through the air. Turning towards the voice, Rest saw Airish, now dressed in attire resembling riding clothes. The fitted jacket and trousers accentuated her voluptuous figure.
“‘‘‘…………’‘’”
Behind Airish were members of the Rosemary Marquis House… Viola, Primula, and Albert followed closely.
“R-Rest! Do your best… I’m so sorry it came to this!”
“P-please don’t get hurt! I’m cheering for you!”
The sisters rushed over, clinging to Rest. Their expressions were filled with concern… and an overwhelming sense of guilt.
“…………”
As soon as Albert met Rest’s gaze, he quickly averted his eyes. It seemed he was aware of his wife’s reckless behavior, and he wore a guilty expression himself.
“Um… I’ve asked Mother not to do anything too harsh. It’s pointless for us to say anything. So, I hope you won’t come to dislike her…”
“…It’s alright. While this has turned into quite the ordeal, I don’t feel uncomfortable about it.”
Rest shook his head at Viola, who looked troubled. He offered a reassuring smile to Primula as well.
“It’s only natural to be wary of a man approaching your daughter. This is a good opportunity to confirm the results of my interpersonal combat training with Professor Dibble, and I’ll gladly take on the challenge.”
“Rest…”
“Rest-sama…”
The two looked up at him with glistening eyes. Perhaps pleased by his comforting words, they clung to his arms.
(…This is too close.)
While he didn’t mind their emotional gazes, he wished they wouldn’t cling so tightly. Their parents were right there. The weight of Albert’s gaze was particularly intense.
“Shall we begin soon? You two should step back.”
Airish called out to Rest and the others. Viola and Primula reluctantly released their hold on him.
“Then… let’s do this.”
“Yes, likewise… I hope this won’t turn into a one-sided game.”
Airish smiled, her translucent beauty illuminated by her grin. Despite being drawn in by her captivating smile, Rest felt an inexplicable chill as he took a few steps back to face her.
(This will be my first time fighting someone other than Professor Dibble… and I’m up against someone who might be stronger than the kingdom’s strongest Knight Commander. Why do I always end up fighting opponents who are above my level?)
This would be his second duel in the training ground. Steeling himself, Rest readied his fists against the Marquise.
“Then… let’s begin!”
Albert signaled, and the battle commenced.
“Eh…?”
“First hit!”
As the fight began, Airish’s beautiful visage was suddenly right before him. He was momentarily entranced by her subtly smiling face.
“Hunh!”
“Wha—!”
In the next instant, an incredibly powerful fist struck Rest’s body.