“…………”
“By the way, I’ve already spoken to Albert about this matter.”
Count Walnut continued, throwing an unexpected bombshell at Rest, who was rendered speechless.
“I know it’s presumptuous to bring up a marriage proposal to a son-in-law before the ceremony, but… it’s a chance to subdue the Lavender Barony peacefully. We can’t afford to miss it.”
“I see…”
Rest shifted his gaze to Marquis Rosemary in response to Count Walnut’s words.
Viola and Primula’s father, the man who would become Rest’s father-in-law, had a solemn expression and slowly shook his head.
“Give up”… His thoughts seemed to be conveyed without words.
(Third Prince Cedric and his backer, Marquis Aiger, have just rebelled. If even Baron Lavender were to raise the flag of revolt, the foundation of the country would be shaken. Of course, they can’t miss the chance to appease him…)
If civil wars were to break out in quick succession, unrest would spread among the people.
Even the relationship with the Geisel Empire, a major power to the east, which is currently friendly, could be strained.
“Fortunately, Urula Lavender has said that she doesn’t mind being a concubine. I hear you already have several concubine candidates? All the children Urula Lavender bears will be taken in by the Lavender Barony, so there will be no succession disputes. I don’t think there’s anything bad about it.”
“Yes… there’s nothing bad about it…”
Rest squeezed out the words with an indescribable expression.
There’s nothing bad about it.
Yes… nothing at all.
He doesn’t dislike Ula, and he finds her endearing because she’s fond of him.
If Rest and Ula’s marriage stabilizes the country, isn’t it all good?
(But… when they fill in the outer moat so precisely, it’s a little chilling…)
He felt like he was being slowly strangled with cotton.
Just because the soft cotton feels good doesn’t mean he should entrust himself to it, or it might become irreversible.
As Rest endured his headache, Marquis Cattleya, who had been silent until then, stepped forward.
“If… you have too many wives and they’re too much to handle…”
“Yes?”
“…No, it’s nothing.”
However, Marquis Cattleya withdrew without saying anything in the end.
Despite being unrelated to this matter, Marquis Cattleya had a more bitter expression than anyone else present.
Rest had an idea of what Marquis Cattleya was going to say, but he deliberately looked away without saying anything.
“Of course, the Royal Family also intends to provide maximum support to the Clover Count House. We won’t just throw it at you, so please rest assured.”
“…Thank you for your consideration.”
Rest lowered his head at Count Walnut’s follow-up.
“We’ll support you too. Don’t worry. Take care of our daughter too.”
“Well… do your best, Rest-kun.”
“…………”
Duke Crocus, Marquis Rosemary, and Marquis Cattleya patted him on the shoulder in turn.
Marquis Cattleya’s was quite strong. His collarbone was screaming.
(So, is it almost certain that I’m going to marry Viola, Primula, Yuri, Celestine, and Ula…?)
All of them are daughters of prestigious families.
On top of that, they are all extremely beautiful girls.
It’s like he’s become a harem protagonist in a manga or light novel.
(I have to make them all happy… I absolutely have to.)
At least five people. Maybe more will come in the future.
There are also the children they will bear.
It’s good to have a growing family. It’s the best thing.
For Rest, who was not blessed with love from his parents, isn’t this an ideal environment?
(But… it’s heavy. Maybe I was underestimating the responsibility…)
He was struck by a pressure even greater than when he was appointed Count.
Rest trembled at the responsibility he was carrying and unconsciously gripped the chest of his jacket.