Chapter 46: Let’s Become Family
It was two weeks later that the results of the entrance exams were announced. The tests for the Noble Slot and Commoner Slot were conducted separately, but the results were delivered on the same day.
“I did it! I passed!”
Viola exclaimed joyfully as she opened the letter delivered from the academy, her eyes sparkling at the sight of the word “Passed” written boldly in the language of this world.
“I’m so relieved… I passed too.”
Primula, having read her own letter, placed a hand over her heart and let out a sigh of relief. Although she had expressed confidence after taking the exam, it seemed that doubt had lingered in her mind.
The Rosemary Sisters celebrated their acceptance together, but soon their eyes turned to the third person who had been silent.
“Um… what about Rest?”
“Rest-sama?”
“…………”
Under the gaze of the two sisters, Rest remained silent, his expression tense. A flicker of worry crossed the sisters’ faces as they thought, Could it be…?
“Oh, sorry, sorry! I passed too. I really did!”
Noticing the sisters’ concerned stares, Rest hurriedly reassured them. The letter he held prominently displayed the word “Passed.”
“Don’t scare us like that!”
“Rest-sama… you surprised us!”
“Sorry, sorry! I was just lost in thought for a moment. But anyway, all three of us passed!”
““Yay!””
The sisters clasped hands and raised them in triumph. With their similar features, they jumped up and down in perfect symmetry, like reflections in a mirror.
“We’ll be able to attend the academy together starting next year!”
“Going to the academy with Rest-sama… it feels like a dream!”
“I’m happy too… oh, I’m really happy.”
It felt as though their lives were about to change dramatically. Gaining admission to the academy meant a bright future was almost guaranteed, barring any severe shortcomings. The path to serving in the Royal Palace would open up, and even if that didn’t happen, they would likely be well-treated by local nobles.
(And… for me, this is where it truly matters.)
For Rest, passing was expected. He had sensed it from the exam itself. What was crucial was what came next.
“Suu, haa… suu, haa…”
“Rest?”
“Rest-sama?”
Seeing Rest take deep breaths with a nervous expression, the sisters tilted their heads in confusion. Rest knelt before them and pulled out “that” from his pocket.
“Viola, Primula… will you marry me?”
““…………!””
The sisters’ eyes widened in shock. Rest presented them with matching rings, each adorned with a different gemstone. Viola’s ring held a red ruby, while Primula’s featured a blue sapphire. Both had been purchased from a jewelry store in the Royal Capital. All the earnings from the monster hunting he had done before coming to the Rosemary Marquis House had been invested in these rings.
“This ring…”
“It’s beautiful…”
“I wanted to buy something nice with my own money, so it’s not overly extravagant… but I chose it with both of you in mind. What do you think?”
Rest explained, sweat beading on his back from the tension. In this world, the concept of an engagement ring didn’t exist. While it was common to give accessories to wives or lovers, there was no culture of presenting a ring during a proposal.
(Still… I wanted to express my gratitude and feelings for both of you in a tangible way…)
Over the past year, Rest had spent countless days with Viola and Primula. During that time, he had developed genuine affection for both of them.
(Loving two girls at the same time might be seen as unfaithful… but now, I can’t choose one over the other.)
If they would accept him, he desperately hoped they would take the rings. Looking up at them while still kneeling, he saw their faces bloom into radiant smiles, like flowers in full bloom.
“I’m so happy… thank you, Rest!”
“I’m overjoyed… I won’t let you go, Rest-sama!”
The sisters took the rings, and Viola placed hers on her finger.
“Which finger should I wear it on?”
“Well… it should fit on the ring finger of the left hand…”
“The left hand’s ring finger? Does that have a special meaning?”
Primula tilted her head, curious.
“…I read somewhere that it symbolizes love in some country.”
Rest took the ring and slipped it onto Primula’s left ring finger. Having measured her size in secret beforehand, it fit perfectly.
“Rest! Me too, me too!”
“Alright, alright. Here you go.”
“Thank you! I love you!”
As Rest placed the ring on Viola’s finger, she was so overwhelmed with emotion that she hugged him tightly.
“Hey, that’s not fair! Sister!”
In a competitive spirit, Primula followed suit. The three of them nestled closely together, exchanging warmth in a heartfelt embrace.
(I’m so happy… I will definitely make both of them happy…!)
With a firm vow in his heart, Rest felt tears welling in his eyes.
“…………Muu.”
“You’re so young…”
Meanwhile, in a corner of the room, the Rosemary couple watched with warm eyes. They were seated in the living room of the Marquis House, accompanied by the butler and maids, who wore awkward expressions. It would be a little while longer before Rest and the sisters noticed the gazes directed at them, and blushed in embarrassment.