Chapter 49: Returning Home
Thus, Rest and the Rosemary Sisters officially became engaged. Although the formal announcement had yet to take place, the necessary legal procedures were already completed. While a marriage between nobility and commoners typically faced hurdles, Rest held noble status, albeit tenuously. With the guardianship in the hands of Marquis Rosemary, there was no need to seek permission from the Evern Honorary Viscount House. The engagement process concluded smoothly. A grand engagement party was held at the Marquis House, where the three of them received abundant blessings.
A few days later, as the excitement began to wane, Rest decided to return to his family home, the Evern Honorary Viscount House, to report on his enrollment at the academy and his engagement to the sisters.
“Are you sure about this, Rest? You don’t need me to accompany you,” his father-in-law, Albert, inquired before their departure.
“Yes, it’s perfectly fine,” Rest replied confidently, puffing out his chest.
“I want to settle things with that family myself. No matter how much of a father-in-law you are, I have no intention of backing down!”
“I see… I’ve already sent word ahead. If anything happens, I will handle it, so feel free to make a scene.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
After bowing his head to his strict yet caring father-in-law, Rest set off toward his family home in a carriage provided by the Marquis House. Although he could have easily run the distance, he borrowed the carriage to avoid being looked down upon by the members of the Honorary Viscount House.
(Finally, this moment has come…)
As he swayed in the carriage, Rest fell into deep thought.
It had been a year since he was taken in by the Rosemary Marquis House. Five years had passed since his mother lost her life to illness, and he was taken in by the Evern Honorary Viscount House. It felt like an eternity.
(No, that’s not right. It’s been even longer.)
The entanglement with the Evern Honorary Viscount House began much earlier. It traced back to the moment he was born… no, it went back to when his father forcibly impregnated his mother, who had been working as a maid. Today, he would finally put an end to that long-standing grudge. Rest was no longer a mere punching bag, crying himself to sleep. He had gained enough power and status to no longer be ridiculed by them.
(It’s not that I wanted revenge. Still, the thought of proving those who trampled on me wrong makes me incredibly nervous…)
“We’ve arrived, Lord Rest.”
“Thank you.”
The carriage came to a stop, and the voice of the driver reached him. Hearing the servant address him with “Lord” instead of “Mr.” made him acutely aware that he was now a member of the Marquis House.
“Ha…”
Rest let out a short breath before standing up and stepping out of the carriage.
“W-Welcome back!”
It had been a year since he last visited the Evern Honorary Viscount House. Standing at the entrance gate was his father, Lucas Evern, wearing a plastered smile. He must have been waiting, having received the advance notice. Beside him stood his wife, and behind them were several servants, all bowing in greeting.
“Thank you for coming today! On behalf of the Rosemary Marquis House… huh?”
Lucas, who had been reciting his formal greeting, suddenly froze as he recognized the identity of the person he was bowing to. His face contorted in shock, and his eyes widened in disbelief.
(Ah… so he can still recognize me after all.)
Rest couldn’t help but smirk at the irony. Today, he was dressed in fine clothes befitting a noble and had groomed his hair, making him look like a different person compared to his days in the stable. Yet, it seemed Lucas still recognized him as his wayward son.
(So even a father can’t help but recognize his own child… how annoying.)
“Y-You fool… Why, how could you…?!”
“Good day, Honorary Viscount.”
Rest smiled mischievously at the astonished Lucas.
“I have come today to report on behalf of Marquis Rosemary. By the way… was that ‘fool’ directed at me?”
“Ugh…!”
Lucas’s face drained of color. No matter how much they were related, Rest now stood here under the name of the Rosemary Marquis House. There was no way a mere Honorary Viscount could call him a fool.
“I-I apologize. Please forgive my indiscretion…”
“W-What happened, my lord? Who is that person…?”
His wife, Liza Evern, asked in confusion, seemingly unaware that the person they were welcoming was Rest.
“Yes, let’s forgive him. Everyone makes mistakes.”
“…I am grateful for your mercy.”
Lucas struggled to speak, his expression twisted in humiliation. His wife remained perplexed.
(Thank goodness Cedric isn’t here. He would have definitely made things worse.)
Perhaps he wasn’t present because he understood that. If that were the case, then this father might have realized that Cedric was not the ideal son he had hoped for.
(Well, it’s too late for that now. I can’t imagine him ever changing and becoming serious.)
“Now, could you please guide me inside?”
“…Understood. This way, please.”
Led by his grim-faced father, Rest returned to his family home, a place filled with memories he would rather forget.