Chapter 64: The First After School
The orientation for the new students concluded without any significant issues. There were no unexpected incidents, such as the Third Prince Rodel barging in, and the students received important information regarding their future school life and course selections. The Royal Academy allowed students to choose their classes like a university, meaning they could attend classes with students from other classes or even different departments, except for mandatory subjects.
This meant that… there was a possibility of sitting in class alongside Rodel and his retainers.
(This time, it was fortunate that Viola and Primula were absent… but if they were here, I’d have to avoid any entanglements with them.)
Rest vowed to align his classes with the sisters as much as possible. He was sure that neither Viola nor Primula would mind, and he wanted to prevent any situation where they might get involved with Rodel in his absence.
“It looks like we can head home now. Let’s go, Rest, Primula.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
“Yes, let’s.”
After the orientation, Rest and the Rosemary Sisters stood up from their seats. Although it was still before noon, this marked the end of their school day.
“Since we have some time, how about we grab a bite to eat on the way back?”
“Yes. That was my plan too, along with my sister.”
“I told the chef at home that I wouldn’t need lunch since I’d be eating out. Let’s find a café.”
Viola smiled brightly and turned to include her new friends in the conversation.
“Yuri, would you like to join us? We could have a little get-together.”
“Oh, I’m so glad you invited me… but unfortunately, I have prior commitments.”
Yuri lowered her eyebrows, looking disappointed as she spoke.
“I have a promise to have a meal with my uncle and aunt. I’d love it if you could invite me again sometime.”
“I see… well, it can’t be helped. Let’s do it another time.”
“Yeah. See you later, Rest and Primula.”
“Yeah, see you.”
“Goodbye.”
Yuri left the classroom ahead of them. Rest and the Rosemary Sisters followed a little later. The three of them were about to exit the academy when another student called out to them.
“Excuse me, everyone?”
When they turned around, they saw a female student who had just become their classmate.
“Celestine?”
Viola’s eyes widened slightly. Standing there was Celestine Crocus, the daughter of the Crocus Duke House and Rodel’s fiancée.
“I’d like to express my gratitude for earlier… if you have a moment now, could we talk?”
“Um… I should be the one thanking you, as you helped me out.”
“Then consider it an apology. It seems my fiancé caused some trouble.”
Celestine looked up at the school building with a meaningful expression and sighed.
“Prince Rodel has gone to speak directly with the Headmaster. He’s not satisfied with being in Class D… I’m sorry, but I decided to leave it to the Headmaster.”
“Uh… that sounds tough. So, he really is as rumored.”
Primula spoke up, concern evident in her voice. She was already aware of the earlier commotion, where Rest had nearly been forced to switch classes and had been quite upset about it.
“Yes… I know a nice café restaurant. Shall we go there and talk comfortably?”
“Um… is that alright with you two?”
Viola looked to Rest and Primula for confirmation. Both nodded in agreement.
“Then please allow us to join you.”
“Yes. I’ll have my family’s carriage lead the way, so please follow me.”
The four of them boarded their respective carriages from the Crocus Duke House and the Rosemary Marquis House, making their way through town. They arrived at their destination in about ten minutes. It was a relatively large café restaurant with an upscale appearance.
“This is one of the establishments run by the Crocus Duke House. We have private rooms available, so we can talk in peace.”
Guided by Celestine, Rest and the others entered the café restaurant. They were led by a middle-aged waiter dressed in a fine tuxedo to a private room on the second floor.
“Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Rest sat at a table for six, with the Rosemary Sisters on either side. Celestine took a seat across from them, offering the menu with a gentle smile.
“What would you like to drink? Shall I take care of the food?”
“Yes, please. I’ll have iced tea.”
“I’ll have the same.”
“I’ll have what they’re having.”
“Very well then.”
Celestine placed their orders with the attentive waiter, who bowed and quietly retreated. After a short wait, their drinks and appetizers were served.
“Now then… I’d like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself and apologize.”
Celestine straightened her posture and lightly bowed her head.
“I am Celestine Crocus, a member of the Duke’s House. I believe I’ve met Viola and Primula a few times before?”
“Yes, it’s been a while.”
“Um… I’m glad to see you’re both well…”
“So, you’re Rest, right? You’re the one who is engaged to the two of them and will be joining the Rosemary Marquis House, correct?”
“Yes… that’s correct. So you knew about it?”
“The Crocus Duke House oversees the nobility, so we receive most information. I was curious about the man who was allowed to marry the famously doting Marquis Rosemary, who has two daughters…”
Celestine wore a refined smile, her tone somewhat probing.
“You’ve saved me twice now… once when Rodel was bothering me in class, and again during the entrance ceremony when I was nearly splashed with mud.”
“…!”
It seemed Celestine was aware of Rest’s actions. As Rest blinked in surprise, Celestine chuckled softly, as if confirming her suspicions.