Chapter 65: I Became Friends with the Duchess
“You’re sharp… How did you figure it out?”
Rest blinked in surprise, seeking confirmation of his suspicions.
“Just a moment ago, when Prince Rodel fell, there were Ice Shards left on the classroom floor. Given the circumstances, it’s only natural to assume you were responsible.”
“…What about the incident at the entrance ceremony?”
“That too. The skill with which you quickly cast magic without anyone noticing… I felt it was the same person who conjured the ice on the floor. Considering where the Wind Barrier appeared to block the Mud Bullet, it was clear that a student of your caliber was involved. It’s not hard to imagine that you are an exceptional Magician, especially being recognized by the Rosemary Marquis House.”
“I see…”
Listening to her explanation, it seemed like a simple enough reason.
“Could it be… that Prince Rodel is aware of this too?”
“No, I don’t think he is. If he had noticed, he would have undoubtedly confronted you directly.”
Celestine averted her gaze slightly, her expression darkening.
“After all… he only shows interest in those who flatter him and beautiful women. He might not even recognize your face.”
“……..That’s the worst.”
“……..Indeed.”
Viola and Primula wore expressions of disdain. It was rare for them to look this way, especially when discussing Cedric.
(There’s no doubt that Prince Rodel is a superior version of Cedric. I feel like his level of foolishness has increased, and with his power, he’s even more troublesome…)
“Why does the Royal Family allow such a prince to run wild? They should just disinherit him and let him fall to commoner status!”
Viola’s words could be interpreted as disrespectful, depending on how one listened. If they weren’t in a private room, Rest would have hurriedly covered her mouth.
“I’ve thought the same… His Majesty the King is a good man, though he rarely stands out in public. I’ve heard he is quite wise. Why, then, does he take no action against Prince Rodel?”
Primula, though not as harsh as her sister, echoed similar sentiments. Rest shared the same thoughts. The current king may not have any heroic tales of valor in battle, but he has governed peacefully without causing turmoil in the kingdom. So why does he overlook the potential disaster that is Rodel?
“Could it be that he is overly lenient with his family? Perhaps he can’t be strict with his own son…?”
“No, that’s not the case.”
Celestine answered the trio’s questions.
“His Majesty is gentle in nature, but that doesn’t mean he overlooks the misdeeds of his family. He likely wishes to disinherit Prince Rodel in truth.”
“‘Wishes to’… so there are circumstances preventing him from doing so?”
“Yes… Unfortunately, Prince Rodel has two powerful backers. Because of this, His Majesty cannot take decisive action like disinheritance.”
“Two backers…?”
Rest glanced at Viola and Primula, but the sisters shook their heads in unison. It seemed they had no idea either.
“First, there’s the influence of the Queen Dowager. Prince Rodel is favored by the late Queen Dowager, and her protection still lingers.”
“The Queen Dowager… I’ve heard she was a woman of great popularity…”
“Indeed, she was… extraordinarily charismatic.”
Primula spoke hesitantly, and Celestine nodded with a bitter expression.
“The Queen Dowager, the mother of His Majesty, was exceptionally skilled at winning hearts. She captivated the men of our grandfather’s generation. Just a brief conversation was enough to turn them into her allies. The Queen Dowager was very fond of Prince Rodel and asked her male followers to protect him after her death.”
Celestine sighed wistfully and continued her tale.
“My grandfather was one of the Queen Dowager’s followers. That’s why I became engaged to Prince Rodel.”
“So, the Queen Dowager’s supporters are preventing Prince Rodel from being ousted?”
“Yes, exactly. My grandfather is already in retirement, confined to the outskirts of his territory, but many still hold power in noble society. They support Prince Rodel and obstruct any harsh measures His Majesty might wish to take.”
“To win someone over with just a few words… it sounds like a charm spell.”
Though Rest had never heard of such a spell, this was a fantasy world. It wouldn’t be surprising if such things existed.
“And what is the other backing?”
When Primula asked, Celestine pointed toward the eastern sky outside the window.
“Our allied nation… the Geisel Empire.”
“…………!”
The mention of the Geisel Empire widened the eyes of the three in shock.
The Geisel Empire had been a long-time ally of the Aiwood Kingdom, cooperating in battles against northern Barbarians. Their friendship had lasted over a century, with thriving trade between them.
“Prince Rodel’s mother, the Concubine, hails from the Empire. If anything were to happen to Prince Rodel, it could lead to tensions with the Empire.”
“B-but… the Empire has been a long-time friend, right? Surely, such a thing wouldn’t ruin our relationship…”
Viola expressed her thoughts cautiously, but Celestine shook her head regretfully.
“Indeed, the Empire is a long-standing ally. However… recently, the situation in that nation has become suspicious.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Several individuals with claims to the throne have met untimely ends under mysterious circumstances, and the youngest prince, who should have had a low claim, is rapidly gaining power. Moreover, the factions he surrounds himself with are radical nobles who desire war. If the current Emperor were to fall and that prince became the successor…”
“…They would invade our kingdom?”
“That is a possibility… Hence, we do not want to provoke the Empire by disinheriting Prince Rodel. Otherwise, His Majesty would have already taken action against him.”
“…………”
Rest fell silent.
He had been questioning why such a foolish prince was allowed to roam free, but now he understood the underlying circumstances. If they cut ties with Rodel, the Queen Dowager’s supporters within the kingdom would not remain silent. Furthermore, they could potentially turn the Geisel Empire into an enemy. Rodel Aiwood was a significant bomb that could bring internal troubles and external threats.
“That said… His Majesty and the Crocus Duke House do not intend to let Prince Rodel run wild forever. Once they can eliminate the Queen Dowager’s supporters within the kingdom and stabilize diplomatic relations, they plan to take strict measures against him… There is no way they would allow that man to become king.”
“…I understand the situation. But why are you sharing this with us?”
The complexities of international relations were mixed in. Was it really appropriate to share this with mere students like Rest and the others?
“I have received permission from my father. He believes it is acceptable to share this with those who seem trustworthy.”
Celestine gazed into the eyes of Rest and the Rosemary Sisters in turn.
“The Rosemary Marquis House is a prestigious family of Magicians and the current Court Mage Director’s household. Like the Crocus Duke House, they are pillars of the kingdom that will support future generations.”
“…………”
“By closely exchanging information and working together, we hope to protect the future of this nation. The future of the kingdom rests on our shoulders.”
“…………It’s not an exaggeration, is it?”
Rest was to be engaged to the Rosemary Marquis House soon. Holding power and responsibility meant shouldering various troublesome matters.
(I will likely continue to rely on Lady Celestine, so it would be wise to have her as an ally…)
Rest let out a small sigh and exchanged glances with Viola and Primula. Though they remained silent, their eyes conveyed agreement.
“Yes, we would be glad to. Let us cooperate for the future of the kingdom and our own peace.”
“Thank you. If Prince Rodel ever causes you trouble, feel free to mention my name or that of the Crocus Duke House. I look forward to working together…”
Celestine extended her hand to Rest. Despite the presence of Viola and Primula, she chose to honor Rest, the future Marquis. The sisters nodded in agreement, as if it were only natural. Rest extended his right hand, and they shook firmly.
“Now then, shall we have lunch? It’s already past noon.”
Celestine called for the waiter to bring their meals. Afterward, Rest and the others enjoyed their lunch at the café restaurant, but with so much to think about, the flavors were lost on them. What was certain was that the future of the Aiwood Kingdom would be filled with challenges. And… they had gained a strong ally to face the troublesome future ahead.