Chapter 77: The Foolish Prince Has Been Defeated, But…
Rest had knocked out the Third Prince, Rodel, and afterward, they were all sent to the infirmary along with the male student who had been burned. The school’s health officer, who sometimes dealt with dangerous magic in classes, was exceptionally skilled. It was rumored that “as long as the head is still attached, any injury can be healed.” Fortunately, both Rodel’s entourage and the injured male student were expected to return to their daily lives without any lasting disabilities.
Afterward, during lunch break, although an assault… or perhaps an attempted murder incident had occurred, Class A continued their afternoon lessons without any disruption. The only unusual occurrence was when their homeroom teacher, Ms. Carder, gathered the classmates to relay some important information.
“During lunch break, an assault incident occurred in Class D. As you all may know… using magic to attack others outside of class is against school rules. Please be extremely careful.”
Strictly speaking, Rest’s suppression of Rodel and his retainers was also a violation of school rules. However, given the emergency and the clear wrongdoing on Rodel’s part, it was unlikely that he would face any penalties even if he were to come forward.
Since then, Rest had no idea what had happened to Rodel. He was probably being restrained by the faculty, but if possible, Rest wished he would simply disappear from the academy.
Inside the carriage on their way home, Rest recounted the events of the lunch break to Viola and Primula.
“I can’t believe something like that happened while we were having our tea party…”
“To think he would attack using magic… The foolishness of Prince Rodel is beyond imagination,” Viola replied, her expression twisting in displeasure as she listened to the explanation.
“If possible, I wish he would take responsibility for this incident and leave the academy. That would put everyone at ease…”
“…But I doubt that will happen. I think he’ll only receive a suspension,” Primula said, shaking her head with a somber look.
“Why is that? If things had gone poorly, a student from Class D could have died. It wouldn’t be surprising if he were expelled,” Rest questioned, turning his gaze toward Viola.
“Actually, I spoke to my father after hearing Lady Celestine’s account. It seems that the backing of that foolish prince, Queen Dowager and the Concubine, is a delicate matter. From what I gathered, the situation is more complicated than we thought…”
Viola explained with a frown.
The Queen Dowager’s faction, which supported Rodel, still held significant influence within the kingdom, even without a banner to rally under. Some members were involved in the management of the academy, making it difficult for even the Headmaster to unilaterally expel Rodel. Additionally, the current head of a certain Border Count family responsible for border defense was reportedly a staunch supporter of the Queen Dowager. If Rodel were to be punished, it could provoke that individual’s wrath, potentially jeopardizing national defense.
“Our country has a decentralized system, which empowers the nobility. This stems from the past when a tyrant king ruled with an iron fist, oppressing the people… Conversely, even the King must gather the consent of the nobles to deal with his own kin. As long as the Queen Dowager’s faction remains strong, it seems difficult to expel the Foolish Prince from the academy.”
“Perhaps… No, never mind,” Rest almost voiced a thought that would have been dangerous to utter. The idea of simply eliminating Rodel was not something a mere student, who was only set to become a consort of a marquis family, should entertain. Even if keeping Rodel alive caused trouble for many, the decision to act rested with someone else.
(I would prefer if that kind of pawn would just vanish quickly. I’m already full with Cedric and Celery Boy…)
“…In any case, it’s best to avoid getting involved with Prince Rodel. You two should be careful as well,” Rest cautioned Viola and Primula earnestly.
“Just so you know… if either of you were harmed by him, I wouldn’t be able to hold back,” he added, his tone serious.
“Rest…”
“Rest-sama…”
The Rosemary Sisters both looked at him with teary eyes, taking his hands in theirs. They gently pressed his hands against their cheeks, gazing at him with affection. Despite their contrasting personalities, this simple gesture mirrored each other perfectly.
(I must protect these two no matter what…)
Even if it meant sacrificing his own future. Rest renewed his resolve deeply, imprinting the sensation of their cheeks against his palms.