Chapter 83: I Consulted My Father-in-Law About Life
In the Count Valery’s Territory, a region renowned as one of the most fertile grain-producing areas in the Aiwood Kingdom, wheat was the primary crop. The harvest from this land accounted for fifteen percent of the kingdom’s total demand, making it a vital food source.
In a corner of this expansive granary, several monsters resembling monkeys were wreaking havoc in the fields. These creatures were about the size of chimpanzees, but their fur burned a fiery red, and sparks of crimson fire dripped from their mouths like saliva, making it clear they were no ordinary wild animals.
“Gyah gyah!”
“Gyah!”
“Gyaah!”
The monkey-like monsters tore at the crops, gnawing and ripping them apart in an endless cycle. Driven by an insatiable hunger, these beasts threatened to strip the fields bare if left unchecked.
“Hmm… the Student Council Executive Committee, huh? That brings back memories,” a man said, gazing thoughtfully at the distant chaos.
The speaker was Albert Rosemary, the head of the Rosemary Marquis House and the Court Mage Director. He crouched low, speaking in hushed tones.
“Is that so? That’s the first I’ve heard of it,” Rest replied, slightly surprised by Albert’s words. The two were hiding in the grass, observing the monsters as they discussed recent events. The topic at hand was an invitation from Prince Andrew II to join the Student Council Executive Committee, a decision that Rest’s fiancées, Viola and Primula, had entrusted him to make. However, Rest found himself struggling to decide alone and sought the advice of his future father-in-law, Albert.
It wasn’t that he was opposed to joining the committee. He recognized the potential benefits, but he also saw the drawbacks. He worried about becoming too close to the Second Prince and the possible repercussions for the Rosemary Marquis House. Despite the love the sisters had for him, he was still a prospective son-in-law, and he didn’t want to cause any trouble for the family. Yet, the sisters never voiced any objections to his actions. Thus, he turned to Albert for guidance, hoping to gain insight from someone more experienced in life.
Rest and Albert had shared a somewhat tense relationship until about a year ago. Albert had been quite anxious about losing both of his cherished daughters to Rest, and there were moments when he had shown hostility towards him. However, recently, he had come to accept that marrying off his daughters would mean he wouldn’t have to part with them entirely. As a senior prospective son-in-law, Albert had even begun to offer Rest advice.
“Ah, the Student Council President back then was the current Duke Crocus. I was invited to join the committee by him, who was two years my senior. My wife was also a member, a year above me, and I was quite often at her beck and call…” Albert reminisced.
“I see…” Rest replied, picturing Albert’s wife, whose brawn and straightforwardness were far from what one would expect of a Marquise.
“Well, I did end up marrying her after winning her favor, so it wasn’t all bad. For a young man with no family to inherit, it was an incredible stroke of luck.”
“Ah… I understand. Still, it must have been tough. The Executive Committee, I mean. You might have earned some resentment from other students…”
“I wouldn’t say there were no downsides. However, I became close with Duke Crocus, and thanks to my achievements during my time on the committee, I was able to rise through the ranks quickly. In my case, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks. Of course, I don’t expect the same to hold true for you.”
“……”
“In your case, becoming close with Prince Andrew II, the Student Council President, is a significant advantage. He may not ascend to the throne, but when he is demoted, he will likely be granted at least a ducal title. While there is a possibility he might marry into another country, given the current situation, that seems unlikely. There are no nearby noble families of similar age available domestically. If your sisters had no fiancés, there might have been an inquiry, but that’s not the case now.”
Albert maintained his gaze on the monsters, a wry smile on his face as he shrugged.
“If you’re unsure about joining the committee… well, why not give it a try? Personally, I think it’s a good idea.”
“Do you think it will be alright? I’m worried that if I overstep my bounds, it might cause trouble for the Rosemary Marquis House.”
“Do you think my wife would care about that? You’re worrying for nothing!”
Albert laughed off Rest’s probing concerns.
“If it’s Airish, she would undoubtedly say, ‘Go for it!’ While it’s true that members of the Executive Committee often face resentment, if you fulfill your duties well, you’ll earn the trust of the good students. Besides, since you’re entering as a commoner, some may question your marriage into the Rosemary family. There might even be those who would try to undermine you to win the sisters’ favor. However, if you join the committee and excel, people’s perceptions will surely change.”
“I see… I hadn’t thought of it that way.”
Indeed, there were boys who eyed Rest with suspicion due to his close relationship with the Rosemary sisters. He had dismissed it as mere jealousy, but there was likely an underlying distrust regarding a lowborn marrying into a noble family.
“Joining the Student Council means that people will treat you as part of Prince Andrew’s faction. Those who would oppose you without reason will likely disappear.”
“But won’t that put me in Prince Richard’s sights since he’s the Crown Prince?”
“The two princes share the same mother and are on friendly terms, so there’s no need to worry. If their ages were closer and their powers more balanced, there might have been fierce factional struggles. However, with Richard almost assuredly the next king, Andrew’s faction will be treated more like a ‘friend group’ than a political force. So, there’s no need for concern… Ah, it seems preparations are complete.”
A plume of white smoke rose from a distance, signaling that the other mages had finished their preparations.
“Well then, Rest. It’s time for work.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Rest and Albert rose from the underbrush, revealing themselves alongside the other mages who had been hiding.
“It’s time for monster hunting… let’s exterminate this horde of locusts!”
“Yes!”
As Albert issued the command, Rest immediately began to gather his magical power. To minimize damage to the crops, he decided to use Water Magic.
“[Water Cutter]!”
“Gyah gyah!?”
The released blade of water pierced the neck of the monkey-like monster that had been ravaging the crops. Purple bodily fluid splattered as the creature’s head flew through the air.