**Chapter 17: The Marquis Feels Jealous**
“Guh…”
With a sudden blow from the butler, Rest stumbled forward and fell. The strike was delivered with a speed that was almost imperceptible, akin to teleportation. It was the butler Diable’s trump card spell… the High Accelerator, a swift and deadly attack.
“Rest!”
“Rest-san!”
Seeing Rest collapse, the Rosemary Sisters cried out in anguish. They rushed to his side, checking his body. There were a few bruises, but thankfully, no serious injuries seemed to be present.
“Hey, Diable! That was too much, don’t you think!?”
“Exactly! There was no need to go that far!”
The sisters glared at the butler in unison. Faced with their fierce anger, Diable bowed deeply without offering any excuses.
“…I apologize, my ladies.”
“Calm down, my daughters. What just happened was part of a mock battle. Do not blame Diable.”
“Father!”
“More importantly… tend to his wounds.”
“Ugh…!”
The sisters hurriedly began to heal Rest. Diable raised his head and offered a respectful nod to his master, Albert, who had shielded him.
“It’s fine. More importantly… from your perspective, how did he perform?”
“…I believe I share the same opinion as you, my lord.”
Diable responded respectfully to Albert’s inquiry.
“That boy… Rest-sama possesses the strength worthy of the support of the House of Marquis Rosemary, I assure you.”
“I see, indeed…”
Albert shared the same sentiment. Rest, as a magician, exhibited exceptional skill that belied his age. While he might still lack experience and knowledge in some areas, it was clear he would eventually surpass even the Court Magician himself.
“That boy will surely leave his name in history as a great magician… It would be worthwhile to incorporate him into our family, even if it means making him a partner to one of my daughters.”
“…………”
Diable whispered this softly, ensuring the sisters could not hear. It was also something Albert had been contemplating. The House of Marquis Rosemary had only two daughters and no sons. Eventually, one of the sisters would marry and inherit the family.
As a father who deeply loved his daughters, Albert wished for them to choose their partners freely, regardless of lineage. Ideally, he hoped they would choose someone with exceptional magical talent, which is why he had arranged opportunities for them to interact with Cedric and other boys of their age.
(This boy… Rest-kun would be perfect. However…)
Rest was strong. Though still rough around the edges, with time and experience, he would undoubtedly flourish as a magician. Albert could confidently assert that he was someone worth incorporating into the marquisate. Yet, despite these thoughts, there was an unsettling feeling within him.
“Don’t worry, Rest. I’ll cast a healing spell on you right away!”
“We’re here for you. You’ll be alright, Rest-san…!”
Viola and Primula. Albert’s beloved daughters were closely tending to the fallen Rest, devotedly caring for him. It was evident that both of them harbored feelings for him.
(Allowing my daughters to marry him… well, that might be acceptable. But what if they both end up falling for him…?)
Viola and Primula were close sisters, yet their personalities were polar opposites. However, at their core, they resembled Albert’s wife—Marquis Rosemary’s lady. This meant they possessed a stubbornness that would not yield on matters that were important to them. No matter if it was their sister or brother, they would not easily give up a man they had decided upon.
(Rest-kun, I acknowledge your talent. I am grateful for how you helped my daughters, and I will write you a recommendation letter for the academy entrance exam. But…!)
“…I’m not saying I’ll give you both of my daughters!”
Seeing his daughters tending to Rest as if they were comforting a beloved, the Marquis Rosemary cried out, shedding tears of blood in despair.