**Chapter 20: The Marquis Rosemary’s Torment**
The discussion between the House of Marquis Rosemary and the Viscount Ebern House concluded, resulting in the decision for the House of Marquis Rosemary to take custody of Rest.
On the way back, inside the marquis’s carriage, Albert Rosemary let out a deep sigh.
“What a dreadful sight that was… that man.”
“Indeed. It was quite unsightly,” replied the butler seated across from him. The disgraceful behavior displayed by Lucas Ebern during the meeting was more than enough to leave both men astonished.
“I knew he was fixated on his noble status and looked down on commoners. His obsession with magical talent is stronger than most. But… I never imagined he would treat his own son so cruelly.”
Throughout the discussion, Lucas had referred to Rest—his own son—as “that thing,” “a failure,” and “garbage.” For Albert, known for his love of family and leniency towards his kin, such words were utterly appalling.
“Yet, he dotes on his arrogant son, despite his talent. It’s infuriating. Honestly, I wish I could have him dismissed from the position of Court Magician.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to dismiss him then? You have the excuse to do so, after all.”
His legitimate son had taken one of the marquis’s daughters out, putting her in a dangerous situation. No one would blame the father for taking responsibility.
“No… I think I’ll hold off on that for now. If he loses his noble status, it will complicate things for Rest to become my daughter’s fiancé.”
While Albert didn’t care what happened to the Ebern family, his daughters had taken a liking to Rest. To arrange a marriage with one of them, Rest needed to retain his noble status.
“It won’t be a problem once Rest graduates from the academy and secures a position as Court Magician or another role. Until then, it’s more convenient for him to remain a noble. There is also the option of him being adopted by another family, but that wouldn’t be feasible before next year’s academy entrance.”
Next year, Viola and Primula would be entering the Royal Academy. Albert wanted to arrange a betrothal between Rest and one of his daughters before that time. Once they enrolled, many suitors would undoubtedly approach the sisters. Even without parental bias, both were exceptional beauties with excellent figures and impeccable lineage.
“…Next year, that foolish prince will also be enrolling. Having Rest as a fiancé would help protect my daughters from him.”
The “foolish prince” referred to Rodel Aiwood, the third prince of the royal family. He was known for his tyrannical nature, arrogance, and womanizing tendencies. Despite being troublesome, he possessed considerable magical talent. He was a troublesome man, a sort of superior version of Cedric, and he would be entering the academy alongside the Rosemary sisters.
“If only he could fail the entrance exam… but that would be asking too much. He is quite capable, after all. Most likely, he will pass.”
If Rodel entered as a classmate, he would undoubtedly pursue Viola and Primula. He had a history of causing trouble, having previously pursued a noble daughter at a ball, leading to a conflict with her fiancé. He had also assaulted a young maid working in the royal castle, attempting to force himself upon her. Furthermore, he had tried to woo a princess visiting as a diplomatic envoy, only to explode in rage when she rejected him.
So far, he had managed to avoid major scandals, but everyone knew Rodel was a notorious failure of a prince.
“…The Duke Crocus’s Daughter is also set to enroll in the same year. The second prince is in the grade above, so it’s not guaranteed that he will cause significant trouble.”
“…For the safety of my daughters, it would be better if they had a fiancé.”
With a fiancé, even a prince would think twice before pursuing them. If they were forced into a corner and retaliated, the blame would fall on him.
“If Rest successfully passes, I will arrange the engagement immediately. I cannot bear the thought of my daughters falling prey to that foolish prince.”
“Then, it seems the Viscount Ebern House is necessary for this plan. Understood.”
The butler nodded deeply at Albert’s words. However, he soon interjected, “But… who do you intend to betroth to Rest? I believe whichever daughter you choose, the other will not be pleased…”
“Ugh…”
Albert grimaced, feeling the sting of the butler’s words. To protect his daughters from the foolish prince, it was better to have a fiancé, even if it was a temporary arrangement. However… Rest was one person, and he had two daughters. Whether it was Viola or Primula, choosing one would undoubtedly lead to conflict.
“If one is a noble, polygamy is permitted. Why not just have both of them marry him…?”
“No! No, no, no, no!”
Albert shook his head vigorously at the butler’s suggestion.
“I know Rest is a fine young man with magical talent! But… giving him two daughters is too much! Absolutely out of the question!”
“However, if you choose one, the other will surely resent you. Can you endure that, sir?”
“Ugh…”
Imagining a scenario where one of his beloved daughters declared, “I hate you, Father!” made Albert clutch his chest. He couldn’t bear it. His heart felt like it would burst.
“On the other hand… if both daughters were married to Rest, you could keep them both at home without sending either away…”
“That… might be true, but… still…”
Inside the moving carriage, Albert buried his head in his hands, overwhelmed. Until they arrived at the marquis’s residence, he continued to groan in anguish.