**Chapter 29: A Duel Awaits**
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Rest found himself challenged to a fight by Marchioness Rosemary, Irish Rosemary. While she changed into more suitable attire, he stepped out ahead to the training grounds in the garden, waiting for her arrival alongside Diable. He gazed up at the clear blue sky, feeling utterly perplexed.
“Um… how did it come to this…?”
“…My apologies, sir.”
As Rest stood aimlessly in the training grounds, he voiced his heartfelt confusion. Diable looked genuinely remorseful as he offered his apology.
“The lady is… how should I put it? She’s quite straightforward, you could say. It seems she can only express herself through magic and martial arts…”
“Are you saying she’s a musclehead?”
“……………………Yes.”
Diable confirmed Rest’s words with a look of deep contemplation. Marchioness Rosemary, Irish Rosemary, appeared to be a beautiful lady on the outside, exuding the charm of a gentle young wife, but in reality, she was known for her formidable combat prowess. It was said that she single-handedly annihilated a group of assassins who had targeted the royal family.
“Please don’t misunderstand. The lady doesn’t dislike you or want to drive you away; she simply wishes to engage in a conversation through fists. There’s no malice or ill intent involved.”
“Malice aside, what about ill intent? I think I might get hurt if I’m punched.”
“…The lady is a master of Body Enhancement and Healing magic. While she may not excel in long-range spells… in close combat, she might even surpass you, perhaps even the captain of the knights.”
“The captain of the knights… you mean Marquis Cattleya? That can’t be true!”
The captain of the knights, Marquis Cattleya, was a well-known figure. Even during Rest’s days as a commoner, he had heard many tales about him. He was a hero who had saved the nation countless times through his valor in skirmishes with neighboring countries and battles against marauding tribes. Standing at the pinnacle of martial prowess was Marquis Cattleya, while at the pinnacle of magic was Marchioness Rosemary. Together, they were referred to as the “two wings” supporting the kingdom.
“Um… am I about to be killed here?”
“P-Please don’t worry. The lady shouldn’t fight seriously. She merely wants to test your abilities…”
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
A dignified female voice echoed through the air. As Rest turned to look, he saw Irish, now dressed in attire resembling riding gear. The snug-fitting jacket and trousers accentuated her voluptuous figure.
“‘‘‘…………’‘’”
Behind Irish stood the members of House Rosemary—Viola, Primula, and Albert.
“R-Rest! Do your best… I’m so sorry it came to this!”
“P-Please don’t get hurt! We’re cheering for you!”
The sisters rushed over, clinging to Rest. Their expressions were filled with worry… and an overwhelming sense of guilt.
“…………”
Albert met Rest’s gaze for a brief moment before quickly averting his eyes. It seemed he was aware of his wife’s reckless behavior, and he wore a look of guilt himself.
“I’ve asked… I’ve asked Mother not to do anything too harsh. It’s pointless for us to say anything. So, please don’t come to dislike her…”
“…It’s alright. While this is quite a predicament, I don’t feel uncomfortable about it.”
Rest shook his head at Viola, who looked troubled. He offered a reassuring smile to Primula as well.
“It’s only natural to be wary of a man approaching your daughter. This is a good opportunity to confirm the results of my combat training with Diable, and I’ll gladly accept the challenge.”
“Rest…”
“Rest-sama…”
The two looked up at him with glistening eyes, and perhaps pleased by his supportive words, they clung to him tightly.
(…This is too close.)
While he didn’t mind their heartfelt gazes, he wished they would maintain some distance. Their parents were present, after all. The gaze of their father, Albert, was particularly intense.
“Shall we begin? You two should step back.”
Irish called out to Rest and the others. Viola and Primula reluctantly released their hold on him.
“Then… let’s do this.”
“Indeed, I hope this won’t turn into a mere game for me.”
Irish smiled, her translucent beauty illuminated by her grin. Despite the allure of her smile, Rest felt an inexplicable chill as he took a few steps back to face her.
(This will be my first time fighting someone other than Diable… and I’m up against someone who might be stronger than the kingdom’s mightiest knight. Why do I keep finding myself in battles against such formidable opponents?)
This would be his second duel in the training grounds. Rest steeled himself and assumed a fighting stance before the Marchioness.
“Then… let’s begin!”
Albert signaled, and the battle commenced.
“Eh…?”
“Here’s the first strike!”
As soon as the fight began, Irish’s beautiful face was right before him. He was momentarily captivated by her subtly smiling visage.
“Ha!”
“Wha…!”
In the next instant, an incredibly powerful fist struck Rest’s body.