**Chapter 49: Returning to My Family Home**
Thus, Rest and the Rosemary Sisters officially became engaged. Although the formal announcement had yet to take place, the necessary legal procedures had already been completed. While a marriage between a noble and a commoner typically faced challenges, Rest held a noble title, albeit a minor one. Since the guardianship lay with Marquis Rosemary, there was no need to seek permission from the Viscount Ebern House. The engagement process concluded smoothly.
A grand engagement party was held at the marquis’s residence, where the three of them received abundant blessings.
A few days later, as the excitement began to wane, Rest decided to return to his family home, the Viscount Ebern House, to report on his enrollment at the academy and his engagement to the sisters.
“Are you sure about this, Rest? You don’t need me to accompany you,” his father-in-law, Albert, inquired before their departure.
“Yes, it’s perfectly fine,” Rest replied confidently, puffing out his chest.
“I want to settle things with that family myself. No matter how much of a father-in-law you are, I have no intention of backing down!”
“I see… I’ve already sent word ahead. If anything happens, I will handle it, so feel free to let loose.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
After bowing respectfully to his strict yet caring father-in-law, Rest set off in a carriage provided by the House of Marquis Rosemary. Although the distance was one he could easily run, he chose to borrow the carriage to avoid being looked down upon by the members of the Viscount Ebern House.
(At last, this moment has come…)
As the carriage swayed gently, Rest fell into deep thought.
It had been a year since he was taken in by the House of Marquis Rosemary. Five years had passed since his mother lost her life to illness, and he was taken in by the Viscount Ebern House. It felt like an eternity.
(No, that’s not right. It’s been even longer.)
The enmity with the Viscount Ebern House began long before that. It traced back to the moment he was born… No, it likely went back to when his father forced himself upon his mother, who was working as a maid, and made her pregnant against her will. Today, that long-standing enmity would finally come to an end. Rest was no longer a mere punching bag, resigned to tears. He had gained the power and status necessary to ensure he would not be belittled by them.
(It’s not that I wanted revenge. Still, the thought of putting those who trampled on me in their place makes me incredibly nervous…)
“We have arrived, Lord Rest.”
“Thank you.”
The carriage came to a halt, and the voice of the coachman reached him. Hearing the servant address him with “Lord” instead of “Mr.” reminded him once more that he had become a member of the marquis’s household.
“Ah…”
Rest let out a short breath before standing up and stepping out of the carriage.
“W-welcome back!”
It had been a year since he last visited the Viscount Ebern House. Standing at the gate was his father, Lucas Ebern, wearing a plastered smile. He must have been waiting, having received the advance notice. Beside him stood his wife, and behind them were the servants, all bowing to greet him.
“Thank you for coming today! On behalf of the House of Marquis Rosemary… eh?”
Lucas, who had begun to recite the formal greeting, seemed to realize the identity of the person he was bowing to. His face contorted in shock, and his eyes widened in disbelief.
(Ah… so he can recognize me after all.)
Rest couldn’t help but smirk sarcastically. Today, he was dressed in fine clothes befitting a noble, and his hair was neatly styled. He must have appeared as a completely different person compared to his days in the stables, yet Lucas seemed to have recognized him as his wayward son.
(So even a father can’t help but recognize his own son… how annoying.)
“W-what nonsense… Why, how could you…?!”
“Good day to you, Viscount.”
Rest smiled mischievously at the astonished Lucas.
“I have come today as a representative of Marquis Rosemary to convey some important news. By the way… was your earlier remark about me being a ‘fool’?”
“Ugh…!”
Lucas’s face turned pale. No matter how much they were related by blood, Rest now stood here under the name of the House of Marquis Rosemary. There was no way a mere viscount could call him a fool.
“I-I apologize. Please forgive my indiscretion…”
“W-what is happening, my lord? Who is that person…?”
His wife, Lisa Ebern, asked in confusion. It seemed she had yet to realize that the person they were welcoming was Rest.
“Yes, let us forgive him. Mistakes can happen to anyone.”
“…I am grateful for your mercy.”
Lucas, his face twisted in humiliation, managed to squeeze out those words. His wife remained utterly bewildered.
(Thank goodness Cedric isn’t here. He would have definitely made things worse.)
Perhaps it was precisely because he understood that Cedric was not present. If that were the case, then this father might have realized that Cedric was not the ideal son he had envisioned.
(Well, it’s too late for him to realize that now. I can’t imagine him ever reforming and becoming serious.)
“Now, could you please guide me inside?”
“…Understood. This way, please.”
Led by his grim-faced father, Rest returned to the family home that held no fond memories for him.