**Chapter 64: The First After School**
The orientation for the new students concluded without any particular issues. There were no unexpected incidents, such as the third prince, Rodel, barging in. The students received important information regarding their future school life and course selections. At the Royal Academy, students have the freedom to choose classes similar to a university, allowing them to attend courses with students from other classes or even different departments, aside from mandatory subjects.
This meant that… there was a possibility of sitting in class alongside Rodel and his entourage.
(Thankfully, Viola and Primula were absent this time… but if they were here, I’d have to avoid any entanglements with them.)
Rest vowed to align his classes with the sisters as much as possible. He knew that neither Viola nor Primula would mind, and he wanted to avoid any situations where they might get involved with Rodel in his absence.
“It looks like we can head home now. Let’s go, Rest, Primula.”
“Yeah, let’s go.”
“Yes, let’s.”
With the orientation over, Rest and the Rosemary Sisters stood up from their seats. Although it was still before noon, this marked the beginning of their after-school time.
“Since we have some time, how about we grab a bite to eat on the way back?”
“Yes, that was my plan as well.”
“I told the chef at home that I wouldn’t need lunch since I’d be eating out. Let’s find a café.”
Viola smiled brightly, turning to include her new friends in the conversation.
“Yuri, would you like to join us? We could have a little get-together.”
“Oh, I’d be happy to be invited… but unfortunately, I have prior commitments.”
Yuri replied with a slight frown, looking disappointed.
“I have plans to have a meal with my uncle and aunt. I’d appreciate it if you could invite me again sometime.”
“I see… well, it can’t be helped. Let’s do it another time.”
“Yeah. See you, Rest and Primula.”
“Yeah, see you.”
“Goodbye.”
Yuri left the classroom first, and Rest and the Rosemary Sisters followed a moment later. The three of them were about to exit the academy when another student called out to them.
“Excuse me, everyone?”
When they turned around, they saw a girl they had just become classmates with.
“Celestine?”
Viola’s eyes widened slightly. Standing before them was Celestine Crocus, the daughter of the Duke of Crocus and Rodel’s fiancée.
“I would like to express my gratitude for earlier… if you have a moment, could we talk now?”
“Um… I should be the one thanking you, as you helped me out.”
“Then consider it an apology. It seems my fiancé caused some trouble.”
Celestine looked up at the school building with a meaningful expression and sighed.
“Prince Rodel has gone to speak directly with the headmaster. He’s not satisfied with being in Class D… I’m sorry, but I decided to leave it to the headmaster.”
“Uh… that sounds tough. So, he really is as the rumors say.”
Primula spoke up, concern evident in her voice. She was already aware of the earlier commotion, where Rest had nearly been forced to switch classes and had been quite upset about it.
“Yes… I know a nice café restaurant. Shall we talk there?”
“Um… is that alright with you two?”
Viola looked to Rest and Primula for confirmation. Both nodded in agreement.
“Then please, allow us to join you.”
“Yes. I’ll have my family’s carriage lead the way, so please follow me.”
The four of them boarded their respective carriages from the Crocus Duchy and the House of Marquis Rosemary, setting off through the town. They arrived at their destination in about ten minutes. It was a relatively large café restaurant with an upscale appearance.
“This is one of the establishments run by the Crocus Duchy. They have private rooms, so we can talk comfortably.”
Following Celestine’s lead, Rest and the sisters entered the café restaurant. They were guided by a middle-aged waiter dressed in a fine tuxedo to a private room on the second floor.
“Please, take a seat.”
“Thank you.”
Rest sat at a table for six, with the Rosemary Sisters on either side. Celestine took a seat across from them, smiling gently as she presented the menu.
“What would you like to drink? Shall I take care of the food?”
“Yes, please do. I’ll have iced tea.”
“I’ll have the same.”
“I’ll have what they’re having.”
“Very well, then.”
Celestine placed the order with the attentive waiter, who bowed and quietly retreated. After a short wait, drinks and appetizers were served.
“Now then… I’d like to take this opportunity to formally introduce myself and apologize.”
Celestine straightened her posture and lightly bowed her head.
“I am Celestine Crocus, a member of the Duke’s family. I believe I’ve met Viola and Primula a few times before?”
“Yes, it’s been a while.”
“Um… it’s good to see you looking well…”
“And you are Rest, correct? You are the one who is engaged to the two of them and will be joining the House of Marquis Rosemary, am I right?”
“Yes… that’s correct. So you were aware?”
“The Crocus Duchy oversees the nobility, so we receive most information. I was curious about the man who earned the favor of the famously doting Marquis Rosemary, who allowed his two daughters to be engaged to him.”
Celestine wore a refined smile, her tone somewhat probing.
“You’ve saved me twice now… once when Rodel was bothering me in class, and again during the entrance ceremony when I was nearly splattered with mud.”
“…!”
It seemed Celestine was aware of what Rest had done. As Rest blinked in surprise, Celestine chuckled softly, as if to say, “I knew it.”