**Chapter 65: I Became Friends with the Duke’s Daughter**
“You’re sharp… How did you figure it out?”
Rest blinked in surprise, seeking confirmation of his suspicions.
“Just now, when His Highness Rodel fell, there were shards of ice left on the classroom floor. Given the circumstances, it’s only natural to think you were responsible.”
“…What about the entrance ceremony incident?”
“That was the same. The skill with which you activated your magic quickly, without anyone noticing, made me feel you were the same person who created the ice on the floor. Considering where the wind barrier appeared to block the Mud Bullet, it was clear that it was one of the students. Since you are recognized by the House of Marquis Rosemary, it’s not hard to imagine that you are an excellent magician.”
“I see…”
Listening to her explanation, it seemed like a simple reason.
“Could it be… that His Highness Rodel is aware of this as well?”
“No, I don’t think he is. If he were aware, he would have undoubtedly confronted you directly.”
Celestine lowered her gaze slightly, her expression darkening.
“After all… he only shows interest in those who flatter him and beautiful women. He might not even recognize your face.”
“……How low.”
“……Indeed.”
Viola and Primula exchanged disdainful glances. It was rare for them to wear such expressions, especially when discussing Cedric.
(Rodel is undoubtedly a superior version of Cedric. I feel like his level of scum has increased, and with his power, he’s all the more troublesome…)
“Why does the royal family allow such a prince to run wild? They should just strip him of his title and let him fall to commoner status!”
Viola uttered words that could be considered disrespectful depending on how one interpreted them. If they weren’t in a private room, Rest would have hurriedly covered her mouth.
“I thought the same… His Majesty the King is a good man, and while he doesn’t often stand out in public, I’ve heard he is quite wise. Why hasn’t he taken any action against His Highness Rodel…?”
Primula, though not as harsh with her words as her sister, echoed similar sentiments. Rest had been thinking the same thing. The current king, while lacking tales of valor in battle, had governed peacefully without causing turmoil in the kingdom. So why was he overlooking the potential disaster that was Rodel?
“Could it be that he’s soft on his own family? Perhaps he can’t be strict with his own son…?”
“No, that’s not the case.”
Celestine answered the trio’s questions.
“His Majesty the King has a gentle disposition, but that doesn’t mean he’s lenient enough to overlook the misdeeds of his family. In truth, he must want to strip Rodel of his title.”
“‘Must want to’… So there are circumstances preventing him from doing so?”
“Yes… Unfortunately, His Highness Rodel has two powerful backers. Because of this, His Majesty the King cannot take decisive action like stripping him of his title.”
“Two powerful backers…?”
Rest glanced at Viola and Primula, but the sisters shook their heads in unison. It seemed they had no idea either.
“First is the influence of the Queen Dowager. His Highness Rodel is favored by the late Queen Dowager, and that protection still lingers.”
“The Queen Dowager… I’ve heard she was a person of great popularity…”
“Yes, indeed… She was extraordinarily charismatic.”
Celestine nodded bitterly at Primula’s hesitant words.
“The Queen Dowager, who is the mother of His Majesty the King, was exceptionally skilled at winning people’s hearts. It is said that she captivated all the men of my grandfather’s generation. Just by having a brief conversation, she could turn a man into her ally. The Queen Dowager was very fond of His Highness Rodel and had asked her male followers to ‘protect him after I am gone.'”
Celestine sighed wistfully and continued her explanation.
“My grandfather was one of the Queen Dowager’s followers. The reason I became engaged to His Highness Rodel is because of that.”
“So, the Queen Dowager’s supporters are preventing Rodel from being ousted?”
“Yes, that’s correct. My grandfather has already been retired and is living in seclusion at the edge of his territory… but many still hold power in the noble society. They support His Highness Rodel and hinder His Majesty the King from taking strict measures.”
“To turn someone into an ally with just a few words… It sounds like a charm spell.”
While Rest had never heard of such a charm spell, this was a fantasy world. It wouldn’t be surprising if such things existed.
“And what is the other backing?”
When Primula asked, Celestine pointed toward the window… toward the eastern sky.
“Our friendly nation… the Geisel Empire to the east.”
“…………!”
The mention of the Geisel Empire caused the three of them to widen their eyes in surprise.
The Geisel Empire had been a long-time ally of the Aiwood Kingdom, cooperating in battles against northern barbarians. Their friendly relations had lasted over a century, and trade was thriving.
“The royal consort, who is the mother of His Highness Rodel, hails from the Empire. If anything were to happen to Rodel, it would create tension with the Empire.”
“B-but… the Empire has been our friend for many years, right? Surely, our relationship wouldn’t break over something like that…”
Viola cautiously expressed her thoughts, but Celestine shook her head regretfully.
“Indeed, the Empire is a long-standing ally. However… recently, the situation in that country has become suspicious.”
“…What do you mean?”
“Several individuals with claims to the throne have met untimely deaths under mysterious circumstances, and the youngest prince, who should have had a low claim to succession, is rapidly gaining power. Moreover, the factions he surrounds himself with are all radical nobles who desire war. If the current Emperor were to fall, and that prince were to become the successor…”
“…They would invade our kingdom?”
“That is a possibility… Therefore, we do not want to provoke the Empire by stripping Rodel of his title. Otherwise, His Majesty the King would have dealt with him long ago.”
“…………”
Rest fell silent.
He had been wondering why such a foolish prince was allowed to run free, but… was that the reason? If they cut ties with Rodel, the Queen Dowager’s supporters within the kingdom would not remain silent. Furthermore, they could easily turn the Geisel Empire into an enemy.
Rodel Aiwood was a significant bomb that could bring both internal strife and external threats.
“That said… His Majesty the King and the House of Crocus will not allow His Highness Rodel to continue his reckless behavior indefinitely. Once they can eliminate the Queen Dowager’s supporters within the kingdom and stabilize diplomatic relations, they intend to take strict measures against Rodel immediately… There is no way they would allow him to become king.”
“…I understand the situation now. But why are you sharing this with us?”
The conversation had touched on quite complicated international affairs. Was it really appropriate to share such information with mere students like them?
“I have received permission from my father. He said it’s fine to share with those who seem trustworthy.”
Celestine gazed at Rest and the Rosemary Sisters in turn.
“The House of Marquis Rosemary is a prestigious family of magicians and the current Chief Court Magician’s household. Like the House of Crocus, which serves as the Prime Minister, you are pillars of the kingdom that will support the next generation.”
“…………”
“I want us to closely exchange information and work together to protect the future of this country. The future of the nation rests on our shoulders.”
“…………It’s not an exaggeration, is it?”
Rest was supposed to become the future husband of the House of Marquis Rosemary. Holding power and standing in a responsible position meant shouldering various troublesome matters.
(I will likely continue to rely on Celestine, so it’s better to have her as an ally…)
Rest let out a small sigh and exchanged glances with Viola and Primula. Though they remained silent, their eyes conveyed their agreement.
“Yes, we would be happy to. Let’s work together for the future of the kingdom and our own peace.”
“Thank you. If His Highness Rodel does anything to you, feel free to mention my name or the House of Crocus. I look forward to working with you…”
Celestine extended her hand toward Rest. Despite the presence of Viola and Primula, she chose to honor Rest, the future marquis. The sisters nodded in agreement, as if it were only natural. Rest extended his right hand, and they shook hands firmly.
“Now then, let’s have lunch. It’s already past noon.”
Celestine called for the waiter to bring their meals. Afterward, Rest and the others enjoyed their lunch at the café restaurant, but with so much on their minds, they hardly noticed the taste of the food.
What was certain was that the Aiwood Kingdom ahead would face various challenges. And… they had gained a strong ally to confront the troublesome future that lay ahead.