**Chapter 77: The Foolish Prince Has Been Defeated, But…?**
Rest had knocked out the Third Prince, Rodel, and afterward, they were all sent to the infirmary along with the male student who had been burned. The school’s health officer was exceptionally skilled, rumored to be able to heal any injury as long as the head remained attached. Fortunately, both Rodel’s entourage and the victimized student would return to their daily lives without any lasting disabilities.
Afterward, during lunch break, although an assault—or perhaps an attempted murder—had occurred, Class A continued their afternoon lessons without incident. The only notable change was that their homeroom teacher, Ms. Carder, gathered the classmates to relay some important information.
“During lunch break, an assault incident occurred in Class D. As you all may know, using magic to attack others outside of class is a violation of school rules. Please be extra cautious.”
Strictly speaking, Rest’s actions in subduing Rodel and his followers were also a violation of school rules. However, given the emergency and the clear wrongdoing on Rodel’s part, it was unlikely that he would face any penalties even if he were to confess.
Since then, Rest had no idea what had become of Rodel. He was probably being restrained by the faculty, but if possible, Rest wished he would simply disappear from the academy.
As Rest rode back in the carriage, he recounted the events of the lunch break to Viola and Primula.
“I can’t believe something like that happened while we were having our tea party…”
“I never imagined he would attack with magic… The foolishness of Prince Rodel is beyond my expectations,” Primula replied.
As Rest explained the situation, both sisters frowned in displeasure.
“If possible, I wish he would take responsibility for this incident and leave the academy. That would put everyone at ease…”
“…But I doubt that will happen. I think he’ll only face a suspension,” Primula said, her expression grave.
Viola shook her head at Primula’s words. Rest turned his gaze toward her.
“Why not? A student from Class D could have died; it wouldn’t be surprising if he were expelled.”
“Actually, I spoke to my father after hearing from Lady Celestine. The backing behind that foolish prince, the Queen Dowager and the Royal Consort, is more complicated than it seems. From what I gathered, the situation is more delicate than we thought…”
Viola explained with a furrowed brow.
The Queen Dowager’s faction, which supported Rodel, remained powerful even without a banner, still holding significant influence within the kingdom. Some members were involved in the administration of the academy, making it impossible for even the headmaster to unilaterally expel Rodel. Furthermore, it seemed that the current head of a certain border lord family, responsible for national defense, was a staunch supporter of the Queen Dowager. If Rodel were punished, it could provoke that individual’s wrath, jeopardizing national security.
“Our country is decentralized, and the nobility holds considerable power. This stems from the past when a tyrant king ruled despotically and oppressed the people. Conversely, it means that even the king must gather the nobles’ consent before taking action against his own kin. As long as the Queen Dowager’s faction remains intact, it seems difficult to expel the foolish prince from the academy.”
“Perhaps… No, never mind.”
Rest almost voiced the thought, *Perhaps it would be better to eliminate him altogether,* but he swallowed the words. It was clearly not something a mere student, set to become a marquis consort, should say. Even if keeping Rodel alive caused trouble for many, the decision to act lay with someone else.
(If possible, I wish that foolish pawn would just vanish. I’m already full with Cedric and Celery around…)
“Regardless, it’s best to avoid any involvement with Prince Rodel. You two should be careful as well,” Rest cautioned Viola and Primula earnestly.
“I’ll say this: if either of you were to be harmed by him, I wouldn’t be able to hold back,” he added.
“Rest…”
“Lord Rest…”
The Rosemary Sisters looked at him with glistening eyes, taking his hands in theirs. They gently placed his hands against their cheeks, narrowing their eyes in affection. Despite their contrasting personalities, this spontaneous gesture was strikingly similar.
(I must protect these two no matter what…)
Even if it meant sacrificing his own future. Rest renewed his determination deeply, imprinting the sensation of their cheeks against his palms.