**Chapter 80: Summoned by the Duke’s Daughter**
A few days had passed since the reckless actions of Rodel Aiwood, the Third Prince. Perhaps due to the absence of the foolish prince who was the root cause of the chaos, life at the academy had returned to a peaceful routine without any particular issues. Since that incident, Rodel had been suspended and was currently confined to his home—specifically, the castle.
Thanks to the proper treatment from the academy’s nurse, the boy from Class D who had been burned during the incident was left with only minor scars and could continue his daily life without any hindrance. However, the identity of the person who had beaten Rodel and his two companions remained a mystery. Any magical attacks conducted within the academy without permission were considered a violation of school rules, regardless of the circumstances. Yet, given the situation, the faculty had merely announced to the students that they should come forward voluntarily, showing no active interest in pursuing the matter.
“Rest, do you have a moment?”
One afternoon after classes, in the classroom of Class A, Celestine Crocus, the Duke’s daughter, approached Rest. It was unusual for her to speak directly to an individual, as she typically interacted with her classmates as a whole.
“Is there something you need?” Rest asked.
“Yes, I have something to discuss, and I would like you to come with me…”
“That’s fine, but what is it about?”
“I’d prefer to talk somewhere else…”
Celestine casually glanced around the classroom. It seemed there was something she found difficult to discuss in front of others. Rest stood up from his seat.
“Alright, then let’s change locations.”
“May we join you?”
“I would like to come too…”
Viola and Primula also stood up, eager to accompany them. Celestine nodded with a gentle expression.
“Of course.”
Rest and the Rosemary Sisters followed Celestine out of the classroom and down the hallway.
“I hear you’ve been quite active, Rest,” Celestine began as they walked.
“What do you mean?”
“Word has it that you defeated Danira Betras, the Earl’s son, who ranks second in the Knight Department during the swordsmanship class.”
“Oh… so he was the Earl’s son.”
Rest recalled the boy he had sparred with during the first swordsmanship class. He hadn’t known his full name, but it seemed it was indeed Danira Betras.
“The Earl Betras is a significant figure in the knight order, and while Danira is the third son, he is exceptionally talented with a sword and has high expectations placed upon him. The fact that a student from the Magic Department managed to defeat him has become quite the topic of conversation among the Knight Department.”
“Ah… I see.”
Rest hadn’t thought Danira would be that strong. He had assumed he was a capable opponent, but it turned out he was the second-ranked student in the Knight Department.
“Well, it’s only natural for you, Rest!”
“Of course, it’s Rest! We’re so proud!”
Viola and Primula puffed out their chests with pride. It seemed they were delighted that Rest had achieved something noteworthy that caught the attention of many students.
“And then there’s the matter of His Highness Rodel from the other day…”
“Huh…?”
“I apologize for the delay in expressing my gratitude… I truly appreciate your handling of the situation with His Highness.”
“…What are you referring to?”
It was almost certainly about the violent incident caused by Rodel, but Rest feigned ignorance.
“You don’t need to hide it. Some of us, myself included, seem to have noticed.”
“Noticed…?”
“Rest, you are being evaluated by the faculty more than you realize. They say you demonstrated high-level techniques that rival those of the Court Magician during the entrance ceremony.”
“Oh…”
Rest had indeed used the advanced technique known as Quartet during the entrance exam. Many of the examinees hadn’t noticed, but the headmaster, who had been supervising the exam, certainly did, and the information had been shared with other faculty members.
“Using the Smoke Screen spell to subdue His Highness without revealing your identity… That’s not something just anyone can do. Given the location and circumstances of the incident, the candidates are limited to faculty or upperclassmen. Though it hasn’t been made public, it seems that among the faculty, it’s almost certain that it was you who defeated His Highness Rodel.”
“…………”
Rest’s expression darkened. He thought he had concealed his involvement well, but it appeared that some people had figured it out.
“Um… I understand that the faculty is aware, but how does Celestine know about it?”
Primula raised her hand shyly to join the conversation. While it was clear that the faculty knew of Rest’s abilities, it was unclear why Celestine was also aware.
“I’m a scholarship student in the Magic Department and the fiancée of His Highness Rodel. As a supervisor of the students, I am informed of such matters.”
“I see…”
“And there’s one more reason… Ah, here we are.”
Rest had assumed they would be heading to a café or some other place for their discussion, but Celestine led them to a different building—one used for the faculty room and club activities.
“Um, where exactly are we…?”
“I apologize… The one who wishes to speak is not me, but a certain individual. Please allow me to explain further once we arrive.”
“…………?”
It seemed the discussion was not with Celestine but with someone else. Given that a Duke’s daughter like Celestine used the term “that person,” it was likely someone of considerable status.
“This way.”
They arrived at a room marked “Student Council Room.” When Celestine knocked on the door, a voice immediately responded, “Come in.”
“Excuse us.”
Celestine opened the door and guided Rest and the Rosemary Sisters inside. There were three individuals in the room.
The first was a male student seated at a desk in the back of the room. He had short golden hair and a handsome face, but his muscular physique indicated he was well-trained. The other two were a man and a woman standing by the walls on either side. The man on the right had brown hair and a rugged face, with a large and sturdy build. The woman on the left had a cool expression, with silver hair and a tall, slender model-like figure.
(If this is the Student Council Room… then these people must be the student council members, right?)
And the male student at the desk was likely the student council president. Although Rest had never met him, he knew who the current president was.
“Thank you for coming. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
The male student council president stood up from the desk to greet them.
“I’m Andrew Aiwood, the student council president for this term. I’m a third-year student in the Knight Department and, incidentally, the Second Prince of this kingdom.”
The Second Prince, Andrew Aiwood. He was the half-brother of the foolish prince Rodel, who had caused trouble just days prior.