**Chapter 138: A Triumphant Return**
“Welcome back, Rest—!”
“Welcome home, Lord Rest—!”
“Wap!”
As the battle came to a close, Rest was greeted with warm embraces from the Rosemary Sisters upon his return to the Royal Capital. The internal conflict had ended unexpectedly quickly, allowing him to return home just three days after his departure. Despite the brief separation, it seemed the two had worried quite a bit. Their simultaneous hugs resulted in Rest being unceremoniously knocked over at the entrance.
“Rest, are you hurt? Is there anywhere that hurts?”
“Lord Rest, Lord Rest, Lord Rest…!”
Viola and Primula cried out in concern. Rest was taken aback by their enthusiastic welcome, forcing a smile as he tried to reassure them.
“Ah, um… I’m back. And I’m sorry for making you worry. As you can see, I’m uninjured, so please don’t fret.”
““That’s a relief…””
“Ah… I’m really happy to see both of you… truly, from the bottom of my heart.”
With the warmth of their bodies pressed against him, a wave of relief washed over Rest. He had steeled himself for the battlefield, prepared for the worst, yet he found it impossible to cast aside his emotions completely. The heart he couldn’t abandon was now filled, soothing the jagged edges that had formed during the conflict.
(What can I say… I’m really glad to be back. Having someone say ‘welcome home’ is a happiness greater than I ever realized.)
In his previous life, he had not been blessed with family, but in this life, he had gained a new one. A family with whom he shared a deep connection. The genuine bonds of love and being loved were invaluable, far surpassing any title or territory.
“Viola, Primula…”
“Rest…”
“Lord Rest…”
The three exchanged glances, slowly leaning in closer. Just as they were about to share a tight kiss, a loud “Ahem!” interrupted them.
“Ah… Rest-kun. Now that you’re back, don’t you think you should report to the head of the family first?”
“““Ah…”””
Rest and the sisters froze simultaneously. The one who had interrupted with a bitter expression was Albert Rosemary, the head of the House of Marquis Rosemary. Additionally, since they were at the entrance of the Rosemary estate, there were others present as well. Diable, who had fought alongside Rest, and the mages affiliated with the House of Rosemary were there, along with maids and butlers who had lined up to welcome him. They all wore awkward expressions, and some of the younger maids had flushed faces.
“Come to my office. I need you to report on the details of the internal conflict.”
“…Understood.”
Rest had inadvertently put on quite a show in front of his father-in-law. He stepped away from the sisters, his head bowed as he followed Albert.
“Um, you must be hungry, right?”
“I-I’ll prepare the meal right away!”
Viola and Primula said awkwardly before hastily disappearing toward the kitchen.
Upon entering the head’s office with Albert, Rest found the presence of Irish Rosemary, the marquise.
“Welcome back. My son, who is not of my blood.”
“…It’s been a while, ma’am.”
“Call me mother.”
“…Mother-in-law.”
Having been challenged to a fight upon their first meeting, Rest found himself somewhat uncomfortable around Irish. It wasn’t that he disliked her; rather, he felt an unsettling tension in her presence.
(She’s the complete opposite of a soothing presence… my mother-in-law.)
“I have already received reports, but… tell me the details of the battlefield. I want every minute detail.”
Albert gestured for Rest to sit on the sofa at the desk in the office. Following his instructions, Rest took a seat and, after a deep breath, began recounting the events of the internal conflict.
“The battle began with me casting magic. Under the orders of the Crown Prince, I unleashed the spell that defeated the monster Subnock upon the enemy lines.”
The Rosemary couple listened silently to Rest’s report, but once he finished, they both sighed deeply.
“Well… it seems you performed even better than we expected.”
“As expected of my son-in-law! I’m relieved to see you fought without bringing shame to the name of Rosemary!”
Albert grimaced as if battling a headache, while Irish smiled proudly. Faced with their contrasting reactions, Rest scratched his cheek in confusion.
“Um… was it perhaps… not good?”
“No… for the kingdom, there are no issues. I believe you achieved results beyond our expectations.”
Albert explained with a sigh.
“However… I can’t say if this is fortunate for you. It seems you’ve drawn more attention than necessary.”
At the heart of the kingdom, the king, the crown prince, and Marquis Cattleya were considering elevating Rest to the status of a hero to divert the public’s gaze from the royal family’s blunders. They had entrusted him with the first strike for this very reason, but it appeared he had outshone their expectations.
“Taking down seven thousand enemy soldiers with your first strike… well, that’s acceptable. Thanks to that, the battle turned in our favor, concluding in half a day. However, defeating the Third Prince Rodel in single combat was a bit excessive… you stood out too much.”
First and foremost, it was a secret that Rodel had sided with the rebel forces. Of course, word would spread among the people, but officially, the royal family would declare that the mastermind behind the rebellion was Marquis Aiger, and Rodel’s name would not be mentioned. However, when people witness something extraordinary, they tend to share it with others. Rest’s battle with Rodel would undoubtedly become a heroic tale passed down through generations.
“Your prominence means that the name of Third Prince Rodel, who fought you in single combat, will also spread. It will no longer be possible to hide his involvement with the rebels. While this is his own doing, it is not something for which you should be held responsible… but his name will be remembered as a traitor.”
“Ah… did I perhaps do something unnecessary? Will the royal family be angry with me?”
“No… had you not fought, the Crown Prince might have been in danger. There is no one who would blame you. In fact, there will likely be more who seek to curry favor with you.”
While saying Rest was not at fault, Albert’s gaze turned accusatory, creating a contradiction.
“Due to your performance in this battle, it has already been decided that you will be elevated to the rank of count, but that may not be enough as a reward. While it will be difficult to grant you a title higher than marquis… you will receive a monetary reward, and your territory in the plains will be expanded.”
“Ah… I see. It sounds like there will be quite a bit of work involved in the development.”
“Well, that’s fine. However…”
Albert wore a bitter expression. Rest tilted his head in confusion, wondering what could be troubling his father-in-law, when Irish spoke up instead.
“In other words, there is a possibility that many brides will be sent your way…”
“Huh… brides?”
“An increase in territory means just that. Since magical power is hereditary, there will be women who seek to bear your children, and you will likely end up with more wives and concubines.”
“…………”
Rest was left speechless by her blunt words.
He had shown off his power too much. As a result, many nobles were now paying attention to him. Women seeking wealth, land, or connections would be sent his way. While it was understandable, Albert was likely troubled by the thought of his son-in-law taking many wives.
“Um… I only need Viola and Primula…”
“…Political marriages are a duty of nobility. If the royal family acts as intermediaries, you cannot refuse.”
“That is…”
“However… if you make my daughter unhappy, I will not forgive you. I absolutely will not.”
“…………”
While Rest had thought he wanted a large family, he had never wished for many wives. He stood there for a moment, shoulders slumped, at a loss for words.