Chapter 4: Days at the Marquis's Estate
The day after Rest visited the Marquis Rosemary townhouse and fought a duel with their butler...
Albert Rosemary, the head of the marquis house, paid a visit to the Honorary Viscount Eberne residence.
Caught off guard by the unexpected arrival, Lucas Eberne scrambled in panic to receive his guest.
"D-Director Rosemary, welcome to my humble estate...!" Lucas babbled nervously. "What fine weather we are having today! The garden flowers are in full bloom, and—"
"Spare me the pleasantries. Take a seat," Albert said coldly.
Seated comfortably on the parlor sofa, Albert motioned toward the chair across from him.
Despite being a guest in another man's home, he carried himself like the absolute master of the room.
"Ugh..." Lucas choked back a groan.
Yet Lucas had no right to protest.
Albert was the Chief of the Court Magicians—Lucas's direct superior. Moreover, Lucas's son had just placed Albert's daughters in grave danger. Sweat poured down Lucas's forehead at this unannounced visit.
...D-Don't tell me Marquis Rosemary came here in person... What business could he possibly have with me?...
Lucas desperately fought to keep his knees from visibly trembling.
Generally speaking, Albert was a generous and reasonable superior. He never flaunted his high noble status to act tyrannically, and he was always open to consulting with his subordinates. Unless someone made a catastrophic blunder, he rarely raised his voice in anger.
Furthermore... it was common knowledge that Albert doted relentlessly on his family, thoroughly spoiling his wife and daughters.
That was precisely why Lucas had pushed Cedric to win over the sisters—to exploit that soft spot and secure the marquis as a powerful patron.
...If only Cedric had managed to woo one of those girls, our house would have married into the Marquis Rosemary family. We could have enjoyed the protection of a marquis who pampers his kin to no end...!
With that backing, Lucas's promotion through the ranks of the court magicians would have been all but guaranteed.
"My reason for coming today concerns your son," Albert declared.
"Y-You mean Cedric, of course...!" Lucas cried, dropping to his knees. "I am deeply, profoundly sorry for what transpired the other day! Truly, truly... Please, I beg for your forgiveness...!"
Lucas pressed his forehead flat against the floor, prostrating himself in desperate apology.
The offense was far too indefensible for excuses. Prostration was his only recourse.
"No, not him," Albert replied coolly. "I mean your other son."
"M-My other son...?" Lucas blinked, stunned.
"Young Rest," said Albert.
"The trash... I mean, Rest?" Lucas squeaked in disbelief. "Did that useless failure commit some insolence against you, Your Excellency...?!"
"Trash? A failure?" Albert's voice turned icy. "Surely I misheard... Is that truly how you address your own flesh and blood?"
"Ah, n-no...!" Lucas sputtered.
Realizing his blunder, Lucas paled dramatically.
His lips quivered as he frantically scrambled to manufacture an excuse.
"...Very well. I did not come here today to lecture you on your character," Albert said with a dismissive snort as he crossed his legs on the sofa.
Settling back into the cushions, the marquis got straight to the point.
"I intend to take young Rest into the Rosemary household."
"Wh-What...? Take that into your estate...?" Lucas stammered.
"Indeed. I plan to employ him as an apprentice butler. You have no objections, I presume?"
"O-Of course I have no objections, but... that boy has 'No Magic Capacity,' you know? Why on earth would Your Excellency want...?"
Lucas was thoroughly bewildered. The request made no sense to him whatsoever.
Had the marquis asked for Cedric, a magical prodigy, Lucas would have understood. But he could fathom no reason why anyone would want a magicless failure whose only redeeming quality was tending to horses.
"No Magic Capacity...?" Albert echoed, looking momentarily taken aback before his expression hardened once more.
A brief flash of stunned disbelief crossed Albert's face, but he quickly smoothed it back into a stern mask.
"...Am I under any obligation to explain myself to you?" Albert asked sharply.
"N-N-No, not at all!" Lucas bowed repeatedly, desperate to appease him. "If that worthless boy suits your needs, I give him to you with pleasure! Please, do with him as you see fit!"
"I see... I am glad you understand so readily. That concludes my business here," Albert replied.
Albert stood up, and his attending butler immediately opened the drawing room door.
"U-Um... Director...?" Lucas stammered, hesitant.
"In exchange for the boy, I shall overlook the blunder your prized son committed. Good day," Albert said, bidding his farewell.
"Y-Yes! Thank you so very much!" Lucas squeaked.
Lucas slammed his head back onto the floor, prostrating himself once again.
He sensed Albert leaving the room, the sound of footsteps fading down the hallway.
"S-Saved...?" Lucas breathed out, trembling.
Timidly lifting his head, he confirmed that Albert had already departed the estate.
"I have no idea why, but that failure actually proved useful for once," Lucas muttered to himself. "I can't imagine what His Excellency saw in him, though..."
Could it be... that one of the Rosemary sisters had fallen in love with Rest at first sight?
The thought popped into Lucas's mind, only for him to immediately laugh it off as absurd.
...If it were my supremely gifted Cedric, that would be one thing... but there is no way that thing could catch the eye of a highborn lady. It must be some passing whim...
Judging people solely by visible talent, Lucas refused to acknowledge Rest's worth to the very end.
...We made a blunder this time, but no matter—there will be other chances. Next year, they will be attending the same academy together, after all!
Despite having narrowly avoided a career-ending disaster, Lucas still refused to abandon his scheme to secure the Rosemary sisters.
The arrogant, narrow-minded father convinced himself that they had simply been unlucky this time. Once the marquis's daughters got to know Cedric better, they would surely fall for him.
After all, Cedric was a genius.
He was nothing like that useless commoner-born brat—Cedric was his one true heir.
"Once they enter the academy, I must instruct him to woo the marquis's daughters in earnest... Taking his time, nice and steady..." Lucas murmured with a sinister grin.
A fool is a fool precisely because he learns nothing from his failures.
Lucas chuckled greedily, indulging in his foolish delusions.
With the meeting between the Marquis Rosemary family and the Honorary Viscount Eberne family concluded, custody of Rest was officially transferred to the marquis's household.
On the ride back, inside the marquis house carriage, Albert let out a deep sigh.
"What a wretched excuse for a man," Albert grumbled in disgust.
"Indeed, my lord. It was a thoroughly unsightly display," agreed the butler seated across from him.
Deeble, sitting on the opposite bench, nodded in firm agreement with his master's sentiment.
The shameful spectacle Lucas had put on during their conversation was more than enough to appall them both.
"I knew he was obsessed with noble status and looked down on commoners," Albert grumbled. "I also knew he cared excessively about magical talent. But I never imagined he would treat his own flesh and blood so horribly."
Throughout their entire discussion, Lucas had repeatedly referred to his biological son as 'that thing,' 'a failure,' and 'trash.'
For a man like Albert, who loved his own family dearly, it was revolting beyond measure.
"Yet he dotes blindly on that arrogant elder son just because he has talent," Albert continued, shaking his head. "To be frank, I feel like stripping him of his position as court magician altogether."
"Why not do just that, my lord? You certainly have more than enough justification," Deeble suggested.
After all, the eldest son had dragged the marquis's daughters out to a dangerous location and put their lives at risk.
Holding the father accountable for such negligence would draw criticism from no one.
"Well... in due time," Albert mused. "As insufferable as he is, I have entrusted him with several duties. He can keep his post until I find a suitable replacement."
Court magicians handled a variety of duties: serving as the Royal Family's shield to defend the palace, researching magic and potions, and exterminating powerful monsters.
Lucas himself was tasked with a vital role—the management and oversight of dangerous magical artifacts.
"For all his faults, the man is a competent mage... Even if everything else about him is utterly repulsive."
"Which is precisely why Master Rest concealed his magical talents from him, no doubt," Deeble remarked sympathetically.
The butler narrowed his eyes in empathy.
Lucas had called Rest 'magicless,' but both Albert and Deeble knew firsthand how false that claim was.
It took little deduction to realize that Rest had hidden his gifts because he could not trust his own father.
"We have successfully taken in Master Rest as the young ladies requested," Deeble noted. "However... how do you intend to proceed from here?"
"..."
At Deeble's question, Albert fell into a grim silence.
Albert was far from blind—he knew full well that both of his daughters had harbored romantic feelings for Rest.
"I fully support betrothing Master Rest to one of the young ladies," Deeble offered smoothly. "He will undoubtedly grow into a grand mage. Bringing his lineage into House Rosemary would be immensely beneficial."
"...I know," Albert grunted.
Doting father though he was, Albert remained a noble at heart.
If it served the prospering of House Rosemary, he would not hesitate to give his daughter's hand to Rest—especially when the girls desired it themselves.
"The real issue," Deeble continued, "is deciding whether Lady Viola or Lady Primula should be betrothed to him."
"Ugh..." Albert winced.
"Whichever one you choose, it will inevitably provoke friction..."
"..."
At Deeble's spot-on assessment, Albert's face contorted as though he had swallowed a bitter bug while taking a punch to the jaw.
Both Viola and Primula loved Rest. Yet there was only one Rest to go around.
Whichever daughter ended up with him, it would leave lingering resentment in the other's heart.
"As the head of the house, the final decision regarding your daughters' betrothals rests entirely on your shoulders, my lord. Which means..."
"Don't say it! I beg of you, don't say another word...!" Albert groaned, clutching his head in anguish.
He squeezed his eyes shut, overwhelmed by the impossible choice.
Choosing one sister meant earning the absolute hatred of the other.
For a father who doted on them equally, the prospect was agonizing beyond endurance—it felt like tearing his own soul in two.
...Viola will rage like a roaring fire. Primula will freeze me out like glacial ice... I don't want either! Absolutely not...!
Recalling the fierce lecture he and Deeble had received from the sisters the previous night, Albert shuddered with genuine terror. He had bought his peace by agreeing to take Rest into the household, but the matter of marriage would haunt him for the rest of his days if he misstepped.
"Nrrgh... Ugh... Rrgghhh..." Albert groaned pitifully.
"Why not simply have Master Rest marry them both?" Deeble suggested, his tone hovering delicately between humor and earnestness.
Observing his master's torment, the butler offered the idea with a calm demeanor.
"Polygamy is permitted among nobility, after all. The young ladies might even be quite pleased with such an arrangement."
"No! Absolutely not! No, no, no, no!" Albert vigorously shook his head in outright rejection.
He waved his arms frantically to dismiss the butler's proposal.
"I know Rest is a fine young man and a brilliant mage! But giving him bothof my daughters is going entirely too far! Out of the question!"
"Be that as it may... if you pick one, the other will detest you forever," Deeble pointed out reasonably. "Can your heart truly bear that, my lord?"
"Ugh...!" Albert choked.
"Look at it another way. If Master Rest is adopted as a son-in-law and marries both ladies, you won't have to send either of your daughters away to another house. They will both remain under your roof."
"Th-That... well, that might be true... but still, rrrgh..."
Inside the rolling carriage, Albert slumped forward, clutching his head in utter distress.
Viola or Primula? Or should he actually go along with Deeble's insane idea?
All the way back to the estate, the marquis did nothing but groan in bitter agony.
◇ ◇ ◇
A few days had passed since Rest was taken into the Marquis Rosemary estate.
"I never imagined I'd end up being taken in by the Marquis Rosemary house..." Rest mused aloud with a nostalgic sigh as he swept the garden path. "Life really is full of surprises..."
He swept the grounds with a broom, reflecting on the whirlwind of events.
He had saved the Rosemary sisters in the forest, been invited to their estate as an expression of gratitude, and somehow ended up in a duel with their butler—a former court magician.
After all those twists and turns, he had been officially taken in by House Rosemary as an apprentice butler.
Though he had only just begun his life here, it was remarkably comfortable.
First of all, he was provided three proper meals a day. Naturally, no one forced him to eat off the floor like a dog here.
He was assigned chores like sweeping as an apprentice butler, but that was no different from his daily routine back at his family's estate. The fact that he actually received a wage made it a hundred times better.
Furthermore, he was allowed time between his duties to study for his entrance exams. Provided with all the necessary textbooks, he spent his days and nights preparing for the Royal Academy entrance test.
"Master Rest, have you finished sweeping the grounds?"
"Ah, Deeble-san! Yes, I just wrapped up," Rest replied cheerfully.
The butler with whom he had recently dueled approached him in the courtyard.
"Splendid... Shall we begin today's training, then?" Deeble asked with a polite smile.
"Gladly...!" Rest beamed.
Quickly putting away his cleaning tools, Rest turned to face Deeble head-on.
Ever since coming to live at the Rosemary estate, Rest had been undergoing combat training with Deeble on a daily basis. He was not being forced into it—he had explicitly requested it himself.
Their duel had opened Rest's eyes to his utter lack of experience in fighting human opponents.
A mage's foes were not limited to monsters; at times, one would have to battle criminals or enemy soldiers.
If he intended to make a living through magic, interpersonal combat skills were an absolute necessity.
...Having a former court magician as a teacher is the best opportunity I could ask for. There's every reason to learn as much as I can from him...
"Now then... over the past few days, as part of your fundamental training, I have had you master several spells," Deeble began. "Each of them is invaluable in combat against human foes."
"Yes, I've committed them all to memory. No problem at all," Rest confirmed eagerly.
"To be completely honest... I expected it would take at least a month for you to grasp those spells," Deeble admitted, half in admiration and half in exasperation. "I never imagined you would master every single one in less than a week."
The butler shook his head gently, marveling at the boy's incredible growth rate.
"While it is a delightful surprise... starting today, we shall move on to serious combat instruction. First, please look over there," Deeble said, pointing off toward the far corner of the yard.
"Huh?" Rest blinked.
As Deeble pointed away in an entirely unrelated direction, Rest reflexively followed his finger.
The instant Rest looked away, a fierce blow slammed straight into his stomach.
"Ghah...!?"
"My apologies," Deeble said dryly. "What I wanted you to look at was my foot."
Deeble's heel had struck Rest's abdomen with pinpoint precision, forcing the boy to collapse to his knees on the spot.
Rest coughed violently, gagging as the breath was completely knocked out of his lungs.
"Wh-Why...?" Rest wheezed out.
"The golden rule of combat against human opponents is 'vigilance above all,'" Deeble instructed sternly. "You cannot know what tricks an enemy will deploy to strike you. Allowing yourself to be distracted by your opponent's words is out of the question."
"...!"
"Beyond feints and deceptive magic, they may ambush you, conceal hidden weapons, disguise themselves as allies, or take hostages," Deeble warned. "In battle against humans, you must anticipate every conceivable tactic and prepare for any eventuality."
As he spoke, Deeble extended a hand to help Rest up.
Rest reached out to take it—only to halt his hand just short of grabbing hold.
"Indeed. That was the correct decision," Deeble praised approvingly.
He unclasped his fingers to reveal a thin needle hidden in his palm.
Had Rest taken his hand, that needle would have pricked his skin instantly.
"This is merely an ordinary sewing needle... but an assassin seeking your life would coat it in deadly poison."
"..."
"If your carelessness puts only yourself in danger, that is your own concern—you simply die. However... in actual warfare, your death often leads directly to the slaughter of those you were trying to protect."
"Someone I... want to protect...?" Rest repeated softly.
He had no such person—at least, not right now.
His mother had passed away, and he possessed neither loving family nor close friends.
"That may be true for now," Deeble acknowledged gently. "However... when the day comes that you do find someone precious to you, surely you would not wish to weep in helplessness for lack of strength?"
Rest gasped, the words striking a deep chord within him.
"Then train as though your life depends on it and grow strong," Deeble declared fiercely. "In a battle to protect others, defeat is never an option. Use every trick at your disposal. Cover yourself in mud, let them brand you a coward... but win at all costs. A mage has no need for honorable chivalry that excuses defeat—losing fair and square means nothing if you end up dead. Victory is the only thing that matters."
Deeble's advice was harsh and pragmatic.
It hardly sounded like lessons meant for a fourteen-year-old boy.
...Yet it's absolute truth. He isn't wrong about a single word...
"Very good. Now, as for our ongoing regimen..." Deeble began.
"Earth Ball!" Rest shouted.
Still crouched on the dirt, Rest invoked his spell the exact instant Deeble turned his back. The sphere of earth hurtled straight toward the back of the butler's head—only for Deeble to casually tilt his neck aside and dodge the surprise attack.
"Well done. That attempt gets full marks," Deeble praised, turning around with a light clap of his hands.
Crinkling the corners of his eyes above his salt-and-pepper beard, he smiled at Rest's ruthless initiative.
"To stoop to the level of a dog or a beast if it secures victory... that is the true essence of a proper mage," Deeble noted. "You possess extraordinary aptitude, Master Rest."
"...Thank you," Rest grunted, grimacing slightly.
Despite the compliment, he couldn't help feeling frustrated.
His surprise attack had been evaded easily. Praise meant nothing if he failed to land the hit—after all, that was the very lesson Deeble had just taught him.
"Fufu..."
Seeing Rest scowl in disappointment, the butler's smile broadened.
"To reiterate... from today onward, you will engage in mock battles with me daily. This will include unrestricted free-for-alls, hand-to-hand combat without magic, restricted duels limiting you to specific spells, and scenarios where your limbs or senses are constrained."
"..."
"Unfortunately, my hand-to-hand combat skills are self-taught, so I cannot formalize them into martial arts techniques for you," Deeble added. "If you wish to learn them, you will have to pick them up on your own."
"...Steal your moves in the heat of combat, you mean," Rest summarized, nodding thoughtfully.
Brushing off his clothes, he pushed himself up onto his feet.
When Deeble had mentioned combat training, Rest had assumed it would resemble formal martial arts drills or sparring practice.
Though it diverged greatly from what he had anticipated, Deeble's pragmatic approach was far closer to real warfare.
...If I can reach a point where I can beat Deeble-san, I'll definitely become so much stronger...!
At that point, he would be capable of facing even his father—an active court magician—in a head-on duel and coming out victorious.
"Now then, let us begin... Come at me from any direction you please," Deeble invited, taking his stance.
"Yes, sir! Here I come... Master Deeble!" Rest shouted, springing forward to assault the man who had become his mentor.
◇ ◇ ◇
While Rest spent his days studying magic and combat under Deeble's tutelage, gaining sheer strength alone would not grant him entry into the Royal Academy.
The entrance examination included written tests as well. Consequently, he had to advance his academic studies alongside his physical training.
"Rest, is there anything here you don't understand?" Viola asked sweetly.
"Lord Rest, you solve this problem like this," Primula offered gently.
"..."
Night had fallen, bringing an end to his chores and training. Inside his private quarters—a spacious room far too lavish for an apprentice butler—Rest sat at his desk.
He found himself sandwiched directly between Viola and Primula as he hit the books.
Viola leaned in close on his right while Primula pressed against his left. Both girls hovered unnecessarily close, peering down at his notebook over his shoulders.
Since they were inside the comfort of their home, the sisters wore relaxed nightwear.
Specifically, thin nightdresses... or perhaps negligees would be a more familiar description.
The fabric was suspiciously sheer to be wearing in front of a young man his age. Matching their hair colors, Viola wore a yellow nightgown while Primula wore a white one.
...What is going on here...? Why are they helping me study while wearing such provocative outfits...?
Rest frantically tried to fix his concentration on the equations, but his mind kept straying toward the two girls beside him.
This was the Rosemary estate, and the sisters were free to wear whatever they pleased in their own home. Rest had no right to complain.
Even so, the sight was far too hazardous for his young eyes. Anyone else might easily misinterpret their attire as an explicit invitation.
...Come to think of it, I read in a manga somewhere that high society nobles don't care if commoners see their skin because they don't view commoners as real men... Does that mean they aren't conscious of me at all, so they don't mind...?
"...And, done. I solved it," Rest announced, setting down his pen.
"Mm-hmm! Perfect answer! As expected of you, Rest!" Viola squealed happily. "I could just give you a reward!"
"You catch on so quickly, Lord Rest! At this pace, you'll pass the exam with flying colors!" Primula chimed in warmly.
"Ugh..." Rest grunted, flustered.
The sisters squealed with praise, snuggling against his sides with an audible squish.
A gentle floral fragrance wafted over him. Modern shampoos and soaps didn't exist in this world, leaving him to wonder what perfume they used.
Against both of his arms pressed warm skin and pillowy softness. Thanks to the thin fabric of their negligees, the ample volume of their busts was unmistakably palpable.
Rest was hardly young enough to be oblivious to what he was feeling. His face flushed bright red instantly, and his tongue felt tied.
"Y-Young ladies... um, you're pressing against me, err..." Rest stammered out stuttering words.
He forced out the polite phrasing with great effort.
Now that he was an apprentice butler, he could no longer address them with casual familiarity.
He took care to maintain respectful language, but both sisters puffed out their cheeks in synchronized annoyance.
"Don't call me 'young lady'! Call me Viola!" Viola pouted.
"It's Primula, Lord Rest!" Primula insisted softly.
"Ugh...!"
They pressed their luscious chests against him even harder. Feeling soft breasts yield and deform against his arms was an experience he had never known, even counting his past life outside of his mother's embraces.
...I died as a high schooler in my past life, so mentally I should be way older than them... but I never thought I'd be toyed with so completely like this...!
"Rest?" Viola purred.
"Lord Rest?" Primula cooed.
"G-Gah... Lady Viola, Lady Primula, please back off just a little so I can work on the next problem...!" Rest pleaded.
"Drop the 'Lady' too! Just my name is fine!" Viola insisted.
"You don't need formal speech either. Please get used to it soon," Primula added with a teasing smile.
With mischievous giggles, the sisters finally gave him a tiny bit of breathing room.
As the blissful softness receded, Rest felt a strange mixture of relief and subtle disappointment.
"Now then, let's move on to this problem next," Viola directed.
"This one builds upon the last equation," Primula explained. "I know you can solve it, Lord Rest."
"...I-I'll do my best," Rest muttered.
...Focus... That's it, focus on the test! Stop thinking about the two of them...!
Doing his utmost to block out the girls' presence, Rest channeled every ounce of concentration into the textbook before him.
...I am a machine. A heartless problem-solving machine that knows nothing else. Solve, solve, solve... Don't think, feel! Feel the softness of their chests against my arms—wait, NO!
Playing out a manic straight-man comedic routine in his head, Rest somehow managed to finish all the practice questions.
"I-I'm finished...!" he panted as if he had just run a marathon.
"Good work!" Viola cheered.
"Let's check your answers," Primula said encouragingly.
"Y-Yes... please go right ahead..." Rest slurred, completely drained.
Having exhausted his mental stamina in more ways than one, Rest collapsed onto the desk in a stupor.
Glancing at the dazed boy, the sisters began grading his work—only for Viola to let out a gasp of dismay.
"Primula, look! He got this one wrong!" Viola cried.
"You're right, Sister! And it's such an elementary mistake too!" Primula noted with a gasp.
"Huh...!?"
Rest scrambled to check his paper, and sure enough, one of his answers was incorrect.
It wasn't even a particularly difficult question; the mistake was the result of plain carelessness caused by his severe distraction.
"What a shame..." Viola sighed dramatically. "If you had gotten a perfect score, I was planning to give you a special reward..."
"Yes... it is terribly unfortunate..." Primula echoed, looking dejected.
"A-A reward...?" Rest asked weakly.
He couldn't help feeling intensely curious about what that reward might have been. A peculiar mix of regret and sweet relief washed over him.
"I'm so sorry... After you both spent so much time tutoring me. I'll make sure not to slip up like this again—"
"In that case, Sister, how about giving him a 'punishment' instead of a reward?" Primula proposed, clapping her hands together.
"Huh...?" Rest gasped.
Primula beamed as if she had struck upon a brilliant idea.
"That's a wonderful idea! You're brilliant, Primula!" Viola agreed enthusiastically.
"Wait, what!? H-Hold on... both of you?!" Rest panicked.
"No resisting allowed! Hold still, Rest," Viola ordered with a playful grin.
"That's right. This is your penalty for making a mistake on such an easy question," Primula chimed in.
Wearing thoroughly delighted expressions, the sisters closed in on him once more.
Once again, soft curves pressed firmly against Rest's arms.
"Hiee...!"
"Here comes your punishment...!" Viola giggled.
"Prepare yourself, Lord Rest...!" Primula warned playfully.
"Uhiii!?" Rest let out a high-pitched squeak.
Subjected to the sisters' ruthless punishment, Rest's voice cracked in a squeaky scream.
"Hauu... Y-Young ladies, you're being far too bold..." a maid whispered from the corner.
Standing near the wall, the attending maid blushed bright red as she watched the scene unfold.
She had been stationed in the room as a chaperone, knowing it was improper for young men and women to be unchaperoned. Yet as an innocent young girl herself, she was entirely powerless to restrain the sisters' brazen antics.
Wearing playful, alluring smiles, the Rosemary sisters tease the utterly inexperienced Rest without mercy.
On the surface, they appeared completely confident and composed... but in reality, they were anything but.
...Ahhh... What on earth am I doing?! This is so embarrassing...!
Pressing her bust against Rest under the guise of tutoring him, Viola writhed internally with overwhelming shame.
If circumstances permitted, she would have loved nothing more than to roll around on the floor screaming in embarrassment.
She was only suppressing her embarrassment through sheer willpower to keep up with her twin sister, Primula.
...Ugh... How can Primula act so unfazed?! Snuggling this close to a boy our age while wearing such a scandalous outfit...!
Viola was wearing a yellow negligee. Though she used it as loungewear, it clearly showcased a cleavage far too developed for her age.
It was acceptable around family or other girls, but certainly not attire one should ever wear in front of a boy her age.
...I never intended to wear something so revealing! It's all Primula's fault for wearing hers first...!
She had originally planned to dress properly while tutoring him.
However, when she saw Primula wearing a negligee, Viola felt compelled to follow suit so as not to be outdone.
"Lord Rest, this question is easier to understand if you check this reference book," Primula suggested sweetly.
"Um... like this?" Rest asked.
"Wonderful! As expected of you, Lord Rest!" Primula praised, clinging to his arm.
Every time Rest solved an equation, Primula showered him with praise while hugging him tightly.
Spurred on by competitive instinct, Viola immediately latched onto his opposite side.
"Amazing, Rest! Keep it up!" Viola squealed.
...F-First of all... Primula is playing dirty! She's usually so quiet and hides behind me... Why is she acting so aggressive when it comes to Rest?!
To Viola, Primula was her beloved younger sister—the apple of her eye, her soulmate for whom she would give her life, a presence as vital as her own heart.
The sister she was supposed to protect had suddenly transformed into a formidable rival vying for the affection of the same boy.
...D-Did she grow up when I wasn't looking? Or is Rest just that special to her? Her chest is even bigger than mine... At this rate, she's going to steal Rest right away from me!
Overcome by anxiety and panic, Viola pressed her breasts even harder against Rest's upper arm.
Meanwhile, Primula, the object of her sister's fierce rivalry, was equally desperate in her own right.
...I'm sorry, Sister... It seems Primula has turned into a wicked girl...
As she guided Rest through his studies, Primula Rosemary silently offered an apology to her beloved elder twin.
They had been together their entire lives; Primula understood her sister better than anyone.
Though Viola acted nonchalant as she hugged Rest and pressed her bust against him, Primula saw right through her sister's inner turmoil.
...Sister is truly serious about this... I expected her to wear a negligee to compete with me, but I didn't think she would go this far...
Snuggling close to Rest and rubbing her cheek against his, Primula felt the depth of Viola's resolve.
...But I cannot yield. I am not as beautiful or charming as Sister... so I have to work twice as hard to make Lord Rest notice me!
Primula had been the first to put on the provocative negligee. Lacking confidence in her own appeal, she had intentionally chosen a bold outfit.
The effect was extraordinary. Rest reacted visibly to their attire and the soft pressure against his arms.
...Lord Rest is turning so red, he's absolutely adorable...!
Seeing Rest blush all the way down to his neck, Primula gazed at him with fond affection, as if adoring a cute little animal.
Primula had harbored a dislike for men since childhood. As a daughter of a high noble house, she was frequently approached by young men at social gatherings, but she had never felt anything toward them other than discomfort and fear.
...Yet despite that, why do I feel so comfortable around Lord Rest...?
Curiously enough, she felt neither fear nor aversion toward Rest.
Her chest, which she hated having men ogle, didn't bother her at all when Rest looked at it.
It wasn't that she lacked embarrassment, but knowing that the boy she loved found her attractive filled her with a joy and triumph that far outweighed her shyness.
...My chest is just a little larger than Sister's... I never imagined a day would come where this would actually prove useful...
Though the twins shared nearly identical features, Primula was mysteriously blessed with a slightly larger bust size than Viola.
While she had felt embarrassed about it in the past, this was the very first time she felt genuinely glad for it.
...From now on, my bust might be my greatest weapon. After all, size is the one area where I can beat Sister...
"Augh...!"
As she wrapped her cleavage around Rest's arm, the boy's shoulders twitched violently in response.
...He really is so adorable...Primula thought, her smile widening.
"Mmph...!"
Spurred by rivalrous heat, Viola hugged Rest even tighter from the other side.
...As expected of Sister, she countered right away... But I won't back down either!
"Lord Rest, you use that formula from earlier for this question," Primula cooed, pressing in even closer.
"U-Understood..." Rest squeaked out.
Primula pressed her chest even firmer against him, continuing her relentless offensive.
What a cruel twist of fate that twin sisters should fall for the very same boy.
Caught in the crossfire of the beautiful sisters' fierce rivalry, Rest was left entirely at their mercy.
◇ ◇ ◇
While Rest was taken into the Marquis Rosemary estate and spent his evenings flirting with the beautiful sisters...
...there was another individual who was plagued with headaches because of the young boy who had entered his household.
"..." Albert whimpered in despair. "My daughters are nowhere to be found..."
In the estate's dining room, Albert sat alone at the long table, muttering to himself.
It was dinner time, and a spread of dishes was laid out before him: sautéed mutton, fish meunière, fresh salad, and soup. Each dish was meticulously prepared and looked exceedingly high-class.
Yet despite the feast awaiting his palate, Albert's expression remained dark and somber.
The daughters who ought to have been sitting beside him were nowhere to be seen.
"The young ladies are dining with Lord Rest," Deeble informed him. "I hear they intend to eat between their studies."
"Gnugh..." Albert groaned.
As Deeble, standing dutifully at his side, delivered the explanation, Albert's face twisted in bitterness.
Lately, his beloved daughters, Viola and Primula, had been attached to Rest at the hip. Unless they had urgent business elsewhere, they refused to leave his side.
Thanks to that, Albert was forced to dine all by himself. It was painful enough watching his doted-upon daughters grow intimate with another man, but being so completely neglected cut straight to his heart.
"...Why not simply invite Lord Rest to the table?" Deeble suggested. "If he were here, the young ladies would surely join us in the dining room."
"N-No... I can't possibly do that!" Albert rejected with a firm tone.
He shot down the butler's proposal with an emphatic shake of his head.
"No matter how much my daughters favor him, or how likely he is to become their future fiancé... right now, he is merely an apprentice butler! How could I justify letting him sit with his master in front of the other servants?!"
"I believe it is a bit late for such concerns..." Deeble replied, looking mildly exasperated. "The staff already understands that Lord Rest receives special treatment."
A subtle look of disbelief washed over Deeble's face.
On paper, Rest resided at the marquisate townhouse as an apprentice butler.
Yet not a single person in the household actually viewed him as a servant.
After all, Viola and Primula fussed over him incessantly, treating him with the unmistakable affection of smitten maidens.
Most of the maids and butlers already operated under the assumption that Rest would eventually marry into the family.
Some were even currying favor with the boy, addressing him with high honorifics as their future master.
"There were a few who felt envious of Lord Rest's special status..." Deeble continued. "However, once I allowed them to observe his magic training, they fell silent instantly."
"...Is his combat training progressing well?" Albert asked.
"Beyond smoothly," Deeble answered.
The butler bowed his head in affirmation to his master's query.
Then, with an unusually assertive tone, Deeble pressed his point.
"While his martial technique and combat instincts are only slightly above average... Lord Rest is, without a shadow of a doubt, a prodigy in magic. Whatever means it takes—even if it requires bestowing both young ladies upon him—I strongly urge that we secure him for House Rosemary!"
"I-Is he truly that remarkable...?" Albert asked, taken aback.
"He is, my lord...!" Deeble replied, nodding deeply.
Deeble nodded deeply again and again.
Having guided Rest through his training, Deeble understood the boy's talent better than anyone.
"He possesses the memory and intuition to master magic after observing it just once, alongside a bottomless mana pool that shows no sign of depleting no matter how many spells he casts. He already boasts capability on par with a court mage. Though I still hold the upper hand as a magician for now... he will surely surpass me in less than a year."
"I see... To think he is that extraordinary..." Albert murmured.
Deeble was a man who strictly knew his place as a butler. For him to voice his opinion this strongly was an exceedingly rare occurrence.
...Which means Rest is an invaluable talent, impossible to replace... The aptitude he displayed during that mock battle was merely a fraction of his true capability...
As Albert sank into thought, Deeble continued earnestly.
"Previously, I suggested that we bestow both young ladies upon Lord Rest out of respect for their wishes. However, my stance has shifted. I now humbly believe that marrying both of them to Lord Rest and having them bear his offspring is vital to the future prosperity of House Rosemary."
"...If you go so far as to say that," Albert remarked, "then it seems my daughters possess a keen eye for men."
"At the very latest, we should finalize their engagement before he enters the academy," Deeble advised. "Once he enrolls, his talents will undoubtedly become known to many. A fierce war for his hand could easily erupt among the nobility."
The Royal Academy was an educational institution, but it also doubled as a talent hunting ground.
It served as a venue for royalty and nobles to scout vassals, as well as for young ladies to seek suitable marriage partners.
The nobility were far from naïve; they would never overlook a prime prospect like Rest, who possessed both a fine character and overwhelming talent.
"...Very well," Albert conceded, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "If you press the matter to such an extent, I shall consider engaging him to both of them."
Albert conceded, his shoulders slumping. Not only had the outer moat been filled, but even his inner defenses were completely breached.
At this point, he could find no valid reason left to refuse.
"However... that is assuming he passes the entrance exam for the Royal Academy! If he fails, the whole affair comes to naught!"
"My lord, the likelihood of such an outcome is virtually zero," Deeble noted dryly.
"Furthermore... we do not yet know if my wife will accept Rest," Albert added, a cloud casting over his face. "Irishe will be returning soon, and there is no telling how she will treat him."
Picturing his wife, Irishe Rosemary, Albert grew visibly uneasy.
Irishe, mother to the sisters, possessed a rather peculiar personality.
She showered affection upon those who won her favor, but treated anyone who displeased her as no better than dirt.
Whether Rest could win the hand of the beautiful sisters ultimately depended on whether he could earn Irishe's approval—a truth that was hardly an exaggeration.
"Conversely, if the Madam approves of him, you will have no say in the matter, my lord," Deeble remarked slyly. "Such is the plight of a married-in husband—unable to gainsay his wife."
“…………”
Albert Rosemary.
He, too, was a husband who had married into House Rosemary, forever unable to hold his head high before his wife.
◇ ◇ ◇
It was one month after Rest had been taken in by the Marquisate of Rosemary when that individual finally returned to the estate.
"Lady Irishe...?" Rest echoed in question.
"Yes. Marchioness Rosemary, mother to the two young ladies, is returning today. She will be arriving at the townhouse momentarily," Deeble informed him.
It was bright and early when the butler brought the news to Rest's room.
"Come to think of it... I've never seen the marchioness," Rest noted. "Where has she been?"
"She was visiting a neighboring kingdom as part of the queen's retinue," Deeble answered. "Madam is an exceptionally talented magician, and she has been close friends with Her Majesty since their school days."
The butler answered Rest's query calmly.
From what Deeble explained, the true hereditary heir to House Rosemary was the marchioness herself; Marquis Albert was a husband married into the noble family.
House Rosemary was predominantly a matrilineal lineage, with an overwhelmingly high probability of daughters being born into the family.
For generations, they had brought in capable men from the outside to marry into the family.
"The Rosemary Marquisate is a prestigious family of magicians," Deeble added. "We have flourished by incorporating individuals skilled in magic from outside. It is also a hallmark of our bloodline that exceptionally beautiful women are born into it."
「…………」
Rest wondered why Deeble's pointed mention of "incorporating talent skilled in magic" left such an odd impression on him.
"Setting that aside..." Rest said, "I should properly greet the marchioness, shouldn't I?"
"Of course," Deeble replied. "I informed Madam about you via letter, but she was deeply curious and quite eager to meet you."
"I see... Well, that makes sense," Rest murmured.
Her young daughters had brought a young man into the household. As a mother, she was bound to be concerned.
"Understood. Then I'll give her a proper greeting," Rest said. "Though I'm not very familiar with noble etiquette regarding highborn ladies..."
"Rest assured, Madam is a generous person who does not obsess over rigid etiquette..." Deeble assured him, turning his gaze toward the window. "Ah, speak of the devil."
Deeble turned his gaze toward the room's window.
Following his gaze, Rest looked out to see a magnificent carriage arriving in front of the mansion.
Drawn by two white horses, the side of the carriage bore the crest of Marquis Rosemary.
"Madam has returned," Deeble said. "Shall we go out to greet her?"
"Understood," Rest agreed.
Checking his reflection in the full-length mirror to ensure his attire was neat, Rest left his room.
When he reached the foyer, Marchioness Rosemary was just stepping through the front doors.
Clad in a fresh light-green gown, her wavy golden hair cascaded down her back. Her features were youthful, and her voluptuous figure was obvious even beneath the folds of her dress.
...That woman is the mother of those two?... No matter how I look at her, she looks like she's in her twenties!
Irishe Rosemary bore a striking resemblance to her daughters. Rather than parent and children, she gave off the air of an older sister or an elder cousin.
"Welcome home, Mother!" Viola cheered.
"Welcome back from your journey, Mother," Primula added warmly.
Viola and Primula, who had already gathered in the foyer, welcomed their mother with bright smiles.
Catching sight of her daughters, Irishe's face lit up, and she wrapped them both in a tight embrace.
"I'm home, my sweet girls!" Irishe beamed. "You look so healthy! Oh, I missed you both so much!"
"We're just glad to see you looking so well too, Mother," Viola said happily.
"How was the Empire?" Primula asked softly. "I heard it's much colder there than in our kingdom..."
"Oh, it was unbearable—snow was already falling!" Irishe laughed heartily. "I never imagined I'd have to bundle up in a heavy coat this early in the season!"
As the mother and daughters shared their harmonious reunion, Albert stepped forward to join them.
"Welcome home, Irishe," Albert greeted her gently. "I am glad to see you returned safely."
"Yes," Irishe replied with a smile. "I read your letters. It seems things have gotten rather interesting around here while I was away."
After offering her husband a bright smile, her gaze smoothly drifted past him.
Her searching eyes locked onto Rest, who stood a short distance away.
"Ah... So he is the boy," Irishe mused aloud.
"Ah, Mother! Allow me to introduce him!" Viola urged excitedly. "This is Rest!"
"He is the savior who saved Sister and me," Primula added gently. "He has been living here with us."
"To think my little girls would bring a boy home," Irishe teased lightly. "I suppose you've reached that age, haven't you?"
Straightening her posture, Irishe glided toward Rest.
Feeling a wave of nervous tension, Rest bowed his head respectfully.
"I-I am Rest!" he introduced himself stammeringly. "Your daughters have taken very good care of me!"
"Yes, nice to meet you," Irishe replied warmly. "Thank you for saving my daughters. You have my sincere gratitude."
"Y-Yes, ma'am...!" Rest managed to squeak out.
Her tone was gentle, radiating a welcoming atmosphere toward him.
...Phew, she doesn't seem like the type to scream, "I won't let you lay a finger on my daughters!"...
Rest let out a quiet sigh of relief, but a split second later, Irishe's next words froze the blood in his veins.
"Well then, I'm going to go change," Irishe declared pleasantly. "Go wait for me outside."
"Huh...?" Rest blinked.
"Let's have a one-on-one brawl, shall we?" she said with a bright smile, clenching her fist. "I'm going to beat you to a pulp, so prepare yourself!"
「…………」
Rest's face twitched violently as he stared at the marchioness issuing a death threat with a radiant grin.
Having been challenged to a brawl by Irishe, Rest headed out to the outdoor training grounds while she went to change into more flexible attire.
Standing beside Deeble as they awaited her arrival, Rest looked up at the vast blue sky in absolute bewilderment.
"Um..." Rest muttered helplessly. "How exactly did things turn out like this...?"
"...I offer my deepest apologies on Madam's behalf," Deeble said, looking profoundly remorseful.
As Rest voiced his genuine confusion while standing awkwardly in the arena, Deeble bowed his head in regret.
The butler's face was painted with immense embarrassment.
"Madam is... how should I put it... rather impulsive, or perhaps straightforward to a fault..." Deeble explained hesitantly. "She is the sort of person who can only communicate through magic and fists..."
"Uh... so she's a musclehead?" Rest summarized bluntly.
「................Yes」
Faced with such an unvarnished assessment, Deeble confirmed it with a deeply pained expression.
Marchioness Rosemary—Irishe Rosemary—looked like a refined lady and a gentle young wife on the outside, but in reality, she was renowned as a fierce, battle-hardened warrior.
Her physical strength was utterly monstrous; rumor had it she had once beaten an entire squad of assassins targeting the royal family to death with her bare hands.
"Please do not misunderstand," Deeble added quickly. "Madam does not dislike you or wish to drive you away, Lord Rest. She simply desires to communicate through fists. There is no malice or ill intent behind it."
"Setting malice aside, what about ill intent?!" Rest retorted incredulously. "I'm pretty sure getting punched by her will cause serious bodily harm!"
"Madam is a master of physical enhancement magic and healing spells," Deeble noted. "While she struggles with long-range magic, in close-quarters combat she may be stronger than His Lordship—perhaps even stronger than the Grand Commander of the Knights."
"The Grand Commander...? You mean Marquis Cattleya?!" Rest gaped. "You've got to be kidding me!"
Marquis Cattleya, Commander of the Knights, was a famous legend. Even back when Rest lived as a commoner, he had heard tales of his exploits. The marquis was a heroic figure who had saved the nation time and again in border skirmishes and battles against foreign tribes.
Marquis Cattleya stood at the apex of martial might, while Marquis Rosemary stood at the apex of magic—the two were lauded as the 'Twin Wings' supporting the realm.
"Um... Am I about to be murdered?" Rest asked flatly.
"R-Rest assured, Madam will surely not fight at full power," Deeble stammered reassuringly. "She merely wishes to test your capabilities..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting," a dignified female voice rang out.
Turning toward the voice, Rest saw Irishe, who had changed into riding attire.
She wore a sleek jacket and trousers that hugged her body tightly, emphasizing her curves in stark detail.
The form-fitting fabric highlighted every single outline of her well-toned, voluptuous figure.
「「「…………」」」
Behind Irishe followed the rest of the Rosemary household—Viola, Primula, and Albert—all wearing gloomy expressions.
"R-Rest! Do your best... I'm so sorry it turned out like this!" Viola cried out nervously.
"P-Please don't get hurt!" Primula pleaded anxiously. "We're cheering for you!"
The sisters rushed forward and clung to Rest's arms.
Both looked deeply worried and overwhelmingly apologetic.
「…………」
The moment Albert met Rest's gaze, he hastily averted his eyes.
He clearly knew his wife was going wild, and he looked thoroughly guilt-ridden himself.
"We asked Mother not to do anything too cruel," Viola explained meekly. "Mother doesn't mean any harm, so please don't hate her..."
"It's alright," Rest replied, shaking his head at the troubled Viola. "Things may have escalated, but I don't harbor any ill will."
Rest shook his head at Viola, whose face was clouded with worry.
He offered a comforting smile to Primula as well.
"It's only natural for a mother to test a man who approaches her daughters," Rest said maturely. "Besides, this is a great chance to test what I've learned in combat training from Master Deeble. I'll treat it as a learning experience and give it my all."
"Rest..." Viola murmured softly.
"Lord Rest..." Primula whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
Looking up at him with moist, affectionate eyes, the sisters squeezed his arms tightly, moved by his thoughtful words.
...Uh, you're way too close! This is so awkward in front of your parents!
While he appreciated their affection, he wished they wouldn't press so tightly against him.
Their parents were right there, after all. The glare from their father, Albert, was positively piercing.
"Let's begin soon," Irishe called out to them. "Girls, step back."
Irishe called out to Rest and the others.
Viola and Primula reluctantly released Rest's arms and retreated to the sidelines.
"Then... please treat me well," Rest said, offering a respectful nod.
"Yes, likewise," Irishe replied, a fierce smile gracing her beautiful face. "I pray this won't turn into a one-sided game for me."
Feeling a sudden chill despite her enchanting smile, Rest stepped back a few meters and took his stance facing her.
This is my first time fighting someone other than Master Deeble... And my opponent might be stronger than the kingdom's greatest Knight Commander. Why do I always end up fighting opponents so far above my level?...
This was his second duel in these training grounds.
Hardening his resolve, Rest raised his fists toward the marchioness.
"Begin!" Albert shouted, signaling the start of the match.
In that exact instant, Irishe's stunning face materialized directly before Rest's eyes.
"Eh...?" Rest gasped.
"First strike!" Irishe declared softly.
She had closed the distance in less than a fraction of a second. He hadn't even had time to blink.
His awe at her faint smile lasted only a heartbeat before a violent impact slammed into him.
"Hmph!" she grunted.
「Guh……！」
A powerful punch impaled itself right into Rest's body.
"Ghhhh... Talk about absurd power!" Rest gritted out.
In the nick of time, he had crossed his arms to block Irishe's blow.
Despite stacking two enhancement spells—Physical Up and Guard Up—the staggering shockwave nearly shattered his posture.
Unable to withstand the force, Rest was blasted backward, skidding across the ground.
"Hmm... Your reaction speed isn't half bad," Irishe noted approvingly, rolling her shoulders. "Your magic output is average, but your activation speed is flawless. Above all, to double-cast Duo magic at your age shows impressive skill."
"T-Thanks..." Rest wheezed out.
Irishe didn't pursue him immediately, simply rotating her arm casually.
Had he been an ordinary warrior or mage, that single strike would have ended the match instantly.
...I can't feel my arms... They aren't torn off, are they?...
Though his arms weren't broken, they were completely numb and unresponsive.
Maintaining his enhancement spells, he immediately cast Heal to mend the damage to his arms.
"Oh, healing magic? To triple-cast Trio magic simultaneously... You really are remarkable."
"How about yourself...?" Rest asked, voicing his genuine awe. "How can you produce that much power with just Physical Up?"
Rest voiced the question straight from his heart.
While Rest was maintaining multiple overlapping spells, Irishe was relying solely on Physical Up. Rest used Physical Up too, but the disparity in their mastery and output was light-years apart.
"I was born with extremely high magic output," Irishe explained coolly. "It's simply raw talent."
"...Talent, huh?" Rest muttered.
"On the flip side... I'm terrible at long-range offensive magic," she added. "I suppose no one can have everything."
"…………"
Rest possessed infinite mana, but his magic output—the amount of mana he could channel into a single spell—wasn't extraordinarily high.
It wasn't low by any means, but compared to his infinite mana reserve and ability to copy spells instantly, it felt relatively mundane.
I see... Indeed, no one can have everything...
If that was the case, he had to fight with the weapons he did have.
"In that case... how about this?" Rest challenged.
He conjured over a dozen Fireballs in the air surrounding him.
Mass-producing identical Fireballs was far easier than multi-casting completely different spells.
"Fire!" he commanded.
A volley of Fireballs rained down upon Irishe—a barrage too dense and well-timed to dodge.
"Heh heh... Nice attack," Irishe chuckled. "I like it!"
Yet Irishe kicked off the ground with terrifying speed, stepping laterally. She moved so fast that afterimages split to her left and right, cleanly dodging the incoming firestorm.
"Here I come! Get ready!" she called out.
Without losing a fraction of momentum, she plunged straight into Rest's inner guard.
"Smoke Screen!" Rest shouted instantly.
He released a dense cloud of white smoke all around them.
Veiled by the smoke, Irishe's punch cleaved empty air. He had literally thrown up a smokescreen.
"Not bad...!" Irishe praised.
"Thunder Stun!" Rest yelled from within the haze.
Slamming an open palm strike directly into her abdomen, he discharged a point-blank lightning blast.
"……！"
Her body spasmed slightly from the electric shock.
It was a spell designed to incapacitate targets via high-voltage shock—one of the practical anti-personnel spells Deeble had taught him.
"Alright! With this—!" Rest gasped.
"...That actually hurt," Irishe said, her voice dropping. "Though using non-lethal magic against me is quite condescending, don't you think?"
"Wha—?!" Rest shrieked.
Her hand clamped down around Rest's wrist, which was still pressed against her stomach.
Despite taking a direct hit, her movement had only been paused for a split second.
"Placing your hands on another woman's belly when you already have Viola and Primula... What a naughty boy. Time for your punishment!"
"Uwaaah?!" Rest yelled as he was lifted into the air.
Holding him by the arm, she swung Rest around like a ragdoll and hurled him across the grounds.
He skipped across the dirt multiple times before slamming hard into a hedge at the edge of the arena.
"Ugh... guh..." Rest groaned.
"Rest!" Viola screamed.
"Lord Rest!" Primula shrieked.
"Stay back!" Irishe barked at her daughters. "Our brawl isn't over yet!"
Her stern command halted the girls in their tracks.
Just as Irishe said, the fight was far from over. Casting Heal to mend his aching bones, Rest forced himself back onto his feet.
"You're completely unreasonable... seriously..." Rest wheezed out.
That he could even stand was a testament to Deeble's rigorous training regimen.
Being accustomed to fighting human opponents allowed him to break his fall and minimize the impact damage.
If she can dodge all those Fireballs effortlessly, spamming long-range magic is completely pointless... Besides, if I miss and set the estate on fire, I'll be in huge trouble...
That left stacking enhancement magic for close combat... but Rest grimaced at the thought. Engaging that gorilla-like marchioness in melee range felt like suicide.
If I knew wide-area offensive spells, I could change my tactics... Unfortunately, I haven't been taught those yet...
Deeble's curriculum prioritized tactical utility with low-tier magic rather than high-firepower destruction. He hadn't unlocked area-of-effect spells yet.
"Well, I found an assignment for the future," Rest muttered. "Fighting someone stronger really is educational..."
"That versatile, multi-spell fighting style..." Irishe noted, studying him. "You are studying under Deeble, aren't you?"
Rest nodded while continuing to direct mana into his self-healing.
"...Yes, Master Deeble has taught me a great deal," Rest confirmed.
"He took on apprentices in the past, but none of them lasted long," Irishe remarked. "He is quite strict, after all."
"He certainly isn't soft," Rest agreed. "But if I want to become stronger, that much is to be expected."
"Mm-hmm, a fine attitude," Irishe smiled warmly, looking hardly like someone in the middle of a violent duel.
Her expression was serene, contrasting sharply with the intensity of their battle.
"His spellcraft is exquisite, but his mana reserves are modest," Irishe continued. "I would love to see what kind of monster emerges when someone with absurd mana reserves like yours fully masters his techniques."
"...Thank you," Rest replied. "I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."
"Do that," Irishe urged softly. "Now then... have your injuries finished healing?"
"...Thanks to you," Rest answered, opening and closing his fist.
While they conversed, his healing spell had completely wiped away the physical damage.
Naturally, his mana hadn't dropped in the slightest from its starting level.
Now we're back to square one. In fact, Madam Irishe has used up some of her mana, so technically I should have the advantage...
Yet... why did it feel as though the gap between their abilities hadn't shrunk in the slightest?
He felt as if he were the one driven into a corner. Cold sweat trickled down Rest's spine.
He sparred with Deeble daily, and in an unrestricted fight, he could hold a distinct advantage even if he couldn't win easily.
And yet... Madam Irishe is miles out of reach. She's far stronger than Master Deeble, and light-years ahead of me...!
"Rest!" Viola shouted.
"Lord Rest!" Primula cheered.
Even so... I can't give up! Not when those girls are cheering for me!
Viola and Primula were shouting at the top of their lungs, encouraging him with all their hearts.
He couldn't show them a pathetic display. He had claimed he was just borrowing her experience, but if he didn't unleash everything he had, he would regret it.
No tricks. I'm going all out, head-on... as if I intend to kill her!
"Ah, it seems you've made up your mind," Irishe observed, her lips curving into a crescent smile. "What a wonderful look. Eyes brimming with fierce competitiveness, just like my husband's when he was young. It's the kind of look I love."
She gave an amused, wicked smirk.
"Come at me," she invited softly. "I'll give you a big hug."
"Here I come...!" Rest roared.
Physical Up, Guard Up, Accelerator, and Earth Wear—he cast a Quartet of four overlapping spells!
Coating his entire body in earthen armor, he dropped into a sprinter's crouch.
"Quartet magic...? You can even do that?! Magnificent!" Irishe marvelled aloud.
"Ooooooooooooh!" Rest roared.
The moment her praise echoed, Rest kicked off the earth and launched himself forward.
He moved at a speed impossible to reconcile with heavy earth armor—charging like a heavy motorcycle barreling forward at over a hundred kilometers per hour.
Sprinting straight ahead, he drove his entire body into a full-force tackle aimed squarely at her torso.
"!"
"Mm, not bad," Irishe noted smoothly. "Quite good, actually."
Yet Irishe made no attempt to dodge, absorbing the full weight of the charge head-on.
She had bolstered her physical frame with Guard Up on top of Physical Up.
Physical Up alone made her unyielding, but with stacked defensive magic, Rest's Quartet-empowered strike failed to budge her an inch.
"Here's your reward," she purred. "A hug, just as promised."
"Ghhh……！"
Irishe's arms wrapped tightly around Rest in a vice-like bear hug.
His earthen armor shattered with a loud crack, and his spine was bent backward under excruciating pressure.
My back... is breaking...!
As darkness swallowed his consciousness, Rest passed out on the spot.
In his second duel on the training grounds, Rest suffered another defeat, knocked unconscious just as he had been before.
◇ ◇ ◇
Following the duel, the unconscious Rest was carried back to his room.
Fortunately, his life was in no danger; though he remained unconscious, healing magic had completely restored his injuries.
Viola and Primula desperately tried to stay and nurse him, but their mother grabbed them both by the scruff of their necks and dragged them to the parlor.
"Wait... Mother, what are you doing?!" Viola protested.
"Sister and I need to tend to Lord Rest...!" Primula added.
"You two are going to marry him," Irishe declared matter-of-factly.
"Huh...?" both sisters gasped in unison.
The sisters froze in dumbfounded shock at their mother's sudden proclamation.
Though their personalities differed greatly, in that moment, their identical wide-eyed expressions proved they were truly twin sisters.
"Hey, Irishe! What are you saying all of a sudden?!" Albert interjected.
"Be quiet, Albert," Irishe snapped back. "This is a discussion between women."
"Ugh..." Albert choked on his words.
Shut down instantly by his wife, he swallowed his protest.
Turning her clear gaze back to her silent husband and daughters, Irishe made her stance crystal clear.
"We are welcoming him as a son-in-law into House Rosemary. Viola, Primula... I expect both of you to bear his children, so prepare yourselves accordingly."
"M-Mother..." Viola stammered.
"U-Um... Are you truly fine with that?" Primula asked hesitantly.
The sisters asked with conflicted expressions.
Both longed to be with Rest, but neither expected they could both become his wives. In noble society, marrying two sisters to different families was standard practice to expand political ties.
To noble houses, daughters were political bargaining chips; marrying both to the same man was considered a wasteful use of valuable assets.
"He is worth bestowing both of you upon him," Irishe stated firmly. "This duel has made me absolute in that conviction."
Addressing her astonished family, Irishe spoke with resolute authority.
"Originally, I intended for Viola to take a husband to inherit the house, while Primula married into another family to forge ties. But finding an extraordinary talent like him changes everything. Bearing as many children carrying his bloodline as possible will contribute far more to the prosperity of House Rosemary—and this nation—than any political alliance."
"Mother... you've taken a massive liking to Rest, haven't you?" Viola remarked with a wry smile.
"An exchange of fists reveals almost everything you need to know," Irishe replied simply.
A true musclehead. Viola and Primula exchanged amused, wry smiles.
"In the past, I fought once against the magician known as the 'Celestial Emperor,'" Irishe revealed solemnly. "The Chairman of the Council of Sages and the strongest magician in the world. Though Rest is still green and inexperienced, he possesses something that resonates with that man. Mark my words... he will undoubtedly become the strongest magician in this kingdom."
"The 'Celestial Emperor'..."
Primula gasped, taking a sharp breath.
The Council of Sages was the supreme magic organization in the world—a council assembling only those mages who had reached the pinnacle beyond national borders. The Celestial Emperor was its legendary head.
"If we can secure a magician with potential equal to his, giving up two daughters is a cheap price to pay," Irishe declared without hesitation. "Even if you two had cried and thrown a tantrum refusing it, I would have tied you up and presented you to him anyway."
"………hoo"
Unable to stay quiet after hearing a remark that was terrifyingly ambiguous between joke and reality, Albert glared with half-lidded eyes.
"Don't glare at me," Irishe dismissed him nonchalantly. "It is fortunate we don't have to resort to force. Since you both fancy him, that makes things simple. Once the Royal Academy entrance exams are over, the three of you will be officially engaged. Then, after graduation, you will marry—and immediately begin making babies."
"M-Marriage..." Viola squeaked, her face flushing crimson.
"M-Making babies..." Primula stammered, blushing furiously.
The twin sisters stared at each other, their faces turning red as beets.
Their mother's words were a dream come true for both of them, yet hearing it so bluntly overwhelmed them with sheer embarrassment.
"I expect at least three children from each of you," Irishe added nonchalantly. "Pre-marital relations are fine, but be mindful of contraception. Children born before marriage aren't granted succession rights to the house, which would only cause them hardship."
"...I will never allow pre-marital relations!" Albert grumbled in a bitter, raspy mutter.
While their mother spoke with grand magnanimity, their father mumbled curses under his breath.
Glancing nervously between her parents, Viola lowered her voice and asked softly.
"Is it really... okay?" Viola whispered up at her mother. "Can the three of us really get married...?"
"I just said so, didn't I?" Irishe reaffirmed.
"Then... even after graduation, I can stay with Rest and Primula forever?" Viola asked, her eyes lighting up.
"Sister...!" Primula gasped.
"Primula...!" Viola cried.
Breaking into radiant smiles like blooming flowers, the twin sisters embraced each other passionately.
They had been rivals competing for Rest's affections, but above all else, they were twin sisters.
They certainly harbored no hatred for one another. While it was slightly disappointing that neither could have Rest all to herself, the joy of no longer having to fight each other far outweighed it.
"Primula... we'll be together forever!" Viola cheered.
"Together with Lord Rest... all three of us!" Primula beamed.
Overcome with emotion, tears welled in their eyes as they exchanged joyful grins.
Even Albert, who had been brooding over losing both his daughters, slumped his shoulders in defeat upon seeing their radiant happiness. "I suppose it can't be helped..." he sighed. A warm, blissful atmosphere settled over the parlor.
"Ah... right. I forgot to mention," Irishe chimed in offhandedly.
Yet that single offhand remark shattered the peaceful harmony in an instant.
"Besides you two, he will be impregnating several other women as well. I'll pick out suitable girls of matching age from branch families and retainers... and if necessary, gather third wives and concubines from allied noble houses. Be sure to get along with the other women, alright?"
"What?!" both sisters shrieked in horror.
Just when everything had finally settled amicably, their mother's declaration sent fresh shockwaves of chaos through the room.
Shouts of uproar echoed from the parlor, and the heated argument raged on late into the night.
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