Kays Translations

Chapter 27: Marquis Rosemary Resigns Himself

Several days have passed since Rest came to the Rosemary household.

His exam preparation is progressing smoothly. Despite Viola and Primula’s occasional tempting distractions, Rest, with strong mental resilience, has been able to acquire the necessary knowledge.

Fortunately, problems like mathematics are easily solved with his knowledge from his previous life. The challenge lies in subjects requiring memorization, such as history, which can only be mastered through repeated drills.

Rest not only studies during the dedicated time with the sisters but also flips through borrowed reference books in the intervals of his daily life, diligently absorbing the required knowledge.

It seems like he’s going to face some challenges, but with reference books and people to teach him, it appears much easier than the high school entrance exams in his previous life.

Combat training is also going well. Since learning magic was easier and quicker than expected, he has more time for simulated battles. By sparring with the butler Dibble, he steadily gains experience in personal combat.

So far, there are no problems. At least, not for Rest.

“…My daughters aren’t here.”

Inside the Rosemary Marquis mansion, in the dining room, Albert Rosemary muttered.

It was dinner time, and in front of Albert was a spread of dishes—lamb sauté, fish meunière, salad, soup—all exquisite and elaborate, befitting the Marquis household.

However, Albert’s expression was dark.

The daughters who should have been here are absent.

“The young ladies are having their meal with Rest-dono.”

“Mm…”

Butler Dibble, standing nearby, spoke. Albert’s expression turned bitter.

Lately, Viola and Primula, whom Albert dearly loves, have been completely attached to Rest. Unless they have other matters to attend to, they never leave Rest’s side.

As a result, Albert finds himself eating alone more often. It pains him that his doted-upon daughters are not only associating closely with another man but also seemingly neglecting him.

“…Why not invite Rest-dono to the dining table? If he’s here, the young ladies might have their meals in the dining room too.”

“N-no… that’s not possible!”

Albert firmly rejected Dibble’s suggestion with a strong tone.

“Even if he’s the favorite of my daughters, Rest-kun is nothing more than an apprentice servant! It would be inappropriate for him to sit at the table with the master!”

“Although it might be a bit late to mention this… the servants already understand that Rest-dono is receiving special treatment, don’t they?”

Dibble’s expression showed a slight sense of exasperation.

Rest officially lives in the Marquis household as an apprentice servant. However, nobody perceives him as a mere servant. Viola and Primula, overtly taking care of Rest and treating him with a ‘woman’s’ touch, lead many maids and butlers to recognize Rest as a prospective son-in-law of the sisters.

Some of the servants even address him with honorifics, anticipating that this young man might become the future master.

“While some among the staff were initially envious of the special treatment Rest-dono received, once they witnessed his magic training, they quieted down immediately.”

“…Is his combat training progressing?”

“Almost too smoothly.”

Dibble nodded in response to the master’s question. Then, in an unusually strong tone, he asserted to Albert.

“In terms of combat skills and sense, he is slightly above average, but Rest-dono is undoubtedly a magic genius. By any means necessary… even if it means offering him to the young ladies, I strongly recommend incorporating him into the Rosemary Marquis family as an essential talent!”

“I-Is it really that crucial…?”

“Yes. The ‘Eye’ that allows one to master magic with just a single glance and a sense for it. An inexhaustible magic power that never seems to run out no matter how much magic is used. He already possesses abilities close to those of a court mage. Although I currently surpass him as a magician, he will likely surpass me in a year or so.”

“…”

Dibble is a person who knows his place as a butler. It’s rare for him to express his opinions so strongly. It just goes to show how valuable of a talent Rest is.

“I previously argued that both young ladies should be betrothed to Rest-dono. It was out of respect for their opinions. However, my stance has changed. I now believe that marrying both daughters to Rest-dono, having them bear his children, will lead to the prosperity of the Rosemary Marquis household.”

“I see… If you say so, then perhaps my daughters have a discerning eye…”

“At the latest, it would be wise to have the young ladies engaged to Rest-dono before they enter the academy. Once Lord Rest enrolls, his talent will undoubtedly become widely known. A struggle for his attention might even begin.”

The Royal Academy serves not only as an educational institution but also as a field for talent discovery. It’s a place where royalty and nobility scout for aides and subordinates and where noble ladies seek prospective marriage partners. Individuals like Rest, with good character and overflowing talent, are not easily overlooked by the aristocracy.

“…Fine. If you insist to that extent, let’s consider an engagement with the two.”

Albert sighed in resignation. The situation was becoming increasingly unfavorable. At this point, he couldn’t find a reason to reject the proposal.

“However… it’s only if he can successfully enroll in the Royal Academy! If he fails the exams, it’s all for naught!”

“The likelihood of that happening is extremely low, sir.”

“Also… we don’t even know if my wife will approve of Rest. Eilish will return soon, and we don’t know how she’ll treat Rest.”

Thinking of his wife, Eilish Rosemary, Albert’s expression darkened slightly. Eilish, the mother of the sisters, had a rather unique personality. She spoils those she likes to no end but treats those she dislikes like mere rubbish.

Whether Rest can win the favor of the beautiful sisters ultimately depends on whether Eilish likes him or not.

“On the flip side, if Madam approves, there’s nothing the master can say. That’s the tough part about being an adopted son-in-law; you can’t speak strongly against your wife.”

“…”

Albert Rosemary, also an adopted son-in-law of the Rosemary Marquis family, found himself unable to assert himself against his wife.

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