Chapter 118: Looks Like It’s Turning Into a Civil War

“Marquis Eiger leading a rebellion… Huh!?”

Viola exclaimed in surprise in response to Celestine’s bombshell statement.

Startled by Celestine’s words, Viola stood up abruptly. Looking around in confusion, a maid who had been standing by the door hastily exited the room.

They probably decided that it wasn’t something they should know, but Celestine slowly shook her head.

“Don’t worry, there’s no need to send anyone away… soon the whole country will know.”

“Why would Marquis Eiger do such a thing?”

While soothing her distressed sister, Primula asked in a restrained tone.

Primula often seemed overshadowed by Viola’s assertiveness, but in times of crisis, she surprisingly showed a level-headedness.

“You might already know… Marquis Eiger was once the leader of those who revered the Queen Dowager. He supports Prince Rodel, whom the Queen Dowager, also known as the ‘Shadow Queen,’ favored.” 

Celestine explained in a clear tone, though with a hint of weariness in her demeanor.

“My grandfather also revered the Queen DDowagger, which led to my engagement to Prince Rodel… well, it turned out well in the end, as it allowed me to monitor the opposing faction. Marquis Eiger believes that Prince Rodel, not the current Crown Prince, should be the next king. To that end, he has been building a faction and scheming in the shadows. It is believed that he had a hand in the disturbance during the Monster Hunt Festival.”

“So he was the mastermind… what an outrageous thing to do.” 

Rest grimaced.

The situation during that turmoil was on the brink of monsters invading the capital, and even without that, a significant number of students lost their lives. It was unforgivable by any means.

“Yes. Marquis Eiger has already been designated as a traitor, and it seems he is aware of it himself. He has eluded the eyes of the surveillance and left the capital, raising a rebellion in his domain. Nobles loyal to the Queen Dowager have been gathering in Marquis Eiger’s territory, preparing to attack the capital.” 

“So it’s a civil war… it’s truly turning into something unimaginable.” 

Yuri sighed, shrugging, and helping herself to the pastries on the table.

“I’ve been wondering why my father hasn’t sent pursuers after you lately… now I understand.”

“What are you talking about?”

It seemed she was still playing a game of cat and mouse with her father. The Marquis of Catreya seemed to have his hands full with his runaway daughter.

“Of course, His Majesty the King does not intend to sit back and let the capital be attacked. Preparations are being made to defeat Marquis Eiger, who is a rebel. We are currently waiting for the right moment to launch an attack.” 

“Waiting for the right moment… why not just attack right away?” 

“Well… it seems His Majesty is deliberately waiting for the enemy forces to gather. He likely intends to use this opportunity to wipe out the rebels in one fell swoop.”

It seemed factions loyal to the Queen Dowager were scattered throughout the country. His Majesty, by deliberately waiting for the opposing factions to gather, intended to eliminate them all at once.

Waiting for the enemy forces to gather might seem like a foolish strategy, but prolonged internal conflict could invite intervention from other nations. His Majesty likely aimed to end the civil war as swiftly as possible to prevent such intervention.

“We discussed earlier whether it would be acceptable to grant Rest-sama extensive lands… but if Marquis Eiger and his followers are destroyed, numerous territories will become vacant. These will be distributed as rewards to nobles and knights who distinguished themselves in battle, so there should be no objections.” 

“Ah… I see.” 

Rest tried to comprehend the complex information.

Rest’s recent defeat of Sabnock allowed for the plains to be developed. Hence, the bestowal of a title and vast lands upon him. While gaining extensive lands as a commoner could attract jealousy, the subsequent rebellion led by Marquis Eiger put Rest in a situation far beyond mere envy.

As the territories of the rebel faction would be granted to other nobles, resentment towards Rest would likely be quelled.

“Rest-san’s defeat of Sabnock will be announced soon, and he will be honored along with other contributors. At that time, Marquis Eiger’s rebellion and its suppression will be officially declared. Therefore… we would like Rest-san to participate in the suppression of Marquis Eiger’s rebellion.”

“Me… in the suppression army?”

“Yes. The Rosemary Marquis family will also send troops, so I hope you will become one of the commanders as a viscount. And then, based on your achievements in that battle, you will be promoted to count. We want you to take a position that matches the extent of the granted territory.”

“…”

While Celestine’s words take the form of a ‘proposal,’ this plan is acknowledged by both the king and the Marquis Rosemary. In other words, it’s effectively an order.

(Do I even have the option to refuse…)

Once again, it was an extraordinary development. Just a few years ago, he was despised as the child of a commoner, the child of a mistress… and now he’s being considered as a son-in-law candidate for the Rosemary Marquis family. Furthermore, he’s been appointed as a viscount, and now it seems the path to becoming a count is being paved for him.

(Freedom seems to have slipped away without notice… but I guess being bound by such obligations is what it means to become a noble…)

Losing the opportunity to choose for oneself may seem unfortunate… but he intends to marry Viola and Primula. He should willingly accept this level of inconvenience

(Besides… if I can acquire territory and position for myself, it may pave the way for the future of the children who will eventually be born. In that case, I should be grateful for being given the opportunity to rise in the world.)

To convince himself, he thought such things… and Rest nodded firmly.

“I understand. I gladly accept the opportunity to participate in the suppression of the rebels.”

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