Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 239: The Hot Spring and a New Engagement
“Marriage… huh? Wait, what? Why?”
That topic had never come up before.
While Celestine and I were friendly as acquaintances, we had never had excessive interactions like I did with Yuri.
“…No, wait. If His Majesty the King and Duke Crocus have both agreed, then this must be… some kind of political marriage?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Celestine nodded.
Considering her status as a duke’s daughter, there was no way she could freely choose her marriage partner based on personal feelings alone.
If she was to be engaged to me, then there had to be a political reason behind it.
“…I don’t think you realize it, Rest, but your existence is becoming extremely important to this kingdom.”
“…Is this because of the Sabnock subjugation?”
“Yes. Your defeat of Sabnock, as well as your victory over Prince Rodel, are major reasons. Your overwhelming prowess as a mage has reached a point where the royal family can no longer ignore you.”
Defeating the monstrous beast Sabnock, which no one had been able to defeat for over a century, and putting an end to the civil war by taking down Rodel…
Rest had become a crucial figure for the kingdom’s future—far more than just the heir to Marquis Rosemary.
“…This isn’t something that can be said too openly, but the truth is, our kingdom is facing multiple problems.”
Celestine adjusted her damp hair as she explained in her calm, clear voice.
“While internal threats like Prince Rodel and Marquis Eiger have been dealt with, external threats still remain. The northern tribes have been our long-standing enemies. They launch raids every few years, and it’s only a matter of time before they attack again.”
“The northern tribes… you mean the demi-humans?”
“Yes, exactly.”
Rest confirmed, and Celestine nodded in agreement.
The so-called “barbarians” of the north were demi-humans—races that were similar to, yet distinct from, humans.
Beastkin, winged people, and various other races lived there, often launching invasions into the Iwood Kingdom and the Geizel Empire.
“Our supposed allies, the Geizel Empire, who are also fighting the demi-humans, have also begun acting suspiciously. The militant faction has been gaining power, pushing back against the moderates.”
“…If the militant faction gains control, that could mean an invasion of this kingdom as well.”
“Yes. That’s why the Iwood Kingdom has been secretly expanding its military forces. You, Rest, are expected to be a key player in the inevitable battles to come.”
Rest was strong.
Among the current generation, there were certainly people stronger than him—like Albert Rosemary, a court magician, his wife Eilish, and the knight commander Iljas Catreya.
But considering potential and growth, Rest was the future.
Tying him to the royal family before war broke out was the logical course of action.
“The royal family currently has no princess close to your age. Among the royal relatives, I am the one most suitable to be your match.”
“…So that’s why you and I are…”
“Yes. I truly regret that you are being forced into this situation due to the royal family’s interests…”
“No, I don’t really mind, but…”
Rest’s eyes naturally drifted downward, toward the flawless form submerged in the water.
Marriage meant… he would have full access to that body.
(…Maybe I don’t know about her chest size, but her smooth skin, slender waist… compared to Viola and Primula…)
“Rest?”
“I-It’s nothing! Sorry!”
He found himself apologizing instinctively.
Even though he already had fiancées, he had just ogled another woman. That was pretty scummy.
(…Wait. If Celestine is also my fiancée now, then it’s fine… right?)
“…Actually, wouldn’t this be more of a burden on you, Celestine?”
Rest shook his head slightly and asked something important.
“I understand that the royal family wants me to marry you Celestine, but… my engagements with Viola and Primula aren’t being annulled, are they? Are you really okay with being engaged to a man who already has two fiancées?”
“I don’t mind at all.”
Ad
“…You don’t?”
“You are kind and considerate, Rest. Compared to Prince Rodel, you’re infinitely better.”
“…Rodel, huh?”
That useless prince had lowered the standards for men so much that even someone with multiple fiancées seemed like a great option in comparison.
“This will likely be officially announced by the royal family soon… but I don’t think there’s any changing the fact that I will be your fiancée.”
“…I see.”
Rest still had a lot of thoughts swirling in his mind, and he was struggling to process everything.
But if Viola and Primula had already agreed, then he had no grounds to object.
“I can’t say ‘yes’ right away, but… I’ll take some time to sort out my feelings.”
“Please do. And if you truly don’t want this, let me know. I will personally persuade His Majesty.”
“……”
Rest glanced at Celestine’s face, then at her body, then quickly looked away again, his cheeks flushing red.