Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 337: Resolve and Responsibility
“…………”
“By the way, I’ve already discussed this matter with Albert.”
Count Walnut continued speaking to Rest, who was left speechless by the unexpected bombshell.
“I know it’s improper to bring up another marriage prospect before the wedding has even taken place, but… this is our chance to quietly pacify the Lavender Territory. We can’t afford to let it slip by.”
“I… see…”
At those words, Rest turned his gaze toward Marquis Rosemary. Viola and Primula’s father, the man who would become Rest’s father-in-law, wore a solemn expression and slowly shook his head.
“Give it up”—he didn’t need to say the words aloud for the meaning to be clear.
(Prince Cedric, the third prince, and his supporter Marquis Eiger just staged a rebellion. If the Lavender Margrave were to raise his banner as well, the very foundation of the kingdom would be shaken. Of course they can’t let this opportunity to win him over slip away…)
If successive uprisings broke out, unrest would spread among the people. Even their friendly relations with the great eastern power, the Geizel Empire, might be jeopardized.
“Fortunately, I hear that Urla Lavender is content to be taken as a concubine. You already have several candidates for concubines, don’t you? And any children she bears will be raised by the Lavender family, so there’ll be no succession disputes. There really isn’t anything bad about this arrangement.”
“Yes… you’re right. Nothing bad at all…”
Rest forced out the words with a conflicted expression.
Nothing bad at all.
Yes… nothing at all.
He didn’t dislike Urla. He even found her endearing for how she had warmed up to him. If marrying her could bring stability to the kingdom, then it should be nothing but a good thing.
(But… still. Having the walls of the fortress close in so perfectly like this—it gives me chills…)
It felt like his neck was being slowly constricted by soft cotton. And because that cotton felt gentle and comfortable, if he just surrendered himself to it, he might not notice until it was far too late.
As Rest tried to endure his headache, Marquis Catreya, who had been silent until now, stepped forward.
“If… if having too many wives becomes troublesome for you…”
“Yes?”
“…No, never mind.”
But Marquis Catreya didn’t finish his sentence, retreating instead.
Though he had no direct involvement in this matter, he wore a more bitter expression than anyone else present.
Rest could guess what she had been about to say, but he deliberately looked away.
“Of course, the royal family intends to give the Clover Count’s house its full backing as well. Rest assured, we won’t simply leave everything on your shoulders.”
“…Thank you for your consideration.”
Rest bowed his head at Count Walnut’s reassurance.
“We’ll support you too. You can count on us. And take good care of my daughter.”
“Well then… do your best, Rest.”
“…………”
One by one, Duke Crocus, Marquis Rosemary, and Marquis Catreya each clapped him on the shoulder. Marquis Catreya’s pat was rather strong—his collarbone cried out in protest.
(So now it’s practically settled that I’ll be marrying Viola, Primula, Yuri, Celestine, and Urla…?)
All of them daughters of prestigious families.
And all of them, without exception, stunningly beautiful.
It was as though he had become the protagonist of a harem manga or light novel.
(I’ll have to… make every single one of them happy. No matter what.)
At the very least, five wives. And perhaps more to come.
There would also be the children they would eventually bear.
A growing family was a wonderful thing—the best of things. For Rest, who had never known parental love, it was almost the ideal environment.
(But… it’s heavy. Maybe I’ve been underestimating what responsibility really means…)
The pressure weighed down on him more heavily than when he had been ennobled as a count.
Shaking at the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders, Rest unconsciously clutched the front of his coat tightly.