Chapter 338: The Mindset of the Powerful

“What can I say… he’s a man who inspires a certain peace of mind.”

Wavering under the explosive burden that had just been dropped on him, Rest returned to Viola and Primula. Watching his back—looking smaller than usual—Count Walnut murmured in admiration.

Alongside him were Marquis Rosemary, Marquis Catreya, and Duke Crocus. All were key figures of the moderate faction supporting the king—trusted retainers of the royal house.

“It must have something to do with his commoner origins. Despite his power and position, he remains humble and earnest… I wish some of our ambitious nobles would drink a dose of his humility.”

For better or worse, Rest was not like a typical noble. Born as the illegitimate son of a viscount, he had lived as a commoner for a time. That background surely played a part.

And yet—whether he liked it or not—Rest stood out. An exceptional magician, the lucky young man who had won the favour of the two beautiful Rosemary sisters. Since enrolling at the academy, he had been on an unstoppable streak: defeating the monster Sabnock, which no one had slain since the kingdom’s founding; subduing the rebel Rodel Iwood; clearing monsters from the plains while pioneering new lands. On top of that, not only the Rosemary sisters but also Yuri Catreya, Celestine Crocus, and Urla Lavender—all daughters of noble houses—gathered around him.

It was enough to leave one not just impressed, but speechless at what kind of destiny surrounded him.

“He possesses the power to accomplish what no one else can, and the love of noble maidens… yet he never seems arrogant. Does he not even realize he could, if he wished, rival the royal house itself?”

Rest’s influence was enormous. With Rosemary, Catreya, Crocus, and Lavender all on his side, he could easily maneuver himself to rival the crown. And coupled with his overwhelming magic talent, another noble would already have been consumed by ambition.

“He is level-headed and knows his place, my lord.” 

Said Marquis Rosemary.

No one knew better than he—Rest’s father-in-law—that the boy harbored no ambition.

“Whether by birth or upbringing, I cannot say, but he is without greed. Even with beauties like my daughters at his side, he has yet to lay a hand on them and still guards his chastity. Such a man will not dream of overthrowing the state.”

“Hmph… perhaps it is precisely that lack of desire which draws your daughters to him.”

Noble heirs, especially those blessed with talent or lineage, often grew arrogant. Rest’s half-brother Cedric Evern had been a prodigy in magic, yet sadistic and selfish. The Third Prince, Rodel Iwood, too, had been gifted, yet destroyed himself, devoured by his own lusts.

Rest, by contrast, was talented yet humble, decent in character, never boastful or domineering, and always respectful to women. That, perhaps, was why so many noble girls were drawn to him.

“Well, as he is now, he surely holds no ill will toward the royal family. That is a relief, for now.”

“But… the future is uncertain.”

Marquis Catreya’s grave voice cast a shadow.

“A gentle king’s child may turn tyrant. His children or grandchildren might yet harbor ambition.”

“Indeed… that much cannot be denied. Which is why we must prepare for the future.”

Taking his counsel, Count Walnut turned to Duke Crocus. The duke nodded and gave his opinion.

“First, we must bring his blood into the royal line. His children—preferably a daughter—should marry into the royal family. The crown prince’s child, or perhaps the king two generations from now, could take her as queen.”

If they became kin, then Rest’s descendants would have no reason to bare their fangs. Without the stigma of betrayal, prosperity would already be promised to them as in-laws of the crown.

“And we must see that he sires many children. By dividing his lands and fortune among many heirs, his power will be dispersed.”

“Children of his blood will surely be strong magicians. Just as my wife intended, it will also strengthen the kingdom’s might…” 

Said Marquis Rosemary, picking up the thought.

His wife, Eilish, had already been selecting candidates for Rest’s concubines, intent on building him a proper harem.

“The Geizel Empire shows signs of political turmoil, and the northern tribes stir uneasily… His blood and power will be a great boon to the future of the Iwood Kingdom.”

“Then it’s settled. Still, to think he even solved the Lavender frontier family’s problem… after his son’s disgrace, I can hardly sleep soundly without gratitude to him.” 

Said Count Walnut with a sigh of relief.

The Lavender Family—once a potential rival faction—had been a thorn in his side. He never thought Rest would resolve even that.

“But the current margrave there is likely…”

“It matters not.”

Marquis Catreya began to object, but Count Walnut shook his head firmly.

“Even if it is false, it does not matter. What matters is protecting the kingdom and its people, not upholding law or justice.”

“As you will. I spoke out of turn.” 

Catreya conceded.

Everyone present had already guessed, at least vaguely, that the current Lavender Marquis was an impostor. And they could even guess what became of the real one.

But if it served national interest, it was not a problem. They would not stir the hornet’s nest and risk losing their good fortune.

“In the future, we shall have Count Clover work even harder. For that, we should arrange a meeting with the crown prince soon.”

“They will be king and vassal of the next era, after all. Why not arrange a meal between their heirs?”

“Yes… let us do that.”

Deeply nodding at Duke Crocus’s words, Count Walnut began to ponder what next month’s schedule looked like.

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