Chapter 49: Returning to My Parent’s House

Thus, Rest and the Rosemary sisters officially became engaged. Though the official unveiling was yet to come, the formal procedures had already been completed. Engagements between nobility and commoners were not straightforward, but Rest, having noble status, made it somewhat easier. Since custody was in the hands of Marquis Rosemary, there was no need to seek approval from the Ebern Viscount family. The engagement procedures concluded smoothly. A grand engagement party was held at the Marquis’ estate, and the three of them received hearty blessings.

Then, after a few days when the excitement had finally subsided, Rest decided to report his enrollment in the academy and engagement with the sisters to his original home, the Ebern Viscount family.

“Is it alright, Rest-kun? I don’t need to accompany you.”

“Yes, it’s fine.”

Before departing, when questioned by his father-in-law, Albert, Rest confidently replied, puffing out his chest.

“I want to settle the final score with that family with my own hands. Even though you’re my father-in-law, I won’t yield!”

“I see… I’ve already sent a preemptive notice. If anything happens, I’ll deal with it, so go ahead and let loose.”

“Yes. Thank you for your consideration.”

Bowing to his strict yet caring father-in-law, Rest then headed to his parents’ house, the Ebern Viscount family, in the Rosemary Marquis family carriage. Although the distance was one he could easily cover on foot, he chose to use the carriage to avoid being looked down upon by the Ebern Honorary Viscount family members.

(Finally, the time has come…)

Swaying in the carriage, Rest immersed himself in his thoughts.

It had been a year since he was taken in by the Rosemary Marquis family. Five years had passed since his mother, due to illness, lost her life, and he became a part of the Ebern Honorary Viscount family. It felt like a considerably long time.

(No, it’s even longer than that.)

The fate with the Ebern Honorary Viscount family started much earlier. It might go back to when Rest was born… no, even further, to the time when his father forcibly impregnated his mother, who was working as a maid.

Today, such a fate would finally reach its conclusion. The current Rest was not a punching bag crying himself to sleep. He had gained enough power and status to not be scorned by them.

(I didn’t necessarily want revenge. Still, the tension is incredible when I think about exposing those guys who trampled over me.)

“We’ve arrived, Rest-sama.”

“Thank you.”

The carriage stopped, and a voice came from the coachman’s seat. Hearing the servant, who until recently addressed him as “san,” now using “sama,” made Rest realize once again that he had become part of the Marquis’s family.

“Haa…”

Rest let out a short breath and then stood up, getting off the carriage.

“W-Welcome!”

It had been a year since Rest visited the Ebern Viscount family estate. Standing in front of the gate, the person with a pasted smile was his father, Lucas Ebern. Probably expecting this, he seemed to have been waiting. He bowed his head with his wife by his side and the servants lined up behind him to greet them.

“Thank you for coming today! To the Rosemary Marquis’s… huh?”

Lucas, who was delivering respectful greetings, seemed to have realized the identity of the person he was bowing to. His face contorted, his eyes widened, and he froze.

(Ah… I guess even I can understand.)

Rest smiled bitterly. Today, Rest was dressed in noble attire, and even his hair was neatly arranged. Although he looked like a different person from when he lived in the stable, it seemed that Lucas had realized that he was his unworthy son.

(In the end, he is my father… how annoying.)

“F-Fool… Why, how could you…!?”

“Greetings, Honorary Viscount Ebern.”

Smirking at the dumbfounded Lucas, Rest spoke with a mischievous smile.

“I came today as a representative of Marquis Rosemary to report. By the way… that ‘fool’ remark just now, was it directed at me?”

“…!”

Lucas turned pale. Even though they were father and son, Rest, standing here in the name of the Rosemary Marquis family, couldn’t be called a fool.

“I-I apologize. Please forgive my indiscretion…”

“W-What’s happening, honey? Who is that person…?”

Lady, Lisa Ebern, asked with a puzzled expression. It seemed that she hadn’t realized that the person they were welcoming was Rest.

“Yes, I’ll forgive you. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“…I appreciate your mercy.”

With a distorted expression of humiliation, Lucas squeezed out the words. His wife remained perplexed.

(It’s a good thing Cedric isn’t here. He would have definitely messed things up.)

Or perhaps, Cedric knew what was going on and chose not to be present. If so, this father might have realized that Cedric was not the ideal son.

(Well, it’s too late for him to realize now. I can’t imagine Cedric reforming and becoming serious.)

“Now, could you guide us inside?”

“…Understood. Please come this way.”

Led by his father, who wore a grim expression, Rest returned to his childhood home, a place with no fond memories.

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