Chapter 65: Became Friends with the Duke’s Daughter

“You’re sharp… How did you notice?”

Surprised, Rest blinked and sought an explanation.

“When Prince Rodel fell earlier, there were ice fragments on the classroom floor. Considering the situation, it’s only natural to assume you did it.”

“…What about the incident during the entrance ceremony?”

“The same. The skill to quickly cast magic without being noticed by those around… I felt it was the same person who created ice on the floor. Since a wind barrier appeared at the spot where the mud was about to hit, it had to be someone using magic. Given that you’re approved by Marquis Rosemary, it’s not hard to imagine you’re an excellent mage.”

“I see…”

Listening to the explanation, Rest found the reason quite simple.

“Could it be… Prince Rodel is aware of it too?”

“No, I don’t think he noticed. If he did, he would have undoubtedly confronted you directly.”

Celestine glanced down slightly, her expression turning dark.

“Besides, he’s only interested in people who flatter him and beautiful women. He might not even recognize your face.”

“…Despicable.”

“…Indeed.”

Viola and Primula wore faces of complete disdain. They usually made such expressions only when talking about Cedric.

(Prince Rodel is undoubtedly an upgraded version of Cedric. It feels like his scumbag level has increased, and with power comes more trouble…)

“Why does the royal family let such a prince run rampant? They should just disinherit him and make him a commoner already!”

Viola spoke words that could be interpreted as disrespectful. If this were not a private room, Rest would have hurriedly covered her mouth.

“I’ve thought the same… the king is said to be a kind person, although he rarely stands in the limelight, he is known for his wisdom. Why doesn’t he take any action against Prince Rodel…?”

Primula, though not as outspoken as her sister, echoed similar sentiments. It was something Rest had been pondering as well.

The current king was known for his gentle temperament, and even though he didn’t have tales of valor in battle, he ruled the country peacefully. Then why was he letting the spark named Rodel slip by?

“Could it be that he’s lenient with family members? Unable to be strict because he’s his own son…?”

“No, that’s not the case.”

Celestine answered the trio’s questions.

“The king has a gentle disposition, but that doesn’t mean he turns a blind eye to family scandals. In Prince Rodel’s case, the king likely wants to disinherit him, but unfortunately, there are two backers supporting Prince Rodel. That’s why the king cannot make a decisive decision like disinheritance.”

“Two backers…?”

Rest glanced at Viola and Primula, but both shook their heads. Apparently, they were also in the dark.

“First is the influence of the Queen Dowager. Prince Rodel is still enjoying the favor of the late Queen Dowager, even after her passing, and it continues to protect him.”

“Queen Dowager… I’ve heard she was a highly respected figure…”

“Yes, very… extraordinarily charismatic. The late Queen Dowager had an exceptional ability to captivate men of our grandfather’s generation. With just a few words, she could win over any man she spoke to. She was fond of Prince Rodel and had asked her male admirers to protect him after her death.”

Celestine sighed with a hint of sadness, continuing her story.

“My grandfather was one of the Queen Dowager’s admirers. That’s why I became Prince Rodel’s fiancée.”

“So, the Queen Dowager’s sympathizers are interfering, preventing the king from getting rid of Prince Rodel…?”

“Yes, that’s right. My grandfather is already retired and living in seclusion on the outskirts of his territory. However, he still wields considerable influence in the noble society. Those who support Prince Rodel are also numerous and powerful. They hinder the king from taking strict measures.”

“Just a few words can win over allies, huh… It’s like enchantment magic.”

Although Rest had never heard of enchantment magic, this was a fantasy world, and the existence of such things wouldn’t be strange.

“What’s the other support?”

Primula asked, and Celestine pointed outside the window—toward the eastern sky.

“Our friendly neighbor, the Geisel Empire.”

“…!”

The Geisel Empire.

At the mention of those words, the three were wide-eyed with surprise.

The Geisel Empire had long been a friendly nation of the Iwood Kingdom. They had cooperated against the northern barbarians, forming an alliance against common threats.

“Prince Rodel’s mother, the queen consort is from the empire. If any drastic action were taken against Prince Rodel, it could strain relations with the empire.”

“B-but… they’ve been friends for so many years? Breaking the alliance over something like this…”

Viola timidly expressed her thoughts, but Celestine shook her head regrettably.

“Indeed, the empire has been a long-standing ally. However, lately, the situation in that country has been suspicious.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Several individuals in line for the throne have died under suspicious circumstances, and a low-ranking prince who should have had a low succession rank is rapidly gaining power. Moreover, the supporters surrounding that prince are all extremists who desire war. If the current emperor falls, and that prince becomes the successor…”

“…Are you saying they might invade our country?”

“That possibility exists… That’s why, to avoid stirring tensions with the empire, the king refrains from disinheriting Prince Rodel. Otherwise, the king would have taken decisive action against him long ago.”

“…”

Rest fell silent.

Rest had wondered why such a foolish prince was allowed to roam freely. But now he understood there were circumstances involved. If they were to cut ties with Rodel, the Queen Dowager’s followers within the country wouldn’t stay silent. Moreover, it could turn the Geisel Empire, located outside the country, into an enemy.

A significant bombshell that could bring internal and external troubles—such was the person named Rodel Iwood.

“However… the king and Duke Crocus’ family don’t intend to let Prince Rodel continue his whims forever. Once the followers of the Queen Dowager within the country are eliminated, and diplomatic relations settle, they plan to take strict measures against Prince Rodel immediately… Under no circumstances would that person become the king.”

“…I understand the story. But why did you tell us this?”

It was a somewhat complicated international situation.

Was it appropriate to tell students like Rest about it?

“I have my father’s permission. He said it’s fine to talk to someone reliable.”

Celestine looked at Rest and the Rosemary sisters in turn.

“Marquis Rosemary is a renowned magic family and the current Chief Court Mage. Like the Crocus Duke Family, which serves as the prime minister, Rosemary Marquis is a pillar supporting the kingdom in the upcoming generations.”

“…”

“By exchanging information and working closely together, we hope to protect the future of this country. The fate of the nation rests on us.”

“…It’s not like it’s too exaggerated, is it?”

Rest, who was supposed to become the son-in-law of the Rosemary Marquis family, fell silent. Holding such a position of power came with various troublesome responsibilities.

“I’ll be relying on Celestine-san for a while. It’s better to have you as an ally…”

Rest sighed softly and gave a subtle signal to Viola and Primula.

Both nodded in agreement, though silently.

“Yes, I’m delighted as well. Let’s cooperate for the future of the kingdom and our peace of mind.”

“Thank you. If Prince Rodel ever threatens you, feel free to mention my name and the Crocus Duke Family. I look forward to working with you from now on…”

Celestine extended her hand to Rest.

Despite Viola and Primula being present, it seemed she was focusing on the future duke. The sisters nodded approvingly.

Rest extended his right hand, then Celestine and he shook hands firmly.

“Now, let’s have our meal. It’s already past lunchtime.”

Celestine called the waiter, and the dishes were brought to the table. Although Rest and the others enjoyed lunch at the café restaurant, their minds were preoccupied, making it difficult to fully appreciate the taste.

What was certain was that the future of the Iwood Kingdom was laden with various difficulties. However, they had gained a strong ally to face the troublesome future that lay ahead.

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