章 20: Dual Dilemma
After the discussion between the House of Marquis Rosemary and the Honorary Viscount House of Evern concluded, it was decided that the custody of Rest would be entrusted to the House of Marquis Rosemary.
On the way back, inside the marquis's carriage, Albert Rosemary let out a sigh.
"What a disgrace... that man."
"Yes. It was quite unsightly," the butler seated across from him replied to his master's words.
The shameful behavior that Lucas Evern had displayed during the discussion had been more than enough to leave the two of them speechless.
"I knew that he was fixated on his noble status and held commoners in contempt. I also knew that he was particularly obsessed with magical talent. But... I never imagined he treated his own son so cruelly."
Throughout the discussion, Lucas had referred to his biological son, Rest, as "that thing," "a failure," and "trash." Albert, who was known for loving his family and being indulgent with his kin, couldn't help but furrow his brow at such language.
"And yet, he's indulgent with his arrogant son who does have talent. It's exasperating. Honestly, I'd like to dismiss him from his position as a court magician."
"Why not dismiss him then? You have every reason to do so, don't you?"
After all, Lucas's eldest son had taken the marquis's daughters out and put them in danger. No one would criticize Albert for holding Lucas responsible.
"No... Let's hold off on that. If he loses his noble status, it would make it harder to make Rest the fiancé of one of my daughters."
Albert didn't care what happened to the House of Honorary Viscount Evern, but his daughters had taken a liking to Rest. In order to betroth him to one of them, Rest needed to retain his noble status.
"Once Rest graduates from the academy and takes up a court magician position or some other role, it won't be an issue. But until then, it's more convenient if he remains a noble. We could also have him adopted by another house, but that wouldn't be feasible before next year's academy entrance."
Next year, Viola and Primula were due to enroll in the Royal Academy. Albert wanted to arrange an engagement between one of his daughters and Rest before then. Once they were at the academy, many suitors would undoubtedly pursue the sisters. Even without parental bias, they were exceptionally beautiful, had excellent figures, and their lineage was impeccable.
"Next year, that idiot prince will be entering the academy as well. Having Rest as their fiancé could help protect them from him," Albert muttered.
The "idiot prince" referred to Rodel Iwood, the third prince of the royal family. He was a troublesome individual: arrogant, haughty, and a womanizer. However, he wasn't entirely incompetent, as he did possess a talent for magic. He was like a superior version of Cedric, another good-for-nothing, and, unfortunately, he was set to enroll in the academy in the same year as the Rosemary sisters.
"If only he could fail the entrance exam, that would be a relief... But I doubt things will work out so conveniently. He is quite capable, after all. He'll likely pass."
If Rodel enrolled as a classmate, he would undoubtedly try to get involved with Viola and Primula. He had caused problems before. He had flirted with a nobleman's daughter he met at a soirée, leading to a conflict with her fiancé. He had assaulted a young maid working at the royal castle and tried to force himself on her. He had even tried to seduce a princess visiting from a neighboring country as a goodwill envoy and flew into a rage when she spurned his advances.
These incidents had narrowly avoided becoming major scandals, but everyone knew that Rodel was a notorious scoundrel.
"The fiancée of Duke Crocus is also set to enroll in the same year. And with the second prince being two years above them, it's not certain that he'll cause trouble," the butler said.
"Even so, it would be safer for my daughters to have a fiancé," Albert replied.
Having a fiancé would make it harder for the prince to pursue them. If he tried to force his advances and they fought back, he would be the one criticized.
"If Rest successfully passes the entrance exam, we'll proceed with the engagement immediately. The thought of my daughters falling prey to that idiot prince's clutches is unbearable."
"So, for that reason, the Honorary Viscount House of Evern is necessary. I understand," the butler nodded deeply in response to Albert's words.
However, he quickly added, "But... which of the young ladies do you intend to betroth Rest to, if I may ask? Regardless of who you choose, the other won't be satisfied."
"Ugh..." Albert grimaced, knowing the butler had hit a sore spot.
To protect his daughters from the idiot prince, it was best for one of them to have a fiancé, even if it was a temporary arrangement. However, Rest was only one person, and he had two daughters, Viola and Primula. Choosing one would inevitably cause friction with the other.
"Nobles are allowed to have multiple wives. Perhaps it would be best if both of them..."
"No! Absolutely not!" Albert shook his head furiously at the butler's suggestion.
"I understand that Rest is a fine young man with talent in magic, but giving him both of my daughters would be too much! It's out of the question!"
"But if you choose one, the other young lady will surely resent you. Can you bear that, my lord?"
"Ugh..." Albert clutched his chest, imagining the scene where his beloved daughters might say, "I hate you, Father!" The thought was unbearable. It felt like his heart would shatter.
"In a way, if you married both to Rest, you could keep them close to home instead of sending them away," the butler suggested.
"That... might be true, but... still..." Albert hesitated, burying his head in his hands inside the moving carriage.
From that moment until they reached the mansion of the House of Rosemary, Albert continued to groan in anguish, unable to find a solution.
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