“Eilische-sama...?”
“Yes. Marchioness Rosemary, mother to both young ladies, is returning. She should be arriving at the estate shortly.”
It happened one morning. Dieble, the butler, had come to Rest’s room to deliver the news.
“Now that you mention it... I’ve never actually seen the lady of the house. Where has she been all this time?”
“The Marchioness was in a neighboring country serving as the Queen’s Attendant. She is a remarkably talented mage herself, and she and Her Majesty have been close friends since their academy days,” Dieble explained.
From what Rest could gather, the true successor of the House of Rosemary was the Marchioness. Marquis Albert was a matrilocal husband who had married into the family. The House of Rosemary was a matrilineal lineage where the probability of female heirs being born was overwhelmingly high. Consequently, they had maintained their status by taking in sons-in-law for generations.
“The House of Rosemary is a prestigious lineage of mages. We have thrived by scouting magical talent from the outside to marry into the family. It is also a hallmark of our house that we produce exceptionally beautiful women.”
“........”
Rest felt a twinge of unease. The way Dieble emphasized "magical talent" felt pointed, as if he were hinting at something specific regarding Rest’s own situation.
“Anyway... I should probably go greet her, right? The Marchioness, I mean.”
“Of course. I have already informed her about you via letter, Rest-dono. She seemed quite intrigued and expressed a strong desire to meet you.”
“I see... Well, I suppose that makes sense.”
A daughter of marriageable age had brought a strange man home. As a mother, she was bound to be curious—or perhaps suspicious—about what sort of person he was.
“I understand. I’ll go pay my respects. I’m not entirely sure of the proper etiquette for greeting a high-ranking noblewoman, though...”
“Don't worry. The Marchioness is a generous soul and rarely fusses over strict formalities. Oh, speak of the devil.”
Dieble turned his gaze toward the window. Rest followed his look and saw a magnificent carriage pulling up in front of the manor. It was drawn by two white horses, and the Marquis Rosemary House Crest was proudly engraved on the side of the vehicle.
“The Marchioness has returned. Let’s get you into these clothes and go out to meet her.”
“Understood.”
Rest slipped into the butler uniform Dieble provided and checked his reflection in the full-length mirror to ensure he looked presentable. The reason he wore a butler uniform was for the sake of appearances; officially, he was staying at the estate as an apprentice servant.
Once he had finished changing, Rest headed to the entrance hall. He arrived just as the Marchioness was stepping through the front door.
The woman was clad in a spring-green dress, her wavy golden hair cascading down her back. Her features were strikingly youthful, and her figure remained vibrant and firm despite her age.
(That’s their mother? No matter how I look at her, she doesn’t look a day over twenty!)
Eilische Rosemary looked remarkably like her daughters. Rather than their mother, she looked more like an older sister or a slightly older relative.
“Mother, welcome back!”
“We’re so glad you’re home, Mother. I hope your travels weren't too taxing.”
Viola and Primula, who had arrived in the hall ahead of Rest, rushed to greet her. Eilische’s expression lit up at the sight of them, and she pulled both girls into a tight embrace.
“I’m home, my lovely daughters! You both look so well. Oh, I missed you!”
“I’m just glad to see that you’re healthy, Mother.”
“How was the neighboring country? I heard it was terribly cold there.”
“Oh, it was awful. It’s already snowing over there. I never imagined I’d have to wear a heavy coat this early in the season.”
The trio shared a warm, peaceful moment. Albert Rosemary, the husband and father, eventually approached the similar-looking group.
“Eilische, welcome home. I’m glad you’re back safe and sound.”
“Yes... I read your letters, dear. It seems things have become quite interesting while I was away.”
Eilische offered her husband a smile before her gaze slid past him. Her eyes, sharp and searching, eventually locked onto the boy standing in a butler uniform next to Dieble.
“...So, that’s him.”
“Ah, Mother! Let us introduce you! This is him!” Viola chirped.
“This is Rest-sama. He is the one who saved our lives. We’ve invited him to live here at the estate,” Primula added.
“Hehe... To think you two would actually bring a man home. I suppose you’ve finally reached that age.”
Eilische straightened her posture and walked toward him. Rest gave a nervous bow.
“I-I’m Rest! Your daughters have been very kind to me!”
“Yes, it’s a pleasure to meet you. And thank you for saving my girls. You have my gratitude.”
“Y-Yes, ma'am!”
Eilische’s tone was mild, and she seemed to exude a welcoming aura.
(She doesn't seem like she's going to say "I won't let you near my daughters" or anything like that.)
Rest felt a wave of relief wash over him—but it was short-lived. Eilische’s next words left him completely stunned.
“Well then, I’m going to go change. Meet me outside in a moment.”
“Huh...?”
“Let’s have a little fight, shall we? I’m going to beat you to a pulp, so you’d best be ready.”
As Eilische made the declaration while clenching a determined fist, Rest’s face cramped in sheer bewilderment.