After being challenged to a duel by Marchioness Eilische Rosemary, Rest headed out to the training grounds in the garden while she changed into more practical attire.
As he waited for Eilische to arrive, he stood with Dieble and looked up at the blue sky, feeling utterly at a loss.
"Um… how exactly did things end up like this?"
"…I can only offer my deepest apologies for the Marchioness's behavior," Dieble replied, his face a mask of profound regret. "The Marchioness is… well, how should I put it? She has an impulsive, straightforward nature. She is the type of person who can only truly communicate through magic and fists."
"So… you mean she’s a muscle-brain?"
"…………Yes." Dieble confirmed the assessment with a look of pure agony.
While Marchioness Eilische Rosemary appeared to be a beautiful noblewoman and a gentle wife on the surface, she was apparently a renowned warrior. She was incredibly powerful, once reportedly single-handedly annihilating a band of assassins targeting the royal family.
"Please do not misunderstand," Dieble added. "It is not that the Marchioness dislikes you or wishes to drive you away, Master Rest. She simply wishes to converse with you through her fists. She harbors absolutely no ill will or malice."
"Malice aside, what about the intent to harm? I’m pretty sure I’ll get hurt if she actually hits me."
"…Her Ladyship is a master of Physical Enhancement Magic and healing magic. While she is said to be poor at long-range spells… in close-quarters combat, she may be stronger than the Marquis. She might even surpass the Knight Commander himself."
"The Knight Commander? You mean Marquis Catreia? You’ve got to be joking."
Marquis Catreia was a legendary figure. Even when Rest lived as a commoner, he had heard the rumors. The Marquis was a hero who had saved the nation multiple times, performing legendary feats in border skirmishes and battles against barbarians.
Marquis Catreia stood at the pinnacle of martial arts, while Marquis Rosemary stood at the pinnacle of magic. Together, they were hailed as the Two Wings supporting the kingdom.
"Um… am I about to be killed?"
"P-Please, rest assured. I am certain she does not intend to fight seriously. She merely wishes to test your mettle, Master Rest…"
"I’ve kept you waiting."
A dignified woman’s voice cut through the air.
Rest turned toward the sound and saw Eilische. She had changed into riding gear—a jacket and trousers that clung tightly to her body, highlighting her voluptuous figure.
" " " ………… " " "
Behind Eilische followed the rest of the household: Viola, Primula, and Albert.
"Rest! Good luck… I’m so sorry it’s come to this!" Viola cried.
"U-Um… please don't get hurt! We’re rooting for you!" Primula added.
The sisters rushed over and clung to him, their expressions a mix of worry and deep guilt.
"…………"
The moment Albert’s eyes met Rest’s, the Marquis immediately looked away. He clearly knew his wife was running wild, and his face was etched with sheepish embarrassment.
"Listen… we asked Mother not to be too cruel," Viola whispered. "But no matter what we say, she won’t listen. Please, just don’t hate her for this…"
"…It’s all right. It’s certainly a surprise, but I don’t find it unpleasant," Rest said, shaking his head to ease Viola’s worries. He gave Primula a reassuring smile as well. "It’s only natural for a mother to be wary of a man approaching her daughters. Besides, this is a good opportunity to see the results of my anti-personnel training with Master Dieble. I’ll do my best to learn from her."
"Rest…"
"Master Rest…"
The two girls looked up at him with shimmering eyes. Touched by his supportive words, they squeezed his arms even tighter.
(Wait, they’re way too close…)
He appreciated the sentiment, but he really wished they wouldn't press against him so much—especially not right in front of their parents. He could feel Albert’s stinging gaze from across the training ground.
"Shall we begin? Girls, step back," Eilische called out.
Viola and Primula reluctantly let go of Rest's arms and retreated.
"Well then… I look forward to the match," Rest said.
"Yes, as do I… I truly hope this doesn't end up being just me amusing myself," Eilische replied.
A captivating smile spread across her beautiful features, but for some reason, the sight of it sent a chill down Rest's spine. He took his stance, putting several meters of distance between them.
(This is my first time fighting someone other than Master Dieble… and my opponent might be stronger than the greatest knight in the kingdom. Why do I always end up facing people so far out of my league?)
This was the second time he had stood in these grounds for a duel. Rest steeled his resolve and raised his fists.
"Now then… begin!" Albert signaled.
"Eh…?"
"First, a single blow."
As soon as the signal was given, Eilische was right in front of him. He was entranced by her slight smile for only a fraction of a second.
"Hmph!"
"What—!"
In the next heartbeat, a devastating punch slammed into Rest's body.