"You're sharp... How did you realize it was me?"
Rest blinked in surprise, waiting for her to elaborate.
"When Prince Rodel fell earlier, fragments of ice were left on the classroom floor. Given the circumstances, it was only natural to conclude you were responsible."
"...And what about the incident at the entrance ceremony?"
"That was the same. The skill required to activate magic so quickly without anyone noticing... I felt certain it was the same person who produced the ice on the floor. Based on where the wind barrier appeared to intercept the mud bullet, it had to be one of the students. Since you are someone the Marquis Rosemary House has officially recognized, it isn't hard to imagine you are a mage of exceptional caliber."
"I see..."
Hearing her explanation, the reasoning was quite simple.
"Is it possible... that Prince Rodel noticed as well?"
"No, I don't believe His Highness realized. If he had, he certainly would have confronted you directly by now."
Celestine lowered her gaze slightly, her expression darkening.
"In the first place... he is only interested in people who flatter him and in beautiful women. It is entirely possible he hasn't even registered your face."
"That’s... pathetic."
"He really is the worst."
Viola and Primula wore expressions of utter contempt. Rest noted that the only other time they looked like that was when they were discussing Cedric.
There’s no doubt Prince Rodel is just a high-spec version of Cedric, Rest thought. His level of depravity is even higher, and his political power makes him far more troublesome.
"Honestly, why does the Royal Family give a prince like that a free hand? They should just disinherit him and strip him of his title already!" Viola spat out words that, in any other context, would have been considered treasonous.
If they hadn't been in a private room, Rest would have moved to cover her mouth in a panic.
"I’ve wondered the same thing..." Primula added, her tone less harsh than her sister's but her sentiment just as firm. "His Majesty the King is a virtuous man. I’ve heard that while he rarely seeks the spotlight, he is quite wise. Why hasn't such a King taken any action against Prince Rodel?"
It was a question Rest shared. The current King, though lacking legendary tales of military prowess, was a man who had ruled peacefully and maintained order. Why was he overlooking a powder keg like Rodel?
"Could he be soft on his own family? Perhaps he just can't bring himself to be strict with his own son?" Rest mused.
"No, that isn't it," Celestine replied, addressing their doubts. "His Majesty has a gentle temperament, but he is not so foolish as to overlook the misconduct of his relatives. In truth, I believe he desperately wants to disinherit Prince Rodel."
"He 'wants to'... meaning there are reasons why he can't?"
"Yes. Most regrettably, Prince Rodel has two major sources of backing. Because of them, His Majesty cannot carry out a decisive punishment like disinheritance."
"Two sources of backing?"
Rest glanced at Viola and Primula, but the sisters both shook their heads. They seemed to have no idea either.
"First is the lingering influence of the late Queen Dowager. Prince Rodel was her favorite, and her protection shields him even from beyond the grave."
"The Queen Dowager... I’ve heard she was a woman of immense popularity," Primula said tentatively.
"Yes, very much so... She possessed an almost abnormal level of charisma." Celestine nodded with a bitter expression. "The Queen Dowager—His Majesty’s mother—was incredibly skilled at manipulating the hearts of others. It’s said she captivated nearly every man of our grandfathers' generation. She could win anyone over to her side just by speaking with them for a few moments. She was very fond of Prince Rodel and made her followers promise to protect him after she passed."
Celestine let out a weary sigh before continuing.
"My grandfather was one of those devoted followers. That is the sole reason I was made Prince Rodel's fiancée."
"So, the Queen Dowager's sympathizers are blocking the King from removing him?" Rest asked.
"Exactly. My grandfather has already been forced into retirement and is confined to a house on the edge of our territory, but many others still hold significant power within noble society. They support Prince Rodel and obstruct any attempt by the King to take strict measures."
Winning people over just by talking to them... it sounds like a Charm spell, Rest thought. He had never heard of Charm magic in this world, but it was a fantasy setting; such things weren't outside the realm of possibility.
"And... what is the second source of backing?" Primula asked.
Celestine pointed out the window toward the eastern sky. "Our neighbor and supposed ally to the east—the Geisel Empire."
"The Empire...!"
The three of them widened their eyes in surprise. The Geisel Empire had been a long-time ally of the Aiwood Kingdom, and the two nations had stood together for over a century to face the threat of the Northern Barbarians. Their trade relations were also flourishing.
"Prince Rodel's mother, the Concubine, is from the Imperial family. If the King were to punish Rodel, it could trigger a diplomatic crisis and create severe tension with the Empire."
"B-but... the Empire is a long-standing friend, right? Would they really let the relationship collapse over something like that?" Viola asked timidly.
Celestine shook her head regretfully. "It’s true that the Empire is a long-time ally. However, recently, the political situation in that country has become highly unstable."
"What do you mean?"
"Several individuals with high claims to the throne have died under suspicious circumstances. Consequently, the youngest Imperial prince—who was originally far down the line of succession—is rapidly consolidating power. Furthermore, the inner circle surrounding this prince is composed entirely of extremist nobles who desire war. If the current Emperor were to fall and that prince took the throne..."
"You think they would invade us?"
"The possibility is quite high. Therefore, the King does not want to provoke the Empire by disinheriting Rodel. If it weren't for that threat, His Majesty would have disposed of the Prince long ago."
Rest fell silent. He had wondered why an "idiot prince" was allowed to run rampant, but the political reality was far more complex than he had imagined. If they cut Rodel off, they faced internal rebellion from the Queen Dowager’s followers and external aggression from the Geisel Empire.
Rodel Aiwood was a ticking time bomb of domestic and foreign instability.
"That being said," Celestine continued, "neither His Majesty nor the Duke Crocus House intends to let Prince Rodel have his way forever. Once we have neutralized the Queen Dowager's sympathizers and stabilized our diplomatic relations, we intend to deal with him immediately. Under no circumstances will that man ever be allowed to become King."
"I understand the situation now. But... why are you telling us all of this?" Rest asked. This was sensitive international intelligence. Was it really alright to share it with mere students?
"I have my father's permission. He told me I could speak of it to those I deemed trustworthy." Celestine looked Rest and the Rosemary sisters in the eye. "The Marquis Rosemary House is a distinguished line of mages and currently holds the position of Court Mage Commander. Like the Duke Crocus House, which provides the Prime Minister, you are a pillar of the kingdom that will support the next generation."
"..."
"I believe it is essential for us to exchange information and cooperate closely so that we can protect this country in the years to come. The future of the nation rests upon us."
I suppose that isn't an exaggeration, Rest thought. Assuming everything went as planned, he would eventually marry into the Rosemary family. Holding power meant shouldering these kinds of burdens.
I’ll likely be dealing with Lady Celestine for a long time. It’s definitely better to have her as an ally.
Rest let out a small sigh and caught the eyes of Viola and Primula. Though they remained silent, they both gave him a supportive nod.
"Then we would be happy to accept. Let's work together for the sake of the kingdom's future and our own peace of mind."
"Thank you. If Prince Rodel attempts to trouble you again, please feel free to use my name and the name of the Duke Crocus House. I look forward to working with you."
Celestine extended her hand toward Rest. Despite Viola and Primula being present, she chose to show respect to Rest as the future head of a Marquis House. The sisters nodded approvingly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Rest reached out and shared a firm handshake with Celestine.
"Now then, let us eat. It is already past noon."
Celestine called over the staff to bring out the food. Afterward, Rest and the others enjoyed their lunch at the cafe, though Rest was so preoccupied with everything he had just learned that he hardly noticed the taste.
One thing was certain: the Aiwood Kingdom was facing a turbulent future. But he had also gained a powerful ally to help him navigate the coming storm.