After Rest left Third Prince Rodel unconscious, the entire group—including the student who had been set ablaze—was rushed to the infirmary.
The Academy Physician at the Academy, where dangerous magic is a routine part of the curriculum, was exceptionally skilled. Rumor had it that as long as a patient’s head was still attached, any injury could be healed. Fortunately, Rodel’s gang and the victim were all expected to return to their daily lives without any permanent disabilities.
Afterward.
Despite the attempted murder that had occurred during lunch break, afternoon classes in Class A proceeded as if nothing had happened. The only departure from the norm was when their homeroom teacher, Ms. Carder, gathered the students to issue a warning.
"An assault incident occurred in Class D during the lunch break," she announced. "As you all likely know, attacking others with magic outside of lessons is a violation of the Academy Rules. Exercise extreme caution."
Strictly speaking, Rest’s intervention was also a violation of those rules. However, given that it was an emergency and Rodel was clearly the aggressor, he likely wouldn't have faced any penalty even if he had come forward.
Rest didn't know what had become of Rodel since the incident. The Prince was likely being detained by the faculty, but Rest privately hoped the boy would simply vanish from the Academy for good.
On the carriage ride home, Rest recounted the day's events to Viola and Primula.
"To think such a thing happened while we were at our tea party..." Viola murmured, her expression darkening.
"To actually attack someone with magic... Prince Rodel is even more foolish than I imagined," Primula added. Both sisters grimaced in shared disgust.
"If possible, I would like him to take responsibility and withdraw from the Academy," Primula continued. "Everyone would be at ease then, but..."
"It probably won't turn out that way," Viola interrupted, shaking her head with a somber look. "I suspect it will end with nothing more than a suspension."
Rest turned his gaze toward Viola. "Why? A Class D student nearly died. Surely that is grounds for expulsion?"
"I actually spoke to Father about it after hearing what Lady Celestine had to say," Viola explained with a scowl. "We discussed the Idiot Prince's backers—Her Majesty the Queen Dowager and the Prince's mother, the Concubine. From what I’ve gathered, the situation is far more delicate than I realized."
Viola went on to explain the political reality of the Queen Dowager Faction. Even without their figurehead, they remained formidable and still wielded significant influence within the Kingdom. Since several of the Directors involved in the Academy’s operations were members of that faction, not even the Academy Director could expel Rodel on his own authority.
Furthermore, the current head of a certain Margrave House responsible for border security was a die-hard sympathizer of the late Queen Dowager. If Rodel were punished and it incurred that man’s wrath, the nation’s very defense could be jeopardized.
"Our country is decentralized, and the nobility holds great power," Viola continued. "That system was established as a reaction to a past tyrant king who oppressed the people, but the flip side is that even His Majesty the King cannot punish his own kin without the consent of the nobles. As long as the Queen Dowager Faction remains active, kicking the Idiot Prince out of the Academy will be difficult."
"Then we should just... no, never mind."
"Then we should just get rid of him"... the words almost escaped Rest’s lips before he swallowed them down.
From this point on, it was clearly not something that Rest—who was merely a student and the prospective matrilocal husband of a Marquis House—should say aloud. Even if Rodel’s existence was a plague on everyone around him, the decision to end it rested with someone else.
I really wish these disposable villains would just go away, he thought. I’ve already had my fill with Cedric and Celery Boy.
"Regardless, it’s best to stay away from Prince Rodel," Rest told the sisters firmly. "Please, both of you, be careful."
He looked them in the eyes, his voice dropping an octave. "I’m serious. If that man ever harms either of you, I won't be able to contain myself."
"Rest..."
"Master Rest..."
The Rosemary sisters’ eyes brimmed with tears as they reached for his hands. In perfect symmetry, they guided his palms to their cheeks, their eyes narrowing with deep affection. Despite their opposite personalities, their mannerisms were identical in moments like these.
I have to protect them, no matter what.
Even if it meant ruining his own future. Rest renewed his silent vow, committing the warmth of their skin to memory.