The Count Valery territory was one of the Aiwood Kingdom’s most prominent breadbaskets, renowned for its vast wheat production. The harvest there accounted for fifteen percent of the kingdom’s total demand, making it an essential storehouse for the nation’s food supply.
In a corner of those sprawling fields, several monsters had taken up residence. They closely resembled monkeys, roughly the size of chimpanzees, but their fur was a fiery, burning red. Embers dripped from their mouths like glowing saliva, marking them as more than mere wild animals.
"Gyak-gyak!"
"Gyak!"
"Gyaaah!"
The monkey-like creatures tore at the crops, gnawing through the wheat and moving on to the next stalk in a never-ending cycle. They were ravenous beasts driven by an unquenchable hunger. If left unchecked, they threatened to strip the land bare.
"I see... the Student Council Executive Committee. That brings back memories."
Gazing at the monsters from a distance, a man spoke with a touch of nostalgia.
"I was a member of the Executive Committee during my own student days. To tell you the truth, that’s where I met my wife."
The one speaking with a wry expression was Albert Rosemary, the Head of the Marquis Rosemary House and the Court Mage Captain. He kept his body low, hiding in the tall grass and speaking in a hushed tone.
"Is that so? I hadn't heard that before," Rest replied, sounding slightly surprised as he followed suit.
For some reason, the two were currently lying in wait within the thickets, watching the monsters ravaging the fields while they conversed. Their topic was the event from a few days prior—the invitation from the Second Prince, Andrew, for Rest to join the Student Council Executive Committee.
Rest’s fiancées, Viola and Primula, had left the final decision to him. However, Rest found himself torn. Needing a second opinion, he had turned to Albert, his future father-in-law.
It wasn't that he was opposed to joining. He saw the potential benefits, but he also saw the drawbacks. In particular, he worried about the political implications; he wasn't sure if becoming too close to the Second Prince would negatively impact the Rosemary family.
No matter how much the sisters loved him, Rest was still just a commoner slated to marry into their house. He didn't want to cause trouble for the family. Since the sisters refused to say anything that might restrict his actions, he decided to seek the judgment of a senior who had navigated the same path.
Until about a year ago, Rest and Albert had shared a delicate relationship. Albert had been understandably protective of his two prized daughters and had occasionally shown hostility toward Rest. Recently, however, he had come to terms with the arrangement, realizing that if they both married Rest, he wouldn't have to watch his daughters leave for other houses. Now, he occasionally offered advice as a senior matrilocal husband.
"Yes... the Student Council President at the time was the current Duke Crocus. I joined the committee after he invited me—he was two years my senior. My wife, who was a year above me, was also a member. She worked me quite hard back then..."
"I-I see..."
Rest wore a strained smile as he imagined Albert’s wife, Eilische. Her "muscle-brained" personality made it difficult to believe she was a refined Marchioness.
"Well, I caught her eye there, and that led to me marrying into the family, so it’s not all bad memories. For a young man with no inheritance to look forward to, it was a stroke of luck beyond my station."
"I understand. Still, wasn't the Executive Committee work difficult? I imagine you'd end up being resented by the other students."
"I won't say there aren't downsides like that. However, I was able to build a close relationship with Duke Crocus, and thanks to my record on the committee, my promotions came quickly. In my case, the merits outweighed the risks. Though, of course, I don't expect your situation to be exactly the same."
"..."
"In your case, the primary benefit is the connection with His Highness Prince Andrew. He likely won't ascend the throne, but when he eventually takes a secular title, he’ll be granted the rank of Duke at the very least. There’s a chance he might marry into a foreign royal family, but given the current climate, that's unlikely. There aren't many domestic noble houses with vacancies and daughters of the right age, either. If my own daughters didn't have a fiancé, he might have been a candidate for our house."
Albert shrugged with a wry smile, his eyes never leaving the monsters.
"If you're hesitating over whether to join... well, why not give it a try? Personally, I think it’s a good move."
"Are you sure? I was worried that if I acted too boldly, it might reflect poorly on the Rosemary family."
"Do you really think my wife would care about that? You’re worrying over nothing!" Albert laughed off Rest’s concern. "If it were Eilische, she’d undoubtedly tell you to just 'kill them' if they gave you trouble. Executive Committee members are often resented, but if they do their jobs well, the virtuous students rely on them. Besides, you entered the academy through the commoner category. There will always be those who question your marriage into our house. Some might even try to sabotage you to get to my daughters. If you join the committee and distinguish yourself, it will change how everyone sees you."
"I see... I hadn't considered that perspective."
Rest had certainly noticed the glares from some of the boys who envied his relationship with the Rosemary sisters. He had dismissed it as simple jealousy, but there was likely a layer of distrust toward a low-born commoner marrying into a high-ranking Marquis house.
"Joining the Student Council means the world will view you as part of Prince Andrew’s faction. People won't be so quick to make an enemy of you."
"Part of Prince Andrew's faction... but won't that make Crown Prince Richard look unfavorably on me?"
"The two princes share the same mother and are on excellent terms, so there's no need to worry. If they were closer in age and their support bases were balanced, the factional infighting would be fierce. But since Prince Richard is already the confirmed successor, Andrew's faction is viewed as little more than a 'friend group.' It lacks the political weight to be a threat. Don't worry about the politics... Ah, it looks like they’re ready."
A plume of white smoke rose from a distance. The teams moving into position separately had completed their preparations.
"Well then, Rest. It's time to work."
"Yes, My Lord."
Rest and Albert stood up from the brush. Other mages who had been hiding nearby also emerged.
"It's a monster hunt! Let's clear out this swarm of vermin!"
"Yes, sir!"
As Albert gave the order, Rest immediately began channeling his mana. To minimize the collateral damage to the crops, he opted for water magic.
"Water Cutter!"
"Gya-gyak!?"
The high-pressure blade of water sliced through the air, striking the neck of a monkey monster in the middle of a meal. Purple fluid sprayed across the field as the creature's head was sent spinning into the air.