The tragedy at the Royal Academy’s Monster Hunting Festival forced the school to close its doors for the time being.
The casualty count among the students was unprecedented, and even the faculty and Student Council members who had rushed to their aid suffered losses. Although there were almost no participants from the first-year class, some students had lost relatives or upperclassmen they had been close to.
With classes suspended for at least a month, the upcoming final exams were scrapped entirely.
"Honestly, what a mess... I never dreamed it would turn out this horribly," Viola muttered, her voice heavy.
"Truly... I'm just so thankful you weren't hurt, Rest-sama," Primula added, her eyes shimmering with lingering worry.
The sisters sat on a sofa in the lounge of the Marquis Rosemary Townhouse in the Royal Capital, their identical faces clouded with gloom. Rest sat between them, sharing their sentiment.
"You're right. I'm just glad you two are safe as well."
During the festival, Rest had been on the front lines with the rescue team, while the Rosemary sisters had handled administrative chores in a tent at the rear. He only learned later that when Subnock triggered the stampede, the two of them had nearly charged out onto the plains to find him. If Celestine Crocus and their father, Albert Rosemary, hadn't intervened, they would have likely put themselves in grave danger.
"Please, I’m begging you—no more dangerous stunts like that!" Viola pleaded.
"She's right! You're the future son-in-law of the Marquis Rosemary House, Rest-sama!" Primula chimed in.
"Yes... I'll be more careful," Rest replied, his head hanging low.
When he had reported slaying Subnock, the Master of the Magical Wilds, the sisters had been stunned—but that surprise was quickly followed by a blistering lecture. To them, facing a beast capable of annihilating an army single-handedly was nothing short of a suicide mission. They had scolded him, blamed him, slapped him, and eventually dissolved into tears, demanding to know why he would be so reckless. Rest could only reflect on his choices in silence. He had endured their rebukes and spent the last few hours doing nothing but apologizing.
"Hmph... if such a grand event was going to take place, I should have participated too!" a fourth voice cut in.
It was Yuri Catreia, their classmate and friend, sounding genuinely frustrated.
"Wait—don't look at me like that. I'm not saying the deaths were 'interesting.' I just mean that I could have been of some use!"
"I know," Rest said. "Though if you had actually been there, the Knight Commander probably would have had a heart attack."
Yuri was the daughter of the Knight Commander, Irjas Catreia. As the only girl among a flock of older brothers, she was suffocated by her father's doting affection. She had run away from home specifically to escape that blind, obsessive love and attend the Academy. She was currently staying at the Marquis Rosemary Townhouse because the student dormitory had been shuttered following the disaster.
"I only skipped the festival because I heard my father would be there as a guest," Yuri explained. "But to think a riot like that would break out... Rest, you actually fought the Master of the Magical Wilds? Was it really that strong?"
"Incredibly. Honestly, it's a miracle I'm still alive."
Subnock had lived up to its title. Even its kin, the Corrosion Beasts, were formidable, and without Lyubase's assistance, things might have ended poorly. Rest felt less pride in achieving a feat unmatched since the kingdom's founding and more simple relief that he had survived.
"Once word spreads that Rest defeated the Master of the Magical Wilds, he'll become a hero overnight," Viola said, her chest swelling slightly. "As your fiancée, it makes me quite proud."
"He is indeed incredible... but please, truly, no more of that, okay?" Primula reminded him gently.
"I get it. I'm sorry."
Yuri tapped her chin thoughtfully. "So, has the Royal Family mentioned a reward for the Subnock subjugation? You've achieved the impossible. A mere medal or some reward money wouldn't be nearly enough, would it?"
"About that..."
Just as Rest was about to answer, a knock at the door interrupted him.
"Pardon me, my lady. The Daughter of Duke Crocus has arrived."
"Show her in," Viola directed.
The maid withdrew for a moment and then returned with a new guest.
"Gokigenyou. It seems everyone is gathered here."
Celestine Crocus, the daughter of the Prime Minister, entered the room. She offered a perfect curtsy, her fingers daintily pinching the fabric of her skirt. She gave a serene smile.
"As per the notice I sent ahead... I have come today to speak with Rest-sama. It concerns the royal reward for the Subnock subjugation."