Rest had learned of the rewards for the Subnock subjugation from Celestine.
That evening, he sought out Albert Rosemary. The Marquis had finally returned to the manor, snatching a brief respite from his overwhelming duties to speak with him.
"Yes, that’s correct. I’ve given my approval."
They were in Albert’s office. When Rest asked for confirmation regarding the day's revelations, his future father-in-law gave a straightforward answer.
"Following my discussions with His Majesty the King, it has been decided that you will be granted land and a title. The investiture ceremony is scheduled for three days from now."
"Three days... That’s incredibly sudden."
"It’s because our preparations to strike Marquis Eiger are complete," Albert explained. "We will invest you and several others with your titles, then immediately use the momentum to formally announce Marquis Eiger’s rebellion and declare our intent to suppress it."
Albert leaned back, detailing the mobilization plan.
"The Knight Order, the Court Mages, and the nobles of the Royalist Faction are each contributing troops. The Rosemary House is also deploying a magic unit, and I want you, Rest-kun, to lead them from the front lines."
"In command? But... I’ve never done anything like that before."
"Naturally, I’ll provide you with support. Dieble will act as your tactical advisor and handle the actual maneuvering, so I want you to focus purely on your role as a mage."
Albert clasped his hands on his desk, a faint, teasing smile playing on his lips.
"The time has come to put that bottomless well of mana that brought down Subnock to good use. His Majesty is expecting great things from you, you know."
"I... see. My apologies for acting so recklessly."
Rest offered the apology out of formality. While challenging Subnock had been necessary to protect those he loved, he couldn’t deny his own impulsiveness. He worried if his independent actions had caused Albert any undue trouble.
"Don't worry about that. You’re the one who will be suffering for it in the end, after all."
"Suffering?"
"Indeed. The Aiwood Kingdom can no longer afford to leave a strategic asset like you idle. Between the Eiger subjugation, the development of the Subnock Plain, and the ongoing conflict with the Northern Barbarians... you’re going to be swept up in one battle after another from here on out."
"............"
It was the beginning of a life far removed from peace. The sheer weight of the pressure he was about to face finally began to sink in.
From this point forward, Rest would attract far more attention than he ever had as a simple fiancé of the Rosemary house. He would be tested, scrutinized, and perhaps even targeted by those wishing to see him fall.
He was no longer a commoner. As a noble, he had to shoulder the burdens that came with the title.
"The Palace intends to lionize you as a hero to divert the public’s attention from the threats facing our kingdom," Albert continued. "It will be difficult, but this is the duty of a noble—noblesse oblige. As the future husband of the Rosemary House, I expect you to stand firm and face it head-on."
"I understand. If it serves the prosperity of the Rosemary House, I will do it."
"Good. Also... upon your investiture, you will officially become the head of your own house. You’ll be established as a branch family of the Rosemarys, but what name do you intend to take?"
"What do you mean? Is there something wrong with the name Rosemary?"
"It isn't forbidden, per se. However, you’re being granted a third of the newly reclaimed territory. If you used our name, the 'Rosemary' influence would become far too concentrated within the kingdom. Even though it is a branch house, we must present you as a separate entity on paper."
"............"
Rest didn’t quite grasp the political nuances, but he assumed it was a necessary precaution. It was a move to ensure the Rosemary name didn't grow so powerful that it appeared to threaten the Royal Family’s authority.
(I’m slated to inherit the main house eventually anyway, so a name change feels a bit redundant... but I suppose appearances matter.)
There was no practical difference, but in noble society, formalities were everything.
"Pick something suitable. There’s a Peerage Registry in the archives; check it to make sure you don't duplicate an existing name."
"Understood. May I consult with Viola and Primula about this?"
The girls were currently bathing—Viola, Primula, and Yuri all together. It was an enviable domestic scene, though they were out of reach for the moment.
"Of course. Just have it decided by the ceremony."
With the meeting concluded, Rest bowed and prepared to leave the office.
"Rest-kun."
Just as his hand touched the doorknob, Albert spoke up again.
"A commoner scouted by the Rosemarys and hand-picked by the King to be a national hero... the weight on your shoulders likely dwarfs what I felt when I married into this family and became Chief of the Court Mages."
"............"
"Glory and prestige always come with equal parts responsibility. It will be a heavy load, but never forget that you have many allies—myself included."
"Thank you for your kindness. It means a lot."
Rest turned back and bowed once more to his future father-in-law. He might not have been born into a fortunate family, but he was certainly blessed to have found this one. The weight on his shoulders felt just a fraction lighter than it had a few minutes ago.
"Please excuse me."
With a final nod, Rest stepped out of the office.