"Marriage...? Wait... why?"
The topic had never even been hinted at before.
While Rest was on reasonably good terms with Celestine, they had never shared the kind of physical closeness he had with Yuri.
"I mean... if His Majesty and Duke Crocus have both agreed, I suppose this is a political marriage?"
"Yes, precisely," Celestine nodded.
As the daughter of a Duke, Celestine was hardly in a position to choose her spouse based on personal whims. If she were to be betrothed to Rest, there had to be a significant political reason behind it.
"You don't seem particularly aware of your own value, Rest, but your existence is becoming a matter of state importance."
"Is it... because of Subnock?"
"Yes. Slaying Subnock, and your victory over Prince Rodel as well. Your overwhelming prowess as a mage has reached a level that the Royal Family can no longer ignore."
He had slain a beast that had gone undefeated for over a century and single-handedly ended a civil war. Rest was undeniably a strategic asset for the next generation. His standing had already surpassed his role as the future head of the Marquis Rosemary House.
"I shouldn't speak of this too loudly... but the truth is, our kingdom is facing several crises."
Celestine adjusted her damp hair, her voice clear and composed.
"Though the internal threats of Prince Rodel and Marquis Eiger have been dealt with, external dangers still loom. The northern tribes have been our enemies for centuries. They launch raids every few years, and we suspect another invasion is coming soon."
"The northern tribes... you mean the sub-humans?"
"Exactly."
Celestine nodded at his confirmation.
The tribes to the north—often dismissed as barbarians—consisted of races like the Ogrekin and the Winged Race. They frequently raided both the Aiwood Kingdom and the Geisel Empire.
"Even the Geisel Empire, our supposed ally against the tribes, has been acting suspiciously of late. Their pro-war faction is gaining ground and pushing back the moderates."
"If the hawks take control, they might turn their sights on us..."
"Yes. That is why the Aiwood Kingdom is secretly expanding its military. You are expected to be our primary strength in the conflicts to come."
Rest was powerful.
While figures like Albert Rosemary, Eilische Rosemary, and the Knight Commander Irjas Catreia might still hold an edge in experience, Rest’s potential far exceeded theirs. To secure the kingdom’s future, it was only natural to bind him to the Royal Family.
"Currently, there is no princess in the Royal Family near your age. As a royal blood relative, I am the most suitable match for you."
"So that’s why you and I are..."
"Indeed. I am truly sorry for dragging you into the Royal Family’s schemes, but..."
"No... I don't mind that, exactly..."
Rest’s gaze drifted downward. Through the shimmering water, he caught a glimpse of her sublime proportions.
Getting married meant... well, it meant he would eventually be intimate with a woman of that caliber.
(I’m not sure about her chest size compared to the others, but the sheer quality of her skin and the curve of her waist... they might even surpass Viola and Primula.)
"Rest?"
"N-no! Sorry!"
The apology escaped him before he could stop it.
He felt like the worst kind of person—lusting after another woman while he already had two fiancées.
(Wait... if Celestine is going to be my fiancée too, then it's technically fine, right?)
Rest shook his head, trying to refocus. "Actually, won't you be the one who has it difficult, Lady Celestine?"
He voiced the question that mattered most.
"I understand why the Royal Family wants this, but it’s not like my engagement to Viola and Primula is being canceled. Are you really okay with a man who already has two other fiancées?"
"I don't see why not."
"You don't?"
"You are kind and considerate, Rest. Compared to Prince Rodel, you are a far superior prospect."
"Rodel..."
The "Idiot Prince" had apparently lowered the bar for men to a subterranean level. Compared to that scoundrel, a kind man with multiple wives evidently looked like a saint.
"The Royal Family will make an official announcement soon. I doubt the decision to make me your fiancée will be overturned."
"......I see."
He still had a lot to process, and his mind was reeling... but if Viola and Primula had already given their blessing, there wasn't much he could say.
"I can't give you an answer right this second... but I'll try to wrap my head around it."
"Please do. And if you truly find the idea repulsive, please say so. I will do my best to persuade the King."
"......"
Rest looked at Celestine's face, but his eyes traitorously slipped back down to her figure. He quickly looked away, his face turning a deep, vivid scarlet.