"How should I put this... You’ve certainly found yourself in quite a situation."
"M-My deepest apologies..."
While the three girls were causing a stir in the bathroom, Rest was making himself as small as possible in the office, having been summoned by his future father-in-law, Albert Rosemary.
Albert sat at the desk before him, his hands clasped. Behind Rest, the butler Dieble stood by the door as if cutting off his only path of escape.
It was an incredibly awkward situation. A wave of inexplicable guilt crashed over him.
(No... the cause is perfectly clear...)
Rest was engaged to Albert’s beloved daughters, Viola and Primula. He was a man who had been granted the hands of two young ladies from the prestigious House of Rosemary.
And yet, he was now on the verge of becoming engaged to Celestine as well, and Yuri had just dropped a marriage proposal on him out of nowhere. There was no way Albert could be pleased about this.
"Ugh..."
"Relax. I’m not particularly angry," Albert said, though his expression remained complex as he looked at the trembling boy.
"I understand that the matter with the Daughter of Duke Crocus isn't something you can refuse. It’s an engagement based on the will of the Royal Family, after all. Since they’ve conceded that either Viola or Primula can serve as the primary wife, we can hardly turn them down now."
"I-I see... I suppose that makes sense?"
"The Daughter of Marquis Catreia was unexpected, but... well, I’ll confirm the details with the Knight Commander myself. Since my wife is already intent on pushing numerous concubines onto you anyway, I won’t be the one to object."
"Thank you...?"
Rest wasn't entirely sure if thanks were in order, but he bowed his head regardless.
"Um... why is your wife being so supportive of this? I’ve never heard of a mother-in-law providing mistresses for her own son-in-law before..."
"Yes, I imagine not," Albert replied with a sigh, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Eilische is... well, she is deeply concerned about the future of this country."
"The future of the country? That seems like a massive weight to put on this..."
"It is. But the problems we face are very real. You know it as well as I do—this nation is currently plagued by internal troubles and external threats."
Internal troubles and external threats.
The "internal troubles" referred to the existence of the tyrant Third Prince Rodel and the Queen Dowager Faction that supported him. The "external threats" were the hostile northern tribes and the Geisel Empire to the east—a supposedly friendly nation that had been acting suspiciously of late.
"Thanks to your efforts, the internal situation is finally beginning to settle. However, the external threats are only growing."
Rest remained silent as Albert continued.
"This hasn't been made public yet, but the northern tribes—the demi-humans—are making suspicious moves. We could be facing a large-scale invasion within a few years."
"......!"
Rest stiffened. The demi-humans were supposed to have been quiet for years. To think they were preparing for war now.
"The only silver lining is that the Empire is also keeping its eyes on the north... likely for the same reasons."
"...Is there going to be a war?"
"Not immediately. That is why the Royal Family is using the Daughter of Duke Crocus to bind you to them. You are a vital piece of our war potential. It’s also why they’re rushing the development of the Subnock Plain."
"......"
"It’s as if a dam has finally burst. And you, Rest, were likely the catalyst for all of it."
"I’m sorry..."
"It’s not something you need to apologize for. Though, in exchange, I’m afraid we’re going to have to keep burdening you."
Albert looked at Rest with something akin to pity. Rest had heard that happiness and misfortune always balanced out, and it seemed that the price for winning the hearts of so many beautiful girls was a crushing amount of responsibility.
"The reason Eilische is so eager to find you concubines is... well, for the same reason. She believes that if you father many children, they will serve as the foundation for the kingdom's future military strength."
"I see..."
Rest didn't agree with every aspect of the plan, but he realized he had no say in the matter.
(Well... as long as Viola and Primula are okay with it, I suppose it’s fine.)
If the two who should have been the most upset by his wandering eye were supportive, who was he to argue? In fact, he was in an incredibly enviable position.
(I really am lucky. I’ve become a noble and I’m getting beautiful wives. I have no right to complain...)
Trying to convince himself of his own good fortune, Rest finally left the office.
Of course, the moment he stepped into the hallway, he was intercepted by Viola and Primula, who immediately began a ruthless interrogation regarding Ulula Lavender—but that was another story entirely.