Rest had been challenged to a fight by Irish Rosemary—the Marchioness of Rosemary—and while she went to change into something easier to move in, he headed out ahead of her to the training grounds in the garden.
With Diebl at his side, the two of them waited for Irish to arrive. Rest stared up at the blue sky, looking utterly lost.
"So, um... how did things end up like this again?"
"I... I am terribly sorry, sir."
Rest stood awkwardly in the training grounds, voicing the question that had been weighing on his heart.
Diebl bowed his head with a deeply apologetic expression.
"My lady is, well... how should I put this—would you call it headstrong, or perhaps straightforward? She seems to be the type who can only communicate through fists and magic..."
"So, um... you mean she's a brute?"
"...Yes."
Diebl nodded with a pained look, confirming Rest's assessment.
The Marchioness of Rosemary—Irish Rosemary—on the outside appeared to be a beautiful lady, the very picture of a gentle young noblewoman. In reality, however, she was well known as a hardcore combat enthusiast.
It was said that she had single-handedly wiped out an entire squad of assassins that had targeted the royal family.
"Please don't misunderstand. My lady doesn't dislike you, Lord Rest, nor does she wish to drive you away. She simply wants to exchange blows with you. There is absolutely no malice or ill will involved."
"Ill will aside, what about the harmful intent? If she punches me, I'm pretty sure I'll get hurt."
"My lady is a master of body reinforcement magic and healing magic. She seems to be less skilled at long-range magic, but in close combat, she may be stronger than my lord—or perhaps even the knight commander."
"The knight commander... You mean Marquis Cattleya? You've got to be kidding."
The knight commander, Marquis Cattleya, was extremely famous. Even back when Rest had been living as a commoner, he had heard rumors about him many times.
He was a great man who had performed heroic feats in border skirmishes with neighboring countries and battles against barbarian tribes, saving the kingdom time and again.
Marquis Cattleya stood at the pinnacle of martial strength, and Marquis Rosemary at the pinnacle of magic. Together, the two were referred to as the "Two Wings" that supported the kingdom.
"Um... am I about to be killed?"
"P-Please rest assured. My lady shouldn't be fighting at full strength either. She merely wants to test your abilities, nothing more..."
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
A clear, feminine voice rang out.
Rest turned toward the voice and saw Irish, now changed into what looked like riding clothes.
Clad in a fitted jacket and pants that hugged her body tightly, her voluptuous figure was on full display.
"............"
Behind Irish trailed the members of House Rosemary—Viola, Primula, and Albert.
"R-Rest! Do your best, and I'm so sorry it came to this!"
"U-Um... please don't get hurt! I'm cheering for you!"
The two sisters rushed over and clung to Rest.
They wore expressions of worry... and profound guilt.
"............"
The moment Albert met Rest's gaze, he quickly looked away.
He seemed to be aware that his wife had gone off the rails, and he wore a guilty expression himself.
"Um... I already asked Mother not to do anything too terrible to you. But she won't listen to anything we say. So... please don't hate her."
"It's... fine. Things have gotten out of hand, but I don't hold any ill feelings about it."
Rest shook his head at Viola, whose expression had clouded over.
He also offered Primula a reassuring smile.
"It's only natural to be wary of any man who approaches one's daughters. This is also a good opportunity to confirm the results of your combat training with Mr. Diebl. Please allow me to serve as your sparring partner."
"Rest..."
"Lord Rest..."
The two girls gazed up at him from close by with glistening eyes.
Perhaps they were moved by his supportive words, as they threw their arms around him.
(...They're pretty close, though.)
He didn't mind them staring at him with such emotional eyes, but he wished they wouldn't press up against him so tightly.
Both of their parents were right here.
The gazes of the two—especially Albert, their father—hurt.
"Shall we begin? You two, step back."
Irish called out to Rest and the others.
Viola and Primula reluctantly let go of Rest's arms and moved away.
"Well then... I'll be in your care."
"Yes, and likewise... I do hope this doesn't turn into just my personal amusement."
A smile bloomed on Irish's ethereally beautiful face.
Rest felt an inexplicable chill at the sight of that captivating smile, then took up his position several meters away from Irish.
(This is my first time fighting someone other than Mr. Diebl... and the opponent might be even stronger than the kingdom's greatest knight commander. Why do I keep ending up fighting people way above my level?)
This was his second time facing someone in a duel on these training grounds.
Rest steeled himself and raised his fists toward the marquise.
"Then... begin!"
Albert gave the signal, and the fight commenced.
"Huh...?"
"One hit, first."
The moment the fight began, Irish's beautiful face was right in front of him.
He was momentarily mesmerized by her faintly smiling expression.
"Hmph!"
"Wha—!"
The next instant, a devastatingly powerful fist pierced into Rest's body.