…
"By the way, I've already discussed this with Albert."
Count Walnut continued, speaking to Rest, who had been rendered speechless by the unexpected bombshell.
"I'm sorry to bring up a marriage proposal for you as a son-in-law when you haven't even had your own ceremony yet, but… this is a chance to pacify House Lavender without any trouble. I can't afford to miss it."
"I… see…"
Hearing Count Walnut's words, Rest shifted his gaze to Marquis Rosemary.
Viola and Primula's father, the man who would become Rest's father-in-law, wore a solemn expression and slowly shook his head.
The message came across even without words: "Give it up."
(Third Prince Cedric and his patron, Marquis Eiger, have only just rebelled. If even Margrave Lavender were to raise his flag of revolt, the very foundation of the country would be shaken. Of course, they can't pass up the chance to win him over…)
If civil wars were to break out in quick succession, unease would spread among the people.
Even the relationship with the great eastern empire, the Gaiselle Empire, which is currently on friendly terms, could be strained.
"Fortunately, I hear that Urla Lavender is fine with being a concubine. You already have several candidates for concubines, right? All the children she bears will be taken into House Lavender, so there won't be any succession disputes. I don't see a single downside to this."
"Yeah… there's no downside, I suppose…"
Rest forced out the words with an unreadable expression.
There was no downside.
Yes… none at all.
He didn't dislike Urla. In fact, he found her charming the way she stuck to him.
If his marriage to Urla could stabilize the country, wasn't that all for the best?
(But… that's the thing. It gives me the chills when they so neatly cut off all my options like this…)
He felt as if his neck were being slowly choked with soft cotton.
But just because the soft cotton was comfortable, he felt that if he gave in to it, things might become irreparable.
Rest was enduring a headache when Marquis Cattleya, who had been silent until then, stepped forward.
"If… if you're troubled because you have too many wives…"
"Yes?"
"…………No, it's nothing."
However, Marquis Cattleya retreated without ever finishing what he had begun to say.
Despite having nothing to do with this discussion, Marquis Cattleya wore a more bitter expression than anyone else present.
Rest suspected what Marquis Cattleya had intended to say, but he deliberately said nothing and averted his eyes.
"Of course, the royal family intends to fully support the House of Clover. We won't just dump everything on you, so rest assured."
"……Thank you for your consideration."
Rest bowed his head at Count Walnut's supporting words.
"We'll support you too. Rest assured. And take good care of our daughter."
"Well… do your best, Rest."
"…………"
Duke Crocus, Marquis Rosemary, and Marquis Cattleya took turns patting him on the shoulder.
Marquis Cattleya's pat was quite strong. His collarbone cried out in pain.
(With this, has his marriage to Viola, Primula, Yuri, Celestine, and Urla become almost a certainty…?)
All of them were daughters of distinguished families.
On top of that, they were all exceptionally beautiful girls.
It was as if he had become a harem protagonist from a manga or light novel.
(I have to make them all happy... I absolutely must.)
At least five. Maybe it would even increase from here.
And there were the children they would bear.
Having more family was good. It was the best thing.
For Rest, who had never been blessed with parental love, wasn't this an ideal environment?
(But... it's heavy. Maybe I was underestimating what responsibility means...)
He was overwhelmed by a pressure even greater than when he had been appointed count.
Rest trembled at the weight of the responsibility he carried, and unconsciously gripped the front of his jacket.