The guidance session for the new students concluded without any particular incident.
There was no accident like Third Prince Rodele barging in halfway through, and they received explanations regarding precautions for their upcoming student life and how to select their courses.
The Royal Academy, like a university, allowed students to choose their classes. This meant that outside of mandatory courses, they could attend lectures with students from other classes or even other departments.
That, in other words… meant there was a possibility they would be sharing a desk with Rodele and his entourage during class.
(Luckily, Viola and Primula weren't in their seats this time… but if they are here, I have to make sure we don't get involved with him.)
Rest swore to himself that he would align his classes with the sisters as much as possible.
Neither Viola nor Primula would refuse, and he wanted to avoid a situation where Rodele bothered them while he wasn't there.
"It looks like we can head home already. Let's go, Rest, Primula."
"Yeah, let's go home."
"Yes, let's head out."
With the guidance over, Rest and the Rosemary sisters stood up from their seats.
It was still before noon, but today, this marked the start of their after-school time.
"Why don't we grab a bite to eat somewhere on the way back?"
"Yes. My sister and I were thinking the same thing."
"I told the chef at home not to prepare lunch, so we don't need that. Let's look for a café instead."
Viola smiled brightly, then steered the conversation toward their new acquaintance.
"Yuri, how about you join us? Shall we have a little get-together?"
"Ah, I'm happy you asked… but unfortunately, I already have plans."
Yuri, who was invited, looked downcast and spoke with regret.
「I have plans to have a meal with my uncle and aunt from here. I'd be happy if you invited me again sometime.」
"Oh... well, that can't be helped then. Maybe next time."
"Yeah. Rest and Primula, see you later."
"Yeah, see you."
"Yes, goodbye."
Yuri left the classroom first.
Rest and the Rosemary sisters exited the classroom a little later.
The three of them headed out of the academy together. However, just as they left the school building, another student called out to them.
"Excuse me, everyone? Could I have a moment?"
When they turned toward the voice, there stood a female student who had only just become their classmate.
"Lady Celestine?"
Viola's eyes widened slightly.
It was Celestine Crocus — the young lady of House Crocus, and Rodele's fiancée.
"I wanted to thank you for earlier... if it's alright, could you spare me some time now?"
"Um... thank me? If anything, I'm the one who was helped..."
"Then consider it an apology. My fiancé seems to have caused you all trouble."
Celestine glanced meaningfully up at the school building and let out a sigh.
"His Highness Rodele has gone to speak directly with the academy headmaster. He's not satisfied with being placed in D-Class... I'm sorry, but I've decided to leave it to the headmaster."
"Um... that sounds rough. Well, His Highness is just as they say."
Primula spoke up, looking concerned.
Rest had already told Primula about the commotion earlier.
He had been furious about nearly being forced to swap classes.
"Yes... I know a nice café-restaurant. Why don't we head over there and talk at a leisurely pace?"
"Um... that sounds good, doesn't it, you two?"
Viola glanced at Rest and Primula to check. Both of them nodded in agreement right away.
"Then please, allow me to join you."
"Of course. I'll lead the way in my family's carriage, so please follow behind."
The four of them climbed into their respective carriages — one from House Crocus, one from House Rosemary — and rode off through the town.
They arrived at their destination in about ten minutes.
There stood a café-restaurant with a fairly large and decidedly upscale-looking storefront.
"This is one of the establishments run by House Crocus. They have private rooms as well, so we can talk at our ease."
Following Celestine's guidance, Rest and the others stepped inside the café-restaurant.
A middle-class waiter in a fine tuxedo ushered them up to a private room on the second floor.
"Right this way, please. Do have a seat."
"Pardon the intrusion."
Rest took a seat at a table for six, with the Rosemary sisters settling on either side of him.
Across the table, Celestine took the seat opposite, offering menus with a gentle smile.
"What would you care to drink? And shall I go ahead and order the food for the table?"
"Yes, I'll leave the food to you. I'll have iced tea."
"I'll have the same, then."
"Something the same as both of theirs, please."
"Very well, that will be all then."
Celestine placed the order with the server who had been standing by, and with a polite "Very well, madam," the server bowed and withdrew without a sound.
After a short wait, the drinks and appetizers were brought to the table.
"Now then… I'd like to begin our meal, but first, let me offer a proper introduction and apology."
Celestine straightened her posture and gave a slight bow.
"I am Celestine of House Crocus. I belong to the ducal family. You've met Viola and Primula a few times before, haven't you?"
"Yes, it's been a while."
"Um… I'm glad to see you're both looking well…"
"So then… you were called Rest, is that right? You are the gentleman who is engaged to both of them and will be marrying into House Rosemary?"
"Yes… that's correct. You already knew?"
"House Crocus serves as something of a leader among the nobility, so most information finds its way to us. The infamous family-devoted Marquis Rosemary, granting not one but two daughters to a single man… I was rather curious about what sort of person you might be."
A refined smile graced Celestine's lips as she spoke, her gaze carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"You've saved me twice now… once when Lord Rodele cornered you in the classroom, and again at the entrance ceremony when you stopped mud from being thrown at me."
"…………!"
It seemed Celestine had noticed what Rest had done on both occasions.
When Rest's eyes widened involuntarily, Celestine let out a wry smile, as if to say "I knew it."