The Ideal Match

"If I marry, it will be to someone stronger than myself."

This was a decision Viola Rosemary, the eldest daughter of the Rosemary Marquis family, had made long ago.

"Haa... Who exactly is that boy…?"

Viola lay on her bed, staring blankly up at the ceiling as she muttered to herself. Her loose blonde hair spread out across the bed, and her slender figure, more developed than her age would suggest, was revealed in a thin nightgown. Though she was alone in the room, she was in a very vulnerable state.

(Rest… Rest-kun… He didn't mention his last name, but he's from the Evern Viscount family, right?)

Viola's thoughts drifted to the boy who had saved her and her sister's lives recently. The face of the boy who had introduced himself simply as Rest wouldn't leave her mind. Since that day, she had found herself recalling his face countless times, often sighing afterward.

Viola's father, the Marquis Rosemary, was the head of the court magicians. Court magicians served the royal family and were considered the kingdom's shield, alongside the royal knights. The marquisate itself was a family of magicians, having produced many talented practitioners over the years. As the firstborn in such a family, Viola had been learning magic since childhood and had achieved excellent results.

(One day, I'll take a husband and inherit the Rosemary Marquis family. I will continue the great lineage of this family of powerful magicians.)

To this end, Viola had decided that she would only marry a magician more skilled than herself. Around this time, she heard about an outstanding son in the Evern Viscount family, one of her father's subordinates. This son was the same age as her and was set to take the entrance exam for the Royal Academy next year.

A perfect candidate. She thought it would be good to meet him as a potential fiancé, so she visited the Evern Viscount family with her sister. However, she was quickly disappointed upon meeting him. Cedric Evern, the eldest son of the Evern Viscount family, was arrogant, selfish, and self-centered. It was clear that he had been spoiled to such an extent that he looked down on everyone else and acted as if he were the center of the universe.

Whenever he spoke, it was only to boast about his supposed greatness. His eyes would wander to Viola's and Primula's faces and chests, and he would leer openly. There was nothing respectable about him.

(He may be a talented magician, but thinking of him as my husband is horrifying.)

Even though Viola had decided she would marry a magician stronger than herself, she couldn't see Cedric as her husband.

His talent for magic was indeed impressive. When he took her into the forest to show off his skills against a monster, it was clear that he was a better magician than Viola. But beyond that, he had nothing to offer. If Cedric were to marry into the marquisate, he would likely squander their wealth and lead the family to ruin.

(No, this man is no good. I need to find someone else.)

Soon after entering the forest, Viola decided to write Cedric off.

(A strong magician is a minimum requirement, but personality is just as important. Maybe it's fine if his social standing is lower, as long as he's a skilled and good-hearted young man.)

Such a conveniently perfect person seemed impossible to find. At least, that's what Viola thought—until she met someone who matched her criteria much sooner than she had expected.

"My name is Rest. I'm, let's say, Cedric's half-brother."

The one who saved them from the dire situation of a White Fenrir attack was a boy who introduced himself as Cedric's half-brother. Though his clothes were tattered, his features were refined, and above all, he showed genuine concern for Viola and Primula. He was a surprisingly gentlemanly young man, and despite being a stranger, he made a very favorable impression.

And most importantly… this boy was strong. Stronger than Cedric, who was already stronger than Viola. He blasted the White Fenrir away, blocked its attacks with a barrier, and then repelled it using the enormous magical power he unleashed from his body.

His talent was overwhelming. His ability far exceeded Viola's own. Witnessing this, Viola became convinced that he was the only one who could be her partner.

(There's no one else. He is the one who must become my husband, the one to join the Rosemary Marquis family…!)

If Viola bore the child of this boy named Rest, their child would undoubtedly become the greatest magician of the next generation. Perhaps they might even give birth to a sage the likes of which the kingdom had rarely seen in its history.

(Primula also seems interested in him… but this is something I can't concede.)

To Viola, Primula was her dear, beloved sister. She wouldn't mind giving her precious jewels or dresses for Primula's sake, but she could not yield this boy. There would never be another person as suitable for her partner as him.

(Honestly, I don't want to compete with Primula. Maybe we could share him… What am I even thinking?!)

Viola quickly shook her head, still lying on the bed.

To make Rest her husband, she first needed to gain her father's approval of him. She had to properly thank him for saving their lives and invite him to their home.

(I need to prepare some tea and snacks... I wonder what kind of sweets Rest-kun likes?)

Viola's heart fluttered as she thought about how to welcome Rest.