Using magic to push his speed to its absolute limit, Rest flew down the highway.
Without losing his way, falling into a nap like a certain legendary rabbit, or stumbling upon a mysterious beauty falling from the sky, he reached his destination in one piece.
"Welcome home, Rest-sama."
"Phew... I'm back, Primula."
When he arrived at the mansion in the Marquis Rosemary Territory, a familiar face was there to greet him.
The estate was even grander than their residence in the Royal Capital. In its sprawling garden, Primula was busy tending to the flowers.
Watching her prune the roses, Rest felt a sudden, profound sense of relief wash over him.
"I heard you were in the neighboring territory for a monster hunt, but you've returned quite early. And whatever is the matter? You’re completely out of breath."
Primula produced a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat from Rest’s forehead.
Even with magic boosting his speed, exertion was still exertion. While healing magic could mend physical strain, the mental tax of maintaining high-level spells was unrelated to one's mana capacity. Even Rest wasn't immune to that kind of exhaustion.
"No, I was just doing a bit of racing... Has anyone else made it back yet?"
"No, I don't believe so. I’ve been out here since early afternoon, and neither Father nor the other mages have returned."
"I see... Good."
As expected, he was the first one home. It had been less than thirty minutes since he started, so he had been fairly confident, but it was still a relief to have his victory confirmed.
Now I can truly say I'm worthy of the two of them, he thought, his chest swelling with a bit of pride.
"By the way, Primula... shouldn't you be working?"
Just as Rest had accompanied Albert on the hunt, Primula and Viola were supposed to be at the mansion handling territory management. Since they were the future successors, they were expected to study and practice the family business.
"I finished the bulk of my work this morning. I’m just enjoying the flowers during my break. Sister has already headed into town for some shopping."
"Is that so?"
Rest let his gaze wander across the vast garden.
This was the heart of the Marquis Rosemary House. The garden at their second house in the capital had been magnificent, but this one was far superior in both scale and variety.
Surrounded by such a kaleidoscope of colors, Primula looked as lovely as a fairy.
"...You're beautiful."
"Oh, yes. They are lovely, aren't they? The roses are currently at their peak."
"No, I wasn't talking about the roses... but never mind."
Rest shifted his gaze away from the roses to the side. In the adjacent bed, white lilies were in bloom. They were usually a flower for a later season; perhaps these were an early-blooming variety.
"The roses are nice, but the lilies are just as striking."
To Rest, roses always reminded him of Viola. They bloomed with a brilliant, undeniable pride, their vibrant colors and intoxicating scent demanding the attention of everyone around them.
In contrast, the lily was the perfect image of Primula. It was modest, reserved, and yet it held a quiet, enduring place in one's heart.
"No one can deny the beauty of a rose, but the lily is every bit its equal. I love them both."
"...I agree. I love them both as well."
Whether his underlying meaning had reached her or not, Primula offered him a smile as radiant as any blossom.
"That reminds me, Rest-sama, do you know anything about the language of flowers?"
"No, not really. Would you mind teaching me?"
"Of course. To start, the lily signifies 'purity' and 'innocence.' As for the rose... the meaning changes depending on the color. Red represents 'love' and 'passion,' while white means..."
Enveloped by the garden's blooms, Rest and Primula shared a peaceful, harmonious conversation.
The two of them enjoyed an elegant, tranquil afternoon—one that lasted for more than three hours before the boys and young men racing against Rest finally limped toward the mansion.
Having been demoralized by Rest’s initial burst of speed, their formation had crumbled, and they had completely depleted their mana and stamina in the pursuit.
By the time they finally arrived, having taken far longer than a normal journey would require, Rest had long since forgotten the race, having moved on to enjoying a pleasant afternoon tea with Primula.