The carriage traveled for half a day before they finally reached their destination.
Compared to the western settlements, this outpost was small, established by the Margrave Lavender House and its subordinate nobles. Despite its size, there was a fair amount of activity; traveling merchants hawked their wares while people who looked like adventurers were busy butchering monsters.
"...Takeout."
"Then, you two shall stay here for the night. Shall we schedule the Worm subjugation for tomorrow?"
Urula muttered something cryptic under her breath, and her female attendant immediately stepped in to elaborate. Rest felt a distinct impression that Urula had just said something outrageous, but his instincts warned him that it was better not to press for details.
Rest and Yuri were shown to an inn built within the pioneer village. It was a modest, newly constructed building—simple and plain. Under normal circumstances, it wasn't the sort of place a noble would ever stay.
"Well then, please enjoy your stay."
"...Later."
After guiding them to the inn, Urula and her attendant departed. Rest and Yuri were left standing alone in front of the building.
"Well... shall we head in?"
"Yeah. This is a first, isn't it? Staying the night together, just the two of us."
"...Don't say it like that."
Rest had been making a conscious effort to ignore that fact, yet she had to go and point it out. He had slept in the same room as Yuri before, but there had always been others present. They had never been truly alone.
(No... calm down. This is an inn. There's no way it's only one room. We'll just take separate rooms and that'll be that...)
Taking a shallow breath to steady himself, Rest stepped through the inn’s doors.
"Welcome. You’re Count Clover, right? Lady Urula told me you were coming. I’ve got your room ready."
A man who appeared to be the proprietor greeted them cheerfully as they entered.
"Alright, follow me. I'll show you the way."
They were immediately led to their quarters—a single room containing two twin beds.
"This is..."
"Well then, make yourselves at home."
"Wait a minute... is this the only room?" Rest asked, stopping the man.
Even with twin beds, it was still just one room. Was he seriously expected to share this space with Yuri?
"Yeah. It’s a room for two, so there shouldn't be a problem, right? Sorry, but we’re fully booked otherwise."
"What...!"
"There aren't many inns in this pioneer village yet, so I doubt you'll find anything else. We'll bring your meal up later. See ya."
The owner spoke in a leisurely tone before leaving Rest and Yuri alone in the room.
"Staying the night with Rest... Hehe, I wonder why? I’m feeling strangely excited."
"Ugh..."
Yuri sat down on the edge of one of the beds and smiled bashfully. Rest was certain it was just his imagination, but for some reason, Yuri looked more sensual than usual.
(Wait... don't let the atmosphere get to you. Calm down. It's not like Yuri is actually self-conscious about this!)
To steady his nerves, Rest took a sip of water from his canteen.
"Heave... ho."
"Pffft!"
Rest sprayed the water everywhere. Yuri had suddenly started stripping.
She pulled off her top, revealing her breasts encased in her undergarments. Contrary to her unrestrained, boyish personality, her chest was quite feminine and bountiful.
"Wh-what the—... Gwah...!"
"What's wrong, Rest? Pull yourself together!"
"Don't come near me looking like that! Why are you undressing!?"
"You ask why, but... we're staying here tonight, aren't we? I just thought I'd change into loungewear."
"Don't do it right in front of me! You're a girl, have at least a little modesty!"
Rest found himself raising his voice in a panic, but Yuri merely tilted her head with a look of pure confusion.
"Don't worry, I wouldn't strip in front of strangers. But Rest, you're my friend. There's no problem with you seeing me, is there?"
"Just because we're friends... No, I'm a man, you know?"
"True, you are a man," Yuri agreed with a casual nod. "But I don't think Rest would feel lust for a body like mine. And even if you did, I wouldn't mind at all. If it's you, I feel like I could forgive you for anything you did to me."
"——!?"
"By the way, I’ve already gotten permission from Viola and Primula. Do you want to try touching them?"
"Guh...!"
Right there in front of him, Yuri began to softly knead her own breasts. Faced with such a shocking display, Rest buckled in agony as if he had taken a physical blow to the face.