Afterward, I paid the establishment a generous sum before we finally made our exit.
Brawls were a daily occurrence in taverns. While it was certainly problematic that Viola had set fire to that strange woman’s head, no serious injuries had occurred, so the matter was dropped without further incident.
The woman had been wailing and making a scene, but even if she had attempted to report the matter to the military police, Viola likely wouldn’t have been charged with a crime.
Nobles and commoners—the disparity in status within a feudal society was just that absolute.
I had no intention of flaunting my power, but she had tried to touch me, a Count, without permission. Having her hair singed was a light punishment, all things considered.
"Well then, I look forward to today."
"As do I."
The day after my date with Viola, it was Primula’s turn.
I linked arms with her as we headed out into the city.
"So... where exactly are you taking me today?"
Primula had chosen the destination for our date. Apparently, there was a specific place she wanted us to visit together.
"You’ll see soon enough. It’s a surprise until we get there," Primula said with a mischievous glint in her eye, walking with a buoyant skip in her step.
Primula usually had a quiet, reserved personality and often hid in her sister’s shadow, but seeing her like this, she was just an ordinary girl her age.
"Is this...?"
After walking for about ten minutes, she led me to a place I recognized.
The Royal Museum.
It was the facility that managed and exhibited the artworks and historical heritage of the Aiwood Royal Family. I knew such a place existed, but this was my first time actually visiting it.
"They’re holding a special exhibition here today. National treasures and magic items that are usually kept secret are being made public. I really wanted to see them with you, Lord Rest."
"Ah, I see. Magic items certainly sound interesting."
The Royal Museum stored and displayed precious artifacts; to prevent theft or destruction, entry was permitted only to a select few.
As a member of the Marquis Rosemary House, Primula—and as a Count, myself—would have no trouble gaining entry.
A few people were trickling in and out of the white three-story building, all of whom appeared to be well-dressed gentlemen and ladies. Following their lead, we presented our identification at the entrance before being allowed inside.
"Oh..."
"Wow...!"
Upon entering, we both let out involuntary gasps.
Dominating the entrance hall was a massive taxidermy specimen. It was a dragon clad in shimmering azure scales.
"Is this... perhaps, Beaolf Aiwood's Azure Lightning Dragon?"
"Yes, there’s no mistake. I’d heard the rumors, but to think this was being made public... how incredible!"
The Azure Lightning Dragon was the beast said to have been slain by Beaolf Aiwood, the younger brother of the First King.
Beaolf was one of the Five Dragon Generals who served as the right-hand men to the Founder King. It was said he battled this dragon for seven days and seven nights before finally slaying it, and it was upon that very site that the Royal Capital was subsequently built.
"This taxidermy is a national treasure, and public viewing is usually forbidden. It can only be seen during special ceremonies or exhibitions. As the name suggests, the Azure Lightning Dragon was a dragon that controlled lightning; they say a single blast of thunder from its maw could mow down hundreds of soldiers at once..."
"O-oh..."
"In the past, descendants of this dragon even attacked the Royal Capital to try and reclaim the taxidermy, but the Knight Commander and the Court Mage Chief of that era..."
Primula continued her enthusiastic explanation while gazing up at the dragon’s remains.
I knew she was fond of studying and reading, but it seemed she was actually quite the bookish nerd when it came to history.
"I see... That's a fascinating story, but perhaps we shouldn't spend the entire day talking right here at the door."
"Ah, I’m sorry. I got carried away..."
Realizing the gap in our levels of excitement, Primula’s face turned a deep crimson. She bashfully cradled her cheeks in both hands and lowered her gaze.
"No, it's actually very educational. I’d appreciate it if you could teach me more as we go."
That was my honest impression. In fact, I found it enjoyable to watch her speak so passionately.
Some might find such intensity overwhelming, but the world is an unfair place—when a beautiful girl talks about the things she loves, she just looks adorable.
"R-really?"
"Yes. But if we stay blocked up at the entrance, we'll be a nuisance to the people behind us. Let’s head further in for now."
"You’re right... I’m sorry."
"Well then, let’s go."
Linking arms with Primula once more, I escorted her as we made our way through the museum following the designated route.