Rest and Primula strolled through the National Museum, following the recommended path and taking in the various exhibits as they went.
"This staff here is the Magic Wand of Lamius," Primula began. "It was crafted by Lamius Lahit, a Sage who served on the Council of Sages a hundred and fifty years ago. It’s said to possess the power to vastly amplify ice-attribute magic."
"Is that so?"
"And that stone over there is the Magic Stone of Lousouth. It was harvested from a Demon Ape that once terrorized the southern reaches of the Kingdom. It holds an incredibly pure concentration of mana, but since no one found a practical use for it, it has been sitting in the Royal Treasury for years."
"Interesting."
"Oh! They have the Sword of Cheval!" Primula hurried toward another display, her eyes sparkling. "Lord Cheval Dero was one of the Five Dragon Generals who fought alongside the Founder King. He was a master known as the Sword Saint. Legend says he possessed no mana at all, yet he was hailed as the strongest in the Kingdom through peerless swordplay alone. Some even claim he was the Child of an Ogre!"
"I see."
Primula’s cheeks were flushed with excitement, her words tumbling out in a rapid-fire stream of trivia.
The exhibits were certainly interesting, but honestly, Rest found more enjoyment in watching her talk with such fervor. Seeing the normally reserved Primula so engrossed in her passion offered a glimpse into a side of her he hadn't seen before.
(It’s a nice change of pace. You don't get to see her like this often.)
"Ah... I’m sorry!" Primula suddenly looked mortified, coming to a halt. "I’m the only one getting excited... You must be bored to tears!"
"Actually, it's the opposite," Rest said, his voice sincere. "I’ve always been interested in magic items, so having a personal guide is a huge help. Please, keep going. I’d love to hear more."
"R-really? Well, in that case...!"
A delighted, bashful smile spread across her face. She took Rest by the arm and began leading him further in. Caught up in her unusual exuberance, Rest allowed himself to be pulled along without resistance.
"This way is... oh!"
"Hm?"
In the deeper reaches of the museum, they came across a very familiar sight.
"Subnock..."
Before them stood the taxidermied remains of the monarch of the eastern plains—the Magical Beast Subnock. The creature’s massive form was far too large to fit within the confines of the building, so only its head and neck were displayed. The beast Rest had presented to the Royal Family had been reduced to a trophy for public spectacle.
Even just the head was significantly larger than an elephant. Its glass eyes were fixed in a look of eternal frustration, and ferocious fangs protruded from its slightly parted jaws.
"The Lord of the Plain was a terror in life," Rest remarked, "but once they end up like this, it’s all over."
"You... you really fought something like this, Lord Rest?"
Primula pulled his arm closer, clutching it against her chest. Rest felt the soft press of her body against his arm, but before he could dwell on the sensation, he saw her looking up at him with a gaze that was equal parts anxious and stern.
"Please, don't put yourself in danger like that again... My sister and I will worry ourselves sick!"
"...I’ll do my best," Rest said, turning his face away as if he'd spotted something fascinating on the far wall.
He couldn't help but wonder how she would react if she saw the Elder Worm he had slain for the Margrave Lavender House.
(She’d either be furious or terrified... either way, I’d never hear the end of it.)
"Lord Rest..."
Primula called his name with a slight pout and gave his arm a sharp pinch.
"Ow, that hurts, Primula."
"You promised, remember?"
"......"
He wanted to give her a straightforward answer, but a strange feeling stopped him.
(I have this nagging feeling I’ll be facing more enemies like this in the future... No, I’m probably just being paranoid.)
Encounters with legendary beasts like Subnock were supposed to be once-in-a-lifetime events. And yet, Rest couldn't shake the foreboding premonition that churned in his gut, leaving him with a slightly strained smile.