For three straight days, Rest had enjoyed dates with a succession of beautiful girls: Viola, Primula, and Yuri.
The outings had been pleasant, but they were also draining. For some reason, trouble seemed to find him at every turn, leaving him more worn out than he’d expected by the end of each day.
Still, it was far too early to relax.
The marathon of consecutive dates was not over yet.
“Ah, Rest-san. Good day to you.”
“...Good day.”
This was the fourth consecutive day.
His partner for this afternoon was a daughter of a Duke—Celestine Crocus.
When Rest arrived at their meeting spot in front of the Royal Capital’s clock tower, Celestine was already there waiting for him.
She wore an orange one-piece dress. For a high-ranking noblewoman like her, it was a remarkably plain garment, lacking any real ornamentation. She had clearly chosen it to keep a low profile and avoid drawing unwanted attention.
“Did I keep you waiting long?”
“No, you arrived exactly on time. I should be the one apologizing for summoning you so suddenly.”
Celestine bowed with her usual graceful poise.
A letter from her had arrived just last night, asking if they could meet. It was a last-minute request, and while it wouldn't have been considered rude to decline given his schedule, Rest had decided to accept.
(She’s the daughter of a Duke, and a busy one at that,) Rest thought. (I’d feel bad making her shuffle her schedule even more just for me.)
As a member of the high nobility, Celestine was a whirlwind of activity. Since the current Royal Family lacked any daughters, she was treated as the kingdom’s de facto princess.
She spent her days assisting the Queen in the palace, negotiating with merchants and nobles regarding the development of the plains, and recently, she had even taken over the administration of the enclave Rest had been granted.
That land had once been a favorite of the Queen Dowager, Frederica—who had used the alias Shoko Sanada—and it was filled with her unique legacies, from distilled spirits to fish farming.
Celestine was currently working to turn those legacies into full-fledged industries, which meant Rest was the one constantly imposing on her.
(I can’t let a sudden invitation get under my skin,) he reminded himself. (She’s done so much for me that... well, it’s probably better not to dwell on the details.)
While he tried not to think too deeply on it, the two of them had shared a hot spring together. Rest felt he owed a debt of sincerity to a woman who had opened her bre—her heart to him so completely.
(Besides, even if we’re calling this a date, it’s not exactly a romantic stroll. If anything, I’m the one being dragged into work.)
“So,” Rest began, “is it true then? Did you really find Shoko Sanada's mansion?”
“It is indeed a fact,” Celestine replied with a nod.
Her reason for calling him out was simple: they had discovered a residence in the capital registered under the name Shoko Sanada. There had even been reports of a woman matching the Queen Dowager’s description frequenting the building, so they had decided to investigate it together.
“Mages from House Crocus attempted an initial survey,” Celestine explained. “However, the building is protected by numerous magical mechanisms. They’ve been unable to set foot inside because the traps trigger the moment anyone approaches carelessly.”
“And that’s where I come in?”
“Exactly. You were the one who solved the riddles of her villa by the sea, Rest-san. I thought you might be able to find a way past these defenses as well.”
“I see... In that case, lead the way.”
A mansion the Queen Dowager had kept hidden under her Japanese alias. There was almost certainly something significant inside, much like the diary they had found at the villa. Investigating it would be well worth the effort.
“Follow me then, this way.”
“...Is linking arms really necessary?”
Celestine had slipped her arm through his, pressing her body close to him with the familiarity of a lover.
“You went on dates with Viola-san, Primula-san, and even Yuri-san, didn't you? Surely you won't deny me the same privilege?”
She looked up at him with a mischievous, playful glint in her eyes.
“Besides, I am trying to hide my identity today. Don't we need to look like a normal couple to maintain our camouflage?”
“...I suppose you have a point.”
In truth, Rest wasn't complaining. Having the soft sensation of her pressed against his arm was a definite perk of the job.
“Now, if you would follow me.”
“............Right.”
His entire nervous system felt hyper-focused on his arm as he let himself be led along, completely at her mercy.