Timing was everything when it came to giving a gift.
No matter how luxurious the item, if you presented it at a garbage dump or a public toilet, you would inevitably be met with a bewildered, "Why here of all places?"
A proper gift required a proper setting.
(That being said... I'm really bad at this sort of thing.)
He simply lacked the necessary experience. Rest had rarely given gifts to women in the past. After being taken in by the Marquis Rosemary House, he had given Viola and Primula birthday presents, but back then, he was penniless and could only offer simple trinkets.
(But this... this clearly isn't something I can just hand over casually. It’s not the kind of thing you just pop out of your pocket...)
Rainbow Crystals were an exceptionally rare ore. Even with Prince Andrew’s personal jeweler handling the processing, the rings were worth more than ten years of a commoner's salary. To top it off, in terms of their significance, these were engagement rings.
While there was no strict rule about wearing them on the ring finger of the left hand, the concept of an engagement ring existed in this world. He had even gone so far as to ask a maid at the Rosemary estate to secretly measure the girls' finger sizes.
The problem was finding the right place and situation to present them.
(The cliché move would be during a nice meal at a restaurant...)
Rest considered the idea, but it was practically impossible. Lately, he had been stationed in his territory almost around the clock, overseeing the town's construction. Since Viola and Primula were also busy with their respective duties, their time together was limited. They saw each other often enough to chat, but they never had the leisure to go out for a formal dinner.
As a result, Rest had been unable to find an opportunity to give them the rings. Even though they were finished, they remained tucked away in his desk.
〇 〇 〇
"Rest, it's almost finished!"
"I'm so looking forward to it, Lord Rest."
Viola and Primula spoke with cheerful, excited voices as they looked up at the mansion under construction.
They were in the Count Clover Territory, specifically the area destined to become the territorial capital. In the heart of the site stood the manor that was currently being built; it would be completed in less than half a month. This was the Lord’s Mansion—the place where Rest would soon live.
The town itself was still far from finished, but the lord's residence, which would serve as its landmark, was being built as a priority.
"Yeah, it’s almost there... though don’t you think it’s a bit too large?"
The mansion was three stories tall, an imposing size for architecture in this world. The grounds were vast, large enough that an entire forest could have fit comfortably inside the garden.
"It’s just right. Honestly, what's the point of being stingy now?" Viola asked, sounding exasperated. "This is pioneer land. We might have nothing else, but we have more space than anywhere else in the kingdom. Why would we build a tiny house when we have all this land to use as we please?"
"Well... I suppose that’s true."
"Lord Rest, you are a rising young count," Primula added, pressing the point further. "You must have a grand residence to demonstrate your influence to those both inside and outside our borders."
With Primula joining in, Rest had no room left for a rebuttal.
(My past life was a poor one, I guess... To be honest, a mansion this big makes me feel restless.)
If he were being completely honest, a space about the size of a stable felt most natural to him. Of course, he couldn't force Viola and Primula to live in a shack, especially since it would be their home too.
"That's it! Once the mansion is finished, we have to throw a party!" Primula clapped her hands together as if struck by inspiration. "Since the town isn't finished, we don't need to invite a huge crowd. For now, let’s just have a small gathering for Father, Mother, and our close relatives."
"A party... Do nobles really do that sort of thing?"
"Socializing is a fundamental part of a noble’s duty. Naturally, we’ll hold one," Primula explained, puffing out her chest with confidence.
Nobles held parties for every possible occasion. It wasn't merely for amusement; these events served to gather intelligence, solidify factional ties, or flaunt economic power to keep political rivals in check.
"Normally, we would invite more people, but it would be considered rude to bring other nobles to a town that’s still a construction site. Keeping it to family is the right move."
"I love that idea! It’ll be the grand unveiling of our home!" Viola agreed, clasping her hands together.
The two girls began chattering away, leaving Rest behind in their excitement.
"We’ll have to make so many arrangements! Tables, chairs, food, dresses, tuxedos... and I wonder if we need entertainment?"
"How about a full orchestra? Or would that be a bit much for just family?"
"It’s not too much at all! This is our very first party together, so we should go all out!"
"Then let’s start drafting the invitation list."
"Oh, it's going to be so busy! I'll have to call for some help from the main estate!"
"............"
(Why do both of them look so happy? Shouldn't preparing for a party be a huge hassle?)
Rest tilted his head in confusion. Because he wasn't a noble by birth, there was one thing he didn't realize.
Managing social events like parties was the primary duty of a noblewoman. In other words, for Viola and Primula, this was their first real job as Rest’s wives.
Even though they weren't officially married yet—or perhaps precisely because they weren't—the two of them were bursting with enthusiasm.