The date for the party was set for one month from now.
Rest thought it was still far too early to begin preparations, but Viola and Primula were already in motion. Apparently, noble galas were such massive undertakings that starting this far in advance was standard procedure. The mansion had become a hive of activity, with people scurrying in and out at all hours.
"Well... I suppose it’s time I got moving, too."
"What are you planning to do, Rest?"
Yuri's voice chirped from beside him. She trotted along at his side like a puppy as they walked through town, tilting her head innocently. While the Rosemary sisters were preoccupied with the party, Rest had slipped out of the house with Yuri, who had seemed just as idle as he was.
"Those two are so fired up... Honestly, there’s nothing left for me to handle. They've already taken charge of the venue setup and the staffing for the chefs and servers."
Viola and Primula were attacking the preparations with tireless zeal. They looked truly alive as they issued orders to the servants brought over from the Marquis Rosemary House. Since this was their first official duty as the mistresses of the estate, they were so motivated that there was simply no room for Rest to intervene.
"Besides, I don't really know the first thing about high-society protocol. I'm sure it’s better to leave it to them rather than meddling and making a mess of things."
"Ah, we’re in the same boat, then! I don't understand noble etiquette or rules either!" Yuri said.
"No... you really should. You’re the daughter of a Marquis, for heaven’s sake."
Rest sighed. He truly wondered what Yuri’s life had been like at the Marquis Catreia House. He’d felt this way since their very first meeting, but she was far too carefree for a noble lady.
"So, that’s why you’re just loafing around town?" she asked.
"I'm not loafing. I’m actually on my way to do some real work."
"Work?"
"Yeah. I’m going to procure the ingredients for the dishes we’ll be serving."
A massive amount of food was required for the party. While the primary ingredients and the chefs were being provided by the Marquis Rosemary House, this was the debut event for the Count Clover House. Rest wanted to provide delicacies and spirits that his guests would rarely have the chance to experience elsewhere.
"When I asked if there was anything I could help with, they asked me to track down some rare ingredients and alcohol. They told me everything would be fine as long as I handled that much."
"I see, I see... Doesn't that just mean you were getting in the way, so they found a polite excuse to kick you out?"
"..."
Yuri had hit a sore spot. Rest had a sneaking suspicion that was exactly what happened—since there was nothing for him to do, they’d assigned him a busy-work errand to keep him out of their hair.
"Well, I’m not really sure about these things, so I might just be imagining it," she added.
"Yeah... right. It’s probably best not to think about it too deeply."
Rest shook his head, physically brushing aside the unsettling thought. Regardless of their motives, Viola and Primula had made a request of him. Now that he had a task, he had to give it his absolute best.
"I said 'rare ingredients,' but I obviously can't serve anything too bizarre to the guests. I’ll need to do some research first."
"How about monster meat?" Yuri suggested. "I highly recommend Worm!"
"I just said I couldn't serve anything bizarre... though, I suppose monster cuisine isn't entirely off the table."
Despite Yuri's bluntness, there were indeed certain monsters considered high-end delicacies. While some might view them as revolting, having a unique dish or two like that might actually be a good idea.
"If we’re going hunting, I’ll help! That’s my specialty!"
"True... I do trust your instincts when it comes to food. I’m counting on you."
"You bet! Leave it to me!"
Yuri gave him a beaming, radiant smile. She might have a bit of a strange palate, but her judgment on what actually tasted good was never wrong. She would surely prove invaluable in the hunt for rare delicacies.
And so, as part of the party preparations, a new mission was launched: the procurement of rare ingredients. Rest and Yuri set off together to begin their pursuit of the ultimate feast.