This took place shortly after Rest had first been taken in by the House of Marquis Rosemary.
Rest had accompanied Primula to the Royal Capital’s market for a day of shopping.
"Lord Rest, thank you for coming with me today," Primula said.
"Think nothing of it. I’m happy to help you with your errands."
Today, it was just the two of them. While the Rosemary sisters were usually inseparable, they naturally had moments of independence.
Their objective was embroidery thread for Primula’s hobby. While the servants typically handled daily necessities or had them delivered to the manor, Primula insisted on selecting the supplies for her needlework in person.
"I spend quite a bit of my free time embroidering, though Sister Viola never shared the interest," Primula remarked as they walked.
"I suppose even twins have different tastes," Rest noted.
"Exactly. I enjoy reading and needlework, whereas my sister prefers more active pursuits like riding or billiards. That said, we both enjoy card games and chess."
Viola was spirited, while Primula was demure. It was a curious thing; despite their identical features, their personalities and pastimes were distinct.
"A new shop opened over here. I have been eager to visit it."
Primula led the way through the city streets. She wore a simple, unadorned dress today, appearing more like a daughter from a respectable household than a member of the high nobility.
"This way, Lord Rest!" Her voice was bright with excitement. Watching her walk with such a light, joyous step was truly endearing.
(I still can’t quite believe it... How did a girl as wonderful as her end up falling for me?)
Rest tilted his head inwardly as he followed her. He had a vague inkling that both Primula and her older sister, Viola, held feelings for him. He knew it likely stemmed from him saving their lives, but he couldn't help feeling that being the object of such intense affection for a single act of heroism was more than he deserved.
(If that’s the case, I have to at least work hard to become someone worthy of them...)
"Well now, look at this. Aren’t you a cute little thing?"
"Hey, sweetheart, how about a date with us?"
While Rest was lost in thought, a duo of rough-looking men had cornered Primula.
"U-Um... what is it?" she stammered.
Rest stepped in front of her. "Primula, stay close to me... She is with me. Do you have some business with her?"
"Huh? Some plain-looking bastard stepped up," one of the men sneered. They showed no signs of backing down. "Hah! If you don't want to get beaten, get lost!"
"Leave the girl and get—geho!"
"[Wind Ball]."
The men bared their teeth, but Rest immediately manifested his magic. Two spheres of concentrated air slammed into their stomachs, sending them to the ground, gasping for breath.
"Gu... ah... what just..."
"Let's go, Primula."
Taking advantage of their confusion, Rest took Primula by the hand and moved on. She squeezed back, her cheeks flushed with a shy warmth.
The two continued to the shop, entering an interior filled with elegant displays.
"Wow... amazing! There are so many kinds of thread!"
"You're right. It’s an incredible variety."
"The textures are all different too. I can't wait to see how these look in a pattern!"
Primula’s eyes lit up as she inspected the shelves. To Rest, however, they all looked more or less the same, distinguished only by their colors.
(But well... as long as Primula is having fun, that’s all that matters.)
"This one... and that one... Oh, there are so many choices!" Primula was usually reserved, but she was quite particular about her passions. She held bundles of thread in her hands, earnestly agonizing over each selection.
"Don't you think this color is nice too?" Rest asked, pointing to a spool.
"It is... but it’s a bit too bright for a man," she replied.
"For a man?"
"This is thread for the embroidery I’m going to put on the handkerchief I’m making for you, Lord Rest," Primula said with a smile. "I think blue or green suits you best. What do you think?"
"Ah... yeah. I like both of those."
Rest stood there, momentarily speechless. A gift from a girl—aside from his mother, this was a first. And a hand-stitched handkerchief carried a certain weight. It felt like a significant gesture.
"Well then, I’m going to head to the register."
"Right... I'll be waiting outside, so take your time."
"Pardon? All right."
Tilting her head at Rest's vaguely mysterious tone, Primula walked toward the checkout counter.
Rest stepped outside to find that the thugs from earlier had returned—and they had brought reinforcements. A dozen men stood waiting.
"You really did it to us earlier!"
"Think you can make fools of us and get away with it?!"
"A revenge attempt, huh? I guess thugs always follow the same script."
"What was that?! You little brat, even now you still—"
"[High Accelerator]."
Rest didn't waste time on words. He triggered his high-tier magic, his speed surging to the limit as he kicked off the pavement.
"Hmph!"
In less than five seconds, he moved through the crowd like a blur. A series of precise strikes sent the men flying. Before any of them could react, the entire group was incapacitated, groaning on the ground. Panicked passersby hurried off to call the military police.
(You’re lucky,) Rest thought, looking down at the pile of thugs. (If Primula had been caught in the crossfire, I wouldn't have been this merciful.)
If they had caused even a single scratch on her—no, if they had even laid a finger on her—he wouldn't have let them off with just a beating. For harming the daughter of a Marquis, execution would have been a very real possibility.
Just as the area settled, Primula stepped out of the shop.
"Lord Rest? Is something the matter?"
"Nothing at all. Shall we head back?"
"Yes."
When Rest offered his hand, Primula took it, her smile bright. Surrounded by the unconscious forms of the city's underbelly, the two walked away hand in hand.