"I apologize for asking this of you the moment you've returned, Count Clover, but I need you to head to the eastern border as soon as you are prepared."
"Now that we know an evil organization is involved in this war, we require the strength of a mage as exceptionally gifted as yourself."
To think I’m being sent back to the front lines the day after I got back... I suppose the life of a noble is just one endless 'black' shift after another.
Having finished his audience with the King, Rest finally left the Throne Room.
He had always imagined that nobles lived lives of leisure, blessed with plenty of money and time, but it seemed the reality was quite different.
Rest was granted a two-day reprieve to recover, after which he was scheduled to depart for the eastern border.
I don’t really mind going... I’m worried about Urula, anyway. I want to help her.
The fact that fighting had erupted on the eastern border meant that the Margrave Lavender House, which held the territory there, was currently caught in the center of the storm.
Urula was his fiancée—or something close to it—and there was no question that she was a dear friend. If she was in danger, he wanted to save her. He naturally felt that way.
If I could, I’d fly there this very second... but I suppose I'm at my limit.
"Phew..."
Rest let out a long, heavy sigh.
Even with his Infinite Mana, he couldn't simply wish away his exhaustion. While physical weariness could be mended with Healing Magic, there was no cure for mental fatigue.
My mind is screaming for rest. My head is spinning. It seems that returning to the capital has caused my nerves to finally snap...
"Rest, are you okay?"
"Lord Rest, are you all right?"
The Rosemary sisters, walking on either side of him, spoke up with concern. Though the twins had many differences in personality, they wore the exact same worried expression now.
"I’m fine... My head is just spinning a little, my feet are unsteady, and my consciousness is drifting away, that’s all."
"No, that is not 'fine' at all!"
"Let’s get you some rest! Right now, at the townhouse!"
"Ugh... Sorry..."
Leaning on the two of them for support, Rest made his way through the Royal Palace Corridor and climbed into the carriage waiting outside.
The carriage departed immediately. As the vehicle began its rhythmic swaying, Rest's head started to nod as he drifted in and out of sleep.
"Rest, why don't you lie down for a bit?"
"That would be best. Please, sleep until we reach the estate."
"Yeah... I think I'd like that."
The rocking of the carriage only served to deepen his drowsiness. Fortunately, the Marquis's carriage was spacious. If he curled his legs, there was just enough room to lie down.
As Rest moved to settle himself, Viola and Primula traded a look.
"Primula."
"Sister Viola."
"Rock-paper-scissors."
"Shoot!"
The two of them suddenly burst into a quick game. A hazy question flickered through Rest's mind as to whether rock-paper-scissors even existed in this world, but given the number of reincarnated people here, it wasn't particularly surprising.
The sisters threw several draws in a row before Viola finally threw paper and Primula threw scissors.
"I win!"
"Ugh... Fine. I'll let you have this one."
"Thank you... Now then, Lord Rest, over here."
Primula sat at the end of the long seat and patted her lap.
"Oh, I see..."
It was to be a lap pillow. Rest felt a flicker of embarrassment, but his brain didn't have enough energy left to put up a fight. He surrendered to their kindness and rested his head on Primula's thighs.
"Hehe... Please, rest well."
"Yeah... Thanks..."
Lying with his knees bent wasn't exactly the height of ergonomic comfort, but the pillow itself was divine. It was the perfect balance of firmness, softness, and warmth. Primula gently stroked his hair and began tapping a steady, comforting rhythm against his chest.
His consciousness began to sink almost instantly.
It’s been so long... since I’ve been able to sleep with a truly peaceful heart...
He hadn't enjoyed a single moment of real rest at the northern fortress. Wrapped in a sense of absolute security like a baby held in its mother's arms, Rest finally fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.