The dinner that night was incredibly extravagant. It featured an array of high-end dishes he could hardly have dreamed of tasting in his previous life, or even this one. While the meal was intended to reward Rest for his service on the battlefield, the phrase "The Last Supper" kept drifting through his mind.
(I’m being quite irreverent—or maybe I just can't read the room... No, I suppose it's only natural. I'm heading back to the front as soon as this short holiday ends.)
"Phew... The water feels wonderful."
After the lavish meal, Rest decided to take a bath. He let out a deep sigh as he soaked in the large, spacious tub. The hot water felt heavenly, as if his entire body were melting into the steam. While the warmth made him drowsy, there was another stimulation far more intense than his desire to sleep, making it impossible to close his eyes.
"It’s just the right temperature, isn't it, Rest?" "I’ll wash your back later, Lord Rest."
To Rest's left and right, beautiful girls soaked in the water. Having settled into the tub, they bared their naked forms to their heart's content. Slender waists, long limbs, and full breasts—every curve was perfection. Their flawless white skin was so dazzling it felt as though it might blind him.
"...This really might be heaven. Maybe I’m already dead." "Hmm? Rest, you're very much alive. Are you sleep-talking?" "I don’t particularly care for jokes like that, Rest-san."
It wasn’t just Rest and the Rosemary sisters in the bathroom; Yuri and Celestine were with them as well. Yuri’s toned, athletic physique paired with Celestine’s polished, elegant proportions made the scene truly celestial. Even if today were the last day of his life, having experienced such bliss would allow him to depart for the heavens without a single shred of regret.
"I really am being irreverent... I feel like I'm tripping every death flag in existence..." "It’s been so long since we could relax like this. It feels like a dream that we’re in the middle of a war," Viola said, her eyes narrowing with contentment.
Primula nodded. "It really does... I wish we could stay like this forever." "Yeah! I want to be like this ten years, twenty years—no, even a hundred years from now!" Yuri added enthusiastically.
A hundred years was likely a stretch, but Rest couldn't help but agree. How wonderful would it be if they could remain like this forever?
(I’m happy. The happiest I've ever been... and I don't just mean in a lewd sense.)
"I really don’t want to go back to the front," Rest admitted. "But if I want to protect these peaceful days, I have to fight the Empire. I’ll head East tomorrow."
"Tomorrow? That’s so soon," Celestine said, trying to dissuade him. "Why not take more time to recover?"
Rest shook his head. "The situation changes by the minute. I’m worried about Urula, too. It’s better to get there sooner rather than later."
At his core, Rest was a workaholic. Even when he tried to rest, he would grow restless and anxious, unable to truly settle his mind. It was simply his nature.
"I see... You're leaving already. We'll miss you." "Lord Rest, we want to—" "No. Everyone, please wait here."
Rest cut Viola and Primula off before they could finish their request. "Rest..." "Lord Rest..." "Muu..."
Viola, Primula, and even Yuri looked dissatisfied, but Rest refused to budge. He was fighting to protect them. In truth, he didn't care about national interests or noble obligations. He only wanted to protect the girls who had fallen in love with someone like him.
(If they were in danger, I wouldn't be able to focus on the fight. No matter how lonely it gets, I have to go to the battlefield alone.)
"It can't be helped, everyone. Lord Rest's mind is made up," Celestine interjected. "Managing the territory and the household while the husband is away is the duty of a noblewoman. We shall stay here and pray for his safety."
"Celestine... thank you."
"However," she continued, placing a finger to her lips with a mischievous glint in her eyes, "you are leaving your future wives behind. Surely you won't mind spending every moment of tonight with us?"
"Ah... well, that’s..."
"Celestine is right!" Viola shouted. "Let’s all sleep together tonight!" "Lord Rest’s bed is too small, isn't it? I’ll tell the servants to bring in more beds," Primula added. "A pajama party! Let’s just cover the floor in cushions and blankets and everyone can pile in!" Yuri suggested.
"Oh boy..."
Rest could only watch as the girls enthusiastically embraced the idea.
(Am I really going to die? Is God giving me one last reward?)
Rest never spoke of the details of that night. However, the hours spent with the four girls before his deployment were surely filled with joy.
The next day, Rest set off for the East with a refreshed, radiant expression on his face.