**Chapter 91: Shopping, but Being Followed**
“Alright then, let’s head to a café next! There’s a lovely new place that just opened up!”
“Ah, yeah… sounds good.”
After enduring two exhausting hours of clothing selection, Rest emerged from the store, feeling utterly drained. In contrast, Viola and Primula, who walked ahead of him, appeared vibrant and full of energy. Rest was burdened with bags in both hands, playing the role of a pack mule.
(So it seems that only men get worn out by this kind of thing…)
Whether it’s play or passion, when one is engaged in something they enjoy, fatigue tends to fade away. On the other hand, those who accompany them expend unnecessary energy. Rest was currently experiencing this firsthand.
“Rest-sama, are you alright?”
“Ah, of course.”
Primula, noticing his weariness, asked with concern, and he responded with a smile. In truth, he had no physical issues; his magical abilities allowed him to recover from fatigue. Rather, it was the mental exhaustion from being asked for opinions on women’s clothing that weighed heavily on him.
(Being asked for opinions on women’s outfits is exhausting… I have no idea where the landmines are…)
He had been bombarded with questions about whether a certain outfit suited her, which one looked better, and which color matched best. After trying on countless outfits, he felt completely drained.
“Hmm…?”
As he followed Viola and Primula down the town’s streets, he suddenly sensed an ominous presence behind him. His constantly active magic, Life Search, had detected something unusual.
(Two presences caught by my magical perception… One is familiar, but the other…?)
It felt vaguely threatening. As Rest heightened his vigilance, Viola chose that moment to turn into a narrow alleyway with fewer pedestrians.
“This way! It’s a shortcut!”
“Ugh…”
Rest frowned slightly but chose not to stop them, following closely behind. As the three entered the alley, he could feel the presence behind them closing in.
“Viola, Primula, move a bit ahead.”
“Eh? What’s wrong?”
“Rest-sama?”
Rest urged Viola and Primula forward, shielding them with his back as he turned to face the approaching threat. A trio of rough-looking men entered the alley, their demeanor unmistakably that of troublemakers.
“Freeze!”
From their appearance alone, it was clear they were up to no good. Without hesitation, Rest cast his spell.
“Wha—?!”
“What the hell?!”
The ground from their knees down froze solid. He hadn’t completely encased them in ice, so he wouldn’t need to sever their legs if he dispelled the magic.
“A mage?! What the hell are you doing?!”
“You lot were following us, weren’t you? What do you want?”
“Uh, well…”
The men stammered, caught off guard. Just then, a pair of individuals appeared from another direction, standing behind the troublemakers.
“Sorry for the delay!”
“You guys are…?”
Viola blinked in surprise. The newcomers were not the same ruffians but rather servants of the House of Marquis Rosemary, who had been tailing Rest and the sisters as their bodyguards.
“No, I was just being impatient. Since you’re here, it seems there’s no need for further action.”
The duo had been following Rest and the sisters all along. Rest had sensed them with his magic but had left them alone, assuming they were from the Marquis’s household. Had the troublemakers attempted anything, they would have intervened.
“W-What the hell are you guys?! Why are there so many of you…?”
“Silence. Why were you following the young ladies?”
“The young ladies…?”
As the guards interrogated the ruffians, they exchanged glances, clearly unaware that their targets were noblewomen.
“I-I don’t know… We were just waiting for the right moment to approach some attractive women…”
“Planning to hit on women who are with men, were you?”
“Uh, well…”
The men mumbled, clearly flustered. It seemed they intended to knock Rest out and take the sisters away, resembling more of kidnappers than mere pick-up artists.
“Can I leave these men to you?”
“Yes, leave it to us.”
When Rest asked, the guards nodded in agreement.
“We’ll hand them over to the city guards. Young ladies, please proceed to the store first.”
“Understood, thank you.”
Viola said nonchalantly, pointing toward their intended destination.
“Let’s go. The store we’re looking for is just ahead.”
“Yeah.”
Rest and the Rosemary Sisters exited the alley and headed toward the shop. Even as they walked, he could feel the men’s eyes lingering on them. The ruffians averted their gazes with disappointed expressions upon seeing Rest, but had the sisters been alone, they would undoubtedly have approached them.
It seemed that simply walking down the street as beautiful young women posed a danger. The stunning Rosemary Sisters, like moths to a flame, attracted trouble wherever they went.
(Just shopping and this happens… I can’t let them walk around alone…)
Rest sighed with a wry smile, keeping a watchful eye to ensure the safety of the two sisters.