Chapter 175: The Duchess Appears!
Viola and Yuri returned with Celestine, the Duchess. Celestine was the daughter of the Chancellor and the foremost noble of the Duke’s House. Despite being a student, she had been busy dealing with the aftermath of Marquis Aiger’s rebellion. But why was she here in the Development Village?
“I just ran into her over there, so I brought her along. Since she’s here, I thought it would be nice for her to join us for dinner,” Viola explained.
“I apologize for intruding at night. I was planning to visit Count Clover… Rest, tomorrow,” Celestine said, her brow furrowing slightly in regret.
“Wait, you came here because you had business with me?” Rest asked, surprised.
“Yes, I wanted to report on the matter you requested,” she replied.
“Oh, that issue. You really didn’t need to come all this way, Celestine,” Rest said, feeling a pang of guilt. He had indeed asked Celestine for a favor, and it felt wrong to have her come all this way just for that.
“I’m sorry about that. I mean, it’s just that…”
“No, it’s perfectly fine. I’ve always wanted to visit the Development Village at least once,” Celestine said with a gentle smile.
Her serene demeanor was striking. While both Viola and Yuri were also noble ladies, Celestine exuded an aura that set her apart.
(Elegant, or perhaps glamorous… there’s just something different about her compared to commoners…)
Of course, that didn’t mean Viola and the others lacked nobility. It was just that Celestine was exceptionally refined. However, Yuri was undoubtedly the least aristocratic of them all.
“Rest, dinner is ready, so why don’t we sit down and talk?” Primula suggested shyly.
Rest nodded and gestured to the chairs around the dining table. “For now, please take a seat. Let’s talk while we eat.”
“Yes, I would be delighted. Is there anything I can help with…?”
“No, it’s fine. It will be ready shortly, so please wait,” Rest reassured her.
“Primula’s soup is exquisite. She learned from the chef of the Rosemary Marquis House,” Viola boasted proudly, as Primula hesitated to offer her assistance.
Rest and the ladies gathered around the table as the dishes were placed before them.
“It looks delicious. Primula, you really are talented,” Celestine complimented.
“It’s just a novice’s attempt. I hope it suits your taste, Lady Celestine…” Primula replied modestly.
“Yes, it’s delicious. Just as expected from Primula!” Yuri exclaimed, eagerly digging into her meal and praising Primula.
“This soup has a wonderful flavor… sweet and rich, yet smooth without being overwhelming,” Celestine noted.
“Isn’t it? Primula is amazing,” Viola added.
“Honestly, it’s impressive that a noble lady can cook this well. She rivals professional chefs,” Rest remarked.
“Oh, you’re all overpraising me…” Primula said, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she received high praise from Celestine, Viola, and Rest.
She looked incredibly cute. Rest thought to himself, feeling a surge of affection for her.
(Primula seems to feel inferior to her sister Viola, but in reality, she’s quite remarkable in her own right.)
Viola had a bright personality and was athletic, even outshining her sister in magic. However, when it came to academics, Primula excelled. Her skills in cooking and sewing were also superior, making it hard to believe she was any less capable than Viola.
(And besides… even if it’s by a narrow margin, Primula’s bust size is…)
“Rest, is something wrong? You look deep in thought,” Viola asked, tilting her head.
“Rest?” Primula echoed, looking concerned.
“N-no, it’s nothing!” Rest stammered, flustered at the thought of his inner musings being exposed.
“Ah, um… Lady Celestine, may I ask about the matter we discussed?” Rest cleared his throat to change the subject, directing the conversation toward Celestine.
“You came all this way to report, right? I’d like to hear what you have to say,” he prompted.
“Oh, Rest, what did you ask Celestine about?” Viola inquired, her curiosity piqued. Primula, sitting beside her, wore a similarly intrigued expression.
Now that he thought about it, he hadn’t mentioned it to them. It wasn’t that he was trying to hide it.
“Of course. Then… allow me to report,” Celestine said, wiping her mouth with her napkin before complying with Rest’s request.
“I have completed the organization of the royal treasures that Rest inherited… specifically, the estate of Third Prince Rodel.”