Chapter 268: A Date (Primula’s Edition) ②
As Rest and Primula entered the National Museum, they proceeded along the designated path, admiring the exhibits.
“This staff is the ‘Ramius’s Magic Wand.’ It was crafted by the sage Ramius Rahit, who was part of the Council of Sages one hundred and fifty years ago. It is said to significantly enhance ice attribute magic,” Primula explained.
“Really?” Rest replied, intrigued.
“Over there is the ‘Ruzuruto’s Magic Stone.’ It was extracted from the body of a magical ape that once ravaged the southern part of the kingdom. It seems to contain a very high purity of magical power, but since no one has found a use for it, it appears to be collecting dust in the royal treasury.”
“Interesting.”
“Oh! Look! It’s ‘Shuval’s Sword!’ This is the sword wielded by Sir Shuval Delo, one of the Five Dragon Generals who fought alongside the founding king! Although Sir Shuval was said to lack magical power, he was renowned for his exceptional swordsmanship and was even called the strongest in the kingdom. Some say he was the child of a demon!”
“Is that so?”
Primula’s cheeks flushed with excitement as she shared her knowledge. While the exhibits were fascinating, Rest found more joy in watching Primula passionately discuss them. Seeing the usually reserved Primula so engrossed in something was like discovering a new side of her.
(What can I say… I feel like I’ve struck gold. It’s rare to see Primula like this.)
“Oh… I’m sorry! I got so carried away talking about all this… I hope I didn’t bore you!” she exclaimed, her enthusiasm suddenly turning to concern.
“No, it’s the opposite. I’m having a great time,” Rest reassured her.
Primula looked relieved, her face brightening. “Really? Then…!”
With a delighted smile, she took Rest’s arm and began to lead him further into the museum. Her excitement was infectious, and Rest followed her without hesitation.
“This way… Ah!”
“What is it?”
As they ventured deeper into the Royal Museum, they came across something familiar on display.
“Subnock…!”
It was the taxidermy of the magical beast Subnock, the king of monsters that once ruled the plains to the east of the Royal Capital. The massive body of the magical beast was far too large to fit inside the building, so only its head was on display. The beast, once presented to the royal family, was now exposed for all to see, reduced to just its head.
Even the head alone was much larger than an elephant. Its lifeless eyes held a look of regret, and its slightly open mouth revealed fearsome fangs.
“Even the once-mighty ruler of the plains has met its end like this,” Rest remarked.
“You… you fought against such a monster, didn’t you, Rest-sama?” Primula asked, pulling on his arm and hugging it tightly to her chest. The softness of her form enveloped his arm, but before he could revel in the sensation, he noticed the worried look in her eyes.
“Please, don’t do anything dangerous anymore… Both my sister and I worry about you!” she pleaded.
“I’ll do my best,” Rest replied, turning his face away to avoid her gaze. He wondered how she would react if she saw the Elder Worm he had fought on behalf of the Lavender Barony.
(Would she be angry or worried? Either way, I’d probably get scolded…)
“Rest-sama…” Primula called out, her tone sulking as she pinched his arm.
“That hurts, Primula.”
“You promised, didn’t you?”
“……”
He wanted to agree wholeheartedly, but for some reason, he hesitated.
(I have a feeling I’ll be facing similar formidable foes in the future… No, it must be my imagination.)
Opportunities to battle magical beasts like Subnock should be few and far between in life. Yet, Rest couldn’t shake the strange premonition that lingered in his chest, causing his expression to tighten.