Chapter 277: Is This a Date? (Celestine’s Arc)
Rest had enjoyed three consecutive days of dates with beautiful girls: Viola, Primula, and Yuri. While the outings were delightful, they were also fraught with unexpected troubles that left him feeling exhausted. However, it was still too early to rest. The series of dates was far from over.
“Ah, Rest-san. Good day to you.”
“…Good day.”
On the fourth day of his continuous dating escapade, Rest found himself paired with none other than the duchess herself, Celestine Crocus. Upon arriving at the meeting spot—the Clock Tower in the Royal Capital—he discovered Celestine was already waiting for him. She wore a modest orange one-piece dress, devoid of any ostentatious decorations. It was clear she had chosen to tone down her appearance intentionally, opting for simplicity rather than extravagance.
“Did I keep you waiting?”
“No, you arrived right on time. I apologize for summoning you on such short notice.”
Celestine bowed gracefully, her demeanor elegant as always. Just the night before, Rest had received a letter from her, inquiring if they could meet. It was a sudden invitation, and while he could have declined without it being considered rude, Rest decided to accept.
(Celestine… Being a duchess, she must be incredibly busy. I feel guilty for having her rearrange her schedule for me.)
As a duchess, Celestine was treated as a de facto princess due to the absence of any royal daughters in the royal family. She assisted the queen dowager in the palace and engaged in negotiations with merchants and nobles regarding the development of the plains. Recently, she had even taken on the management of the outlying territory Rest had newly acquired. The land, once favored by the queen dowager, Sanada Shoko, was rich with various legacies and wisdom, including the production of distilled liquor and fish farming. Celestine was working diligently to establish these industries, leaving Rest feeling like he was the one causing her trouble.
(I can’t let a sudden invitation throw me off. In fact, she has done so much for me… Well, it’s probably best not to dwell on that.)
While he intentionally avoided recalling the details, they had shared a bath together at a hot spring. Rest felt he should show appropriate sincerity to Celestine, who had opened her heart to him.
(Well, even if it’s a date, we’re not going anywhere too risqué. If anything, I’m the one dragging her into this.)
“So, is it true that you found the residence of Sanada Shoko?” Rest asked.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
Celestine nodded in response to Rest’s inquiry. The purpose of her visit was to inform him that a residence under the alias of the queen dowager, Sanada Shoko, had been discovered within the Royal Capital. Reports indicated that a figure resembling the queen dowager had been seen entering and exiting the building, prompting the two of them to investigate together.
“The magician from the Crocus Duke House has already conducted a preliminary investigation. It seems there are several magical traps set up around the place. If we attempt to enter carelessly, we might trigger them, making it impossible to get inside.”
“So, that’s where I come in.”
“Exactly. You’ve solved the mystery of the seaside villa, so perhaps you can unravel this one as well.”
“I see… Then, lead the way.”
The residence owned by the queen dowager under the name “Sanada Shoko” likely held some secrets. Just like the diary left behind at the villa, there was bound to be something of significance there. Investigating it would surely not be a waste of time.
“Then this way, please.”
“…Is it really necessary to link arms?”
Celestine entwined her arm with Rest’s, drawing close to him as if they were lovers, her body leaning against his.
“You went on dates with Viola, Primula, and Yuri, didn’t you? So why shouldn’t I have the same privilege?”
Celestine looked up at him with a playful smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
“And besides… today, I’m concealing my identity. A little camouflage is necessary, don’t you think?”
“…Well, I suppose that’s fine.”
In truth, Rest welcomed the closeness; it felt like a reward. The soft sensation of her arm against his was simply delightful.
“Now, this way, if you please.”
“…………Yes.”
As Rest felt all his senses focused on the warmth of her arm, he allowed himself to be led along, captivated by the moment.