Chapter 298: The Timing of the Gift
The timing of a gift is crucial. No matter how extravagant the present, if it is handed over in a garbage dump or a public restroom, one would inevitably question, “Why here?” Therefore, when giving a gift, it is essential to set the appropriate location.
(That said… I’m really not good at this kind of thing.)
My lack of experience is glaring. Rest has very little experience in giving gifts to women. Since being taken in by the Rosemary Marquis House, he has given birthday presents to Viola and Primula on their special days. However, back then, he had no money, so he could only afford simple trinkets.
(But… this is clearly not something that can be brushed off so easily. It’s not something I can casually hand over…)
The Rainbow Crystal is an incredibly rare gemstone, and the ring crafted through Andrew cost more than ten years’ worth of an average person’s salary. Moreover… it is technically an engagement ring. The concept of a “ring finger” exists in this world as well. He had even asked one of the maids from the Rosemary Marquis House to measure the size of her finger. Since he was giving an engagement ring, it was necessary to choose a fitting place and situation.
(I know it’s cliché, but… maybe during a meal at a restaurant would be best…)
As Rest pondered this, he realized it was quite difficult. Recently, he had been busy at the territory, involved in the construction of the town. Viola and Primula were both working as well, so they had little time to meet. While they could manage to talk for a short while, it was hard to find an opportunity to dine together at a restaurant.
In the end, even after the ring was completed, Rest had yet to find the right moment to present it, and it remained tucked away in his desk.
〇 〇 〇
“Rest, it’s almost finished!”
“I can’t wait, Rest-sama!”
Viola and Primula exclaimed with cheerful voices as they looked up at the mansion under construction. They were in the Clover Count Territory, a place that would eventually be known as the “Territory Capital.” In the center, a mansion was being built, and it would likely be completed in less than half a month. This would be the mansion where Rest would reside… the Lord’s Mansion. Although the town was still far from completion, the lord’s mansion, which would become its symbol, was being prioritized in construction.
“Ah, it’s almost here… but isn’t it a bit too big?”
The mansion was three stories tall, quite large by the standards of this world. The grounds were expansive, large enough that a forest could easily fit within the garden.
“This size is just right. What do you mean by skimping?”
Viola replied, sounding exasperated.
“This is a frontier. There’s nothing here yet, but we won’t lose to anyone in terms of land size, right? With all this land available, why would we make the mansion small?”
“That may be true, but…”
“Rest-sama is a young count in the prime of his life. To demonstrate strength both inside and out, the mansion must be impressive!”
Following Viola, Primula chimed in, reinforcing her point. At this point, Rest had no room to argue.
(Considering my past life of poverty… honestly, a stable-sized mansion feels the most comfortable to me.)
If he were to speak his mind, he would prefer a space the size of a stable. Of course, he couldn’t allow the mansion where Viola and Primula would also live to be shabby.
“That’s right! Once the mansion is completed, we must hold a party!”
Primula clapped her hands as if recalling something.
“Since the town isn’t finished yet, we don’t need to invite a large crowd… but for now, let’s invite Father, Mother, and just close family for a small gathering!”
“A party… do nobles really do that?”
“Socializing is part of a noble’s duties, you know. Of course, we do!”
Primula explained with a proud demeanor, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Nobles often hold parties for various reasons. It’s not merely for leisure; they gather to collect information, strengthen factions, and demonstrate their economic power to political rivals… the purposes are numerous.
“Honestly, we should invite more people, but… it would be rude to invite other nobles to a town still under construction, so just family will suffice.”
“That sounds good! It will be our mansion’s grand unveiling!”
Viola clasped her hands together, considering it a brilliant idea. The two of them continued to discuss plans, leaving Rest behind.
“Then we need to arrange everything. Tables, chairs, food, dresses and tuxedos, and maybe some entertainment?”
“How about an orchestra? Wouldn’t that be a bit too extravagant for a family-only gathering?”
“There’s no such thing as too extravagant! It’s our first party, so let’s go all out!”
“Then let’s make a guest list for the invitations!”
“Ah, things are about to get busy! We need to call for help from my family!”
“…………”
(Why are they both so excited? Isn’t preparing for a party supposed to be a hassle?)
Rest tilted his head in confusion, but as someone who wasn’t a pure-blooded noble, he didn’t understand. The preparations for social events like parties were the responsibilities of noblewomen. In other words… this was the first task for Viola and Primula as “Rest’s future wives.” Even though they weren’t officially engaged yet… perhaps it was precisely because of that that they were so eager.