Chapter 311: A Surprise Encounter
With the acquisition of wyvern meat, Rest had secured the main dish for the party. However, meat alone was not sufficient. Although it wasn’t his primary goal, he still needed a variety of ingredients to complete the ultimate full-course meal.
“You’re heading to the Royal Capital, right? In that case, I’ll take care of transporting the wyvern,” Yuri suggested with a bright smile as Rest decided to visit Celestine to gather information about wine. As always, she stood confidently, her chest puffed out even more than that of girls her age.
“The kind villagers arranged a carriage for me. The ingredients are well-frozen, and I can handle it all by myself!”
“Ah, yeah… I see…”
Rest appreciated Yuri’s offer. Transporting the wyvern to Clover Count Territory and then heading to the Royal Capital would be a hassle. Yuri wasn’t a child; despite her poor sense of direction, as long as the carriage driver knew the way, there shouldn’t be any issues. She should be able to manage this errand without a problem.
“So, you can leave the wyvern to me and go on ahead… slurp“
“Wait… now I’m feeling really anxious about this!”
What worried him more was whether Yuri would sneak a taste of the precious wyvern meat. Could he really trust this gluttonous girl, who was drooling at the thought of food, with such valuable ingredients? By the time they arrived at Clover Count Territory, would there be any meat left, or would he find himself climbing mountains again?
“I-I’ll be fine! I’ll show you that I can be useful to you, Rest! I’ve been a bother to you all this time, so I need to prove that I’m worthy of being your fiancée!”
“Oh, so that’s what’s been on your mind…”
That was unexpected. It seemed Yuri had been concerned about being a burden to him. After all, she was currently running away from home, having kicked her father and brother out of her way. Perhaps she feared that if Rest rejected her, she would be sent back home as a troublesome child.
“You really don’t need to worry about that… I mean, there are plenty of other things you should be more concerned about.”
Like how to behave as a lady or maintaining an appropriate distance with men.
Regardless, Rest had no intention of returning Yuri to the Cattleya Marquis House. Although their engagement had come about somewhat by chance, he couldn’t outright say “I love you,” but if asked whether he liked her, he would answer without hesitation. The thought of Yuri belonging to another man made him uneasy, and he wanted her to stay by his side.
“Well, I’m genuinely happy that you want to be helpful. Since you’re so eager, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Leave it to me! I promise I won’t sneak a bite!”
“Just be careful not only of snacking but also of theft… I’m counting on you.”
After this exchange, Rest entrusted the wyvern meat to Yuri and set off for the Royal Capital. Using magic, he flew to the Royal Capital and headed straight for the Rosemary Marquis House. To avoid being rude with an unexpected visit, he had sent a notice to the Crocus Duke House and was waiting for a response. To his surprise, he received an immediate reply, requesting him to come over as soon as possible.
(I heard Celestine has been quite busy… but it was surprisingly easy to get an appointment…)
Rest pondered this as he made his way to the Crocus Duke House.
“We’ve been expecting you.”
“Lady Celestine is waiting for you.”
Upon arriving at the mansion, Rest was greeted by a pair of maids. They bowed perfectly, as expected of the Duke’s servants.
“Um… I apologize for the sudden visit. I brought a little something as a gift…”
“Please, this way.”
“Do come in.”
As Rest attempted to present the block of wyvern meat he had brought as a gift, the two maids eagerly ushered him inside the mansion. Their assertiveness was quite uncharacteristic for maids trained in perfect etiquette.
“Uh, okay…?”
Confused, Rest followed the maids down the mansion’s hallway. The carpeted corridor was adorned with tasteful paintings and artworks, making it feel as though he was walking through an art gallery.
“This is the room.”
“Please, go ahead. Open the door.”
“Y-yes…?”
They arrived at a room deep within the mansion. Pushed gently by the maids, Rest knocked on the door, still bewildered.
“Come in.”
“Excuse me?”
After receiving permission to enter, Rest opened the door.
“Wha…?”
And then he froze, as if struck by ice magic.
“Ah, welcome. I apologize for my unseemly appearance…”
Stepping into the room was Celestine Crocus. The woman he knew as a friend and fiancée was in the midst of changing clothes. Dressed only in black lace underwear, Rest stood there, his jaw dropped in shock.