Chapter 90: A Trip to the Shopping District
Rest was led by Viola and Primula as they ventured into the town for some shopping. The territory capital of Rosemaryburg, nestled within the Rosemary Marquisate, was their destination. Although it was a sizable town in the northern part of the kingdom, it was much smaller compared to the Royal Capital. Instead of the bustling chaos of the capital, a calm and serene atmosphere enveloped the streets, making Rest feel more at ease here.
“Rest, Primula! This way!”
“Wait up, sister!”
Viola tugged at Primula’s hand, leading her toward a shop. Rest followed behind them, slightly lagging.
“This shop over here has some adorable clothes! Let’s take a look!”
Guided by Viola, they arrived at a clothing store. It wasn’t particularly large, but it exuded a chic ambiance with a tasteful storefront.
“Welcome!”
As they entered, a woman in her late thirties greeted them with a warm smile.
“Hello! Are you going to show me some clothes today?”
“Oh, Lady Viola! Welcome! Please, take your time.”
The shop attendant’s gentle demeanor suggested she recognized Viola as the daughter of the lord.
“I see you’ve brought Lady Primula with you today. And who might this gentleman be…?”
“He’s my fiancé, as well as my sister’s.”
“Oh my! Is that so?”
The attendant gasped, covering her mouth with both hands in surprise.
“I heard rumors that you two were engaged, but I didn’t realize he was your fiancé! He seems like such a kind gentleman.”
“Indeed, isn’t he handsome?”
“Yes, Rest is very kind.”
“Th-thank you.”
Rest felt a bit flustered as he responded.
“Please, there’s no need to be so formal. You will eventually become the lord, won’t you?”
“Uh… yes, probably…”
“In that case, you should carry yourself with confidence.”
The attendant’s words struck a chord with Rest. He realized that he was being too humble for someone who would one day hold the title of lord. If a noble appeared too timid, it could lead others to underestimate them. He would need to adopt a more fitting demeanor for someone in a position of authority.
(A ruler should be feared rather than merely liked… Was it Machiavelli who said that?)
Rest recalled the knowledge he had read in books during his previous life. While being liked wasn’t inherently bad, it was better to be feared than to be looked down upon.
(I chose this topic in my academy classes, but I need to refine not just my governance skills but also my mindset as a lord.)
“Right… I should be more mindful of that.”
Clearing his throat, Rest adjusted his tone.
“Now then, I’d like to try on some clothes. I found something yesterday that I think would suit you, Rest.”
“Of course, feel free to try them on.”
Rest found himself trying on several outfits that Viola had selected. While they were not as extravagant as noble attire, they were comfortable and stylish. They might not be suitable for social gatherings, but they were perfect for everyday wear.
“Hmm, this looks good.”
“It suits you well, Rest-sama.”
“Thank you, I really like it.”
“How’s the fit? We can adjust the length if needed.”
“No, it’s just right. I’m fine with it as is.”
Rest waved his hand lightly to check the comfort of the outfit. It allowed for easy movement, so he decided to wear it home.
“We’ll try on some outfits too!”
“Rest-sama, please wait a moment.”
Viola and Primula took their own selections and disappeared into the fitting room. After a short while, they emerged wearing matching one-piece dresses. Viola’s was orange, while Primula’s was a lovely shade of blue. Over the course of a year, Rest had come to realize that Viola preferred warm colors, while Primula leaned toward cooler tones.
“You both look great!”
“Thank you! I think I’ll try this one on too.”
“Can I try this one as well?”
“Of course!”
The two girls picked out different outfits and headed back to the fitting room.
(They’re both girls, so it’s no surprise they love clothes.)
Rest smiled at the sight, but little did he know that this clothing selection process would stretch on for another two hours. He was about to learn just how long a woman’s shopping trip could truly be.