Chapter 91: Shopping, But We’re Being Followed
“Alright then, let’s head to a café next! There’s a lovely one that just opened up over here!”
“Ah, yeah… sounds good.”
After enduring two exhausting hours of clothing selection, Rest emerged from the store, feeling utterly drained. In contrast, Viola and Primula, who walked ahead, appeared vibrant and full of energy. Rest was burdened with bags in both hands, playing the role of a pack mule.
(It’s only the guys who get worn out by this kind of thing…)
While engaging in enjoyable activities can make one forget fatigue, those who accompany them often expend more energy than necessary. Rest was certainly feeling that way now.
“Rest-sama, are you alright?”
“Ah, of course.”
Primula’s concern prompted him to respond with a smile. In truth, he had no physical issues; his magic could easily restore his stamina. Rather, it was the mental exhaustion from the prolonged shopping that weighed heavily on him.
(Being asked for opinions on women’s clothing is tiring… I have no idea where the landmines are…)
He had been bombarded with questions about whether a particular outfit suited her, which looked better, or which color matched well. After trying on countless outfits, he felt completely mentally drained.
“Hmm…?”
As he followed Viola and Primula down the town’s streets, he suddenly sensed an ominous presence behind him. His constantly active spell, Life Search, picked up on something unusual.
(Two presences caught by my magical perception… One is familiar, but the other…?)
It felt vaguely threatening. As Rest heightened his vigilance, Viola, unfortunately, turned into a less crowded alley.
“This way! It’s a shortcut!”
“Mmm…”
Rest frowned slightly but chose to follow without protest. As the three entered the alley, he could feel the presence behind them closing in.
“Viola, Primula, move a bit ahead.”
“Eh? What’s wrong?”
“Rest-sama?”
Rest urged Viola and Primula forward, shielding them with his back as he turned to face the approaching threat. A trio of rough-looking men entered the alley, their demeanor unmistakably that of troublemakers.
“Freeze!“
Given their appearance, they were undoubtedly up to no good. Without hesitation, Rest unleashed his magic.
“Wha—?!”
“What the hell?!”
The ground from their knees down froze solid. Since he hadn’t completely encased them in ice, there was no need to sever their legs if he released the spell.
“A magician?! What the hell are you doing?!”
“You lot were following us, weren’t you? What do you want?”
“Uh, well…”
The men stammered, and just then, a pair of individuals appeared from another direction, standing behind the troublemakers.
“Sorry for the delay.”
“You are…?”
Viola blinked in surprise. The newcomers were not the same ruffians but rather servants of the Rosemary Marquis House who had been tailing Rest and the sisters for their protection.
“No, I was just being impatient. Since you’re here, there’s no need for me to do anything.”
The pair had been following Rest and the sisters all along. Although Rest had sensed them with his magic, he had recognized them as part of the Marquis House and chose to let them be. If the troublemakers had attempted anything, the servants would have dealt with them.
“W-What the hell are you guys?! Why are there so many of you…?”
“Silence. Why were you following the young ladies?”
“The young ladies…?”
As the guards interrogated the ruffians, they exchanged glances, seemingly unaware that their targets were daughters of the Marquis House.
“I-I don’t know… We were just waiting for the right moment to approach some pretty girls…”
“Planning to hit on women who are with men, were you?”
“Uh, well…”
The men mumbled, realizing they had been caught. It seemed they intended to knock Rest out and take the sisters away, resembling more of kidnappers than mere flirts.
“Can I leave dealing with these men to you?”
“Yes, leave it to us.”
When Rest asked, the guards nodded in agreement.
“We’ll hand them over to the city guards. Young ladies, please proceed to the store first.”
“Understood. Thank you.”
Viola said nonchalantly, pointing towards their destination.
“Let’s go. The shop we want is just up ahead.”
“Yeah.”
Rest and the Rosemary Sisters exited the alley and headed toward the store. He could sense the men glancing at them, their expressions filled with regret as they averted their eyes upon seeing Rest. Had it been just the sisters, they would undoubtedly have approached them.
It seemed that simply walking down the street posed a danger for beautiful girls. The stunning Rosemary Sisters, like moths to a flame, might attract trouble wherever they went.
(Just shopping, and this happens… I can’t let them walk around alone…)
With a wry smile, Rest kept a watchful eye to ensure the sisters remained safe.