**Chapter 90: A Trip to the Shops**
Rest was led by Viola and Primula as they set out for a shopping trip in the town. Rosemaryburg, the capital of the Rosemary Marquis Territory, was their home turf. Although it was a large town in the northern part of the kingdom, it was still much smaller than the Royal Capital. Instead of the hustle and bustle 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 a little behind the sisters.
“This shop has some cute clothes! I found it, so let’s take a look!”
Viola guided them to a clothing store. It wasn’t particularly large, but it had a chic ambiance and a tasteful display.
“Welcome!”
As they entered, a woman in her late thirties greeted them warmly.
“Hello! Are you here to show me some clothes today?”
“Oh, Lady Viola! Welcome! Please, take your time.”
The shopkeeper smiled gently, clearly recognizing Viola as the daughter of the lord.
“Today, Lady Primula has come with me. And this gentleman is…?”
“He’s my fiancé,” Primula replied.
“Oh my! Is that so?”
The shopkeeper 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 looks so kind!”
“Indeed, isn’t he handsome?”
“Yes, Rest is very gentle.”
“Th-thank you,” Rest stammered, feeling a bit bashful.
“Please, don’t be so formal. You will be the lord one day, won’t you?”
“Uh, yes… probably…”
“In that case, you should carry yourself with confidence.”
The shopkeeper’s words struck a chord with Rest. He realized that as a noble, he was perhaps too humble. If a noble appeared too timid, it could lead others to underestimate them. He would need to adopt a more fitting demeanor as a member of the ruling class.
(A ruler should be feared rather than loved… 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 taken lightly.
(I chose this subject in school, but I need to refine not only my management skills as a lord but also my mindset.)
“Right… yes, I should be careful,” Rest muttered, clearing his throat and adjusting his tone.
“Now then, I’d like to try on some clothes. I found something that would look great on you yesterday, Rest.”
“Of course, feel free to try them on.”
Rest ended up trying on several outfits that Viola had selected. Though they were not as luxurious as typical noble attire, they were comfortable and stylish. While they might not be suitable for formal gatherings, they were perfect for everyday wear.
“Hmm, this looks good.”
“You look great in that, 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 clothes too!”
“Rest-sama, please wait a moment.”
Viola and Primula took their own selections and disappeared into the fitting rooms. After a while, they emerged wearing matching dresses. Viola wore an orange dress, while Primula donned a light blue one. Over the course of their year-long acquaintance, Rest had come to realize that Viola preferred warm colors, while Primula favored cool tones.
“You both look lovely.”
“Thank you! I think I’ll try this one on too.”
“May I try this one as well?”
“Of course!”
The two sisters picked out different outfits and headed back into the fitting rooms.
(They really are girls who love clothes.)
Rest smiled at the sight, but little did he know that this clothing selection would stretch on for another two hours. He was about to learn just how long a woman’s shopping trip could last.