After that, they left the shop after paying a rather steep sum.
Brawls were commonplace in taverns. The fact that Viola had set fire to the head of some strange woman was a problem, but since no serious injuries were involved, the matter was dropped without further action.
The woman was carrying on and wailing loudly, but… even if she had reported the incident to the military police, Viola would not have been held accountable.
Nobles and commoners. That was simply how powerful the class distinctions of a feudal society were.
It wasn't as though he intended to flaunt his authority, but… she had tried to touch the body of Rest, a count, without permission. Having her hair singed was a light punishment, all things considered.
"Well then, I'm counting on you."
"The pleasure is all mine."
The day after his date with Viola, this time it was a date with Primula.
Rest linked arms with Primula and headed out into the city.
"So… where are you taking me today?"
Primula had chosen their destination for the date.
She said there was a place she wanted to visit together.
"You'll find out soon enough. It's more fun to be surprised when we arrive," she said with a mischievous grin, walking along with a buoyant spring in her step.
Primula was typically mild-mannered and often lived in the shadows of her older sister, but… looking at her like this, she was a perfectly normal girl of a marriageable age.
"This is…?"
After walking for about ten minutes, she brought him to a place he recognized.
The Royal Museum.
It was a facility that displayed artworks and historical treasures managed by the royal family of Aiwood.
He knew such a place existed, but… this was his first time actually visiting.
"They're holding a special exhibition today. National treasures and magic items that are usually kept hidden away are on public display. I really wanted to see them with you, Lord Rest."
"Ah, I see. Magic items — that does sound interesting."
The Royal Museum housed numerous precious artifacts, and access was restricted to only a select few in order to prevent theft or destruction.
As a member of House Rosemary, Primula, and as a count, Rest, would have no trouble gaining entry.
A few people drifted in and out of the white three-story building, all of them well-dressed gentlemen and ladies.
Rest and Primula presented their identification at the entrance just as the others had, and were allowed inside.
"Oh…"
"Wow…!"
Upon stepping inside, the two of them involuntarily exclaimed in unison.
What adorned the entrance hall was a massive taxidermied specimen.
It was a dragon draped in blue scales.
"Could this be… the 'Azure Thunder Dragon of Beorulf Aiwood'?"
"Yes, that's exactly right. I'd heard the rumors, but… I can't believe it's actually on display. This is amazing…!"
The 'Azure Thunder Dragon of Beorulf Aiwood' was the dragon said to have been slain by Beorulf Aiwood, the younger brother of the first king.
Beorulf was one of the 'Five Dragon Generals,' the great warrior generals who served as the founding king's right hand. After seven days and seven nights of battle, he finally defeated this dragon, and the royal capital was established on that very land.
"This taxidermy is a national treasure, and it's normally prohibited from public display. You can only see it during special ceremonies or exhibitions. The Azure Thunder Dragon could wield lightning, as its name suggests, and it's said that a single bolt from its mouth could mow down hundreds of soldiers…"
"O-Oh…"
"In the past, descendants of this dragon once invaded the royal capital trying to reclaim the taxidermy, but the knight commander and chief court mage at the time…"
As she gazed up at the dragon taxidermy, Primula explained with undisguised delight.
Primula was studious and loved to read — it seemed she was the intellectual type after all.
"I see… That was a fascinating story, but let's not linger here and talk, shall we?"
"Ah, I'm sorry. I got carried away…"
Noticing the difference in their enthusiasm, Primula's face flushed crimson.
She bashfully cupped both cheeks in her hands and lowered her gaze.
"No, I learned something. It'd help if you could teach me about more things like this."
A straightforward opinion.
In truth, watching Primula speak passionately about something she loved was enjoyable.
For some it might come across as overbearing, but when a beautiful girl talked about her interests, it came across as adorable — such was the unfairness of the world.
"R-Really?"
"But if we stop here at the entrance, we'll be in the way of the people behind us, so let's move on for now?"
"Right… I'm sorry."
"Then let's go."
Rest linked arms with Primula once more, escorted her along, and made his way through the museum following the designated route.