It was just after Rest had been taken in by House Rosemary.
Rest and Primula had come to the royal capital's market to go shopping.
«Thank you for accompanying me today, Rest.»
«It's no problem. I'm happy to help with errands.»
Today, it was just the two of them.
The Rosemary sisters usually stuck together, but they also spent time apart now and then.
What they were buying today was embroidery thread for Primula's hobby.
The servants handled the day-to-day shopping or had things delivered to the mansion, but for hobby supplies, Primula wanted to see them in person and choose for herself, so she had come all the way into town.
«Embroidery. I do it whenever I have free time, but my sister Viola isn't interested.»
«Ah, so you two have different hobbies.»
«Yes. I enjoy reading and embroidery, while my sister prefers horse riding and billiards. We both play card games and chess though.»
Viola had an energetic personality, while Primula was quiet and reserved. Naturally, their hobbies differed.
It was curious, given how similar their faces were.
«A new store opened up over here. I've been wanting to visit it.»
Primula led the way through the streets.
Today, Primula was wearing a simpler dress than usual, plain and unadorned.
To an outsider, she looked like a girl from a decent family. She didn't look at all like the young lady of a marquis.
«Over here, Rest.»
She must have been looking forward to the shop.
Primula was clearly in high spirits, her voice bubbling with excitement.
She walked with a light, cheerful step, looking absolutely adorable.
*Honestly, I still can't believe it... Why would a girl this wonderful have feelings for me?* Rest tilted his head in bewilderment as he followed after Primula.
He had somehow realized that Primula, and her older sister Viola for that matter, held him in high regard.
It was probably because he had saved their lives... but honestly, being liked this much just for helping them that once felt like more than he deserved.
*If that's the case, I've got to work hard to become the kind of man who deserves them...* "Hey there, pretty lady. Lookin' cute."
"How about a date with us?"
Rest was lost in thought when he noticed Primula ahead of him, being hassled by a pair of rough-looking men.
"Um... can I help you?"
"Ah, Primula. Don't wander too far from me... She's with me. Is there something you need?"
"Huh? A real nobody shows up."
Rest stepped in front of Primula to protect her, but the men showed no signs of backing off.
"Ha! Back off if you don't wanna get hurt!"
"Just hand over the chick and— Guhack!"
"[Wind Sphere]!"
The men's hostility was palpable, but Rest cast his magic without a moment's hesitation.
A sphere of wind slammed straight into each of their guts, sending them crumpling to the ground in agony.
"Guh... argh... wh... what happened...?"
"Let's go, Primula."
"Ah..."
While the men were down, he took Primula's hand and led her away.
Primula blushed shyly and squeezed Rest's hand back.
The two of them went to the shop and entered its stylish interior.
"Wow... amazing! There are so many kinds of thread!"
"Right... what a variety."
"The texture is different too, and it would be fun to embroider with these!"
"...Yeah."
Primula's eyes sparkled at the shelves, but honestly, Rest wasn't that impressed.
He could barely tell the difference beyond the colors at best.
(But well... as long as Primula is happy, that's what matters...)
"This one and that one... oh, I can't decide!"
Primula wasn't usually so assertive, but she seemed to have strong opinions when it came to things she loved.
She picked up bundles of thread, eagerly examining which ones to buy.
"Isn't this color cute too?"
"You're right... but it might be too bright for a man."
"For a man..."
"Because this thread is for the embroidery on the handkerchief I'm giving to Lord Rest."
Primula said with a smile.
Choosing Colors I think blue or green suits you, Lord Rest. What do you think?
"Ah... yeah. I like both."
Rest was taken aback by the sudden words.
(A gift from a girl... this might be the first time from someone other than my mother.)
Moreover, an embroidered handkerchief.
Since she's embroidering it herself, it feels like she's putting that much more feeling into it.
(It's similar in meaning to a hand-knit gift... I think.)
"I'll go pay now."
"Yeah... I'll wait outside, so take your time."
"Huh? Understood?"
Tilting her head at Rest's meaningful words, Primula walked to the checkout counter with her chosen items.
"Well then..."
That said... Rest had something he had to do.
When he left the store, over a dozen rough-looking men were gathered there.
"You really did a number on us earlier!"
"We'll make you regret humiliating us!"
"Revenge payback... What can I say, thugs always do the same thing."
"What was that!? And you still dare to say that now..."
"[Hyper Acceleration] "Hyper Acceleration!»
Cutting off the conversation with the men, Rest decided to quickly finish them off.
He activated a high-level spell, enhanced his speed to the absolute limit, and kicked off the ground.
"Hah!"
"Gah!" "Gih!" "Guh!" "Geh!" "Gooo...!"
He struck at high speed—punching, kicking, smashing, sweeping, and mowing them down... In less than five seconds, he had single-handedly routed over a dozen men.
As the men lay collapsed on the ground, the passersby nearby hurried off to call the guards.
"You're lucky... If Primula had been caught up in this, it wouldn't have ended so lightly."
If those men had given Primula even a single scratch... no, even if they had laid a single finger on her, it surely wouldn't have ended so easily.
If they had injured a marquis's young lady... in the worst case, it wouldn't be surprising if they were executed.
Just as the men were dealt with, Primula came out of the shop.
"Master Rest, what's the matter?"
"No, it's nothing... let's head back."
"...Yes."
As Rest held out his hand, Primula's cheeks flushed as she placed her hand in his.
Surrounded by the thugs lying prostrate, Rest and Primula walked away hand in hand.
—————————— Volume 1 of the light novel is now on sale from Sneaker Bunko!
This is all thanks to everyone's support. I offer my heartfelt gratitude!
The book edition includes a large number of newly written episodes.
A date with Viola and Primula.
Mountain climbing with Yuri.
The battle with poisonous brother Cedric intensifies.
A proposal to Viola and Primula.
Furthermore, the following short stories are available as store-specific bonuses.
Digital edition: "The Gift Is a Dragon"
Animate: "Primula and the Fairy of the Magic Book"
Gamers: "The Lost Girl Is of the Puppy Type"
Melonbooks: "The Gale Pervert Incident"
Even readers who have read the web version are sure to enjoy this!
I look forward to your continued support of this series!