"I'm sorry to ask this right after you've returned, but... Count Clover. I want you to head east as soon as you're ready."
"If an evil organization is involved in this war, we need the power of a magician as excellent as yourself."
*As if yesterday wasn't enough, now another battle... Nobles are really brutal, aren't they.* After finishing his audience with the king, Rest left the throne room.
He had always imagined nobles living a life of leisure with plenty of money and time, but apparently reality was different.
Rest managed to get about two days to rest his body, after which he was to embark on an expedition to the eastern border.
*Going on an expedition... well, it's fine. I'm worried about Urla, too. I want to go and help her.* The fact that a battle was taking place on the eastern border meant that House Lavender, which held territory there, was caught up in the conflict.
He wasn't sure if Urla was his fiancée or not, but she was definitely a close friend with whom he shared a deep connection.
Of course he felt the desire to help if she was in danger.
*If I could, I'd want to fly over there right now, but... I suppose that's asking for too much.* "Fuu..."
Rest let out a deep, long sigh.
Although Rest possessed infinite mana, that didn't mean he could erase his fatigue.
Physical fatigue could probably be fixed with healing magic, but there was nothing he could do about mental exhaustion.
*My brain is demanding rest. My head is spinning. It seems I've let my guard down now that I'm back in the royal capital...* "Are you okay, Rest?"
"Are you alright, Lord Rest?"
The Rosemary sisters, walking on either side of Rest, called out to him with concern.
The Rosemary sisters, who had many differences in personality, now wore the same worried look.
"I'm fine... just a little..."
"dizziness..."
"that's making my feet unsteady and my mind drift away."
"No, that's not okay at all!?"
"Hey, let's rest! Right away, at the House Rosemary townhouse!"
"Ugh... I'm sorry..."
Supported on both sides by the two, Rest walked through the royal palace corridor and boarded the House Rosemary carriage waiting outside.
The carriage carrying the three departed immediately.
Assailed by the rhythmic clatter, Rest began to doze off, his head nodding.
"Rest, how about lying down for a bit?"
"That's a good idea. Please rest until we reach the mansion."
"Umm... yeah... I think I'll take a nap."
The carriage's rocking made him even sleepier.
Fortunately, the marquis's carriage was spacious. If he curled his legs, there was room to lie down.
Just as Rest was about to lie down... Viola and Primula exchanged a glance.
"Primula."
"Sister Viola."
"Rock-paper-scissors."
"Pon!"
The two sisters suddenly started playing rock-paper-scissors.
A question floated through Rest's hazy consciousness: "Does this world have rock-paper-scissors?" But given that this world was full of reincarnated people, it wasn't surprising.
The sisters tied two or three times, and then Viola played paper and Primula played scissors, settling the matter.
"I win!"
"Ugh... fine. I'll concede this time."
"Yes... then, please come here."
There was a long seat that seemed designed for two people facing each other.
Primula sat at the edge of the seat on the opposite side and patted her lap.
"Oh, I see..."
It seemed she was going to let him rest his head on her lap.
He was a little embarrassed by the idea... but his brain didn't have the resources to worry about that.
Rest decided to accept the favor directly and laid down with his head on Primula's thigh.
"Hehe... rest well, okay?"
"Yeah... thank you..."
The position with his knees bent wasn't exactly comfortable, but the pillow was absolutely top-tier.
Just the right firmness and softness. And warmth.
Primula's stroking of his hair and the rhythmic patting of his chest also helped.
"Zzz... Zzz..."
It didn't take long for Rest's consciousness to sink.
(It's been a while... since I've fallen asleep feeling this peaceful...)
Rest could never get a peaceful sleep at the northern fortress.
Rest fell asleep, wrapped in a sense of security like a baby cradled in its mother's arms.