Chapter 73

The carriage rolled smoothly along the highway and eventually reached Lightstone.

No sooner had we arrived than President Kelkel sniffed, “Smells fishy, doesn’t it?” As expected of someone from Cerberus.

“To me, this is the scent of home—the tide. Proof that the sea is near.”

At those words, Farphistanya-senpai’s eyes sparkled—a rare sight.

“I must see this thing called the ‘sea’ by all means.”

So I led them straight to the shore.

The shore had a low sea wall to protect against big waves, so we had to climb over it.

From atop the wall, the ocean and the sandy beach unfurled before us.

The water wasn’t just blue; it stretched out in a broad sweep of emerald green.

With a clear sky that day, several small uninhabited islands dotted the distance.

“This is a view I’ve only ever seen in paintings.”

On impulse, Farphistanya-senpai spread her arms wide.

She looked like she was having a “moment of youth”—which was odd, given that chronologically she’s a senior citizen.

Then she stepped onto the sand and ran straight for the water.

“How heartwarming,” the President said, watching happily alongside her familiar, Kelkel.

“Refreshing the body and restoring the spirit—that’s the right way to use a vacation, wan. If you’re worn to rags by work, you end up spending your time only recovering your body, which isn’t good, wan.”

Kelkel may be a dog, but as a chess champion he certainly spoke wisely.

But a sudden worry flared in my mind.

“Um, President… Farphistanya-senpai has never seen the sea before, right? Can she swim?”

“Ahahaha, there’s no way someone who can’t swim would just charge into the ocean—”

The President’s smile froze. She and I broke into a frantic sprint toward our senior.

“Oh… I’m sinking… It’s salty… cough, wheeze…”

She really had run into the sea and started drowning immediately!

The President and I pulled her out and managed to revive her.

Lying on the sand, Senpai stared blankly at the sky.

“I took the sea lightly. I even drank the seawater.”

“Don’t try to be clever. You took it way too lightly—that crossed from reckless into near-suicidal.”

“And… my clothes are soaked.”

Senpai’s expression was hard to read, but she looked troubled.

If getting wet was the problem, I wished she hadn’t dashed into the surf, but I couldn’t blame her—seeing the ocean for the first time would overwhelm anyone. Besides, the emerald water really was a world-class sight.

“Well, shall we buy you a swimsuit? For now, lay your wet clothes over there to dry—the summer sun should do the trick.”

Fortunately, a shop nearby sold all sorts of beach gear.

“Swimsuit?”

Are you serious…? She really doesn’t know what that is?

But if she’s never swum before, it’s possible. There are swim-friendly ponds near the Capital, but an indoor person would never visit them.

President Kelkel took over the explanation.

“It’s a piece of clothing you wear for swimming. Swimming in regular clothes is very difficult.”

Kelkel pointed to beachgoers a little further away; the coast was popular, so plenty of examples were on display.

Some swimmers were almost entirely covered—their suits resembled tights—while others wore far skimpier styles.

“So, no one swims naked.”

She sounds just like Tototo-senpai…

“It’s a violation of public order and morals, so anyone over ten must wear a swimsuit—unless you have a private island, of course.”

“I understand. I will try buying one of those.”

So we went to the beach shop. Since no one had brought swimsuits, it was a necessary stop.

But Senpai hesitated for a reason I hadn’t expected.

“They’re all expensive. I won’t use one often.”

Swimsuits were pricey—one silver coin for a standard set, two for the expensive ones.

“If I were using it all the time, fine. But I want something cheaper.”

“I understand, but if it costs a silver, that’s just how it is…”

Still, buying a cheap copper set just to sunbathe felt like a waste; even if she didn’t swim, I wanted her at least to be able to splash around.

Meanwhile, Mary complained the selection was “tacky.” With her artistic temperament and refined tastes, that made sense.

Right then, Cerulia perked up and raised her hand energetically.

“Ah, I have a great idea!”

I wasn’t sure it was truly “great”—but for a man, it was certainly promising.

7

I changed into my trunks and waited. Then the ladies emerged.

“This is so much better. I even feel cuter!”

Mary twirled in Cerulia’s dancer-like outfit. As expected, it revealed her backside. I tried not to stare…

“How is it? Franz, do I look sexy?”

Mary clung to me.

“Personally, I would have preferred something a bit more ‘wholesome’ for you, Mary…”

Yes—Cerulia’s “great idea” was to lend her spare clothes to everyone.

Cerulia’s clothes had very little fabric, but they were usable for the water—and unquestionably attention-grabbing.

“It’s breezy… I can’t settle down…”

“Wearing clothes like this makes me feel a bit shy.”

Farphistanya-senpai and President Kelkel stood there too, both in Cerulia’s attire.

T-this was quite a shock… too much of one.

Farphistanya-senpai’s striking black hair made her look surprisingly convincing in the dancer-style outfit—almost like a professional.

As for petite, cute President Kelkel, the contrast gave her a strange, potent charm—especially with her dog ears and tail poking out. Is this a crime?

Apparently the outfits were size-adjustable—anyone but a giant could wear them. They’re a traditional succubus ethnic garment, after all, so they’re flexible.

“How is it? My idea? This way, the sea is no problem at all!”

Cerulia’s contribution was monumental. But I kept my praise quiet—too much enthusiasm felt risky.

“Well done, Cerulia.”

“Hehehe. I know Master’s tastes very well, after all.”

Wait—what does that mean…? Are you calling me a closet pervert?