Chapter 55 – The Maidens' Vacation

Justia and Dominique filled the blue sky with their singing voices, while Irmhild played melodies on her lute. Of course, it was ordinary music, but the refreshing, bright tunes matched the scenery perfectly.

Today was another beautifully clear day. The temperature was gradually rising, making it just the right season for swimming in the ocean.

On the other hand, the coats we wear to the Labyrinth would be uncomfortably warm, but since the temperature inside the Labyrinth remains relatively constant throughout the year, though it varies by section, it wouldn’t be a problem as long as we changed before entering.

We had left Termwills and were traveling along the coastal road in a wagon.

White sandy beaches and a brilliantly clear blue sky. The color of the ocean was—a bright, pale green. The so-called emerald green sea often spoken of, and it was incredibly beautiful.

The wagon body was a covered wagon with the cover removed. We borrowed it from the stables so everyone could ride together. It didn’t have the interior fittings like the carriage we originally used, but it was spacious and had an open feel, which wasn’t bad in its own way. We invited Forestbird and Rosetta too, but they apparently had Requests and work lined up for a while, so our schedules didn’t match.

Well, it was a bit disappointing, but this time it was just the Party Members and the monster girls.

“It’s beautiful…”

“The sea… it’s so transparent.”

Grace and Ashley were staring intently at the ocean from the wagon.

Even from my perspective, it was a beautiful sea, so for the two of them seeing it for the first time, it must be quite moving. Just this alone made me think it was worth coming.

“By the way, how far are we going? The beaches around here look nice enough.”

“I heard there’s a good spot a little further ahead.”

Sheila hadn’t shown much reaction when she heard we were going to the beach… but judging by how her tail was standing straight up, she seemed to be quite pleased with it. When it comes to her, I’ve recently realized it’s easier to understand her true feelings by paying attention to her ears and tail rather than her expression. Well… that’s only when she’s off guard or relaxed, though.

As someone familiar with the terrain around Termwills, I also knew suitable spots for playing in the nearby sea. Pretending I’d heard about it and done research in town, we were currently heading to that location.

I guided the wagon toward the cape. Changing direction along the way and proceeding along the path between the rocky area and the forest, I spotted a natural tunnel opening just large enough for the wagon to pass through, hidden in the shadow of the rock face. It was in a somewhat hard-to-find location… but in BFO, it was a popular spot near Termwills.

“Ah, there it is. Beyond that.”

I was wondering how far we could take the wagon without getting the wheels stuck in the sand… but it seemed we could make it to the other side of the tunnel.

The tunnel itself wasn’t very long. The end came quickly.

“Wow…”

Ashley let out a small exclamation.

“I think I might like this atmosphere.”

Justia murmured this almost unconsciously as she saw the view.

I hadn’t expected to get a seal of approval from a Siren.

Beyond the tunnel was a beach and ocean surrounded by rock walls on three sides.

It was what you’d call a cove. It had ample space, and plenty of sunlight streamed in, so even though it was surrounded by rocky areas, the atmosphere wasn’t dark at all. It was a quiet space that felt mysterious and secret-like.

Near the center of the cove, a small island—or rather, a round rock—peeked above the water’s surface. If you were going fishing, setting up camp there seemed like a pretty good idea.

“Well then, we’ll go change in the shade of those trees.”

“Mm. Understood.”

Then it would be best for me to change in the shadow of those rocky areas over there.

I changed quickly and returned. First, I decided to deploy a thin defensive Barrier over a wide area using Dark Field, a fifth-tier Dark Magic.

Since its effect is reducing Light Element damage… it might also cut down on the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Justia, holding her harp, ran toward the ocean. Her expression was a beaming smile… quite different from her usual cool demeanor. Just as I thought she’d jumped into the water, she released her Humanization Spell and leaped out from the sea surface.

“Ahahaha!”

…Well, I’m just glad she’s happy. She’s literally like a fish in water.

Dominique also released her human form and was flying around just above the sea surface. It wasn’t exactly swimming, but she seemed to be enjoying herself in her own way.

“My, my. Everyone’s released their Humanization Spells. Well, there’s no one around to see, after all.”

Irmhild said this as she too released her human form and emerged. She also intended to swim, entering the sea while still in her half-snake form. She wriggled her body, swimming skillfully. Of course, it was my first time seeing a Lamia swim… but I shouldn’t stare too intently. Why? Because her human-like form extended to rather… precarious areas… making it somewhat difficult to know where to look.

Next to emerge was Sheila.

…Her somewhat risqué low-rise bikini was… probably consideration so it wouldn’t interfere with her tail. It might be unavoidable. Those two are a bit… eye-popping…

“I wanna eat fishies.”

Sheila said this, heading toward the rocky area in the center of the cove with a fishing rod in hand. She was doing what you’d call a dog paddle or cat paddle. That’s how she was swimming.

“Theo.”

Hearing my name called, I turned around.

Grace and Ashley were walking over together. Both had translucent white skin.

Seen under the bright sunlight, they seemed to sparkle… it had a completely different appeal compared to seeing them in the bathhouse. Swimsuits really belong at the beach.

“Grace, can you swim?”

She grew up inland, after all. Was she the one who pulled me out when I fell into the waterway? I can’t quite remember that time clearly, but she definitely jumped into the waterway for me.

“Yes. I’ve never swum in the ocean before, but the waves seem calm here. I think I can swim without any problems.”

At the very least, running water… didn’t seem to affect Grace. Was it because she’s a Dhampir? Or the Ring’s effect? Or are vampires in this world different? Water Magic wasn’t particularly effective against them either.

There’s no doubt they dislike sunlight, but when it comes to the true nature of Vampires, there are significant individual differences, so you can’t make blanket statements. As for vampires from Earth’s side… various folklore got mixed in, and there was even a theory that the fear of running water came from seeing rabies sufferers afraid of water, which got confused with vampire legends.

Either way, as long as Grace is fine, that’s all that matters.

“What about Ashley?”

“I’ve never swum before at all.”

Ashley looked somewhat nervous.

“Then let’s start getting used to it in the shallow area. I’ve also learned underwater Magic, so there’s no worry about drowning.”

“Yes!”

Playing at the water’s edge is enjoyable in its own way too. Grace seemed a little worried about me, but it’s fine. As long as I have the water breathing Magic, I won’t drown anymore.

“That’s right. Relax your body like that. You’re doing very well.”

Under Grace’s guidance, Ashley quickly learned to swim. Since she could breathe underwater, learning to breathe wasn’t much trouble, and probably not having the fear of drowning helped her relax.

Grace seemed a bit taken aback by the saltwater, but since she could already swim, she seemed to get used to it quickly.

I was floating on the water’s surface or checking the feel of using underwater activity Magic.

Sheila’s fishing results seemed excellent. The moment Justia took position on the rocky area and played her harp, the fish started biting like crazy. Her tail was standing up, and even her expression had a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth. She clearly looked happy.

“…Hmm?”

I was floating in the shallows, vaguely watching everyone… but when I saw Dominique flying while skimming the whitecaps with her toes touching the water’s surface, I thought of something. Let’s try experimenting right away.

First, Aqua Walk—the Water Magic for water walking—to stand on the water’s surface, while simultaneously using water current manipulation Magic to use it as propulsion.

“Whoa.”

I cut through the water’s surface, my body moving forward. Controlling the Magic, I turned right and left.

…This works. If I add a bit more control Magic, couldn’t I even glide over land on water?

Trying it out, I rode up onto the sandy beach and, combining it with the Life Magic for water creation, I was able to glide over land as planned.

…Practical applications aside. Above all, it’s fun. Since you can get considerable speed, it feels like you’re water skiing. It’s a different kind of fun from flying in the sky.

Everyone was looking this way with surprised expressions.

“That’s interesting. I never thought I’d be impressed by a human when it comes to water.”

That was Justia’s comment.

“Theodore-sama, that’s amazing!”

“It really is. It looks like fun.”

“Do you two want to try it too?”

When I invited the two who were watching with shining eyes, they nodded eagerly.

Using the water walking Magic, I had them hold my hands. I was acting as a substitute for a water bike.

“Well, here we go?”

“Yes!”

Like holding hands and skating on a rink, we sped across the sea surface. The speed was more moderate than before, but both of them seemed quite pleased.

Hmm… Well, it was nominally for training purposes too.

Actually, playing was supposed to be the main point, but somehow I ended up learning a new Technique. This is that, huh. It seems like I could use this inside the Labyrinth too.

However, pulling someone along is a bit unstable. When accelerating or decelerating, the balance tends to waver a little. And this is with moderate speed, so if I were to use it in actual combat, I should probably do it alone.

“This is—fun.”

“B-but the soles of my feet feel a little ticklish, maybe.”

Unlike me, who’s providing the propulsion, the two are being pulled along, so the sensation seems a bit different for them.

Laughing happily, they almost lost their balance and clung to my arms.

Of course… while in their swimsuits. A soft, warm sensation spread across my entire arms.

…This is a situation where I want to praise myself for not letting go of the Magic control.