Chapter 33: The Sea Is So Vast!

"Wow, it’s beautiful!"

The words slipped out before I realized it.

What’s with this tropical paradise atmosphere? This place defies all geographical and physical logic.

The emerald water sparkled beneath the sunlight. Palm-like trees swayed gently above a pure white beach — though technically, the ground wasn’t sand, but crushed coral.

Everything before me looked like a supernatural illusion by Earth’s standards. But, well, this is that kind of world. I’ve already adapted enough to assume magic’s behind it all. That’s me now — perfectly adjusted to nonsense. Period.

…Anyway, this is a private beach.

Unfortunately, it’s not royal property — it belongs entirely to Zex.

To make matters worse, the elegant white villa nearby, built from marble-like stone, is also his personal property. It’s far grander and more beautiful than the old, worn-down royal castle I’m staying in — Eclea Castle.

Ugh, I’m not jealous or anything!

My castle has history! It’s got charm! So there!

I declared victory to myself, alone.

"Here you are, Miss Ains. A drink."

"Oh, thank you very much."

Seated on a chair along the beach, I accepted the drink Zex offered with impeccable timing.

He set the glass down with a quiet slide. Inside was a light-blue beverage, softly fizzing with bubbles.

Hm? This looks just like soda, doesn’t it?

Seeing something so modern-looking in this medieval fantasy world felt oddly out of place.

And to make matters worse, two straws — bent into a heart shape — stuck out of the glass. Utterly annoying.

Zex, of course, sat in the chair across from me, wearing his usual faint smile.

Today, he was dressed in half-length swimming trunks. Honestly, he looked more like a professional model than a knight.

Meanwhile, when I glanced down at my own swimsuit, I couldn’t help but want to question the game developers for a good hour about historical accuracy. But I swallowed the urge.

After all, I’m a patient person.

Despite everything, I was thirsty, so I gratefully accepted the soda-like drink. The drink itself wasn’t at fault here. I hate sins, not objects — that’s just the kind of person I am.

I cleared my throat and turned to Zex.

"Come to think of it, Lord Maor really couldn’t swim at all, huh? I was honestly surprised."

"Heh heh, true enough. But judging from his progress, I’d say he’ll become quite the swimmer within a few more minutes. …Look over there, Miss Ains."

Following Zex’s finger, I spotted the Demon King off in the distance, taking swimming lessons from Kamina.

Today, Kamina was wearing a blue one-piece swimsuit that suited her perfectly. I couldn’t see from here, but I knew she had a dagger strapped to her thigh with a leather belt.

You’d think the Demon King’s presence would make bodyguards unnecessary, but I couldn’t talk her out of it. So there she was — looking like some kind of female assassin.

"But still, Lord Maor is amazing, isn’t he?"

At a glance, the Demon King already looked like he could swim just fine. His learning speed was absurd.

"From what I can see, Miss Kamina’s teaching style is quite precise and logical. Very skillful indeed. Fitting for the tutor of Princess Sonia, wouldn’t you say? I’m sure her father must be quite proud."

"…Wait, Sir Zex, you know Kamina’s father?"

"Yes. In fact, he happens to be one of my fencing masters."

Zex chuckled softly.

Wow, everyone’s connected to everyone around here.

By the way, I was actually supposed to teach the Demon King how to swim, but Kamina stopped me. I still don’t know why.

For now, Kamina believes that Maor is Zex’s friend and that I’m hiding my identity as a princess while interacting with them.

As for why I’m hiding it — I gave a vague explanation. Something like “I just don’t want to make things awkward.” Kamina didn’t look entirely convinced. Maybe because it’s a pretty flimsy excuse.

"Ains. You’re not going for a swim too?"

Having finished a round in the water, the Demon King walked over, drying his face and body with a towel.

His swimsuit, as it turned out, was also a pair of half-length trunks — matching Zex’s, just in a different color.

You two… seriously, how close are you?

"Ah, I’ll go in a little later, I think."

Honestly, I was just wondering whether I should take off my glasses before swimming or not. Pointless thoughts, really.

"I see. …Hmm? That drink of yours looks pretty good. Share some with me."

"Ah—hey, wait—!"

Before I could stop him, the Demon King snatched my soda without a shred of hesitation.

He sipped through the straw — but wait. He didn’t just drink from my straw, did he? That’s an indirect kiss, you know?

…Well, whatever. No need to fuss over trivial things. I’m not the kind of person who gets hung up on that sort of detail anyway.

"So, Lord Maor, Sir Zex — are you two done swimming for the day?"

"Hm? I’ll take a short break first, then go for another round."

"I think I’ll refrain for today."

Since both of them decided not to swim right away, I took off the hoodie I’d been wearing over my swimsuit, letting my figure bask proudly in the open sunlight.

Heh heh heh. Behold — the beauty of this flawless body!

…Or so I thought.

Zex and the Demon King were already chatting away happily, totally absorbed in their own conversation.

………

What is this feeling? This… vague irritation?

"Kamina! Let’s swim!"

"Yes, Prin— um, Miss Ains…"

Right. Time to shake it off. Let’s just enjoy the water.

Prepare yourself! Witness the elegance of my graceful swimming!

…

Yeah, okay, in the end, my stamina ran out pretty fast, and I had to drag myself back to shore. I really need to start training more. Seriously.

"Lord Maor, aren’t you going to compliment Miss Ains on her swimsuit? She looked like she was waiting for it."

"Hmph. You don’t know her like I do. If I so much as praise her, she’ll immediately get carried away. Sometimes the best thing to do is ignore her completely."

"That’s unusual for you, Lord Maor. Normally, when it comes to women, you either ignore them entirely or claim them without a second thought."

"…I don’t know. Whenever I’m with her, my usual rhythm feels… off. Besides…"

"Besides?"

Zex gave him an amused look, clearly enjoying the moment. Maor frowned, then chuckled wryly.

"She’s an amusing one."

"Indeed. Miss Ains has this peculiar charm — a mix of humor and strangeness that draws people in. How should I put it… oddly clever, yet oddly foolish. I find her rather fascinating, myself."

"Hmph. So you feel the same way, then."

And with that, Maor picked up the half-finished soda Ains had left on the table and drank it down through the straw in one long sip.

For lunch, we decided to have a barbecue together.

"There’s plenty of ingredients, so no need to worry," Zex said with his usual warm smile.

Ah, it’s been a while since I’ve done something like this—an outdoor activity with everyone.

At my feet, the black cat Berial was happily devouring a raw fish. That little guy had gotten so used to his feline form by now that he looked completely natural.

"Oh, this one’s grilled just right… mmm, delicious♥"

"…Ah, that was mine—"

In front of me, a perfectly grilled piece of meat was sitting unattended. Naturally, I helped myself without hesitation. The Demon King beside me looked like he wanted to protest, but I ignored him.

That’s right. This is a battlefield.

On the battlefield, the kind-hearted die first. That’s an iron rule.

Still, this meat was unbelievably good. Nice work, Zex.

"Miss Ains, please—this way," Zex suddenly said.

"Hm? What is it?"

After we’d chatted for a while and filled our stomachs, Zex invited me toward the shade behind some rocks. The spot was completely hidden from view—and for some reason, the air around it felt… dangerous.

If I had to describe it, it gave off the distinct vibe of a sketchy film shoot.

Beep, beep. My internal danger radar blared at full alert.

"Being by the sea like this… don’t you feel a little more open, somehow?"

Before I realized it, Zex had taken off his silver-rimmed glasses and was slowly closing in on me.

By the time I noticed, there was a rock wall behind me.

I glanced at the arm braced beside my head, pinning me in place, then looked up at his face.

Our eyes met.

Ah—wait. Isn’t this a kabedon situation?!

The thought flashed through my mind just as his face inched closer and closer…

—Hold on! This is bad!

"Absolutely not!!"

With a quick twist, I slipped past his side and dashed away at full speed!

Jeez, is everyone around me a flirt?

I seriously need to surround myself with men who have a little more modesty. Seriously.

…Oh, there’s the Demon King.

After running for a while, I bumped right into him.

"Oh, Lord Maor!"

"Hm? Ains? Where have you been? I was just looking for you."

"Eh? What for?"

"Well, I found a nice spot behind that rock over there. It looks perfect for hiding and playing around."

I looked where he was pointing—and saw a spot that looked exactly like the place Zex had dragged me to earlier.

And in his hand… was that micro-bikini he’d said he’d buy me the other day.

"…Wait, is that—"

"I thought it wouldn’t be fair to give one only to Sonia, so I decided to get you one as well—"

"I’LL PASS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!"

Before he could finish, I spun on my heel and sprinted off again, screaming from the depths of my soul.