落とし穴番外：夏休みがやってきた (Part2)
"Hiiro, we want lots of chocolate!"
"Oh, absolutely not! ...Or that’s what I’d like to say, but I suppose it’s been a while since we’ve had a break, so I’ll allow it."
"Yay!"
Aslin and the others cheered, genuinely delighted by Vilia’s agreement.
For once, I didn’t feel like playing the killjoy. They’ve been working so hard lately; they deserve a little indulgence.
Besides, I have my own shopping to attend to.
Though, I suppose that goes for everyone else, too.
Things have been incredibly hectic lately, leaving us no time to shop. So, we decided that on this, the first day of summer vacation, we’d spend the morning shopping in small groups, grab lunch, and then reconvene at the cottage.
And so...
"Hey, Kagura. Mikos-chan wants to check out that shop over there, is that okay?"
"We already have a schedule, don't we? As long as you make it back in time for lunch, I don't mind."
"Aww, come with us!"
"I have my own shops I want to visit. What about you, Enora or Stasia?"
"I'll pass. I have somewhere else I need to go."
"Then I shall accompany you. It seems Mikos is referring to a clothing store; perhaps I can get some recommendations while we're at it."
"Leave it to me! As the editor-in-chief and stylist of *Monthly Weed*, Mikos-chan has everything under control!"
And just like that, everyone was off to hit the town for their long-awaited day off.
It’s not as simple as just using the DP exchange system in the Call to procure supplies.
We head into town to relieve stress.
Plus, it’s nice to run into acquaintances.
I wonder if I’ll see the little ones from school?
"Alright, let's get moving. We don't have much time."
"Yes, ma'am!"
And so, we spent the morning thoroughly enjoying our shopping spree, grabbed a light lunch at a café, and headed toward the seaside cottage, but...
"Oh, you've arrived, Aslin and the rest of you."
"Greetings. We’re sorry to intrude."
The ones who greeted us were, for some reason, Emperor Yupia of the Zuraburu Great Empire and the Grand Imperial Hope, Show.
"Wait, why are you here?"
"For 'vacation,' of course. Ah, if you have intimate business with Yuki-dono, I shall not interfere. I intend to fully enjoy this concept of 'playing at the sea' myself."
"I see. Come to think of it, is this your first time at the beach, Emperor Yupia?"
"Hmm, not exactly my first time, but I have never had the leisure to play. And one must consider the safety, after all."
True enough. The seas back home are crawling with monsters.
You can’t exactly frolic there without a care in the world.
"However, I confirmed it with Yuki-dono—this sea is properly regulated, the monsters are all allies, and they will even rescue you if you happen to drown. It is truly the perfect place for me to play!"
"Ah, my apologies. It was my inquiry about the sea that led to this situation."
"It’s fine! We were the ones who told them about it anyway. Emperor Yupia, let’s go play!"
"That’s right. The monsters here are quite fun, too."
"It’s gonna be so much fun!"
"Indeed. Let us change at once and head for the white sands stretching out before us!!"
"Yeah!!"
And thus, our whirlwind summer vacation began.
As we scrambled to change into our swimsuits...
"Oh, if it isn't Luna-san. Are you here to play?"
"Coming from you, Comet, isn't that a bit rich, considering you're a corpse?"
"Just because I’m a corpse doesn't mean I can't play. You have to enjoy yourself."
"I suppose you're right. I feel the same way. Hehehe..."
Ugh. I couldn't help but overhear that suggestive chuckle from Luna.
I have a very, very bad feeling about this...
Is it just my imagination?
Summer vacation. I really want to go to the beach!