落とし穴番外：田舎の夏 (Part1)
### Pitfall Extra: Countryside Summer
**Countryside Summer**
**Side: Yuki**
"How is this!"
"What do you think?"
For some reason, two of the heavyweights of the Zuraburu Empire were standing before me, proudly flaunting their swimwear.
Eupia, the Emperor, possessed a petite, board-flat frame not unlike Aslin’s or Firia’s, and she was clad in a sporty competitive swimsuit. While she likely had little drag in the water to begin with, saying that would be… well, that would be a bad idea.
Beside her stood Shou, the Emperor’s advisor—often called the Great Imperial Strategist—wearing a jet-black bikini that contrasted beautifully against her pale skin and white hair. While she didn't quite reach Rurua’s level of allure, she was close enough that the sight was truly spectacular.
I noted that there wasn't a single trace of burn scars on her skin; it seemed she had fully recovered.
"Um, you seem to be staring quite intently at me. Was there some sort of issue?"
"What is it? Does Yuki-dono prefer the 'bouncy' types after all?"
"No, I think Eupia’s sporty look is great, and Shou, you’re surprisingly bold—or rather, you have such a good figure that it suits you well."
"O-oh. You actually respond with things like that, too. Wait, 'sporty'… does that mean I lack the charm of a woman…?"
"Your Majesty, I believe it is a bit much to expect feminine allure with this physique. However, am I 'bold'? Rurua and Eris said this much was quite standard."
"Ah, I suppose so."
Looking at it from Rurua’s perspective, Eris had worn something far more provocative. So, yes, it was standard enough.
In the distance, I could see Deryu and Seraria enjoying themselves in ordinary bikinis as well.
"Well, 'standard' is probably the right word for it."
"Hmm, there seems to be a subtle nuance in that tone. Might I ask for an explanation?"
For some reason, Shou pressed me, sounding almost eager.
"It’s nothing, but there are people like Eupia here who are self-conscious about their figures. It’s not like everyone has a great physique like Rurua, Eris, or you, Shou."
"I see. So you mean it is unreasonable to claim that someone like Shou is the general standard?"
"Exactly. Though, it is a fact that you have a great figure and it suits you, Shou."
"Why, thank you very much. I am glad that after receiving such proper treatment, the results are pleasing to the eye."
As she said this, Shou unexpectedly struck a flattering pose. She seemed to have no hesitation in showing off her swimsuit-clad form.
In the past, Shou had suffered severe burns over her body and possessed a deep-seated reluctance to show her skin. Now that she had completely healed, perhaps she felt a desire to show it off.
So, without reservation, I took a good look.
"Yeah. The wounds have healed perfectly. It looks like you’ll be fine to go into the sea."
When I muttered that, the two looked slightly surprised before offering a bitter smile.
"My, my. I thought your gaze was different from a man lusting after Shou, but it was *that* kind of concern, was it?"
"Haa… I told you, didn't I? Yuki-sama is not the type to be easily swayed by lust toward women. Rurua and the others said they had a hard time with that… Regardless, thank you for your concern regarding my health. There are no issues. Even in the areas hidden by the swimsuit. Would you like to see?"
"Hey, you’re trying to show me your bare skin as if it’s the most natural thing in the world, but that’s really not necessary. I was just asking if you were okay to go into the sea. Unlike rivers or lakes, the ocean is saltwater; even a small scratch stings quite a bit. If you had burn scars, it would be even worse…"
"Hmm. That would indeed be excruciatingly painful. So, are you truly certain it is safe?"
The moment she heard my explanation, Eupia seemed to grow worried and checked with Shou.
"Yes. It is fine. Your Majesty saw for yourself that there are no wounds left. Yuki-sama, thank you for your consideration. There is absolutely no problem. Ah, in this case, should I have said 'there might be a problem' to lure you to the bed?"
"You’re definitely doing that on purpose now."
I doubt anyone would be foolish enough to fall for a trap laid out so blatantly.
"What a pity. But Shou, I am always available to be your partner. And you need not worry about recognition."
"Indeed. Though, I imagine you would be concerned. Above all, I desire the support of Weed, so I would gladly offer this body of mine, once or twice over."
"That’s far too blunt; it’s a turn-off. For now, just go and enjoy the sea. Rurua and the others are waiting."
When I turned around, Rurua and Eris, who should have been playing by the shore, were watching us with intense curiosity.
"I suppose you are right. I have promises to keep with Aslin and the others as well. Yes, let us leave it at this for today. We shall gradually close the distance."
"Indeed, Your Majesty. They say a relationship between a man and a woman is not built in a day. First, let us enjoy our vacation. It is, in fact, my first time at the sea."
No sooner had they said that than the two dashed off toward the water to join their respective groups.
*Haa…* I really wish they would stop using women as pawns to strengthen diplomatic ties.
Though in Shou’s case, it felt less like she was being pushed and more like she had been asked and couldn't refuse.
Well, if the roles were reversed and the target was Taiki-kun, I’d be firing off advice left and right. It’s always more fun to be a spectator than a participant.
"…Is that why I’m failing at this? But watching other people’s love lives is just so entertaining."
Muttering that to myself, I headed back to the cottage.
"Kirika."
"Yes. What is it?"
"Has everyone arrived?"
"Yes. All members participating this time have gathered in this sector."
"I see."
As I asked Kirika, I pulled up the call screen to display the members in the area. Sure enough, everyone was accounted for.
And, of course, that included Luna.
"And? How is Luna doing?"
"For now, she seems to be quiet and relaxing…"
"Haa… I’d like to hope she stays quiet until the very end, but…"
"You suspect that won't be the case?"
"Yeah. That one has never once stayed quiet during a 'summer vacation' in her life."