Chapter 396

Clack, clack, clack.

“The weather’s nice today, isn’t it, Lilith?”

“Yes, Master Ethan.”

It had been a week since I’d bought the swimsuits at Ligeia’s shop. Ethan and I were on our way south for the final exploratory class of the term—Marine Studies—traveling by carriage as usual. The only difference was that our carriage was packed with a bit more luggage and had one more passenger than usual.

“…If I had known it would turn out like this, I’d have learned to drive a carriage myself. I never thought I’d end up alone on the front seat…”

“Don’t worry about it, Isabel. I’m only sitting with Lilith because I prefer being by her side.”

“Perhaps it would be better if you rejoined Isabel inside, Master Ethan. She seems rather uncomfortable being left on her own.”

“I’d feel bad about leaving Lilith to drive the carriage all by herself. Besides, I’ve already relied on her a lot during this Marine Studies class.”

“Ugh… ugh…”

Ethan, ignoring Isabel’s obvious discomfort, remained seated next to me. Though both of us were his maids, I’d spent far more time with him, so it was only natural that Ethan might unconsciously treat us differently.

I kind of expected this when we decided to travel with three in the carriage.

The reason Isabel was accompanying us, even though it was a Marine Studies class, was because it was the final session of the term. After this, we planned to return directly to Blackwood Manor rather than going back to the academy, which meant I didn’t want to leave Isabel alone at the dormitory for months.

Of course, she could have traveled back with Harold instead, but…

Listening to him prattle on about his war hero days or his wife would be much worse than this.

Since she’d mentioned she’d never seen the ocean before, I thought this might be a good opportunity. I even considered getting her a swimsuit, though she’d vehemently refused. She didn’t want to disrupt our trip, insisting on focusing solely on her maid duties.

There would be plenty of nearby accommodations for her, and since she’d stayed in a separate room at the academy dormitory, having her with us wouldn’t make things awkward or uncomfortable for Ethan or me.

“You know, I think this is my first time seeing the ocean too. Being from inland, I’ve never really had the chance.”

“Is this also your first time seeing the ocean, Master Ethan?”

“What about you, Lilith? Have you ever been to the sea?”

“…I have, once or twice.”

…It wasn’t this life but a past one, but it still counted, I suppose. I’d experienced the Marine Studies events many times while playing Luminor Academy, so technically, I’d visited this world’s ocean at least a dozen times.

“Really? Could you tell us what it’s like?”

“Well, the southern seas are known for their strong sunlight and high temperatures. The soil is dry, and waves often crash ashore. Salt in the seawater helps even those who can’t swim to float more easily…”

“Wow, that sounds fascinating. So, Lilith, at the beach…”

Ethan listened eagerly to my explanation, his eyes full of excitement, while Isabel chimed in now and then from the carriage. With that, the Blackwood carriage, carrying one master and two maids, continued southward toward the beaches of Plyana.

⁎ ⁎ ⁎

We arrived at the beachside accommodations with plenty of time to spare, having left earlier than necessary. It seemed like the hero and his party hadn’t arrived yet, which allowed us to secure a place with a view of the ocean at our leisure.

The seaside villa will probably be used by that bunch, so it’s better for us to settle at a nearby inn.

The villa was ideal for boosting party camaraderie, but I preferred a quieter place. Though we’d have to cooperate for the final boss fight of Marine Studies, there was no reason to share sleeping arrangements with them.

“Is there a three-person suite available for a week? We’ll also need a stable for the carriage and feed for the horses.”

Though the course would only last five days, we’d booked a week to extend our stay. While the Necromancy class had given us a brief respite, it was far from a true vacation. Plyana Beach was a map designed explicitly for the game’s swimsuit events—a perfect getaway.

“The hero’s party hasn’t arrived yet.”

“The hero… Oh, you mean the hero and his team?”

“Yeah. He mentioned he’d be taking the Marine Studies class with his party members.”

“Hmm?”

When did they get close enough to discuss personal matters?

It must have been during their last Humanities class, fighting side by side and sharing accommodations. Given that they were in the same year, department, and both main characters of Luminor Academy, it was more surprising that they hadn’t gotten closer sooner.

With that, the three of us finished unpacking, making quick work of settling in with our luggage. This wasn’t just a few days’ worth of supplies, but all the belongings we’d be bringing back to Blackwood Manor.

“Phew, I think that’s everything.”

“Thank you for your help, Master Ethan. I apologize for making you carry what Isabel and I should have taken care of.”

“Don’t worry about it, Lilith. I wanted to help. The sooner we’re done, the sooner we can relax together.”

“That’s true, but I still appreciate your hard work. Thank you, Master Ethan.”

As we sorted our belongings and considered going downstairs for a meal, we heard the sound of an approaching carriage. A royal carriage and a holy empire carriage both arrived shortly after, unmistakably the hero’s party.

Clack, clack, clack…

They’re destined to stand out no matter where they go.

The fourth part of the story wouldn’t allow for public displays like this, but we were still in the middle of the third part. With Seraphine and Celista, both prominent figures, they had little choice but to travel with royal fanfare.

“Huff… We’re finally here, Hero! Is this where we’re staying for the class?”

“Yes. We’ll be here for the next five days, so remember this place. Especially you, Silena—don’t wander off and walk into random places.”@@novelbin@@

“I’m not a child! Don’t underestimate an elf’s memory.”

“Just… get inside already. You can chatter all you want in there…”

It seemed the hero’s party was unchanged from the last Humanities class, with all eight members in tow. As I watched, lost in thought, another royal carriage arrived, pulling up behind them.

Clack, clack…

Hmm?

A bit later than the others, another royal carriage rolled up.

Who could that be? Is it just a supply carriage? Other than Seraphine, the only other royalty at the academy are Mezzlen and…

“Lilith, let’s go eat. We can unpack and bathe afterward.”

“Yes, Master Ethan.”

At Ethan’s call to go for a meal, I turned away from the new arrival without investigating further. I could only assume Seraphine had brought her own luggage, just as Ethan and I had.