Chapter 131

The sea. It stretched endlessly before them.

“Wow, it’s so big!”

“So this is the sea, huh?”

Both Mastema and Sepia leaned eagerly out the window of the carriage, bubbling with excitement.

Since they had come to a summer resort reserved for the kingdom’s royalty, there was no one else around. There were no shops either, so they’d have to handle everything themselves, but their reliable slaves were with them.

With Noel and Arnella, both skilled in everything needed, there was nothing to worry about. Few could manage magic as well as those two slaves unless a mage were to fall to slavery.

They received the key to the royal cottage from the caretaker. With only the queen left to manage the country and no time to use it herself, it was theirs to enjoy.

They set the magic carriage to standby mode and began unloading their belongings into the cottage. Though it was already clean thanks to the caretaker, Noel and Arnella still found it lacking and began tidying up.

“We’ll be done in just a moment.”

“Please wait a bit.”

With those words, the two used magic to clean the entire cottage, inside and out, until it sparkled.

Running a finger along the windowsill, he found it spotless.

“Impressive.”

“It’s our job, after all,” Arnella replied with pride.

“Let’s go to the sea!”

Mastema, who had waited so patiently, urged him on. It was admirable that she had managed to wait, though maybe he’d been indulging her a bit much.

Arnella skillfully soothed her. Even Noel seemed to have learned how to handle Mastema recently.

Mastema began changing on the spot, shedding her clothes without hesitation. She didn’t seem to grasp the idea of modesty yet.

Sepia hesitated, wondering if she should intervene, though she seemed just as eager to get to the sea.

Moments like these made him feel like just waiting in anticipation. But not wanting to spoil future enjoyment, he reluctantly stepped outside.

There was no one else around, so he began changing outdoors. Not that it mattered if a man was seen.

“I’m watching, you know.”

“Well, it doesn’t matter if it’s you.”

Victor appeared in swimwear, even striking a pose. An angel steeped in the pleasures of the mortal world.

Even Mastema, a demon, seemed to crave new thrills after living so long. Compared to that angel they’d met in the tower who relished watching humans struggle in trials, at least Victor’s interests seemed more wholesome.

“You used to admire me, though,” Victor teased.

“Did I? Maybe when I first grasped the heavenly sword.”

That moment was unforgettable—the instant he held a sword other adventurers could only dream of.

But what he truly couldn’t forget was his battle with Mastema, a literal life-or-death fight.

He’d done everything possible, seizing every slim chance and even luring her into a moment of overconfidence to finally emerge victorious. He doubted any future experience would top that memory.

To think that Mastema, once an adversary, was now part of his group was surreal. According to Demon King Demogorgon, strength was the only status that mattered, so perhaps it was inevitable.

As he waited for Mastema and the others, he took another look at Victor.

Flawless, fair skin. Blond hair and blue eyes.

Truly a masterpiece of form.

Just then, Mastema appeared, wearing a swimsuit that, while not vulgar, exposed plenty of skin. Black hair and red eyes.

Standing beside Victor, the contrast was striking. As he compared the two, Mastema puffed out her chest.

“I win.”

“Hey, what exactly are you comparing?” Victor protested, met with Mastema’s sly smile.

Though Victor was taller, Mastema certainly had more in certain areas. Perhaps it was best not to ask her what she meant by “win.”

The other three came after them, dressed in stylish swimsuits that highlighted their healthy forms. With Noel and Arnella carrying some of the luggage, he took a few items to lighten their load.

“Let’s head out.”

“Yeah, I can’t wait!”

Mastema hopped onto his back, leaving him with no choice but to carry her since his hands were full.

“Come on, let’s go! The sea won’t wait!”

“The sea’s not going anywhere, so relax.”

She was clearly thrilled. Even a demon as old as Mastema found something fascinating in the ocean, a sight absent from the depths of hell.

“We’ve got food, so let’s play a bit and then eat,” Noel suggested.

“Oh, let’s fish! I’ve heard ocean fish are delicious, though I’ve never had them,” Sepia said eagerly, recalling the memory.

“Fishing… can’t we just use magic?”

“Arnella, you’re starting to act like Ahavaine,” Sepia remarked, giving her a skeptical look.

“Oh, really?”

“Don’t be embarrassed! You’re making me feel embarrassed!” Sepia huffed, rushing toward the sea.

Mastema, sensing competition, grabbed his hair in a hurry.

“Come on, we’re going to be left behind!”

“All right, let’s go.”

Together, they headed for the sea.

The white sand stretched out in pristine beauty, untouched by any litter. The blue sea and white beach created a stunning scene.

The last time he’d been to the ocean, it had been during a monster hunt on a stormy shore, nothing like this peaceful atmosphere.

“The sea!”

Mastema leaped from his back, splashing into the water with such force that a spray of water shot up. Sepia quickly shielded them with a wind spell to keep them dry.

What power she had.

“She’s just a kid at heart,” Sepia remarked, though her own eagerness was obvious.

“Go on, enjoy yourself.”

“Okay!”

Though she was in a complicated situation, Sepia was still a child at heart. She should play and have fun.

Arnella set up chairs and a parasol while Noel prepared cooking utensils. Within moments, they had a cozy area set up on the beach.

“Take it easy and enjoy the sea yourselves.”

The two of them would keep working if left unchecked. It was helpful, but they deserved a break.

“We’ve made enough progress, so we’ll take you up on that.”

“Master, please join us as well,” Noel said, taking his hand. It seemed they were both looking out for each other.