After completing my job of maintaining a stern presence behind the queen, I returned home only to suddenly be informed of upcoming vacation plans.
I was just about to take a break, feeling needlessly tired.
“I figured she’d be getting bored of sitting around by now,” I said, resignedly.
“Haha…”
Honestly, I’d expected her to come up with something sooner or later. In fact, I felt relieved it was such a peaceful suggestion. Mastema was always rather free-spirited.
Arnella looked somewhat uncertain, finally responding with a forced smile.
“Things have settled down on this end. I don’t mind going to the beach, but can I leave the preparations to you?”
“Of course.”
“I even bought a swimsuit. The risqué ones were vetoed by Arnella, though.”
Mastema appeared behind Arnella as if out of nowhere.
“Looking forward to it?”
“Well, more or less. Just don’t wear anything too flashy.”
“Don’t worry—I know the human rules.”
Is that true? I looked to Arnella for confirmation, and she nodded.
It seemed she’d managed to persuade Mastema to stick to a more conventional swimsuit.
“I got one for you too.”
With that, Mastema held up a men’s swimsuit. Black, simple, and unassuming.
“Ah, thanks.”
I patted Mastema on the head, and she took it proudly before disappearing once again, seemingly in high spirits.
“Is everyone going?”
“That’s the plan. I apologize for deciding without asking you.”
Arnella bowed her head. True, it was sudden, but the timing wasn’t bad.
I was getting tired of the political work, after all. I’d put in more than enough effort and could let them manage without me for a while.
Just then, Noel came to inform me that dinner was ready. Glancing out the window, I noted how the days had grown longer.
The sky was still lit by the sunset’s glow, though nightfall would soon blanket it in darkness.
Sepia also returned home, looking quite content but utterly exhausted. It seemed she enjoyed this work more than when she was the academy headmaster.
Dinner was a rich spread of lamb, marking the end of another day.
A delicious dish of thinly baked bread filled with sautéed lamb was the highlight. And it had become routine for Mastema to sneak into my bed before sleep.
After leaving the rest of the preparations to the servants, I spent the remaining time maintaining my equipment and researching our destination’s lore.
I polished the Thunder Sword, Fire Sword, and Heaven Sword to a pristine shine.
Researching travel destinations was something of a habit for me as an adventurer.
There seemed to be a few tourist spots and a modest dungeon in the area.
Then Victor appeared, brimming with magical energy, likely due to the lack of recent battles.
“Good thinking. By the way, you’re taking me to the beach too, aren’t you?”
“Do angels want to go to the beach too?”
“Of course! If demons can go, why shouldn’t I, partner?”
Victor crossed his arms with a hint of petulance. I hadn’t realized when we first met, but he had a surprisingly needy side and sulked when he didn’t get enough attention. Back when my magical power was lower, he’d been asleep most of the time, so I hadn’t noticed.
“Was there ever a day I didn’t bring you along?”
“Just as I expected. And by the way, I don’t need a swimsuit.”
With that, he changed his clothes into a high-necked white swimsuit that suited his long, blonde hair.
“Convenient.”
“Well, this form is just a vessel, after all.”
It was a shame he lacked much physical presence, though his appearance had a certain elegance.
People wouldn’t likely believe he was an angel dressed like this.
On the day of our departure, ignoring attempts by the former imperial princess-turned-chancellor to pile work on me at the last minute, we set off.
It was a bit annoying, but still far better than being asked to take her along. She had plenty of work to do, and maybe a souvenir would put her in a better mood.
For travel, I pulled out the magic carriage, equipped with the latest golem technology, which had been idle in storage.
With everyone on board, we headed directly to our destination.
The magic carriage, which could travel day and night, reduced a trip of several days to just one.
Once you get used to this, slow travel seems impossible. It even scattered minor monsters on its path, eliminating the need for combat.
While some say ease leads to decadence, I disagree.
If comfort is available, we should embrace it. Both labor and time are limited resources, and how one allocates them shapes one’s life.
A life filled with unnecessary tasks doesn’t align with one’s true intent.
In truth, I’ve lived this way and found it largely satisfying.
Not that I haven’t faced death multiple times.
Besides, everyone here could fly, so if necessary, we could just take to the skies.
“Flying at night reveals a beautiful glow from the lights below,” Mastema said, leaning against me, enthusiastic about the night view from above.
“Maybe we’ll see it together sometime.”
“Yes, let’s.”
It seemed she’d wanted to see it with me.
During the trip, we slept in the carriage. The construction kept vibrations minimal, and I used wind magic to mute the sound of travel.
While there wasn’t enough room to fully stretch out, the five of us could lie down and pass the night.
The occasional bump, likely from hitting a monster, would wake me, but it was still more comfortable than most inns.
The steep price was worth it.
As dawn approached, we found ourselves nearing our destination.
