In the end, we ended up enjoying swimming in the sandy beach behind the palace.

　No, we were already enjoying it.
　When we changed into our swimsuits and went out on the beach, the students from Chapter 5 were out in the ocean swimming and playing in the waves.

　The ones who were better prepared had brought their swimsuits with them.
　Apparently, a nobleman who had traveled to the Sow Trading Company had passed on the charm.
　They had exposed their bare skin to the adventurer's school, mainly those from rather wealthy families.

''Oh dear.... I thought I gave you strict orders not to leave the royal palace. I explained to them that this is hostile territory, but they don't have a sense of urgency?

　I shake my head and cower my shoulders.

　Rowan chuckles beside me.

It's okay. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. I guess that means this is part of the palace.

That's one way to put it.

'You must have noticed that everyone wanted to stretch their wings with all the training lately. It's good to play puffy like this once in a while.

Some of you would rather be training than playing, though.

　I pointed at him.

　There was a student a short distance away, holding a wooden sword and swinging with it.
　With sweat on his forehead, he was counting the number of times he swung.
　He seemed to be having difficulty keeping his swing steady because of the sandbox below.

　While everyone else is enjoying the trip, the one who is swinging silently is Bornga.

　When he noticed my gaze, he pointed the tip of his wooden sword at me.

'Lacelle, let's play.'

　Yes, yes.....
　Unfortunately, I'm not in the mood.
　I'll see you next time, Bornga.

　When I ignored him, Bornga began to type into his bare hands again.

　Apparently, each of us is enjoying the trip in our own way.
　As a planner, I'm happy for them, but they were already deviating quite a bit from the route I had in mind.

'What if there's an enemy attack in the first place?

　And I let out a sigh, but no one would be stupid enough to attack here.
　Rowan also said, but the sandy beach is equal to part of the royal palace.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work.

　I'm sure that the numbered children will have no problem with it, but the Sow Trading Company will want to refrain from joining forces with it.

　It's a good thing that the numbered children and the numbered children are really in alliance with each other.

''Well!　That's when you need it. We'll be fine. We're stronger than ever. The recruits can take care of themselves. And you know what?

And...

We have a Lacelle Guillermo Stark. Isn't that right?

...Rowan.

What?

Stop stroking my head so casually.

　Rowan's hand was on my head.
　She was stroking it like a reassuring child.

　When I stared at her, Rowan let go of my hand in a hurry.

'Oh. Rarely......... I'm about on par with my sister's husband's cousin's daughter, so I'm just--'

　Wouldn't you say that's a stranger now?

　Oh dear.....
　I exhale.
　The topic of conversation has shifted to the fabric that is now covering my lower abdomen.

'But I'm not comfortable with this swimsuit thing. I've never exposed so much bare skin to the public eye outside of a bath.

You wear it well, Lacelle, though, don't you?

　Mattelus joins the conversation.

　I was wearing a black orthodox swimsuit.
　Naturally, it's not something I brought with me.
　It was loaned to me at the palace.

　There are more than 1,000 swimsuits always available here.
　Some of the swimsuits looked like boomerangs, and some were even fancy ones with gold and jewels on them.
　Totally.....
　What is the need to dress up with just such a thin fabric?

　In the first place, no granting magic has been given and there is no defense at all.
　What in the world is the fun in having to wear such a thing?

　Then, Mattelus looks at me with a jittery look.
　This guy......
　Is it possible that you have such a hobby?

Jesus, Mattelus.

Well, now that I look at it, I just think that's impressive.

What?

'See..... Muscles and all that. It's like he's narrowed down. They're trained evenly throughout, and there's no waste.

'Of course. I don't work out the way you do.

　I give him a single glare, and Mattelus pulls back.
　I stare at Rowan beside him.

''In that respect, Rowan-senpai seems like a macho guy.

Yeah?　Really?

　Rowan looks at his arms.

　Much to his chagrin, Rowan's physique had grown a full circle.
　Not only had he grown in height, but his arms, legs, and chest plate had also increased in thickness.
　This was the result of Rowan's constant efforts.

　Rowan in particular is unable to use magic.
　High basic ability was, in a sense, Rowan's lifeline.

''Can I touch it?''

Hmm?　I don't mind.

Oh...... That's a big hump!　It's not even human.

'Haha.... I'm usually squeezed by someone else. Hey, Lacelle.

Don't dump it on me. Well, that's a fact.

What about this senior Lacelle?

Stop it. Don't come near me. I don't like letting men touch me.

It's good, isn't it?　And it's not going to decrease. Or is it?　Are you saying that Sheila-senpai can do it?

Yeah. That's okay. She's my sister. She makes a good showing to begin with.

My sister...
'What do you mean "good look"?　Elaborate on that!

　What's all the excitement about, these guys?
　It would be a common occurrence for siblings to shed their backs.

　..............................

　Hmm?　Did I say something weird?

''Huh........ If only I had a cute little sister like Sheila-senpai.

What are you talking about, Mathels? You're the one with Mucha.

'Nah, why does Mucha come up there?　Oh, such a brusque woman. Where's the sister factor?　If you say that, then what is it about Rowan-senpai that makes you and Cecil-senpai so different?

　Huh.....
　He's an utterly noisy guy.
　Mattelus is the female version of Cecil.
　Just shut up.


"What did I say about...


　A slightly murderous voice could be heard behind us.