Chapter 30

This summer is so hot that everyone is just wilting.

Father, who is the king, and Mother have started preparing for their summer retreat. It was then that a letter from Jack arrived. From Jack Shriote Wylde, who lives in the Viscount George Wylde’s territory, four regions to the north of the capital.

He’s the same age as me, that arrogant guy.

We’ve become friends, you know. “It’s hot this summer, isn’t it? Come to my mansion for a retreat. I’ll welcome you!” The letter is written in a grand, noble style.

Since then, I’ve met Jack several times at parties, and we’ve become quite close. Of course, Silfa is always with us.

At the bottom of the same page, it says, “Please, Cerea, and Silfa.” It seems they get along well.

After getting permission from Father and Mother, Cerea and I decided to go on a trip.

I’m surprised they gave us permission, but Shrigan and Bell are coming with us.

The royal couple will have a guard escort for their retreat, so we’ll be traveling incognito, joining the carriage convoy.

We’ll be in a four-seater carriage, with Shrigan driving, and Cerea and Bell in the passenger area. We expect to arrive in two days and three nights.

For us, who rarely leave the capital, the scenery and the journey are quite enjoyable. The merchants, travelers, and the adventurers known as hunter guards are also interesting. Of course, I’ve been given a strict order by the king to “broaden my horizons,” but it’s summer vacation, after all.

We’ll be camping at night, in tents.

Cerea and I will sleep in the same tent, in separate sleeping bags.

It’s been a while since we’ve slept together. Since that night with the thunder, right? Well, a few times in the hospital, we ended up sleeping on the floor.

Cerea’s sleeping face, snuggled in the sleeping bag, is so cute.

“Hey, you made it! It’s been a while!”

Jack and Silfa greet us with a high-five.

“I’m so tired—It was a long trip!”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s not much, but it’s cooler here than in the capital, and the food is good, so you can look forward to that.”

“Thanks!”

Silfa and Cerea hug, happy to see each other again.

The maids and butler are surprised to see the kingdom’s first prince being so casual with the son of a rural viscount, and they’re flustered.

“Thank you for coming all the way to this rural territory.”

The viscount and viscountess, George Wylde, bow deeply.

“I’m sorry for the trouble. Please forgive us for being a nuisance.”

Cerea and I bow in return, following proper etiquette.

Afterward, Shrigan and Bell are given separate rooms, and we are shown to our room.

Our room?

Not separate rooms?

...We’re led to a guest room with two large beds side by side.

Oh, this is awkward.

“This is a nice room, isn’t it?”

Shrigan and Bell, carrying several trunks, unceremoniously place our luggage in the room.

“Miss, you should change. Gentlemen, please leave the room.”

We’re kicked out by Bell.

Jack calls out to Shrigan and me, who are standing in the hallway.

“Shin, let’s play cards!”

“...Why are we in the same room?”

“No problem, we’re engaged. This is the guest room for visitors.”

“Hey... Well, let’s talk about that later. Since we just arrived, can we get something to drink?”

“Sure, sure. Sorry, sorry. Let’s go to the salon.”

“Can we order something in the room?”

“Sure, that’s fine. I’ll call Silfa.”

Being alone in a room with a bed with Cerea... I don’t think this will last long.

The door opens, and Bell pokes her head in.

“It’s fine now.”

When we enter, Cerea has changed into a cool sleeveless dress.

The windows and curtains are open, and a gentle breeze blows in. It’s definitely cooler here in the north.

A maid brings us drinks. They have ice in them!

“Ice! How did you manage to have ice in the middle of summer?”

“We cut ice from the lake in winter and store it in an underground room.”

“Luxurious...”

“Glad you came, right?”

The drinks are cold and delicious. The north is definitely cooler than the stifling heat of the capital. I’m glad we came.

Until dinner, we played cards with Silfa. We sat on the carpet, placed the cards on cushions, and played Big Two.

“This is so fun!”

Jack is thrilled. Once everyone understands the rules, we start playing seriously.

I play aggressively.

“S-Shin, you’re so strong...”

“Jack, you always go for the big hands, but you can’t follow up. It’s better to play the cards you can play steadily.”

“You play such boring cards.”

Silfa glares at Jack.

“If the future king only goes for risky reversals like Jack, the people will be worried. Steadfastness is also a virtue of a king. Jack, you should experience the struggles of the poor!”

“There goes Silfa’s perfect student speech.”

Jack teases Silfa. Yeah, seeing them get along like this is reassuring. If a heroine shows up, it’ll be fine.

“Revolution!”

“Aaaaaah!”

...Cerea, that’s not fair. How are you going to drop me to the bottom like that?

That night, we had a welcome dinner. It’s only for tonight, not every night. “Please feel at home and relax,” they said warmly, and we thanked them.

After taking a bath, we fall asleep soundly.

We’re quite tired.

The next day, we’re taken to the lake.

“This is the pride of our territory. The water is the cleanest in the country!”

The water is indeed clear, with no unpleasant odor, and it looks drinkable. This is great!

Cerea and Silfa, who have changed, join us in our trunks.

Silfa is wearing a frilly two-piece, and Cerea is in a black dress.

“...”

After a moment of silence, Jack gives a thumbs up and grins.

“I win.”

You jerk... Cerea will grow more in the future, you know?

Silfa, at thirteen, is already quite developed.

I’m used to my mother and sister being well-endowed, so I don’t think being big is that great. Cerea is definitely more charming right now.

“Welcome to Shrigan Boot Camp, kids! I’m going to train you thoroughly, so be prepared!”

Shrigan appears, his tight pants bulging.

No, no, no, what are you planning, Shrigan!

“There are no places to swim in the capital, so I’ll teach you how to swim, Your Highness and young master.”

“Eh...”

“Can you swim, Your Highness?”

“I’ve never swum before...”

“What about you, young master?”

“I’m okay, I guess.”

Shrigan nods at Jack’s answer.

“Unlike animals, humans can’t swim instinctively. You have to learn how to swim. As nobles, you both need to learn how to swim.”

“Is it necessary!?”

“Yes. Imagine a war where there’s a river behind you and a large army attacking from the front. What would you do?”

“I’d stand my ground and fight.”

“Bad strategy!”

“We could get a boat.”

“Too slow!”

Shrigan shakes his head.

“The first priority in battle is to survive. Swimming across the river is the right answer. If you’re in that situation, you’re already losing. Understand? War is something you don’t engage in unless you’re sure you can win. If you end up in a desperate situation, it’s because your strategy was bad. You don’t need to sacrifice your life to a foolish superior. If you survive, you have another chance. Reassess your strategy and try again. Dying in a losing battle is meaningless. Remember that.”

“You’re amazing. I’m really impressed that you can be a royal guard with that mindset!”

“...Your Highness, as a noble, your first priority should be to prevent war and strive for peaceful diplomatic solutions. If war is unavoidable, it’s our job to die. Your Highness only needs to think about surviving. Understand?”

...I’m deeply moved. Shrigan, you have such resolve.

Jack and I stand up and salute, “Yes, sir!”

“Alright, let’s start with treading water. You’ll need to master this.”

“Ugh...”

“We’ll do this in light armor.”

“Got it, got it...”

“What about us...?”

Cerea and Silfa ask timidly.

“You girls can play as you like. I’ll leave you to Bell.”

Bell arrives.

In a black two-piece, she subtly hides her supple body, with a flowing pareo around her waist, and her beautifully shaped legs, narrow waist, and full, pointed breasts create a seductive allure...

Her overwhelming maturity... We’re just kids, and this is what “woman” is. I feel like I need to prostrate myself in apology for seeing this.

“...I give up.”

Jack, Cerea and Silfa are just thirteen. You can’t compare us to adult women. We don’t have the right to compare. Let’s be aware of our place...

Still, I can’t help but notice the throwing knives attached to the belt around Bell’s soft thighs, hanging from her garter.

“...Bell, do you always carry those throwing knives?”

“Of course.”

“...Who are you, really?”

“I’m Cerea Colette’s maid.”

It seems I shouldn’t ask more.

Shrigan is momentarily stunned.

Hey, do something about that bulge in your tight pants!

“Alright, let’s leave these brainless idiots and enjoy the water gracefully.”

The girls giggle and play in the water, while the three of us men are made to practice treading water and sidestroke...

Did we come here to do this?

While in the water, Jack and I complain.

“Do you always do this?”

“...Since I was ten.”

“Being a prince is tough...”

In our room, we have dinner together.

“But I’m glad you two get along so well.”

“Yes!”

“Is it because Cerea gave Silfa advice? What did you tell her?”

“...It’s a secret.”

“Okay.”

Cerea blushes and says shyly.

“Forget about your status.”

“Ah, because Jack is a viscount and Silfa is a baroness.”

Jack is a viscount’s son, and Silfa is a baroness. Jack is of higher rank.

In the game, the proud, arrogant Jack is easily charmed by a heroine who doesn’t care about his status. If Silfa is too concerned about the status difference and holds back, their relationship deteriorates.

“Jack will accept Silfa as she is, without pretense.”

“Right. He became our friend even when he thought we were commoners.”

We laugh together.

“What did you tell Jack, Shin?”

Hmm, what did I say?

“That whether it’s a political marriage or a love marriage isn’t a big deal. What matters is what happens after you meet. Take care of her and fall in love with her.”

Cerea turns bright red and presses her palms to her face.

“...I’m so happy.”

I blush too. It’s exactly what we’re going through.

Before bed, I kneel by Cerea’s bed.

“Can I give you a goodnight kiss?”

I lean in a bit and do it.

Next: “30. Making Ice”