A cloudless blue sky. Under brilliant, beaming sunshine, we were aboard a magic ship.
This vessel, powered by mana-stones and propelled by wind-element magic, was carrying us to a certain destination.
It had been two days since boarding, and this was the morning of the third. According to schedule, we were due to arrive soon.
“Wow~, what a beautiful sea, Ouga!”
“Mashiro, you’ve been full of energy this whole time.”
“Because this is my first time! Thank god I was picked as a representative~!”
That’s right — this ship was bound for Lamdarb Island, where the Inter-Academy Magic Tournament was to be held.
Aboard were only the selected representatives, their attendants, and supervising faculty — a chartered trip. Judging by size and amenities, quite the luxurious one.
“Miss Lebetsenka was so lonely about it. She’s the only Council member on a separate route.”
“She’s apparently scheduled to arrive there first, so we should meet up right at the port. After that, let’s all enjoy some sightseeing.”
The Inter-Academy Magic Tournament gathers each school from its own region, so the schedule is unexpectedly tight.
The only day of free movement is the first day; after that, matches are scheduled in.
Even that first day has the drawing ceremony, which we have to attend by evening.
If we lose early we’d have free time, but aiming for the championship, we won’t.
“I’m in! Let’s all go eat something delicious!”
“Miss Liche, I’m sorry. I’d like to bow out……”
“Eh!? Is there some Council errand!?”
“Fufu, no. The truth is, Lamdarb Kingdom is my homeland. So I’d like to go greet my family.”
“Is that so. I didn’t know.”
The fact that Reina’s existence became suddenly widely known was because Floné introduced her apprentice to all parties.
It would normally make sense for the background of a suddenly-appearing apprentice to be more publicly discussed…… I’m surprised to learn it for the first time myself.
Lamdarb Kingdom is an island nation with Lamdarb Island as its territory.
Since becoming the host of the Inter-Academy Magic Tournament, it had prospered as a tourist destination — an independent nation.
“I don’t speak of it much. I’d actually wanted to guide you all myself……”
“Don’t worry at all! That’s more important! After all, it’s been a long time since you’ve seen them……”
“Thank you. I’ll be back by evening, so let’s have tea together then?”
“Oho. Then let me prepare some Lamdarb specialty leaves.”
“Yes. If my tea will please you.”
“Then we’ll need lots of sweets too!”
“Mashiro, isn’t that what you’re really looking forward to?”
“Th-that’s not it! I really love the Council President’s tea too!”
“Hahaha, sorry, sorry. As an apology, I’ll buy plenty of both.”
“Yes! Ouga, I love you~!”
“My, my. You’re loved, Ouga-kun.”
Chatting like that, we waited leisurely for the ship to arrive.
◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇
“We’re heeere~!! Lamdarb Kingdom~!!”
The moment she leapt off the magic ship, Mashiro flung both arms up and shouted.
Being an island nation, the port saw vigorous traffic; ships came and went all over.
Among them must surely be ships carrying students from the other academies.
“Ouga!”
I turned toward the voice — there was Karen, wearing a straw hat.
In a cute white frilled one-piece, she waved and ran toward us.
“Thank goodness! You arrived safely.”
She clung to my arm just like that, pressing her ample chest against me.
A pai-slash from the arm view…… heh. A fiancée too good for me, Karen.
“Mmh……”
Ah, Mashiro’s cheeks puffed a bit.
But maybe out of guilt for having monopolized me on the voyage, she didn’t say anything.
A relief — that bloody-air atmosphere didn’t appear.
“Yeah. Karen, glad to see you safe too. You arrived before us, huh?”
“I came on House Lebetsenka’s own ship. Look — that one.”
What she pointed at, moored at the dock, was a vessel rivaling the one we’d come on in size.
Heh. As expected of a daughter of the military house. Even their ship is grand.
“Miss Liche, President, thank you for the long trip.”
“Thank you! It was my first journey, so it was really fun!”
“Miss Lebetsenka, thank you for coming to support us.”
“Of course. Coming to support my fiancé is a given.”
So saying, her closeness to me increased further.
“Ahh! Karen!”
This time unable to bear it, Mashiro hooked onto my other side.
In one lifetime, how many times do you get to witness a boob sandwich of this caliber?
When I think the virtue I built in my past life produced this, my prior life feels redeemed somehow.
That aside, this life I will do as I please!
“Two flowers in hand, Ouga-kun.”
“Yeah, the jealousy from the surroundings is gratifying. How about it, Reina? The front is open.”
“A tempting offer, but I’ll pass. The two of them will get upset with me.”
I’d been refused, but I hadn’t been treated as creepy.
Practically speaking, it would be totally fine. Some progress, maybe.
“Ouga~?”
“Cheating right in front of us, Ouga……?”
“It’s not. I was just trying to liven things up.”
Trying to escape their pursuit, a clear voice called my name from behind at exactly the right moment.
“Lord Ouga. The chaperone teacher signaled that we’re moving to the lodgings, so please follow.”
“Right, Alice. Thanks.”
“Of course. I’ll carry your bags.”
So saying, Alice lifted the bag with my change of clothes.
…… It’s pretty heavy, but as ever, where do those thin arms get that strength?
“All right, let’s move before we’re left behind.”
“Boku, a high-end inn is a first too~! The beds…… they’re going to be so fluffy~”
“I used one last year too — the sleep comfort was incredible.”
“Really! Wow~, I’m getting excited! Let’s hurry!”
Unable to contain her brimming excitement, Mashiro bounced as she urged us forward.
“Haha, beds aren’t going to escape if we rush.”
We followed in her energetic wake, heading toward the lodgings.
After sightseeing too, Mashiro might just collapse to sleep the moment evening arrives.
Watching her bounce, I got that feeling.