The Galimar Academy, known for its relentless competition, also had its rare moments of respite. The school trip was one such event, an annual occurrence that allowed students to momentarily set aside their academic burdens and simply enjoy themselves. Naturally, it was highly anticipated.

However.

Not all students experienced the same trip. As mentioned before, Galimar upheld a strict meritocracy. The distribution of travel destinations, costs, and modes of transportation was all based on individual rankings. For example, Class F, at the bottom, would receive far less favorable travel arrangements compared to Class B, one of the higher-ranked classes. This system was designed to fuel competition.

“Heh.”

According to that rule, Class A received the best treatment. Even the carriage they were currently riding was evidence of this. Though it appeared to be an expensive vehicle from the outside, it was, in reality, a complex magical artifact, woven with numerous circuits and designed to withstand magical transport.

This carriage was the only officially licensed mode of travel granted by the elders of the Magic Tower, known for their stringent standards. In terms of travel, it was the pinnacle. It was like flying on a private jet for a school trip. In short, this was an extravagant show of wealth.

“Living through experiences I never imagined.”

No wonder students were so obsessed with their grades. As I muttered this, Rezia, seated across from me, nodded quietly.

“It’s... amazing. I’ve only heard about portal carriages in stories... but actually riding one is just incredible.”

She seemed genuinely impressed by this new technology. Her green eyes sparkled with excitement. Earlier, when the carriage had jumped through the portal and suddenly transported us to another territory, she had waved her arms enthusiastically. It was endearingly cute.

“I-I feel a bit giddy...”

Rezia smiled faintly, while Emilia, sitting beside her, shrugged.

“You’re surprised by this? I guess commoners will always be commoners.”

“Are you used to this, Lady Emilia?”

“Of course. I am a Vaniti, after all.”

“A true noble...!”

“You can look up to me a bit more if you’d like.”

There were four of us in the carriage: the snake, the driver, the vain noble, and the fox. We chatted to pass the time. Meanwhile, the carriage glided smoothly, and the scenery outside rushed by. Time passed.

“That reminds me.”

Emilia spoke up, turning her gaze to Irene, who sat beside me.

“A new face, isn’t it? Not the first time, but I feel like I’ve seen her a few times...”

She seemed curious about the fox.

“Yes, she’s my personal attendant.”

“A fox beastfolk, interesting.”

“Not a common race, indeed. It’s only natural Lady Emilia wouldn’t be familiar with her since we don’t attend the same classes.”

“Hmm.”

Emilia’s blue eyes scanned the fox, noting her well-proportioned figure, ample chest, and sharp, reserved eyes. The noble girl murmured.

“...You said you share the dorm, just the two of you?”

“Yes.”

“Just the two.”

Emilia’s eyes narrowed.

“At least you’re not lonely, then.”

“Of course. Being with someone special is meaningful.”

“Someone special...?”

“A unique bond, you see.”

A unique bond. Emilia tilted her head as if questioning the meaning. I answered proudly.

“You could say I’m taming her.”

“Taming? What does that mean?”

“It means building a relationship.”

“W-what...?”

“It’s a concept too many have forgotten these days.”

Emilia’s expression turned blank with confusion. I elaborated.

“I work hard at it every day. To build a proper relationship with Irene.”

“E-every day...?!”

“Is there a problem?”

“H-how can you say that so shamelessly...!”

“Pardon?”

Did I say something shocking? Emilia’s reaction was odd, like a broken machine stuttering before freezing, her face flushing red.

“...?”

While I blinked in confusion, Irene, who had been silent, sighed.

“Ha... You really need to work on how you speak.”

“Why so suddenly?”

“You’re just the worst.”

“W-why are you all treating Lord Yuda like this...?”

The scene was chaos. The fox shaking her head, the snake looking puzzled, the noble blushing furiously, and the driver sweating nervously. The carriage was noisy for a while.

After some time, the carriage reached its destination. The first thing to greet the students was the salty tang of the sea breeze. The unique scent of the coast filled the air, washing over them with a refreshing coolness.

‘The Blue City, Hailon.’

A coastal city on the empire’s frontier. Known as the most popular holiday spot among the nobles. Normally, it would take over a week of travel by carriage, but with the portal carriage, they had arrived in less than half a day. Money truly solved most problems.

“We’ve arrived at the destination.”
“After the long carriage ride, I assume you’re all tired.”
“Today, rest at the hotel and recover your strength.”

The first day had no scheduled activities. It was just a matter of settling into the hotel, unpacking, and lying down to rest. They took a brief tour of the facilities.

The hotel boasted a lavish atmosphere. Rumor had it that the academy had rented out the entire facility, creating a very comfortable environment. The absence of any outsiders except for staff was also a pleasant touch. It felt excessive for a group of just about twenty students, but luxury was luxury. It wasn’t my money, so I decided to enjoy it.

“Ahem.”

The real school trip would begin the next day. Students had the freedom to do as they wished, unbound by groups. They could even stay in the hotel and relax if they wanted to. It was truly a vacation.

I decided to take it easy as well.

The group from yesterday’s carriage set out early in the morning. We filled our stomachs at a nearby restaurant.

“How did everyone like it? The fish dish, a local specialty of Hailon.”

“It was delicious!”

“Yeah, not bad.”

The two responded positively. Meanwhile, Emilia’s expression was less pleased.

“...I guess seafood just isn’t for me.”

“Oh.”

It seemed the noble girl had a hard time with seafood. Her eyes were sullen. I chuckled.

“Everyone has their tastes.”

“Most restaurants near the hotel seem to serve seafood... The next week worries me.”

“Cooking for ourselves could be an option.”

“Cooking...?”

“If Lady Emilia wishes.”

I spoke confidently.

“I could prepare meals for you.”

“My tastes are very particular.”

“I’m skilled enough to meet those standards.”

“Strangely confident for someone with hands so clean they look like they’ve never touched water.”

“I’m flattered you noticed my hands are so well-kept.”

“...That’s not what I meant.”

In the end, I decided to prove myself at dinner. Maybe it was the skeptical looks. I planned to surprise them with an impressive dish.

We chatted amicably as we walked.

The road stretched out steadily. The summer heat was intense, but despite the warmth, we didn’t stop. We knew we’d cool off at our next destination. After some walking, the blue expanse came into view.

“We’re here.”

It was the sea.

The beach near the hotel. We stepped onto it slowly.

Crunch, crunch.

The feeling of sand underfoot.

The wide beach was empty. It seemed the academy had reserved it in advance; there was no one else in sight.

We were alone.

“Wow...!”

Rezia gasped as she looked around.

The scenery before us was beautiful.

The emerald water sparkled, clear enough to see the bottom, and golden sand stretched out beneath the bright sun.

We paused to listen to the sound of the waves.

“Heh, shall we go?”

“Yes...!”

We stepped forward, leaving behind the summer wind.

A path stretched across the sand, leading to the changing rooms nearby. Emilia and Rezia headed in to change into their swimsuits.

“Swimsuits... didn’t even think about it.”

“Same.”

Unlike them, Irene and I had brought nothing. We sat idly, waiting for them to return. Soon enough, they came back in their swimsuits with cardigans draped over them, modestly covering their skin.

They were ready to enjoy the water.

“Make sure to warm up properly. We don’t want any accidents.”

“Thorough as always.”

“Hehe... Once, I almost got a cramp and nearly had a big problem.”

Rezia began stretching lightly, extending her arms to loosen up.

As I watched her movements, a sound caught my attention.

“Whew.”

It was Emilia.

She crouched under the shade.

Zip—

Carefully, she unzipped her outerwear.

Pale, hidden skin gradually peeked through. In her other hand was a bottle of sunscreen. Preparing to protect her skin before entering the water, she started applying it.

“Ugh... cold.”

She rubbed it on carefully, but without free hands, she struggled, especially with her back.

It seemed she needed help.

I approached her.

“Lady Emilia.”

“Why are you suddenly calling me?”

“May I offer my help?”

“What?”

Emilia frowned as if trying to understand.

I added, calmly.

“It looks like you might have trouble doing it alone. Would you like me to lend a hand?”

“...?”

Emilia stared up at me blankly, replaying my words in her mind.

Then, realization dawned on her.

Her blue eyes wavered with emotion.

“Well?”

I asked with a faint smile.