And in the end, we became just like we talked about.
Upon reflection, we really didn’t have time. It wasn’t just a matter of buying a car or not, or getting a license or not.
The weather was slowly getting colder.
In a month, winter would officially start, and by then, the kind of weather that would make me reluctant to sleep outside would arrive.
We had already decided whether to go to the mountains or the sea. We didn’t think of any other options besides the sea.
Maybe it was because all three of us were from big cities.
In my past life, I lived in Seoul, and in Azernar, I lived in the Runedarium. These two lived their whole lives in the Runedarium as well.
Living among closely packed buildings, it makes sense to want to go somewhere with a better view.
We just bought a used car. The reason for buying a nearly new car as a used one was that there was a bit of a wait for a new car.
Anyway, a used car is just something you buy and drive away with.
And since I had no desire to die early, I got the inspection done neatly.
In the meantime, I bought various camping supplies.
“Camping, huh.”
Before buying the car, the Emperor, who seemed to be somewhat informed about our plans, had a slightly puzzled expression.
“What’s the point of wanting to sleep outside?”
“…….”
Well, that was something only noble people of the old days would think of.
But it couldn’t be helped. The Emperor was from back then, being royal and all.
“It’s like going on an extended picnic.”
“In that case, wouldn’t it be better to stay at a hotel by the beach? I’ve heard there are plenty of those in this country.”
That’s true.
People naturally want something a bit cozier and more comfortable as they age. Of course, there are those who only develop a taste for camping when they get older.
I, for example, when I was young, would just go down and pick any motel nearby to drink with friends.
But as I got older, I could no longer do such things, so when I went, I would spend more for a hotel.
Of course, as I aged even more, all my friends became too busy and even had families, leaving us with no time to go at all.
But if I had gone alone, I would have definitely chosen a place where I wouldn’t wake up with back pain.
“…… Spending time in such places can be nice too.”
Thus, I couldn’t openly contradict the Emperor. I knew just how wonderful a comfortable trip could be.
Still, I really wanted to go camping with Claire and Alice.
“Hmm.”
It seemed the Emperor didn’t fully grasp our thoughts, but in the end, he went along with it.
Well, what could he do if he didn’t?
…What could he do? He could easily live alone by himself comfortably.
Looking back, there was really no way for the three of us to stop that from happening.
The Emperor was sharing the same house with us, but perhaps the desire to return was stronger? We had talked about this before, and that was his answer back then.
Well, anyway.
So, we hastily made some plans.
Even so, we managed to reach our destination without any strange incidents.
Camping supplies could be purchased. There was someone to drive the car, and we successfully got the car. The only thing left was the location, but that didn’t turn out to be a big problem either.
While it was a season where many people were camping, fortunately, there was an available camping site.
Strangely enough, it was a place with a very good view, yet there weren’t many people.
…Every time I find myself in such a fortunate situation, I can’t help but think it’s a scheme by the Goddess. It feels like she’s asking why I would want to return when it’s so nice to live here.
But if I end up not going back, she would probably retaliate in her own way afterward.
Is this just my paranoid thinking?
It doesn’t matter since I wasn’t planning on going back anyway.
“……”
We rushed, and although we prepared quickly, looking back, we didn’t do nothing. We were quite busy moving about.
Upon arrival, reflecting on it, it was worth being busy.
“It’s beautiful…….”
Claire murmured.
I nodded at her murmuring.
“Indeed.”
“I’m glad we came.”
Well, the Emperor was doing the driving, after all.
The Emperor was watching the sea from a point slightly away from the three of us.
“I want to go in the sea for a bit.”
“The water will be too cold.”
“Oh, I’m not saying I want to dive completely. I just want to dip my feet.”
At Claire’s words, Alice and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement.
The three of us went to the sea wearing sandals.
The seawater was cold. If I had jumped in, I would’ve run out immediately with my teeth chattering in just a few seconds.
But dipping my feet was a pretty good idea.
I could smell the unique brininess of the sea.
I briefly closed my eyes and took a deep breath, then suddenly turned back to look at the Emperor.
The Emperor… well, to say it bluntly, he looked like an uncle.
I don’t know why I suddenly thought that. His outfit wasn’t anything special. He was dressed in a hiking jacket with a zipper just around the neck area and stretchy fabric pants, like something you’d wear at home. Still, he seemed to be aware of the sand at the beach as he was wearing sandals like us.
Maybe it was a bit chilly, so he wore a thin padded vest.
…
I realized it was that padded vest. Every other piece of clothing looked uncle-ish, but that one was the pinnacle.
And the background played a part too.
I had spent relatively few outings with the Emperor. When I did go out, I acted without thinking about his presence. I had no reason to consider his feelings…
But since I had seen the slightly human side of the Emperor while being together, he strangely seemed a bit familiar.
I let out a small sigh.
Then I turned and walked away.
“Sis?”
Claire called me, but I waved a hand slightly and walked over to the Emperor.
After just a moment in the sea, my sandals and feet were soaked with seawater. I could feel the soft sand sticking to my feet instantly.
I reached the Emperor.
He was deep in thought and looked at me, blocking his view.
“Roll up your pants.”
The Emperor seemed to take a moment to interpret my words.
And it looked like he failed to interpret it properly.
“Does that mean… it is exactly what it sounds like?”
The Emperor really asked me, which was rare.
“Of course. Those shoes can get wet, right?”
The Emperor observed me for a moment.
“So, you’re telling me to come into the sea like you?”
“I’m not saying dive in. Just get your feet in.”
The Emperor stared at me for a moment again.
“So…”
“Yes. Since you came with us, you should join in with us.”
The Emperor looked at me again as he tried to interpret what I was saying.
But ultimately, he failed to understand once again.
The Emperor slowly bent down and rolled up his pants.
Wow, rolling up his pants really made him look like an uncle.
I nearly burst out laughing in that moment but forced myself to hold it in and said, “Are you going in now?”
“Did you just try to laugh?”
“No.”
“I’ve been in politics longer than your whole life.”
That’s true.
But considering my past life, it might not be that long. At that time, the Emperor was still ‘young’ enough to be considered so.
…
But thinking back, the Emperor was probably studying politics even back then. Forget that previous statement.
“Anyway, no I didn’t.”
I stubbornly insisted and turned away.
As I started to walk forward, I heard the Emperor’s hesitant footsteps follow behind me.
“Why are you being so timid when you used to swing your sword so avidly on the battlefield?”
“Needing to get wet is different from doing it for no reason.”
“……”
Wow, this guy really doesn’t get it.
Glancing back, I saw Claire and Alice looking at us with intrigued expressions.
I was the first to step into the sea. The sand sank beneath my feet, and the water rose to about my ankles. It was indeed cold. If I stayed too long, my feet would surely freeze.
“The water feels refreshing and cool.”
“……”
At my words, it seemed the Emperor finally gave in.
After some hesitation, he stepped forward, putting his feet into the sea.
“……”
“What do you think?”
“Indeed, the water is cool.”
The Emperor acknowledged reluctantly.
“Sometimes living a little younger is good for your health. If you only think about politics and the economy every day, you’ll age faster.”
“Is there a basis for that?”
I didn’t bother answering.
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