Chapter 68

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?”

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.