Despite a minor incident earlier, the three of us continued our tour of the festival without any further hitches. The next place we reached was staggeringly large—it looked very much like a sprawling ranch.
Lush green grass had been planted throughout, and I could see rolling hills and even tunnels made of flowers in the distance.
"It feels more like the outskirts of town than the middle of a city," I remarked.
"You're right. It’s a lovely place," Fia-sensei replied.
"According to the guidebook, this is an area where you can ride monsters," Noin-san added. "They have rentals, but it looks like visitors are also allowed to let their own pets run here."
Listening to their conversation, I checked the overview of the area in Alice’s guidebook. It was essentially an attraction meant for a monster-riding experience. From the look of it, the grounds were vast enough that Bell might actually be able to run to her heart’s content.
"Since we’re here, why don't we stay and play for a bit? I haven't been able to take her for a proper walk the last few days, and I’m sure Bell wants to run too, right?"
"Gau!"
Bell had a charming side to her—she absolutely loved running with me on her back. Lately, I had even moved our walking route outside the city walls. In the past, I couldn't easily venture outside because of the danger of wild monsters, but now that I had a cheat-level bodyguard like Alice, it wasn't a problem at all.
To be fair, it seemed like very few monsters were foolish enough to approach a human city anyway, so I had yet to encounter a single hostile one during our walks.
My thoughts had wandered a bit, but regardless, I wanted to let Bell stretch her legs, so I suggested we spend some time here. Noin-san nodded in agreement immediately, but Fia-sensei put a hand to her chin and looked down as if deep in thought.
"This is a chance... If I can just steer the conversation correctly..."
"Fia-sensei?"
"Ah, sorry, sorry! You're right. It looks like fun, so let’s play!"
For a split second, I sensed a thought transmit as if she were plotting something, but it vanished instantly. Fia-sensei gave her consent with a bright smile.
"By the way, Miyama-kun, if it’s alright with you, I’d like to try riding Bell-chan too."
"Riding Bell? Hmm..."
Given Bell’s size, I didn't think having three people on her back would be a physical problem. However, if she was carrying three adults, even Bell might struggle with her balance, and she wouldn't be able to pick up much speed.
Wait, would it be okay? I wasn't entirely sure since I rarely let other people ride her. I had ridden with Sieg-san before, so I knew for certain that two people were fine, but three might be pushing it.
"Oh, of course, I’m not saying the three of us should ride all at once. That would be too much of a burden on Bell-chan. However, we don’t know if she’ll listen to me or Noin on her own... so I think it’s best if you, her master, stay on her back as well."
"I see."
"So, I was wondering if Noin and I could take turns riding behind you?"
"That makes sense. It should be fine that way. Are you okay with that, Bell?"
"Gau!"
Fia-sensei’s proposal didn't seem to have any issues, and Bell gave her approval. We decided that one person would wait at the start while the other two did a large lap around the grounds.
"Wait... does that mean I'll be riding alone with Kaito-san eventually? Riding together like that requires quite a lot of... close contact..." Noin-san muttered.
"Noin-san?"
"Ah! N-No! It’s nothing! I’m fine with going second, so please let Fia ride with you first."
"Ah, okay. Understood."
Noin-san seemed to be whispering something to herself, so I checked on her. I couldn't quite catch what she said because her voice was so soft, but if she said it was fine, I suppose it was okay.
"Then Fia-sensei will go first, and Noin-san will be after."
"Yes!"
"Roger that! Let's get going!"
Fia-sensei flashed a cheerful smile and hopped effortlessly onto Bell's back. As expected of her... I still had to have Bell crouch down just so I could climb on.
Bell kicked off the ground with all four legs and accelerated. The wind brushing against my cheeks grew stronger, but she seemed to be moderating her speed, so it felt quite pleasant.
"Ooh, as expected of a Behemoth. She’s quite fast."
"Yeah, the wind feels great, doesn't it?"
"It does... Hup!"
"Wha!?"
Normally, because the wind was blowing from front to back, it should have been difficult to hear Fia-sensei’s voice from behind me. However, she must have been using magic, because her words sounded remarkably clear.
That aside... Fia-sensei? Why are your arms wrapped around my waist? And I can definitely feel something soft pressing against my back!
"F-Fia-sensei!? What are you doing...?"
"Oh, you know, it would be bad if I fell off."
"I... I see..."
No, no, you're a Former Demon King and one of the most powerful people in the entire Demon Realm. There is no way on earth you would just fall off.
Contrary to my flustered state, Fia-sensei seemed to be enjoying herself as she pressed her body even more flush against mine. Even through the fabric of her monastic robes, I could clearly feel the two swellings pressed against my back, their elasticity apparent as they molded to me.
But Fia-sensei’s attack—rather, her approach—wasn't over yet. She leaned forward, rubbing her forehead against my shoulder, and then suddenly blew a soft breath into my ear.
I have no idea how she managed it, but even through the rushing wind, her breath reached my ear perfectly, carrying a faint warmth and sending a thrill down my spine.
"It’s only for a little while... but we’re finally alone together, aren't we? I’m so happy."
"!?"
Her whispered voice was startlingly sultry. It was so thick with heat that I felt as if my face were going to melt, starting right from my ear.
Dear Mother, Father—I thought this was going to be a relaxing stroll on Bell, but I was naive. Was this the development Fia-sensei had been planning all along? Having completely seized the initiative with a surprise attack, Fia-sensei gave me no room to recover and came at me with an all-out assault.
Fia-sensei's Turn! Strictly speaking, we aren't alone, but either way, it’s Fia-sensei's Turn!
Land-battle Type Serious-senpai: "I shall designate my own Serious Power as '1 Serious Power'."
???: "Pardon?"
Land-battle Type Serious-senpai: "By attacking with both hands, my Serious Power is doubled! 2 Serious Power!!"
???: "..."
Land-battle Type Serious-senpai: "Furthermore, by taking a running start and jumping, my Serious Power is doubled again! And then! By spinning in mid-air to add centrifugal force, my Serious Power is tripled once more!!"
???: "..."
Land-battle Type Serious-senpai: "1 × 2 × 2 × 3 makes for a 12 Serious Power Strike! Take thi—iiiiis!!"
???: "Well, I mean... no matter how much you multiply a negative number, the negative value just gets larger."
Land-battle Type Serious-senpai (Heavily Damaged): "Gwaaaaaaaaah!?"