Ten days after hearing about the beach trip from Laguna-san, the day finally arrived. With everyone’s schedules perfectly aligned, we headed for the private beach in the Hydra Kingdom where we had been invited.
Since Shiro-san was descending to the Human Realm, the God Realm had been in quite an uproar. Chronoa-san and Life-san, in particular, had been adamant about coming along, but Shiro-san eventually managed to talk them down. Instead, the Gods settled on a compromise: they would work alongside the personnel Laguna-san had arranged to patrol the perimeter and ensure no unauthorized people approached the beach.
As guests of the kingdom, we were transported to the site by carriage. However, even several kilometers away from our destination, the security was so tight it looked like a war was about to break out. Thanks to those measures, the beach and the surrounding area were completely private. It was a relief to know that Shiro-san and Kuro, who are world-famous, could enjoy themselves without having to worry about prying eyes.
When we finally arrived and stepped out of the carriage, I was greeted by a magnificent sight that more than justified Laguna-san’s confidence. The ocean was a shimmering, translucent blue, and the white sandy beach looked like something straight out of a movie. The facilities had been designed to blend into the landscape without spoiling the view, leaving me letting out an impressed "Whoa..." despite myself.
I wanted to change and jump right into the water, but we had one order of business to settle first: the group pairings Fate-san had proposed. Just as the thought crossed my mind, Kuro—who had been briefed on the plan alongside Alice—clapped her hands with a bright expression, seemingly on the same wavelength.
"Alright, everyone, listen up! We’ve made it to the beach safely, but before we dive in, I’m going to give a detailed breakdown of the proposal from Fate-chan and Kaito-kun. I think most of you have heard the gist already."
Kuro’s leadership in moments like this was incredibly dependable. If it had been up to me, I probably would have stumbled through the explanation, so her help was a godsend.
"To put it simply, we can't all stick together in one big cluster the whole time. Instead, we're going to form four duos. Of course, we’ll still do big group activities when the mood strikes, but for general hanging out, we’ll use these pairs. Kaito-kun will be the 'floater'—he'll rotate through each duo and spend time with everyone."
Fate-san’s plan was to divide the eight girls into four pairs. Since I was the odd man out, I would rotate through the groups. This would allow the girls to bond with those they didn't usually interact with, while also ensuring I could spend quality time with everyone fairly.
As for how we’d decide the pairs, Fate-san had suggested I draw lots. Since Shiro-san’s Blessing gave my luck a massive boost, the theory was that if I drew the lots while wishing for everyone to get along, the combinations would naturally turn out for the best.
"Like I said before, this is just a way to help us have more fun," Kuro added. "Don’t overthink it; just treat it as a chance to get to know your partner better. Any questions? Alright then... Kaito-kun, if you would."
"Got it."
Everyone seemed to be on board. Kuro handed me the lots she’d prepared, and I drew them while keeping Fate-san’s instructions in mind. With that, the four pairs for our beach day were decided.
Lying back on a cushion floating in the sky, Fate peered at her partner and murmured, "Huh. I didn't see this pattern coming. Come to think of it, we haven't really talked much, have we?"
"...Yeah... I'm looking forward to it... Fate," Isis replied softly.
Fate had expected to be paired with Lilia, Sieglinde, or maybe Anima, but she had ended up with Isis. Now that she thought about it, the two of them really didn't have much common ground. Despite having known each other for ages, they rarely spoke.
"Yeah, same here! But since we're supposed to play together, what should we do? I'm not really an expert on beach stuff..."
"...Um... maybe... we could look for... pretty seashells?"
"Wait, really? Is there any point to doing that?" Fate asked bluntly.
"...S-sorry..."
"Ah, no! Wait! I was kidding! It was a joke! Please, don't look like you're about to cry!" Panic seized Fate the moment she saw Isis's expression crumble. She scrambled to fix the situation. "Um, Death King... actually, I'll call you Ai-chan! Shell hunting sounds great! It sounds fun! Let's have a contest, Ai-chan—we'll see who can find the best one!"
"...Oh... okay!"
This is tough, Fate thought. She might be even harder to handle than the God of Space-Time. But I'm the one who suggested this pairing idea, so I can't start complaining now. Hang in there, me...
Their personalities were polar opposites, but since Fate was determined to make it work—and since the Magic Power of Death wasn't an issue for her—it looked like they would manage somehow.
"Ahaha. Isis-san is so pure that she might be a handful for cynical types like me and Fate-san," Alice remarked with a dry chuckle, watching the other pair. Then, she let out a small sigh and turned to her own partner.
Her partner immediately snapped into a crisp, perfect salute.
"Alice-dono! I look forward to spending the day with you! I am unfamiliar with this kind of recreation, so I may be a burden, but I humbly request your guidance and discipline!"
And here we go, Alice thought. The one partner I can't mess around with, or else Kaito-san will give me an absolute earful later.
Alice was well aware that Anima viewed her with a respect bordering on adoration. Even now, the girl was staring at her with literal stars in her eyes. Since Kaito had repeatedly warned Alice not to shatter Anima’s dreams, she couldn't goof off like she usually did.
"R-right... Well, looking forward to it."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Much like Fate, Alice felt like she was in for a long day. She turned away to hide another soft sigh from Anima.
While those two pairs dealt with their slight bewilderment, another duo was exchanging greetings in a much more relaxed atmosphere.
"Come to think of it, Sieg-chan, this might be the first time we've actually sat down to talk like this," Kuro said.
"Yes. I'm honored to be with you, Underworld King-sama."
"You can just call me Kuro, and there’s no need to be so formal. We’re here to have fun today, after all."
"I understand. Then, I shall call you Kuro-sama."
"Close enough! Let's make the most of it!"
Although Kuromueina and Sieglinde hadn't interacted much in the past, Kuro’s naturally outgoing nature kept the mood light and friendly. After chatting for a bit, however, Kuro’s expression shifted, and she glanced toward the final pair.
"...Sieg-chan, can I ask you something?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Sieglinde followed Kuro's gaze, her own expression turning into one of profound pity.
"...Why is it that Lilia-chan always ends up with the short straw?" Kuro wondered. "Do you think she’s under some kind of mysterious curse I haven't noticed?"
"I'm just as baffled as you are," Sieglinde replied. "For some reason, she’s always been a black hole that attracts misfortune."
After all, if the other pairs were settled, the final duo was inevitable.
"I look forward to our time together," Shallow Vernal said.
"H-hyah!? T-t-the s-same to you! P-p-pleased to m-meet you!"
It was the Shiro-san and Lilia-san Duo. While Shallow Vernal gave her usual detached greeting, Lilia was clearly overwhelmed. She stammered out a response, her face so pale it looked like she might faint at any moment.
The Beach Outing Duos:
Fate-san and Isis-san Duo: A test of Fate’s personal growth. Alice and Anima-san Duo: Alice is forced to behave because she's being worshiped. Kuro and Sieg-chan Duo: The safest pair; they’ll likely just get along famously. Shiro-san and Lilia-san Duo: The consistent victim of her own luck. In a way, her misfortune is the one thing that stays stable.