Once we finished eating, I felt like taking advantage of the fact that we were staying in a maritime cottage and going for a swim... but unfortunately, we’d gotten such a late start that the sun was already setting. It was far too late for a dip in the ocean.
"I’d hoped we could go swimming, but I guess it’s a bit too late for that," I said.
"You’re right. Swimming in the dark can be dangerous. Though, since I’m with you, I would never allow anything to happen to you, Master, even if we chose to go right now."
"I can always count on you, can't I?"
"Ah, ehehe... You're too kind..."
"Still, there isn't much point in swimming in the pitch black. Let's hold off for today. We can always go tomorrow instead."
"Oh, that’s true. We could certainly go after the sun comes up."
I had our swimsuits from our previous beach trip washed and ready in my Magic Box, so that wasn't an issue. However, even at a resort like this, half the fun of swimming would be lost in the dark.
the moonlit sea held its own romantic charm, and a stroll along the beach sounded lovely, but I wasn't quite feeling a swim in the dark. Since we weren't planning to rush home the moment we woke up anyway, tomorrow was just as good.
"Still, it feels like a waste to do nothing. The sunset is gorgeous, so why don't we head out to the pier?"
"Right! I shall accompany you!"
"Don't say 'accompany.' This is a date—let’s just go together."
"Ah... Y-Yes!"
I offered my hand to Anima with a smile. She had stiffened up slightly, but she beamed and took it. Her puppy-like adorable nature never failed to soothe me as I held her hand and led her out of the cottage toward the pier.
The pier, likely designed for docking small boats, wasn't very long, but walking across it felt like stepping over a sea of liquid gold as the setting sun made the water shimmer. It was a stunning sight.
"It’s a breathtaking view," Anima murmured.
"Yeah. The sunset is beautiful. And seeing you finally relax enough to enjoy the view makes this whole trip worthwhile."
"I am truly ashamed of myself. But you’re right—I do feel much lighter than when we first arrived. It’s all thanks to your kindness and for looking after me... Thank you for always being so concerned about someone as inadequate as me."
"Don't say that. If anything, you're the one who's always saving me, Anima. I’m the one who should be thanking you."
As we walked and talked, Anima gave a joyful smile. Her face was flushed—perhaps from the orange glow of the sunset, or perhaps because she was blushing—giving her a different kind of charm than usual.
Lost in thought, I felt Anima squeeze my hand just a little tighter.
"...I'm so happy. It's not like before, where I always felt rushed and anxious, but hearing those words from you directly makes me truly feel like I’m of use to you. And so... well... I’m just really happy."
"I see... Yeah, it's important to say these things out loud sometimes. You really do help me all the time, Anima, and I rely on you more than you know. I’d be honored if you’d keep supporting me."
"Yes! Of course! You can count on me!"
"Just remember, being motivated is good, but overworking yourself is a no-go."
"Ugh... R-Right. I'll make sure to remember that."
She looked apologetic, as if I’d hit a sore spot. She meant well, but I knew that once her drive kicked in, she’d likely lose herself in her work all over again. It was just so typical of her.
"If you start acting reckless again, I’ll have no choice but to drag you out on another mandatory vacation."
"...Master, if you put it like that, I might be tempted to overwork myself just so you'll take me out again."
"No, you're supposed to rest properly. Let's go on dates and trips because we want to, not as a punishment."
"Y-Yes, that is certainly the right way to do it. I mean, I know that, but still..."
"Ahaha. I guess being too serious and hardworking can be its own kind of trouble."
"Uuugh... I’m so embarrassed..."
Chuckling, I reached out with my free hand and patted her head. Anima looked contrite, yet at the same time, she beamed with such pure joy that she couldn't help but let out a shy, bashful laugh.