After a brief second nap with Anima, we shared breakfast and took a short rest before heading out to the beach as planned. Since the private beach was practically right on our doorstep, we each changed into our swimsuits in our own rooms before meeting up to head out.
Because this beach trip was a spontaneous decision, both Anima and I were wearing the same swimsuits we’d used during our previous outing.
"Thank you for waiting, Master."
"I said this last time too, but that swimsuit really suits you. You look lovely, Anima."
"Thank you very much. Even though this is the second time, I'm still not quite used to this attire... but hearing you say that makes me very happy."
As before, Anima’s swimsuit featured a brown-and-white striped pattern with a hotpants-style bottom.
I had heard before that it was designed that way to provide an opening for her tail, but seeing her in it again, I found her swimsuit-clad figure truly captivating.
Anima naturally possessed an incredible figure—well-endowed yet with slender limbs. Perhaps because she usually wore a military-style outfit with long sleeves and pants, her femininity was remarkably striking when she wore something so revealing.
"Well then, let’s get going. It’s nice that we can head out almost empty-handed for a trip like this."
"Indeed. We have the Magic Box, and with the cottage so close, we can simply come back if we realize we’ve forgotten something. It’s very convenient."
"There are some beach toys here, too... but for now, we just need the parasol and the mat. We can come back for anything else if the need arises."
"Understood! Perhaps we could even prepare something simple for lunch and eat it by the shore?"
"Oh, that’s a great idea."
We were chatting happily as we started toward the private beach, but then a thought occurred to me and I stopped.
Anima noticed my sudden halt and tilted her head curiously.
"Master? Is something the matter?"
"No, I just thought that since we have the chance—even though it’s a short walk—we should go while holding hands."
"Oh... Yes! I would love to!"
We were lovers now, but during our previous date when we went fishing and such, the circumstances hadn't really lent themselves to holding hands.
Since I’d decided to be more proactive about doing romantic things this time, I made the offer. Anima’s face lit up with a brilliant smile as she grasped the hand I offered.
Because Anima usually wore gloves, the sensation of holding her bare hand felt fresh and new. I took her hand in a lover’s hand-holding, our fingers interlacing.
"This is... a little embarrassing, but it makes me feel so much closer to you, Master. It makes me very happy."
Anima wore a smile as she gave that adorable reaction. I could almost see the phantom image of a puppy wagging its tail behind her, and feeling a sense of warmth, I walked with her toward the ocean.