After arriving at the shoreline, I immediately spread out our leisure sheet and set up the parasol. As expected of a private resort for the wealthy, the sand was every bit as beautiful as the beach we had visited previously.
"You know, there's more to the beach than just swimming laps," I remarked. "Just lounging on the sand has its own charm."
"I agree. The Hydra Kingdom has a wonderful climate, and since the weather is so perfect today, the sunlight feels lovely."
"Are you okay with the heat, Anima?"
"I don't mind it particularly... I can regulate my temperature with magic to an extent, but I have always been more sensitive to the cold. How about you, Master?"
It seemed Anima disliked the cold more than the heat. I wasn't sure if Black Bears were supposed to hibernate, but she was always dressed in long sleeves, long pants, gloves, and a fur mantle, so she definitely seemed to favor warmth.
"Since coming to this world, Shiro-san's Blessing has made me almost immune to the temperature. Back home, though, I think I disliked the heat more. You can always layer up when it's cold, but there's only so much you can take off when it's hot."
"I see. I heard that your world lacked magic, so I imagine adjusting to the temperature must have been quite a chore."
"Well, we had air conditioners—machines that regulated the temperature indoors—so we were fine inside. But walking around outdoors was a different story... Then again, even in this world, I doubt many people can afford to keep a temperature-regulation spell active all the time while they're out, right?"
"T-That is a good point. I am so used to being around people who can do it effortlessly that I tend to forget... Now that you mention it, there are many who cannot use magic at all. It is not a solution available to everyone."
"Yeah, I understand that feeling. Everyone around me is so incredible that my own standards have started to drift."
In my case, it was especially true regarding my sense of money. Being surrounded by the wealthy meant my perception of financial value was constantly being warped; I really had to stay on my guard. In that regard, Kaori-san was a truly precious friend. Talking to her always helped me realize just how much my common sense had shifted without me noticing.
"Anyway, since we're here, let's get in the water for a bit."
"Yes, Master."
"We could just swim, but is there anything specific you want to do, Anima?"
"That... is a difficult question."
"Is it because you haven't been to the sea very often?"
The only other time Anima had come to the beach was during our last group outing. Even then, she had spent most of her time helping Alice prepare the barbecue. She hadn't really had the chance to just play.
Aside from the brief time I'd spent playing with her and the beach volleyball match afterward, she was still a novice when it came to the ocean. She probably didn't even know what her options were.
Admittedly, I wasn't much better. I only knew the basics like volleyball or splitting watermelons. Things like snorkeling seemed too technical for an amateur even if we had the equipment.
"Oh, no, it is not just that... It is more that... just being here with you like this, Master, makes me so happy that nothing else comes to mind immediately."
"Haha, is that so? Well, why don't you just follow my lead for a while? If you think of something later, just let me know."
"Understood! I shall accompany you anywhere!"
Finding her constant cuteness quite soothing, I took the lead and headed for the water. We didn't do anything special—just waded in, swam a little, and chatted—but it was still more than enough to be fun.
"Oh, wait, I think there was a rubber boat in my magic box."
"Was there? As expected, you are remarkably well-prepared, Master."
"Actually, Kuro gave me a bunch of stuff after our last trip. It is probably merchandise from her trading company."
"...Kuromueina-dono certainly has her hands in every business imaginable."
Kuro had brought a banana boat with her last time. It was likely something she had created using knowledge from another world, and knowing her, she would have her company start mass-producing anything she thought would sell.
Given that Laguna-san had been looking for promotional opportunities at the beach previously, it seemed marine leisure was becoming a legitimate industry in this world. There was clearly a demand for these kinds of products.
"I'm only just realizing it, but beach activities are actually a pretty big deal here, aren't they?"
"There are several races that live by the sea, like the Mermaids, so that might be the reason. Given enough history, entertainment tends to evolve naturally."
"I suppose you're right... Well, for now, let's try out that rubber boat."
I wondered if races like the Mermaids had their own unique games played beneath the waves. With that idle thought, I pulled the rubber boat out of my magic box.
Serious-senpai: "Hah... A-At last. A small breather... I have to recover my HP while I have the chance..."
Machina: "Does HP have anything to do with being chocolate? Mmm... this is delicious!"
Serious-senpai: "This monster is casually chatting with me while dipping marshmallows into a fondue made from my own melted chocolate body... How am I even supposed to react to that?"