Seikoku no Ryuu Kishi: Volume 3 Chapter 3

Chapter 3 - The Lakeside Vacation

Part 1

Danebury was one of the few commercial cities in Ansarivan. In this heavily fortified town, many trade guilds from different countries could be seen. All the businessmen were doing their best to sell their goods. Just don't get fooled by this peaceful town, this town adopted to many changes. Danebury was also a place famous for its nickname ‘Pot of different races’. No one even bothered with Anya, who was from the Tantalos tribe, when she was walking on the streets. There were many stalls by the road side trying to sell their goods ranging from fruits to flowers to spices.

“This street is as busy as ever.” Anya murmured in a low voice and continued to move towards her destination.

From the street she turned into an alley. Then she continued to walk forward. She kept going and soon there was not a soul around her. Anya arrived at a building made from bricks––which was also the gathering point. Anya entered through the main door and walked up the stairs. At the end of the corridor, on the third floor, there was a door with a "Rosetta’s Business Firm” sign hanging on it. That was the gathering point operated by the Zepharos Empire for spying activities purposes in the Knight Country.

“It's me. Anya. I've returned.”

“You may enter.”

Even though the voice from behind the door was that of a young guy it felt more like a fully matured man.

“Sorry for intruding.”

Anya put on a calm act upon entering to hide her happiness. In the room, which was used as the office, Milgauss was leisurely sitting on a chair. There were no one else in that room. The fact that they were alone made Anya nervous. Milgauss, who glanced at Anya, was again wearing his silver mask. His hair, silver with a few strands of dark red, definitely caught the attention of others even in this so called ‘Pot of different races’.

“It had been a while. Anya.”

“Yes. Milgauss-sama.”

A few days before… Milgauss had returned to the Empire because he had to give a report about the Necromancia experiment to the higher ups. Milgauss's superior, Klaus, was Count of the Wadanhuoer borders whom Anya had not seen before. Though the title "Count of a borderland" always gave the impression of an old man - Klaus was a noble in his twenties.

“I had received your report. You have managed to infiltrate the academy. Right?”

“Yes. I’m currently investigating the boy who defeated the Necromancia. This is the report.”

Anya walked towards the table and carefully took out the documents kept in her bag.

Because she hadn't spent much time working at ‘La Tene’ the intelligence that she had gathered was very, very little. But Milgauss still read it carefully, which made her happy. After a few moments… Milgauss looked up from the document.

“Thanks for your hard work. Please continue with the job.”

“Understood. I’ll investigate Ash Blake and young dragon Eco next. Three days from now they will take part in the Selective Training Camp. "I’ll be going there as a staff member in charge of food service.”

“The Selective Training Camp...? So that season has already arrived.”

Anya was surprised… Since the way Milgauss spoke was as if he was remembering something from his past.

“This year… Will it be again held at Allonnes Lakeside?”

“That's what I heard.”

While Anya was confused and thought… "why did he ask about that?" Milgauss continued to question her.

“Do you know about Willingham Mausoleum?”

“If I remember correctly… I think it is a mausoleum located not far away from Allonnes Lakeside. I’m not sure about the details.”

“That is a special mausoleum. Only dragons that died young are enshrined there.” Milgauss explained.

“But why only young dragons?”

Anya asked while feeling a cold chill at her back.

“We will have to refer back to the history before the beginning of Saint’s calendar. During that time, the dragons faced a crisis where their young were dying and they had to solve the problems related to the extinction of their species. As a result; They created the wise dragon’s magic Albion… On the other hand… Willingham Mausoleum was built around that time. After that, it became a tradition to bury young dragons there.”

Today was in year 1365 in the A.S.B calendar. What Milgauss had said was a story from an ancient time.

“You are really very knowledgeable!”

“This is just general knowledge.”

Anya was embarrassed. She was afraid that Milgauss would look down on her because she hadn't studied much. Milgauss didn't notice the change in her expression and continued to speak:

“And speaking about young dragons… We are lacking experimental data on them.”

“Are you suggesting that…”

Anya, who realized Milgauss plan, was trembling in fear.

“That’s right. The Empire is awaiting for the day we can put the Necromancia into use. That is why we need more complete information.”

Milgauss intended to use the ashes of the young dragons for experimentation. To summon a Necromancia… The bones and ashes of a dragon were a must. In reality. Anya hated the Necromancia. She couldn't accept the existence of those things. Moreover, they were going to use the ashes of a young dragon. Her hair were already standing on the end by just thinking about that. But. Milgauss had already decided and she resolved to support him to the end.

Anya killed off her own feelings in preparations for the next battle.

Part 2

After Anya left the room… Milgauss again took up the report. The report was full of information about the young dragon Eco that Anya had collected. Even though the data was incomplete… Milgauss still managed to find a hidden clue in a short time.

“So you are born… Descendant of Avalon…”

“Kuhu…" The sound of laughter came out from deep in his throat. The kind of laugh he'll never show in front of Anya. A negative feeling of love and hatred was spreading in his heart.

“Anyway. Is her name ‘Eco’?... I don't know whether this was on purpose or by fate… That's quite an ironic name her master had given her. But-“

Milgauss placed the report back on the table and looked outside of the window.

“It is still far better than to be killed by your own master. Don’t you think so too… Julius?”

Part 3

In the end. The first day for the selective training camp had arrived before Lucca's and Gawain’s problem had been settled. By the time the sun rose… The selected fifty-one riders left the school while being seen off by the remaining students. When students riding different types of dragons appeared in the main streets of the city, the residents gave loud cheers. To see off the top students was a must-held activity every year during this season. Even the sun that was high up in the sky was wishing them good luck with its bright rays.

After leaving the town walls, the students followed the instruction of their instructors and were separated into three groups. (!) It was because the upcoming paths would be chosen according to the type of dragon. The Maestros and Stradas would take the sky path, Asias would take the land path and Hydras, the waterway.

On the other hand, the staff from ‘La Tene's’, who were in charge of food service, had previously departed. Cosette was also among them as she had volunteered to become staff. So it was a rare sight that she was traveling separately from Silvia.

Followed by the Stradas' group, which began their journey by spreading their wings, the Asias’ group headed out, making their way down the streets with dust trailing behind them. The Hydras’ group were still playing in the water. Each group was led by a professor who was also an instructor for practical skills. Only the Student Council members and their Pals were not concerned by the groupings. They still remained standing in front of the town walls.

Part 4

“Right… Now is the time for us to decide who is going to give Ash, Eco and Lucca a ride.”

Rebecca, who was already wearing the official dragsuit for the student council president, announced to Ash, Eco and Lucca were unable to reach the training camp on their own.

“Of course Ash-sama is going to follow me-”

Jessica who now had rosy coloured cheeks volunteered herself. But after a few seconds her Pal Rhiannon, seemingly on its own, suddenly moved.

“Wait… Rhiannon what’s wrong with you?”

Rhiannon didn't listen to its master’s orders and was running towards the river twenty meters away. Even though a Hydra could move on land they showed their true ability only in the water. It probably felt jumpy after being on land for a too long a time.

“S-Stop! Are you trying to disobey your master’s order?”

Too bad for her, as Rhiannon wasn't listening to its master’s summons. Not only that but Jessica, who was chasing Rhiannon, was picked up by her belt in it's mouth, using it to carry her. Moving its huge python-like body it arrived at the river in the blink of an eye. It quickly entered the water and started swimming off. Jessica, who was now hanging by her belt in mid-air, turned to look at Ash and said:

“My dear Ash-sama… I’ll be waiting for you at Allonnes Lakeside––”

Rhiannon was swimming freely. Because it swam quickly they disappeared down the far end before Jessica was able to finish with her sentence.

“Is that Jessica’s Pal…? Its behavior is exactly like a duplicate of its master.”

Ash said while smiling.

“In the end they were just doing a comedy act.”

Rebecca was stunned when she saw her pitiful childhood friend depart.

“Lets us not be bothered by that, President . If we do not quickly depart, the rest of the students will start to wonder. Logically speaking… We should be the ones who are going to check up on their attendance.”

Rebecca agreed with what Max had said.

“Understood. So… Lucca. Do you have anyone that you want to ride with.”

Even though Lucca had already changed into her dragsuit she had not spoken since she departed from the school. Even at this moment she was looking down and depressed. Her Yōsei-like beauty seemed to come with a feeling that it might disappear anytime like a bubble popping. Gawain, as the supposed culprit for making Lucca feel depressed, did not even seem to be bothered. It was lying down on the ground with a worrisome expression. Ash initially thought that Gawain, who had its Astral cut off, wouldn't be able to take part in the Selective Training Camp. However, it was said that, since ancient times, the Allonnes Lakeside had been a recuperative resting spot for the dragons.

So… The reason that Gawain is willing to take part in this Training Camp is to prolong its lifespan... Ash personally thought.

“Lucca, if you remain silent, how am I to know what you were thinking?” Rebecca said while looking at her face.

Responding to Rebecca… Lucca reluctantly replied:

“I knew it… Since I was unable to ride on Gawain… There is no point for me to take part in the Selective Training Camp from the start.”

“You’re absolutely correct about it.”

Ash gasped after he heard what Rebecca had said. As far as he knew, this is the first time Rebecca was mean to Lucca.

“Anyway, if you continue on the way you are, the training camp will end meaninglessly for you.”

“If that's the case… Why do you still insist that I go with you?”

“The point is not whether it is meaningful or not.”

“Huh???”

“In reality, no matter if it is your birth, you being an Eckbald, becoming a breeder or becoming a dragner… There was never a meaning behind them in the first place. Those were just labels tacked-on by humans later on.”

Lucca slowly lifted her head and looked at Rebecca's stare.

“Your point is… It is all down to me?”

“Great, you have known this for quite a long time, right?”

Rebecca finally smiled and gently patted Lucca's head, even though Lucca still had a worrisome look on her, as at least she had made up her mind. She then pulled Rebecca's sleeve.

“I want to follow Rebecca.”

“Alright. I’ll be responsible for giving Lucca a ride to the Allonnes Lakeside. Next will be the problem concerning Ash and Eco.”

Part 5

Silvia’s heart skipped a beat when she heard what Rebecca had said. She was troubled by her own feelings. Why do I feel excited? Does that mean that I hope to ride on the same dragon with Ash…?

-Ash Blake.

He was an incredible guy. He hadn't spoken much to Silvia in the three years of his basic class years. That was because Silvia didn't have any intention to befriend anyone. The only thing that she did was to keep on reminding herself; 'to become a great dragner' and that she herself must study hard. She didn't even try to approach anyone and didn't even think that it was necessary. But… Ash had invaded Silvia’s enclosed life several times. During the dragon riding festival’s competition, the Necromancia's attack and now they are comrades in the student council. Also. There was the church’s terrorist incident… When that incident happened, even though it was a farce planned by Veronica, Ash was still in the center of the spotlight and had an eye catching excellent performance there.

“…”

Silvia’s cheeks unavoidably turned red when she tried to recall those events. When the hostages were freed Ash approached Silvia. During that time, because Silvia had released all the stress that had built-up before she was freed, she didn't even have the strength to stand up straight. Luckily… Ash supported her by her arm and also piggybacked her back to the academy. Somehow. Ash's back made Silvia felt nostalgic. Nine years ago––Silvia encountered a guy from the ‘Orphan Ceremony’.

Not only had he saved Silvia but he also gave Silvia the opportunity to become Lancelot’s master. Strictly speaking… It was the guy who refused the chance to become Lancelot’s master and handed over the responsibility to Silvia. To Silvia… She was heavily in debt to that guy. But, after the ‘Orphan Ceremony’ ended, Silvia had lost contact with that guy. Because that guy gave away his opportunity to become Lancelot’s master… He also lost the chance to become a breeder and went back to his village empty handed. The Princess of the Knight’s Royal Family and the village boy.

Logically speaking… They never had the chance to meet each other again for the rest of their lives. Still… Somehow… Ash’s back had a similar smell as with that guy. But of course this could just be Silvia’s mistake. Anyway. That incident happened nine years ago. It was probably Silvia who projected the image of that guy onto Ash. Furthermore, that guy wouldn't even be in Ansarivan. Before parting, the last words that the guy told Silvia were:

-You must work hard in my place in order to become a great Dragner.

Because, he no longer had the chance to become a Dragner, that guy entrusted his wish onto Silvia. In another words; That guy can never be Ash.

“Are you alright… Princess?” Ash’s words of concern swept away all of Silvia's present thoughts.

Somehow Ash had been peeping at Silvia’s face. Ash, who was now in his dragsuit, looked totally different from his usual self. Not only did he look full of spirit but he also didn't seem to fit the title ‘Number One Problem Child in the academy’ anymore.

“N-Nothing! I’m alright!”

Silvia kept on shaking her hand to emphasize that she was alright. Ash was confused at first but then started to ask Silvia seriously.

“So… Do you allow Lancelot to give anyone a ride?”

“Err…”

Silvia was caught off guard for a little moment… What kind of conclusion did he make that made him use the word ‘So’? It seems that when she let her thoughts wonder… They had already made the decision. From the way he said it… It had been decided that he is going to ride with Silvia. She felt an amazing feeling from the depth of her heart.

-H-How is this possible…! It is just a ride but why… Why would I have such a feeling? A-Am I-I h-happy about it? Does riding together with Ash make me happy!? I’ll never admit this…! I will never ever admit this…!

Looking at how anxious Silvia looked Ash continued to ask:

“Princess. Are you not feeling well?”

“I-I’m fine alright!”

Silvia cleared her throat with a cough. She decided to calm down her emotions first.

“B-But because the Lautreamont family’s rules states that; ‘boys and girls must not ride together after seven’. Even though our relationship is quite intimate- No, no, our relationship cannot be considered intimate… But, for us to ride together to Allonnes Lakeside… I-It is actually a little bit difficult for me.”

“What were you mumbling about? Do you hate it for us to ride together that much?”

Ash was staring at Silvia looking surprised.

“I-It is not that I hate it….”

"So you are basically saying that you will allow it. Of course, since Lancelot is good at accelerating, so holding on tight to Princess is a must for safety reasons.”

“What…!”

Silvia almost had her head explode with the thought of Ash holding on to her waist.

“Hey! Ash. Are you trying to ride with me with those kinds of indecent thoughts?”

“Huh? What are you talking about? If you don't hold on tight during the ride… It is the same as toying with your own life.”

Silvia’s lifted her angry and trembling fist in front of her chest and declared to Ash:

“Why don't I… let you vanish from this world right now!!!”

“Huh??”

Ash was knocked back over after an iron punch at the chin. He made a beautiful curve in midair and landed with a thump. Though, because of his dragsuit, he didn't felt much pain. Rebecca, Max and Eco were completely stunned as they watched Ash stand up shakily.

“Why did you punch me…!? The person who is going to ride with Princess is Eco though?”

“What!”

With a ‘crack’… The time had frozen. In this moment, Silvia realized that she had misunderstood.

To put it bluntly… The person who was going to ride with Silvia was Eco. As for Ash––He had already asked Max to let Arianrhod to give him a ride––this should be the logical conclusion made. It would naturally be more comfortable for people of the same gender to ride together. Silvia’s body was heating up by due to her embarrassment. She wished for a cave to hide into.

“Baka! Why didn't you mention it earlier!”

Part 6

The dragon leading the flight was Cú Chulainn and was followed by Arianrhod. Lucca was with Rebecca while Ash was with Max. Gawain was the next to leave. It was probably because it did not receive any Astral, there wasn't a single hint of haki from it. Even though Allonnes Lakeside was a healing rest spot, it still looked like the living dead, bringing it along felt like a torture for it.

“Alright. It’s our turn now!”

Silvia turned back and look at Eco.

“I’ll sit on the dragon first and you shall sit behind me. You must never loosen your grip from my waist. It's dangerous.”

“Understood.”

Eco obediently nodded in reply. With a simple leap Silvia landed at the front of Lancelot's back. After she held the leather reins she felt refreshed.

“Come on… Eco!”

Her left hand left her grips on the reins and stretch towards Eco. At this moment… A very strange thing happened. Lancelot, as if to make it easy for Eco to get into the saddle, automatically kneeled down. Not only that… It also lowered its head respectfully in front of Eco.

“Lancelot…?”

Silvia was confused. Lancelot’s behavior right now was as a servant serving its master. Even though Silvia was its master she had never received a treatment as classy as this. The incident happening now was shocking enough. After Silvia pulled Eco up onto Lancelot she asked:

“…It seems that Lancelot respects you a lot. Do you know why?”

After Eco sat behind Silvia she answered with a confused tone:

“For heaven’s sake… I don’t know anything. But as far as I can see, since it respects me, I’ll generously praise it as a smart dragon."

Eco showed a proud expression.

“Grrrunn…”

After receiving Eco’s praise Lancelot made a cute voice.

“H-Hey! You are not allowed to make that sound to anyone except me! You are Silvia Lautreamont's… My Pal! Quickly make a brave voice!”

Silvia scolded it sternly and gave it a light kick in its tummy. Lancelot was in a shock and quickly spread its wings and took off.

Part 7

In a blink of an eye, the groups of Maestros were a hundred meters above the ground.

“Uuh… This scenery is one that you’ll never get bored of.” said Silvia happily.

At the center of the endless plains… Ansarivan was like a beautiful model. The streets for the dragon riding festival’s competition and Fianna Forest could be seen all together.

The Strada’s group, lead by the instructors, was some distance away and looked like a pea. Although, with the true ability of a Maestro, they could pass them in a moment Rebecca still purposely maintained a low speed. The reason was probably she didn't want the rest of the students to find out about Lucca and Gawain. Even though it was going to spread, sooner or later, the fact that Lucca couldn't ride her pal still remained a secret.

“Listen carefully! You must never loosen your grip!”

Silvia reminded Eco while looking at the front. Everybody was wearing their hardy dragsuit but only Eco was in her uniform. Maybe she took this activity as a field trip. But… Eco suddenly felt down.

“What’s wrong with you?”

Silvia was worried about Eco’s condition. But what she received was an even confusing answer.

“Why are yours this big?”

Silvia didn't understand what she meant.

“Big..? What were you talking about?”

Eco suddenly emitted a killing intent that immediately frightened Silvia.

“I’m talking about your breasts! Why are yours and Rebecca's this big?”

“Th-This is too sudden! So you are also worrying about this stuff?”

Silvia was stunned. Even though Eco always stated things like ‘honourable and extraordinary dragons’ she still faced human-liked troubles.

“That’s because of Ash… Sometimes… He will either stare at yours or Rebecca's breasts. I’m really unhappy about it. Even though I still don’t know the reasons yet…”

“What did you say!?”

Silvia was almost infected by Eco’s anger but she managed to control herself. They were now in the middle of a flight and had unconsciously reached a two hundred meters in height. She mustn't loose her cool here.

“Even when that fellow likes to look at breasts… He won’t even be bothered by mine. Why is this happening?! I can’t accept this!”

“T-That’s because…” Silvia was suffering from a severe lack of vocabulary to use.

Anyway… She knew next to nothing about a guy’s way of thinking and was unable to answer Eco.

-Back to the topic… Ash looked at my breasts?”

Silvia’s cheeks became hot. Although she was angry at his behavior, on the other hand, she doesn't really hate it. She was also surprised and confused that she felt contradicted. No, not only she didn't have the feeling of repulsion, in fact…

-Stop! What am I thinking about!

Even as Silvia was struggling within herself… Eco suddenly demanded something unspeakably outrageous.

“W-What are you thinking about! How could I ever agree with that!”

“Even when you reject it verbally… Your defences are full of holes!”

Eco squeezed her hand under the both sides of Silvia’s armpits and Silvia’s muscles suddenly had a shock. Eco was right; Silvia, who was now in control of the reins, now has zero protection as far as she could see.

“S-Stop- Ahh…”

Eco was toying with Silvia’s breasts through her dragsuit with her tiny hands. She was as innocent as a child who was playing with a newly received toy.

“It’s soft! It’s really soft! There must have been magic placed on these that can charm the male animal!”

“It’s soft! It’s really soft! There must have been magic placed on these that can charm the male animal!”

“Y-You are just thinking too much! Wait... Aah...!”

Eco was playing with Silvia’s breast just like making pasta without holding herself back. This had made her lose her strength and also loosen her hold on the reins.

“Have you had enough of this already! You better be careful of your mischief... or else I’ll push you down!!!”

Lancelot kept on moving upwards and had now reached three hundred meters in altitude. Eco’s face turned pale after she peeked downwards.

“Alright... alright...”

Eco, who was scared by the height, reluctantly let go of Silvia’s breasts.

Part 8

Allonnes Lake had the largest surface area of any lake in the Knight Country. It was also the place where ayu and funa were produced. On the other hand… The forest surrounding the lake was known as Norg Forrest. The wild plants growing there contained high amounts of Astral. It was also well known as a recuperative resting spot for dragons.

There were many villas scattered around the lakeside that could be seen from the air. The most striking of them, owned by the dragon riding academy, was none other than the facility for the training camp. Even though it looked like an old building from the outside it was still a huge dragon house. The functional dragon house here had enough rooms for about sixty dragons. It looked magnificent just by its sheer size. Also, at the same time, a little distance away from the lakeside there were some large rocky hills. One of which was the location of the ancient mausoleum.

All scholars specialized in dragons knew that that was the Willingham Mausoleum.

Part 9

The first to arrive at the lakeside were the Strada and Maestro groups. The one way journey took about three hours through dragon flight. The riders casually entered the training campsite and waited comfortably for the other groups to arrive. The supporting staff, that arrived earlier at the training campsite including Angela, academy lecturers and food service personnel, welcomed Ash and the rest with cheers and smiles. Cosette was wearing a royal standard maid attire while serving drinks to the students. The next to arrive was the hydra group who were slower than those who used the sky path by two hours. Jessica who escaped from Rhiannon’s clenches kept on hugging Ash after she had entered the restaurant. The last to arrive were the Asia’s group. They slowly arrived around four hours later than those who used the sky path.

Rebecca who acted as the master of ceremony stood up and glanced at the students.

“I’m student council president Rebecca Randall and I’m happy that no accidents have happened and everyone had arrived here safely.”

Logically speaking… This speech should be given by a lecturer but they were off sitting at a corner drinking their tea. They clearly understood that they don't have the influence Rebecca possessed so they just let it be.

“Listen carefully. This Selective Training Camp is not a place to just gather the entire group of good students to do activities together. After graduation… Everyone will start working in their own field. As long as you have the experience in taking part in this camp you will be seen and respected differently everywhere. For example; Every member of the famous Holy-Dragners of Lautreamont had left the Selective Training Camp with good performance results.

However, if there were any students who wanted to join the Dragners, you still mustn't feel complacent just because you had been chosen to join this selective training camp. I hope that every person here joined with the spirit to win.”

All the students gave their full attention to Rebecca's talk. Ash who had never thought about his future suddenly felt that the atmosphere around him had become tense and felt himself missing out.

-Everyone’s so hardworking….

Ash was different from those who worked hard to join the Selective Training Camp. He only managed to be here, right now, thanks to Rebecca's personal opinion. To put it bluntly… Ash still didn't feel the same excitement as the others for the training camp.

“So, for all the students, please rest sufficiently for today because tomorrow’s special training will need it.”

Rebecca, all serious up until there, suddenly showed a mischievous smile.

“That being said… But, for some relaxation, we will still provide you all with some time off to enjoy the lake.”

After a short silence. The restaurant was drowned under the sound of cheers.

Part 10

Under the bright sun… The students gathered at the lakeside were full of spirit. Because they had departed from the academy early… There was ample time for them to have fun before the sun set. Although Ash didn't bring his swim wear with him, he never regretted that. It was because he never had any intention to have fun in the water. If he changed into his swimming wear the ‘Seikoku’ on his left hand will be exposed and going into the water with the bandages on didn't look natural at all. Ash changed into his casual wear, which included his t-shirt, shorts and sandals, and was sitting leisurely by the lakeside.

There wasn't anybody from the student council that came into his view. Max, as usual, was currently suffering from his crazy neat freak illness and was off cleaning the room. From Ash's viewpoint… It was a wonder if he could finish it before evening. Lucca, who was a natural shut-in, had hid herself inside her own room. Gawain was not in the dragon house but was sleeping somewhere in Norg Forrest surrounding the lake to recover some astral. As for Rebecca, Silvia, Jessica, and Eco… They should be still changing in the changing room. Cosette did prepare a swimming suit for Eco, and Ash was thankful for her to be this understanding.

“Ash-samaaaaaa.”

At this moment. A huge hydra appeared with a like sized big splash. It seemed that it was Rhiannon. From its neck to its head is in a curve shape which made it looked more like a snake than a dragon. Needless to say, the person on its head was Jessica. She was wearing a cute orange coloured bikini. It was not surprising that Jessica would bring her pal along with her. Whenever the academy’s students were playing around with water the Hydras were the most active in it. One by one the riders of the Hydras appeared on the lake and sounds of cheers could be heard.

“J-Jessica..?”

Ash became nervous while standing in front of Jessica, he just didn't know where to look at. Even when Jessica’s attitude had always been daring… She still has a nice body. In front of her cleavage, upper arms, hips and soft tender skin… Ash gulped.

“Ara? Ash-sama you didn't bring your swimming wear with you?”

“Err… I’m not in the mood for swimming…”

“How could you do that! It is our honeymoon!”

“Why would a decent activity become a honeymoon! And I’m not even married to you!”

“Haa… Your indifferent attitude is so charming. Come, hold my hand, and together we will challenge the sea! Our sea adventure is going to start!”

“I think that you have been mistaken! This is a lake and not a sea!”

“That won’t be a problem! Rhiannon! Go and fetch me Ash-sama!”

After roaring once Rhiannon clumsily lifted Ash up by his collar.

“Hu… Uwaaaaa!”

Ash, hanging in midair, was forcefully brought to the middle of the lake.

Part 11

Inside the girl’s changing room, of the training camp, Silvia was stunned. It was because of Cosette acted naturally when she handed her swimming wear? The design was just too much of an exaggeration. Although the colour blue was Silvia’s favorite it was also a two piece bikini...

But hold on, there was way too little fabric on this swim wear!

“…. Cosette… Are you sure you want me to actually wear this swimsuit? You know… I’m- Silvia Lautreamont the proud fourth princess of the Knight’s family!”

“Of course. Princess.”

Cosette just revealed a big smile, it seemed like she wasn't going to prepare any another swimming wear for her. No, it should be said that, she only prepared this one for her. On the other hand… Eco had changed into a cute one piece swimsuit outfit.

"So, I see, this is a swimsuit. It's my first time wearing one!”.

Eco was excitedly examining at herself wearing her swimsuit. It had white colour as a base with cute ribbons as accessories. If there was such a swimsuit, why did you not prepare the same one for me… Silvia offered a seriously complaining glare towards Cosette.

"So, I see, this is a swimsuit. It's my first time wearing one!”.

“I think that this swimming wear suits you well, what do you think about it Eco?”

“You really have some good perception at appreciating beautiful things that can satisfy a dragon! You are really good!”

“It’s my pleasure.” Cosette bowed gracefully.

Rebecca, who was right in front of Silvia, had already changed into a deep red coloured bikini and had also put on a mischievous smile.

“Anything wrong? Have you not finished changing yet Silvia?”

“R-Right…”

Silvia was normally confident in her body but compared to how Rebecca presented herself she felt depressed. For Silvia, who was still 'growing', Rebecca's body could only be described with the word 'perfect'. The dark red coloured bikini suited her so well it made Silvia clench her teeth. In front of a girl who had such a nice body, any boy would have fallen for her. Ash also must have been…

-Stop, stop! Why would Ash appear at such a time. Silvia immediately shook her head. Rebecca then said to her with another mischievous smile:

“Be quick. Silvia! I’ll be leaving first!”

Eco too followed right behind Rebecca. The only ones left in the changing room were Silvia and Cosette.

“Alright. Please be quick princess. I beg your forgiveness… If you are still worrying about anything, please pardon my rudeness by forcing you to change.”

“I think that… You are not even afraid of anything. No? Aren't you even enjoying this…?”

“Ara? So I have been found out. Ufufufu.”

After that dangerous laugh, Cosette took a step forward. She had the eyes of a hunter who had locked on its prey.

Part 12

At the lakeside Rebecca was sitting on a beach chair with her sunglasses. She looked classy with a wine glass in one hand while leisurely enjoying her environment.

“T-To be able to watch the president in her swimming wear… We are just too lucky.” The guys immediately revealed their perverted behavior.

Even though all of them were top students… They were still guys in their teens.

Silvia gave an insulting look at the perverted guys and stiffly walked to the lakeside. She embarrassingly turned back and asked Cosette about her opinion. “Hey… Cosette, do I really… Doesn't it look weird?”

"It suits you well!" The breeze from the lake made Silvia feel cold and also made it hard to calm her emotions down.

“It suits you well!”

“D-Does it?”

The breeze form the lake made Silvia feel cold and also made it hard to calm her emotions down. Furthermore. There was the feeling of her swimsuit, if she was careless, getting stuck in between her butt which made her nervous. Of course this is also the first time where she was wearing such a daring outfit in front of a crowd. Cosette suddenly whispered to her.

“Rest assure… Ash-sama will be happy with this.”

“W-W-Why must you mention Ash!”

Silvia angrily glared but, at that moment, there began a ruckus among the guys.

“Princess had arrived!”

“What a sexy bikini!”

“I… I can now die happy…!”

Silvia became nervous. She felt that her body was trampled on by their sights.

“Hey, Cosette! Give me something to cover my body… Whether it's a towel or a shirt!”

“If you don’t mind my apron… I could lend it to you.”

“How could a princess of a country wear such a thing!”

“I personally think that the combination of an apron and bikini will not only amaze the others but be interesting too.”

“What are you joking about!”

Silvia wanted to immediately return to the training camp changing room. Anyway. It is unnecessary for her to accompany these excited students. She should had stayed in her room quietly like Lucca and Max. At this moment, a desperate scream could be heard all over the lake.

“Uwaaaa! I beg you… please stop!”

Silvia immediately knew that it was Ash’s voice. She didn't know the reason why she could recognize Ash’s voice right away like that.

“Ohohoho! Rhiannon’s ability is not limited to only this. Ash-sama!”

The Hydra Rhiannon was surfing on the lake at high speed and the ones riding on its back are none other than Jessica and Ash.

“…!”

Just when Silvia was still confused about her own feelings-

“Grrrroooooo…!”

Lancelot, followed by a roar, landed by the lakeside. The sudden air blast had lifted some dust.

The most unbelievable thing was that Eco was the person riding it. Under the condition where Silvia was not present, Lancelot willingly and unexpectedly, let Eco ride on its back.

“H- How is this possible!” Silvia shouted.

Silvia couldn't believe her own eyes. Eco, holding the reins in her swimsuit, was smiling. After she spotted Silvia she said:

“I’ll be borrowing your Pal for a while!”

Silvia immediately rushed forward.

“Hold on. Eco! How come… You are riding on Lancelot!?”

“I had enough of that girl called Jessica! Damn. Even when Ash is my meat slave!”

Eco clenched her teeth when looking at Jessica, playing happily at the middle of the lake.

“To go up against Jessica, I must have a hydra. But the only breeder who has a hydra in the student council is Jessica. Then… I thought of something. A Maestro can move freely in sea, land or air!”

“Even though what you were saying is right… I’m still surprised that Lancelot is willing to give you a ride. Hey Lancelot! What's the big idea!"

After being scolded by Silvia, Lancelot reacted with lowering down its head. This was the first time Silvia saw Lancelot behaving like this. It was normally a ferocious, classy Maestro who matched up well with Silvia…

“So. What are you going to do?”

Silvia was still stunned by both Lancelot's and Eco’s behavior.

“I want to let Jessica taste some bitterness. Are you with me? Or are you not?”

Eco’s scarlet eyes were looking at Silvia from high up.

Silvia didn't expect Eco to invite her. It was probably the three hours they spent together on the journey that made their relationship closer. Or else, she is… Treating me as a rival. Wait! A rival in what sense?

Seeing Silvia still couldn't make up her mind… Eco impatiently provoked:

“Hey! If you still can’t make your mind… I’ll be leaving you!”

These words gave her a little push. Silvia had given up thinking about those troublesome questions. The sun was shining brightly in the sky. The beautiful Allonnes lake was right in front of her and the students who had changed into their colourful swimming wear. In the corner of her eyes… Ash could be seen playing with Jessica on the back of the hydra. In this case… there was only one thing to do.

“C-Count me in!”

Silvia, with much effort, managed to say those words and she jumped onto Lancelot. She received the reins from Eco and immediately ordered Lancelot to take flight. Seeing that Silvia decided to join in the waterborne fun… A loud cheer went up around the beach.

"Playing with Water ~A.S.B. ~1365.6~" is closed.

References and Translation Notes

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