After finishing our meal, it would be nice if we could go play in the beach since we’re here in a seaside cottage…… but unfortunately, we departed too late, so the sunset was already visible and it was too late to go swimming.
[I was hoping we’d go swimming, but it’s already too late huh.]
[Indeed. It might be dangerous to go swimming in the dark. Of course, since I’m here, even if we were to go swimming now, I would never put Master in a situation where you would get hurt.]
[As expected of Anima, you’re really dependable.]
[Ah, ehehe, you jest……][But well, swimming in the sea at night in the dark is just unreasonable, so let’s not do that today…… We can go swimming again tomorrow anyway.]
[Ahh, you’re right. We can go after the sun rises.]
As for our swimsuits, there’s no issue since I washed the ones I used when I went swimming in the beach before and stored them in my magic box. However, even if this is a resort, swimming in the night sea would likely reduce the enjoyment by half.
Walking along the moonlit sea can be romantic, but putting aside if it’s just strolling along the beach, swimming at such a time just doesn’t feel quite right.
It’s not like we’re gonna go back home right after we wake up, so we can just go swimming tomorrow.
[However, it would be a shame to do nothing at this time, so let’s head to the jetty to watch the beautiful sunset.]
[Hah! I’ll accompany you!][Rather than accompany me, this is a date, so the two of us are going there together.]
[Ah…… Y- Yes!]
With a gentle smile, I held out my hand to the somewhat stiff Anima, to which she responded with a bright smile and took my hand. While charmed by her puppy-like cuteness, holding each other’s hand, we walked out of the cottage towards the direction of the jetty.
The jetty, likely constructed to accommodate boats and such, wasn’t exceptionally long, but it was illuminated by the evening sun, making it seem like we were walking on a sparkling sea. Walking along it showed us a very picturesque scene.
[It’s a great view, isn’t it?]
[Unnn. The sunset is beautiful. Moreover, the fact that you’re composed enough to enjoy the scenery like this must mean you have also started to relax, Anima. It seems like this impromptu trip, which also serves as a form of thanks for all your help, seems to have turned out well.]
[I could only feel ashamed. Certainly, I feel like I’ve been able to relax more than at the start. I believe it’s thanks to Master’s presence here, being here with me and kindly caring for me…… umm, for caring even someone as lacking as I am, thank you very much.]
[Rather, it’s me who had always been receiving help from Anima. I’m the one who should be thanking you.]
While having such a conversation as we walked on the jetty, Anima happily smiled. Whether it was the setting sun or her feeling shy, her face had a slightly reddish tint, giving her a different kind of charm than usual.
As I had such thoughts in mind, Anima slightly increased the strength of her grip on my hand compared to just a moment ago.
[……I’m glad. Although I’m not as flustered as before, hearing Master say it makes me realize that I’m indeed able to be of help to you…… and that’s somehow…… feels like happiness.]
[I see…… Unnn. It’s important to properly express our thoughts in words occasionally, isn’t it? I truly always appreciate the help I receive from Anima and rely on you in various ways. I would be happy if you continued supporting me in the future.]
[Yes! Of course!!! You can count on me!!!]
[Well, you shouldn’t be over-motivated and push yourself too hard though.]
[Uuuu…… Y- Yes. Once again, I’ll keep this in mind.]
Anima looks apologetic, as if I had just struck where it hurts…… Of course, she’s reflecting. She definitely must be reflecting, but even so, when her motivation switch flips on, I feel like she’s gonna try too hard again, which is typical of Anima……
[If you get reckless again, I may have to force you out for a vacation again.]
[……Umm, Master. If you say things like that, I might end up doing the same thing just so I can go out with Master again.]
[No, rather than that, you should just take a proper day off, and then we can go on a date or take a trip together not as a punishment.]
[I- Indeed, that’s usually the proper way of doing things, isn’t it? No, I mean, I did know that but……]
[Ahaha, being overly serious and hardworking can also be a problem huh……]
[Auuuu…… I- I’m so sorry.]
Smiling wryly, I pet Anima’s head with my free hand. Anima looked apologetic…… and yet, she had an incredibly happy expression on her face, displaying a versatile range of emotions behind her shy smile.
<Afterword>
Serious-senpai : [It feels like Anima’s starting to act spoiled around Kaito…… Thinking about how the sweetness levels would go up in the future is frightening.]
