Vol. 9 - Chapter 466 - The grandiose Sea! The turmoil on the ride!
Hannah\'s delightful squeal echoed from ahead.
I repeat, the sea is grand. But leaving that aside, we two were currently riding the water scooter, having a fun ride on the water.
"Hurray! Yayyy!"
"I\'m taking a U-turn next from the left, so grab on to me."
"Aye-aye!"
After confirming Hannah had adjusted herself within my arm, I operated the handle of the water scooter. We were going at moderate speed, but because it was Hannah’s first time visiting the sea, along with the novel experience of riding on a rare water scooter, she was squealing nonstop in excitement.
She had absorbed herself in the scenery so much she didn\'t even realize her softness was repeatedly pronouncing their presence on my arm, which she had grabbed as a clutch to balance herself.
Repeat after me, the sea is grannndddd!
This water scooter was the rental item from the academy which could, as its name implies, move on the water. It was identical to ‹Segway Rev› and since monsters don\'t suddenly pop out from underwater in the dungeon\'s sea to attack, it was completely safe to use it on the beach etc!
Though we had only rented two of them since we were here for vacation. But man, the sparkle in girls eyes when I revealed them---as it was a surprise---was something to behold. Now I honestly curse myself why I hadn\'t rented even more.
The girls were so excited there had been a heated debate over who would ride together when I told them 2 or 3 people can get together on it.
The match ended safely (?) when I selected Hannah since she was right with me.
Meanwhile, the second unit was being used by Harmonic Trio who were also having a blast.
"Wahh, the cliff is so close! The seabed looks so beautiful, Zephyr-kun."
"Isn\'t it? Well, we have also come quite far huh. Still, I really underestimated the size of this Inlet."
We had arrived at the end of the beach on the ‹Water Scooter›, nearby cliff walls, far from the sandy beach where others were playing around.
Frankly, I thought I was completely familiar with scenery. that it was the same ol\' empty background I had experienced in ‹Dungeon Activity›, but after experiencing it in reality, that was really frog-in-the-well type imagination.
Even I got overwhelmed by its beauty.
The sea water was so crystal clear it had been perfectly reflecting the underwater grotto and the white sands. The cliff was riddled with holes, seemingly shaved off by sea water, creating a rocky area like scenery. It was truly phenomenal scenery.
The water level near the entrance of the inlet was shallow, reaching only up to even lil\' Hannah\'s knees. It wasn\'t a bad place to play but there were many others waiting in the line so I turned the water scooter and returned back to the shore.
"Phew, that was awesome, Zephyr-kun, thanks. Can we go on another ride later?"
"Of course. Well then, who\'s the next person going to use it?"
First I dropped Hannah, who was quite content with her time, then got down myself---or was about to when I received the halt command from Sierra.
"Why’re are you getting down, Zephyr? Quietly stay on the seat."
"Huuhhh?"
Sierra approached me while ordering me to stay on the water scooter and then helped herself to snuggle between my arms, much like Hannah.
Huh? Huuuu? What in the blazes, or maybe blues of the sea?
"Next is my turn. Please do the driving."
"Y-Yes, alright?"
What is happening? I mean, I did reply alright but honestly, my mind was still seized by the confusion. I mean, was Sierra always so pushy?
For the time being, I did as told, drived the water scooter and took it on the same route as Hannah. In between, Sierra\'s back had glued to me. I could smell a sweet scent wafting from her dancing hair.
Woahh, hold on my dear heart. Why are you going badump-badump, you aren\'t the engine of this water scooter alright?!
What I was feeling right now was a completely different beast compared to the soft sensation of Hannah!
"Hmm, what a pleasant wind. It\'s really unbelievable to know all that scent is from the current."
Sierra muttered softly and further inches her back toward me, giving another booster to my thumping heart.
Damn it, now I don\'t think I can make fun of Mert again!
No, recall Zephyr, recall. What was the code of a man! Right, I should be calm! Stay cool and unfazed, like the millenia old ice, unfazed even at the mercy of sun!
I tried to maintain my calmness as much as possible.
"------Cough, did you like it?"
"Yes, very much. The sea is beautiful, the waves are so soothing, the air is so fresh and I also had nil experience playing in water, wearing swimsuits and all, so everything is fun."
"I guess I can call this trip a success. Hmm, all the effort was worth it."
I slightly tensed my arm to strengthen my hold on Sierra as I turned the water scooter alongside the cliff.
It was a strange feeling, as Sierra once again leaned further on me due to my action, I only felt a relaxation spreading inside me this time.
"......But, I think you\'re taking too much work on yourself recently. You know, you can ask us for help too.”
"Well, this was a special occasion. You don\'t get the chance to see beauties in their swimsuits everyday. It really felt an extravagant waste to take the situation as granted and simply reap the benefit without putting effort."
"Haaaa. ---(But many girls would happily line to show you their swimsuit though.)"
"Hmm? Did you just say something? I didn\'t hear it."
"Nothing. But, let me say this again. It has been a great trip. So, thank you, Zephyr."
"Oh, no biggie. Besides, I have already received your thanks. Throw everything aside and just focus on having fun for now~."
"Then I shall."
Was it me, or Sierra looked awfully cute right now? Plus the contact of our skin was only increasing, which just continued to fuel my train of heartbeat.
I didn\'t know the sea had the hidden effect to bring the latent effect as well? How should I say, the sea is amazing. And on another note, I had stopped counting how many times I was being impressed by the sea. There\'s just one word to express my inner feeling---Sea, Banzaiii!
Even after Sierra, I was apparently unknowingly granted the role of water scooter\'s chauffeur.
Lana took her turn after Sierra, which was followed by Rina and Aegis-senpai. My duty still continued afterward, with it turning into a three-person ride, followed by Lulu & Celia, Maria & Melina-senpai, Lacritta & Noel duo.
I was basically sandwiched between two people, one adhered to me from front and one from back.
I didn\'t expect it to turn out this much exhausting ride. Phew. But on a brighter note, I had also made some great memories that I was sure would remain in the corner of my mind.
On the other hand, the second water scooter was also put to great use, with Kairi handling it, Alulu and Nico on front and back. Then there was Rika who had been water skiing, holding onto that water scooter.
They, too, were having fun.
Ah, the sun was soon reaching its peak. Guess it’s time to prepare lunch.