It was an unprecedented situation. It could even be called a crisis.
The Azure Wings. The elite of the elite. Famous far and wide, known across the world as the mightiest unit of knights of the Luceran army. A special force that operated only under the direct command of the Queen herself.
They were the Kingdom of Lucera's stalwart shield and infallible blade against all evils. From armies of fearsome undead and mighty rampaging dragons to wicked demon princes and vengeful sorcerer-kings, these fearless heroes never backed down from any challenge and returned victorious each time.
Against so much adversity, they were often busy, rare being their moments of respite. And whenever they were summoned, it was for a monumental task, one upon which hinged the fate of the entire nation.
So, why was it that, today...
All these duty-bound knights, stood here side by side, in front of these glistening, sapphire-colored expanses, and together screamed...
"IT'S THE SEA!!!!!!!!!!!"
Their cheer boomed through the air, the chorus of their voices strong enough to rumble through the sand beneath their feet, scattering it to the winds and making the seagulls take flight.
The sun shone brightly upon the Sunset Shore beach, the summer heat contrasted by the fresh sea breeze which made the leaves on the palm trees rustle gently.
In the face of this tropical paradise, as your fellow knights chatted and stretched themselves, you asked yourself the most important of all questions.
Why was it that it was upon you — the rookie — that befell the hardest task in this mission?
Your violet eyes, always so cheerful and full of hope, were now lifeless and devoid of light, while you thought back to the events that led to this.
***
It all began the week after your latest mission — the fourth ever since you joined the crew — when you were all summoned by Queen Catherina herself.
The seven of you were kneeling in front of Her Royal Majesty in the opulent throne room, listening to her as she addressed you.
"O bravest heroes, my blades so keen, the kingdom's plight is dire, a perilous scene... I beg of thee, with all my heart's strings, will you come to my aid, swift on Azure Wings?"
The Queen's traditional greeting when she issued a new mission to the Azure Wings.
“Fairest of all maidens, our noble liege, we shall fight for thy honor, to thine foes lay siege.”
A scripted reply you all spoke in unison, part of your oath.
The Queen rose from the throne and stepped forward, her serene voice like a melody to your ears.
"My knights, heed to my words... the season of great heat and of blazing sun approaches once again, a time for joy and merriment, a time in which the people can revel in our land's natural marvels."
Her Majesty extended an arm, motioning towards all of you.
"In such times of peace, our people and those of the neighboring realms make a pilgrimage to our coast to bask in the amenities of our magnificent beaches. Tourism enriches our economy, and the beauty of our country engraves itself in their memories, set to go down in history. Which is why, my knights..."
A graceful smile formed on her lips, the sound of her heels echoing through the vast chamber as she strikes an illustrious pose.
"You are to make haste to the Sunset Shore, and ensure that all the wonders our beaches have to offer are up to our standards! My knights, partake of the local cuisine, their traditions and festivities. Play their games, live as the locals do, and above all... do it all to the fullest, and make sure it is all in perfect order. We must be sure that no guest of our kingdom would find our hospitality lacking!"
Not even after all the fearsome foes you saw in the line of duty were you able to maintain a straight face after hearing that, almost letting out an audible 'eh?' upon hearing the Queen's words; that struck you as a jest.
Doesn't that just sound like... a vacation?
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
However, your fellow knights answered with composed and serious expressions, no different than if you were just ordered to slay a dangerous dragon.
You stuttered to join them with a belated reply, but you barely could pay attention to anything that followed, the remainder of the Queen's words lost on you.
After all, why... why was no one mentioning that that is just a roundabout way of giving you some days off?!
When you all were dismissed, you were surprised to be stopped at the door by one of the royal maids, for the Queen wished to confide to you in private. Naturally, this made you extremely nervous, however...
"Heed to me, O noble knight, Goldgrain... sigh, let's be informal, yes? Lila-tan. I can call you this, right? It's cute, yes? Okay, Lila-tan. Listen. Your Queen is no fool, I understand perfectly how this must have sounded to someone with a single shred of common sense."
Your heart sinks when you understand how truly, fearsomely intelligent the Queen is. You knew exactly what she was getting at, as she lightly patted you on the shoulders.
"Your face tells me you have realized it too. The grim truth about your veterans... that they're all... they're all hopeless airheads. Do you have any idea... for how long, have I been trying to give them a vacation? Have you noticed how they never rest at all?"
Yes, yes you had. Even Leo, who was prone to his escapades (in which you somehow often got involved), always put in a healthy amount of overtime. And everyone's sleep schedule was so irregular you had no idea who even slept at all.
"I love that they're such hard workers but... at this point, I don't think they listen to what I say half the time, and always misinterpret it into being more complicated. Somehow they think that whenever I say 'vacation' it's a code for performing drills, recovering a lost relic, closing a portal to Inferno, or whatever."
She sighs and takes a deep breath.
"What I'm saying is — I fear that even these ridiculously OP coworkers of yours are going to run out of steam at this rate... and I don't know when the Knight Union will come to fine me if they keep dodging vacations. The treasury can't handle a hit like that in this economy."
You get the impression that she had been needing to vent these complaints for a long, long time. You just don't know why you're the one who has to listen to it.
"So yes, this time, I'm playing their game. This is my last hope, Lila-tan. And you are the only person who I can rely on. So here... this is a list I devised after studying several tomes and plays regaling the perfect summer vacation. Make sure to complete the entire list, this ought to get them to like, loosen up and relax for once, y'know!"
A direct order from the Queen.
And one that made you think that perhaps the Queen was also, maybe, possibly...
A bit of an airhead too.
***
And that's how you, Lila Goldgrain, the Azure Wings' rookie/mascot/little sister, found yourself holding the piece of parchment in your hands, crossing another item off of the list.
̶[̶ ̶2̶.̶ ̶Y̶e̶l̶l̶ ̶'̶I̶t̶'̶s̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶s̶e̶a̶!̶'̶ ̶a̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶t̶o̶p̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶r̶ ̶l̶u̶n̶g̶s̶ ̶w̶h̶e̶n̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶a̶r̶r̶i̶v̶e̶ ̶a̶t̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶e̶a̶c̶h̶ ̶—̶ ̶V̶e̶r̶y̶ ̶I̶m̶p̶o̶r̶t̶a̶n̶t̶!̶!̶!̶ ̶]̶
Honestly, just who does the Queen think you are?! Didn't she have any easier tasks for you, like solo clearing a dungeon or something?
Well, at least that makes it two tasks down. And Goddess knows it wasn't easy to get them all into swimwear in the first place; thankfully that entire 'experimental armor' thing worked.
"LIIIILA GOOOLDGRAIN! AAAATTENTION!" A stern voice cuts through the air, forcefully dragging you back to reality.
"Eek! Y-Yessir!" You yelp and straighten up, hearing the unmistakable call from your commander.
While you were lost in thought, the others had already gathered by boss Baldric, who stood by the honestly mind-bogglingly large stack of luggage, crates, barrels, and other assorted items.
You quickly store the parchment in the small purse you had hanging by your hip and hurry to join the group.
Your commander glares at you with his serious grey eyes, brow furrowed while his bald head shines. He stands with his arms crossed over his muscular chest, his body marked with countless scars.
No matter how serious he seemed, it was still quite weird to see him out of the usual armor and dressed like that, wearing just black swim briefs, even though his massive golden tower shield and spear were stuck on the sand beside him.
"This is no time to be slacking off, soldier!" he barks, and you wince, preparing yourself to get berated. "... granted, I understand you must be nervous, greenhorn. After all, you are still a rookie, and Our Majesty gave us such an important task. It is natural to be overwhelmed."
Yet, he apparently wasn't angry at all. Even though it was a small mercy, your eyes still lost a bit more of their sparkle upon hearing his weird logic.
"However! There is naught that the Azure Wings cannot overcome. But that is why you must focus. Remember, men! Preparation and planning are key, which is why you must listen, as we finish devising our strategy! Miyuki should be back with the report of her aerial survey shortly. As for the others..."
Now that he mentioned it, Miyuki was indeed absent, and so was Victoria. But his words gave you pause. Aerial... survey?
"Hey, lil' sis, what are you daydreaming for? Just 'cuz we're at the beach doesn't mean this isn't a serious mission too." Now that the chief was distracted again, Leo took the chance to tease you, grinning and planting a hand on your head to ruffle up your hair as he stood beside you.
"Uh— hey, quit it! My hair, tsk, I keep telling you, it's really hard to style it...!" you protested, slapping his hand away and trying to brush your hair while he chuckled. "I get it, trust me, I know, big bro! I... I really know... it is quite serious indeed..."
The tall man that was your self-proclaimed big brother blinked, hearing just the slightest hint of sorrow in your voice. He scratched his chin, his green eyes peeking, curious, from behind his red sunglasses.
"Hmm, why the long face, imouto-yo? Oh, I get it..." The sunlight glistened off of his pearly white teeth as he smiled again. "You also think it's a pity that we're stuck at work even while at such a paradise, right? Toiling away, even though there are so many beautiful local women enjoying the sun around us... how dreadful, indeed." He leaned in closer and whispered in a conspiratory tone. "Well, don't worry... listen, your bro's got a plan, 'kay? We can just get our tasks out of the way in a jiffy, and then when they're not looking, let's hit that beachside casino down over there. Lemme teach you how to both score big at the dice poker AND score some ladies too!"
"Wha— where did you even get that from?! And I keep saying, isn't it weird to always assume a girl wants ladies too—" Your protests are interrupted when the commander addresses you again. You both flinch and stand to attention, pretending you were dutifully listening.
"Lila! And Leonard!!" Baldric points at you both with his usual intensity. "You got all of that, right!? Now, the valuable intel provided by Yulia aside, I trust that you both have remembered the most important preparation for days such as these! Hm?!"
Being absolutely transparent, you let out an embarrassed 'ehehe' while looking off to the side.
However, your commander seemed to have intended that to be a rhetorical question of some sort, as he proceeded to grab a bottle from atop one of the wooden tables that Sigwulf — his usual huge self, he — had been placing around.
"That's right... the greatest foe is the one fiercer than any man or monster — nature itself! Hence, don't underestimate the intensity of the sun today!" He squeezed the oily sunscreen lotion onto the palm of his rough calloused hands and proceeded to start applying a generous coating to his bald head.
As if on cue, the clouds that were passing by parted, and the sun gleamed on his smooth baldness with such intensity that you were blinded by the searing flashes of light.
"Yes, soldiers! Remember to apply your sunscreen, so that your skin may fight another day! Have you done so yet, you two?!"
"Sure did, chief, don't sweat it! Heard it the first time you said so!" Leo replied promptly, spared from the crippling blindness status effect due to his sunglasses, while you struggled to cover your eyes.
"I, e-eh... ah... shoot..." You had, in fact, completely overlooked it.
"Hm?!! Unacceptable, greenhorn!!" Widening his eyes for a fierce stare with the intensity only a veteran of countless battles could, he spoke firmly. Though you couldn't even see what was happening, as the light beaming onto your face intensified. "On my reputation as your commander, I cannot allow my soldiers to take environmental damage like so! Siiiiigwulf! Provide cover for her at once!"
You felt the ground rumble slightly, followed by a shadow mercifully covering you not only from the dangerous UV rays of the sun, but also from the true menace that was the light bouncing off of Baldric's head.
The towering presence that stood by, having stuck a large parasol on the sand right beside you, bearing a warm and wide smile, could be none other than the half-giant, Sigwulf.
"Ahahaha, little sister, you truly are out of your depth today! Deep diving only comes later, don't get a false start by sinking in your thoughts like that!" His eyes shone as he laughed at his own joke, before continuing to unpack all the luggage, setting some chairs by your side. "Breathe, girlie, you're the one who keeps it in check for us, we can't lose you now."
Before you could reply, a calm sigh sounded right beside you, coming from the bespectacled girl with short, icy blue hair, who immediately lounged on one of the chairs that were just placed in the shade.
"Honestly. Our household behemoth does have a point, though, Lila. You have been not yourself the past few days." Yulia rested her petite frame, her syncrystal tablet in one hand while she pushed her glasses up with the other. "Alas, I'm afraid that as I suspected, Leo is being an awful influence on you. My suggestion — avoid him at all costs. Your brain power should recover exponentially the less you're together."
"Hey— Yuli, that's uncalled for! Ouch, must your tongue always be sharper than Victoria's blade even?!" Leo groaned while scratching his head with a wry smile.
"Ah, curses, I already feel my intellect being sapped. This specimen is, indeed, more dangerous than the mind-eaters of the Abyssal Chasm," she replied, deadpan, without deigning to look up from her tablet, typing away at the device.
"Oho, if Leo here is corrupting our Lila, even I cannot let it stand! Anyone would weep to see their sister turn out like him... a man who cannot even hold his drink!" Sigwulf's laughter boomed as he slapped Leo's back with his huge hands. Lesser men would have been sent flying with the impact, which even created a gust of wind.
"Agh, not you too, Sig! Man, I'm telling you, I'll drink any normal dude under the table, but you're an entirely different beast, you know!" he protested, wincing, probably remembering the awful hangover from the last drinking competition they had.
"Playing the size card, are you, Leo? Aha, now don't be like that! No! Good!" He flexed his massive pecs to punctuate each of the words. "Let me remind you, one drinking partner that bested me was the dwarf—"
"Not that story again! No, no I won't hear it, not to be dwarfist but y'know, Sig, they're literally known for being the best drinkers around?!"
While part of you wanted to giggle at the exchange, this just reminded you of how hard it would be to... well, to get anything on the list done, with how they all are.
"Jeez you guys are impossible... alright fine, I'll focus! That's it, I'm out of that bad funk. Thanks though, but don't worry!" You smiled warmly for them, flexing an arm for show. "I'm plenty strong too, you know! And I'll not let aniki misguide me! I mean, I'm sure I don't want to end up like him, I know too well how unsightly he looks when I have to drag his drunk and broke self back to the barracks."
Yulia blinked, then allowed a hint of a smile to show on her lips, while Sigwulf laughed heartily. Meanwhile, Leo was crestfallen with an expression of exaggerated hurt.
"Even you, little sis? Your bro is taking hits left and right and you pile on? Gimme a break, you're supposed to be on my side..."
"But I am! It's just that being on your side means I'll help you face the truth, no matter how much it stings," you reply with a smile, winking. "Consider it toughening up your skin, bro. You'll thank me later!"
Even he can't help but chuckle at your response now.
"Who taught you to talk back to your elders like that, sis? Then, it's my turn to point fingers... I can see it, an ominous, witch-like aura clinging to you. Yes, I'm not the issue, it's that you've been hanging out with a bad crowd! It has to be the fault of that evil sorceress..." He glanced at Yulia "... or worse, the ruby-eyed hag herself!"
Yulia for once looked up from her tablet and opened her mouth to reply, but saw something behind Leo and just stared instead, waiting for something amusing. Then you saw it too and gasped.
"Wait— aniki, that's enough, stop—"
"Ah, so I have it right, it is the she-devil behind it. Feeding you lies, defaming your big brother to you! I will let you know, it's that spoiled princess who does not know what is good for the common folk like us! Just because she cannot drink—"
"Spoiled princess...?"
The color drained from Leo's face upon hearing the sharp voice that came from the beautiful woman who had just walked up to the group, her luxurious blonde hair swaying softly in the wind, her white cape fluttering — which still hung from her shoulders, despite she wearing a white bikini that showed her curves — her ruby eyes casting an intense stare that drilled a hole through the back of his head.
While sweat dripped down his forehead, Victoria casually licked the orange popsicle she was holding, furrowing her brow in annoyance.
"Ah, I see, the classic blame game. It's cute how you try to pin your faults on others again, Leo, just because our little sister finally opened her eyes. But, maybe you're right." She smirked. "I guess I don't know what's good for the common folk like you. I actually strive for something better than mediocrity."
Sigwulf let out a silent 'oof', while Yulia covered her mouth to stifle a giggle for once. Leo clicked his tongue.
"So our majesty graces us with her presence! Did you get a new tiara to match that ever-expanding ego?"
"What's that, barking at me from all the way down there, mutt? Must have forgotten your ladder, since a mudslinging dirt farmer like you would need one before being anywhere close to getting on my level," she fired away right back at him, a vein popping on her forehead, as he clearly get under her skin. "But if you're cruising for a bruising that badly, I guess I shall oblige the rabble..."
"Ooh, going straight to violence, eh?! You nobles are always like that, you know you're in the wrong so you gotta oppress the people...!" Leo replied with a nervous smile as he took a step back, trying to get some distance from Victoria and her murderous aura.
"I... I'm a commoner, too, though...?" you finally said faintly, feeling like you just got flak for free in their exchange.
"Ah." Victoria's eyes go wide and she seems to go from 100 to 0 immediately.
Leo sighs in relief and mouths a 'nice save' for you. Even though you just said it because it did weigh on your mind. You have a complex about it, ok.
"No— nonono, I didn't mean it like that, Lila! I know, it's— tsk, hear, there are... people and people, not that commoners aren't great people! Just that... I just meant that this good-for-nothing is a mediocre ruffian, yes! I didn't aim that at all commoners, okay?!"
Your self-proclaimed big sister even drops her popsicle — which is snatched midair by a floating, translucent hand conjured by Yulia — and runs to your side, holding your shoulders while explaining herself.
"You're a good girl, no, the best girl, okay? You're proof that even common folk can be— I mean, are amazing, rays of sunshine, cinnamon rolls even! Yes!" She pats your head with one gauntleted hand while recovering her ice treat with the other, holding it out for you. "Here, big sis will give it to you! It's good, right? There, there!"
"Ah— um... oh, this is good... cherry? I love cherry!" Her tactics work, the sugar intake from the popsicle restoring your mood.
"Huh? No, that's orange flavored though..." She looks puzzled for a moment, and Yulia's head snaps to glance your way, glasses shining mischievously.
"Victoria's lipstick is cherry-flavored. Oh my. Sharing a popsicle... indirect kisses at this time of the day... how indecent. What's next, handholding?"
Both of you gasp and look down, cheeks burning from embarrassment. In your peasant-inferiority-complex-induced funk, you didn't realize, and neither did Victoria in her panic.
Yulia let out a self-satisfied huff, having defused the situation while also raising some flags.
Then the commander, who had been busy all this time assembling no less than five different grills, finally turns to face the group again.
"So you're back at last, Vice-Commander! Most excellent, the preparations are almost complete!" he said while clapping his hands to dust the charcoal off of them, standing in the middle of the ring of assembled cookware. "Has your trip bore fruit?!"
"E-eh? Oh, Commander!" The blonde lady knight turned while nodding for your boss. "Yessir. I have successfully procured a supply of the local specialty summer treats. It should be arriving any moment now."
The group looks to the side to see several locals carting wagons full of metal barrels encased in an icy mist, as well as one large mechanical contraption that was as large as a carriage.
"Vic, did you by any chance... buy out an entire stock?" you asked at the sight of the sheer volume of goods arriving.
"Why, yes. I found this quaint establishment that dealt exclusively in these, and since they wouldn't let me bring their iced cream machine, I figured I would just buy out the business," she replied matter-of-factly, throwing her lush hair back with a satisfied smile. "I know, it was a good idea, right? Feel free to praise me."
"No no, on the contrary! What are we even going to do with that much—"
"MOOOST EXCELLENT, Vice-Commander!! Not only to be able to sample the local ice treats, but we shall be able to craft a superior and enhanced version... Our Majesty shall be most pleased!! Full marks!" Your voice of reason was completely drowned by the chief's booming enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, Sigwulf had stepped over to meet the convoy and had taken all the wagons, lifting them up on his arms and shoulders, and carrying the machine too while at it. Much to the horror of the locals.
"Ho, I couldn't have expected any less, Victoria! Back home, our candysnow dishes are as sweet as the spoils of victory, so I want to see how this holds up," he said with a smile while effortlessly setting down the goods near the stockpile. "Now, what kind of iced cream do we have here?! Not that I mind any, I don't play flavorites!"
"For me, well, you can't go wrong with chocolate, my man. Rum raisin is nice too though." Leo went to check the stock with Sigwulf, grinning. "What about you, lil' sis? You strike me as a lemongrass tea kinda gal, right?"
"Where the hell did you get that idea from, bro!? N-no! Cream and cookies! Please!" you reply in a panic, shivering just from picturing that awfully sour taste, while Leo chuckled. With a sigh, you put a hand to your temple. "But more importantly, can any of us even operate that weird machine?"
"... What do you mean operate, Lila?" Victoria cocked her head. "It's an iced cream machine. Its job is to make iced cream. I paid for it? So it will make it for us? It's literally its job."
You give up and cover your face, screaming silently.
"Shh now, Lila," Yulia offered you some comfort. "The correct operation of frozen treats machines is very elementary, even a trained monkey could do it. I'll give instructions to ours."
Leo felt a disturbance, but knew he'd be playing into her hands if he protested.
"Alright, soldiers! Looks like the operation is proceeding smoothly," Baldric spoke up, cleaning his hands on a paper towel as he finished cutting some assorted fruit atop his cooking table. "Now all that's left is Miyuki's scouting report before we're ready."
"Um, speaking of which, I was wondering from the start, just where is Miyu..."
You don't even get to finish your sentence before a strange shadow passes flying overhead, and you peek out from beneath the parasol, puzzled.
What looks like a large black kite flies in front of the sun — and you widen your eyes seeing a swift blur suddenly drop from it — landing on one knee, right behind Baldric.
"Wha—" You don't even get a chance to get your gasp of surprise out, for a moment afraid it was a foreign assassin, before realizing it was just your resident ninja.
Wearing a black one-piece swimsuit that matched the color of her long hair, which was tied up in a ponytail, the athletic girl from Yamatai bowed her head in respect.
"Aruji-dono! I have returned from my scouting of the land." The lower half of her face covered by a black mask, her piercing blue eyes calm and collected as usual, Miyuki gave her report. "As requested, I have observed many of the local summer habits and traditions, particularly the ones that tourists might engage in. Also, here is the detailed map of the AO, and here is the weather and tide report."
"Reliable as always, Miyuki! Magnificent!!" the commander praised her while taking the parchments handed over to him.
"So that's what she was doing..." you said, nodding in understanding, also vaguely aware that the boys were causing some ruckus, trying to get the iced cream machine operational while Yulia and Victoria bossed over them.
"Yes. But don't worry, Lila-han, you know I am always watching over you!" Hearing Miyuki's voice coming suddenly from behind you nearly gives you a heart attack. You didn't even notice her moving. "Though this shall be a true test of our mettle, rest assured! I remain your most reliable ally!"
She casually glomped you from behind, squeezing tight like she was prone to.
"Ah, Miyu! Not, in public like this, it's embarrassing! Agh, what's this, jiu-jitsu training?!" You tried to shake her off while the kunoichi continued to delight in treating you like a stuffed animal.
"Hmm!! Okay, yes, we can work with this!! HEAR, MEN! With all key information assembled, we are at last ready to begin tackling our tasks. Our work is cut out for us, but we shall persevere, soldiers!! Are you with me?!"
Everyone quickly replied with a yessir, though yours was fainter and somewhat muffled since you were still wrestling with Miyuki.
"Then, men! This is how we shall begin the engagement!" Baldric pushed the bowls of freshly cut fruit aside and spread open the map on the table — the quality of the aerial overview drawn by Miyuki was nothing short of impressive — then began to point and place small figurines atop it.
Incidentally, crafting these figurines was the commander's hobby, and each looked like a very faithful miniature of each of you.
"This is our current position, our base of operations! Now the tasks shall be divided as follows for this first bout — we shall reshuffle the roles later on — but to begin, Sigwulf! You are to experience swimming, diving, and fishing! Return to us only with the freshest seafood!"
"Aha, amphibious warfare, just like my ancestral northfolk raiders! Leave it to me, chief, I find fishing reel fun!" Sig grinned while fetching a pair of swimming goggles from the pile of assorted stuff.
"Leonard! You are best suited to the initial task of engaging in this 'surfing' sport!" He pointed at Leo with an intense stare. "And though it might seem daunting to have yet another duty, you shall also sample the drinks in-between catching waves!"
"Jeez, you've got it out for me today, chief? Drats, 'n here I was hoping I'd get one of the easier tasks..." He sighed softly, shrugging with a smile, but he quickly nodded. "I mean— copy that, sir, on it."
"Yulia! Laying in the shade while trying local fruit, drinks, and cuisine is also an essential part of the experience that requires to be quality checked! Do not disappoint us, and provided detailed reviews!"
"Tsk, food reviewing sure is a troubling mission... I understand, Commander, it is indeed a task that requires an analytical mind. Allow me to." She adjusts her glasses, nodding.
"Victoria, Miyuki! These 'beachside games' the locals are prone to playing require multiple participants, therefore, you are to engage in this difficult ordeal together! Remember — play hard, like your life depends on it!"
"I expected no less, Commander, you bestow the toughest challenge upon us. But rest assured, we are more than prepared for it," Victoria answered with a hand over her chest, stoic and noble. "Yes, we will display our grace and nobility, and ensure the superiority of Luceran beachside games, I swear on the Montcroix name!"
"As you wish, Aruji-dono! Leave it to us, I have observed many of the games during my scouting, and know just how to maximize their potential!" She nodded while making a shinobi gesture with her hand, two fingers raised.
By this point, you were almost spacing out, but you instinctively flinched, knowing you were next.
"And you Lila... FIRST! AND FOREMOST! SUNSCREEN!" he barked fiercely, forcing a yelp out of you.
"Uwa— sorry, boss, y-yes I'm gonna go put on some!"
"And after you're done with that, you are to provide support as needed by the rest of the group. But always let me know where you are headed! Don't wander off on your own, am I understood?!"
"Yessir!"
"And did you remember to apply the anti-rust oil to your weapons!?"
"That I did, yes!"
"Good!! Then, myself, I shall guard the base and engage with the tasks of cooking and drink mixing! Yulia has provided me with a wealth of information regarding typical summer cuisine, and I shall put them to the test. The menu shall range from appetizers and snacks to desserts, seafood, and barbeque!" He crossed his arms, resolute. "And keep an eye out for my call signaling the lunch break! Understood, everyone?!"
With everyone replying with an affirmative, the commander nodded and shouted for the operation to start.
"Hey, sis, I'm gonna try to ride some tubes. Grab a board and drop by later, I'll show you some tricks!" Leo gave you a peace sign while walking off, carrying a surfboard with him.
"Little one! Bring a spear if you want to fish with me! Me, I don't need that, I just use my mussels, ahahaha!" Sigwulf's mane of blonde hair glistened in the sun while he laughed heartily, stomping off towards the water.
"Little sister, if you want to join me and Miyuki, we are going to start with this 'suikawari' martial arts training that she has observed." Victoria said while holding a wooden sword in one hand and a watermelon in the other.
"Yes, Lila-han! It is quite an ingenious training disguised as a game! It hones your other senses and teaches you how to defeat enemies with a blunt sword. We'd be most pleased by your company!" She was carrying several watermelons in her arms as they left.
"Lila. I'm just going to be here, but stop by if you'd want to aid me in the more intellectually oriented tasks... actually, please do help me with eating, I won't be able to handle all the food that Boss is preparing." Yulia glanced at you from her spot in the shade, speaking calmly while adjusting the blue hat she had put on. "But you'd best go put on that sunscreen now. UV levels are getting critical."
"Alright, thanks everyone, I, um, am just gotta put this on carefully now then..."
Sighing silently while turning away from the beach for a moment, you took the Queen's list from your purse again. You were going to need to do some really heavy lifting if you were going to be able to complete it. There are a lot of things that aren't covered by the roles assigned by the commander, after all. Jeez, where are you even gonna get fireworks for task number 25?
Stowing the list again, you slowly started with the task of applying sunscreen. To give Baldric credit, your skin is super sensitive to the sun so you really need to be careful.
But just as you start to apply the sunscreen to your chest, a long-haired figure suddenly leans out, upside down, from the top of a nearby palm tree, making you scream in fright.
"Lila-han! Let me help you with that!" As expected, it's Miyuki. She does a flip while leaping down from the tree, landing in front of you. "There are places you can't reach, right? As your bodyguard, I shall help you defend against even the sun itself!"
"Wah— Miyuki?! But? Huh?! Weren't you with big sis...?!"
"Humu, indeed I am, but I sensed you needed my help."
"... eh?!" You peek back to where they headed and you see a blindfolded Victoria brandishing her wood sword with deadly precision, cleanly slicing three watermelons midair. A shadowy burst of movement manifests, and Miyuki appears, tossing three more melons for her. "?!!"
You turn back, and another burst of movement has Miyuki in front of you again.
"Ah, did you get interested in the art of Shadow Step? Fufu, finally you're opening to the traditional Yamatai arts... I can teach you!"
"I... ahh, no, that's beside the point, forget it! Er... okay, just help me with my back maybe. Just my back!"
Although you were a bit embarrassed by it, Miyuki happily helped you get the sunscreen on.
"What's taking you so long, Miyu, jeez, it's embarrassing..."
"I am simply ensuring full coverage, kouhai. I must say, gazing at you from up close now, I can sense you will continue to grow into a fine woman!"
"I'm happy but I don't wanna hear that right now!"
"Fufu, you're really cute when you're flustered, Lila-han. There's no need, as your reliable bodyguard, I know every inch of your body regardless," Miyuki said with a mischievous wink, tracing a finger down your spine.
"Wha— M-Miyu!!" Her touch makes you shiver and you blush fiercely, spinning around only to find the kunoichi quickly stepping away from you, chuckling.
"There we go, that should be enough sunscreen for now! Okay, see you soon, Lila-han, do come and help us, there are some games that need three players at least!" Before you can protest, she vanishes in a burst of movement once again.
Fighting your embarrassment, you take a deep breath and try to relax, now that you have a moment of peace at last.
Now, with everyone else involved in one task or another, you're left wondering how to even start to deal with this mess.