The Retired [Armed Merchant]’s Laid-back Journey Across the Continent 50

Chapter 50: The Rip-off Artist Broods on the Shore.

“Th-This is a little embarrassing…!”

Al, wearing a thin, see-through cloak, clung to my arm, her cheeks flushed.

Al’s high body temperature was faintly transmitted through the cloth, and my heart leaped.

“Well, it takes some getting used to…”

Even I, who was smiling wryly, felt restless.

After all, this was my first experience walking around town in such attire—just a swimsuit and a light jacket.

“But look. Everyone’s dressed pretty much the same.”

“That’s true, but.”

Many of the people on the street were dressed similarly.

Thanks to that, there was a somewhat liberating atmosphere, but it’s hard to get used to… this.

“By the way, what do you think?”

“Hm?”

“Of my swimsuit.”

Our eyes met as Al sent a glance my way.

Honestly, there’s nothing to say. It’s too cute to even comment on.

Why is it that my girlfriend looks good in everything she wears?

Frankly, it’s unthinkable to expose such a cute figure of Al to the public.

Should I use some kind of magic to hide Al’s appearance?

“W-Whoa, whoa, whoa, I get it! I get it already!”

“…Was I thinking out loud?”

“You’re too loud!”

Al looked down, her ears bright red.

When I glanced around, I found that some rather warm gazes were directed at me.

“I’m… sorry.”

“It’s fine. As long as you’re happy, Rody-san.”

Al, looking embarrassed, gave a small “ehehe” smile.

In response, my own cheeks relaxed a little.

Al’s swimsuit, which was mainly white with light blue accents, was a ‘magic swimsuit’ provided by the hotel.

It was a sporty, separate-type swimsuit, and it was apparently enchanted with several spells to prevent drowning accidents.

For Al, who can’t swim, it was a perfect fit.

“Still, this is my first time swimming in such a big lake.”

“There wasn’t a place to swim in the adventurer city.”

…Except for the Great Labyrinth.

Inside the Great Labyrinth, there were levels with submerged cities and underground lakes, and in some cases, you had to swim or dive.

However, since few adventurers could swim, it was common to use the Water Breathing spell or magical artifacts to get through.

“Can you swim, Rody-san?”

“Well, yeah. A little, from my student days.”

“I want to hear about it!”

I smiled wryly at Al’s sparkling eyes.

Ever since we re-recognized each other after the watch incident… Al has been actively trying to get to know me.

I don’t dislike it, but when a middle-aged man like me talks about the past, it tends to sound like a heroic tale, so I have to be careful.

“At the Linaria Higher Magic Academy where I used to go, there was a huge water tank for magic experiments. I used to swim there a lot.”

“There’s something like that?! That’s amazing.”

Unlike now, back then I used to swim either naked or in my underwear.

“I was young, so I did a lot of stupid things.”

“To me, you’ve always been a mature adult who’s one step ahead, so I can’t imagine it.”

“You think so?”

“I do.”

Al nodded with a strange confidence.

Is this a compliment?

Well, there was my sister, and there was my disciple I had taken in—Al.

I can’t say I’ve changed since I was a kid, but I did have to pretend to be an adult to some extent.

“You’re looking off into the distance, Rody-san.”

“Well, a little. For example, why didn’t I meet you when I was younger, Al?”

“I’m happy enough just being with you now, Rody-san.”

I was disarmed by Al’s beaming smile.

Well, that’s true. There’s no point in regretting it. I have to be grateful for the ‘now’ where this girl is by my side.

“I guess you’re the one who’s one step ahead, Al.”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s nothing. Look, we’re almost there.”

I gestured with my eyes, and Al let out a small cheer.

“Finally, the lake!”

“I’ve cast a spell to prevent you from drowning, but don’t stray too far from me, okay?”

“Of course!”

Al replied, her voice full of excitement, as she pulled my hand.

Does she really understand? Well, I guess I just have to be careful. I also need to keep an eye out for any unwanted people.

◆

“That was so much fun.”

“I’m glad.”

I replied to Al while wiping my wet hair.

At first, Al was a little hesitant at the water’s edge, but she got used to it quickly after I carried her and swam with her.

I thought she was skillful in many ways, but I didn’t expect her to be able to swim so easily.

…For me, who was hoping to teach her step by step, it was a little disappointing.

“Are you okay, Rody-san? Are you tired?”

“I’m fine. But I got a little too excited. It’s been a while since I’ve swum.”

“Aren’t you thirsty? I’ll go buy some drinks at that stall over there.”

In the direction Al pointed, I could see several stalls selling drinks.

They were also selling the famous Morcomisky soda.

I see. This might be a good memory too.

“Should I go?”

“I can’t let my master run errands.”

Al said with a slight joke in her voice and ran off.

It’s been a while since Al has called me master.

When I first took her in, I thought of her as a foul-mouthed puppy, but things change.

Now, she’s so cute.

…Was it okay to let her go alone?

As I worriedly looked for Al, what I saw was my girlfriend being hit on.