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In the latter half of the summer vacation, once it got to the 4th Red Moon, Cara and the others had to prepare for their higher education, so we were not able to see each other as often as before.

Still, we’d all gone swimming together at the beginning of the month, and we’d even sparred and hunted whenever we found the time.

About halfway through the month, Cara suggested that we go for a picnic to the high ground northwest of the village, as it would probably be the last time we would all go together.

There was a small lake with a spring, and the lakeside was supposed to be a flower garden this time of year, with colorful flowers in full bloom. It also offered a panoramic view of the village, so it was Cara’s wish to go there together at the end.

It would also be my first time visiting the place, so I really wanted to go! I gladly accepted Cara’s suggestion. Mia, Dana, and Corin did too, of course. “I guess I can’t help it!” Bibi too agreed after saying that.

In the end, a total of eight girls decided to participate, so we asked the Temple to excuse us for the day. After meeting at my house around 9:00 a.m. we set out together.

The place was about 5 km from my house, with a height above sea level of about 200 meters. We walked at a leisurely pace and planned to have lunch while enjoying the lakeside flower garden.

I’d been expecting this so I was excited from the very beginning.

“Speaking of which, isn’t this the first time we’ve all gathered for a picnic?!”
“That’s right. This is the first and last time we’ll get to have a picnic with Su like this.”

Cara’s words made me feel a little sad.

“Not the last! We… go again!” I protested, showing that I didn’t like that she’d said that.
“Aaahhh! Su’s cuteness is endless!” Alicia exclaimed, and came over to hug me.
“Shtop!”
“Hey! No hugging her alone!”

Jessica suddenly wrapped her arms around my waist from behind and hugged me.

“Hya! J-Jessica! T-That… tickles!”

As always, we all enjoyed the hike while I was treated with the same affectionate, pet-like treatment.

That day, I wore a large straw hat.

The thickly wrapped ribbons around the hat spread out like large roses on the side, dazzling white in the sunlight. My hair was in pigtails, a hairstyle which had officially become my favorite.

I wore a sleeveless, forget-me-not-colored dress, its cool tones complemented by the crisp white ruffles. The fabric was light, and the skirt was above the knee, so I had to be mindful of the wind, especially on the high ground where it swept up from below.

At one point, a strong gust had blown through, and it ended up being quite the close call! I’d quickly grabbed my hat with my right hand and held down my skirt with the other to keep it from flying up, but the wind still whipped it to my thighs, nearly exposing the fabric underneath¹!

Not so long ago, I wouldn’t think much of my skirt flipping up or my underwear showing, so why was it such a big deal now? If I had to give a reason, it would probably be because I had started seeing myself as a growing girl. As I’d said before, the feeling of embarrassment was only growing stronger. It was as if something was pushing it to grow, telling it to catch up to a more appropriate degree for my age!

So! Now I was absolutely determined to defend my underwear! Skirt flipping was completely forbidden! Absolutely!

On the way up, we took a short break at a small waterfall and stream, dipping our feet into the cool water. The stream felt amazing on our sunburned skin, so we all sat side by side, kicking up water and playing.

Before long, as the water splashed onto our bodies, everyone naturally started a water fight! Countless droplets danced in the air by the water’s edge, sparkling under the sun as our voices echoed all around.

After playing for a while, we left the stream. Apparently, we were quite close to the lake on the hill. Everyone’s clothes were slightly damp and see-through in places, but they would dry quickly under the bright sun as we walked.

As we continued along the mountain path, flanked by hardwood trees and long stretches of log stairs, we noticed a break in the trees up ahead, revealing an open space.

“Hey. There. Is there a lake beyond?”

I pointed ahead and asked Cara.

“That’s right! The lake is right over there. Once we reach there we’ll see the lake right away!”
“Finally! Let’s hurry! Fast! Mia! Bibi! Faster!”

With that, I grabbed their hands and pulled them along.

“Ah! Slow down, Su! It’s dangerous! Dangerous I tell you! Su! You’re going too fast!!!”
“We told you to slow down! Su! You’re fast! You’re going way too fast! Slow down!”

I held onto their hands, half-dragging them up the mountain path despite their protests.

(It’s fine! I’m keeping my balance so we won’t fall! Fufu!)

Just as the break in the trees became visible, I began to feel it. The scent was already wafting all the way up here!

As I stepped through the trees and into the open space, the sight before me took my breath away. A sea of yellow flowers stretched endlessly, swaying and rippling like the surface of the water. Without thinking, I jumped into the midst of them, letting the intoxicating scent of the flowers envelop me.

The yellow flowers enveloping the area reached up to my waist, with some rising close to my face! Each flower was small, and on the tip of its stalk had a cluster of flowers, looking like an upside-down bunch of grapes. Walking through them felt like wading through a golden wave!

It was just like descending upon a field of gold²!

Even my outfit contrasted beautifully—the light fabric, a soft blue against the endless yellow!

I couldn’t help but spread my arms wide and run through the sea of yellow blossoms. As I ran, laughter spilled from my lips before I even realized it³.

After a while, I made my way back to the others, only to find the older girls with deathly looks on their faces. (What happened? Huh? Dana too? Mia is… Ah. This must be normal. Though, I’d only learned of this recently.

While this was happening, Corin ran up to me.

“These flowers are known as Golden Canes. They have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used as remedies for wounds. If you boil them, they are also great for colds. The dried herb tea from them has a nice aroma and helps prevent colds. Let’s pick some up as souvenirs later.”

Smiling, she explained the flower to me. I didn’t expect anything less from the honor student, Corin. She was extremely knowledgeable! It was reassuring to have someone like her around, someone who could calmly observe and analyze situations without getting flustered. However, her tangerine-colored eyes seemed to be drooping a little more than usual. Her glasses had slipped slightly down her nose, and she looked to be mumbling something, as if she was holding back.

Come to think of it, there was one more person who always managed to keep calm. Where was Bibi? I scanned the area and spotted her standing beside Mia. When our eyes met, she quickly turned her head away.

(Why did she do that?! Her face looked a little red… but she is avoiding eye contact. What’s wrong, Beako?! I don’t get it!)

“Ah. Su, your angel persona is as stable as ever. But you’re flying too far. Haaa…”

It felt like Alicia muttered something, but I couldn’t quite catch it.

Beyond the cluster of Golden Canes, the surface of the lake stretched out before us. It was much smaller than the hill lakes I had seen before, but still larger than Hodgson Pond, and its water was also incredibly clear. Its emerald-green hue shimmering as if gemstones had been scattered across the lakebed!

Conifers stretched toward the sky, clustered together in places around the lush greenery surrounding the lake. In addition to the golden flowers covering the area, the lakeside was filled with vibrant blooms of white and purplish red.

Several kinds of water birds drifted across the water’s surface, likely hoping to catch the fish that would leap from the lake every so often. As I stood by the shore, gazing out at the tranquil scene, a pleasant breeze swept through the air. The cool wind, chilled by the lake, gently caressed my cheeks, and the hem of my skirt fluttered softly.

As I let myself relax, savoring the refreshing breeze, Cara approached me from behind.

“Su, come take a look. This place has the best view.”

Cara took my hand and led me to a spot where the view of the village opened up before us. It was like a natural observation deck, complete with a sturdy log railing. Beyond the railing, only a few trees stood, giving way to a gentle slope that stretched downward. The hillside, dotted with a protruding rock here and there, was almost entirely blanketed in delicate blue-purple mountain phlox, resembling cherry blossoms growing close to the ground.

A sigh escaped my lips. It was like carpet. A vast, purplish blue carpet that seemed to stretch all the way to the village. It truly looked that way.

I took off my hat, held it against my chest, and gazed at the breathtaking landscape below⁴. From here, I could see the entire village…

The wheat fields, which had amazed me on the day I first arrived in Amukham, were now neatly harvested, their golden hues replaced with a withered color. In some areas, rolls of straw lay scattered across the fields.

To the left—or to the east if looking from this place—I could see our house, though it appeared small from here. The glimmering white objects in the distance were probably the washed sheets from this morning. The ones I couldn’t help Miss Elrose with. (I’ll take care of them once I get back so wait for me, okay!)

To the right stood the temple, a striking white building. Amukham’s village hall could also clearly be seen. It definitely looked like a castle for the previous Margrave of Amukham. Its grandeur was apparent even from here. The slate roof gleamed black under the sunlight, standing out against the surrounding landscape.

Much farther to the east, beyond what I could see, was the ocean where we had all gone last month.

1. Robinxen: Ah the classic scene.
2. TL/N: The descending upon a field of gold scene is a reference to the manga/anime Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
   Robinxen: If this hadn’t been listed as an actual reference I was going to make this reference anyway, love that film so much. To this day my brain sometimes starts going “la la lalalalala” as filler noise.
3. Robinxen: Yeah the author is really tripling down on this one. The phrasing, the outfit, the pose and laughter.
4. Robinxen: Is this person on a mission to recreate as many anime scenes as possible?

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