Leave a comment

It was summer.

In the endlessly clear, blue sky, the raging clouds flaunted their growing bodies. The sun’s relentless rays did nothing to dampen the spirits of the farmers growing summer vegetables.

The carriage carrying the four Aldelight family members was in a peaceful valley.

The Aldelight family had used the valley as a summer resort for generations, and the cottage was located near a cool river, making it a perfect place to escape from the daily fatigue and boiling heat.

Balged suggested to his family that they visit the resort to spend the rest days, which they had finally managed to take, in a relaxed family atmosphere.

Of course, Yennis readily agreed. Melia responded that it would depend on Seletina’s condition, but this was more or less a seal of approval when it came from her.

Seletina’s body, which had been stacking up on ample rest in preparation for this day, was in great shape. Naturally, her mother accompanied her on this trip to ensure everything was going well.

A family vacation to a summer resort. Truly a time to be filled with smiles and laughter.

◇◇◇

“Wow, it’s pouring!”

It was not long before the river wind began to feel moist and it began to pour. According to the fortune teller’s prediction, today was supposed to be sunny, yet it had broken out into a huge downpour.

Yennis, who had been playing with river fish, escaped to the riverbank. His expression, as he was drenched by the rain, showed a good smile, fitting that of a boy.

Seletina looked up at the leaden sky under the umbrella held by a maid.

(It was sunny just a few moments ago… The weather really is a mystery.)

Seletina was in love with the scent of dusty rain. However, rain and changing temperatures were especially hard on her body. During her time as Orthus, she marched for two days straight through rain, but now Seletina’s body simply needed to be exposed to it to feel ill.

That was why Seletina hated rain.

“Ahh…”

It was natural to sigh when thinking of the distant past. Yet Seletina’s sigh was hurriedly rebuked by her father, Balged.

“S-Seletina. Do not sigh, my child. I know! There’s the Welder cheese that you like so much back at the cottage. We can roast it and have a bite. And if we drizzle it on a baguette, well then, there’s nothing better, no?”

He likely believed that he was not a good father, either because he failed to anticipate the rain or because his daughter’s mood was spoiled by the family trip.

Balged, who had a soft spot for Seletina, began to talk about the charms of the cottage in an attempt to please his daughter. Seletina couldn’t help but find her father funny, and let out a chuckle.

“We don’t need to rush, Father. I am enjoying this trip. I’m just a bit worried that the rain might make me feel unwell.”
“I see. So that’s how it is. It really can, it’s good that you mentioned it. Let’s hurry back to the cottage then. We don’t want you to get sick. Elita! Can you please bring the carriage.”
“I’m afraid I cannot, Sir. Due to the rain, I’m afraid that it may end up being caught in the mud.”
“Hmmm…”

Balged stared abominably at the sky. He noticed that the downpour was becoming more and more powerful, even piercing the earth. Surely, it would be a bit dangerous to move the carriage now.

“Father, let us walk.”
“What? But…”
“With the way it’s pouring down, it wouldn’t be strange if the river overflows and sucks us in. I can walk, don’t worry about me.”

Hearing Seletina’s persuasion Balged nodded.

“Melia, Yennis. I’m sorry it turned out this way, but we’ll have to walk to the cottage. Still, it’s only a five-minute walk, so we’ll be fine.”

The raging river was already beginning to rumble. Both Yennis and Melia nodded in agreement with Balged.

“Lady Seletina, please hold on to me tightly.”
“Okay.”

Elita stuck out her hand, and Seletina extended her little hand and grasped it.

“Let’s go. Be careful not to get your feet stuck in the mud.”

With Balged leading the way, the Aldelight members climbed the mountain, accompanied by the maid.

Soon, thunder rumbled, gusty winds blew, and the rainstorm gained even more force.

(It’s a full-blown storm at this point.)

With Elita pulling her by the hand, Seletina gulped down in fear, her tiny body trembling. A sight that she did not think anything of when she had a robust body was a serious threat now that she had this slender body.

Bracing herself, she took another step forward. That’s when it happened.

“Whoa!”

Her feet were caught in the mud. Her shoes slid, and Seletina’s body was left floating in the air.

“Lady Seletina!”

Perhaps it was because she was concerned for her maid, but Seletina let go of Elita’s hand at that moment, not wanting to involve her. Seletina’s body leaned down, and what she saw was the overflowing river spreading out below.

(Damn it…)

Her body, having lost its support, tumbled over the cliff, rolling down while hitting every possible tree branch.

“Seletina!!!”

The last thing Seletina saw at the moment was her mother, Melia, holding out her hand to catch her, while being restrained by Balged.

Her mother’s face was full of sorrow. And then…

“Mother!”

Seletina’s body was swallowed by the river like a raging dragon. The chilled river water scraped off her frail body’s heat all at once, turning her summer dress to lead.

(This is bad. I might just die here…)

Seletina thought before losing consciousness.