Chapter 28 Forest Tea Party
"Oh wow! This is the lake that the Belmont family recommends... it's so beautiful!"
I received an invitation to a tea party from the Belmont family and, while holding back the urge to meet my Elder Brother, I first headed to the Belmont residence.
I was informed that this tea party would take place not in the mansion but at a lake a little distance away.
I boarded the Belmont carriage with the invited young ladies, and now we have arrived.
"Everyone, look! Over there, fish are jumping, right...?"
The sunlight reflects off the shimmering water surface.
Surrounded by the trees of the forest, the scent of greenery and a gentle breeze envelop me.
As I was excitedly taking in the peaceful scenery, I turned around to see all the young ladies, including Monica, looking exhausted and swaying, which made me tilt my head in confusion.
"What's wrong? You all look so tired."
"What's wrong, you ask... rather, how come you're fine? After walking so much..."
Monica, representing the young ladies, threw that question at me.
It's somewhat expected, but we couldn't bring the carriage all the way to the lake deep in the forest.
So, we had to get off and walk part of the way, but it seems everyone got worn out from that.
However, I felt more like asking Monica and the others, "Why are you all so tired?"
"I mean... I don't think we've even walked a kilometer yet, right? Look, even the knight guarding us is fine in his armor."
This forest is safe, but the noble young ladies can't just head into an empty forest with only children, so of course, there are guards.
As I pointed to the 3 knights, Monica looked at me as if she couldn't believe it.
"It's strange to compare the stamina of knights and young ladies..."
"Eh... but you see, I mentioned before that a girl's cuteness also depends on stamina and muscles, right?"
I can't flex my muscles, so I struck a pose that seemed fitting while saying that.
After all, in the end, it's all about muscles.
Muscles solve everything.
"As expected of Ms. Yumie..."
"The daughter of Granbell is indeed different..."
The other young ladies are sending sparkling looks of respect towards me.
Hehe, despite how it looks, I work out every day.
My appearance hasn't changed much, but my stamina is definitely improving!.
"Mugugu... Alright! Now that we've safely arrived, let's start preparing for the tea party!"
Then, Monica stood up sharply and started saying that.
Just a moment ago, she looked so dizzy she could barely walk... is she okay?
"Um, I can handle the preparations, so Lady Monica and the others can rest, you know?"
"No problem at all! I'm also the proud daughter of the Belmont family, so this is nothing for me! ...Come on, everyone, why are you still crouching? Hurry up and get moving!!"
"Y-Yes!"
"Understood!"
At Monica's command, the young ladies who were also feeling exhausted began to move quickly with determination and spirit.
Wow, impressive... this charisma might be something to learn from.
With that, while getting help from the knights, we relaxed on the sheet laid out on the ground for tea time.
Naturally, the topic turned to the earlier discussion about stamina.
"Ms. Yumie, you have such a small body but amazing stamina, what kind of training do you do?"
"Well, I run and do strength training, just sticking to the basics every day."
"Oh my, isn't that tough?"
"But this way, I can maintain my figure... after all, nothing can be achieved overnight."
It doesn't feel like a topic for noble young ladies, but I guess it's fine once in a while.
Besides, I've gotten used to talking about girly topics lately.
It's not like it gets awkward like before, and I can say we've really opened up.
Maybe that's why I didn't notice.
Before I knew it, none of the nearby knights were around anymore.
"Huh...? Where did the 3 guards go...?"
"That's strange, isn't it...?"
The other young ladies seemed to notice too, looking around anxiously.
In the midst of that, only Monica had a somewhat relaxed expression on her face.
"Lady Monica, is something..."
"Kyahh!?"
"Don't you know?" My voice was drowned out by the noble lady's scream.
When I turned around, I saw her terrified gaze fixed on something──coming from across the lake, a bear was running towards us.
"That's a bear, isn't it? I heard it was safe here, but I guess a beast might show up sometimes. Everyone, I'll drive it away with magic, so please hide behind me."
Monica gathered magical power in her palm and began preparing her spell.
But I felt something off about the beast approaching us.
The moment I realized what was wrong, a chill ran down my spine.
"No... that's not a bear!!"
"(Flare Burst)!!"
From Monica's hand, a blazing inferno was unleashed.
Of course, with that kind of power, any normal beast would simply be scared of the flames and run away.
Yet, the creature that looked like a bear charged straight into the fire──breaking through with its thick fur as if it were armor.
"Eh..."
Monica stood frozen, her mouth agape in shock.
I had misjudged the distance, but now that it was right in front of us, it was massive, easily twice the size of a normal bear.
A monster that feared neither fire nor magic.
In this fantasy world, I shouted its name.
"This is a monster!! Everyone, run away!!"
In response to my scream-like warning, the bear monster let out a roar.
Without any hesitation or mercy, it lunged at us.
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