Section 3: Beach Area / Sea (Sky) Hoodlum

Yes, it's me! I'm here!

Oh... You're probably wondering why I even bothered showing up now, aren't you? I'm sorry.

I got so lost yesterday, I couldn't get to the airport in time...

D-does this mean I'm too late? That you don't need me for the job anymore!?

E-easy there, Passionlip. It's okay. Just relax.

But, um, I'm afraid I'm not sure what you're talking about. What job?

Huh? I'm...your guide? I'm supposed to show you around Dubai. BB asked me herself.

Oh no. If you're asking me such an obvious question, then that must mean

No, no, I'm sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. We were just expecting BB Lily, that's all.

BB Lily?

Hmph. BB must've been using some weird avatar to mess with me again. Ugh, she's unbelievable.

Hold on. Now that I think about it, BB Lily never actually said SHE was going to be the one to show us around again today.

So I think we can just chalk this up to a simple miscommunication.

Good point. Passionlip wouldn't be here otherwise.

R-right! BBI mean, Mother, definitely chose me to be your guide!

In fact, part of the reason I got lost in the first place is that I was up all night studying.

But anyway, I know my stuff now, and I'm ready to guide you all around!

Oh, and I understand I'm not cut out for this sort of thing, but I hope you'll let me come with you anyway!

？！

I did some reading before we left as well, but I'm sure I can't hold a candle to a professional guide.

I would be so grateful if you shared what you've learned.

Yes! I can't see any problem in having you as our guide.

Thank you so much!

Okay then, let's get going! I promise I'll do my very best!

So, what's the plan for today?

Today, I thought we'd start by visiting the beach to the northwest!

Let's see. The bus BB arranged should be here somewhere... (Looking around)

If it's the same one we took yesterday, I believe it's over by the terminal out that way.

O-oh, right. It's that way! ...I think. Okay then, let's go!

(Phew. Thank goodness they're all so nice... No, stop that, Lip. You can't let your guard down yet!)

(You may not be better at anything than the other Alter Egos, but you're not a lot worse, either.)

(You just need to make sure you do your job well and that all the guests have a good time!)

(Hehe, Melt's so selfish, she could never pull something like that off! Go, me! You can do this!)

Well, well. So she showed up after all.

She may be my hopeless sister, but she's still a fellow Alter Ego born from the same vessel.

So if she wants to do her best, shy and lazy though she is, who am I to stand in her way☆

What can you tell us about the beach here?

O-oh, I know this! This is one of the things I studied!

I even bought a map on my way here, so I can tell you all about it while we're on the road.

Dubai's beaches are in its northwest sector...

...right around here. Some people also refer to it as the seaside resort zone.

There are tons of shops and hotels there and they're building new ones all the time.

Talk about bringing up like bush moons!

Huh? "Springing up like mushrooms"? What are youAah!

You could've been a little nicer about how you pointed that out! But thank you for giving me the correct expression!

(So, what DID she mean to say? "Springing up like mushrooms"?)

？！

Okay, so, there's a lot to like about the beach's beautiful white sands, but the real standout...

...is the artificial archipelago jutting from the coast, the Palm Jumeirah.

Here it is!

Oh, wow. It's got such a neat shape.

I know, right!? As you can tell from the name, it's shaped like a giant palm tree and

Huh? That's weird. It's not quite where I remember and it looks kind of different... Hmm?

(Hmm. Wasn't this part)

Is something wrong?

Oh well, it's probably no big deal. Let's not worry too much about details right now.

The point is, the beach is beautiful and you should be able to have any beach-related fun you'd like here.

It even has a marina, so you can take a yacht out for a spin if you want.

Oho, now you're speaking my language. How could a pirate resist taking a boat out to sea?

But first, let's go visit the beach; I think that's where you'll all have the most fun together!

I'm just your guide, so I can't go with you out to the water itself, but I did read all about how beautiful it is!

？！

Swimming is of course allowed and encouraged, so please feel free to enjoy yourselves however you like.

Thank you, Passionlip. What you told us left me with very high expectations for the bea

Well, no, I guess they weren't all that high. But it really did turn out to be every bit as beautiful as you said.

I'd heard the desert was surprisingly clean, but this white beach is even more pristine than I could have imagined.

I know what you mean. This beach is just as nice as the tropical island from that one time.

As artificial as the cityscape appears at a glance, the beach is absolutely flawless in its beauty.

I see, I see... Well done, Dubai. This is exactly what a seaside city should be.

But don't think you've won me over just yet. I still need to dig a little deeper.

Master, I think you and I should scout ahead to see just how long this beach runs. Alone. Just the two of us.

Not really a great learner, are you, city girl?

So this is Dubai's famous beach. Haha, we're off to an auspicious start!

I'm impressed. Even with the sun blazing so hot, this place makes the heat feel downright comfortable.

It is truly a magnificent coastline, positively drenched in the brilliant, sparkling protection of the sun.

Just make sure not to skimp on sunscreen. And of course, remember to stretch before going in the water.

I caught a glimpse of the biggest eater I know, Bhīma, back while I was stuffing myself to the gills.

Yes. I also caught a glimpse of the biggest eater I know, Bhīma, back while I was stuffing myself to the gills.

？！

Strangely enough, it left me feeling very...aggressive. I've never experienced anything like it.

...Forgive me, but I need to go for a run around the beach. A good sweat should help work off this aggression.

I'll see you all later.

I'm gonna go check out the marina, if no one minds.

A pirate like me is all about the boats, not the beach.

？！

Hm? There's someone else here. Someone I recognize.

Good day, Master. Percival. My beautiful bevy of bathing beauties.

We didn't know you were here at the beach too.

That was twice you said "beauty" there...but I can't blame you. Beautiful is exactly what they are.

So these are the first four bathing beauties I've seen this summer. Wonderful... Truly wonderful. (Strum, strum)

Sir Gawain... No, wait. One should not worry about social standing at the beach in summer, right?

Ahem. Good day, Gawain. Lancelot. Tristan. What brings you all here?

Well, it turns out that even here in Dubai, with its strict social mores, there are still plenty of fair ladies dressed in swimsui

I mean... Um...

Hmm. I think we should start by taking you somewhere special.

Once you see it for yourself, you'll know exactly what brings us here.

If anything, you'll find it would be stranger if we WEREN'T here.

See that brand-new building over there? That is...

Ehangwen, the beach house!

？！

Huh? What is this place? I've never heard of it.

And here I thought I'd memorized every single place I could take them...

Oh my. This looks like a beach house, but it's something else entirely.

It looks more like the grand hall of a palace than anything else.

Is this normal for Dubai beach houses? It can't be, right?

I can't speak to the others, but I can tell you this one wasn't originally part of Dubai.

When our king set foot in this land, she

Master. Mash. You made it.

It is all right, my knights. At ease.

I am no longer the king of Camelot. I am merely the lord of this beach house.

This is your place, Altria?

I see. So you must be one of Dubai's social elites.

I should have expected that the summery Ruler version of my king might think to pay this place a visit.

Unfortunately, there is one thing for which I did not account, Sir Percival.

Oh?

... ...

Dubai...

...does not permit casinos.

？！

My present form is inextricably tied to my role as the owner of Casino Camelot.

So naturally, upon my arrival...

...I had every intention of opening a new Casino Camelot here in Dubai.

But even with BB in charge, it seems a gambling house was a bridge too far.

So unfortunately, I had no choice but to forgo my ambitions.

So, you built this beach house instead?

Indeed, Mash. But rather than merely enjoy Dubai on my own...

...as a king, I thought it incumbent upon me to provide a communal space for joy and laughter.

I therefore used my Noble Phantasm, the movable great hall of Ehangwen, here on the beach...

...and became the owner of a grand house where people may enjoy their leisure time in tranquil surroundings.

I see. How magnanimous of you to open Ehangwen up to the public, my king. You are truly generous.

？！

And now, we Knights of the Round Table are here serving as her employees rather than her retainers.

Though of course, we would never insist that you join us, since your duty is to keep Master safe.

Gareth has been working here, too. Mordred, unsurprisingly, has not.

As a result, we've been forced to hire part-time help from among the locals.

？！

Master, you and your companions are here to enjoy yourselves. I have no intention of asking your assistance.

...Nonetheless...

The look on your face makes clear that you will feel guilty if you do not contribute in some way.

？！

Hmm... Joy Counter? ...I see. So that is the mission BB assigned you.

She did? I haven't heard anything about that...

Then again, BB does love her little games, even if they never really work out. I wish she'd just learn her lesson already.

Very well. If your concern for us is truly an impediment to your enjoyment...

...then I suppose I may compromise and request you undertake a task which can be completed only by a guest.

More specifically, I could use your assistance in the field.

I would like you to look for ways this house can be further improved while you are enjoying yourself on the beach.

If you can tell me what we lack, where our failures are, and what we still require...

...then I can make this beach house even more useful to the people of this land.

？！

Any advice on where we could start? Like, is there anything nagging at you?

Where to start, you say? Hmm...

No, on second thought, I will refrain from saying anything, so as not to color your preconceptions.

At any rate, I am counting on your help.

Should you require anything, I suggest you visit the Ehangwen shop. You can find just about anything you may need there.

I see a lot of boats, yachts, and other vessels out on the water.

Maybe people are barbecuing or sunbathing on them, like in the movies.

Or maybe they're out there for other reasons. Do you know anything about them, Lip?Lip?

...

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Oh! Gosh! I-I'm sorry! I was just thinking about something!

So what can I do for you, Fujimaru? Oh, did you want to go out on a yacht?

I think there's a rental place around here. I'll get one for you right now!

Don't worry! As you can see, I've got strength to spare!

？！

O-oh, okay. Well, if there's anything I CAN do for you, please just say the word!

In the meantime, I'll, um... Oh, I know! I'll go tidy up the beach!

Ooh, I can see the sand leveling out right before my eyes. She's a really hard worker, isn't she?

...

Mmm. Warm sunlight, cold water... This beach is the best!

And this beach ball's a lot of fun, too!

Teehee, it is, isn't it? Okay, here I gooo!

Oh my. There's a shady-looking shadow creeping up behind you, Andromeda.

I hope it's not a shark.

Oh please. No shark would come into water this shallow.

You're just trying to throw me off my game, aren't you? Nice try. But this ball is

Hello. I'm a shady-looking shadow.

Aaah!

(Glub, glub...)

(Gasping for air)

Did I not tell you I'm the Grand Duchess of Pranks in the summertime? Looks like you lost this time, Andromeda.

Aw man, I should've been more careful.

Keh heh heh! Not bad. Not bad at all. This beach is so luxurious, it seems like it was made for me.

I know, right, Sister?

Normally, the two of us standing side by side would draw way too much attention...

...but here, it kind of feels like we fit right in.

Ooh, there's the tropical punch I ordered.

Don't you move a muscle, Sister! It's a special occasion, so I'll hold your glass for you while you drink.

Hm? Well, I did give my Torturers some time off, since they would stick out like a sore thumb here.

So since I have no other subordinates nearby to do my bidding, I suppose you will suffice.

Besides, keh heh heh, having the famous Ruinous Beauty at my service is proof positive that I, the empress of China, am the world's preeminent celebrity!

Very well then, don't mind if I do. (Gulp, gulp)

(Eee, it feels like I'm feeding a cat! Fēi cháng kě ài, so cuuute!)

Once I heard this resort was made for high society, I knew I pretty much had to come...

...but I still wish I could have seen Lord Xiang Yu before I left.

Still, it's gonna be okay, right? We'll still get to spend this summer together...right?

Wait, I'm being silly. He didn't say anything before I left because he knew he didn't need to.

So as long as I trust him to show up, like I always have, I'm sure my faith will be rewarded!

That's what being soul mates is!

Don't you worry, Lord Xiang Yu! I'll wait for you for as long as it takes!

I see there are some socialites sunbathing in lounge chairs over on that beach.

Kyaaa! Lady Yu! It's really her! Wait for me, Lady Yuuu!

I'm officially clocking out of escort duty for a while! Bye!

Don't try to stop me. The whole reason I'm wearing this swimsuit is so I can hang out with Lady Yu! (Deadly serious)

？！

Whoa, just like that? Does this mean Chaldea actually is a great place to work?

Ah, whatever. I'm going before you change your mind! Here I come, Lady Yuuu!

？！

There wouldn't be any point to that unless it was just the two of us. I guess you just don't understand how young women (read: cities) feel.

Right? I know exactly what you meaUh, never mind.

I'm fine staying here. Just walking around together is plenty of fun for me!

And the Ruler version of my king made clear that I should devote myself to my duties.

So I have no intention of either leaving your side or dropping my guard.

？！

...

？！

So, Master, since we're here at the beach and all, why don't we go for a swim?

？！

Hm? You forget something?

Right! Let's go, Master! I think the beach house might have just what we're looking for!

Oh, Master.

Have you already found room for improvement at the beach? That was fast.

？！

I see. So there is something you require?

...?

？！

？！

(Hmm. I see Master is casting his gaze towards that figure staring out at the sea.)

Of course. I will go take a look in my warehouse.

It may take some time but I am sure I can find what you are looking for.

Extra-cute, hm. He almost never says things like that. I cannot let him down.

That being said...I doubt I have anything here suitable for a girl of such unique proportions.

If I cannot find anything, I suppose I will simply have to make something myself...

Hm?

Oh, hey, Owner. What's up?

Ah, yes. The girl I hired to help out part-time.

I nearly forgot I had asked you to organize the warehouse. Perfect timing. You see...

？！

？！

？！

Hm?

Hehe. You are far more considerate than any customer I have ever had, Master.

I appreciate the thought, but worry not. I have a part-timer here to assist.

Hi. Don't mind me. I'm just the part-timer, as you can see.

？！

...Well, maybe it's not something you can see.

I mean, I only wear this swimsuit when I'm working at the beach house.

Usually, I work at the gym.

The gym's got locations across all of Dubai, so maybe I'll see you there sometime, too.

I'm afraid I won't be able to give you a discount, but I hope you'll try it out anyway.

A bold move indeed, recommending another establishment to a customer while you are working here at Ehangwen.

Sorry about that, but I've never been one to pass up an opportunity.

Anyway, you said this customer's searching for a swimsuit, right, Owner?

Yes, but not for himself.

？！

Passionlip, huh? What a lovely name. Sounds like it fits the language of flowers perfectly.

Well, according to my part-timer sixth sense, I'm guessing she's a very cute girl who's also a very hard worker, though she's also naturally quite timid...

...and at 160, 63, and 87, she's also got one heck of a knockout figure. Am I right?

？！

Hehehe. Let's just say the moon sees all.

Anyway...

...we just happen to have something perfect for her right here.

I think this swimsuit will make her very happy.

？！

Don't mention it. All I did was find what you need.

Oh, don't forget: how you give a gift is just as important as the gift itself, so make sure to deliver it personally.

Welp, good luck.

？！

Y-yes, Fujimaru? What is it? Did you want to rent a yacht after all?

？！

？！

...A swimsuit? No way. This is...exactly what I wanted...

B-b-but I can't accept it! I can't!

Besides, no swimsuit in the world could ever look good on me!

？！

I agree. You're a beautiful woman, Lip. I'm sure you'll look great in it.

What they said. Who cares if you've got big hands? It's not like you've got horns growing out of your head.

Er, um, not to say there's anything wrong with horns. Just a, uh, figure of speech.

With a swimsuit, you could come swimming or play beach games with us... I'm not seeing a downside here.

？！

？！

...!

...Okay.

I'll accept it!

Thank you... Thank you so much!

I'm just...so happy!

Take that! Ahahaha!

Nice one, Lip! But now it's my turn!

Hahaha, looks like it's time to show you what my Near Water skill can do! Yaaah!

Eeek!

So what do you think, Lip?

It's every bit as fun as I always thought!

I'm so heavy on land that I tend to be kind of slow...

...but I think in the water, I might be a little more agile!

Gosh, I sure hope Fujimaru comes back from his break soon♪

Hey, you. Don't think I can't see that bitter look in your eyes.

Cut that out. We all agreed we would let Percival take care of Master on his break, right?

Hmph. I was all set to win him over with some devoted TLC, then seize an opportunity to take his hand and quietly slip away together...

...but I guess that's not happening. And after I went and changed into a swimsuit I can actually swim in, too.

？！

Here, Master. I brought you a nice, cold drink. Enjoy.

？！

Is that BB's Joy Counter?

？！

You hardly need me to tell you this, but you made an excellent purchase there. Her smile makes that clear enough.

And she would not be so delighted if not for you. Little wonder you're so happy.

？！

I couldn't agree more.

For my part, I plan to indulge in everything Dubai has to offer, from culture to climate.

I will, of course, devote my full effort to your protection. However, I intend to give just as much effort to my sightseeing.

I believe that is how I can best spend this summer.

？！

...Hm? Do you hear that? It sounds like it's coming from the water.

Hm? What's that sound?

Move it! Get outta the way!

Look out, Lip!

Eek!

Was that Caenis and Mordred? What was Mordred riding?

It looked like a surfboard, except it was spouting water and...flying.

Huh. I've never seen a vehicle like that.

？！

I believe I've seen that in the database entry for "Dubai Activities." It's a wholly new type of marine sport.

Water is drawn through a hose connected to a personal watercraft and propelled from a riding board at high velocity.

The resulting force pushes the rider upward, allowing them to fly through the air. I believe it's called "hydroflying."

？！

Hehe. Well, I did brush up before we left.

That's right. It's a new type of marine sport in which water is drawn through a hose connected to a personal watercraft and propelled from a riding board at high velocity.

The resulting force pushes the rider upward, allowing them to fly through the air.

I only learned about it while I was researching Dubai activities before we left...

...but it seems you were already familiar with it, Master. How very erudite of you.

Still, all that aside...

...they're flying much too close to the people playing in the water to be safe.

I have to warn them!

Wooo!

Stop that, Mordred! It's not safe!

Ah, shit! I didn't know Percy was here.

But what's he talking about? This is totally safe, right!?

I'm not slowing down now that we've FINALLY really gotten goin'!

Kick it up a notch, Caenis!

Hell yeah! Here goes!

You're speeding up!?

Don't worry! I'm a Rider now! I ain't gonna cause a damn accident!

That is not how that works.

Accidents can happen to anyone. And even if they don't, that's not the only problem. Think about it.

You're making a lot of noise and you're intimidating people by They're not even listening!

？！

Now what is it?

Similar flying. Object identified.

Will you. Accept my. Challenge?

Hm?

Oho, sounds like fun!

Goddamn right, I will! Eat my foam!

Damn, they've blasted off like a pair of rockets. They'll never hear me from so far away.

Oogh, I'm soaked...

？！

Th-thank you...

But seriously, what's their problem!?

If it wasn't for them, we could still be playing in the water!

I thought I was forgetting something. Now I remember what it was.

Maybe this is one of the problems this wonderful, luxurious beach faces? Outlaw biker gangs?

Oh, wait. I suppose that suggests a rather dated image of them.

And it doesn't really apply here anyway, since they're not riding motorcycles. What...do we call them, though?

I don't know, either. I did see similar sights back in Camelot, though there were no motorbikes or water scooters.

Never mind what to call them for now.

The important thing is that we've found something that looks like a problem, so we should go tell Ruler about it.

I see. So you say that in general, this beach is truly wonderful...

...but Mordred and their cohorts running about doing as they please poses danger to those in the area.

I had a feeling you might come to that conclusion.

From your response, I'm guessing you've had an eye on this problem for some time.

Knowing that, you haven't imposed any punishments or restrictions. You haven't even demanded any sacrifices? Why not? Is it just that you're a doting parent?

Enough, water Elemental. You have made your point.

...My reluctance to act only goes so far.

One thing that makes Dubai so wonderful is its adherence to strict rules.

A Ruler like me cannot help but understand that well.

BB may have changed some things when she came into power, that essential spirit must be maintained.

And indeed, it is that very severity that sets visitors from around the world at ease within these borders.

So I will admit...I cannot allow things to continue as they have.

But you've been turning a blind eye to it all this time, haven't you?

I did try to warn them, of course, but they are nothing if not nimble.

It was clear to me that it would take considerable effort to chase them down.

Ashamed as I am to admit it, I had no choice but to defer this matter for another time.

You must understand, my responsibilities did not end with Ehangwen's construction.

There have also been many other tasks I needed my Knights of the Round Table to handle.

？！

... ...

Are you saying you and your companions will help to catch them, Master?

I-I think that's a great idea.

If you're going to do this, Fujimaru, then I'll be glad to help, too!

Besides, I'm still upset with them for ruining my perfect day!

Now that my luck and my spirits are soaring thanks to my awesome new swimsuit...

...I'm ready to track them down and teach them a lesson!

Lip's not the only one who's fired up about this.

As they say, in for a penny, in for a pound. We're all happy to help with this.

If that's all, my king, then I think we should begin planning.

What about you? Are you

Indeed. As you can see, I require all the help I can get.

Between shop duty, stocking shelves, handling complaints, renting surfboards, and taking activity registrations...

...my Knights of the Round Table and I have been utterly swamped. Doubly so, now that peak tourist season has begun.

That being said, Sir Percival...

Even the busiest among us can still make time for at least one maneuver.

Thus, you shall ensure the opportunity presents itself.

...Yes, my king. Understood.

？！

I'm sorry, but I think this is the last time we'll be able to speak for a while. We need to start strategizing if we're to succeed.

Good point. From what I could tell...

...both Caenis's water scooter and Mordred's jetboard seem capable of going very, very fast.

So we'll definitely need to think about how we're going to catch up to them, as well as how we'll stop them once we do.

But first, there is something else to decide.

？！

Their name.

Their...name?

Well, I suppose we did talk about whether it was appropriate to refer to them as a biker gang...

If we give them a name that rolls off the tongue too well, it is could well inspire young children to imitate them.

We must therefore give them a deflating name. One which makes them sound decidedly...uncool.

What about something like... The Cringey Rebels?

I am glad you like it, Master.

I see. So it does not sound adequately humbling to you.

？！

What about you, Sir Percival? What do you think?

I think it's an excellent idea, my king!

I see. Very good.

(I have no idea whether he's being serious or polite. So that's what makes the Knights of the Round Table such pros!)

Do you hear that? They're here! Everyone, please make sure you're ready!

Wooohoooooo!

Surfing on the waves is great and all...

...but surfing ABOVE the waves is next-level cool!

Hell yeah! The ocean is OUR turf! 'Round here, we call the shots!

I bet old Poseidon would be grinding his gears to dust if he could see us now! Hahahaha!

I see. You did. Not learn. Your lesson. Our last. Race ended. Inconclusively.

...Rematch?

Damn straight!

('Course, I got no clue how we're gonna settle a race without ever deciding on any rules...)

(...but racing her at full speed is such a blast, who even cares!?)

Hm? Hold up. Something ain't right. Is that

Hey, why'd you stop!? Something wrong with the water scooter!?

Nah, ain't that. Intake hose is clogged up or something.

Shit. All the water in front of us is gone.

Wait, no, it's not gone. It's being compressed!

There we go. That's packed nice and tight.

Oh, don't bother trying to change direction. I'll just compress that water, too.

What do you think, Fujimaru? Am I doing a good job?

？！

By using Lip's skill to compress the seawater, we can slow down the water scooter and prevent the jetboard from flying all at once.

So far, it looks like our plan is working great!

？！

Ehehehe... Neither did I.

Usually, a whole bunch of things go wrong when I try to use it in real space...

...but for some reason, I thought I could pull it off today, and I could! I think I owe it all to this swimsuit!

All that's left now is to drive them into our trap. Good thing I'm great at catching prey!

And I'll go after Nezha on my steed. Hehe, this is going to be fun!

Thanks, you two! Good luck!

I know there are still a lot of things we haven't accounted for, but if we all work together, I'm sure we can

Ah. Aaaaaaah!

What's wrong, Lip!?

This is awful! Compressing things from far off is no problem...

...but my Spirit Origin hasn't actually changed, so I won't be able to fight without tearing my swimsuit! Waaah!

I'm so sorry I won't be able to join you in combat; this swimsuit means too much to me to risk damaging it!

That's fine! We completely understand! Please just do what you can to support us from the rear!

Not a problem. I'll fight hard enough for the both of us.

As a fellow Knight of the Round Table, I can't stand back and let MordredI mean, the Cringey Rebels, run around causing trouble!

Now, let's get this punishment started!

Dammit, the hell's going on

What the...!?

Mordred! I can understand how liberated you must feel around this glorious sea, but you've taken things too far!

Y-you're the one taking your liberation too far, Percival! Stay the hell away from me, dammit!

Dammit, why can't I shake you!? What the hell are you riding!?

You've been taking Prydwen out to sea. There's no reason I can't do the same with my own shield!

Ah, shit! You're right! You've been keeping your shield attached to your armor lately, huh? So you're using magical energy to ride it like a surfboard!

Hey! I think I see a way out of this. Hang on tight! I'm making for land!

Fine! Do what you gotta do!

Hahahaha! Sayonara, sucker!

Mission complete. The rest is up to you now.

At this speed, I oughta be able to stay in the air for a little while. Once we've had our fun, we can make a clean getawa

...Shit.

Huh? What is it?

They got us good. I thought that was a little too easy.

But no, this was part of their plan.

Look, up ahead

... ...

Oh crap! My father!

C-Caenis, c'mon! Turn around! Get us outta here! I wanna get outta here right now!

We keep goin' this way and we're dead. For real!

What do you think I've been trying to do!? It's too late!

It is time for you to think about what you have done, Sir Mordred. No... Cringey Rebels.

Th-that name... So lame...

Man, I love rocketing across the Dubai skyline at ultrasonic speeds.

I mean, okay, I might've dropped Nobbu back there, but whatever! She'll live!

Aah!

This is. Restricted airspace. With limitations. On speed. Collision or. Not you. Are still. Disturbing the. Peace.

I must. Fine you. For that. And for. Littering.

Whaaa...!? Nobody told me that was against the law! I-I don't suppose you can let me off with a warning? Or at least a smaller fine?

Haha, you're not planning to go out to sea in that piece of shit yacht, are you!? Get back to the harbor before that thing capsizes!

Dammit, how the hell did I end up here...

Hey, you two! Just 'cause you're on a boat doesn't mean you don't still have to get a room!

Now, cut the PDA or I'll smack you both with Prydwen!

？！

I agree.

I expected Altria to be much firmer with them. I'm glad she decided to be so forgiving.

Taking advantage of their mobility and giving them jobs as security guards was clever, since she still needed those positions filled.

They say motorcycle police are exceptionally skilled riders.

In that sense, those two are perfect for the job. I can see why she made such a legendary monarch.

Of course.

Whether my king wields a lance instead of a sword, or becomes a Ruler rather than a Saber...

...she remains the king I pledged my loyalty to all those years ago.

Hehe. This wasn't what I had planned for today, but I guess I did end up getting a taste of marine sports.

At first, I was so annoyed with BB for volunteering me to be a guide that I made a pillow with her face on it and punched it to oblivion.

Now, though, I'm so glad I got to spend the day with all of you! I even went swimming in the ocean for the first time! It was so much fun!

Same here. I was a little nervous about visiting the beach for the first time, but having you here was a big help.

Thanks again for carrying us in your giant hands. It helped me finally learn how to swim, at least a little.

No problem! If you ever need an impromptu boat or diving board too, just let me know!

？！

I had the time of my life, too! I love the sea!

I feel the same. The white beach sands are beautiful.

Was it Mélusine who said there's no place like a white sandy beach? Now I know exactly what she meant.

？！

Of course, Master. My king was genuinely grateful for your help. This was the least she could do to reward you.

Strange as it may sound coming from me, you have no cause whatsoever to feel guilty.

My king's happiness is inextricably tied to the happiness of her people.

She wished so fervently to build a beach house where people could relax and enjoy themselves...

...that she had no compunctions about repurposing Ehangwen to do so. She's just like that.

Which is also why I'm sure she couldn't tolerate even the slightest pall hanging over it.

Put another way, seeing this problem solved was the best possible outcome for her.

Of course she would be supremely grateful to whoever was responsible for that resolution.

You could say my king has found her own joy here.

？！

Oops. A Knight of the Round Table should know better than to speculate on his king's state of mind. Please don't tell her I said any of that.

...Anyway, it looks like the other members are coming back.

Aw man.

I can't believe Lady Yu gave me the slip, AGAIN. I was being real careful to stay out of sight while I was tailing her, too.

I hear you ran a sting operation at sea today.

I'm sorry I missed out on that. I would have liked to try surfing for myself...

...but apparently, the dazzlingly beautiful sunlight here exerted a stronger pull on me than I realized.

Before I knew it, I found myself at the souq entranced by all the tantalizing aromas there. I'm sorry.

Don't be. I'm the one who really let you all down. I should've been there to provide you with a boat.

But I couldn't get my Noble Phantasm to work. I guess I just couldn't bring myself to sully such a beautiful beach with my ship's Jolly Roger.

And if that wasn't bad enough, I ended up getting sick and spent most of the day under a parasol.

？！

Thanks for your concern, Master.

But I'll be fine. I'm a sailor. I'm used to spending my days off just staring at the horizon.

Oh, I also had the best cocktail of my materialization at the beach house. You should try it, Master. Don't worry, I'm sure they can mix you a nonalcoholic version.

？！

Yeah, you should rest up. Playing on the beach is fun, but the sand and the water tend to sap your energy.

Um, actually, would you mind going on without me, Master?

I don't mind you all going back to the hotel, but I'd like to stay a little longer.

？！

Well, all the other Knights of the Round Table were hard at work, so I thought it only right that I pitch in, too.

Besides, Gareth was so busy that I still haven't had a chance to say hi yet.

？！

Hmm. I wonder what time Ehangwen closes?

I doubt there will be many other opportunities for manual labor in Dubai. Hopefully there is some heavy lifting I can help with.

Oh, there's some trash on the ground here. Well, we can't have that spoiling this beautiful beach.

I'll have to pick up any other garbage I see as I make my way there.

Hm?

Hi there. Cleaning up the beach? It's so wonderful that you want to leave this place cleaner than you found it☆

Hello, BB Lily. Is there something I can do for you?

No, not really. I just wanted to thank you.

I was so worried about how Lip would do on your first day of sightseeing that I felt I had to keep an eye on things from afar.

It looks like I was worried over nothing. Your first day of sightseeing in Dubai went great!

The whole point of this project is to get Fujimaru to say "BB really is the best! Thanks, BB!"

And you were an especially hard and industrious worker, Sir Percival of the Round Table. It was wonderful to see.

So I thought I would come and praise you in person.

I see... Well, um, thank you?

So, on that note... Yah.

Hm?

(I sensed no bloodlust or hostile intent, so I did not even try to dodge. It looks like...she stamped my hand?)

Ta-da! This is the "Super Job" stamp! I made it myself!

Isn't it cute?

Yes, it is.

But I'm afraid I'm actually on my way to see my king and my colleagues again, so

Don't worry. It's cute but harmless. It'll disappear on its own in a few minutes.

There's also a BB Sensor installed at the airport that will check how many stamps you all got when you leave...

...and you'll get a present for every stamp you have! Don't tell the others♡

So you want to keep it a surprise, huh. Then I'm happy to oblige.

Thank you. And once again, great work today.

Personally, I'm a little disappointed I didn't get a chance to show Master my new swimsuit...

...but when I saw how happy Lip was, I knew I had to wait for another time. We may not look it, but we're sisters, after all.

Sisters? I believe Passionlip referred to BBand I guess you by extensionas her mother.

Hmph, I don't like that at all. "Sister" sounds so much cuter than "Mother," don't you think?

Well, anyway, I hope you continue to enjoy your time here in Dubai☆

...I see. I suppose "Mother" does bring a more...mature woman to mind.

...Phew.

Hehe. Some Queen of Kur I am. I don't even know why I'm so anxious.

...Still...

It'll be the greatest...summer vacation...ever...

My limbs feel so sluggish... In fact, my whole body feels heavy...

Is this what humans feel when they're hungover? It's like there are chains tying me down...

I wish I could keep sleeping, but it's already morning... Maybe washing my face will help wake me up.

...Hm?

... ...

Okay, okay. Stay calm, Ereshkigal. Breathe. Just breathe.

...I can't. I can't! What do I do!? This can't be happening! Please tell me that isn't actually...

EEEEEEK! A HORRRNNN!?

Oh gods, it is! It IS a horn! And it's so hard, too! It must be even harder than Meslamtaea!

And this feeling in my Spirit Origin...! My Divinity's way down, and my magical elements are way up!

...Oh no. Between the horn and my Spirit Origin acting up like this, it must mean I...

I...

I'm turning into a Beeeaaast!?!?!?