I Hate Tropical Nights!

It's definitely warmer than it was back then… I remember how the breeze used to cool me off when I stood here...

E-Ethan...! What do we do?!

…What are you talking about?

I forgot my wallet! I left it with Bedi!

….

I was going to buy a gift for Merlin, but now we can't even afford lunch... What do we do?

Guess we've got no choice. I already used up all my travel money too. Let's just go.

You've been running around without even eating?

Cut us some slack. I've been stuck babysitting a naive princess, a clueless knight, and a whiny Fairy Queen.

Sigh… I really thought you lot would've grown up a bit by now...

Hey, my swordsmanship's improved. Hoo... That hit the spot. This pie's pretty good.

You like it?

Yeah. One of the best I've ever had. That grilled flavor in the meat pie, your cooking's gotten better.

Wasn't me. A guest brought it.

A guest?

A-Ah, hello… Swordbringer...

Morgause?! Why is a witch hanging out in Merlin's house?

It's been a while, Miss Morgause.

She came to consult me about something.

With the weather heating up and summer on the way, it seems she can't sleep properly because of her hat.

Hmm... Yeah, that tracks. Even sleeping without anything on is too hot in summer, can't imagine wearing that massive thing to bed…

And it breathes fire too.

Uuuu… It's too hot, it's unbearable...

My head's burning, my clothes are drenched, and my underwear is... ngh...

H-Huh?! What do you mean there's barely anything for it to cover, t-that's not the point...!

Isn't the forest cooler? Can't you just take the hat off and chill?

I can, but... it only makes things worse... It keeps yelling at me to put it back on...

T-The curse… ugh...

So you're here to escape the heat? Merlin's house isn't exactly cool either.

I told you she's here for advice. About how to stay cool.

S-Sage Merlin… is famous… even among witches…

Hmm... well, let's hear it then.

It has been hot lately. I hate humid summer nights, and with no AC in this world, I'm starting to lose my mind.

AC?

It's a device that blows out cold air.

That sounds amazing!

Sigh... Once you've had a taste of modern convenience, this world's heat just feels cruel.

Hmm... there is something kind of like that. It might help cool you down.

R-Really?

Have you heard of Icecrystal Fruit? It grows only near Isiel.

Technically it's a fruit, but it's hard like a gemstone, so you can't eat it. Its clear, shimmering color makes people treat it more like a jewel.

And it can cool you down?

That's right, Princess Elizabeth.

According to ancient texts, if you place one under your bed, it makes everything so chilly, you could sleep under a blanket, even in midsummer.

And since it's a natural object, it should be safe from curses as well.

Ooooh! That sounds amazing!

I can sleep... comfortably?

Let's go, Morgause! Let's gather a bunch and share them!

Be careful on the way. And don't lose them again like last time.

Ugh.

Y-Yes ma'am...

Maybe it's the altitude, but I hardly see any trees at all. Just conifers.

Yeah... the weather's freezing up here. You hanging in there, Morgause?

I-I'm fine... I always regulate my body temperature with fire magic...

So that's how you manage to dress like that in the cold.

But that wouldn't work in a hot region, since she can't cool herself down.

Ugh, we need to find that Icecrystal Fruit quickly. But in this barren place... does it really even exist?

...Up there. I sense something... the presence of life...

Whoa, Morgause, you can tell that?

Witches are close to nature... so it's not a big deal...

W-Wait! I wasn't trying to show off...! I-I just... felt something...

I-It's not like I hate Mr. Hat or anything... but I really haven't been able to sleep...

Hyaaah?! A-Ahh!

...You don't have to push yourself. Let's go, Elizabeth.

Y-Yes!

E-Ethan! Look, ahead...!

W-What do we do?

Calm down, Elizabeth. It's already spotted us.

Thankfully, Morgause is with us. If we can land a strong opening hit, we might be able to drive it back, just for a moment.

And in that moment, we grab the fruit from the tree behind it.

...Tree?

…Ah! You're right! I see the trees Merlin described, just past the dragon!

We didn't come all this way just to leave empty-handed.

Morgause, you heard the plan, right? Give it everything you've got!

Everything...? I don't have to hold back...?

Exactly. That thing won't budge unless we go all in. We don't have to defeat it, just buy enough time.

Once we get an opening, I'll dash in and grab the fruit!

I've been wanting to cut loose, w-wait, I mean, I'll keep it under control...!

Focus, Morgause! Don't let your hat take over. Show us your real power.

Y-Yes!

Let's go!

Phew... we made it out alive...

Now I see why those fruits remained untouched...

You'd need more than one life to get them under normal circumstances.

No wonder it became legend.

Isiel is cold enough that no one needed the fruit anyway... even if they knew about it.

Haha, true.

Morgause, you really pulled through. That was some incredible magic, worthy of your reputation.

T-That's too much praise...

So this is Icecrystal Fruit... it's beautiful! And really cold, like a chunk of ice!

Yeah. But it's not just cold, it actually gives off cold air on its own.

How about it, Morgause? Think you'll be able to sleep well with this?

Y-Yes... I think so...

It's cool... and the color's pretty... A-Ah! I-I mean, Mr. Hat is... pretty too... or, I mean, dashing...

That hat never shuts up. No wonder you can't sleep, it's probably giving you migraines.

Ah!

What is it? Did it finally go quiet?

No...

It just said: "How dare a lowly human speak so freely. I ought to toss him into a pit of fire..."

….

I-It wasn't me who said that...

I know. That hat's mouth is as foul as ever.

That's... a lot of fruit.

We wouldn't need that much just for us...

But others are struggling with the heat too.

If we use this to make a cool resting spot, I think people would really appreciate it.

That's so like a princess. You think on a whole different level than me.

I-It was just a thought, really...

Small thoughts lead to big changes.

Alright, I'll help too.

How about you, Morgause? Want to make a cool resting place in your forest?

In the forest...?

It's usually cool there, but... thanks to me, it's kind of warm most of the time...

Exactly. This would help travelers, and the animals too.

Y-You're right...! Then... I'll take a few as well.

Ah! Ethan! Look up! The dragon's back!

Ugh, let's move!

Morgause! Hurry!

Oof! R-Right!

Phew, what a good night's sleep. That Icecrystal Fruit really works.

Right? I slept like a rock.

After suffering in the heat for days, we'd finally enjoyed a cool, peaceful night.

You know, if it gets too hot, people start sleeping without pajamas. Wouldn't want any naughty boys sneaking peeks at their half-naked elders, right?

...Who's peeking?

Good morning, Merlin. Morning, Ethan.

Slept great. Totally refreshing.

How about you, Morgause? Sleep well?

Ah... Swordbringer.

Yes. I haven't slept that well in ages... I didn't even notice Mr. Hat talking all night...

Glad to hear it. Now all we need is a cool meal to complete the summer experience...

Got anything in mind?

It's the peak of summer and no wars are breaking out for now, so I think it's time I hit the market, gather ingredients, and put my skills to work!

You're going to cook, Ethan?

Yup! I'll slice up a bunch of fruit and chill it in icy water. Pour a little syrup on top and it'll be the perfect treat.

That sounds amazing! I'll help!

What about you, Morgause?

...I'd like that too.

Awesome! First stop, market! Let's buy every fruit we can find!

You're always full of energy, aren't you?