An Unforgettable First Summer Dive!

*...Sigh*

Is it really okay to do this?

Hey, why wouldn't it be?

I've been handling my adventurer duties just fine. There's no reason I shouldn't take a break.

So... why do I feel so anxious?!

It's not like there's anything else I should be doing right now. I'm here to have fun, but why...?

Verna!

Eek!

You scared me, Francis!

Why you are here all alone while everyone else is having fun?

I was taking a break... and starting to feel hungry.

Hm? Then you should eat something instead of sighing about it.

I just was just... thinking.

I smell something!

Coming from me? Wh-what kind of smell?

It's smell of old parchment with hints of ink pressed deep into it, and a layer of stale dust.

It's... the smell of bottled up worries!

Be honest, Verna. You can't fool me. ♡

It's really nothing.

Hmm?

Alright. Then I'll just prescribe you something of my own choosing. ♡

Prescribe...? D-does she mean a shot?!

That's okay. Really, I'm fine.

How is a shot going to fix my worries?!

A shot? I won't be prescribing a shot.

Huh? Then...?

Haha! Just trust me this once.

Ah! Ack! What are you doing?! D-don't touch me! That tickles!

Here. Grab this.

I know this feeling... A sword?

What's this? What are you playing at?

Relax! It's treatment. ♡

Now, Verna. In front of you are watermelons... But not just any watermelons! They're actually your worries.

Let's deal with them the way you know best.

I can sense something beyond my closed eyes.

A crowd has gathered, buzzing with whispers, but they keep their distance.

Just as I'm about to begin questioning what I'm doing...

Now, Verna. Show me what you've got!

Find your balance and aim precisely.

Even if my eyes are covered, if I concentrate, I can sense it... There's a total of three watermelons.

*Deep breath...*

Ha...!

Verna! You did it! You didn't miss a single one!

Now, come on and have some watermelon, everybody!

But, how is watermelon smashing... I mean, slashing a treatment?

How about we think about that after we have some watermelon?

...The watermelon does look really good.

It's sweet.

It's hard to solve things that aren't visible to the eye.

However, if you can see them, you can just slice them like this.

And, you can eat them too.

This definitely suits you, Verna.

...You don't mean that I made a mess of myself, do you?

That's totally cute too, like 100% percent, but that's not what I'm talking about.

What? C-cute...?

The treatment isn't over yet.

Shall we go to the next location?

Let's go to Sylvarium together. The elves need to enjoy summer too.

But didn't you already visit them? I heard they wouldn't even let you in.

I know! Why do you think they rejected me?

But if I go with you, Verna, they might change their mind.

I never give up. ♡

Before, too. She was only trying to help, but I made assumptions...

I should give her a proper apology.

Uh... Francis... I'm sorry.

You were just concerned about me, but... I was a bit rude, right?

Haha! Aw, has that been bothering you the whole time? If you go with me, it just might heal my broken heart.

Alright. Let's go.

Okay. How about right now?

What? Right now? Without changing first?

Of course! Once we show off our pretty swimsuits, the elves will be dying to come too!

Wait, does that mean...?

...Do I have to go like this, too?

Of course!

Th-this outfit is kinda... I mean, really embarrassing!

Now, off we go!

Where in the world are we?

I was confident because I've been here before, but... this is tough without a guide.

Just pretend you've swapped places with Ophelia for a day!

You're really positive, Francis.

We've been lost for three hours already. At this rate, the sun will set.

Now that I think about it, I got lost on my way to invite them last time, too.

I was alone then. But now you're with me, Verna, so that won't be a problem.

...Why not?

Even if the sun sets and it gets cold, we can cuddle together for warmth. ♡

We are not cuddling!

Verna?

Penny!

Penny! I'm back!

Do you know her? What are you doing here? And what are you wearing?!

Um... Can you ask one question at a time?

You need to pick better friends. How did you end up acquainted with a woman like her?

That's not important... I'm glad we ran into you. We got lost on our way to Sylvarium.

Well, without a guide like me, that's expected.

Penny saved me last time, too. Such a coincidence...

Maybe... this is fate? ♡

...If that's how you're going to be, I'm going. The way back is that way.

N-no!

Alright. I'm doing this for you.

So why are you going to Sylvarium, anyway?

We found a nice spot to play around here.

We wanted to invite the elves too.

I already told you. No. Go back.

Go already! You just don't quit, do you?

Oh, c'mon. What's going on? Huh?

*Sigh...*

It's not that you just don't want to join, right? Is there something going on?

...It's a long story, and it's not worth my time to explain everything.

Follow me.

Where are we going?

Sylvarium, where else?

Has my sincerity finally reached you? ♡

Hey, hey! Get off! Verna! Do something about her!

Now, you could've just explained everything, but...

Ugh, seriously!

It's been so long, Verna!

Who's this pretty lady?

But why aren't you guys fully dressed? Did someone steal your clothes?

Get Daisy to fill you in. I'm busy.

Penny. Are you going on patrol again?

I need to. I can't just do nothing.

Where's the queen, Daisy? We need to pay our respects.

The queen isn't here. Right now, I'm the queen re... re...

The queen regent?

That's right! I'm that!

How long is she going to be away if she needed to appoint a regent?

She went to Manafall. We need some people to investigate Arcana Forest.

Is there a problem?

A super dangerous acidic slime appeared!

I haven't seen it myself, but... as soon as the queen heard a rumor it was spotted, she forbid everyone from leaving the village.

Penny is the only elf who's allowed to patrol the forest to see if there are any more acidic slimes.

So, you can't come to the summer festival because of that acidic slime?

But why did the queen go all the way to Manafall? Why didn't she send someone else?

The queen's authority isn't rooted in remaining upon her seat, but in safeguarding her people.

Huh?

...That's what the queen said!

That sounds like something Queen Ceresbellona would say.

Verna, how about we investigate the forest too?

If an acidic slime has really appeared, that sounds dangerous.

The summer festival we've prepared might be affected!

That would be dangerous. There are a lot of people who aren't adventurers there.

A summer festival? Are you gonna have yummy food too?

Yes, that's right, my cute queen regent! ♡

Wow! I want to go too!

We can't right now, but...

Don't worry. We'll take care of everything!

Daisy, can you write up a request form? It can just be a simple one.

I don't think we can just do things however we want...

What do I need to do?

Hm... Let's see...

Please write "I request this." here.

I... re... quest...? This is hard...

This is how it's spelled.

Like this?

How about you write your name too?

Okay! Daisy...

Your title too. Write here that you're the elf queen regent.

Elf queen... regent... All done!

This feels kind of like forging a contract, but...

That's it! Good job.

Hehe! Thank you!

Don't worry even a tiny bit and sit tight! ♡

So, this was the first location where the acidic slime was spotted?

On this road that leads all the way to Manafall...? Just out of the blue? Is that possible?

You're right. It's a well managed road.

First, let's do a thorough search around here.

There has to be a clue somewhere.

Then I'll look over there!

...It's moss.

Ugh, that's annoying.

This is...

This is it!

Ah! You scared me!

Hm... Yes... It's clear.

It was definitely here... Oh!

What's that, Francis?

I'm going to try to extract the impurities that have seeped into the rock. ♡

Ugh. This toxic smell... What is that?

This isn't just acid.

It can even melt rocks, so that figures, right?

No, Verna. I mean something about the composition of this acid is odd.

There are substances that cannot be produced naturally mixed into it.

Does that matter?

Of course. It might be very important.

Nature doesn't have intentions. There are simply causes and effects.

However, that isn't the case for this.

If it isn't natural, then there must be something that caused it intentionally.

But an acid created that way that just happened to merge with a slime and create a new variant...?

What are the chances of that? You'd need several generations, even under ideal conditions, before something like that occurs.

So, you mean... somebody created an acidic slime intentionally?

That's right. Someone with evil intentions caused this. That's my conclusion.

Even if they're just monsters... doing something like that to any living creature is wrong.

If Cloud were here, he'd be flipping out.

But... I'm angry, too.

Oh my. The way you said that just now... was really cool!

Hmm... Whatever caused this shouldn't be far from Sylvan Road, where the slime was first spotted.

This goes deeper than I expected. I thought we'd just be hunting a variant monster.

Still, now that we're on the case, we can't just let it slide.

Let's look right now.

Alright! It's time I step up!

First, let's apply some ointment that'll neutralize this acid.

Oh, that's a hard place to reach on your own...♡ Can I give you a hand?

Ahh! That tickles! Stop! It ticklesss!

Forget the cause... I haven't found anything that even resembles acidic slime.

Ohhh... Could I have been mistaken?

Let's try going towards Manafall.

That sound...

That sounds like armor! Who could it be... so deep in the forest?

That outfit... He's a knight. And a pretty high-ranking one, too.

Plus, that's the Order of Ignisia's crest... That means...

He's a paladin. Someone that controls fire, like me.

...Are they headed to the beach? Why are they here?

Well, I guess if you run into someone in a bathing suit in the middle of the woods... Yeah, that's fair.

Compared to how his armor gleams brilliantly even in the shade...

I must look so pathetic. This is embarrassing...

By the order of Parliament and the king, this area is under search, so withdraw immediately.

A dangerous acidic slime has been reported, so civilians are advised to return to safe areas.

We're adventurers investigating the same issue as you, sir knight.

We've received a request from an elf who rules this forest.

Adventurers?

Even if there are no laws and discipline is lax... Ahem.

This is excessive.

Was that comment meant for us?

Show me proof. I assume you at least possess a request form.

Here it is.

Your request... is a leaf?

Huh? Why?

The elf quen regent wrote it herself. ♡

This is ridiculous. Go back. Even if this is real, we'll take care of this issue.

The royal decree, too, was issued at the behest of the real elf queen's request in Manafall.

I assume that has more authority than that leaf.

Wait!

I know this might look like nothing to you, sir paladin.

However, aren't the people who are most harmed by this the elves of this forest?

Now that we've accepted their request for help, we can't just abandon them.

My voice is trembling... I hate this.

You... You look familiar.

Have we met before?

This is my first time seeing you.

Ahh!

It's the acidic slime!

If I don't do something quick, then...!

Phew...

Ahh! Verna, you need ointment! Hurry, the ointment!

I'm okay now, Francis. You should wipe yourself off too. Here, give me the ointment.

I'll apply it for you.

...Thank you, Francis.

Oh, I should be the one thanking you.

My name is Luke. I'm a sword that serves the sacred flame.

Yes... I'm Verna. This is Francis.

I will allow your investigation of the forest.

However, you must move with me.

That's my condition.

Luke keeps sneaking glances at me, and something about it feels off...

Is it just my imagination?

Being attacked by acidic slime isn't all that bad.

Huh? What are you on about now?

Wh-whatever you're thinking, don't say it!

Hm?

I don't know how you've misunderstood me, Verna, but... well, I actually do ♡, but...

What I mean is that getting covered in acidic slime goo turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

My nose never forgets!

If I can track its scent, we should be able to find it soon. That's what I mean.

Is that one of your beastkin talents? You're quite helpful.

Why does he keep looking at me? It's annoying.

You were quite handy with that sword. Where did you learn to fight?

Just from my dad.

...And your ability handling flames... is even better.

Do you feel any call to serve the sacred flame?

Excuse me? I'm... an adventurer, and...

My nose is...

Tingling. ♡

Are you from the Order of Ignisia, sir knight?

That's right. And I'm not just a knight, I'm a paladin.

Oh, my mistake. ♡ I didn't know. I'm sorry if that upset you, handsome sir paladin.

Uh... Ahem. It's fine. As long as you know now.

Oh, then are you one of Parliament's famous "Twelve Knights," sir paladin?

No, of course not... This isn't a matter someone of that caliber should be bothered with.

There's no way, Francis. The Twelve Knights wouldn't come all the way here for something like this.

Haha! Yes, you're right.

...She already knew.

Still, you seem pretty high-ranking. Are your subordinates searching elsewhere?

No, they aren't my subordinates.

It was an official request from the elf queen, so members of the Solar Knights have been deployed.

...I just arrived a bit more quickly.

Why do you ask?

I was just surprised to see a paladin from Parliament instead of a member of the Solar Knights.

Ahem... Well...

...If the land is in trouble, it's only natural for Parliament to take concern and step in.

Hmm... I smell... something...

What do you mean you smell something?!

I can smell the acidic slime. It's very faint, so it must be very far away. Why?

Is there something bothering you?

...Drop it! If you've picked up a scent, just lead the way.

Does he think Francis is a search dog or something?

Okay, it's this way. Should we hurry on?

Something about the way that paladin was looking at you wasn't sitting well with me.

So I just turned his attention towards me.

Let's go!

My heart feels heavy.

Maybe... Francis is a much better person than I thought she was.

Over there. If we continue heading that way, we'll find something.

Hm...

Francis, let's hurry.

You're not coming? Are you worried about something, sir paladin?

...No. I'll go.

Yes, yes! Let's hurry on! ♡

This isn't easy. My nose is tingling.

Francis, be careful!

Ack!

Oh, Verna. Not when there are other people around. ♡

No, that's not... I mean, below you.

She's can't notice danger right in front of her, but she still has the energy to flirt?

In a way, I guess that's impressive...

It's acid.

Hey, do you see what's over there?

It probably flowed down from upstream in the valley.

It's all dried up. Is that a good thing...?

Let's try going up.

What in the world...?

Let's take a look!

Wait, hold on!

Are you worried about me? ♡ It's fine, I'm actually a bit of an expert in this field.

As expected, I was right.

You mean someone deliberately caused this?

This logo... belongs to a merchant group in Manafall. There are also quite a few things that I can't identify the origins of.

This will all be considered evidence, so don't touch it any further.

Stand back. From this moment forward, I'll be taking command of the crime scene.

I will summon Parliament's forensic team, so don't touch anything.

What? You're going to call the forensic team? When will they get here?

It'll only take a week.

Okay, then what do we do about all this in the meantime?

...I told you. Just leave it.

That means acidic slimes will keep appearing!

Yes? Why is that an issue?

His expression... Does he really not understand...?

What about the forest? What about the elves?

This kind of toxicity will spread in practically no time!

The tainted areas will be purified with the sacred flame.

That is, after the investigation is completed.

What do you mean?! Are you saying you're gonna burn down the entire forest?!

...So? Are you saying that you won't be following my instructions?

What is wrong with this guy?

Verna, Verna. I think you should stop here.

Did Francis feel something off too?

...Will you let us know the results of the investigation?

I'll send a herald to your gathering hub should there be any notable developments.

State your affiliation. I don't think you're from the Manafall branch.

Hananis.

Hananis...

He looks at me up and down. The same unpleasant gaze.

Okay, let's head back now. I'm sure this fine paladin will handle matters here.

Let's just enjoy the rest of our summer.

You should also stop by Summer Lane once this case is resolved, sir paladin.

Alright. Now, head back.

Tch. How long do we have to continue cleaning up these messes?

Oh, Sir Luke. I knew you'd come.

...Some make the mess, and others clean it up?

A mess? I'm sure you've heard about the recent disturbances around the world, Sir Luke.

The higher ups are throwing a fit. They want results, so we really didn't have much of a choice.

Well, thankfully that means this Extreme Fusion experiment might actually yield some decent results.

This here is just a small price to pay.

I've bought some time, so hurry up.

Damn it. They could at least tell me what's going on before telling me to do something.

Sir Luke, once Parliament declares its will...

We simply carry it out.

Haha! You already know well.

For such a loyal devotee, it's only a matter of time until you're promoted.

Nonsense.

Oh, and...

Yes?

No. At this point, if I tell him that I just let witnesses go, he'll just use it as a reason to nitpick.

The Solar Knights will arrive soon and begin their search. Hurry up.

Yup. It'll only take a few days. I really feel like we'll get something this time.

Was her name Verna...?

I feel like I've seen her somewhere before.

My memory is unclear. Am I just mistaken?

No! This doesn't make sense!

The elves and the forest are actually in trouble right now.

What's with him?! He was acting like that didn't even matter.

If you're a paladin, shouldn't you prioritize saving people according to the doctrine?!

I'm going to go back and confront him!

Verna? Calm down for a moment.

There's one thing I'm sure of. If it came down to it, that man was fully ready to take us out. ♡

I could sense it. A jolt of danger.

But we can't just do nothing.

Of course! That material we saw earlier wasn't just ordinary waste.

Then what was it?

I secretly took a small sample.

Why would you put that there?!

Hm? It's more convenient than you might think. You could also...

So, the waste from earlier...

...Why are you suddenly changing the topic?

Me? You must be mistaken.

Anyway, this waste is definitely "magical waste."

It's produced when large-scale magic is cast or when powerful elemental forces collide.

An ordinary merchant group wouldn't handle this kind of stuff.

I knew it. That paladin is definitely hiding something.

Probably. However... don't we have a certain way of doing things too?

That dried-up stream...

Francis. Has it been a really long time since it last rained? Long enough for that stream to get dried up?

It hasn't rained for a while, but not so long that a stream would run dry.

If that was the case, we wouldn't be able play in the water at Summer Lane.

Could the reason that trashed valley was dry be...

Could it be...? There might be a problem somewhere higher upstream.

Let's check it out! Hurry!

Verna! You were right! Look over here.

This is the source of the water flowing into that valley.

What is this? It's not slime, but it also doesn't seem like it's just mud.

This is that magical waste from earlier. It's solidified, and it seems to have lost most of its toxicity.

Could it have reacted upon contact with water?

Wow... Francis...

Hahaha! ♡ That's just basic stuff. Wait just a minute.

Have you made progress? Do we have a solution?

Of course. Now, listen well. This waste solidifies when it touches water, and its toxicity and ability to spread weakens.

And I believe I'll be able to dissolve the solidified mud with a solvent I've made.

However, there isn't enough to dissolve all this mud.

...Francis, let's try doing it together.

Here, do you see this terrain? This area must've originally been a spring.

I'll try making a hole as deep as possible.

It would be great if my blade could tap into it, but...

Francis, put that solvent in a water gun and dissolve the deepest part of the hole I make.

Aha! You plan on getting that water trapped underground to gush up. ♡

That's a smart idea!

Water flowing deep under the mud... I need to sense a path that can reach it.

I only have one chance.

Verna! Don't forget to breathe.

Even if this doesn't work, we can always come up with another plan.

There's a rock in the way. Not here...

Next to that... This... is not a path of water. A bit to the side...

There! This is it.

I might be able to tap into the spring at this depth with just my sword.

Francis, I'm going to stab here a total of three times.

After the final stab, immediately shoot that solvent into the deepest place, okay?

*Deep breath...* Hah!

Hah!!!

The last one... using all my strength...!

Hahhhhhh!!!!!!!

Now!

We did it!

Francis! W-wait I!

I can't b-breathe...

Okay, I see. So that's what happened.

So you tricked him... A fire paladin, of all people.

Good job. Yeah, good work. Of course, you did good.

But what we've done is only a temporary solution.

Snap out of it, Branch Master! We still need to finish this job!

Huh? Me? A branch master? Probably not.

I mean, I might be one right now, but I won't be soon.

Have we... done something bad?

Yup. But, no. Well, this is bad. But then again, I can't say that for sure, either.

Get a grip. Do you need a sedative or something?

No, I'm okay. More importantly...

Francis, it seems like we'll need a lot more of your solvent. Can you get that ready?

Yes, I'll get on that right away. ♡

And... Verna.

...Yes.

Ugh... I'm definitely in trouble.

Good job.

Sorry, I wasn't trying to... Huh? I did good?

Yep. You did a good job. You made the right decision and fixed the situation.

And most of all, you didn't turn a blind eye to injustice taking place.

Your mother... Stella would've done the same.

If she could see you, she'd be proud.

But, that paladin... You said his name was Luke? He didn't say anything in particular to you?

...He said I looked familiar to him, but it was the first time I'd ever seen him.

I see...

Why does he look so serious...?

Well, I didn't intend for things to turn out like this, but I'll take care of what comes next.

I'll help too!

Verna, you getting involved with Parliament is...

No. You should continue to help.

This all caught me off-guard, but I've got my wits back about this.

Queen Ceresbellona was right after all...

...I have no idea what you're talking about.

You don't need to know. It's just some political stuff.

I will tell you, though... Queen Ceresbellona's been growing distrustful of Parliament.

She probably had a hunch it'd go this way, so she trusted me with the matter.

Oh yeah... Did you still want to be a paladin? Sorry to burst your bubble.

...No, it's okay.

Now, my final request is... Please help Francis and deliver the solvent.

And, enjoy what's left of your summer.

You can leave the serious business to serious people.

*...Sigh*

Is it okay for me to do this?

Verna!

Ah! That's cold! What is that?!

Look! It's your delivery of special juice.

Francis is always the same. She doesn't seem to be really worried about anything... always happy.

Now, I don't know what you're thinking about, but have a drink first.

They say it contains an elven anti-aging ingredient, but they wouldn't tell me what it is.

There you guys are!

Queen Regent Daisy!

Everyone else came earlier and is already enjoying the festival. Why are you so late? I was waiting for you.

So, the thing is... this...

Oh my! ♡ What's this? A pretty flower crown?

Yes, I worked really hard on it. It's your request reward!

I learned that if you make a request, you need to give a reward.

But I was only able to make one. I'm sorry...

No, it's perfect! Verna! Verna! Try it on! It'll be so pretty!

Uh, it's okay. Stuff like that doesn't suit me...

Oh, c'mon. You're still so shy, Verna. Come here.

Let's just see how it looks.

A fancy accessory like a flower crown couldn't possibly suit me...

There, done. What do you think, Queen Regent Daisy?

Wow... It's so pretty! Even prettier than when I was making it!

Haha! Well, I'd say that's thanks to our pretty model. ♡

We definitely need to snap a picture of this.

Done! Looking good!

What do you think? I'm right, right?

I look even more awkward in the photo.

But, for some reason, I can't help but laugh.

Pfft, pfft. Hahaha! Oh my gosh. I'm crying.

Haha! You know what, Verna?

This is the first time I've seen you laugh so hard.

Really...? I can't even remember how long it's been since I've last laughed like this.

Now! I'll get everybody soaking wet! ♡

Yes, everybody! I love you too! ♡

Let's all have fun till the very end!

Alright! This is really fun. Give it a go, everyone!

Daisy wants to ride too!

What about your clothes? Did you bring a swimsuit?

Why do you need clothes when you're swimming? They'll just get wet.

N-no! What are you doing?!

Next time, I'll prepare a pretty swimsuit for you, queen regent.

Okayyyyy.

Now, are you ready?

Yes!

Okay, off you go!

Ahhhhhh!

All of it... is so much fun.

Francis.

Yes?

Thank you.

Oh, why are you thanking me all of a sudden? My heart skipped a beat. ♡

I know you've really been looking out for me, Francis.

If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have had so much fun.

And I would've felt troubled even after getting back to work.

I'm glad to hear that. I don't think I could've had such a perfect summer without you either, Verna.

I also feel like my dream came true. A world where everybody loves one another...

Although, once this festival is over, everybody will return to their normal lives.

It was brief, but it was enough to make me feel that my dream isn't pointless. ♡

Francis looks really happy.

And Francis really is an amazing person. More than I ever imagined... so much more.

Francis. I used to have a different dream. When I was younger... I wanted to become a paladin.

A paladin? Oh my. That would've suited you well, Verna. Why did you give it up?

I didn't really give it up... I made a choice.

Well, a part of it was having a guy next to me who wouldn't stop talking about becoming an adventurer...

But, the ultimate reason was my mother's last wish. She wanted me to live life freely.

They never said anything, but mom and dad probably didn't want me to become a paladin.

Every time I said, "I want to become a paladin," they'd look a bit troubled.

It's not like I don't like being an adventurer, but if I think about how I abandoned the dream I once had...

I guess there's always a lingering sense of regret in the back of my mind.

But, now I feel like a weight has been lifted.

Hahaha! Because of that annoying paladin?

I can't say that has nothing to do with it, but...

Honestly, you're the one who lifted that weight from me, Francis.

Me? ♡ What did I do? ♡

Just... After taking a step back from my thoughts...

I found myself thinking... why did I ever want to be a paladin?

A flaming sword that protects justice... I just thought that paladins from storybooks were so cool.

That was my dream once... but the title "paladin" is just hollow name.

Of course. We were even more righteous and impressive than a paladin this time.

That's why I've decided to chase a new dream.

What is it?

To become the most righteous person I can be.

And to become someone who has the power to protect justice.

Oh my. You're incredible, Verna.

See? I really do have a good eye for people.

A good eye? What... are you talking about?

You're so pretty. I should show everybody!

Sh-show what?!

Maybe you'll get some fans, Verna.

Seriously, don't do that! C'mon!

I'm taking back my thanks!

Oh, Francis!!!