Though embarrassed, the group managed to pick out swimsuits (This episode contains mild adult content. Readers who are sensitive to such content can skip it without significantly affecting the story’s progression).
As soon as they arrived at the beach, Piyo dashed off. Holding a float, she looked incredibly happy. Philiana and the others were hesitant in their unfamiliar attire. I spread out a mat I bought from a shop and sat down.
“Well, even if we don’t go into the sea, wouldn’t it be nice to just relax like this?”
“Y-yes. But I feel a bit uneasy.”
Beside Philiana, who was glancing around nervously, Sharin touched her waist with a worried expression. She probably felt uneasy without her usual dagger. I asked Karubene and Cecilia to chase after Piyo.
“Fine, but why with this Elf? She can’t swim, can she?”
“Hah? I can swim perfectly fine. I have to look after that Harpy and you both, so when exactly am I supposed to take a break?”
Even as they bickered, the two of them amicably followed Piyo. So, what should I do first? Maybe grab lunch while drinking some juice. There were many tempting stalls around. But before that, I remembered something very important. The sun is so strong; I must apply sunscreen, or I’ll end up with worse burns than if I had just stayed home.
And as expected, various sunscreens were readily available in this world. With such developed civilization, people must be concerned about their appearance too. I immediately took out the sunscreen I bought and applied it to my arm. Nina watched me with curiosity.
“What are you putting on? Cream?”
“Oh, this is sunscreen. If I don’t apply it, I’ll have a terrible time later.”
Terrible time? Nina tilted her head. Philiana smiled happily at the sight.
“Indeed, when working for long hours under the strong sun, the skin starts to sting. To think such a medicine exists; what a convenient world.”
“Wouldn’t something like ointment work for that?”
“No, no, it would hurt after getting sunburnt, right? Applying this prevents it beforehand. It’s different from a regular ointment.”
Even with my explanation, Nina looked unconvinced. After applying it to my arms and legs, I asked Sharin to apply it to my back. She also sniffed it and seemed half-believing. When she tried to lick it, I stopped her.
“I’ll apply it to everyone. Especially your backs, getting sunburned there hurts terribly later.”
“Yes, please do.”
Philiana was enthusiastic, but the other two held back a step. I sat behind Philiana on the sand. I tried to apply it, but her lower half, being that of a horse since she’s a Centaur, made it difficult.
“Please apply it while straddling my back.”
I did as she instructed and climbed onto her back. Even though I had ridden her before, I felt strangely nervous. In front of me was her smooth, white skin, with well-defined muscles. As expected from someone who wields a sword, her shoulders and arms were quite sturdy. And then, the straps of her swimsuit. Since I was applying it to her back, should I put my hands underneath, or should I avoid them? What’s the normal way? I didn’t want to be mistaken for a pervert. But if I didn’t apply it properly, there would be no point in using sunscreen.
This is bad. My inexperience with women the age of a virgin might be revealed. Well, it’s not like I have to hide it, and what’s the big deal if it comes out?
“Hiro-san? Are you done applying it?”
Philiana’s voice pulled me back to reality, and I quickly grabbed the cream and placed it on her shoulder.
