It was a lazy time after breakfast.

　Today, the entire family, with the exception of sister Elinora, was spending time in the living room, minding their own business.

'What was the funniest thing about Kagura's book?'

''Hmm, the story was unique and interesting, but I guess it's still the water god and history?''

　It seems that Brother Silvio and Father Nord are discussing the book of Kagura.

　What was interesting about the book I brought back? They are arguing intelligently about how it is different.

　And Erna and I are discussing.

Do you think it's a good idea to lay it on your butt in these situations too?

'No, Mother Erna. At times like this, I think it's a good idea to fill the space between the couch and your waist.

Oh, it's true. This is one way to use it.

　They each picked up a slime cushion and intelligently debated how to stay in a comfortable position.

'Oh, I like this posture. It's a little sloppy, but I think it would be even better if I could stretch my legs out.

'Yes. This couch is pretty good, but it's a bit small, too.

But I don't want them to make something bigger now. It's going to take a long time to get it done.

　Erna's hand on her cheek, as if she were troubled.

　This kind of gesture suits her naturally, that's what's great about her.

　By the way, we are very particular about the sofa because Mother Erna and I love lounging on it more than anyone else.

　Of course it's custom made and we don't mind the price. It's all about making your favorite time more comfortable. I'm not going to make any compromises.

　However, if I have a custom-made product selected and made now, it will take at least half a year to get it made. There's no way I can wait that long, and it would be a shame to have to replace the sofa.

You don't have to get hung up on your existing sofa.　And if you make a seat without a backrest, you can use it when you want to relax.

　When I casually suggest it, Mother Erna opens her mouth to look at me with a pout.

''It's a blind spot. It's true that this way you can only use it when you want to relax, and you'll have a lot of different postures to choose from. Plus you can pull it to the edge when you're in the way, and Al is a genius!

　Erna smiles and pats me on the head, smiling at me.

　I'm genuinely happy to receive the compliment, but I wish she would praise me in a different way.

"And if you put a cushion in the elbow rest area and put your feet on it like you always do with Erna, it'll be easier.

Really--I mean, I didn't do any of that stuff.

　For goodness sake, I taught her how to lay down the cushion in the position Mother Erna always takes, but she scolded me.

　How long is this mother going to insist that she hasn't done it?

　I wonder if Dad Nord knows about Mother Erna's distraction?　I'm a little curious and want to ask, but I don't because I'm getting silent pressure from Mother Erna.

　Having cut off my curiosity, I roll onto my side on the couch with a slime cushion under my head.

　Ah, usually my head wasn't stable because I didn't have the cushion, but now it's very stable thanks to the slime cushion.

　Just as I was about to meditate on how comfortable it was, Nord Dad, who was talking with Brother Silvio, stands up.

'Come on, Al. It's time to practice.

What, is today a rehearsal day?

Yes,

　Dad Nord nodded firmly at my question.

　I wanted it to be a lie or a mistake if possible.

　There are only two days left until Elinora's sister returns. I only have two precious days to spare, and I don't have time to be bothered with such troublesome things as training.

　Besides, it's summer now. It is hot enough to sweat just walking, but what happens if you run around waving your sword? You will be sweating and it's absolutely exhausting. If you're not good at it, you will fall down because of the heat.

You're going to do it in such a hot climate?

'It's going to be hot, that's why it's so early in the morning. Come on, stop complaining and get ready early.

　I tried to be coy, but there was no island to get to.

　Nord Dad left that and dashingly left the living room.

　Huh, it's so hot and I have to swing my sword outside?

Come on, get up. Hurry up or else the sun will be hotter and hotter.

Well yes.

　I finally get up after being admonished by Mother Erna, who is next to me, lightly spanking me on the butt, and I finally get up.

　The practice will not be canceled anyway. It's a wise choice to follow Erna's advice and quickly get ready and finish the practice in the cool morning.

'Shall we go get changed, Al?

Yes, Brother Silvio.

　I walk out of the living room with brother Silvio pushing me back.

'.........Oh, I forgot the slime cushion.

Me too.

　Me and my brother Silvio and my brother Silvio went straight around and returned from the hallway to the living room.

　Then, in the living room, Mother Erna was lounging gracefully on the sofa with slime cushions on the armrests and under her head.

　It was already imposing and the big couch and our slime cushion were perfectly occupied.

''Well mother Erna, that's our--''

　I was about to say slime cushion when Brother Silvio's hand covers my mouth.

'Al, let's go practice,'

Well yes.

　I guess Mom Erna wanted to use the slime cushion to get into a relaxed position as soon as possible. I could understand that feeling somewhat, so I pretended not to see her and went upstairs.



　◆



　We changed into our training clothes in our own room, and Silvio and I gathered in the courtyard with the wooden sword in our hands.

　The courtyard is, of course, outside, so there is no such thing as a roof. That's why the midsummer sun shines directly on our heads and rages against us.

　The maids Saara and Meena, who would normally stay in the courtyard, are waiting under the roof today.

　That makes me feel terribly jealous.

　When I turn my gaze to them, they quickly look away.

　As a maid in the service of the Lord, shouldn't I still be around more?

　It's tempting to call them over to you when you don't need them, but they will provide you with things like cool towels and water. There's no point in harassing them, is there?

'....It's hot.

　I mutter to myself, sticking my tongue out and grunting.

　Even though we've been out in the courtyard for less than five minutes, my head is hot and I'm starting to sweat softly.

'It's hot,'

　Brother Silvio tells me to agree with him, but looking at his expression, I can't believe it. Not a single hair is disheveled, and he's not sweating.

　Does he really think it's hot?　

　Well, Brother Silvio has a hard-to-sweat constitution to begin with, you know.

　As I was thinking that, a breeze blew softly into the courtyard of the mansion.

　The sound of rustling leaves on the trees rang out and passed by as if they were taking away the heat from my burning body.

　It was a momentary occurrence, but it was very pleasant.

Good for you. It looks like there's a breeze today.

As far as I'm concerned, I wish the wind had been blowing all the time.

Now, let's get started.

　While I was having this conversation with Silvio, Nord's father, who had also changed into his training clothes, came over.

　Like Silvio's brother, he too is not sweating.

　It seems that I'm the only one who is sweating, with my hair disheveled.

"Let's run through the courtyard to lighten up first.

'Yeah!　Are you kidding me?　I'll die if I have to run in this hot weather!

Don't worry. I'll look out for Al and make sure he doesn't.

　Probably if I continue to train under my Nordic father's watch, even in the middle of summer, I will be able to complete my training without collapsing.

　I can find a line that's on the edge of not falling down. For being able to assess the limit well, Nord Dad has a worse quality than Elinora's sister.

'Look, you've put on some weight lately, it's just fine. Run and put it back on.

Ugh!

　I know, I know, but it sticks in my chest when someone directly tells me I've gained weight.

　It's true that I've gained weight recently. Should I practice hard and burn off the fat? If I continue to gain weight, I'm going to be treated the same as Asmo.

Come on, run.

Yes, sir.

　Having found a new goal, I ran out of the courtyard in high spirits.