Mr. Lowe chose a beautiful lake and a lakeside area with trees surrounding it as a resting place for the carriage.

　We parked the carriage there and took another break there.

　We get out of the carriage and walk to the beautiful lake with Mother Erna, whose numb legs have subsided.

　There are many shadows near the lake, thanks to the tall trees and thick foliage. Thanks to that, it's much cooler than the plains.

　The sound of birds chirping and the faint sound of water echoing in the vicinity of the lake are a delight as I continue on my way.

　When we arrived at the lake, it was still larger than it looked from a distance.

　The water reflects a number of trees, and every time the wind calms down, the ripples spread out.

　The water was so clear that you could see the bottom of the water when it was shallow. There were small river fish swimming in the water, and it was interesting to watch them.

　You can hear insects or squeaking in the area.

　A large white bird was standing on a fallen tree, which indicated that this place was full of living things.

'It's a nice place,'

Yeah.

　Me and mother Erna didn't say much, just stood still and enjoyed nature.

　Because we couldn't spend a leisurely time with practice and lunch preparation when we took a break on the plains. This time we're going to take a break this time to relax like this.

　I crouch down near the water while Erna's mom looks out at the distant view.

　Small fish are churning around in the shallow water.

　I love watching them wriggle their bodies and swim gracefully with their fins.

　As I stared at the small fish for a while, a creature with a crusty shell like a crayfish slowly crawled out from under a rock.

　The crayfish-like creature has a sand color that seems to assimilate into the sand and stones. It is so mimetic that even I don't notice it at a glance.

　The pseudo-crayfish stands still beside the stone without doing anything. However, the sense of touch extending from its head always points only toward the small fish.

　Perhaps it is waiting for the little fish that are swimming around.

　Without noticing it, the little fish moves around and, out of curiosity, approaches the stone where the crayfish is located.



　Mother Erna, who seems to have crouched down next to me before I knew it, muttered to herself.

　Apparently, this crayfish-like creature is called a Sigurgh. While I'm thinking that's a pretty cool name, the little fish is slowly swimming to the stone.

　From its leisurely swimming style, it must not be aware of its natural enemy nearby.

'I wonder what will happen?'

The little fish don't see the Sigurgh, but they'll just change directions and run away.

'That's certainly possible. I get the feeling this fish's eyes are somewhat like Al's, and I can't read his behavior.

'I don't look this dumb.

　It's mind-boggling to me that I resemble such a dumb looking fish.

'I'd vote for Sigurgh to get me.

So I'm going to run.

　Me and Mother Erna say this to each other and watch the little fish's fate closely.

　The little fish, who didn't seem to notice the gaze of Mother Erna, me and Sigurgu, just walked past the stone.

Mom!　Let's practice again!

　As I was about to pass, Sister Elinora called out loudly from behind me.

　Sister Elinora's well spoken voice rippled on the surface of the water, startling a small fish that had tried to pass by the stone and moved away.

''...........''

　Oh, I didn't expect it to turn out like this.

　I roll my eyes, but grin.

'I guess I win,'

'That one is invalid because it was interfered with by a third party. If it had gone that way, the little fish would have been caught by Sigurgh.

'Assumptions don't mean anything. The little fish got away as a result, so my prediction was correct.

I demand a do-over. I can't allow this--

Mom!　Practice!

　As if to interrupt the conversation between me and Erna, Sister Elinora lets out a loud voice.

　As expected, Mother Elna feels she can't ignore Sister Elinora, and looks back at her with a sense of urgency.

'I don't want to. It's a good thing that you're able to get a break from practicing every time you take a break. Hey, Al?

Absolutely, mother.

　Mother Erna's words, which sounded like a relief, and I agree with her wholeheartedly.

　Elinora's expression twitches as she gulps down her words at the words of Erna and I.

　Now is the time to take a break, not the time to move our bodies.

　We are going to rest our bodies and minds slowly, try to refresh ourselves and get through the grueling journey of the carriage.

　There is no point in having them show off their strength and spirit by practicing hard during their rest periods.

　Perhaps Mother Erna thinks the same way I do, and she makes no pretense of accepting Elinora's request.

''Hey, just once.''

'No. It's break time and Elinora should be resting up too.

　Sister Elinora made a rare submissive move, but Mother Erna answered curtly and returned her gaze to the water.

　Sister Elinora was defeated in a way that showed the disparity between her and Mother Erna while being confident.

　That's also while mixing in with the knight's exercises in the royal capital and improving her abilities.

　When there are other strong people close to you besides Nord Dad, the one who can't leave you alone is Elinora sister, who is a battle fanatic.

　Her gaze seems to be far more respectful than usual.

''........Hey.''

No.

"Training.

No means no.

Shit!　That's why my mom and Al are no good at this!

What do you mean no?

What do you mean no?

　Don't be rude. If it's just Mother Erna, I don't want you to get me mixed up in it too.

　Me and Mother Erna are offended, but we compose ourselves and look at Sigurgh who is standing by the stone.

　How does he see us? I'm wondering what he's thinking about. I've been thinking lately that I'd like to hear the voices of insects, animals and demons from time to time. However, if I hear them, it will be too noisy.

　When I was absent-mindedly thinking about this, I saw Elinora sister making her expression difficult.

　She seems to be thinking about how to get mother Erna to train with her.

　I'm a little curious as to what words Sister Elinora will use to try to get Mother Erna to move.

　As I was glancing at her, Elinora said as if she had an idea.

'Oh, I wish I could see a cooler mom!

'Hey, what does Elinora usually think of me?　I can't let you off the hook for saying "no" earlier.

　I don't know if I missed Sister Elinora's words, but Mother Erna stands up with a frustrated look on her face.

　Oh?　For Mother Erna, she moved in a straightforward manner. I didn't expect her to act on those words from Elinora's sister.

　After all, is the dignity of a mother important to Mother Erna?

　It's a good idea to have a good time with your friends.

'It's practice.

All right!　Well, let's go that way--

　With a big smile on her face, Sister Elinora pulls on Mother Erna's arm, but her expression hardens when she hears her next words.

'However, magical.'

...What?

'How long does it take you to just light the wood for lunch? I've burned a lot of wood to ashes...

Yeah, Mom?　What I want to do is practice my sword, but...

'That's why Elinora is no good for you.

No!

　Looking at Elinora sister's puzzled back and forth, Mother Erna lets out a big sigh.

　You can say that the area where Elinora sister sarcastically comes up with the lines she said earlier here shows the quality of her character.

''For goodness sake, Elinora should turn her attention to magic a little more.

　Maybe it's because of the preachy dialogue. Sister Elinora, sensing the disgusting atmosphere, tries to sneak away by untying her arms, but this time it's Mother Erna who catches her.

'Where are you going, Elinora?'

I think I'll just take a break over there!

'What are you talking about, you're going to practice?　See, there's just enough water here for you to be able to use fire magic to your heart's content. And I'm a wizard by trade. I mean, I'm at my coolest when I'm doing magic, you know?　mother
Elinora wants to see her parents look cool, right?

　Sister Elinora could only nod coyly at the angry words and pressure by Mother Erna.

　That's what happens when you try to sway Mother Erna with careless words.

　I'm not going to be able to help you, but I'm going to be able to help you.