kscans

Chapter 504 - Through the Seaside Forest Path

The last time I went on a real trip was when I was six, when my family went to Hokkaido.

Any long drives since then have been within the prefecture at most. As a result, I'm not used to traveling, so I quite enjoyed the nearly four-hour car ride.

There were some ups and downs along the way—Nia getting carsick and passing out, Sora grabbing my arm and charging into a rest stop out of curiosity, and Ashe single-handedly dominating a game of country name shiritori we played to pass the time—

"It looks like a hidden path…"

"Yeah, it has that vibe, like it leads to another world."

"…………"

We arrived at our destination around noon, and just as I'd heard, it was on the edge of the land with no town in sight. After driving for a while on a narrow road along the coast since entering Niigata, Ashe stopped the car. The spot where we got out seemed to be in the middle of nowhere, with no landmarks to speak of.

However, she wouldn't have declared, "We're here," if there wasn't something.

Observing carefully, I could see, in the forest across the narrow road from the seashore, a faint, man-made 'path.' The kind of thing a boy would love.

Sora, who had been taking short naps along the way, seemed to be in high spirits. She stood next to me, observing the 'hidden path' with great interest. On the other hand, Nia, who had been sleeping soundly due to her motion sickness, was nearly passed out and clinging to someone's back.

Apparently, she hadn't experienced many long car rides before.

Perhaps because she was officially classified as a patient, the other two showed no signs of pouting, even though she was leaning on me in her groggy state.

Even now, Sora was devotedly stroking Nia's back.

"—You're welcome to stay for a few days… or even just a little while."

"I appreciate the invitation, and I'm very honored, but I'll have to decline this time."

And there, a short distance from our huddle at the entrance to the forest path, on the side of the road,

Chitose-san waved from the driver's seat window at Ashe, who tilted her head with a concerned, deadpan expression.

He had volunteered only as a driver from the beginning, and it seemed he really was just handling the transportation, planning to head back immediately.

That meant a grueling round trip of nearly eight hours in one day. It was no wonder Ashe was concerned, but he himself looked perfectly fine. In fact, he seemed to be the most energetic of the five of us.

"…I understand. Thank you, Chitose. Be careful on your way back, and when you come to pick us up."

"Thank you for your concern as well. Leave your heavy responsibilities behind for a while and stretch your wings—You guys too, Haru-kun! Have a good vacation!"

At his words and gaze, the three of us bowed in response. With that, as if to say 'my job here is done,' Chitose Kazuharu briskly turned the wheel and drove back the way he came.

How should I put it… that man is a true demon of vitality. I can't quite explain it, but he's a reliable adult, and honestly, pretty cool.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's go."

"Alright—hey, Nia, hang in there. Can you walk?"

After seeing the car off, we followed Ashe's lead and stepped into the forest.

What looked like little more than a 'slightly better than a beast trail' from the outside quickly transformed into a carefully paved path once we walked a little further. It must be regularly maintained; the whole thing was so clean it felt like a designated walking course.

It was easy enough to walk on… but Nia looked seriously unwell.

"Uh… Ashe? You walked in so casually, so I'm not worried, but this isn't going to be a trek of several tens of minutes or hours, is it?"

If it was a decently long hiking course, I was planning to suggest a break. When I asked, our guide turned around, glanced at Nia, and gave a single nod.

"Don't worry, it's really just around the corner—we can see it now."

Sure enough, my worries were unfounded.

Before she had even finished her reply, the curtain of trees parted, and the sight of our true, hideaway-like destination spread out before us.

"Whoa, amazing…"

"Wow…"

There, in a clearing that seemed to have been carved out of the forest, stood a magnificent pension-style building that blended artistically with nature.

It looked to be two stories high but was considerably long, and the numerous windows on the exterior hinted at the number of rooms inside—it truly had the appearance of a small hotel.

Like the path leading here, it must be regularly maintained; there were no noticeable stains on the walls despite being in the mountains, and it was sparkling clean. It had the kind of presence that would definitely get you excited if you were told, "This is where we're staying tonight."

True to the advance information of a 'seaside villa,' the front of the building faced a panoramic view of the ocean.

I couldn't see what was below due to the distance, but from the looks of the 'cliff' with its safety railing, it was just blue as far as the eye could see.

Man, this is nice. The atmosphere is great. The location, off the main road and hidden from view, and the secret-base-like vibe are all excellent.

"I think it's safe with the railing, but the front of the building is a bit of a cliff, so be careful. I'll show you the ramp down to the beach below later."

"And that beach is?"

"Technically, a private beach. Though it's not very big."

"Haaah… Once again, we're in a different world—ah, yes, yes, I get it, I get it, sorry, you're not feeling well, right, let's rest. Ashe, is there somewhere she can lie down for a bit…!"

"Mmm. I'll show you to a room."

First things first, I had to take care of the limp young lady hanging off my right arm, who was reaching her limit. I turned to follow Ashe back toward the building… I wanted to, but…! Hey, seriously, just hang on a little longer, the goal is right there!

"Ah, this is no good…! Hey, Sora, can you support her on the right…!"

"Ah, haha… Come on, Nia-san, you'll be able to lie down soon, so hang in there!"

In the real world, I didn't have the courage to just hoist her up due to my strength issues, so I had no choice but to make an immediate request for help from my partner.

And so, as the two of us supported Nia from either side and followed, our eyes met with Ashe's as she stopped and turned around—

"—…Hehe."

Her hair fluttering in the sea breeze, she let out a small chuckle.

That rare smile, breaking her usual deadpan expression… was undoubtedly proof that the one and only Alicia White was in an exceptionally good mood.

Excellent. Let's enjoy this to the fullest.