Chapter 43: A New Way to Taste Wine
This was the first time she had experienced such a mysterious, indescribable sensation. A tingling, numbing feeling washed over her, and for a moment, Alice couldn't help but lose herself in it.
Shirou, of course, wasn't just focused on taking advantage of the situation. His right hand flickered with the blue light of magical energy, and a magnificent scabbard manifested.
It was, without a doubt, 「Avalon - The Everdistant Utopia」.
This scabbard, forged by Shirou himself, naturally possessed the same effects as the original, though Shirou had modified the "Absolute Defense" effect so that it only activated when he was nearby.
Princess Alice widened her eyes as the scabbard appeared. Though she was filled with curiosity, she was in no position to speak at the moment.
The magnificent scabbard, with golden patterns swirling over a blue base, turned into a streak of light at Shirou's command and merged into Alice's body, healing her from within.
Feeling this power, Alice's eyes snapped wide, filled with disbelief.
"Mmph... mmph...!?"
At this point, she could no longer care about being trifled with. She felt as though her entire body was soaking in a hot spring—warm and comfortable. Her skin began to flush with heat.
When Shirou finally lifted his head, Princess Alice covered her lips and took a deep breath, her eyes brimming with shock at how energetic her body had become.
"This feeling...!"
The joy of her physical recovery outweighed the lingering regret of her lost first kiss. Alice stood up gratefully and gave Shirou a respectful, deep bow.
"Thank you, my King!"
"I told you, when you bring me the clues I want, you will be rewarded," Shirou said with a smile.
Suddenly realizing something, Alice asked curiously, "King, that scabbard just now..."
"It's something that can continuously heal your body. You can consider it a divine artifact," Shirou replied.
Alice nodded, but still felt something was off. "Then why did you... to me..." She was, of course, referring to the kiss.
"Because I liked it," Shirou answered with a light laugh.
Upon hearing this, Alice's face instantly flushed a burning red with shy indignation.
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The warm sunlight shimmered on the surface of the sea. Below the crystal-clear water, dense schools of fish could be seen darting about.
Sardinia, the second-largest island in Italy, sits in the middle of the Mediterranean. It is a vast, isolated island, second only to Sicily in the Italian Mediterranean. The island features plains and granite mountains, gorgeous beach scenery, and a classic Mediterranean climate.
After traveling from Naples to Sardinia, Shirou checked into Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, under the hospitality of the local magic association.
"Regarding the 'Heretic God' that recently appeared here, is there a specific location?"
Lying on a chair aboard a luxury yacht, Shirou listened to the whistling tides and the wind as he asked Erica, who was serving beside him.
Princess Alice and Liliana were playing in the sea. The girls had all changed into light swimwear. Their fair, delicate skin reflected the sunlight, making them quite the sight to behold.
Having just recovered her health, Alice had followed Shirou here without hesitation. After speaking with Erica and Liliana, she was eager to witness a battle between the King and a 'Heretic God.'
"King, I have already ordered the local magic associations to gather information. I expect they will bring more precise news shortly."
At Erica's answer, Shirou nodded and took a sip of the champagne sitting on the table.
"That's fine. It gives us some time to enjoy ourselves."
Saying this, Shirou stood up and looked out at the azure sea. Then, as if remembering something, he turned back and reached out toward the golden-haired girl.
"You come too."
"Eh...?" Erica didn't immediately understand his meaning, but she instinctively reached out her hand.
The next moment, Shirou gripped her small, fair hand and pulled her as he leapt into the sea.
"Eek!!"
The girl's panicked cry danced amidst the waves.
.
.
.
Playing in the sea during a scorching summer is a beautiful thing. There were many people sunbathing on the beach, though if one forgot to apply sunscreen, it would end in torment.
Shirou was currently surrounded by a scene that would make any ordinary man envious. Three... no, counting Karen and Ariana, five beautiful girls with different charms were frolicking nearby.
"King, would you like to taste the fine wine Lucretia Zola has offered you?"
Erica used magic to produce a bottle of red wine and a tall goblet. After pouring the wine, she held it out to Shirou. She was currently wearing a bikini as vibrant as a rose. Her fair skin shimmered in the sun, and the seawater had dampened her smooth blonde hair, which spread across the water's surface.
"Lucretia Zola...?" Shirou tried to search his memory, but unfortunately, this person's presence was almost non-existent to him.
Erica immediately cleared up his confusion. "Lucretia Zola is a witch of Sardinia. Upon learning of the King's arrival, she immediately sent this token of respect."
Shirou nodded. "I see."
He took the glass from Erica and tasted the red wine. It was sweet with a hint of tartness, and a lingering fragrance remained in the glass—a truly memorable flavor.
"Mmm, not bad. Erica, you try some too."
At these words, Erica took a sip with eager anticipation.
"What do you think?" Shirou asked.
"Mmm... it's delicious..." Erica savored it with her eyes half-closed as she gave her verdict.
After a few glasses, perhaps because the wine was so mellow, or perhaps because she was so close to the King, Erica began to feel a slight intoxication. A faint blush rose to her cheeks like a blooming rose. Her charming golden hair drifted on the water, adding to her allure.
"Speaking of which, I'm curious to know what it tastes like when you taste it, Erica."
Shirou's sudden remark made Erica tilt her head in confusion.
"Eh? But haven't you already drank it?"
"No, I mean the flavor you experience, not the one I do," Shirou said in a teasing tone.
"How would we do that?" Erica asked.
Hearing this, Shirou poured more wine into the glass. The bright red liquid swirled in the goblet, and the sweet aroma began to drift even before it reached their lips.
"Like this."
Saying so, Shirou leaned down slightly.
"Mmm..."
The red wine slid down her snow-white neck, leaving a trail on the girl's porcelain-fair, tender, and soft skin.
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