After resting enough and getting ready for swimming…
"Little Eula, speaking of which, do you have a swimsuit?"
"Swimming itself is one of the noble accomplishments the Lawrence family values. Naturally, the proper attire was prepared as well…"
Little Eula took out her swimsuit. The old uncle glanced at it.
It was a bit like Barbara's swimsuit—one-piece with a skirt, blue, and safety shorts underneath.
The old uncle nodded in satisfaction.
The presence of safety shorts was reassuring.
Little Eula's swimsuit, all things considered, was very wholesome. It carried the magnificence of the Lawrence family, and because of the nobility's emphasis on etiquette…
Surprisingly, just like Little Kokomi's, it was the kind of swimsuit that could also be worn as casual clothes.
"Perfect. Then let's pack up and go swimming!"
…
The old uncle and Little Eula, having changed into their swimsuits in separate spots, looked at each other.
"Hmm. Little Eula looks unexpectedly cute."
This was the old uncle's heartfelt assessment.
Before, just seeing the clothes, he'd only thought the swimsuit itself looked nice. Now that Little Eula was wearing it, combined with the girl's shy expression and the body lines that were just beginning to develop…
All he could say was—the swimsuit was good, and the person wearing it was good too.
"Hmm… I understand."
Little Eula looked at the old uncle. For a moment, she was too shy to meet his gaze directly, so her eyes only lingered on his outfit…
Right now, the old uncle was wearing blue-and-white beach pants paired with a brown short-sleeved floral shirt that matched an old man's aesthetic…
It was just as covered-up as Little Eula's clothes.
Little Eula pulled Little Kokomi close and asked in a low voice.
"Kokomi, when the old uncle came with you yesterday, was he wearing this outfit?"
Little Kokomi shook her head.
Little Eula confirmed it—the old uncle had changed clothes out of shyness, to guard against her.
Thank goodness. It wasn't just her who was feeling shy.
Little Eula let out a small breath of relief.
Good thing. If she'd seen the old uncle wearing only swim trunks, she didn't know what strange expression her face would have made.
Even so, it was still obvious that the old uncle wasn't the muscular type. Looking at his body outline—thanks to proper exercise in recent years—he had a capable, fit build.
"Into the water, into the water~"
The old uncle was the first to dive into the sea. Not long after, he floated back up to the surface.
Don't forget—today's afternoon theme was swimming.
Little Eula watched the old uncle who had rushed into the water first and felt a bit helpless.
He was far too impatient. Couldn't he at least do a warm-up set before going in?
Whatever. A little exercise wouldn't hurt. Might as well have fun properly.
Meanwhile, Little Kokomi had already familiarly entered the water and swam over to the old uncle's side, beginning to guide him in swimming.
The old uncle's water-combat ability had improved.
However, there was one rather regrettable point—his current diving ability still needed work.
It was hard to understand why Little Kokomi could stay underwater for so long, as if she could breathe down there.
Hmm. And that place in Fontaine… I'd heard the waters of the Fontaine nation were granted special authority by the Hydro Archon, allowing people to breathe underwater in Fontaine's seas…
Hmm. Nahida is still studying in Inazuma. Her growth still needs time, so there's no rush to head to Sumeru yet.
The next nation… let's go to Fontaine. I feel like Fontaine's underwater world must be really interesting.
The old uncle surfaced from underwater, came up, then dove again…
Not good—seawater got into his nose…!
Having seawater choke your nose was not a pleasant experience at all…
Extremely uncomfortable.
Seawater really did have far too much salt…
Focus on swimming for now.
If I can master swimming here in Inazuma, won't I have the time of my life once I reach Fontaine?
The old uncle earnestly practiced according to Little Eula and Little Kokomi's instructions.