The emperor crab cried out in pain. No matter how hard its shell was, it was useless against an attack that could bypass defenses and strike directly inside the enemy’s body. The monster furiously swung its giant pincers at its back, trying to hit Caim.
“I guess your size isn’t just for show. A single blow isn’t going to be enough,” Caim commented, impressed by the emperor crab’s vitality. He avoided the pincer that had been about to crush him and swung his right arm using another basic technique of the Toukishin Style. “Seiryuu!”
Creating a high-frequency blade of condensed mana, Caim aimed at a joint that wasn’t covered by the crab’s hard shell and severed its pincer, causing the monster to screech in pain.
“Now that I think about it, I read somewhere that in a foreign country, they call crabs ‘kani’—which can mean ‘an insect easy to take apart.’” Smirking, Caim used Seiryuu on his other arm and struck them together, making a metallic clang. “I guess I should follow the meaning and take you apart, then. Lykos should be glad to have more to eat.”
The emperor crab whined, retreating fearfully. It finally understood that it had attacked someone it shouldn’t have.
“It’s too late to run away. Now that I’ve mastered swimming, I have no weakness.” If the emperor crab had attacked while Caim still hadn’t known how to swim, he might have let it go, but he had no reason to do so now.
Caim grinned savagely as he slashed at the giant monster. The emperor crab tried to flee, but Caim cut off its escape. Unable to hide due to its enormous body, it ended up in pieces ten minutes later.
“I’ve never had crab before, but man, it tastes great,” Caim said happily as they ate boiled crab on the beach.
The large pot before them was filled with the remains of the emperor crab, and next to it were shrimp, shellfish, and other seafood, releasing a delicious smell as they cooked. Just after killing the emperor crab, a passing fisherman had offered to exchange some of his haul, a pot, and a grill for part of the monster Caim had just killed.
“The soup is delicious. The broth, in particular, is exquisite.”
“Yes, it has such a rich and deep flavor. I feel revitalized.”
Millicia and Lenka both commented on the crab soup as they drank, their faces relaxing.
“Grrraow... This fish is so good.”
“This shellfish seems to be ready to eat. I’m sure it’ll go well with butter.”
Tea and Rozbeth, meanwhile, were focusing on the barbecued fish and shellfish.
As for Lykos, she simply ate anything within her reach without stopping, stuffing her cheeks like a hamster.
Swimming, playing, and eating—everyone was enjoying the brief moment of peace at the beach.
“Hey, that looks delicious. Do you mind if I join?”
“Lance...” Millicia stared at her brother, who had gone fishing. He was holding a bucket with several fish in it. “It seems you have been enjoying yourself as well.”
“Yeah, it’s been so long since I’ve had a holiday. It was great. Also, as you can see, I caught quite the haul, so do you mind if I grill them with yours?” Not waiting for an answer, Lance removed fish after fish from his bucket, skillfully gutted them with a knife, and then skewered them before lining them on the grate.
“Huh. I didn’t expect a prince to be so good at this,” Caim commented.
“I fish as a hobby, so I’m used to it. In the past, Arthur and Millicia would sometimes come with me too,” Lance said with a nostalgic smile. “Do you remember that time, back when Father was still healthy, when Arthur and I competed to see who could catch the biggest fish?”
“Yes, I do. The two of you got really serious about it... I could not possibly forget,” Millicia replied.
“Everything was so much better when Father was in good health. Arthur wasn’t so focused on becoming the emperor, and there was no discord between us. We even promised to come back and play again together sometime...”
Hearing her brother’s words, Millicia’s expression clouded, and her gaze grew distant as she lost herself in the memories of her bygone childhood.
“I knew I would never be able to come here with Arthur again, so I’m glad I could at least be here with you, Millicia... Though you just flirted with your boyfriend instead of spending time with me.”
“L-Lance...”
“I’m not angry. In fact, I’m relieved to have found a man I can entrust my little sister to... Ah, seems like it’s ready.” Lance took a grilled fish, blew on it to cool it down, then bit into it, savoring its taste.
“...Is there no way to return to those days?” Millicia asked.
“I don’t think so... Even if we can, Arthur can’t. He is a military man to the core. If we manage to defeat him, I’m sure he would rather kill himself than be shown mercy anyway.”
Millicia fell silent, chewing on her lip. She agreed with her brother—Arthur Garnet would never submit. He would fight until his last breath.
“Hmph... Who cares about that?”
“Mmmgh?!”
“Enough with the gloomy talk. You’re ruining our dinner,” Caim said, annoyed, as he pushed some crab into Millicia’s mouth. “Haven’t you and Arthur already made your choice? Then stop wasting time brooding on stuff like that.”
“...Yes, you are right. Sorry,” Millicia apologized.
“Just forget about it and eat. It’ll make you feel better. Eat until you feel like throwing up,” Caim said, pushing some crab and grilled seafood in front of her.
“I-I cannot eat that much!” Millicia protested, though she still tried to eat everything she was given.
Lance chuckled, gazing at his sister with a heartwarming smile.