The weather is great.
There isn’t a cloud in the sky and the sun is shining brightly.
To top it off, the special swimming pool in Irene Land has been completed.
It’s truly a day to fool around and enjoy to the fullest.
As luck would have it, the “Game Development Wrap Party” of Sin City and Galaxy Craft is still unfinished due to various busyness.
On a day like this, we can’t not have fun!
I told everyone.

“Let’s play until we drop dead today!!”

[ “Waaahhhhh!!” ]

Hearing my words, everyone cheered, throwing their work magical tools aside in excitement.
Seeing the lifeless faces of everyone light up, I felt happy too.
After all, putting everyone through seven months of non-stop overtime did seem a bit harsh.
Thus, our Irene School’s [Pool Wrap Party] began.

*

Splash!!!!
“Pwaaaang!!!!” Baren!!! How far did I fly this time?”
“Let’s see…Noirin hyung, you flew 13 meters this time.”
“13 meters!? That’s not an improvement at all!!! I shall try again!!!”

The swimming pool built in Irene Land was quite similar to one from my previous life.
It featured wave pools to experience ocean waves, and lazy rivers to float along effortlessly, among other similar attractions.
Instead of electric devices, it used magical tools that consumed mana.
The one I poured my heart into was a massive diving slide measuring 120 meters in length.
It sent you flying into a 120m pool, a recreation of something I once found amusing on the internet in my previous life.
And sure enough, the clergy were having a blast riding it like crazy.
Watching that spectacle, Master and I lay back comfortably on sunbeds.

“Peace truly seems to be the best, my disciple.”
“Indeed. Peace seems the best, Master.”

Master was wearing a cute swimsuit with purple lace, while I was in a simple black swim trunk.
We chilled in sunglasses, enjoying the tranquil moment under the sun.
Then suddenly, a question popped into my mind.

“By the way, what did you do on days like this back in the day, Master?”
“How far back are you talking about?”

Hmm… how many years should I ask about?
Since I heard about the dragon invasion from the demon realm 400 years ago just last time, I’ll ask about something more recent.
“Let’s say about 200 years ago, please.”

At my words, Master placed a hand on his temple, deep in thought, before replying.
“Hmm… 200 years ago… Ah!? That was during a time of civil war in the Empire!”

Now that I think about it, I seem to recall learning in history class that the Empire was in civil war around that time.
What would one do on a sunny day during a civil war?
As my curiosity grew, Master spoke in an unexpectedly realistic tone.

“On a sunny day when there’s no invading lord from other regions, one would have to do laundry, gather drinking water, or hunt for food supplies.”
“M-Must’ve been tough.”

Well… if you didn’t prepare for survival during a civil war when there’s a break in fighting, then it would lead to big trouble later.
Master looked like he truly went through some hardships, shuddering as he spoke.
“Don’t even mention it, disciple, it felt like I was going to die from the hardships.”
“Yet given your power, it seems like you should’ve received good treatment from the lords, why didn’t that happen?”

From what I gathered, Master had made efforts to minimize wars or reduce casualties since at least 500 years ago.
I figured he might’ve done the same 200 years ago, making me slightly curious.
No matter how good a thing it is, why did Master go through such hardships?
At my words, Master had a nostalgic expression on his face as he spoke.

“It’s because of a promise with that person, my disciple.”
“That person?”

Who in the world was the person Master was referring to?
At that moment, an unexpectedly familiar name came from Master’s lips.

“It’s a promise with ‘Karuga’.”

Karuga!?
Here, it’s Karuga!!?
As my curiosity exploded at the mention of the prominent figure who has appeared twice as the protagonist in our game, a voice called out from behind me.

“Yuren, are you not going to get in the pool?”

Turning around at Sylvia’s refreshing voice, I found her, Julia, and Sora there.
They were dressed in swimsuits!!!

“Yuren! Please put some sunblock on my back so I don’t get burnt.”
“Yuren! The lamb sausage you like is cooked perfectly! Eat with me!”

Sylvia wore a monokini in a color that matched her blue-themed image, showing off her side curves.
She exuded a vibe that was both sexy and intelligent, truly fitting for Sylvia.
Julia donned a yellow string bikini that emphasized her ample cleavage—both alluring and powerful.
Finally, Sora appeared in a cute white tube-top bikini, not as busty as the others, but it perfectly showcased her youthful charm.

Looking at the three of them in their swimsuits, I forgot what conversation we were having.
Whatever it was, it probably wasn’t as important as this.

“Oh… I was just about to jump in.”
“Sora, don’t you have something for me?”
“Of course! I brought ice cream just for you, Irene!”
“Wow!! Thanks, Sora!!”

Master took the strawberry ice cream that Sora had brought and happily began to eat.
Under the beautiful sky and sunlight, I felt mesmerized by the alluring figures of the three before me.
Ah, yes, it really is best to take a break when needed.
Just like the captain in an old gambling manga said, you should indeed indulge when the time comes.
So, let’s release my desires… or maybe just play around!!

As I raised myself from the sunbed to spend some fun time…!
Suddenly, a voice rang out.

“Yuren! Minerva is looking for you!!!”

Ah, not again!!!
Let me have some fun!!!!

*

The weather is great.
There isn’t a single cloud in the sky, and the sun is shining brightly.
On such a lovely day, I find myself in a place where I can’t have fun at all.

“Excuse me, Minerva.”
“Yes, Yuren.”
“Can I ask why you called me here?”
“Actually, we’re not sure about that either.”

I was abruptly summoned by Minerva and flown here to Zephia.
Now, I’m waiting nervously for the person who called me in this beautiful garden.

“No matter how I think about it, I am certainly not someone worthy of being invited to the ‘Palace’.”

Today, the one who called me is none other than the current highest authority in the Empire, “Her Majesty, Queen Olivia Aurelia.”
Now it’s gotten to the point where even the queen calls for me… It reminds me of stories about superstars being called by countless presidents after their success in their previous lives and suffering through it all.
So this is how it feels.

“Certainly, you’ve accomplished a lot. Just the recent ‘Tax Evasion of the Eight Families’ incident alone is a significant achievement worthy of your invitation.”

Minerva said this casually, as if it were nothing.
Well, as a minister, she’d indeed meet the queen often.
Just as I was thinking, a servant came in and announced.

“The Queen is coming out.”

With the announcement of her highness, both Minerva and I hurriedly stood up.
The garden door opened, and in strode Her Majesty, with her platinum hair flowing, boasting of an incredible youthful appearance at the age of 42.

“We greet Her Majesty.”
“We greet Her Majesty.”

As we quickly bowed our heads, the queen approached us and spoke.

“Seeing the young geniuses of the Empire makes me feel young again.”
“You flatter us, Your Majesty.”
“Well then, let’s sit.”

Once we sat, maids behind us quickly moved to serve high-quality herbal tea.
As the queen sipped, Minerva and I followed suit.

“There’s no need to be so tense, Wizard Yuren.”
“Ah… yes…”

Seeing the queen is not the first time since the last decoration ceremony, but meeting such high-level individuals always made me tense.

“The reason I called you today is simply out of curiosity about games, not concerning the incidents with the Kingdom of Ra or the Eight Families.”
“Games?”

At the Queen’s unexpected words, my body relaxed suddenly.
Well, when it comes to games, there’s no need to be tense.

“Being here, I hear lots of stories about the Empire. I’ve also heard that the game you created has changed many aspects of the Empire.”
“Really?”
“Thus, it suddenly reminded me of what the late Emperor once said.”

The Queen’s face turned slightly nostalgic as she reminisced about her late husband.
Why are there so many people showing such nostalgic expressions lately?
Maybe an ‘Nostalgia Virus’ is going around?

“The late Emperor said that during a time of peace, the power of culture is more important than anything else. And the game you created has beautifully represented that power of culture. I believe it’s an achievement that surpasses the Incident of the Eight Families.”
“You flatter me again, Your Majesty.”

I braced myself.
I could sense that the main topic was about to emerge.

“However, it seems that no game has yet truly encapsulated the essence of the Zers Empire.”
“The Zers Empire?”

Just as I expected!!
Even a monkey can understand the timing after three years of experience.
Darn…

“Yes, it seems there isn’t a game that can bring joy to all, young and old, and be respected by everyone.”
“Y-You’re right…”

For everyone to enjoy…
To be respected by everyone means it shouldn’t be too childish…
“Wizard Yuren, is it possibly feasible for you to create such a game?”

The Queen’s expression was far from one of a mere request.
Instead, it was a subtle form of coercion disguised as a request.
But after three plus years of experience, I was used to even that expression.
I casually shared the game I had been contemplating since before.

“Well… actually, I’ve had something in mind for a while now.”
“What is it?”

At that moment, I heard the sound of that animal.

“Pika—!”