The Great Mystic unfolded before Clive, Tipha, Arianna, and Lima, revealing a realm of ethereal beauty and mystery. The forest was bathed in a soft, shimmering light that filtered through the dense canopy of ancient trees. A delicate mist wove through the air, swirling around the undergrowth like a living, magical presence. The mist had a faint, sparkling quality, giving the impression that the very air was imbued with enchantment.
Birdsong and the gentle rustling of leaves were the only sounds that punctuated the serene silence, creating an atmosphere that was both peaceful and otherworldly. Occasional flashes of iridescent light darted between the trees, hinting at the presence of magical creatures that might dwell within the forest's depths. Clive trailed behind Arianna, Tipha, and Lima like a kitten following its mother. His eyes darted around at the mystical surroundings.
"This brings back a few memories, doesn't it Tipha?" Arianna said as she led the way with a calm and composed demeanor, her staff casting a soft light that illuminated the path ahead.
"I guess." Tipha walked beside her, her usual stern expression softened by the forest's serene beauty. "It hasn't really changed in all these years."
Lima, now a mature and graceful figure, walked with a gentle confidence, her silver tails swishing behind her as she moved. She would occasionally look back at Clive with a warm, protective gaze, her new form and demeanor adding an air of elegance and reassurance to the group. "It's beautiful…"
"Do you recall this area, Lima?" Tipha asked the silver haired wolf woman.
"No…" Lima responded, "This is new to me!"
Clive's gaze often lingered on Lima's new mature body, but did his best to look away when she was about to notice. Though, this time, she did, and he tried to change the topic as quickly as possible. "Miss Tipha, Miss Arianna?" he questioned, "When was the last time you both came here?"
Arianna giggled, "Us? About 50 years ago."
"FIFTY?!" Clive yelled. He then remembered that his bodyguards were elves, which made a lot more sense.
Tipha let out a friendly sigh after seeing this reaction. "If I recall correctly, there is a calm lake where we can set up camp for the night." she said, "Let us make it there before sunset."
***
The group soon arrived at a tranquil lake nestled within the heart of the forest. The lake's surface was so perfectly smooth and clear that it resembled a vast sheet of polished glass, reflecting the sky above with stunning clarity. The edges of the lake were bordered by lush greenery, with delicate flowers and ferns thriving in the damp soil. It was almost like a scene from a dream.
"Ah…finally." Tipha stretched, putting down her gear, "I'm tired…"
"Me too~" Arianna yawned. "I'm beat."
"...and I'm still dirty from the labyrinth" Lima grimaced, sniffing herself.
The three women looked at each other…and then at Clive. It was obvious that they were all thinking the same thing. "Little Clive…" Arianna started, "How about we all go for a swim? We can wash our clothes as well."
"A swim?" Clive said, unfazed. "But…"
"But what?"
Clive looked down, completely embarrassed, "I can't swim..."
Tipha then smiled playfully. "To think that the 7th prince doesn't even know how to swim!"
"Don't worry Master." Lima chirped, "Miss Lima will teach you! I am very good at swimming!"
Seeing the eagerness of his guards, he agreed. "Fine." he sighed.
"Well, that is settled then." Tipha said, with her arms crossed. "Oh, Lima. You do not have a swimsuit, do you?"
"S-swimsuit?" Lima asked, "What's that?"
Tipha sighed, reaching into her bag and pulling out a black and white bikini. The white one seemed to be more revealing than the black one. "I'll give you my spare. Come, let's get changed."
As the fox woman and the elf left to a secluded area behind the trees, Clive noticed that Arianna was still standing behind him. "Miss Arianna? Aren't you going with them to change as well?"
"I'm just waiting to see if you need help getting out of your pants, like last time." she giggled.
"Oh…uhh…" muttered a flustered Clive. "Y-yes…I do actually."
"I knew it~" Arianna then helped Clive remove his belt for the second embarrassing time on this journey, and promptly left to join the others. Clive was now alone. He removed his gear and clothes in silence. This journey so far had simply been him either running away or being protected by his bodyguards. In the back of his mind, he knew this can't go on forever. He had to get stronger, so he can show his siblings and father that he is on the same level…no, that he is beyond them.
The journey to the Jules Ruins is just the beginning.
As he made his way back to the edge of the lake, now clad in his underwear, he saw a sight that men would envy. The three women with curves a man could die for, all in a bikini. Their wet pale skin glistened under the light as they splashed water on each other.
Tipha stood tall, her presence commanding even in a black bikini. The dark material contrasted with her pale skin, hugging her curves and highlighting her toned body. The simplicity of the bikini only served to accentuate her natural elegance. Even with the playful atmosphere, she held a certain intensity, though her occasional smile showed a softer side.
Lima, on the other hand, wore a white bikini that seemed a bit too small for her mature, curvy form. The white fabric struggled to contain her generous figure, emphasizing her curves in a way that drew attention. Her breasts and hips seemed to be bursting out from the poor fabric string. Her silver hair cascaded down her back and into the water. There was an innocence to her look, despite her more grown-up form.
Arianna, always the elegant one, had chosen a luxurious blue bikini. The material shimmered slightly in the magical light, with intricate designs along the edges that made it appear more like a work of art than simple swimwear. The deep blue complemented her soft features and flowing hair, adding a regal touch to her appearance. She exuded calm and grace as she moved through the water, making her massive melons seem at ease.
"Ah…Little Clive!" she said, noticing the prince. "Come on in, the water isn't cold!"
"O-Ok…" Clive then slowly made his way into the water, when he realized that Arianna was lying. This water was freezing! He stopped half way, trying to get used to the temperature change. Seeing this Lima quickly walked over to Clive and stood over him with her arms on her hips. "Li…Miss Lima?!" he said, shocked. He could barely see her face under her breasts.
Without a word, she walked behind him and scooped Clive up effortlessly, her hands sliding under his arms. Clive let out a small yelp of surprise, feeling her firm grip lift him slightly. She giggled softly, holding him close to her chest as she walked him deeper into the cool water of the lake. "I did say I will teach you how to swim, didn't I?"
Clive's cheeks burned red as he felt Lima's body behind him. He couldn't even feel the coldness of the water with her warmth. The softness of her chest pressed lightly against his back. Every gentle step she took caused him to feel more flustered, her presence overwhelming but oddly comforting. She hummed a soft tune as she continued into the water, her curvy form surrounding him protectively. "
Master is so cute~" she cooed, slightly tickling him. Clive squirmed around, but it wasn't enough to escape her grasp. He looked to his elf bodyguards to help, but they simply giggled to themselves seeing the situation! Maybe having such a protective servant may have its benefits, but also embarrassing drawbacks!