-No One's P.O.V-

At Landosol, we see Kokkoro was in line because she's going to have a lucky raffle event today.

Kokkoro: (There's nothing like the big city of Landosol. Where else can I take part in a lottery with tickets I got for free by shopping?)

Kokkoro thought to herself with the tickets in her hands.

Kokkoro: (Those shoes...I bet they'd look great on my lord.)

Host: Okay, little lady, you're next.

Kokkoro: Y-Yes, sir.

Kokkoro then steps up and places the tickets on the table in front of the Host.

Kokkoro: Here you are.

Host: Alright. You get four tries.

Kokkoro: Okay.

Kokkoro then grabs the handle and starts moving it in circles and a few seconds later, all she got was just gray balls which is unlucky.

Host: Too bad! You get one more try, though.

Kokkoro: R-Right...

Kokkoro then inhales and exhales and says...

Kokkoro: Great Lady Ameth, please lend me strength.

Kokkoro then grabs the handle and spins again until she stops spinning and her face was in awe because of something that she luckily got...

-Time Skip to Sunset-

Hours later, we see Karyl planting the seedlings until she lets out a sigh of relief.

Karyl: Whew...I worked up a good sweat again today. I've even gotten attached to the seedlings, after giving them so much attention.

Karyl says proudly until her stomach starts rumbling.

Karyl: I sound like Pecorine...Darn it! I'm hungry!

...

Karyl: I'm back...is dinner ready?

Yuuki: Welcome back!

In front of Karyl, she sees everyone holding Beach floaties.

Pecorine: Karyl! Karyl! Kokkoro won first prize in a lottery!

(Y/N): Yup, lucky her!

Pecorine: We're going to the beach! The beach!

Pecorine says enthusiastically as she throws the beach ball toward Karyl. Karyl then drops the bag and quickly catches the beach ball.

Karyl: Eh!?! The beach?!

-The Next Day-

The next day came as the Gourmet Guild members arrived at the Beach.

Pecorine: Yahoo! Look, it's the ocean! How crazy is that? Thank you, Kokkoro!

Kokkoro: I'm happy to see you enjoying it.

Kokkoro says while Yuuki is giving a thumb up.

At the back, we see Karyl hiding behind a tree because she was embarrassed to show her swimsuit until Pecorine suddenly pops out of nowhere and finds Karyl.

Pecorine: Found you, Karyl! Come on now, Don't just hide back here!

Karyl: H-Hey!

Karyl then looks in front of her and sees Kokkoro and Yuuki staring at her.

Karyl: S-Stop looking at me! I'll kill you!

Karyl says out of embarrassment as she begins to thought to herself.

Karyl: (I never imagined we'd be coming to the beach right after I was ordered to observe them!)

Pecorine: By the way, where's (Y/N)?

Yuuki: I don't know.

Kokkoro: Ehehe, I'm sure he's taking his time on changing his clothes

And speaking of the devil...

(Y/N): Yo, I'm here now!

Everyone looked to where you are until they all saw something that is quite beautiful...

(Y/N): Kept you guys waiting, huh?

You said with an enthusiastic grin on your face as Pecorine, Karyl, and Kokkoro were all blushing at the sight of your very well-built body.

(Y/N): So...did I miss anything?

Kokkoro: N-No, y-you didn't...

Kokkoro says while looking away with a slight blush on her face.

(Y/N): Oh okay, cool.

Yuuki then comes up to you and lightly punches your abs as he gives out a nod of approval with a thumb up.

Yuuki: Nice bod!

(Y/N): Thanks, lil' dude.

You said as you and Yuuki gave a high five at each other. You then turned back to Karyl and Pecorine who was a little mesmerized by your muscles.

(Y/N): Hey, eyes up here, you two.

Karyl:! A-Ah!!! I-I wasn't l-l-looking at your muscles...!!

Karyl says who is now seriously embarrassed as she turns away with her face beet red as you let out a chuckle.

(Y/N): Hey Pecorine, wanna go swimming with me?

You offered with your hand out to her as Pecorine's glanced at your muscles for a bit until a slight smirk comes into her face.

Pecorine: Sure, I'd love to!

(Y/N): Alright, let's go.

You then hold Pecorine's hand as you and her start to walk towards the ocean waters.

Karyl: H-Hey, wait for me...!

Karyl says as she runs after you two.

...

Pecorine: Get good and wet!

Pecorine then throws water onto Yuuki's face until his eyes started burning.

Yuuki: My eyes! My yes! My eyes!

Kokkoro: Ocean water has salt in it. The best thing to do is close your eyes.

(Y/N): (Sheesh, you just had to tell us.)

Yuuki's eyes were eventually recovered. He then tasted the saltwater on his fingers and said...

Yuuki: Salty. Salty!

Yuuki then splashes the water onto you, Pecorine, and Kokkoro.

(Y/N): Dude, stop! You're getting on my eyes!

Pecorine: Now you've done it, Yuuki! If that's how it is...

(Y/N): Pecorine, don't!

Pecorine: Princess Splash!!

Pecorine then uses her hand to horizontally splash through the water, which created a big wave and it hits both Kokkoro and Yuuki.

Kokkoro & Yuuki: Ahh...!!

Kokkoro & Yuuki lightly screamed while being washed away by the wave.

(Y/N): Oh jeez...

...

Karyl: What are they even doing? Are they children?

Pecorineo: Karyl! Come swim with me and (Y/N)!

Pecorine says as she jumps onto Karyl.

Karyl: Hey! Get off! You're gonna drown me!

(Y/N): (Bruh, that's what cats do when they don't like water...)

Pecorine: What? Can't you swim?

Karyl: N-No, I can't! So get off me!

(Y/N): (That's even more Bruh.)

Pecorine: Let me invite you on a cruise, then!

Karyl: Huh?

Suddenly, Pecorine starts pushing Karyl's floatie as Pecorine swings while Karyl was holding onto her floatie as the two were almost to the deep sea level.

Pecorine: The boat is now departing!

Karyl: No, wait! Don't take me where my feet won't touch the bottom!

Pecorine: This feels great! How crazy is that?

Karyl: NOOO!! (Y/N)!! SAVE ME, PLEASE!! SAVE ME!!

Karyl cries out in desperation as you, Kokkoro, and Yuuki were watching the two on the shore.

Kokkoro: Those two seem to be having a nice time.

(Y/N): Hehehe, yeah...I'm just gonna join those two for a bit.

You said as you fly towards Karyl and Pecorine to have a bit of fun and teasing.

-Mini Time Skip-

A few minutes later of swimming around the beach with Karyl and Pecorine as the three of you eventually got back to the shore.

(Y/N): You okay, kitty?

Karyl: S-Shut up...! I honestly hate it when you tease me back there...!

Karyl says angrily with a light blush as you let out a small chuckle.

Pecorine: Whew...I wore myself out on the way back. How crazy was that?

Karyl: "How crazy was that," my foot! Don't take the sea lightly!

Kokkoro: How unusual. You almost never tire out, Miss Pecorine.

(Y/N): Yeah. I was wondering if you were born with that kind of special habit to gain power just by eating food.

Pecorine: Actually, just between us...The armor I usually wear has all kinds of beneficial effects. Improved physical strength, enhanced nourishment, recovery from exhaustion, and even protection from stiff shoulders and cold.

(Y/N): Whoa...

Kokkoro: Really?

Pecorine: But, in exchange, using it makes me hungry. How crazy is that? Without my armor, I'm not different from any other girl.

(Y/N): (Damn, never woulda' thought that armor is something special in exchange to eat food to gain strength. Seriously, Pecorine is like a Saiyan!)

Kokkoro: I had no idea there was such a secret to your strength and appetite.

Karyl: H-Hang on! Should you really be telling us about that?

Pecorine: Of course! We're friends, after all!

???: S-Stop!

Everyone turned to the source of the voice and to your surprise...

...it was Suzume who was trying to stop the donkey from rampaging.

You let out a sigh as you raised your right hand, and at the right time, you grabbed the wagon and stop it in its tracks as the donkey was pulled back by the sudden brakes from you.

(Y/N): There you go.

-Mini Time Skip-

After things calmed down, Suzume begins to apologize.

Suzume: Th-Thank you for your help!

Kokkoro: Are you alright, Miss Suzume?

Suzume: Kokkoro, (Y/N), it's good to see you two again!

(Y/N): *Nods* Mm.

Karyl: Oh, you three know each other?

Kokkoro: Yes. We met at the bazaar.

(Y/N): Plus, she was the one who helped us, along with Rima carry our stuff back when Kokkoro and I were shopping a while ago.

Karyl: Oh, you're the...

Suzume turns around and bows at Karyl and Pecorine.

Suzume: Pleased to meet you. I'm Suzume of Sarendia Orphanage.

Karyl: Likewise. I'm Karyl.

Pecorine: I'm Pecorine!

Yuuki: *Thumb up* Yuuki.

Kokkoro: What's all this?

Kokkoro asks, pointing at the barrels on the wagon.

Suzumee: Well, we've actually started a beach-side snack hut. Oh, I know!

-Mini Time Skip-

A few minutes later, the six of you arrived at a beach-side snack hut because Suzume asked everyone if they want to eat something as the Gourmet Guild members obliged the offer.

Saren: It's wonderful to see you again.

(Y/N): Hello again, Saren.

Saren: So, you three are Kokkoro and (Y/N)'s guildmates? Nice to meet you.

Pecorine: This is a lovely establishment.

Saren: Thanks.

Suzume: Have you decided what you'd like to order?

Suzume asked as she hands Pecorine the food menu.

Pecorine: It looks amazing! Everything from here to here! All of it, please!

...

A couple of minutes later, the food arrived on the table and Pecorine was in awe at the sight of the food.

(Y/N)/Kokkoro/Pecorine/Yuuki: Let's eat!

All of you prayed before munching down the food.

Saren: You were right. It really is a joy to watch them eat.

Karyl: By the way, I notice there's no one else here, even though it's lunchtime.

Pecorine: You're right. And the food's so good, too!

(Y/N): Are we alone on this beach?

Saren: Not really. The truth is, there's one more snack hut on this beach, and their featured menu item drew away all our customers.

Pecorine: Don't worry! I'll just come here to eat every day!

Karyl: That would blow the Gourmet Guild's entire budget! Rein it in!

(Y/N): Anyway, we should go check on what the other snack hut looks like.

Kokkoro: Yeah. Just what is their featured menu item?

Saren: Well...

Saren begins to explain everything from top to bottom.

-Mini Time Skip-

Upon arriving at the location, we see a large beach snack hut and in front of the counter, we see a young woman who was wearing a purple bikini and is a human cat, and her name is Tamaki.

Tamaki: Come one, come all! Get your mouthwatering taiyaki right here, folks!

Man 1: Three taiyaki!

Woman 1: I want seven!

Man 2: Eight with white beans, please!

Tamaki: You got it! No pushing, now! We'll bake up fresh, tasty taiyaki for all of you in order!

Yukari: The end of the line is here.

...And the one holding the sign is a woman with yellow hair is Yukari.

Kokkoro: Wow...

(Y/N): Now this is surprising.

Saren: I hate to admit it, but Tamaki's taiyaki really is delicious.

Karyl: Yeah, but who wants piping-hot taiyaki in this heat?

???: That's the problem with you novices.

(Y/N): Oh?

All of you turned around and see a red-haired woman, her name is Akino Wisteria and next to her was a purple-haired female named Mifuyu.

???: Business opportunities must be grasped in ways that most wouldn't think of it.

Karyl: N-Novices? Who is this lady?

Suzume: She's MIss Akino, president of the Mercurius Foundation.

Akino: Are you new at Saren's snack hut? Good day to you.

Karyl: (Snap!)

Akino: You want to eat something cold when it's hot? Nonsense! That's a preconception! A nice, warm, sugary refreshment is just the thing when you're chilled from the ocean! Hence, taiyaki! You're just a novice!

Akino says with her finger pointed at Karyl to which she was taken back by this.

Akino: Once again, good day to you! I hope you have a favorable answer for me today, Saren.

Saren: You still haven't given up, huh? We have no intention of working for you.

Akino: You do play tough. If you keep this up, you'll find yourself in debt. Just give up and become my business partner.

Mifuyu: Akino recognizes and values your talent, Saren. Sorry, she's so tactless about it.

Akino's cocky attitude dropped after she heard that.

Akino: Hey! Mifuyu!

Saren: Yes, I'm well aware of that. We've known each other since childhood.

Akino: Saren!

(Y/N): (Oh dear, she's embarrassed by that statement.)

Akino: A-Anyway! Summer won't wait forever! You'd better come work for me before summer ends and you lose your chance! Or do you think you can make something even better than Tamaki's taiyaki? Well, I suppose that's too much to expect of a bunch of novices!

And just like that, Akino and Mifuyu left the area leaving Karyl angered by those words that Akino had just said.

-Mini Time Skip-

Upon arriving back at the Saren's hut, Karyl begins to speak up.

Karyl: Alright, everyone, listen up! The Gourmet Guild is going to help come up with a featured menu item. I won't just sit around and let her dominate us!

Saren: Akino's parents run a major conglomerate. She says she wants to become a successful merchant without relying on them. That's why she founded the Mercurius Foundation and why she's so motivated. She's not a bad person. We're happy that your Gourmet Guild is offering to help, but we couldn't take you away from your vacation.

Pecorine: We think it's exciting to come up with new dishes!

Kokkoro: That's true. The goal of the Gourmet Guild is the study of delicious food.

Suzume and Saren were happily smiling at that response.

Karyl: Just leave everything to us!

-Mini Time Skip-

A couple of minutes later, all of you were searching for ingredients to come up with new featured food to compete Tamaki's Taiyaki.

Meanwhile, back at the large snack hut, Tamaki decided to announce her friends to take a break.

Tamaki: Akino! Break time!

Tamaki then sits down on one of the empty seats while holding a taiyaki in her right hand.

Tamaki: Nothing beats taiyaki after a hard day's work.

Suddenly, a large wooden cup slammed down onto the table as we see the drunken Yukari.

Yukari: A nice drink after a hard day's work really hits the spot.

Tamaki: Wh-Who gave Yukari booze?!

Tamaki questions in shock as she drops her taiyaki while Yukari continues drinking her booze.

Tamaki: Come on! It's still broad daylight! What's gotten into you?!

Tamaki asks as Yukari stops drinking until she had a look on her face.

Yukari: Akino said suddenly that she was starting a business on the beach, so I helped her...and every day I'm surrounded by lovey-dovey couples! *Points to her right* Look that way, and there's a couple! *Points to her left* Look this way, and there's a couple! I'll never survive this without drinking!

Yukari complains and starts crying which baffles Tamaki.

Yukari: I want someone to take me with them to go!

Woman 1: I'd like that to go, please.

Yukari: Who just got ordered to go?!

Yukari then runs up to the woman who said that as Tamaki runs after her to restrain Yukari.

Tamaki: Hey, take it easy! It's just a customer ordering taiyaki to go!

Yukari: Fine! I'll just drink!

Tamaki: You're gonna cause damage to the snack hut if you keep this up! Yukari, you need to cool your head!

Tamaki then starts carrying Yukari somewhere else.

Yukari: Oh, gosh! Tamaki's takin' me home!

TamakI: No, I'm not! Don't say stuff that'll give people the wrong idea!

...

A few minutes later, we see Yukari was dragged by Tamaki...

Yukari: Hehehe...why'd you bring me to a place where no one's around?

Tamaki: Sheesh...I'm getting the usual level-headed Yukari back!

Tamaki exclaims until she starts throwing the drunken Yukari onto the sea. Once Tamaki throws Yukari into the ocean, that's when she sees Yukari's legs sticking out of the water.

Tamaki: Oh? It's shallow? Is she stuck in the sand?

Suddenly, we see the sea forming a ripple around Yukari until the water starts getting bigger forming into something.

-Back to Gourmet Guild-

Saren: What a great catch!

(Y/N): So, what are we going to make?

Pecorine: I know! Why don't we make ice sushi?

Karyl: Ice sushi?

Pecorine: We'll replace rice with ice and put sashimi on it!

Karyl: Nope!

Suzume: How about a stewed fish dish made with coconut milk?

Karyl: Hmm...Not enough punch to it.

Kokkoro: If I may...

Everyone turned to Kokkoro until they all saw Yuuki playing with small seafood that was found not too long ago.

Kokkoro: I believe this offers quite a punch.

The seafood then splurts out a white noodle-like food coming from its mouth which caught off everyone by surprise.

Karyl: It sure does, but it kind of kills my appetite.

Kokkoro: Oh, it does?

Everyone: Hmm....

Everyone starts thinking about something until all of you hear the sounds of the alarm bell ringing and all of you can hear people start panicking and screaming.

Lifeguard: It's the Kraken!

Tamaki: Come to your senses already, you drunk!

Tamaki yells out to her friend who was still drunk until all of you came by to see what's going on.

Saren: Tamaki! What's going on?!

Tamaki: Saren! It's Yukari!

Everyone turned to where Tamaki was pointing and all of you see a giant octopus coming out of the waters and was holding the drunken Yukari by one of its tentacles.

Saren: Yukari?!

(Y/N): How the heck did she get there?

Tamaki: I threw her in the water to sober her up, and that huge squid showed up!

Suzume: Swimming is prohibited here due to the Kraken appearing in the area!

Tamaki: S-Say what?!

That's when we see the giant squid descending down back to the water with Yukari on its tentacles.

Yukari: It's takin' me home!

Tamaki: Y-Yukari!

(Y/N): Oh dear me. Alright, let me handle this!

You said as you quickly fly towards the giant octopus until the giant octopus uses its tentacle to slam you down, but you avoided it as you reeled back your fist and start punching the giant octopus onto its body, which deals immense damage.

Squid: Squid...!?

You smirked as you start punching the giant octopus into the air as you started beating it down in mid-air while quickly moving around it at high-speed to get more hits.

Everyone at the shore was watching this as you keep beating up the giant squid in the air while it was still holding Yukari by one of its tentacles.

Kokkoro: Whoa...

Tamaki: He's beating that giant squid like it's nothing!

Pecorine: That's because (Y/N) is amazingly strong! He's different than all of us!

Karyl then sighs before speaking up.

Karyl: I swear, it's been an endless string of incidents since I joined this guild.

Kokkoro: Yes...But when I lived back home, I never dreamed that my life would so exciting.

(Y/N): Time to throw you down back to the shore!!

You said as you grabbed one of its tentacles and threw it down to the shore next to everyone who was standing at the shore.

Squid: Squid...

Saren: Leave the rest to me! Sword of Phoenix!

Saren's sword lit up into flames as she slashes her sword, unleashing a fiery phoenix as it heads straight toward the giant squid.

Squid: Squid...Center...

And just like that, the giant squid dies from Saren's ultimate attack.

...

Tamaki: Thanks so much! You saved the day!

Kokkoro: Take care.

Tamaki then carries the unconscious drunk Yukari to safety.

Saren: I'm glad everyone's alright.

Suzume: What should we do with this Kraken, anyway?

Suddenly, Kokkoro starts having an idea in her head.

-Next Day-

Suzume: Yes, your grilled Kraken is ready!

Cat Man 1: Five squid ink ice creams, please!

Suzume: Okay!

Akino: I don't believe it. I never expected you to serve the legendary Kraken as food.

Saren: It packs quite a punch, doesn't it? And it was a novice who came up with the idea.

Akino: Well, you certainly showed me. From now on, I'll listen to what novices have to say, too.

Saren: I've always liked how flexible you can be.

Akino: Hey! Would you stop that?!

Saren: Still, I guess now we can discuss business as equals.

Akino: Eh?

Saren: I appreciate that you asked me to work for you out of concern for me, but I always want to be on equal footing with you.

Akino: Saren...

Saren: I bet we could put squid ink ice cream and taiyaki together to make the ultimate dessert.

Akino: You amaze me. Of course, you couldn't be my rival if you didn't.

Both Saren and Akino grabbed their drunks and clinked together.

...

Meanwhile, the Gourmet Guild members were somewhere else as we see Karyl with her staff floating in front of her while Pecorine, Kokkoro, Yuuki, and you were standing in line in front of Karyl and her staff.

Karyl: Come on, stand in line! It's thanks to Koro-ster that we came to the beach and came up with a new specialty. So, this is my reward for you.

Karyl then starts using a spell on you, Kokkoro, Pecorine, and Yuuki, but nothing had happened.

(Y/N): Huh, nothing's changing.

Karyl: Wouldn't you love to swim freely under the sea?

(Y/N): (Honestly, she didn't really have to do that because I can hold my breath in space or water for a long period of time, but this can be an exception.)

...

Eventually, the Gourmet Guild were all now freely swimming under the sea as they all see that there are sea corals and fishes around.

(Y/N): Holy crap! This is amazing!

Pecorine: Yup! How crazy is that?

(Y/N): (So this is what it feels like to breathe underwater, huh? Heh, pretty sure that Arthur wouldn't be surprised by this, but he would really love this.) Hey Karyl, thanks for giving us the privilege to breathe underwater!

Karyl: Anytime...*whispers* you big dummy~

(Y/N): What?

Karyl: N-Nothing! Say, let's go check out that turtle over there!

Karyl says with a bit of embarrassment as you let out a light chuckle before following her as everyone under the seas starts to explore all the corals.

Kokkoro: (It's as if we've all turned into fish. Everything is so colorful and beautiful. I must thank Karyl for using this spell on us. My lord, I've always had a vision. A vision of a vast universe expanding far beyond the sky...Of great seas many times more vast than the land...Of mysteries all around the world that aren't found deep in the mountains...Of different countries that are home to people I don't know...I always soothed my soul by imagining these things on lonely nights. But since meeting you, my lord, I've seen far, far more glorious sights than I ever imagined back then. So...you might never understand why I say this, but...Thank you, my lord.)

...

(A/N: That's that! Stay tuned for Episode 10!)