The Villainess Lives Twice: Butterfly's Dream (IF Story) - Chapter 109

The South was always a popular travel destination. In winter, it was packed with people seeking to escape the cold. In spring and autumn, its mild and sunny weather made it a favorite resort spot. 

It was also famous as a summer getaway. Remarkably, the South drew crowds both for escaping the cold and for cooling off in the heat, but many claimed that summer in the southern seas was the real highlight.

The southern sea was stunning in the summer, and the water was cooler than one might expect. The sun was bright and hot, but it wasn’t as sweltering as people from the central or eastern regions imagined. In fact, the east got even hotter in summer. 

There was also a huge variety of summer activities for visitors to enjoy. From cruises that toured the islands on grand sailing ships, to floating lodges on the sea, there was nothing you couldn’t find.

While Artizea was carefully researching every option, Cedric had simply said,

[Let’s just relax. We should at least try sunbathing and swimming.]

But now, he seemed to be enjoying himself far more than he’d let on.

As Cedric and Pavel went out to catch the waves, Artizea lounged alone on a sun chair, soaking up the sun.

Full of anticipation, she’d hoped to learn how to swim in the sea, but her arms and legs refused to cooperate, and she lacked the strength and stamina to move against the waves.

‘Honestly, just being up and moving during the day feels like a miracle.’ 

Artizea thought, hiding her face under a wide straw hat and blushing to herself. Thankfully nobody could see.

Sunbathing was enjoyable, but she couldn’t stay out as long as others. Her skin hardly tanned but burned easily. Even though she’d packed three different swimsuits, she ended up covering up with a long-sleeved robe. At least it was thin, and the sun’s warmth seeped pleasantly through to her skin, even if she felt a little wistful.

Realistically, she probably wouldn’t have been brave enough to show off her swimsuit. It was too embarrassing, maybe if it was just her and Cedric. 

People from the South didn’t hesitate to bare skin at the beach, men and women alike, but Artizea still felt some resistance. Especially with a few marks she didn’t want anyone to see.

‘Maybe I’ll just float around in a tube later…’

She was mulling it over when suddenly, the whole beach erupted in cheers.

“Waahh!”

Startled, Artizea lifted her hat and opened her eyes. A huge wave rolled in, sending white foam high into the air. The surfers were swept out of sight by the surge.

“Ced!”

Before she could call out, Cedric burst through the water, his board gliding up the face of the wave. Artizea let out a sigh of relief. 

Though really, it was silly for her to worry about him.

She lay back down, but then Pavel, who’d also been pulled under by the current, staggered up from the sea and collapsed onto the sand.

Artizea got up and went over to him. Pavel rolled over with his face full of sand.

“Man, that was rough.”

“You okay, Brother Pavel?”

“Yes. It’s fun, but I have to admit, I’m feeling a little left behind.”

He shook his head, glancing up at Artizea. Cedric came striding back with his board, looking completely unfazed and grinning from ear to ear.

Pavel groaned.

“Can you believe this? I’ve been surfing for four years and I just got shown up by someone on his fourth day.”

Cedric just laughed.

“We weren’t even competing, and you’re still the better surfer. You just ran out of energy this time.”

He offered Pavel a hand and easily pulled him up. Water streamed from Cedric’s hair and his snug tunic clung to his body, highlighting the muscles.

Pavel glanced at him with a touch of envy. He was well aware that while he hadn’t trained as rigorously as Cedric, their bodies are different.

A few guests from the beach came over, most from Duchy Riagan or local nobles allowed on this private stretch of sand.

“Incredible!”

“I heard it’s your first time here, but you’re better than I am at surfing.”

Cedric laughed and thanked them, gracious as always.

Artizea settled her hat back on and asked.

“Ced, are you going to keep playing?”

“I’ll go if you’re coming in too.”

Artizea hesitated. She didn’t want to spoil his fun as he looked like he was having a blast. But before she could decide, Cedric reached for her hand.

“I doubt Pavel’s up for another round. Want to take a walk?”

“Hey!” 

“Just rest. I’ll have them bring you some refreshments.” 

Cedric pointed toward the spot Artizea had just been lying

Pavel grumbled, but in truth, he was exhausted. He tossed his board on the sand and wandered off. He didn’t want to disturb the newlyweds.

If anyone actually needed snacks, they could have just sent a servant, but Cedric obviously wanted a quiet walk with his bride. 

A few other men followed Pavel, having learned over the past few days not to bother Cedric and Artizea.

Cedric took Artizea’s hand and led her. His hand was cool and slightly pruney from the water, and Artizea couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s funny?”

“It’s just… I’ve never felt your hands colder than mine before.”

“I was in the water the whole time.”

“Isn’t it hot?”

She figured the weather, which felt warm even to her, must be roasting for Cedric, a northerner. But he only smiled.

“It can get hotter in the West or East than this.”

“I heard that too.”

Artizea didn’t ask as she’d never been there herself. 

It was hot, but since he spent the hottest part of the day in the water, it didn’t feel unbearable.

Before coming here, Cedric hadn’t known how to swim. He’d sailed, but the northern seas weren’t meant for play, and he’d had no need to learn in the capital. 

Recently, thanks to Pavel’s influence, yachting or swimming in rivers and lakes had become quite popular. But before that, Cedric had never really played sports just for fun.

He was generally good at anything physical, and he learned quickly. It wasn’t that he didn’t enjoy games like polo, horseback riding, or racquetball. In fact, he was skilled at them and won more often than not, and who doesn’t enjoy a game they’re good at?

Even so, he rarely joined in these kinds of pastimes. No matter how much Pavel tried to recruit him, he never even joined Pavel’s polo team. He always used being busy as an excuse, but if he’d really wanted to, he could have made the time.

Cedric himself vaguely suspected that it was due to a lingering sense of guilt or responsibility. In this world, he hadn’t committed any crimes nor was he burdened by overwhelming obligations, but the sensation of being tied down still lingered.

It was the same in his previous life, too. He’d known that recharging didn’t just mean resting your body and mind, but also doing things that interested you, and he hadn’t completely abandoned his own happiness. 

Yet, for some reason, the very idea of ‘playing’ made him uncomfortable.

But now, things felt different. Maybe it was because the South was completely outside from his usual duties, or maybe it was the unique nature of a honeymoon trip, planned from the start just for enjoyment. Most likely, it was a bit of both.

It was as if he’d shed a weight underwater, and now, with nothing to hold him down, he could simply float. His whole body felt lighter, buoyed up and free.