"I know it's a bit late to ask this, but... are you sure you didn't want to bring your family?"

Beside me, Liam asked as we both got ready to put on our swimsuits. Since our main goal in visiting Belfri had already, in a way, been accomplished, we planned to spend the rest of our time relaxing. The reason Liam and I both opted for loose clothing was that we were headed to the beach.

"Well, to be honest, both Emi and I invited our parents to come with us, but..."

I stopped myself at the last moment. I mean, how the heck would I tell Liam that our families didn't accompany us because they wanted us to have our honeymoon in Belfri, since we hadn't had the chance to do it before? I just couldn't find the words to explain, but I was relieved to realize I didn't need to. Sometimes, Liam was quite perceptive about these things, or at least it seemed that way.

"Ah, I think I understand what you mean... Well, in the end, maybe it was for the best. We're here, so why don't you and Emi make the most of it? After all, we'll still be here until next week anyway"

I listened carefully to Liam's words, acknowledging that he was right. Despite all the worries that had been occupying my mind lately, maybe this time I should just enjoy the time with Emi. Besides, dwelling on my concerns probably wouldn't bring immediate results.

Anyway, I couldn't ask for a sea expedition right now. Plus, I had no concrete evidence that such a route even existed. If something went wrong, lives would be at risk. Until I was sure, it was imperative to continue dedicating myself to what only I could accomplish. With that thought in mind, I turned to Liam with a smile on my face.

"I'll take your advice. After all, it's not every day we can go to the beach"

I said, a smile forming on my face.

"Hahaha, I guess you're right. Solaris isn't known for its beaches"

Liam said, laughing, and soon I joined him. Both of us laughed at our words, and in the end, we continued like that for about five minutes before finally finishing changing and being ready to go.

Walking through the mansion's hallways, Liam and I headed to the first floor, specifically toward the door leading outside. As soon as we got there, Emi was already waiting for us, gazing at the garden through the window.

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Although she was covered up, it was still possible to see her swimsuit, a lace bikini that, despite being stylish, seemed to fit Emi perfectly, accentuating her youthful beauty. Seeing her like that left me speechless, I could only stare at her with my mouth slightly open. Seemingly noticing us, Emi turned in our direction and flashed a warm smile on her face.

"Are you guys ready?"

Emi said as she approached Liam and me, and with those words, I could finally regain my senses.

"Oh, yeah... sorry for taking so long"

I said, averting my gaze from Emi. For some reason, even though Emi's outfit wasn't provocative, I felt incredibly embarrassed.

"Is something wrong?"

Emi asked. I couldn't see her face as I kept my gaze averted, so I didn't know what expression she was wearing as she questioned me. It would be incredibly rude not to look at her when responding, so I turned my gaze toward Emi and fixed it on her golden eyes. Her expression seemed to be one of doubt as she watched me, along with a certain anxiety that I couldn't fully understand.

"Well, actually... Why are you asking?"

I said, keeping my gaze fixed on Emi's eyes.

"... Well, it's just that you keep looking at my face... besides, I thought you would say something"

Emi said, the last part sounding almost like a whisper as she discreetly averted her gaze. I also noticed that Emi seemed restless, shifting from side to side. As I replayed Emi's words in my mind, I finally understood why she was acting this way.

(Is she looking for a compliment? From me? But why? She's mentioned several times that she constantly receives compliments for her beauty. Is there a special reason she wants to hear it from me?... I can't think of any real reason)

I thought as I continued to admire Emi's appearance. Indirectly, a smile formed on my lips as my eyes remained fixed on her. Reflecting on how this lovely girl was my wife made me feel like the luckiest man in the world.

"Ummm..."

I said, catching Emi's attention.

"You look incredibly enchanting in that outfit. Honestly, I was speechless when I saw you"

Hearing my words, Emi seemed surprised for a moment, but soon her cheeks turned completely red. Although I wasn't sure, I had the feeling that Emi had appreciated my compliment.

"T-Thank you... you look great too"

Emi said, keeping her gaze on the ground and playing with her hands.

"Oh... thank you"

After that, a silence settled between me and Emi. Far from being awkward, for some reason, I felt incredibly comfortable, and as I looked at Emi, I realized she felt the same.

"... Sorry for interrupting your flirtation, but how about we go to the beach to have some fun? Besides, I don't want to be a third wheel for too long"

Liam said, looking at both Emi and me with a resigned smile. Hearing his words, both Emi and I looked at Liam and then at each other. Shortly afterward, we both burst into laughter due to Liam's choice of words. After that, the three of us left the mansion and headed to the beach, which was located behind it. Liam carried a basket with some drinks and snacks, while I carried some folding chairs and a beach umbrella.