Bell and the others passed through the gate and headed into the "Water Park."
The inside of the circular building was quite spacious, with spectator seats lining the area around them, though every seat was empty for now.
At the center was an open-air pool. Pendulums, spinning discs, and other equipment swayed back and forth along the course.
"Please follow me."
As the gate closed behind them, the God Ganesha was shut outside. The one leading the group onward was Shakti Varma, the Captain of Ganesha Familia.
She had a graceful face, a tall figure, and neatly kept short blue hair.
"I will be serving as the referee. Please do not damage the facilities with weapons or leave the designated course."
Shakti briefly introduced herself, then explained the rules and precautions for taking part in the challenge.
In short, they had to avoid layer after layer of obstacles and reach the finish line within the time limit. Falling into the pool or running out of time meant they would not receive the prizes.
"Now that we're up close, this place really is huge..."
Lili murmured in awe.
"Shakti-san, do these machines run on Magic Stones?"
Bell looked curiously at the various moving devices.
"That's right. You are the first visitors to this facility. I hope it gives you wonderful memories, just as our Familia God said it would."
Shakti looked somewhat helpless, as if she had been dragged into a troublesome situation, but her tone was very gentle.
Several female members of Ganesha Familia greeted Shakti, then prepared swimming rings and potions in case of accidents.
"Memories..."
Hestia murmured.
These facilities were new and unusual, and the young man had never visited them with any other girls before. This was exactly the untouched territory Hestia had been looking for.
"Alright! Let me go first!"
Hestia raised her right hand high.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your fun, but Gods are not allowed on the course. If an accident were to happen, we could not take responsibility."
Shakti glanced over the group and added, "Also, Little Rookie cannot participate either. For him, this course would not be challenging enough."
"Huh?"
Hestia's enthusiasm was instantly dampened.
"Please don't worry. As long as one person reaches the finish line, you will receive all the prizes."
Shakti explained patiently.
"In that case, I suppose we should leave it to them..."
Hestia looked toward the water course with a defiant expression, only to feel the fierce gusts whipped up by the swinging pendulum.
There was no way she could dodge something like that...
Lili felt exactly the same.
"Ganesha-sama actually called this a water park? The way Gods think is way too strange, isn't it?"
Lili could not help complaining.
"Even among the Gods, Ganesha-sama is something of an oddball..."
Shakti gave a slightly tired smile.
"Since everyone is so interested, let's give it a try."
Bell observed the course for a while. Although the pendulums looked intimidating, they really did seem harmless, just as Ganesha had said.
He had Shakti explain all the possible risks in detail, and told Hestia to pay close attention for any lies.
After a careful conversation, Bell was convinced that they meant no harm. This really was a facility built by the God Ganesha to bring laughter and joy to the people.
Once that was confirmed, Bell went along with the girls' rising excitement and decided they would take on the challenge.
"Goddess-sama, let's watch from the stands together."
Bell withdrew to the spectator seats.
"Wait! Why is Bell-dono here?!"
Mikoto finally voiced the question that had been bothering her for some time.
"Mikoto-sama, what are you talking about? Bell-sama came in with us."
Lili answered immediately.
"No... I was only wondering. Didn't they say only women would be present during the challenge? If we fall into the pool, wouldn't Bell-dono see... see everything..."
Mikoto's words grew awkward.
"Ugh..."
"Huh?"
Lili and Cassandra both realized something was wrong.
"What matters are the memories. Don't worry about such a small detail. For me and Bell, go win this!"
Hestia encouraged them.
"Hestia-sama is only saying that because she doesn't have to participate herself, isn't she?" Lili shot back.
"She's using us like pieces on a board..."
Cassandra imagined herself falling into the pool, and her cheeks reddened faintly.
"I will do my very best!" Mikoto made a loyal samurai's declaration.
"You really are easy to satisfy..."
Daphne sighed softly as she watched the movements of the pendulums and discs.
"If this makes you uncomfortable, I can wait outside and come back in after it's over."
Bell offered a gentlemanly solution.
It was a shame that he would not get to see the alluring sight, but he still put the girls' feelings first.
"Captain... I would rather you stayed..." Cassandra said, asking him to remain.
"Lili feels the same way. We came here to have fun together, and Mikoto-sama wants to drive Bell-sama away? That's just too cruel!"
Lili quickly agreed.
This was a rare memory. Leaving Bell locked outside would be far too heartless.
"I never said that?! I'm just a little embarrassed... So, um... I think it's fine if Bell-dono stays..."
Mikoto's voice grew softer and softer.
Her wish for this encounter had won out over her shyness, so there was no lie in her words.
"I don't really mind. We already took off our clothes to bathe before and ended up being seen by the Captain, didn't we? Something like this is nothing compared to that."
Daphne calmly brought up their embarrassing past.
"Ugh?!"
"Stop talking!"
Daphne's outrageous remark sent ripples across the girls' faces, drawing a wave of flushed protests and scoldings.
After a round of playful commotion, everyone finally calmed down.
Hestia crossed her arms and said, "Let's not bring up the past! Everyone, don't worry. I'll keep an eye on Bell and make absolutely sure he doesn't glimpse anything he shouldn't!"
"Hearing Hestia-sama say that only makes Lili feel more worried..."
Lili sighed softly.
Seeing that they had made up their minds, Shakti reminded them, "The room over there is for drying clothes. You may also change beforehand to save yourselves some trouble."
"Much appreciated. These clothes are simply not suited for this challenge."
Mikoto walked solemnly toward the changing room. Before long, she came back out with her face flushed.
"Is something not to your liking? The clothes there have never been used before. We can guarantee they will not bother even a guest with an obsession for cleanliness."
Shakti asked in confusion.
"Ugh..."
Mikoto lowered her head and clutched the hem of her kimono. "T-the clothes over there... they're all swimsuits?!"
"Hm? Isn't that perfectly normal for a water park?"
Shakti replied matter-of-factly.
"Ugh... I'll just wear these clothes!"
Mikoto lifted the corners of her eyes, using fighting spirit to hide her embarrassment.
Those beautiful blue-violet eyes seemed to speak of the girl's resolve.
In any case, as long as she did not fall in, everything would be fine!
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