Chapter 211: Welcome To The Golden Coast

The first thing Lily noticed about Solmara was the ocean. The second was the seven islands floating above it.

"THERE’S AN ISLAND IN THE SKY!" Lily exclaimed, nearly climbing over her seat to point through the window.

Seven enormous islands floated above the blue sea, connected by shining bridges. Waterfalls poured from their edges, dissolving into glittering mist before reaching the clouds.

Maki glanced at her tablet. "That’s the Seven Heavens Resort. Each island offers different attractions, from entertainment to relaxation."

"Then we have to visit all seven!"

"We haven’t even arrived at our villa," Emily reminded her.

"That’s why I’m planning ahead!"

Reinhard smiled as he guided their vehicle along the coastal highway. Solmara stretched along the shoreline, its white towers rising above artificial islands and busy harbors. Yachts moved across the water while magical waterways carried visitors between entertainment districts. Farther inland, green mountains were dotted with villas and resorts.

Unlike Aurlieus, where the atmosphere always carried the pressure of Awakeners and their responsibilities, Solmara seemed built around a simpler principle. People came here to enjoy themselves, and judging by the attractions visible from the highway, the city took that responsibility seriously.

Maki continued browsing her tablet. "There’s an underwater restaurant. The dining rooms are beneath the sea, surrounded by reinforced magical glass."

Lily immediately turned toward her. "WE’RE GOING THERE!"

"Maybe," Reinhard replied.

"Brother-in-law, that sounded like a yes."

"It was a maybe."

"I heard a yes."

"You should have your hearing examined."

Emily laughed. "Don’t encourage her. We haven’t even checked into the resort, and she’s already spending your money."

Reinhard shrugged. "My money is meant to be spent on things we enjoy."

"That’s a dangerous philosophy."

"It’s served me well."

"That’s exactly what worries me."

Yuna watched the waves rolling toward the shore, a small smile appearing on her face. "There’s something nice about this place. Nobody looks like they’re in a hurry."

Reinhard glanced toward the beach. "Then we’ll take our time, too."

For once, nobody needed to discuss enemies, investigations, or the next threat waiting around the corner. They could watch the scenery and argue about restaurants without worrying about an urgent mission.

Reinhard found himself enjoying that more than he had expected. He had gained wealth, power, and influence, enough to buy things that would once have seemed impossible. But watching his family smile reminded him why those things mattered.

He wanted them to enjoy moments like this without fear, and for the next few days, that was exactly what they would do.

Their vehicle soon entered the Gilded Mile, Solmara’s famous shopping district. Lily immediately pressed her face against the window.

"Look at that store! They have enchanted dresses!"

"I see it," Reinhard replied.

"And that one sells magical accessories!"

"I see that one, too."

"Can we stop?"

"No."

Lily turned toward Emily with an expression of betrayal. "He’s become heartless."

Emily smiled. "He’s trying to get us to the resort before sunset."

"Heartless people always have excuses."

Maki glanced up from her tablet. "Some stores here also sell custom equipment and relics."

Reinhard’s eyes shifted toward the storefronts. "Relics, you say?"

Emily immediately noticed his interest. "Don’t even think about it."

"I was merely gathering information."

"Your information gathering usually ends with a merchant crying over a discount."

"That’s an exaggeration. Some merchants leave smiling."

"Because you buy everything they have after negotiating the price down by forty percent?"

Reinhard smiled. "Everyone benefits from a fair transaction."

"Reinhard."

"Emily."

He returned his attention to the road, looking entirely innocent.

A few minutes later, they passed a festival square where performers manipulated ribbons of water through the air. The ribbons formed enormous creatures that danced above the crowd while children chased floating lights along the walkways.

Lily watched until the square disappeared behind them. "I want to do that!"

"Then we’ll add it to the list," Yuna suggested.

Maki made a note on her tablet, earning an approving look from Lily. "See? Maki understands proper vacation planning."

"I’m recording it so we don’t forget."

"Why not prepare a schedule for every hour?"

"Because I want to relax, too."

Lily paused, looking genuinely surprised, before nodding solemnly. "You’re right. We need to schedule relaxation."

Maki stared at her while Emily burst out laughing.

Reinhard glanced toward Maki’s tablet. "How much research have you done already?"

"I’ve found several recommended routes, seasonal events, and a guide to hidden attractions."

"Excellent."

"I also found a list of the city’s most expensive restaurants."

"Even better."

Emily slowly covered her face. "We’re doomed."

Yuna smiled quietly at their exchange. Everyone seemed to be getting carried away already, and they hadn’t even reached their accommodation. Perhaps that was what a vacation was supposed to feel like.

The highway eventually left the busiest part of the city. Their destination was Celestial Shore, a private coastal resort known for its secluded villas and direct access to the beach.

When the vehicle slowed beside the main reception building, Lily immediately sat upright. "We’re here!"

"You sound as though we’ve been traveling for days," Maki observed.

"An hour without swimming is a serious hardship."

"You could have slept."

"And miss the scenery? What kind of vacation would that be?"

Reinhard parked near the entrance. "Come on. Let’s check in before Lily declares a hunger strike."

"I would never!" Lily protested.

Everyone looked at her, and she hesitated before adding, "Not before dinner."

A resort attendant approached their vehicle and bowed. "Welcome to Celestial Shore. May I arrange for your luggage to be delivered to your villa? We can also take care of your vehicle during your stay."

"That would be helpful," Reinhard replied, handing over the key.

Lily watched the attendant leave with the vehicle. "Imagine having someone take care of your car while you relax."

Reinhard glanced at her. "You say that as though you don’t already expect everyone to take care of everything for you."

"That’s because I have excellent family connections."

"At least she’s honest," Emily remarked.

They entered the reception hall, where a staff member confirmed their reservation and presented the payment details.

"Your initial payment will be one million credits. Additional charges will depend on the services you choose during your stay."

"Understood," Reinhard replied, authorizing the payment without hesitation.

Lily stared at the confirmation screen. "One million credits."

"That’s the down payment," Maki reminded her.

"I know!"

"Then why do you look like you’ve seen a ghost?"

"Because I have. The ghost of one million credits, and it’s haunting our vacation."

Emily covered her mouth to hide a laugh while Reinhard leaned toward Lily. "Would you like me to ask for a refund?"

"No!"

"Then stop mourning the money."

"I’m not mourning it. I’m honoring its sacrifice."

The receptionist maintained her professional smile, although the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth suggested she was struggling not to laugh. She handed them a brochure containing information about their villa and the resort’s facilities.

"Please contact reception if you require assistance during your stay."

"Thank you," Emily replied before Lily could come up with another question.

Their villa stood a short distance from the beach, surrounded by a garden filled with flowering trees. Wide windows overlooked the ocean, and a private stone path led directly to the sand.

The attendant opened the front door. "Your villa is ready."

Lily rushed inside, only to stop when she reached the living room.

A wall of transparent glass overlooked the ocean. Beyond it, an infinity pool seemed to merge with the sea, creating the illusion that the water extended endlessly toward the horizon.

For several seconds, Lily simply stared before whispering, "I’m never leaving."

Maki glanced around. "The rooms can be customized, and the villa has its own environmental controls."

Lily turned toward her. "You’re analyzing the room already?"

"Someone should."

"Someone should be enjoying it!"

Maki considered that before walking toward the windows. "That is what I’m doing."

Emily looked around the living room before turning toward Reinhard. "You really did choose a good place."

"I thought you’d like it."

"I do." She slipped her hand into his. "Thank you."

Reinhard squeezed her hand. "We’ve all earned a break."

Emily leaned against his shoulder for a moment before smiling. "Then let’s make the most of it."

Meanwhile, Lily had opened the resort brochure. "There’s a private beach, a garden, a spa, water activities, and a personal chef!"

Maki glanced at the page. "They also offer guided excursions and in-villa services."

Reinhard leaned closer to inspect the brochure. "Interesting."

Emily immediately caught his expression. "No."

"I haven’t said anything."

"You were about to ask how much it costs to arrange everything."

"I was merely reviewing our options."

"Then review them quietly."

Lily took the brochure back. "Can we at least decide what to do tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow," Emily agreed. "Tonight, we’re watching the sunset."

Yuna, who had been standing near the doorway, looked toward the beach. "Could we leave some things unplanned?"

The others turned toward her, and she smiled a little before continuing. "We can visit the attractions and do everything everyone wants, but I’d like some time when we don’t have to hurry anywhere. We could walk along the beach, watch the sunset, or decide what to do only after we wake up."

Reinhard closed the brochure. "Then that’s what we’ll do."

Yuna blinked. "Really?"

"Of course. We’re here to enjoy ourselves, not complete a checklist."

Emily gave him an approving look. "That’s the most sensible thing you’ve said all day."

"I’ve said plenty of sensible things."

"Name three."

"First, we should unpack. Second, we should eat. Third—"

"Those are ordinary necessities."

"Exactly. Sensible necessities."

Lily jumped off the sofa. "Then let’s go! The sunset won’t wait for us!"

Maki checked the time before setting her tablet aside. "Forty minutes until sunset."

"WHY ARE WE STILL STANDING HERE?" Lily exclaimed, grabbing Emily’s hand and trying to pull her toward the door.

Emily laughed. "At least let me change!"

Even Maki began moving faster, and Reinhard watched his family prepare to leave. Yuna had asked for something simple, and everyone was already looking forward to it.

That was a good start.

Later, they walked down to the shore together as the setting sun painted the ocean gold. Lily insisted on taking group photographs, Maki complained about her posing instructions, and Emily pulled Reinhard close for a picture she refused to show anyone until she was satisfied with it.

At one point, Lily persuaded everyone to jump at the same time for a photograph. Maki objected, Emily declared that she had no intention of looking ridiculous, and Reinhard said he was willing to try.

Yuna quietly counted down, and on the final number, all five jumped.

The resulting photograph was a disaster.

Lily was laughing too hard to keep her eyes open, Maki was caught halfway through turning away, and Emily’s hair covered part of her face. Reinhard, meanwhile, looked far too pleased with himself.

Yuna had captured the entire thing perfectly. When she looked at the picture, she began laughing.

"Delete it!" Emily demanded.

"Never," Yuna replied, still laughing.

Even Maki had to admit that the photograph was worth keeping, and Yuna saved it to her phone.

For once, the family wasn’t celebrating a victory over an enemy or recovering from a dangerous battle. They were simply making a mess of a photograph beside the ocean, and somehow, that made the memory all the more precious.

Later that evening, Reinhard picked up the resort brochure again. A page near the back caught his attention.

THE SOLMARA GRAND PASSPORT

The magical passport recorded the attractions and experiences visitors completed, allowing them to advance through five tiers: Bronze Voyager, Silver Explorer, Golden Connoisseur, Platinum Luminary, and Celestial Legend.

Higher tiers offered access to exclusive experiences unavailable to ordinary visitors. Money could arrange an excursion, but it couldn’t replace personally participating in it.

Reinhard read the description twice, finding the idea increasingly interesting.

Emily looked over his shoulder. "You’re thinking about turning our vacation into a competition, aren’t you?"

"I’m considering the possibilities."

"That’s a yes."

Maki joined them. "The brochure doesn’t explain everything available to Celestial Legends. Some of the exclusive attractions remain undisclosed until visitors qualify."

Lily immediately sat upright. "Exclusive attractions?"

"Yes."

"Then we’re reaching Celestial Legend!"

Emily sighed. "We haven’t even earned our first stamp."

"That’s why we need to start early!"

Maki looked intrigued. "We could research the requirements tomorrow."

Emily stared at her. "You’re both missing the point. We’re supposed to relax!"

Maki paused before closing the brochure. "Fine. I’ll research it after breakfast."

"That’s still research!"

Yuna smiled at their argument before making a suggestion. "Could we start with something simple tomorrow? Maybe explore a garden or take a boat along the coast?"

Lily considered it. "Fine. But we’re still reaching Celestial Legend."

"One day at a time," Yuna reminded her.

Reinhard closed the brochure. "Agreed. We’ll choose our first experience together."

As the family continued discussing their plans, a familiar notification appeared before Reinhard’s eyes.

[Investment Opportunity Detected.]

[Target: Emily Ashcroft, Yuna Ashcroft.]

[Current Rank: S.]

[Target Value: D+]

[Current Bond with Yuna: D.]

[Objective: Relax for two days with the family and spend time with Yuna.]

[Difficulty Grade: D.]

[Success Probability: 90%.]