This is such a pretty garden. All the plants look really happy and healthy from soaking in the rain.

Don't they just? The sun's out now too, so they're only gonna get livelier and livelier.

You were right. You can only see this kind of scene during this season.

It's very magical.

How did you even find out about this place?

I first found it by accident.

It was gorgeous when I laid eyes on it. Hydrangeas were carpeting the area as far as you could see… Since then, it's been a favorite place of mine.

There are lots of flowers blooming, but I wouldn't say it's covering as far as you can see…

Oh, sorry! That place is a little further in.

I thought that there were plenty blooming here, but there are even more, hm?

Wow, that's wild. I want to see them right away!

*Giggle* Get ready!

Oh? Ruby, what're you doing?

Ah, I was just watching this snail here.

Snails are another typical fixture at this time of year.

Hey, have you guys ever wondered why they're called “snails”?

Huh… Why are they called snails? I've never thought about it.

Maybe it has something to do with the swirly shape on their shells?

Aha! Eli aces it again!

It was just what came to mind, so I said it. It doesn't mean that it's correct.

There are a few theories, but one alleges that it originates from the Old English word “snaca,” which meant snake.

Snake? But then how did it end up meaning snail?

The word was also used for anything that could creep or crawl. Eventually, it morphed into a diminutive word when applied to snails—“snaegl.”

Hm… It seems a bit farfetched that “snake” and “snail” are that closely related.

Words do tend to change like that over long periods of time.

It's only one theory, so I apologize if it's wrong.

You don't need to! Thank you for telling us, Shioriko.

I always got the impression that you'd be afraid of bugs, Ruby, but I guess I was mistaken.

I don't exactly love them, but snails are really cute.