The ground was stained red and the stench of death emanated across the wide field. No matter how much the knights, soldiers, and adventurers looked at it, they just couldn't get used to it. It was a scene of carnage.
It was even more unbelievable once people knew who was responsible for such a mess, if they weren't there, the people present would have also laughed if they heard that the ones who laid waste to such a powerful force were just two youths.
Yesterday, some had doubts when they saw Grey and Yuna being presented to the public, but those doubts were now cleared. They couldn't deny their strength after seeing them massacre a whole flock of beasts, strong enough to destroy a country, in a single spell.
⟨⟨High Heal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Currently, Grey and Yuna, along with Kentaurus and a number of capable healers from the kingdom and the guild are tending to the injured. There were those with heavy injury, but luckily, none died.
Grey tended to the injured on the left while Yuna was on the right. The ones remaining were covered by the others. And as one would expect, the one who was able to heal the most injured was Grey who was the most proficient in terms of holy-attribute magic.
It was because of how Grey and Yuna helped out the injured that no one felt afraid of them even after seeing their frightening power. Rather, they only felt admiration towards the two youths. Inside their hearts, they have truly become heroes.
"Are there any more injured?" ［Grey］
Grey called out to the crowd, but none answered. They only looked at each other's eyes and around them, shaking their heads when they couldn't find anyone who needed immediate treatment.
"Your Highness, His Majesty is calling for you."
Just as Grey finished treating the injured, a knight delivered a message to him. It was from the King who was currently looking over the fields where the defeated beasts lay motionless as they very slowly but surely returned to the earth.
The King stood there silently, alone, untouched by the gentle, cold breeze as the sky started to turn amber with the setting of the sun. Unlike his usual self, he looked strangely charismatic even when he was just standing there.
"I heard you called for me, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］
"Ah, Grey..." ［Ernes］
It was only when Grey called out to him that the King snapped back to reality, though after looking at Grey, he once again looked towards the field littered with dead beasts. Now that Grey was closer, rather than just gazing thoughtlessly, the King looked more like he was evaluating the field.
"Grey, what do you see?" ［Ernes］
"A field of carcasses, I suppose...?" ［Grey］
"Well, yeah... I suppose that's what comes to mind first. But if you were a merchant, what would you see?" ［Ernes］
"Oh, I see..." ［Grey］
Grey immediately understood what the King meant by his words. Just a quick glance, the number of beasts forming a literal field of corpses could easily reach several hundreds, maybe even more than a thousand.
Not just petty beasts, there were hundreds of powerful ones and even two S-rank garudas resting peacefully in the fields. While to some, it looked like a graveyard, to others, it was a valuable opportunity.
To Merchants, who always seek a way to earn large profits, it was a rare godsend opportunity to earn a lot of money. Just by rough estimate alone, one could earn hundreds of millions from all the materials that could be salvaged from the defeated beasts, even if some of them were already in tatters.
"If you want, you can take all of them." ［Ernes］
"Sureー Wait, Huh?!" ［Grey］
Grey was greatly taken aback by the King's words that he couldn't help but voice out a sudden "Huh?". His expression while saying so was also quite priceless. It was as if he just unknowingly agreed to a business proposal, only to learn it was a scam later down the line.
"Wait, isn't that too much?! And how about the damages?! Don't you need funds to repair them?!" ［Grey］
"Why are you so noisy? It's only natural that the ones who defeated them kept them. Also... The royal family isn't so poor that we'll need funds to repair such small damages." ［Ernes］
"No, no, you're right, but still! How about the other people who helped out! We'll surely get complaints about this." ［Grey］
"What complaints? The kingdom just needs to reward them. Also, they barely helped out in the battle. Only you and the high-rankers made the most contributions. Do you really think they could stand a chance against such a flock if you two weren't there to begin with?" ［Ernes］
"Your Majesty..." ［Grey］
Grey was totally defeated by the King's words. He couldn't deny any of the latter's words as all of it were true. The only problem he had was the way the King phrased his words. Rather than a King, he only sounded like a crude person.
Thankfully, there was only Grey and the King along the vicinity. The others were either far away or had already gone home after they had their names listed in the list of participants, otherwise, they would have overheard the King's crude remarks.
As if lightning struck his head, a sudden thought entered his mind. It was then that Grey fully understood why the King proposed such a thing. It was not out of good will, but just careful calculations.
"Your Majesty, you're not just doing this to secure a monopoly on the materials, aren't you?" ［Grey］
To Grey's words, the King only showed a large smile, one which extended from ear to ear. Grey didn't even need a response, just his smile alone was enough to tell that he was up to no good.
Grey's words were on point. If the King handed the rights to the materials to Grey and Yuna only, only they can decide who to sell the materials to. With it, the kingdom could strike an exclusive deal with the two of them and also buy them at a cheaper price at the same time.
With Grey and Yuna's status. not only as S-rankers, but heroes as well, not one person nor organization could go against the decisions. Rather, the populace would be in agreement in handing them the rights over the materials.
Even the materials of E-rank beasts which are in abundance on the field are already sought after. Don't even mention S-rank materials. People would kill just to get their hands on them.
"Haah... Your Majesty, even if we did get the rights over the materials, how are you so sure that we'll strike a deal with you and not with other organizations?" ［Grey］
"Well... if you strike a deal with the kingdom, it would be much faster and easier, no? With how many people we have, it wouldn't even take a week. You also won't need to deal with those obnoxious merchants. And if that doesn't work, I'll just have to use my authority as King to scare off the other merchants! Hahahaha!" ［Ernes］
"Ugh..." ［Grey］
While Grey's face showed a pained expression, the King only laughed boisterously as if there was nothing wrong with his words, when in fact, Grey was pretty sure he had violated a few laws here and there, not that anyone would dare go against a King.
In the end, the deal was made with Grey compromising with the King's demands. Grey only requested to get large quantities of meat, especially the ones harvested from the garudas as Grey and Yuna have yet to have a taste of S-rank meat.
All negotiations would be handled by the kingdom with periodic reports given from time to time until the transaction was over. It was a beneficial deal for both sides, especially for the kingdom.
...
⟨⟨High Heal⟩⟩ ［Yuna］
Gentle, golden light shone atop the ramparts as the day drew to a close. There weren't many people left as the people had started to go their separate ways, heading back to their own places.
"Th-Thank you, Your Highness!"
"Un. No problem. Take care on the way home, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes!"
A teenage girl just about the same age as Yuna was her hands as she slowly descended the ramparts. She was Yuna's last patient and with her, marked the end of her healing job.
By the time she had finished, the sun had already started to set. While the royal capital was still visible, it had started to get dark by the moment. It was the most peace Yuna experienced the whole day.
"Yuna～!" ［Vanessa］
Well, it was not a long-living peace. It was one quickly broken when a certain, familiar voice rang from behind. It belonged to Vanessa whose husband was tagging along behind her. A bright smile could be seen on her face.
"Are you done with your job?" ［Vanessa］
"Un... How about you Big Sis Vanessa. You fought quite a lot today. Will the baby be alright?" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! Thank you for worrying, but as you can see, I'm perfectly fine, and so is our baby! We're both fine and dandy!" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa declared proudly as she puffed out her chest, accentuating her already prominent chest. Ranzel, who was now beside her, couldn't do anything but smile wryly at his wife's energetic antics.
"Really...?" ［Yuna］
"Of course! While it would have been dangerous for normal people, it is different for us high-rankers! You'll instinctively feel it once you get pregnantー" ［Vanessa］
A sudden pause cut Vanessa's words as a sudden question popped inside her head. Neither Ranzel nor Yuna knew what was going on inside her mind, but they instinctively knew it wasn't one which was particularly pretty.
"Yuna, have you already done 'it' with Grey?" ［Vanessa］
And just as they expected, it really was not a pretty thought. Without any warning, Vanessa suddenly asked a sensitive question to Yuna, making the latter's face turn red from being flustered.
Ranzel, who was beside her, was just equally surprised as Yuna was. He didn't quite expect his wife to ask such a question in such a public space. Thankfully, there were no other people present other than them.
"Hey, Dear! That question was too much!" ［Ranzel］
"Eh～? Why?! It's only natural for two people who love each other! Yuna would have to experience 'it' with Grey sooner or later anyway. What's wrong with asking about it?" ［Vanessa］
"Dear... that's not the point... Look, Yuna had completely turned red!" ［Ranzel］
It was only when Ranzel pointed it out that Vanessa noticed how flustered Yuna had become. A ripe tomato wouldn't even compare with her current redness. Such topics were too much for her pure mind.
Of course, it was not that Yuna hadn't considered such a thing yet, but for her, it was still too early to do so. Her parents had always told her to only do "it" after marriage. That lesson had stuck with her even until now.
"Don't worry, Yuna! It might hurt in the beginning, but the pain will subside after a while! Just ask Grey to be gentle!" ［Vanessa］
"Dear, stop it already!" ［Ranzel］
It took Ranzel his all just to stop his wife from rambling. Even after such a long day, she was still very energetic, making it hard for him to calm her down. She was like a child who was on a sugar rush.
As for Yuna, her soul had already long departed from her body, and all that was left was a frozen shell with a feverish face. It took her a couple of minutes before she recovered from her mind overheating.
"Yuna, I'm really sorry about my wife just now." ［Ranzel］
"No, it's fine. I know she was just looking out for me in her own way." ［Yuna］
"I'm glad you understand... Dear, you should apologize, too." ［Ranzel］
"Uuu... Sorry, Yuna..." ［Vanessa］
Vanessa was on the verge crying as she embraced and apologized to Yuna. She had received quite the scolding from her husband and had become quite crestfallen because of it.
Yuna, on the other hand, could only smile wryly at Vanessa as she accepted her apology. Although she doesn't have any ill feelings about Vanessa, sometimes, her personality was just too much.
"Hm? Big Sis Vanessa, your uniform..." ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna as she noticed that Vanessa's attire which has partially been destroyed. Yuna didn't notice it before since it was covered by another coat, but now that she was close, she could easily spot a few damaged spots here and there.
"Oh, this... They have been burnt in the battle..." ［Vanessa］
"Burnt...?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I increased the temperature of my flames so much that the uniform started burning too. Thankfully, Ranzel gave me his coat! Look! Don't I look cute in Ranzel's coat?" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa happily announced as she twirled around showing off her husband's coat which was large enough to cover her body up to the knees. She even had to fold the sleeves just so that she could show her hands.
Yuna, whom she asked the question to, nodded in silence, but at the back of her mind, she had a completely different thought going on. She just remembered something that happened a long time ago and realized something after seeing Vanessa draped in Ranzel's coat.
"Yuna～!" ［Grey］
Not long after, Grey's voice resounded in the air as he slowly approached the group of three. While he was curious why Vanessa was twirling around happily, he didn't ask any questions. After all, it was Vanessa who we're talking about.
"Good evening, Grey～! Are you going home with Yuna now?" ［Vanessa］
"Good evening Big Sis Vanessa, Mister Ranzel, and yes... We'll be heading home now. It's getting quite late, after all." ［Grey］
"Aww～! That's too bad, I wanted to talk with Yuna more... Oh well, we still have tomorrow for that!" ［Vanessa］
Vanessa was crestfallen for a short while, but was quickly cheered up by herself. She was an enthusiastic one who didn't even consider whether they would even be able to meet the next day.
"Well then, we'll also be going now. Take care on the way home～!" ［Vanessa］
"See you next time." ［Ranzel］
"Yeah, see you." ［Grey］
Like a storm, Vanessa quickly disappeared towards the horizon with her husband as she skipped the steps away, humming happily as if nothing in particular had happened throughout the whole day.
The only ones left behind the ramparts were Grey, Yuna, and a number of knights and soldiers stationed for guard duty. It has become much more peaceful compared to the battle which just occurred a couple of hours ago.
"Yuna, let's go." ［Grey］
"U-Un..." ［Yuna］
Taking Grey's hands, Yuna walked along his side as he went down the tall ramparts and headed towards the Landevar mansion to see how Eliza was doing. Both of them were worried after seeing her faint from seeing too much blood.
Along the way, Grey couldn't help something strange about Yuna. She neither talked nor acted in any particular way. Rather, Yuna only jolted from time to time as she encountered people on her way. It was obvious that she wasn't really paying any attention to the things around her.
"Yuna, is something on your mind?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no... I was just thinking about Big Sis Vanessa's uniform." ［Yuna］
"Huh? Uniform?" ［Grey］
Grey slightly tilted his head in confusion as he pondered over what Yuna meant by her words. He had never expected those words to come out of her mouth, and so, didn't know how to react.
"Apparently, parts of it were burnt off while she was fighting, which reminded me... Grey, do you remember the day you saved me?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah...? What about it?" ［Grey］
"The village was burning, wasn't it? And you also said that my body had also suffered some heavy burns. The moment I woke up, I was already in your house, fully healed up and dressed up..." ［Yuna］
It was a heavy topic for Yuna yet she brought it out so casually. Grey, who was listening to her, also felt the heaviness in the air, but somewhere deep inside his heart, he felt that there was more to what Yuna was trying to say.
Suddenly, a noise canceling barrier was erected around them, preventing their conversation from leaking outside. The one who casted it was none other than Yuna, who, for reasons unknown to Grey, had started to become red.
"You saw, didn't you...?" ［Yuna］
Yuna mumbled in a low voice, but with just those words, Grey didn't understand a single thing. If anything, it only made him more confused about the situation.
"My... You saw... didn't you?" ［Yuna］
"Pardon?" ［Grey］
For the second time, Yuna mumbled her words in a low voice, but even then, Grey was not able to get her point. The only thing Grey noticed was that Yuna's face had become more beet red.
"My naked body! You saw it, didn't you?!" ［Yuna］
Her face as ted as one can be, Yuna asked Grey with her voice on the top of her lungs. She was completely embarrassed about asking a question, but even more so about Grey having seen her body three years ago.
It was only then when she yelled her question that Grey understood Yuna's actions. Why was she a bit red... Why she had been acting fidgety... And why she was out of herself... All the dots have been connected.
As for Grey's answer, he didn't say one immediately. What happened was that Grey's eyes drifted away from Yuna as a light reddish tint appeared on his cheeks, making Yuna more suspicious.
"I... I did..." ［Grey］
Speechless... Yuna wasn't able to say a single word after hearing Grey's response. The only thing she did was lightly pound Grey's shoulder with her closed fists. Her face was even redder than what was possible.
Grey didn't retaliate and just accepted Yuna's "punishment". While it was in no way intentional, it was still a fact that he saw a maiden's naked body. Even if that maiden was now his girlfriend, it doesn't exempt him from getting punished.
"Grey... Take responsibility... I won't take no for an answer..." ［Yuna］
Yuna said, pouting a little as small tears formed on the corner of her eyes, tears formed from too much embarrassment. Her face was still red as she tried to hide it from Grey.
"Gladly." ［Grey］
One simple word. That was Grey's response. Even then, that single word was enough to satisfy Yuna as a little yet visible smile bloomed on her face.
After their little scene, Grey and Yuna continued heading towards the Landevar mansion. The moment they arrived, what greeted them were the guards who let them inside without much trouble.
They were then guided to the garden where Eliza, along with Elise, Elaine, and the Landevar couple were sitting by the garden table. All were surrounding the little girl as they looked out for her.
"Good evening, everyone." ［Yuna］
"Oh, Grey, Yuna. To think you'll visit at this hour... You should have let us know in advance so that we could prepare a light dinner." ［Eleanora］
"No need, Missus Eleanora. Though we appreciate the thought." ［Grey］
"Un. We only came here to check up on Liz." ［Yuna］
Yuna said as both hers and Grey's eyes fell towards the little girl who hadn't even finished her dinner. Her older sister and Elaine tried to cheer her up, but it was to no avail. She still had no appetite.
"How's Liz doing?" ［Grey］
"Haah... She's still a little traumatized by what happened. Well, who could blame her. No one expected something like this to happen, it must have been quite the shock to her." ［Fritz］
Fritz said as he rubbed his temples. He and Eleanora had been deeply worried after learning about the incident in the carnival. Although they were happy their children and niece were unharmed, they were worried about Eliza's current state. They didn't want what happened today to haunt her for the rest of her life.
The young girl's eyes almost seemed empty as she slowly moved her fork, touching her food without any intention to eat. While she cheered up a little after seeing Yuna, it was still not enough.
Grey, on the other hand, started to think of ways to cheer Eliza up, but to no avail. No matter how much he thought, he doesn't know of a way to cheer someone up after seeing such a bloody scene.
'Haah... To think this happened on the founding festivalー Right! A festival!' ［Grey］
An idea sparked inside Grey's mind as he thought of the word "festival". Whenever one happened back in his previous life, there would always be one event he looked forward to, something he also wanted Eliza to see.
"Liz, look up to the sky." ［Grey］
Grey said, prompting Eliza to do so, her expression still a bit lifeless. There, all she saw was darkness as the clouds covered the moon and stars.
Whistle Crackle Boom
Three distinct sounds echoed one after another, and soon enough, the dark sky was filled with luminous and vibrant colors. With the use of fire, wind, and null magic, Grey managed to recreate a fireworks show he once saw back on Earth.
Red, blue, yellow, green, and many more. Colors exploded in the sky as whistling, crackling, and booming sounds echoed in harmony. It was as if vibrant flowers bloomed across the night sky.
The color red which reminded Eliza of the bloody scene has now become a beautiful color in her eyes. Suddenly, the sound of explosions has become less frightening. She had completely forgotten about what she was moping about and had completely focused her attention on the sky above her.
"Waah～ So beautiful..." ［Eliza］
Eliza's words, like the sound of wind chimes swaying by the wind as they hung on the balcony, relieved the others of their concerns and calmed down their troubled hearts. They were all happy that colors had finally come back in the little girl's eyes.
It wasn't just Eliza. Everyone who saw the fireworks inside the royal capital has been captured by its beauty. The day which felt like a turbulent storm was now as calm as a mountain, unmoved by the tides of time.
Despite the chaos and terror they all felt throughout the day, they have been reminded of the true essence of the founding festival. And that was not only to thank the heavens for another abundant year, but also enjoy what life has to offer.
In the years to come, every night as the founding festival comes to a close, everyone would gather around the central plaza as fireworks bloom in the night sky, dancing under the colorful lights. But, oh well, that's yet another story for another day to come.
CHAPTER 110 END