Clink Clink Clink
Sharp ringing sounds echoed across the lobby as glass pieces touched one another. Not only glass, metals apparatuses rattling and wooden crates clacking also filled the air, creating a varied symphony.
It was the Alchemists' Guild and as one would expect, the workers are busy day in and day out, creating and processing thousands if not tens of thousands of materials and ingredients. It was a den full of sleepless researchers.
"Guildmaster, here are the potions you requested." ［Yuna］
"Oh! Thank you, Yuna! You really are a lifesaver!" ［Rina］
An energetic and ecstatic expression blossomed on the Guildmaster's face the moment she received the batch of potions she requested of Yuna. They were a dozen of High-Grade potions.
Back when the Guildmaster was still the only person who could make such potions at the guild, she would always be swamped with work every time there was a request to make some. She couldn't be any more thankful that Yuna has joined in.
As it was on the behest of the Guildmaster and not an official one, the ingredients were provided by the guild. Yuna only needed to make the potion and deliver it to the guild. Of course, she would receive proper compensation.
For where Grey was, he was in a pretty similar situation with Yuna. He is currently delivering the equipment he made which has been ordered through the Blacksmiths' Guild. It was a warhammer he was delivering.
"Here you go, Yuna. That should be 27 thousand kiels. Please check it if everything's there." ［Rina］
"... Un! Two gold and seven silver coins, all here. Thank you, Guildmaster." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu, you're welcome. Also... Why don't you just stay here and chat with me? We have plenty of sweets here!" ［Rina］
A perfect hit.
The moment Yuna heard the word "sweets", her attention was immediately caught by the Guildmaster. Although she didn't want to involve herself again with the latter's antics, the offer of sweets was just too enticing for her.
It has been almost a month since Yuna registered as an alchemist under the Alchemists' Guild, and during the time they interacted with one another, they have learnt many things about one another.
The fact that Yuna loves sweets, it was something the Guildmaster easily learnt after the housewarming party. It was information she has been using to lure Yuna to have a chat with her. She just wanted to skip work and chat with her about alchemy.
"Ugh... I would love to, but I couldn't... Sorry, Guildmaster." ［Yuna］
"Is it that you couldn't or that you don't want to? Come on now～, I have prepared something more special than last time～." ［Rina］
"No, that's..." ［Yuna］
The Guildmaster tried to tempt Yuna more, but no matter how much she did, Yuna didn't budge. Yuna wasn't lying when she said her first response. It was something which involved items she and Grey had been wanting to get their hands on.
"Aww... You really can't?" ［Rina］
"I'm really sorry, Guildmaster. It's just that we still have an important discussion with Guildmaster Gaston later." ［Yuna］
"Oh, Dad? Come to think of it... He did say he'll be home late..." ［Rina］
The pestering only stopped when Yuna revealed her reason. Now that her father's name was brought up, there was nothing she could do about it. The Guildmaster could only heave a defeated sigh as she gave up on Yuna for the day.
With a slightly crestfallen expression, the Guildmaster chatted with Yuna for a short while. A few minutes later, the doors opened once again and a familiar figure walked in. It only takes a single glance to recognize who it was.
"Oh! Looks like your escort is here." ［Rina］
"Good morning, Guildmaster Rina." ［Grey］
"Fufufu, good morning too, Grey. Have you changed your mind about alchemy? We have a great pay, you know?" ［Rina］
"Sorry, but I think I'll have to decline again. I'm already pretty satisfied with what I'm doing right now." ［Grey］
"Aww... That's too bad..." ［Rina］
Once again, the Guildmaster tried to invite Grey to the Alchemists' Guild, but the latter declined him quickly without even a second thought. It wasn't the first time it happened. It was a scene which repeated itself every time Grey visited to get Yuna.
There was one time Grey got caught by the Guildmaster. It was a day where he, who was only Tier 3 at alchemy, managed to create a High-Tier, Middle-Grade potion. He was forced to advance to Tier 4 because of the pressure from the Guildmaster.
Starting from that day, Grey had always been careful around the Guildmaster. He swore to himself that he'll never be swept by her tune again. He didn't want to experience the same hell again.
"Well then, we'll be going now." ［Grey］
"Bye, Guildmaster～!" ［Yuna］
"Bye～! See you next time." ［Rina］
With their business settled in the Alchemists' Guild, Grey and Yuna left the guildーWell, they were about to when Grey suddenly halted his steps. He had seen a familiar someone with his "Heaven's Eye".
"Right, Guildmaster. You might wanna watch your back?" ［Grey］
"Huh? My back...?" ［Rina］
Heeding Grey's warning, the Guildmaster slowly turned around to see what the former was talking about. The moment she did, her facial expression quickly turned pale and all sorts of emotions burst inside her heart.
What she saw was none other than a demon scarier than any sort of monster she had seen. That demon was Aldean, her Vice-Guildmaster who was currently wearing a very dangerous smile across his face.
"Guildmaster, how many times have I already told you to not skip work? It seems like you still haven't learnt your lesson, I see." ［Aldean］
"N-No, that's not it! I-I'm just receiving the potions Yuna made. Yes! Yes! That's it, the potions! I'm doing my job." ［Rina］
"I see... But now that you've received them already, let's go back to the office, shall we? I'm pretty sure you still have some work to do." ［Aldean］
The Guildmaster tried to argue but it was pointless against the smiling demon in front of her. Without any resistance, she was once again dragged away to her office with an expression of despair over her face.
"Noooo!!!" ［Rina］
A loud wail echoed all over the guild with the Guildmaster's defeat. Aldean's smile was unchanging as he dragged away his troublemaker of a guildmaster. It was clear that a certain someone is going to receive a lecture again.
Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna had already exited the guild and were out in the main street. They are now heading to the Adventurers' Guild and along the way, they bought a couple of snacks which caught their eyes.
Now that quite some time has passed, there aren't as many people who crowd over Grey and Yuna whenever they walk the streets. While the people still gaze at them every time, it was much better than before.
As for those who asks for autographs, the two have learnt to decline their requests. Well, in the first place, not many people approach them because of their status. Even those who crowded at the inn only wanted to see them. They were really glad that things had returned to normal.
A few minutes of walking later, Grey and Yuna have finally arrived at the Adventurers' Guild. Since it was still in the middle of the morning, there weren't many people around as they were busy with their quests.
"Good morning, Tilda." ［Yuna］
"Good morning as well. Are you here to take quests?" ［Tilda］
A common question. Having entertained Grey and Yuna for months, that was the question which followed Tilda's greeting most oftenly. Especially with Grey and Yuna's clearing track record, it has already become a habit.
"No, not today, at least. We're here to meet with the Guildmaster. Is he in at the moment?" ［Grey］
"The Guildmaster? Yes, he should be in his office now." ［Tilda］
"I see, thanks. We'll see you lateー" ［Grey］
"Ah, wait!" ［Tilda］
Grey and Yuna were about to leave for the office when Tilda suddenly stopped them. They didn't know what the reason was, but judging from the latter's tone, it seemed pretty important.
"Is... something the matter?" ［Yuna］
"No, wait, I have something to give you... Just a moment please... I'll just... Just a second... Ah!" ［Tilda］
Tilda kept mumbling things to herself as she searched the drawers below the counter. She then grabbed a couple of letters and flipped throughout them until she arrived at the one she was looking for.
All the letters Tilda flipped through were ones addressed to Grey and Yuna. All from nobility, the gentry, merchants, and all sorts of people who wanted to meet them. Just seeing them was enough for the two to feel a little uncomfortable.
In just a couple of weeks, the Guild has already received hundreds of letters from all over the place. Some were addressed to the two while some were for Kris and Aria. Regardless, all have been turned down. None of the four wanted to be involved in any way with them.
"Tilda, if it's another nobleー" ［Grey］
"Ah, no that's not itー I mean yes, but no! Well, it's a letter from Miss Aria and Mister Kris. I thought you'd want to see them." ［Tilda］
"Mister Kris and Miss Aria?" ［Grey］
"Then that means..." ［Yuna］
As soon as they heard those two familiar names getting mentioned, a sudden thought clicked inside them. For an engaged couple who have been away to manage their upcoming wedding, there would only be a single reason to send a letter.
Hurriedly, Grey and Yuna opened up the letter and read its content, their eyes beaming brightly as they passed every lime. Just as they had expected, it was a wedding invitation, and the contents were as follows:
------
To Grey and Yuna,
Good morning, you two, or maybe it's already afternoon or even night the moment you are reading it. Regardless, we are happy to announce that our wedding date has already been decided. Just like Kris said before, we might not know each other for as long as other friends would, but we are happy that we can call you friends. We would more than love it if you could attend and witness this important moment of our lives as we share our vows between each other.
The wedding would be held on the 25th of Carnelion (Veneris) at the Malus Village far east of the Farflan territory. Attached to the letter would be further directions to guide you on your journey. We hope to see you soon.
Sincerely,
Kris and Aria
-----
Warm smiles appeared on Grey and Yuna's faces as they read the letter. While the sender was written as "Kris and Aria", they knew full well that it was only Aria who wrote it. Nevertheless, they were still happy.
Just like what the letter said, there was another piece of paper on the envelope. One which looked like a map. But after finding it, they also found another peculiar thing. The letter had a fold on it.
Their suspicions aroused, Grey and Yuna carefully unfolded the fold they discovered and the moment they did, they found another part of the message. Well, it was only a postscript attached to it. Even then, they took their time to read it.
------
P.S.
Can you bring some booze along the way? All they have here is tea and fruit wine. I'm writing this after Aria so don't tell her about this when you arrive. I'm counting on the two of you.
------
Grey and Yuna couldn't help but smile wryly. While the first part of the letter was good and sincere, clearly written by Aira, the postscript written by the groom-to-be, Kris, just hit them differently. They couldn't tell whether he was joking or serious.
There was only one thing that was sure. It was that their plan for the next couple of weeks has already been decided. All that was left was to meet the Guildmaster and they could start preparing for the journey ahead.
"Thank you for the letter, Tilda. We'll be heading to the Guildmaster's office now." ［Grey］
"No problem. See you later～!" ［Tilda］
"Un! See you～!" ［Yuna］
Waving their hands goodbye, Grey and Yuna headed to the Guildmaster's office. They had already received a wonderful news, and now, they are going to receive yet another one. It was a good day.
After knocking a couple of times on the door, Gaston immediately let the two of them in. As usual, he was sitting behind his desk, but unlike before, there wasn't that much paperwork to be seen. Only the normal amount.
"Hahaha, look at your faces. You two sure look excited." ［Gaston］
"Well, you do know what kind of situation we are in." ［Grey］
"Un! That's right! You can't blame us for being excited, Guildmaster!" ［Yuna］
"Alright, alright, I get it already, so settle down, you two." ［Gaston］
Shaking his head ever so slightly, the Guildmaster opened the drawer beside him and got a certain small box from it. Seeing the box, Grey and Yuna's eyes brimmed with excitement even more. The items they have been waiting for have finally arrived.
Slowly, as if building up tension, the Guildmaster opened the box. What was revealed inside were two plain looking guild cards which are colored white. They were Grey and Yuna' alternate ID cards.
Unlike the usual guild cards, alternate ones are linked to the main cards. They cannot go past F-rank and the points earned using it can be transferred to the main ID. They could also be used to transfer money to one another.
Only those with enough authority like a Guild Highmaster, like Velzier, who oversees operations on a national scale and of similar or greater status can learn that they are an alternate card. They are pretty much safe and secure.
"Here you go." ［Gaston］
The feeling of excitement and happiness surged even more the moment they got ahold of their new cards. Two unfamiliar names were present in their cards. There was "Shin" for Grey and "Elena" for Yuna, their alternate identities.
Since it would pretty much be useless if their names are still revealed, it was a must to have the names in their alternate cards changed. Grey chose his because it was common and easy to pronounce while Yuna, well, she just wanted to match the name trend in the Geldoria and Landevar families.
While they may not be of much use in Galderia, when they go adventuring, if coupled with their disguise, it would be more than perfect. Now, they won't have to put up with troublesome formalities and could enjoy their adventures more normally.
Seeing them so happy over such a thing, the Guildmaster could only hide a sigh under his breath. After all, in his eyes, Grey and Yuna looked like children who just got their hands on a new toy.
"Well, changing the topic, I've heard you've gotten a letter from Kris and Aria. Are you going to attend their wedding?" ［Gaston］
"Ah, yes. That's what we are planning to do. We'll probably be heading out in a few days' time." ［Grey］
"Haah... How I envy the two of you..." ［Gaston］
The Guildmaster heaved a deep sigh once again. This time, it wasn't because of Grey and Yuna, but rather what currently lies in front of him. Not just his paperwork, but also his responsibilities as a Guildmaster.
"Is there something wrong, Guildmaster?" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Nothing, really. I also got an invitation, but as you already know, my job isn't exactly one which has a lot of free time. Though it bothers me, I'll have to decline the invitation." ［Gaston］
A troubled expression on his face, the Guildmaster returned the box which once contained Grey and Yuna's alternate cards into the drawer. He was clearly disappointed to miss a once in a lifetime event.
"Well, there really isn't much I could do about it. Anyway, since the two of you are going, I want to ask you a favor." ［Gaston］
"As long as it's not paperwork, we'll try our best to fulfill it." ［Grey］
"Hahaha, don't worry, it's no such thing. We're fully staffed right now so it will still be a while before problems like before occur again." ［Gaston］
Replies the Gulldmaster. This time, he slowly stood up and faced the cabinet behind him. Just like how Tilda looked before, he searched the cabinet for a certain item, only stopping after getting his hands on a certain box.
The box was a little bigger than the one he put back in the drawer. It was a white one with red engravings on it. There was no jewelry or anything uselessly fancy. Just a simple and elegant box.
"Here, it's my wedding gift for Kris and Aria. I was thinking of giving it when they return but since you're heading there, might as well have them receive it on their wedding day. Can you do that for me?" ［Gaston］
Contrary to their expectations, the Guildmaster's request had nothing to do with the Adventurers' Guild. Now, he only looked like a man who wanted to wish his friend a happy marriage rather than the Guildmaster they knew.
Well, the answer was already obvious. There was no reason for the two to refuse such a heartfelt request. They couldn't help but smile gently after seeing such an act.
"Of course! You can count on us!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, then while you're at it, send them my regards too." ［Gaston］
"We'll make sure to do so." ［Grey］
After everything was settled, Grey, Yuna, and the Guildmaster talked about a couple of topics before parting ways with one another. The Guildmaster remained in his office as he should while Grey and Yuna have been dismissed.
Returning to the lobby, they had another short chat, but this time with Tilda. It was one which only lasted a couple of minutes before the two headed outside the guild and into the open streets.
By the time they were out, it was almost time for lunch, and so, the two of them headed back to their home and cooked themselves a delicious meal. It was one which they enjoyed happily.
"By the way, Grey... I have a question..." ［Yuna］
Whilst Grey was taking care of the dishes, Yuna's gentle voice rang from behind. One might have expected that she was hogging Grey again, but ha! You were wrong! She already let go of him!
"What is it?" ［Grey］
"About the wedding... what should we do with the wedding gift?" ［Yuna］
At Yuna's words, Grey's hands stopped moving. Since they had just gotten a wedding invitation, he had also not thought about it too much. In fact, he only started thinking about it now that Yuna already mentioned it.
"Yuna, let's go on a shopping spree!" ［Grey］
A bold declaration. Grey's voice boomed throughout the kitchen. His face was serious and determined as well. He has no knowledge about wedding gifts and such, but was excited to have a shopping date with Yuna. It was a flawless plan!
CHAPTER 126 END