"And the key, please." ［Kaela］
"Oh, here you go." ［Grey］
As per Kaela's request, Grey rummaged through his pocket, finding his key after a short while. He then handed it to Kaela, and the latter, after receiving it, wrote some notes down the register before looking back at Grey and Yuna.
It is the fourth day since their arrival at Torvis, and after staying three nights at the inn, their stay has finally expired. It was time for them to get going and continue their journey towards the wedding's venue.
Their stay has only been a short while, but it was one they could never forget. Well, apart from the sudden dungeon break and monster flood, their experiences in the city of Torvis were quite memorable. They have gained new insights about the vast world called Merusia.
"Hey, did you hear about the masked heroes yesterday?"
"Hahahaha! What are you talking about? If we have! It's been the talk of the town all day yesterday!"
"That's right! And I was lucky enough to witness it! It was super amazing, I tell you, super amazing!"
Compared to the gloomy mood the days before, the inn was enveloped in a much brighter atmosphere. Rather than worries and concerns, all that there is to be heard were laughter and celebrations as they talked about yesterday's happenings.
Rumors about the masked heroes' feats have already spread far and wide throughout the city. There was not a single soul who hadn't yet heard about the overwhelming strength shown by two mysterious figures the day before as they vanquished the monster flood all by themselves.
Of course, the talks about how four majestic platinum-scaled dragons suddenly appeared out of nowhere was also a hot topic, especially since not only those who were on the battlefield, but even the city folks witnessed their marvelous figures.
Unbeknownst to the people talking so merrily, the subject of their topics were none other than the two youths checking out of the inn at the moment. The same two figures whose faces are painted red from embarrassment.
"Mister Shin, Miss Elena, are you alright? You seem a bit... red...?" ［Kaela］
"Ah, no... iIt must have been because of the heat. It's quite hot today, isn't it, right, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"U-Un... N-Now that you mention it. I do feel like it's getting quite hot." ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna could only smile dryly as they tried to make excuses towards Kaela. On the other hand, the latter couldn't help but tilt her head slightly in confusion. After all, for her, the temperature was just like any normal day's.
In the end, Kaela decided to attribute their different perception in weather to the difference between Galderia and Torvis' topography. Grey and Yuna were able to avoid trouble only by a hair's breadth.
"Well, I guess this would be goodbye, huh..." ［Kaela］
Kaela was the one who said those words but the most affected ones were Grey and Yuna. In the short time they stayed at the inn, they have already grown attached to the food there. It was a shame, but they couldn't do much about it.
If there was anything positive, it was that they were able to try new experiences and taste new dishes on their short stay at Torvis. If they have the chance, they would visit the city once again. Of course, they would love it if there weren't any sudden disasters next time.
"Anyway... Thank you for choosing the 'Silver Sky Pavilion'! We wish you a happy journey up ahead!" ［Kaela］
"Thank you, Miss Kaela." ［Grey］
"Goodbye～!" ［Yuna］
Waving their hands goodbye, Grey and Yuna exited the room and came out to the open streets, greeted by the bustling crowd and magnificent carriages. And so, just like that, Grey and Yuna's short stay at the "Silver Sky Pavilion" came to an end.
Having left the inn, there was only one more destination on Grey and Yuna's checklist left. It was towards the northern gates where they first entered Torvis. They were heading there to greet their other acquaintance before heading out on their journey.
"Oh, kiddos! What's the matter, why're you leavin' so early?" ［Roen］
The acquaintance was none other than Roen. The very moment he saw the two heading out, he immediately greeted them, his face was full of glee and his smile extending from ear to ear.
Thankfully, after escorting Grey and Yuna towards the meeting room, Roen was quickly dismissed soon after. It was because of that that he wasn't able to witness the events which took place next, especially the revelation of Grey and Yuna's identities. Not that the two wanted him to hear anyway.
It was also worth mentioning that after such an event, Roen was not punished whatsoever for his actions. Rather, the Lord and the higher-ups were secretly thankful for his actions. They decided to secretly give him a raise since they couldn't exactly reveal the reasons why.
"Actually, we're here to say our goodbyes." ［Grey］
"Oh, for real?" ［Roen］
"Un. We still need to attend an important event." ［Yuna］
"I see, I see. Nothin' much we can do about it then. It's a shame, but I guess that's just how life is, huh..." ［Roen］
At Grey and Yuna's words, Roen became a little philosophical as he lightly shrugged his shoulders. There was no sadness nor loneliness in his voice, only a little bit of disappointment. Disappointment that he would be having less people to talk to.
"Well, what're two waitin' for? Don't you still have an appointment to catch? Hurry along now before I start chatterin' again." ［Roen］
The silence didn't last too long. Unlike others who usually wore sad expressions at goodbyes, Roen, on the other, was rather happy to see the two off. There was even cheerfulness and carefreeness in his voice as he prompted the two to get going.
Both Yuna and Grey were glad that Roen was still being his free-spirited self after the disaster yesterday. He was the first person they met when they entered Torvis, and in a coincidental turn of things, he was also going to be the last person they met during their leave.
"Well then, Roen, we'll be going now!" ［Grey］
"Hahaha, no need to say so! Just get goin' already!" ［Roen］
"Roen, thank you for everything! Goodbye～!" ［Yuna］
It was yet another goodbye, but this one was much light-hearted in nature. Now, rather than the open streets, what greeted the two of them were the open fields of the green and peaceful meadow, the grasses growing tall and butterflies to be seen here and there.
The sky was clear and blue, the weather was fine as one could be. It was the perfect day for a journey, and so, with smiles painted on their faces, Grey and Yuna headed out into the vast horizon, feeling the gentle breeze in their skin.
...
A man was standing still, watching silently over the window, glancing at the sacred tree standing proudly just a couple hundred meters from where he was. Despite how spacious the room was, there was not a single sound to be heard.
Creeakkk
The silence was soon broken as another man entered the room. He had white hair and crimson eyes which shone like rubies lit under the moonlight. He was wearing heavy armor and one only needs a single glance to tell he was well-built. Not only that, he was also powerful.
The man who just entered was none other than Windson Artemir, the head of the knights over the territory and one who held the rank of "Brigadier" when it came to the national army. He was, without a doubt, the strongest in Torvis.
As for the one who was standing near the window, he was the most influential person and also the most authoritative figure in Torvis. His name was Lenon fol Citron, the head of the Citron comital household and the current lord of the territory.
"Windson, you've arrived. How did it go?" ［Lenon］
"It has been confirmed, Your Excellency. They have left the city." ［Windson］
"I see... They have already departed, huh... What a shame, I couldn't even invite them over for a meal. What a failure of a lord I am, to not even serve my benefactors with hospitality... Really, what a shame..." ［Lenon］
Lenon had said many words already yet his eyes were still fixated at the sacred tree across the city. His eyes were looking distantly and his expression visibly down and gloomy as he recalled yesterday's happenings.
Even now, Lenon was still uncertain about what to feel towards Grey and Yuna. If there was one thing he was sure of, it was that he was deeply thankful for the two of them and what they have done for the city. He would never forget their grace for the rest of his life.
"Windson, what do you think of Their Highnesses?" ［Lenon］
"By Their Highnesses? Did you mean Lord Grey and Lady Yuna?" ［Windson］
"Well, who else would I be talking about? They are the hottest topic in the city right now. Why don't we also hold our own discussion about them over some wine. I happened to have some right here." ［Lenon］
Said the Lord as he finally turned around. He then headed towards the cabinets on the right and after a quick search around, he took out a luxurious-looking bottle of wine. It was one which was colored with the rich purpleness of grapes.
Of course, now that he had the wine in hand, the next were the wine glasses which were conveniently placed on the drawer just above where he got the wine from. He took out two for the two of them to drink from.
A bottle of wine in the right hand and two wine glasses on the left, Lenon headed towards his seat and sat down in an unexpected manner, almost throwing himself towards his seat like a little child.
"What are you waiting for, Windson? Come have a seat already." ［Lenon］
"A-Ah, yes..." ［Windson］
At a loss for words, Windson followed his liege's request and took his seat just in front of the lord's desk. After which, Lenon popped open the bottle of wine and started pouring them to the two glasses in front of him.
"Y-Your Excellency, let me do that." ［Windson］
"It's just pouring wine, at least let me do this much. And also, stop with the formalities, just call me Lenon for old time's sake." ［Lenon］
"Haah... Alright, as you wish." ［Windson］
"Hahaha, that's more like it... And here's a toast for Their Highnesses!" ［Lenon］
After Lenon gave a glass of wine to Windson, he then raised his. Following him, Windson also did the same and raised his. They both cheered for Grey and Yuna before chugging down their glasses.
"Mhm... Sweet and not so bitter. It also packs quite the punch as well. It's a good wine, isn't it?" ［Lenon］
"Yes. It goes down quite smoothly." ［Windson］
"Right, right. I should buy more of these soon." ［Lenon］
After downing their glasses in one go, Lenon once again poured some on their glasses, filling the room once again with the sweet scent of wine, accompanied by the scent of alcohol wafting through the whole room.
"So, about my question... What do you think about them?" ［Lenon］
"Hmm... That's hard to say since I don't know them very well. But based on my impressions, I could tell that they aren't bad people. On the contrary, I believe they are quite likable. Especially after hearing their conditions yesterday... Even now, I am still quite surprised." ［Windson］
"Hahaha, I could say the same. I believe all of us still are." ［Lenon］
Lenon once again drank from his glass of wine, silently, his eyes looking nostalgic as he recalled the memories which occurred not too long ago. Memories of yesterday's meeting.
He could still remember the chaos and insecurities swirling around the city as the emergency bells were rang. Even his aides who were the most experienced in the city felt the same concern and couldn't calm themselves down.
Yet in such a chaotic and hopeless situation, the heavens didn't let them down. While it was in a way more than unexpected, their prayers were heard and two saviors appeared before them, in the form of two youths no less. It was quite shocking.
Lenon could still remember how his heart trembled the moment he saw Grey and Yuna's privilege cards. More than shock, he felt awe and admiration to the two figures who stood before them. They were not what one would call normals, they were the elites of the elites who could crush cities if they so wanted.
"Alright. We'll help you out." ［Grey］
When Lenon heard those words, his heart started jumping and dancing for joy. Not only him, everyone else who was present also felt the same. But such happiness was short-lived. It was soon replaced with despair after the young man opened his mouth once again.
"But! Under one condition... You'll have to do us one favor." ［Grey］
At that moment, Lenon and everyone's hearts sank in the deepest and darkest swamps of despair. They were in a situation where it was hard to negotiate yet they couldn't turn down the other party's offer. It was a dilemma.
Agreeing meant an uncertain future while rejecting meant a path of ruin. Both were risky but as the Lord, Lenon must make a choice. It was with a heavy heart that he gave his answer to Grey and Yuna.
"Alright... Your condition, let's hear it." ［Lenon］
Even though he already prepared himself, Lenone couldn't help but gulp a mouthful of air, feeling both nervousness and anxiety deep inside his heart, one fueled by the unexpected situations which happened successively all of a sudden.
His heart trembled in fear even more when he saw Grey's smile spreading on his lips. It was as if he just made a deal with the devil, one which could either save him or devour his soul, dragging him to the very depths of hell.
"Then, for your part of the deal, we'd like you to deal with the aftermath of the battle. Keeping our identities a secret, dealing with the materials which will drop, explaining to the populace, and all the troublesome things which follows after." ［Grey］
Silence. There was only silence after Grey said the condition he talked about. All people present were speechless and frozen in shock. Neither one of them could believe what they just heard.
"Why are you all so quiet? Is our condition too much?" ［Grey］
"N-No, that's not it, Your Highness. Rather, apart from keeping your identities secret, everything you mentioned was something which all of us are going to do anyway. A-Are you sure that's all you are going to ask?" ［Lenon］
"Yeah... Why? Do you want us to ask another favor?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no... Not at all..." ［Lenon］
"There's no problem then. It's a deal." ［Grey］
Everything was settled unexpectedly quickly. Lenon, still in disbelief with how smoothly things went, signed a contract with Grey and Yuna stating their simple terms. Grey and Yuna were to exterminate the flood while Lenon and the others would deal with everything troublesome afterwards.
If before, everyone thought they were making a deal with a devil. Now, they only saw Grey and Yuna as angels sent by the heavens. They didn't know if they were just being considerate or were really naive, but they were thankful for everything.
"Ah, right, one more thing. Do you have some spare masks around?" ［Grey］
"Masks...?" ［Lenon］
Grey didn't answer Lenon's confused inquiry, rather, the only response was a small smile forming on his face. After receiving the masks, Grey and Yuna excited the room and the rest were history.
Even now, when everything was done and settled, Lenon still couldn't believe everything that happened. They were able to avert a crisis without doing much work. On the contrary, they even gained some profits brought in by the tons of drops they gained, especially with the ones coming from the Vulcan King.
Of course, Lenon wasn't going to be so shameless and have Grey and Yuna be unrewarded for their efforts. Not only will he give them the money earned from the drops, he was also planning to add in a prize from his own pockets. He still has to maintain his dignity as a Lord, after all.
"Well, whatever our opinions are, there is one thing we couldn't deny... They are true heroes, not only in title, but in action as well." ［Lenon］
"I couldn't agree more." ［Windson］
Swirling his wine glass a little, Lenon once again drank some wine. Following him, Windson also drank his share. Glasses were filled and glasses were emptied, such a cycle continued until there was no wine left on the bottle.
"Such bad luck... And I was starting to enjoy myself as well..." ［Lenon］
Lenon clicked his tongue as he shook the bottle of wine left and right and eyed its insides, confirming whether it really was empty or not. It was only when he saw not a drop of wine that he put it down, ending his movements with a short sigh.
"Ah, by the way, Lenon." ［Windson］
"Hm?" ［Lenon］
"What are you going to report to His Majesty later down the line? I know we have a deal with Their Highnesses, but we couldn't lie towards our King either. What are you going to do?" ［Windson］
The room was once again swallowed by silence as Lenon thought of an answer to Windson's question. He was swirling his empty wine glass with rotating movements from his wrist, thinking deeply and rationally
Just like Windson has said, it was a tricky situation. While they have an obligation to their King, they also have a promise towards Grey and Yuna. The former weighs much more, but he doesn't want to destroy what little trust there was between him and the two. It was a dilemma.
"Hmm... It's giving me a headache just thinking about it. I'll just cross the bridge when we finally get there." ［Lenon］
"That's quite the answer you have there..." ［Windson］
"Well, it's not like we have many choices anyway... Right, where did you say Their Highnesses went again?" ［Lenon］
Changing the topic, Lenon asked Windson a peculiar topic. The latter, after receiving such a question, was put in a tight spot as he tried to recollect every bit of information his subordinates had given him.
"If I'm not wrong, they headed out of the northern gates, but their direction is due east. I'd say they're heading to the eastern region." ［Windson］
"The eastern region, huh..." ［Lenon］
Standing up from his seat, Lenon once again approached the window, looking towards the direction of the sacred tree, which happened to also be located in the eastern district of the city.
Much further away, in the very same direction. Lenon imagined Grey and Yuna had already covered kilometers upon kilometers of distance. He didn't know where exactly they were heading, but he wished for one thing deep inside his heart.
'I hope you have a safe journey, Your Highnesses...' ［Lenon］
Like how the scene started, the scene ended the very same way. Lenon was standing still, once again facing the windows with his eyes looking distantly. There was only one difference, it was that this time, there was a gentle smile on his face.
...
Clouds of white and gray, forests of green and brown, and mountains standing tall and proud. Such sceneries could be seen left and right as one soars through the vast and empty sky, like a free bird during a sunny day,
Currently, Grey and Yuna were riding on Sirius' back once again, heading towards East where the Farflan territory was. They didn't know the place, but nevertheless, they were still excited about what things there were to see and experience.
Of course, it went without saying that the thing they looked forward to the most was tasting new kinds of food along the way. They were both looking forward to what else the elven cuisine has to offer. They wouldn't back down from anything.
"Looks like it will be a few days' journey. We'll probably need to camp outside many times." ［Grey］
"Ughh... Camping... I just want to rest in a comfortable bed..." ［Yuna］
At the very mention of camping, Yuna's face was painted with expressions of exhaustion and discomfort as she recalled what terrible experiences she had whilst camping in the wild.
It wasn't only those experiences that she recalled. There was another one, far more recent and far more valuable. It was one which just happened the day before.
"Oh, right... Grey, about my favor..." ［Yuna］
"Huh? What favor?" ［Grey］
"Well, didn't we have a competition yesterday? And it's my win! Do you not remember already?" ［Yuna］
"I do remember, it's just... I don't remember you winning." ［Grey］
"Eh?" ［Yuna］ "Huh?" ［Grey］
The two tilted their heads in unison, both confused about the other's words. While they have yet to settle the scores, both of them believed they won from the bottom of their hearts, hence the confusion.
"No, no, no, no, just wait a minute! Just how many did you defeat, Yuna? I had 3,207, and you?" ［Grey］
"Mine's 3,253! Like I said, I won!" ［Yuna］
"But I defeated the boss, it's gotta be worth a lot of points, right?" ［Grey］
At Grey's question, Yuna's lips arched up into a smile with her eyes gleaming with joy and excitement, it was only then that Grey realized where he slipped up. It was his own mistake.
"Grey, we only agreed on the most number of enemies defeated. There wasn't a scoring system." ［Yuna］
Shock. Grey's heart was filled with so much shock that he froze in that very moment. He couldn't believe he let such a detail slip and most of all, he couldn't believe how sly Yuna has become. He was a little terrified.
Meanwhile, Yuna's smile only grew brighter at Grey's realization. She was very happy that she finally won another game against Grey after a long time. Not only that, she also gained a favor while she was at it. It was like killing two birds with one stone.
"Fufufu, I look forward to it, Grey～!" ［Yuna］
"Ugh... Dammit..." ［Grey］
Two figures, two contrasting expressions. Whilst Grey was feeling a little depressed, Yuna was smiling and giggling to herself. Such a scene unfolded as Sirius continued to soar in the sky. It was a peaceful day.
CHAPTER 136 END