The scent of leaves and flowers filled the air, colors dull and vibrant could be found everywhere, and the chirping of the birds echoed across the forest as they flew and danced freely in the vast sky, landing from branch to branch to rest and pick fruits with their little beaks.
The morning was still young and as the sun climbed the sky, its gentle and warm light showered the forests, mountains, and rivers in its grasp, prompting them to wake and greet a new day, a peaceful day.
Surrounded by the lush and dense forest, a figure stood still as he moved his hands back and forth, chopping down vegetables and meat with every stroke of his knife. It was none other than Grey who was preparing breakfast.
It was a strange sight. Despite being in the middle of nowhere, there was a stove, a large table, and even an oven to be seen. It was as if there was just a magical kitchen which popped out in the middle of nowhere. Truly a sight to behold.
"Hmm... Needs little more salt..." ［Grey］
Mumbled Grey as he had a taste of the stew he was cooking. It was a fairly simple one, only made of a couple vegetables and some small pieces of meat, diced up into biteable pieces. Even then, it was a delicious one on top of being filling.
It was not the only thing Grey cooked. He had already prepared a couple more dishes for a varied and balanced meal. There were pork chops, omelettes, vegetable salad. grilled fish, and some vegetable soup. Of course, Grey didn't forget to prepare rice, several large bowls at that.
It has been a few days since Grey and Yuna departed from Torvis, and after hours upon hours of flight, they have finally arrived at the forest where Aria's home village was located.
Since Aria's directions entailed landmarks which are covered by the forest's canopy and could only seen on the ground, the two had no choice but to keep walking from the forest's entrance on out,
"Mnm. That's good." ［Grey］
Letting the stew simmer and cook, Grey headed back to the tent to wake up a sleeping angel. It was none other than Yuna who was still sound asleep, her hair messy as one can be yet managing to still look adorable in Grey's eyes.
Despite being boyfriend and girlfriend, Grey couldn't help but feel from time to time that he and Yuna are more like parent and child. Just him waking her up in the morning made him remember his school days when his own mother would always wake him up.
"Rise and shine, sleepyhead." ［Grey］
Gently, Grey patred Yuna's shoulders to wake the latter up, but her only response was to grumble a little before wearing again a peaceful look on her face. It was then that Grey once again confirmed they really looked like parent and child.
Grey tried to wake Yuna again and again but each time was a failure. Yuna was just too deep in her sleep and the reason was none other than Grey himself. And it's not because of their nightly activities, not at all. It was because of something entirely else.
Using her favor, Yuna asked Grey to teach her more about enchanting. And being the spartan teacher that he was, Grey worked Yuna to the bone until she got everything correct. Yuna, who was just a Tier-3 enchanter a few days ago, is now at Tier-4. Nevertheless, it was very tiring.
Thinking back once again about what happened during the past few days, Grey felt a little guilty about overworking his girlfriend. He swore to make it up to her by cooking her delicious meals and spoiling her rotten. Now, he really felt like a doting father rather than a devoted boyfriend.
"Haah... It's hopeless. She just won't wakeー" ［Grey］
Just when Grey was about to give up, a devious idea entered his mind. It was a common scene which he saw many times over the fairy tale movies he watched when he was just a child. After all, there was only one way to wake up a sleeping princess.
"Here goes nothing." ［Grey］
Preparing himself for what reckless and silly idea he was about to do, Grey positioned himself beside Yuna. He then gently caressed Yuna's cheeks as with his eyes closed, he linked his lips to hers.
Conveniently, at the very moment Grey sealed Yuna's lips with his, gentle skylight seeped inside the tent, illuminating the two of them. It was just like a scene out of a fairytale. A true love's kiss to wake up the sleeping princess.
"Mnmhh..." ［Yuna］
Unexpectedly, Grey's silly idea actually had an effect. For the first time after several tries, Yuna's face twitched a little. A few moments later, she opened her eyes slowly, blinking a couple of times while staring off into nothingness.
"I guess a true love's kiss really does work, huh..." ［Grey］
"Mm? Grey...? A true love's huh...? Whaa...?" ［Yuna］
"It's nothing. Good morning, princess." ［Grey］
"Mnm... Morning..." ［Yuna］
Like a little kitten, Yuna rubbed her eyes with a closed fist. She was still groggy and her eyes were barely open. Of course, it went without saying that her bed head was all over the place. It was just as messy as a bird's nest.
"Breakfast's almost ready, come out when you're readyー" ［Grey］
Grey was about head out of the tent but out of nowhere, Yuna's hands tugged on his coat. She was still sleepy yet she stared at Grey with eyes full of expectations, tugging his coat again and again even though she already had the former's attention.
"Hm? What is it?" ［Grey］
"One more..." ［Yuna］
"One more...?" ［Grey］
"A kiss... I want another one..." ［Yuna］
Yuna's mumbling was silent and bare audible but Grey could still make out her words from it. Especially when it was coupled with her face with was starting to color with a rosy tint. She may be sleepy, but she still knows when to be flustered.
As for Grey, he was just a little baffled. Not because he got found out, but because he didn't know Yuna could be so cute. As one could tell, he was a complete sucker when it came to the young lady in front of him, just another fool in love.
"Haha, I got found out, huh..." ［Grey］
Or so Grey said, but he wasn't in any way in opposition to Yuna's request. Rather, he was happy to grant it. His day had just started yet the scent in the air was already filled with sweetness and sappiness.
After giving Yuna another kiss, Grey finally exited the tent and headed back to what he was cooking. Just in time, the stew had just cooked, an aromatic and appetizing scent wafting through the air. With it, their steamy and delicious meal was now ready.
With Yuna washing her face and preparing herself for the day, Grey prepared the table and the plates for breakfast's use. In just a jiffy, a dining table decorated with a variety of dishes was completed. All that was left to do was dig in and enjoy a happy meal together.
"Yuna, breakfast's ready." ［Grey］
"Un! In a second!" ［Yuna］
A few moments later, Yuna, fresh out of the bath and hair just barely dry, approached the dining table. She was now in her adventurer clothes, ready to head out into the wilderness once breakfast was over.
Not waiting for any invitation from Grey, she took her seat and eyed the meal served before her. Her eyes were sparkling excitedly, accompanied by a bright smile. She has yet to take a bite but her eyes were already full.
""Thank you for the meal!"" ［Grey and Yuna］
Their prayers echoed across the peaceful forest as Grey and Yuna took a bite of their breakfast. It didn't take long for smiles to bloom like the flowers in spring, enjoying what time they have together and sharing laughter with one another.
But such happiness didn't last long. For one reason or another, Yuna's hands suddenly stopped moving and a frowning expression formed on her face. Grey couldn't help but worry, seeing as to how she was frowning in front of food. It was just too out of character.
"Hm? What's wrong, Yuna? Is the food not to your liking?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no! Not at all! It's just... How do I put this...? I just realized, but this whole time... You've been babying me a lot, aren't you?" ［Yuna］
Silence. There was only silence after Yuna said her piece. Grey was more than shocked to learn that she had just realized he was spoiling her rotten. He just couldn't comprehend what was going on inside his beloved's mind.
Judging from Yuna's responses whenever she says she didn't want to be treated like a child, Grey had selfishly assumed she was fully aware of what was going on. Never in his wildest imagination did he ever think she was completely oblivious to his extreme doting. It was somewhat unsettling.
In Yuna's defense, she just thought it was a normal thing for couples to do. Even when Grey was doting on her too much, she wasn't too bothered by it and rather liked it. It never came off to her that she was being too clingy and needy.
"I mean... Waking me up, cooking breakfast, snack times, and baking me sweets every time I asked of you... I feel like I'm becoming more and more dependent on you as time passes..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? Isn't that alright? I quite like doting on you anyways, I see no problem with it. We don't have to force ourselves to change, you know?" ［Grey］
"That's... Mmngh... That's right. I know that, but still... I also want to do something for you. I also want to spoil you..." ［Yuna］
While Grey was immensely thankful about Yuna's thoughts, something about the way Yuna put it felt wrong to him. Rather than the one being doted on, he would like to be the one who is doing the doting.
"And that's why! Tomorrow, I'll be the one cooking breakfast!" ［Yuna］
A proud declaration rang throughout the forest as Yuna puffed her chest, accompanied with a clenched fist. Her eyes were full of determination and resolve that Grey already knew she wouldn't back down even if he tries to convince her.
Well, Grey could only heave a brief sigh as a gentle smile appeared on his face. No matter what side of Yuna it was, he always finds beauty in them. He knew full well he was in love with every part of her.
"Alright, alright, I'll leave tomorrow's breakfast in your hands, but before that, why don't we finish our meal first. It's going to get cold if you don't finish it." ［Grey］
"A-Ah! Un!" ［Yuna］
Realizing Grey's point, Yuna then quickly sat back down on her seat. Their breakfast continued and smiles were afloat on their faces once again. The sound of laughter has never been so clear and calming.
Having finished their breakfast, it was Grey's turn to prepare himself. After taking a quick dip in the bath, he wore his signature adventurer attire, equipped his armament ring, and cleaned up after their campsite.
"Alright, let's go!" ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
Aria's directions at hand, Grey and Yuna set forth on yet another adventure. Quick on their feet, they treaded the dense forest whilst looking left and right for the landmarks which were listed on the map and notes.
The first landmark was a massive set boulder standing out like a sore thumb in the green forest. Next was a waterfall whose waters were clean and blue. Then there was a large patch of daisies spreading far and wide.
Landmark after landmark, Grey and Yuna's journey continued smoothly. There were a group of monsters from time to time but they weren't strong enough to serve as an obstacle to them. If anything, they only served as exercise for the both of them. A way to stretch their bodies a little bit.
Their journey only stopped when noon came. Of course, it was time for their lunch to commence, and with Yuna's insistence, she prepared it herself, only asking for Grey's help for taste testing and setting the table.
Needless to say, it was a wonderful meal yet again. Grey was especially full of appetite since it was Yuna who cooked the whole meal. There was not even a single speck of food leftover to be seen. The plates were cleaned empty.
After lunch, their journey continued once again. They were already hallway towards the village and with a couple more hours of traveling, they would be able to reach civilization. They won't need to camp for the night anymore.
"Puwah～! That was delicious!" ［Yuna］
Currently, Grey and Yuna were by a river, one of the landmarks mentioned on Aria's note. They were taking a break by the riverside while drinking some water to refresh themselves and eating a couple sweets while they were at it.
"By the way, Grey, how far are we from Miss Aria's home village?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... If I'm not wrong, we should only be a little over a dozen kilometers away from Malus village. As long as nothing major happens, we should be able to reach there in about an hour." ［Grey］
"An hour, huh... I wonder how their village looks like..." ［Yuna］
Yuna mumbled lowly as she passed back the water jug to Grey. Thinking of a village, she couldn't help herself but be reminded of her own. But there was no loneliness in her eyes, only excitement as she looked forward to the new experiences.
Rustle Rustle Rustle
The sound of leaves rustling and thrashing echoed in the air. It was not one because of the wind, but rather, because of a creature roaming about, foraging around the bushes in search of food to eat.
As it was near where Grey and Yuna were, it was only natural that they heard of such a noise as well. But compared to normal people who would usually be alert at such situations, the two were as calm as one can be.
"Grey, is it a monster?" ［Yuna］
"No, just some wild boar... Oh, it's a bristleback pygmy boar as well. I hear it's quite rare to find," ［Grey］
"Really?! Are they delicious?!" ［Yuna］
A peculiar question popped up in Yuna's mind as soon as she heard the word "rare". She was so excited that she managed to voice out her question at the very same time she thought of it, leaving Grey a little baffled.
At the same time, the boar also managed to get out of the bushes. It looked left and right cautiously, spotting Grey and Yuna just a few meters from it. It still has yet to know, but now, its fate was going to be determined by Grey's answer.
"Well... I heard they are quite the delicacy. If cooked properly, their meat becomes super tender and juicy. Not to mention the innate sweetness of its meat because of its diet. People would kill to have their hands on them." ［Grey］
Doom. Its fate has been decided. As soon as the boar saw Yuna slowly turn her head towards it with her eyes sparkling brightly, even brighter than the sun, and a smile appearing on her face on top of that, it felt shivers run down its spine.
While men and other people might find Yuna's smiling face an angelic one, in the eyes of the little boar, it was anything but that. All it could see was a starving and drooling predator, ready to pounce at any given moment.
As fast as it could, the small boar ran away from Grey and Yuna, fear engraved deeply inside its heart. It ran as if its life depended on it, that's because it really does. As soon as it gets caught, it would be nothing more than a fresh lump of delicious and juicy meat.
"Grey, I'm going hunting for a little bit, okay? I'll be back shortly!" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yeah..." ［Grey］
Unfortunately for it, Yuna didn't just let it do as it pleased. She might look carefree and cheerful as she chased after it, but she has already locked her focus on it. It was only a matter of time before the boar got captured. There was no escaping.
'Sorry, little piggy. Looks like you'll be for dinner tonight.' ［Grey］
Apologized Grey deep in his heart. While it was not in his slightest intention to bring harm towards it, unfortunately, it turned out the way it did. On the bright side, they'll be having a delicious dinner. There was still something to look forward to.
Buhiikkkkk
It didn't take long before the boar's scream echoed all over the vast forest. Despite its small size, it made quite the loud scream. One could only imagine the fear it felt as it saw its life flash before it.
Kururuuukkkkkk
Strangely enough, after the boar's demise, another scream echoed throughout the forest. It was much more high-pitched and also sounded like a bird being strangled. Grey's confusion was only answered
When Yuna returned, one could notice her holding some peculiar things on both of her hands. On the left, there was the boar she just chased, and on the right was a pair of turkeys, tongues sticking out, obviously dead already.
Despite Yuna having an angelic face, holding three dead animals with her hands only made her look a terrifying, cold-blooded hunter. It was even more terrifying when Yuna was wearing a bright smile on her face.
"Umm... Turkeys...?" ［Grey］
Grey was so surprised he could only utter such simple words. While he really does love Yuna and thinks of her as the most beautiful and adorable lady there is, no matter which angle he looked at it, he couldn't think the same at the current situation. It was a first.
"I caught them while chasing the boar! I'm pretty good, aren't I?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... It's quite impressive..." ［Grey］
"Grey, I'm pretty good, aren't I?!" ［Yuna］
Yuna repeated her questions, now with even more expectant eyes. It took Grey a hot moment to realize her intent, but when he did, he extended his arms towards her and patted her head gently, making the former's smile bloom even brighter.
"Yeah, you're amazing." ［Grey］
"Ehehe!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's demands were simple. She only wanted to be praised by the man she loved. Now, Grey's perception of Yuna's cuteness has returned, even stronger than before. He really was a fool for his beloved.
Since the animals were just killed, Grey and Yuna took their sweet time to carefully dismantled them. They got quite the generous amount of meat which was usually hard to get. It was a good haul.
"Phew... We're finishedー" ［Grey］
Rustle Rustle Rustle
Oh, how playful fate was. Just when Grey thought everything was done and finished, yet another bristleback pygmy boar decided to appear in front of them, in the same bush and the same manner no less.
The little boar, with eyes innocent as those of young children, looked at Grey and Yuna peacefully and curiously. There was no caution in its eyes. A massive failure for surviving in the harsh and unfair reality.
"Yuna, waitー" ［Grey］
It was already too late. Grey's words didn't even reach Yuna. The very next moment, she was already out of his sight and was in front of the innocent little boar. Yet another life was finished by the hands of the similarly innocent Yuna. What a great tragedy it was.
"Grey, I caught another one!" ［Yuna］
With much glee on her face, Yuna returned to Grey whilst dragging along the little boar she just finished off. While Grey felt pity for the boar, he couldn't really find fault in Yuna either. At the very least, their stock on meat has increased yet again.
'Haah... What am I gonna do with this girl...' ［Grey］
Grey sighed inwardly as he once again patted Yuna's head, praising her while his mind was in another place entirely. He started to consider whether he was being too soft to her, only to deny it not long after.
The journey continuedー or so it should have, but from time to time, they have been stopping and turning around in different directions. The reason was none other than Yuna, with encouragement from Grey.
For reasons unknown, every time she finds something interesting, she always goes out of her way to get them. When she found fruits, she foraged them, when there were tasty animals, she hunted them, and when there were herbs, she collected them. She was like an excited child collecting everything she finds interesting.
Of course, it went without saying that their journey took a long turn. A couple of hours have already passed yet they still have to arrive at their destination. The two of them were a lost cause.
If it weren't for Grey reminding Yuna about camping the night out once again, they would have continued to forage until night. While Yuna loves foraging and the likes, her dislike for camping is even greater. Grey was successful in luring her.
Following Aria's direction once again, Grey and Yuna continued traveling east, passing rivers and boulders along the way. Their steps only slowed down when Grey detected something with his "Heaven's Eye".
"Looks like we're here..." ［Grey］
Putting away the leaves blocking their sight, a marvelous scenery welcomed them. While it was already evening, they could still see fine and clearly as the dark forest was illuminated by lanterns.
Just across the little water stream before them was a number of houses, all made of wood and stone, standing out like a sore thumb in the middle of the forest, and filled with elves roaming about and living their daily lives,
"Amazing..." ［Yuna］
It was just like a scene out of the fairy tales Grey had read about. Out of everything he saw, the one before him screamed fantasy the most. An elven village hidden deep within the canopies and lushness of the forest. They have arrived.
CHAPTER 137 END