Six little furballs running around the living room, hopping, rolling, and tumbling about without much care in the world. They were too adorable that unless one possessed a heart of iron and ice, they would immediately fall in love with them.
The furballs were none other than the familiars whose numbers just grew by two the other day. While they don't lick and yelp like normal pups do as it concerns their dignity as High Dragons, they were still adorable and fluffy nevertheless.
It has been two days since Vega and Capella joined the family, and after those two short days, they have fully adapted into their new lives. Of course, the other familiars also got along with them well... In fact, too well.
"E-Eldest Sister, h-help me...!" ［Capella］
"Vega, stop bullying Capella or... is it that you want another scolding?" ［Sirius］
"Geez～! Eldest Sister, I'm just playing with her!" ［Vega］
But being the youngest amongst the familiars, they are treated like babies by the others. Especially Vega, she was the runt of the litter. The only one who could keep up with her energy was Kentaurus who was just as energetic.
Now that Polaris had gone back to Eliza, Sirius is now the eldest amongst the familiars, and so, she bore the responsibility of keeping them in check. Needless to say, it was quite an arduous task. Thankfully, the ever so thoughtful Arcturus was there to help her out.
"Now, now, everybody please behave properly. Don't cause too much trouble for Sirius. Why don't you come here and cuddle with me?" ［Yuna］
"Yes!" ［Vega］
"I'll race you first, Vega!" ［Kentaurus］
At Yuna's words, Vega and Kentaurus quickly turned around and raised towards Yuna's embrace with their short legs. Unfortunately for them, the first one to arrive was Canopus. Despite being relatively normal, he was the most competitive amongst them. He was one who would take on a challenge fearlessly.
After Canopus, Kentaurus and Vega lunged themselves on Yuna's body as they indulged in her warmth. After them was the timid Capella, followed by the protective Arturus, and finally, their Eldest Sister, Sirius.
Seeing such a scene, Grey could only smile warmly as he relaxed himself on the couch parallel to where Yuna was. Though he also cuddles with the familiars, it isn't as often as Yuna. He could only chuckle to himself as he saw Yuna being drowned by fluffiness.
With the wedding preparations done and finished and Zeke's training still in the afternoon, Grey and Yuna have a lot of time to waste on their hands. They relaxed themselves away as they excitedly waited for the wedding which is bound tomorrow.
Knock Knock Knock
Just as they relaxed themselves on their own spots, a sudden knocking came from the other side of the door. They weren't expecting any visitors so they were a little bit puzzled about someone knocking.
"I'll go get it." ［Grey］
"Un. Thank you." ［Yuna］
Leaving Yuna in the comfort of the familiars, Grey headed towards the door. The moment he opened it, he was greeted by a familiar figure. Black hair and gold-colored eyes. It was tomorrow's groom-to-be, Kris.
"Hm? Mister Kris, did you have a fight with Miss Aria again?" ［Grey］
"Hey...! Just what do you think of me? I'm just here to invite you to a hunt." ［Kris］
"A hunt? Why so suddenly?" ［Grey］
Asked Grey as he tilted his head. While there was nothing odd of an invitation, there was something about Kris' expression which puzzled Grey. While he looked calm at first glance, one would notice his calmness was a little forced.
Grey couldn't put his finger to it, but there was surely something going on with Kris. He looked a little melancholic with a hint of anxiety and nervousness. There was only one thing Grey could think of. It was wedding blues.
"Nothing much, I just felt like sweating a little today, and won't you need a lot of ingredients for tomorrow's reception? It's killing two birds with one stone." ［Kris］
"Well, I suppose that's true..." ［Grey］
"So, what do you think? You in?" ［Kris］
"Alright. I'll just tell Yuna first." ［Grey］
A relieved smile appeared on Kris' face as soon as he heard Grey's answer. Now, it was obvious that there really was something going on. Grey headed back to the living room whilst bearing Kris' expression in mind.
"Yuna, I'm going out for a bit. Mister Kris invited me to a hunt." ［Grey］
"Hm? Sure... Then Grey, can you gather some herbs for me while on the way? I think there's a lot I still haven't gotten my hands on yet." ［Yuna］
"Haah... Alright. Then I'll also gather some fruits and nuts while I'm at it. There should be a lot you'll like." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Thank you so much!" ［Yuna］
Happiness as simple as one can be, Yuna's bright smile illuminated the surroundings. Her smile was so bright Grey might think he was already blinded. He could only smile gently as he thought of how adorable his girlfriend was.
"Then, I'll be going now." ［Grey］
"Un! Take care!" ［Yuna］
"Good luck on your journey, Master." ［Sirius］
"See you later, Master!" ［Vega］
After Yuna, the familiars also cheered on Grey as he headed out of the living room. He didn't need to prepare anything. All that he needed was already in his "Inventory". He looked just like a lad who was going out on a casual walk in the park.
Well, it wasn't only Grey. Kris also looked like he was going out casually. There were no weapons, no traps, no baits, and not even a backpack. Everything was in his storage ring, only containing a few snacks, water, and his trusty warhammer.
"Mister Kris, I'm ready now." ［Grey］
"Alright then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" ［Kris］
Their attire set and ready, Grey and Kris headed out into the open streets and towards the village gate. There, they were greeted by a couple of guards before they headed out into the deep and lush forest.
The forest was just as green and dense as one would expect. From grasses growing on the ground, vines hanging in the branches, and trees standing proud and tall. All sorts of plants and vegetation could be found on every side and corner.
There were also the occasional small critters hopping and running about, jumping over the roots and grazing on the grasses. There were snakes slithering on the branches. And also the birds resting atop the canopies. It was a peaceful forest.
"So, Mister Kris, where are we going?" ［Grey］
"Hmm... I don't really have any place in mind. I was thinking of just loitering around and see where my feet takes me." ［Kris］
"Well, I guess that's one way to go about it. There should still be a few wild boars and quails present here and thereー" ［Grey］
Rustle Rustle Rustle
Just as Grey finished his words, a couple rustling sounds reached their sharp ears. It reminded Grey of the time Yuna caught a couple pigmy wild boars and some turkeys. The rustling sound was just too similar.
Just a couple dozen meters away, there was a deer eating from the bushes, picking a few berries from the twigs and eating them calmly. It wasn't even aware that Kris and Grey were watching it as if it continued to eat without a care in the world.
"Looks like we have our first prey already." ［Kris］
"A white-spotted deer, huh... I heard their meat is quite delicious. We should be able to cook a couple of dishes with its venison." ［Grey］
"Then it's settled... Let me show you how a hunt is done. Just watch and learn from your senior!" ［Kris］
Kris proudly declared as he took out his large warhammer from his storage ring. The deer has still yet to notice them, but its fate was already sealed. It was innocently chewing on the berries, unaware it was going to be its last meal.
Stealthily, Kris approached the oblivious deer. He tried his best not to make a single sound, successfully approaching the deer closer and closer with each passing second. He was only a couple meters away when...
Snap
As soon as the twig Kris stepped in snapped, the deer was quickly alerted, its head raised to look around the surrounding area, ready to run at any moment. And when it saw Kris, oh, run it did, and quickly at that too.
"Oh, no you don't!" ［Kris］
The deer tried to run, but as soon as Kris' warhammer struck the ground, a short quake burst forth and soon, a high wall was erected in front of the deer. The deer couldn't stop itself immediately and crashed into the wall, receiving a concussion in the process.
It stood up, but it was already too late. When it noticed, it was already surrounded by high walls in all directions. They were high enough that no matter how much the deer tried to jump, it wouldn't get over it. It was completely trapped.
"And... Haap!" ［Kris］
Kris struck the ground again and another quake burst forth. The walls shook and turned back into soil, pouncing on the helpless deer like a hungry predator. It swallowed the deer whole, not leaving any gaps for escape.
Time passed and soon, the sphere of soil and rocks dissolved. What was left behind was a motionless deer who was covered in a little bit of dirt and grime. It was already dead after suffering from intense suffocation. What a cruel fate it had.
"So, how was it, my dear junior? Have you learned something?" ［Kris］
"Well, it was certainly a unique way to hunt, but... Mister Kris, could you even call that hunting? You just strangled the deer to death." ［Grey］
"Hey, if it works, it works. That's all that matters, isn't it?" ［Kris］
"Ughh... I guess you're right..." ［Grey］
As soon as Kris stored his prize in his storage ring, the two of them continued to wander aimlessly in the forest. For a couple of minutes, there weren't any animals present to hunt and so, they just chatted about a couple trivial matters.
On the way, Grey also collected all and any fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and herbs he came across. And hearing his reasoning, Kris also joined him, picking a couple kinds of fruits Aria liked.
Rustle Rustle Rustle
The wait was over. As they were collecting some fruits, a louder rustling echoed in the air. Another prey was nearby, and this time, it was a large boar rather than a deer. It was only a normal boar, but it was still better than nothing.
"Then, I guess it's my turn, huh..." ［Grey］
"Alright, show me what you got, Grey. You better not disappoint me." ［Kris］
"I'll do my best." ［Grey］
Grey calmly said as he shifted his attention to the boar who was wandering the forest just as aimlessly as they did. It was searching for roots and mushrooms to eat, not even a tiny bit aware of the danger it was currently in.
Just like what he did two weeks ago, Grey picked up a sizable stone from the forest ground, and with great precision, he threw the stone towards the unsuspecting boar, cruising in the wind at speeds which easily surpassed bullets.
The stone hit the boar straight towards the head, boring a clean hole in its skull. A short moment after, the boar fell helplessly to the ground, its flames of life already extinguished. Everything happened in just a couple of short seconds.
"How was that, Mister Kris?" ［Grey］
"I don't know but… It was something else. Great job, my junior!" ［Kris］
"Mister Kris... Can you stop calling me your junior already?!" ［Grey］
"What's wrong with calling you "junior", junior?" ［Kris］
A vile and annoying smile appeared on Kris' face as he continued teasing Grey. Still, the expression Grey noticed before was still present on his face. He was just stalling for time as they continued to hunt.
Grey quickly stored the dead boar on his "Inventory" and cleaned up a little of the blood splattered on the surroundings. They then continued their journeyー or so how it should have been, but there was just one pressing issue which needed to be addressed immediately.
"By the way, Mister Kris, why did you invite me to a hunt?" ［Grey］
"Hm? Didn't I tell you already? I just wanted to sweat a littー" ［Kris］
"I meant the real reason, Mister Kris." ［Grey］
Kris froze at Grey's words. Now that Grey mentioned it, the subtle expressions on his face have now become clearer. The melancholy, the anxiety, the nervousness, everything was now clear as day.
"Looks like I've been found out, huh..." ［Kris］
"Well, you should have seen your face. Anyone could tell." ［Grey］
"I see... That's unfortunate..." ［Kris］
Kris sighed yet again as he looked up to the sky for a quick moment. It reminded Grey of the time they were hunting for ingredients for the pizza when Kris gave him a couple pieces of advice. Only now, their roles have been reversed.
"So, what is it? Is it about the wedding?" ［Grey］
"Yeah... Ah, but don't get me wrong. I really do love Aria and I'm happy that I get to marry her. It's just that..." ［Kris］
"It's just that...?" ［Grey］
"Well, there's this unsettling feeling in my heart. Although I'm excited for tomorrow, I am also nervous and anxious at the same time. It feels like I'm being torn apart by sadness and happiness. It's somewhat annoying." ［Kris］
Another sigh exited Kris' mouth, much heavier and lengthier than the ones before. Just like he said, his heart was in trouble as he thought of what was about to come the day after. The more he thought of the wedding, the more troubled he became.
Of course, he was still head over heels for Aria, but somewhere deep inside his heart, he was troubled whether he chose the right choices. It was not that he is regretting proposing to Aria or anything of the sort, but rather, he was anxious whether he really is the one destined to make her happy.
The marriage and everything which comes after it, every unknown thing in the future was giving him anxiety. He is willing to do the best he can to make Aria live the best life possible and protect her lovely smile but he isn't confident whether his efforts would be enough.
Grey continued to listen to Kris' troubles and the more he listened, the more one thing became apparent. While Kris really does feel troubled, there was also something about his expressions that he couldn't help but notice.
"Mister Kris... I may be wrong, but... I don't think you're here to sort out your feelings, aren't you? I think you've already sorted it out," ［Grey］
"What do you mean?" ［Kris］
"Well, you might not notice but every time you talk about Miss Aria, your expressions become brighter. Not to mention you were just picking fruits for her a couple minutes ago. I think you've already found your answer." ［Grey］
Kris once again froze at Grey's words. He himself has not noticed it, but when he looked back at his actions, he realized how determined he was to make her happy. It may only be small actions, but it showed that he was always thinking of her.
Now, all his troubles were cleared up like the sky after the storm. It was not that he hadn't found his answer, he just needed someone to talk to to make things clear. He was lucky that someone turned out to be Grey.
"Haah... You're right. I can't believe I've been brooding about something so obvious all this time. Now I feel a little stupid." ［Kris］
"Hahaha, we do have those moments from time to time. So, how about we continue our hunt? And how about a little competition to make things interesting?" ［Grey］
"Hahahaha! Alright, bet!" ［Kris］
A boisterous laugh echoed throughout the forest as Kris' clouded heart was cleared of all his troubles. They continued their hunt with extreme vigor, hunting as much as they could without endangering the ecosystem. It was a productive day.
...
Fluff, fluff, and fluff. All there was to feel was fluffiness. Yuna was indulging herself in such fluffiness as she cuddled with the familiars. Although they were warm, they weren't to the point one would start swearing. It was a comfortable type of warmth.
Now that Kris and Grey went hunting in the forest, she was left alone in the house. It was a little lonely that Grey wasn't with her, but she knows she knows people need their own personal time too from time to time. Well, she was still lonely. She was quite a needy girlfriend, after all.
Knock Knock Knock
As soon as a couple knocks echoed in the house, Yuna's ears perched quickly. She then abruptly stood up and headed to the door with great excitement. It has only been a couple of hours since Grey left and she was already in such a state.
"Greyー!..." ［Yuna］
But her heart was only filled with disappointment as she opened the door. Her voice was initially full of excitement, but it quickly died down until there wasn't a voice left to be heard. It wasn't Grey, but Aria.
"Umm... Am I disturbing something...?" ［Aria］
"A-Ah! No, not at all, Miss Aria! Why don't you come inside first?" ［Yuna］
"Then, pardon the intrusion." ［Aria］
Yuna quickly invited Aria inside the house, taking her to the living room where the familiars were waiting with excited eyes. They were so fluffy and adorable that Aria was quickly infatuated with them. Her heart was captured by their cuteness.
"Umm... Miss Aria, are you alright?" ［Yuna］
"O-Oh, oh my, y-yea, yes I am." ［Aria］
It was only until Yuna called out to her that she snapped back to reality and remembered what she was there for in the first place. Still, she couldn't take her mind off the little furballs who looked at her with sparkly eyes.
Yuna invited her to a seat before brewing some tea for them to enjoy. She also took out some sweets to accompany them. There were cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, and some lemon cakes, perfect for a little tea party.
"Miss Aria, please have some." ［Yuna］
"Oh, thank you." ［Aria］
The tea party started and Yuna and Aria enjoyed themselves. The familiars also weren't left out. Whilst the two of them sat, they also sat on their laps, warming them and keeping the both of them company. Aria couldn't be any happier at such a welcome treatment.
While she was happy with hers and Kris' familiars, she was a little envious that they couldn't shapeshift like Grey and Yuna's. If they could, there wouldn't be anything left she could ask for. Everything would be perfect.
"By the way, Miss Aria, what brings you here?" ［Yuna］
"Oh, right..." ［Aria］
But Aria's satisfied and joyous expression didn't last long. The very moment Yuna said those words, gloom loomed over her face and the atmosphere felt noticeably heavier. It was not suffocating, but it was also not comfortable. She was wearing a face of melancholy about her.
"Umm... Kris... Did you see him this morning?" ［Aria］
"Ah, yes... Mister Kris invited Grey to a hunt. I believe they won't be back for some time. Why? Is there something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"It isn't really a problem per se... It's just..." ［Aria］
Aria was trembling a little as she said those words, only stopping when Yuna held her hands. Although her warmth wasn't like Kris' nor her family's, it was still a warmth which comforted and calmed her down as she confided in her.
According to Aria, Kris has been acting weird as of late. It all started yesterday morning when he started wearing a dark expression, but it only became worse with time. Just this morning, he even started avoiding her altogether. It was the first time he started acting ever since they started dating.
Although Aria trusted Kris with all her heart, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She was anxious that Kris would back out, that he would abandon her, that he would despise her. Worries she never experienced as intensely as now, her hands trembling as she let her feelings out.
"Miss Aria..." ［Yuna］
It's not like Yuna couldn't understand how Aria felt. Being in a relationship with Grey, there are also times she felt such emotions brewing in her heart. Even when she loved Grey, she couldn't help but feel anxious. It was only a natural expression she feels from time to time.
Thankfully, her trust and love for Grey was much stronger. After some time, those emotions just die down on their own, especially when she was with Grey. The warmth and comfort she feels with him was the remedy to all her worries.
"Miss Aria, this may be out of line for me to say this... But I'm sure all you need is a little chat with one another. Just talk it out for a quick minute. I'm sure everything will be alright." ［Yuna］
"That's... Yes... Maybe you're right... Maybe I'm just thinking too much..." ［Aria］
"Un! I'm sure you'll be alright! Mister Kris loves you after all!" ［Yuna］
A soft smile formed on Aria's face as she continued to listen to Yuna's words. She knows they aren't related, but she couldn't be any happier. It felt like she had gained yet another younger sister.
Knock Knock Knock
Just as they finished talking, a familiar knocking came resounding in their ears. There were only two figures they could think of who would be knocking at such a timing. It was Kris and Grey.
"Miss Aira, let's go!" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes!" ［Aria］
Determination burning in her heart, Aria headed to the door with Yuna. She was resolved to solve whatever was the problem between her and Kris, but before she could even say something, a bouquet of flowers greeted her as soon as they opened the door.
It wasn't just any normal flowers. They were Moonlit Lilies, flowers which are known to be very beautiful yet hard to find in the forest. A flower which symbolized undying and everlasting love . Just finding one is already considered lucky, yet there was a whole bouquet in front of them.
"A-Ah! Th-this is for you..." ［Kris］
Kris didn't know Aria was even there to begin with causing him to become flustered. He was planning to give the flowers to her when he went back to the Chief's residence, but now that she was in front of him, there was no need to delay things any longer.
The anxiety and gloominess which once occupied Aria's heart was quickly washed away the moment he saw Kris and those flowers. A gentle smile appeared on her face as she tried to suppress her tears, tears of happiness and relief.
"Thank you..." ［Aria］
There weren't many words to be said. All it took was a simple gesture and their hearts which were once clouded were now burning with the flames of passion and love once again. Problems were resolved without even trying.
Grey and Yuna also felt their happiness as they looked at one another's eyes and linked their hands. Although they were still far from the stage Kris and Aria are now, one day, they'll one day share the same troubles. But they weren't worried. After all, they have each other to lean on.
"Oh! Me and Miss Aria were just having a tea party, would you care to join?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, then it would be our pleasure!" ［Kris］
"I guess we'll have to cook more sweets, huh..." ［Grey］
"Fufufufu!" ［Aria］
CHAPTER 150 END