"Mister Falroe, here's the key for the house." ［Grey］
A silver glint flashed in the surrounding as the gentle sunlight hit the metal key. It was a bright morning yet the atmosphere around the house wasn't the same. Rather, there was a little bit of gloom looming here and there.
It has been about a week since Kris and Aria's wedding and during the past few days, Grey and Yuna have been spending their spare times training both Zeke and their new student, Eldhart. It was in spartan style, of course.
The days flew by and finally, it was time for the two to depart once again. Since the wedding had already passed, they have no more reasons to stay anymore. While it was a good stay, they couldn't just continue loving there forever. They still have a home to return to.
"Are you really not going to stay any longer?" ［Falroe］
"No, thank you for the offer but we still have other people waiting for us. After all, Galderia's still our home." ［Grey］
"Un. But don't worry. We'll visit you anytime we can." ［Yuna］
"Huhuhu, then I guess we'll have to look forward to your next visit." ［Falroe］
There was laughter, but there wasn't much spirit in it. Loneliness and sadness was still more evident. Grey and Yuna already said countless goodbyes to many people, but even then, they still couldn't get used to such a feeling.
They knew they could still meet each other, but they still couldn't help but feel a little lonely. It was only a short while but the people in the village had already been put in a special place in their hearts.
"By the way, Mister Kris, Miss Aria, when are you two going back to Galderia? Or.. are perhaps thinking of settling down now that you're married?" ［Grey］
Asked Grey as he changed the topic. Well, that and another reason. After all, Kris and Aria are a special part of Galderia. Before Grey and Yuna arrived, they were the only ones who cleared high-rank quests. Losing them would be a huge blow not only to the Guild, but also the city itself.
While Grey and Yuna could also take care of them, a problem would arise if they also aren't there. The guild could hold up if it's just a month or two, but any longer could be detrimental. It was also one of the reasons Grey and Yuna needed to hurry back.
"Nah, not at all. We're still going to continue our adventuring jobs. We'll probably be here for about a month before heading back." ［Kris］
"Yes. And even if we did want to settle down, it's not like we can just escape our responsibilities over there. The Guildmaster would really scold us if we did." ［Aria］
"Tell me about it. That old man can really be annoying when he starts nagging. It's really a pain in the ass." ［Kris］
Responded the newlywed husband and wife tandem. Having worked for years under the guild, they already have a full grasp of their responsibilities and consequences of their actions. Grey and Yuna could learn a thing or two from them.
For a honeymoon, a period of one month is already more than enough for them. It wasn't too short nor unreasonably long. If they wanted to, they could even grow their family in that amount of time. But seeing their sweetness, they'll most likely still want to spend their time alone together.
"I see... A scolding, huh... Then I guess we really have to hurry." ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't any of Grey and Yuna's business to interfere with their newlywed life. In fact, they wouldn't even mind them extending their stay. It was a humble gift they could give the two.
"Fuu... No time to dawdle then, we'll have to get going now. See you next time, everyone." ［Grey］
"Goodbye, everyone～! Oh, and Zeke, don't forget to train regularly, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Yes! I'll make sure to shock you the next time we meet!" ［Zeke］
"Fufufu, then we'll be looking forward to it then. Until next time～!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's soft giggles resounding in the air, the silhouettes of gently waving hands slowly vanished from sight until they were nowhere to be seen. With each and every step the two of them took, their departure drew closer.
Since they've already talked many times the day before, their goodbyes were just short and simple. After saying goodbye to Falroe and his family, Grey and Yuna headed to a few places to say farewell to a couple acquaintances as well. Time passed until there was only one thing left to do.
The ground covered in flowers the color of rainbow as far as the eyes can see, leaves gleaming like emeralds under the morning sun, and the fresh and refreshing breeze blowing ever so gently. It was really a relaxing paradise.
Leaving Yuna alone to enjoy the view and play with the familiars in the beautiful garden, Grey headed towards the large tree in the center. It was of course the Tree of Life. He wanted to talk to Leif before departing.
『You've come, Holy One. To what pleasure do I owe you this visit?』 ［Leif］
『Still as formal as ever huh, Leif.』 ［Grey］
『This is just how I speak, Holy One. Forgive me if it makes you uncomfortable. I will do my utmost to change my way of speaking if you command me to.』 ［Leif］
『No, it's alright. It'd be even weirder if you started talking casually now. Just talk as you please.』 ［Grey］
Grey has only been talking to Leif from time to time but they have already gotten comfortable with one another. Although Grey still found it strange talking to a tree, it's not like he could do anything about it. Leif does not possess the "Shapeshifting" ability like the familiars, after all.
Thankfully, Grey had already informed Yuna about Leif ahead of time. She was very surprised when he told her, but quickly calmed down, excitement over her eyes. They tried conversing using telepathy, but sadly, it didn't work.
Well, what was important was that Yuna knew Grey could converse with Leif. He doesn't care about what anyone else thinks of him, but he didn't want her to think he had gone crazy, talking to a tree and such.
『Anyway, we won't be here for too long. We're be departing back to Galderia soon so we wouldn't be seeing each other for some time.』 ［Grey］
『So that's the case... I see... Then I suppose the reason for the Holy One's visit is to convey your farewells?』 ［Leif］
『Well, yeah, that and another thing. Leif, if it isn't too much to ask, I'd like to request something of you.』 ［Grey］
『There's no such thing as too much. Holy One, you just need to say it, and this one will fulfill it.』 ［Leif］
Although it was a little uncomfortable and troublesome with so much formalities, Grey was still happy and thankful that Leif was willing to lend a helping handー Err... Or a helping branch in this matter.
All jokes aside, Grey's request was pretty simple. He only wanted Leif to watch over any changes between the balance of aether and corruption. And if possible, tell him next time if Leif finds out something related to the topic concerning the "Essence of Creation" and the sorts.
The Former had already asked Leif how long it has been aware, and to his surprise, it has actually been a long time. While Leif only became sentient recently, it has always been somewhat aware of what's happening to its surroundings. Although it was only a vague understanding, it was still very helpful.
It was thanks to its awareness that Leif was able to make conclusions about the current state of the world. Now that it has gained true intelligence and sentience, it could do even more.
『Of course, please leave such matters to me. It would be my greatest pleasure to be of assistance to the Holy One.』 ［Leif］
『Alight, thanks.』 ［Grey］
There wasn't much to think about. Since Leif couldn't really move from one place to another, there were only so many things it could do. Grey's request would not only allow it to help him, but also relieve its boredom. Two birds with one stone.
『Then I guess that's all for now... It was nice chatting with you, Leif. Then, we'll get going noー』 ［Grey］
『Ah, please wait a moment, Holy One!』 ［Leif］
『Yes...?』 ［Grey］
『Before you go, I have something to give you.』 ［Leif］
Grey's mind was filled with question marks as he tilted his head in confusion. While he understood that Leif was trying to give him something, he couldn't fathom what. In the first place, they already got a lot of things from Leif.
Just the other day, they were given a lot of leaves, petals, and fruits from Leif. Be it making tea or eating them as desserts, they would as they wish with them. Since they have "Inventory", there was no problem about the loss of its effects over time.
Whilst Grey remained puzzled, Leif's roots and canopy started glowing dimly. Soon, wild leaves sprouted on the ground and beautiful, white flowers blossomed with grace. Flowers also blossomed on the canopy, soon turning into fruits and dropping towards Grey's position.
Grey swiftly caught the fruits falling towards him, not missing a single one. They looked about the same as the fruits they received just recently, but something about them felt off, and Grey was right.
Shock was plastered on Grey's face as soon as he appraised the fruits. They were of the highest quality and several times more potent than what they received before. They had the effects of Superior-Grade potions and elixirs combined.
As for the flowers, they can't be ingested directly but they are precious ingredients to make Superior-grade items, a single petal easily costing several thousand kiels. The whole gift amounting to millions upon millions of kiels. An extravagant gift.
"Oi, Leif, these are..." ［Grey］
Grey was so surprised that he voiced out his thoughts out loud rather than convey it telepathically. But the gifting didn't end there. A couple of the flowers atop the canopy still continued blooming, getting brighter and brighter as time passed.
Soon, the flowers shattered into fragments of warm light, leaving only golden fruits behind. Golden fruits which had intricate marks and patterns all over their surface. They soon fell like the other fruits, landing towards Grey's hands.
⟨⟨Appraisal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
-----------------------------------
[Item]
[Name] Divine Fruit of Miracles
[Grade] Divine
[Description]
A fruit from the Tree of Life containing the condensed essence of several decade's worth of aether. It is one of the most precious, invaluable items in the world, having the combined effects of a Divine-Grade Potion and Divine-Grade Elixir. If its extracts are condensed into a single drop, it can even resurrect the dead.
-----------------------------------
Petrified, speechless, and bewildered. Grey was about to faint after reading the fruits' descriptions. Not even the items God had given him could compare to it, and he was given six of them.
『They are only humble gifts, but I hope the Holy One appreciates them.』 ［Leif］
Humble... Such a word resounded inside Grey's mind over and over again. It was because said "humble" gifts were items which are even more valuable than the Divine-grade items he possessed, which in themselves are already invaluable.
Grey wanted to retort so badly to Leif's words, but he couldn't. It's not like he could expect Leif to understand what values people placed in the items it just gave away so casually. Trees and people are different, after all.
"Grey, is there something wrong? You've been making some strange expressions for some time now." ［Yuna］
"Ah, not really. It's just that, you see..." ［Grey］
With Grey's brief and simple explanation, Yuna quickly got a grasp on the things. But while she may have been surprised at first, after a sudden realization, that surprise quickly turned into excitement.
"Wait! Then does that mean we'll get to have all these flowers?! All these herbs, just for us?!" ［Yuna］
The girl who was gung-ho about medicinal herbs and alchemy has come out once again. She didn't even care if the herbs cost thousands or millions. What mattered to her was that she now has more ingredients to use in her alchemy.
Grey could only sigh in resignation as he observed how much joy and excitement could be seen on Yuna's face. Her eyes were literally twinkling brightly as her head turned left and right, looking at all the flowers she could pick.
『Leif, just for confirmation, we can have these, right?』 ［Grey］
『Yes. Please gather as much as you can. If that still isn't enough, I can make more if the Holy One wishes it.』 ［Leif］
『No, this is more than enough. Thank you.』 ［Grey］
Just by a single glance, it was easy to see there are more than a hundred flowers growing by Leif's roots. By rough estimate, each flower is valued at about a hundred thousand kiels, then it would mean 10 million kiels in total at the very least.
If Grey were to ask for more, he feels like he's going to get retribution from heaven. He also doesn't want Leif to expend its precious energy for their sake. It was best to not be too greedy, after all.
"Yuna, Leif says you can take as much as you want." ［Grey］
"Really?! Yaay～! Thank you, Leif!" ［Yuna］
A delighted expression looming over her face, Yuna excitedly picked the flowers growing beside Leif's roots. She also had the help of the familiars, gathering and playing at the same time.
It may just be Grey's imagination, but with Yuna's thanks, Leif's branches and leaves swayed gently and a tender breeze swept through the garden. Grey might just be overthinking it, but it may have been Leif's way of saying "you're welcome".
The happy atmosphere continued and after a few minutes of picking, Yuna managed to gather every single flower there was, not leaving a single one behind. If one were to search for the definition of "hoarding", Yuna's name would really be there.
『Then, Leif, we'll really be going now. See you next time.』 ［Grey］
『Farewell, Holy One, and to Lady Yuna too. I hope you have a safe and wonderful journey ahead of you.』 ［Leif］
『Yeah. Thanks for everything!』 ［Grey］
A final goodbye resounding in the air, Grey and Yuna headed a little distance away from Leif. A few moments later, the familiars were called back to their shadows, all except one. Only Sirius remained.
There was no need for a command. By her own will, Sirius changed back to her true form and her magnificent pair of wings spread proudly in the air, her platinum scales shimmering brightly lime a creak showered with sunlight.
"Sirius, we'll be imposing on you again." ［Grey］
"It's my pleasure, Master." ［Sirius］
It was the usual. With a single hop from them, Grey and Yuna quickly rode Sirius' back. The second she flapped her wings, he immediately soared high up into the sky, dominating it as if she was its queen.
The higher she soared up, the more villagers noticed their ascent. There weren't any traces of fear nor panic in their faces, only a little bit of surprise, but even more so with admiration and astonishment as they watched her soar with bright eyes.
Boooommmm
The sound barrier was quickly ruptured with a single flap of Sirius' wings. Now that she has reached S-rank, she is even faster than before, easily surpassing her previous speed more than twofolds.
"Waah～! It's a dragon!"
"See you next time, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna!"
"We wish you a safe journey!"
The people's cheers and wishes echoing loudly across the village, Sirius continued to soar in the air, darting through the clouds and leaving a white mark like a speeding jet dominating the vast blue sky.
None stood in Sirius' way as she soared freely in the sky. While there were a few beasts and animals flying from time to time, they quickly parted away as soon as they noticed Sirius nearing them. The journey continued smoothly.
Time passed and Grey and Yuna soon arrived back at the Haltea Great Forest, and so, they decided to stay in their old house for a day before continuing their journey, taking their time to relax and enjoy one another's company.
"Everyone, sorry it took me a long time to visit. I hope you're all at peace..." ［Grey］
And while they were there, they took the chance to visit the graveyard once again. Now, it wasn't only Yuna, Grey and the familiars were also with her. The familiars paid respect to the people resting there even though they didn't know them well.
"And Mister Folsen, Missus Ristelle, you can leave your daughter in my care. I'll make sure to protect her smile." ［Grey］
A gentle smile bloomed on Yuna's face as she watched Grey talk with her parents, her hand approaching his, holding it tightly with their fingers intertwining. She then joined in with him and also had a lengthy chat with them, telling stories of the recent.
Time quickly passed by and they soon returned to their old home, resting the night away in each other's warm embrace, waiting for the night to pass by and listening to the forest's nightly symphony.
The winds burst forth with every flap of Sirius' wings and the clouds continued to part with every passing second. The sun bridged over the sky and a golden hue was painted in the sky as the afternoon was coming to an end.
After five days since leaving the Malus village, a familiar sight could be seen over the horizon. High walls encasing a large city, just as domineering as the first time they saw it, enshrined in golden sunlight. It was Galderia. It was home.
As usual, they didn't just straight up head towards the city. They landed in a nearby forest before unsummoning Sirius. They gave her their thanks before heading towards the city, a very long line greeting them upon their return.
While they did miss the city, there was one thing they couldn't say they did. It was the stares of some people and the guards as they saw the two line up behind them. It was only then that they realized something they had totally forgotten.
"Right... There was this, wasn't it?" ［Grey］
"Un... I totally forgot..." ［Yuna］
It has been about a month and a half since they left Galderia, and it had totally slipped their minds that they were still treated as heroes in the city. Even though some time has passed, their popularity was still as high as one can be.
Words quickly spread and with each passing second, many people looked at their direction with eyes of curiosity, excitement, admiration, and emotions one cannot simply describe. It was quite the interesting welcome.
"Grey... Should we just skip the line? It's getting uncomfortable..." ［Yuna］
"Alright. Let's do just that. I'm also itching to have a rest... What do you think of hamburg steak for dinner?" ［Grey］
"Un! I'd love that!" ［Yuna］
No choices left, Grey and Yuna decided to use their privilege for once and skip the line, giving their greetings to Dale and a few acquaintances. They chatted for a little bit before the two headed inside of town.
Golden sunlight gracing the city, a warm and familiar sight welcomed Grey and Yuna as they stepped foot inside the gates. It has been quite some time since they've such a sight and they felt a little emotional as they welcomed it back.
Well, everything would have been perfect if people didn't start staring and pointing at the two of them. It was obvious that they had already figured out their identities, not that the two of them could be bothered to put on their disguises now.
Hurriedly, Grey and Yuna headed back to their home over the southeastern district. The further they headed in, the less people and houses there were. A couple more minutes of walking and a welcoming sight greeting them.
Creeaaakkk
A sharp creak echoed in the air as the gates were slowly opened. Grey and Yuna headed in, another creak resounding as the front door was opened and their fatigue quickly went away as they stepped in. The comfort of home.
"We're home～!" ［Yuna］
An excitement-filled voice filled the air as a certain young girl jumped towards one of the couches. Her face was filled with delight as she hugged the pillows and lied down without much care in the world.
Grey could only shake his head lightly at Yuna's reckless actions. The girl was drowning in discomfort from people's stares and was now as energetic as one can be. Well, he only found it adorable of her. He was a fool for her, after all.
"Then, I'll head to the kitchen now. I'll be cooー" ［Grey］
A sudden tug on his coat made Grey stop on his tracks and words. It was, of course, none other than Yuna who was now wearing an adorable sulking face for god-knows-the-reason-why. Grey could only be puzzled.
"Don't go... Cuddle with me..." ［Yuna］
The reason was just as adorable as she was. Grey didn't know what triggered her clingy mode once again, but it's not like he would find out the reason even if he thinks it over. All he could do was resign to her wishes.
"Haah... Really, what am I gonna do with you..." ［Grey］
"Hehehe!" ［Yuna］
A blooming smile on her face, Grey sat down on the couch and enjoyed Yuna's company. They played some board games, card games, cuddled with the familiars, and chatted merrily to pass time.
The only time they stopped playing was when they cooked and ate dinner together. After which, they continued lazing about, letting themselves loose as they wasted their time away, a thought lingering on their minds.
Home really is the best.
CHAPTER 155 END