It was an unfamiliar place. The trees, the flowers, the insects buzzing about, and even the critters slithering and crawling on the forest ground. While there were many familiar creatures, there were also a great abundance of novel ones. They really were in a new place.
The group was now past the border of the Kingdom of Alfrione and the Empire of Valliarta, and so far, it has been a very smooth journey. When the sun set on the horizon, they found a nearby forest and retired there for the day, setting down their camps and resting themselves.
"Ugh... My back hurts..." ［Julius］
Said Julius, greeting the morning by stretching his arms towards the sky, the sound of bones cracking echoing all over the forest as he twisted his body left and right. His whole body was stiff and needed some stretching.
"Oh, morning, Your Highness. Seems like you had a rough night" ［Grey］
"Shut up... I'm just not used to camping outside. You should have told me beforehand. I could have prepared then." ［Julius］
"How is that my fault? Weren't you the one who said you were also an adventurer? You should know the knowhow of traveling. All faults' on you. Even Amelia prepared a comfortable sleeping bag beforehand." ［Grey］
"That's right... But... Ugh... Dammit..." ［Julius］
No retirts could come up in his mind. No matter how he looked at it, all of Grey's points were right on the mark. He was just too complacent about traveling that he didn't think of the many situations he could encounter.
Being a member of the Royal Family, Julius has never camped outside before. They have always rented out high-class inns or asked the nobles in the area for residence for the night. It has always been like that.
Well, Amelia was also the same. The only difference was that she was much more responsible and meticulous than Julius. The very moment she got Grey and Yuna's invitation, she quickly prepared her things, a complete opposite of her fiancé.
"By the way, where are the girls? I don't see them anywhere..." ［Julius］
Asked Julius, turning his head around in search for the two ladies, but no matter how hard he looked, he found no one. There was only Grey in front of him, chopping and preparing things for breakfast. He was once again the cook for the journey.
"Hmm, that... They just went a little distance away. They are currently taking a bath so why don't you help me out with chopping vegetables." ［Grey］
"Well, that's fine, but... I don't know much about cooking..." ［Julius］
"I know. That's why I'm going to teach you how. It'll be useful when you go on travels in your adventures." ［Grey］
Said Grey but there aren't any words of gratitude coming from Julius. He only looked at him with doubtful eyes, eyes which would make one want to punch the one who owns them. Such was the eyes he was wearing.
"Did you eat something strange? Why are you being so nice to me?" ［Julius］
"Oi, are you trying to pick a fight? Just say it if you want a spar. And just as you know, I won't be holding back just because you're a prince." ［Grey］
"Grey, you're saying scary things. Don't try to kill me when I haven't even graduated. And thanks for the offer, I'll be taking it." ［Julius］
"You should have said that sooner." ［Grey］
It only took a couple exchanges for Julius to realize that Grey was still his usual self, still as disrespectful and crude when talking towards him. Though it really was worrying how easily he could spout threats to him, a royal, as if it was just as natural as breathing.
But well, it was also the Grey he knew well. Not like he treats him any better. They were peas of the same pods who managed to get along well even with their rough nature towards one another. Well, it's just men being men.
"Then, I'll be in your care again, Instructor." ［Julius］
"Sure. Then how about you start peeling the carrots, my dear student." ［Grey］
Julius gracefully accepted the knife Grey had given him and started peeling the carrotsー or so it should have been. But rather than doing that, he only stared at the carrot for the seconds to come, not doing a single thing.
His mind was now in the depths of the void. The more he stared at the carrot, the funnier it looked to him. He was now in an unknown realm, his mind dysfunctioning at the mere sight of a harmless carrot. Not to mention he was the one with the knife.
"Hey, why aren't your hands moving?" ［Grey］
"Umm, Instructor... How do you peel a carrot?" ［Julius］
Frozen, speechless, and dumbfounded. Grey experienced such wild emotions at the same time as he heard Julius' words. He was even worse than Iris, who just learnt by copying what she saw. Now, Julius looked like a numbnut in front of Grey.
"Haah... So we're starting from there, huh... Use this then. I'll teach you later when we have more free time." ［Grey］
"A peeler? You had a peeler this entire time yet you're making me use a knife?! What kind of instructor are you?!" ［Julius］
"Shut up. It's because adventurers usually only bring knives to lessen the luggage. You should know how to make use of the things you have." ［Grey］
"Well, I guess you're right. But Grey, how do you use a peeler?" ［Julius］
That was the last straw. Grey finally snapped at Julius as soon as he heard those words. Since he knew what a peeler was, he expected the latter would at least know how to use it, but as expected of a spoiled prince, he doesn't know a single thing about housework. It was amazing in a way.
His eyes blazing with annoyance, Grey beat his knowledge towards Julius, literally. He didn't stop until the latter understood how to use the simple peeler even kids know how to use. He has entered spartan teacher mode again.
Carrots, potatoes, onions, garlics, and a sizable number of greens. Grey taught the prince how to feel, chop, and prepare the different ingredients found commonly in a kitchen. Julius was able to learn, all the while hearing endless scoldings from him.
"Oh, right, Grey. I have a question." ［Julius］
"Hm? What is it?" ［Grey］
"The girls are bathing right now, right?" ［Julius］
"Yeah, what of it?" ［Grey］
"I'm just asking out of curiosity, but... You haven't tried to peek at Yuna before, haven't you?" ［Julius］
Cough Cough Cough
Grey choked miserably on the soup he was tasting as soon as Julius spoke such nonsense. He knew that Julius was still in puberty, but he never expected that he would ask such a sensitive and crude question out of the blue.
Sure, he has experienced talking about it back in his teenage years with his friends in his previous life, but he was already way past such talks. Not to mention that Yuna would definitely kill him out of embarrassment. It was a dangerous topic no matter where one would look at it.
"Wh-What are you talking about?!" ［Grey］
"Well, you and Yuna are living together, right? I figured such thoughts must have crossed your mind at least once, hasn't it?" ［Julius］
In reality, there was no need to. Grey has already seen what there is to be seen, but there's no need to say such needless information. He just wanted to punch Julius for how idiotic he is, bringing up such a topic out in the open.
"You... You're just projecting yourself to me, aren't you? You just wanted to peek at Amelia. Don't drag me to your nonsense!" ［Grey］
"Huh?! Don't try acting innocent! I know you've had such thoughts at least once. You're a man as well!" ［Julius］
"What does it have to do with my manliness?! I'm not a pervert like you!" ［Grey］
"Ha?! Who are you calling a pervert?!" ［Julius］
"Who else do you think?!" ［Grey］
"Why you...!" ［Julius］
Just like cats and dogs who don't get along, Grey and Julius were engaged in yet another argument. There isn't a day where they don't and it has become a part of their daily lives. Most of all, all the reasons are as dumb as one can be.
The two were so engaged in their little quarrel that they didn't realize two figures had already appeared behind them, once again. Two figures who were just fresh out of the bath, hearing everything the two idiots quarreled about. Their faces were red from both embarrassment and anger.
They only stood still, continuing to listen to the two men until they noticedー or so was the plan, but the more they stayed, the more vulgar the topics became until it became unbearable. It was then that Amelia decided to tap Julius' left shoulder.
"Oh, Amelia, you're back. Just wait a moment, I still have something to talk about with Greyー Eh? Amelia...?" ［Julius］
It was only then that the men finally stopped. Their faces were now pale white, like that of a clean sheet of paper, as they saw the terrifying smiles on Yuna and Amelia's faces. They felt unimaginable fear they have never felt before.
Even though Yuna and Amelia were only wearing towels around their bodies, they didn't feel even a little bit happy nor excited. Rather, they only felt chills running down their spines as they instinctively shrank away from their beloved.
"Your Highness, why have you stopped? It was such a fresh and interesting topic. Please continue." ［Amelia］
"That's right, Grey. Why don't you share with us what you were talking about? We were the topics, after all." ［Yuna］
Neither Grey nor Julius could utter a single word of retort. Since the girls have heard everything, it was impossible to lie and justify their actions. All they could do was listen to a long lecture, once again. Yuna and Amelia have lost count how many times they've done such things.
After the long lecture, they then had breakfast together. It was very silent, or rather, the ladies just ignored the men who tried to talk to them. It was so depressing, Julius and Grey couldn't taste a little bit of the food. All were as bland as water.
The time for flight has once again arrived, but the silent atmosphere remained. It was to the point they were now riding three familiars, rather than two. Sirius carried both Amelia and Yuna while Grey and Julius rode Canopus and Kentaurus, respectively.
"Amelia, are you still mad?" ［Julius］
"I don't know what you're talking about, Your Highness. I'm not mad, no, not at all. In fact, I'm feeling great." ［Amelia］
"Then why won't you look at me?" ［Julius］
"I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about." ［Amelia］
Several hours have passed since they have been scolded, but Amelia's anger has yet to subside. All this time, she has been avoiding Julius' eyes. Though it is now better since she is responding compared to before.
As for Grey, he wasn't worried too much about Yuna. Other than the fact that they have been together for three years already, they have also gotten into a number of disagreements. Not to mention how head over heels they are for one another. Such a trivial matter wouldn't strain their relationship.
Time passed some more and the sun had almost climbed its peak. It was almost time for lunch. Still, Julius kept getting the fold treatment from his fiancée. Amelia only smiled when talking about with Yuna, still nor looking at Julius.
"Oh?" ［Grey］
Meanwhile, Grey didn't pay much attention to the three. His eyes were now focused over the horizons, watching a certain area sparse of trees, a winding river streaming by the side. It was still several kilometers away but Grey could already tell it was a wonderful place.
"Yuna, would you like to have a picnic for lunch?" ［Grey］
"Hm? Why so sudden?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing much. I just found a nice place." ［Grey］
A smile on his face, Grey asked the familiars to head to the direction he was glancing at. It didn't even take more than a couple minutes. With their incredible speeds, they quickly arrived at the place Grey asked them to.
Crystal-clear waters from the mountain, creating a cascade of waterfalls, making a deep blue pool, a beautiful river splitting off from it. Under the noon sky, the pool shimmered like jewels, a lake of diamonds, a natural treasure.
But that was not all. Apart from such beautiful bodies of water, there was also another treasure at the river bays. Large flower fields extended left and right, only a couple large trees to be seen, providing shade in the open meadows.
Daisies red as rubies, lilies white as snow, tulips blue as the ocean, and daffodils as beautiful as the amber sky. Their sweet scents create a harmonious fragrance in the air. If there was a word perfect to describe the place, it was the word "paradise".
"Waah～! So pretty! There's a waterfall, too!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, I'm glad you liked it." ［Grey］
If there were people on par with the harmony of the paradise, they were none other than Grey and Yuna who were now heading towards the waterfall lake first, dazzling smiles blooming on their faces.
"Here, Amelia, take my hand." ［Julius］
"I appreciate the offer, Your Highness, but I can take care of myself." ［Amelia］
Unfortunately, the same couldn't be said towards Julius and Amelia. Julius tried to offer his help for Amelia to get down, but she immediately rejected it, jumping down by herself without anybody's help. She was still mad at Julius.
Grey and Yuna could only watch the two with dry expressions. They want to help them make up, but since it wasn't their own relationship, they could help from the sidelines. Interfering too much was out of the question.
"Yuna, should we help them out?" ［Grey］
"I think we should... I'm also worried about them..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, let's cook lunch together, then. The four of us." ［Grey］
"Un!" ［Yuna］
Well, there are still many gray spaces about "Interfering too much". As long as they don't force the other party and do things recklessly, everything would be alright. The best they could do was provide a chance for them to get along.
A simple plan in mind, Grey and Yuna headed back to the open meadow, searched for a nicely-shaded area and took out everything which needed to be taken out. In just a couple of minutes, a whole open-style kitchen was prepared, a perfect place to bond over cooking.
"Amelia, let's cook together, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes...?" ［Amelia］
"Julius, don't you dare forget what I taught you this morning." ［Grey］
"Roger that, Instructor." ［Julius］
And with a little bit of talking, they managed to bring over the two. An awkward, or rather, a silent atmosphere enveloped the open kitchen as soon as everyone was gathered. It wasn't as good as Grey and Yuna thought, but it was a good start.
Chop Chop Chop
Soon enough, the sound of chopping and boiling echoed throughout the meadows. It was an odd combination with the natural sound of flowing waters, buzzing bees, and rustling leaves, yet it was strangely calming.
Well, it would have been calming if it wasn't for the strange and tense atmosphere between Julius and Amelia. Even Grey and Yuna found it hard to talk with each other. While Amelia was a kind girl, she was scary when she's mad. Even Yuna, a fellow woman, was concerned about her.
"Ah! Amelia, be careful with that." ［Julius］
"There's no need to concern yourself with such matters, Your Highness. I might not look it, but I can manage fairly well in the kitchen." ［Amelia］
"Th-Then, is there anything you need any help with?" ［Julius］
"No, I appreciate your help, but I can do fine by myself. Why don't you help Grey? I think that would be more productive." ［Amelia］
Julius tried again and again but he was shot down every time. And with each failed attempt, his heart was crushed more and more until there was nothing left to crush. Defeated, he headed towards Grey's direction, remaining in silence.
Cooking lunch continued in such a way, an unbearable atmosphere for Grey and Yuna. What they thought was a good idea was the worst they had thought of. The silence continued until they enjoyed their lunch.
Sandwiches, fried chicken, beef steak, skewers, curry, lasagna, pudding, ice cream, and a lot of dishes were displayed atop the picnic blanket. And accompanied by the beauty of the place, it was the perfect picnic, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
"Grey, more lasagna please～!" ［Yuna］
"Huh? Didn't you just ask for some not long ago?" ［Grey］
"But it's delicious!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Alright, alright, just make sure you don't eat too quickly." ［Grey］
Light and happy. Such was the atmosphere between Grey and Yuna. If it wasn't for the fact that there were other people present, they would have spoon fed each other already. They were the type of couple singles would really hate looking at.
"Here, Amelia, have a taste of this." ［Julius］
"I've already tasted that, Your Highness. I'm sorry, but I have to decline." ［Amelia］
"Th-Then how about this?" ［Julius］
"I apologize, but I'm already full. Maybe next time." ［Amelia］
But such light and happiness didn't grace the other side of the picnic blanket. Rather, it was very dark and gloomy, like that of a cave hidden from the sun for millennia. Tears were already starting to form in the corner of Julius' eyes.
Even Grey who doesn't usually sympathize with Julius couldn't help but pity him. He was just happy Yuna wasn't as moody as Amelia and hoped she wouldn't ever be. He could only imagine what kind of hell would await him if Yuna were to start ignoring him all of a sudden.
Lunch had already finished but there was still no progress in Amelia and Julius's reconciliation. After they finished, they quickly cleaned up after themselves and relaxed for a bit, doing their own businesses and enjoying their free time.
The Labyrinth of Flames' opening was close, but it was still two weeks away. It was the reason why they could afford to dilly-dally. Still, they wanted to arrive before the Labyrinth opened so that they could enjoy what the Empire has to offer.
"Yuna, I found some beautiful shells just by the riverbank. Would you care joining me? I would like to collect them for Princess Natalia." ［Amelia］
"Ah! Then let's invite the others too! Grey, Juliusー" ［Yuna］
"No, I'd like to go with Yuna alone. Let's have some ladies' time together." ［Amelia］
Julius' expression brightened up when Yuna helped him out, but his heart quickly sank back to the deepest depths of despair as soon as Amelia followed up. Tears flowed on his face just like the waterfall before him.
"That's it! Grey, let's go swimming!" ［Julius］
"Hey, where are you dragging me?!" ［Grey］
"Shut up and follow me! If you're a real man, just strip your coat and shirt, then jump into the water!" ［Julius］
"Oi! That's unreasonable!" ［Grey］
Desperate to escape the reality of his broken heart, Julius also went on his own escapade, dragging Grey along him. Every time a drop of tear fell to the ground, heavy footsteps followed soon after. He was so pitiful, Grey just decided to silently follow him, also concerned what he would do if he was alone.
『Yuna, I'm just gonna accompany Julius for a little bit. I'm worried what he'll do if he's alone.』 ［Grey］
『Un. I'll also go with Amelia. Let's do our best!』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah, see you later.』 ［Grey］
And so, the split operation was started. As Yuna followed Amelia's lead, Grey also headed up the waterfalls with Julius. They then stripped themselves of their top clothes, only leaving behind their trousers and revealing their well-built bodies.
One was a top cadet in the Royal Academy and also a well-trained prince, while the other was an adventurer prodigy who made a name for himself in just a couple of weeks. Any normal woman would drool over their bodies. Well, it would be like that if one of them wasn't crying.
Atop the waterfall, the beauty of the place was even more pronounced. Everything looked so small yet it was still so humbling. A wonderful spectrum of colors basked in the sunlight would fill one's eyes and heart full. It really was a paradise.
"Ah, what a beautiful sight..." ［Julius］
Julius said with an unfounded tranquility in his eyes. At that moment, he looked so wise, his heart and mind one with nature. It was worrying how tranquil and peaceful his expression looked. It was very out of character of him.
"I've always been inside towns and cities. If I had known forests would be this beautiful, I would have become an adventurer long ago. Who knew such treasure-like places existed in the world..." ［Julius］
After his one liner, the melancholic prince then started monologuing, spouting such wise-sounding words which were actually full of nonsense, just said in a poetic way. Now, Grey was even more worried about him.
"And on that note... Grey, it was good knowing you." ［Julius］
"Huh? Bastard, what are you talking aboutー" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words when Julius suddenly did the unthinkable. His arms wide open, his back facing the open air, and a melancholic smile on his face as he looked at Grey, he let himself fall towards the deep pool below.
SPLAASSSHHHH
A loud splash echoed in the air as Julius plunged deep towards, ripples of water spreading far and wide throughout the waterfall lake. Then, there was silence, a silence which lasted a long, long time. The waters were at peace.
CHAPTER 171 END