A gentle smile plastered on his face and a pair of azure orbs gazing at the two youths before him, silence filled the dining hall. The only thing to be seen across the parlor table were a pair of confused faces as they looked at the former.
"An offer...?" ［Grey］
"Yes. Well, I think it would be better to call it a deal." ［Richter］
Silence once again returned to the parlor room, only a single sound echoing all over as Richter sipped his tea with such glee on his face, calm as one can be.
"You do what the Valliarta Empire is known as throughout the whole world, I would presume?" ［Richter］
"Un. It's often dubbed as one of the five superpowers." ［Yuna］
"Well, yes, that's correct, we are often called that. But... As you can see with what just happened yesterday, we are not without any weaknesses..." ［Richter］
The Valliarta Empire, the biggest country in the Oiros continent and also one of the five global superpowers along with the Leinevert Empire, the Aristolia Empire, the Nereus Kingdom, and the Holy Nation, Elvanel. A country which is known all over the world.
Not only is the Empire over almost four times larger than the Kingdom of Alfrione, each and every single aspect is also much better. From economy, military power, influence, and even technology. All are far superior than any other country.
But just like Richter said, it isn't a country without any flaws. If it wasn't for Richter's presence, the Empire would already have been destroyed many times over, just like what just happened recently with the recent dungeon break which almost wiped out the whole of the north.
While it was true that the incidents were unnatural, it still doesn't remove the fact that the Empire has grown too reliant on Richter. He already relinquished the throne three generations ago yet there are still a lot of nobles and people who rely on him for the country's safety rather than the current Emperor.
Of course, Richter is always ready to help them. The problem was what would happen to the Empire if he was no more. He could only imagine how much trouble they would face once he's gone. He can't help but worry over them.
"With that in mind, I want to offer you a high position. In exchange, I want you to swear fealty towards the Empire." ［Richter］
The atmosphere quickly changed the moment Richter's words were spoken. His eyes now glowed a different glint. He wasn't threatening them in any way, but the glimmers of seriousness were enough to intimidate them.
Unlike Ernes who offered them territories, indirectly asking them to be his vassals, Richter, on the other hand, was very direct. He didn't just want to tie them to the Empire, but rather, have them serve it. It was an offer not many had received.
And while such a serious conversation was taking place, the Lord remained silent, only observing them quietly as he continued his meal. He also wanted to offer them some positions on his own, but with Richter beating him to the punch, he decided to give it up and just observe.
"And mind you, I'm not just offering any simple positions. If you want, I can give you the ranks of 'General', 'Duke', or 'Minister'." ［Richter］
Both Grey and Yuna's eyes widened more after they heard the words of Richter. It was to the point they couldn't swallow their food anymore, only left to think about the opportunity which was offered to them.
General, Duke, and Minister. In the Valliarta Empire, such titles are amongst the most important in the country, only second to the Marshal, the Prime Minister, and families of royalty. They were positions which could move the country if they wanted to.
"Of course, I'm also not against you marrying into the Imperial Family. Many of my great great grandchildren are still single and of marriageable age. What do you think, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna?" ［Richter］
It was a very heavy question. Not only were the offers tempting and advantageous towards them, the one making a deal with them is also the man often called "The World's Strongest", someone they couldn't just tread with thoughtlessly.
Anyone would quickly jump on the offer without any second thoughts. Well, who wouldn't? After all, not only would they receive important titles, they would also get to marry into the Imperial family. There was no greater offer.
"Your Majesty, about your offer... I'm sorry, but I'll have to decline." ［Grey］
"Me too, Your Majesty. I would also like to decline." ［Yuna］
Unfortunately, Grey and Yuna weren't just anyone. They already made a stance about such a topic and they aren't going to break it anytime soon. Flames of resolve burning calmly inside their eyes.
"Hm? Why so? Is there anything lacking with my offer?" ［Richter］
"No, not at all, Your Majesty. In fact, it's more than what we deserve. But I believe we don't have the qualifications to fulfill such important roles. Being lords is too much for the both of us." ［Grey］
"Grey's right, Your Majesty. We are still far too inexperienced to carry such heavy responsibilities on our shoulders. This may sound ungrateful and impertinent of us, but we'll have to decline." ［Yuna］
Both Grey and Yuna were firm on the matter. While their words may be a little bit on the excessive side, all of them were full of sincerity. Be it a King or an Emperor, they would answer the same every single time.
Not only is managing a territory a burdensome task for those who lack experience, a single mistake could also bring great harm to the citizens. It was not something Grey and Yua could afford to handle as they currently are. It also goes the same for the positions of General and Minister.
What Grey and Yuna want is a free life which they can enjoy to the fullest. While they aren't giving aid to those who need them, carrying such heavy responsibilities is out of the question. It would completely go against their way of life.
Not to mention that they also don't want to be tied to any country. They didn't want to get involved in any power struggle and stay neutral in the face of politics. Involving in such a thing is only troublesome, after all
"I see... It seems like there's no convincing you. Lord Fizzel also answered the same. Really, how honest you adventurers are..." ［Richter］
Thankfully, Richter wasn't a petty person. He easily accepted and respected the two's decision, not asking any further and simply continuing to sip his tea. The moment he saw the glow in their eyes, he knew that there was no changing their minds.
Well, it wasn't like he didn't understand him. He was also an adventurer himself when he was still in his younger days and now longs for the taste of freedom when he still journeyed the world without any restraints.
A certain figure who also dreamed of such freedom suddenly appeared in his mind as he thought of such things. It was his beloved late wife who had already passed away of old age, a smile bloomed on his face as he remembered her.
"I won't be asking you to not get involved in politics anymore, but are you really sure about not wanting to marry my great great grandchildren?" ［Richter］
"P-Pardon?" ［Grey］
"Not to sound arrogant but my great great grandchildren are quite good-looking, I'd say. Are you sure you won't be marrying into our family?" ［Rcihter］
Well, even if he had given up on turning them into the Empire's vassals, it was still a good idea to build a connection with them. And what better way to do it than through marriage. It was a common practice in the world of elites.
It was the first time Grey and Yuna had received such an offer, so they were quite flabbergasted. Still, the answer was already decided. There was no need to give such a question any second thoughts.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but we'll have to decline once again." ［Grey］
"Hm? Are you sure? You won't get such a marriage offer anywhere else. It isn't too bad to think about it again." ［Richter］
"No, we're really fine. And you see... I don't know about her... but I already have a woman whom I want to be with for the rest of my life." ［Grey］
Said Grey, ending his statement with a gentle smile on his face, his eyes swimming towards Yuna's direction who was now blushing profusely, her cheeks red as a ripe tomato, feeling hot and feverish along her racing heart.
It was as plain as day who Grey was referring to, only blind people or those dense enough wouldn't be able to. Even if he was a Disaster-Class Ranker, if it came to matters such as love, there was only so much he could do. It was time for him to finally give up.
"I see... So that's how it is... Then, this old man wouldn't be interfering anymore... How about you, Reisner? Don't you have something to say?" ［Richter］
"No, not anymore. If even Great Grandfather can't convince them, then it's already obvious I won't be able to, either. There's no need to waste time if their answers are already determined." ［Reisner］
"Hahaha, well said, my boy... Now, why don't we continue eating? The food is already starting to get cold." ［Richter］
As if their previous conversation is all but a lie, their spoons and forks started moving once again as they delivered food to their mouths. They enjoyed such a delicious lunch together, free of any disturbances.
And well, both Richter and Reisner were served with an amazing sight as they saw Grey and Yuna's appetite in full power. Even the muscular knights who eat a lot of food to compensate for their muscle mass were nothing compared to the two. It was truly an outstanding sight to witness.
"Mmm... You two really do eat well, huh..." ［Richter］
"Well, we haven't eaten since the whole day yesterday so we're quite hungry. Plus, the food just tastes so great, I can't stop my hands." ［Grey］
"Un! The food's very delicious! Not only are the meat dishes tender and juicy, the accompanying stew is also flavorful yet not too overpowering. Everything is cooked perfectly!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! I'm glad our dishes are to your liking. Just tell me if you would like to eat some more." ［Reisner］
"Un! Thank you!" ［Yuna］
Lunch continued and smiles bloomed all over the place. It was just like Yuna said. All the dishes served were exquisite and delicious. It wasn't just because they were made by cream-of-the-crop chefs, but the ingredients were also of excellent quality.
When one thinks of the cold and freezing north, one might think that it was hard to grow crops and raise animals. And such a thinking is right, only if it was still back on Earth where mana wasn't present.
In Merusia where both mana and magic exists, growing crops in such a cold climate is a very common practice. Not only were there magic tools present to warm the soil and the waters, the crops themselves are really resistant to the point some could even survive a frozen environment.
It wasn't just the crops. People, animals, and all manner of living things are much tougher and resilient in Merusia than their Earth counterparts to the point one might wonder if they're really the same things.
Natural disasters such as earthquakes, storms, and floods, while still remaining as a problem, it's not as problematic as back on Earth. The civilization may be behind in many areas, but when it came to resisting and rebuilding, they wouldn't lose out. In fact, they even surpassed Earth's sometimes.
After all, living in a world riddled with monsters and beasts is already hard. It would be just plain cruel if the people don't have any way of resisting. In a way, the world is balanced like how it should be.
With such technology and magic by their side, the people in the north managed to cultivate wonderful crops and raise amazing breeds and varieties of animals. They were ingredients which couldn't be acquired anywhere else.
"Right, Archduke, can I know who your supplier for the ingredients are?" ［Grey］
"Hm? Is something the matter, Lord Grey?" ［Reisner］
"Ah, no, well... Me and Yuna are quite into cooking, you see. I would just like to know where to buy such amazing ingredients." ［Grey］
The Lord was made to think long and hard after Grey's statement, his hand cupping and scratching his chin slowly. Though it was just a simple matter, he made sure to put a lot of thought in it as it was a request from the two.
"Alright, then I'll have the head chef prepare a list of our suppliers. There are quite a lot so it might take a couple hours. Are you okay with that?" ［Reisner］
"No, it's more than enough. We can wait." ［Grey］
"That's good... Ah! If you want, I could also have them teach you the recipes. Everything from the appetizers to the main dishes." ［Reisner］
"H-Huh? Would that be alright?!" ［Grey］
"Aren't recipes a chef's lifeblood? I think that's too much, Your Highness!" ［Yuna］
Both Grey and Yuna were in shock from the Lord's words. To them who understand how important recipes are to a chef, promising to give them away for free is nothing short of a ridiculous and absurd statement.
While it surely would be done with an order from the Lord, neither of them wants to intrude on a chef's work which costs them years, if not decades, of their lives. They simply couldn't accept it even if it was the Lord's goodwill.
"Of course, anything for our young heroes. Also, I trust that you would handle them preciously, am I correct?" ［Reisner］
"No, you're right... Then, we'd be accepting it gratefully. And in exchange, we'll also be teaching a recipe of ours, too." ［Grey］
"Un! We might not look at it but me and Grey are quite good cooks ourselves. I'm sure we can trade something delicious as well!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Then, I'll be looking forward to it." ［Reisner］
Knock Knock Knock
Just as the matter was settled, a couple of knocks resounded from the other side of the door, everyone's eyes soon falling towards it.
"Your Highness, I've brought what you have requested."
"Yes, come in." ［Reisner］
A creak soon echoed throughout a whole room, and not just one, but five whole food trolleys entered the room one after another. All of which contained trays upon trays of sweets ranging from cupcakes and macaroons to tarts and cakes.
It wasn't only sweets, there were also a number of drinks and chilled alcohol present. Of course, Grey and Yuna weren't interested in the latter, but their mouths still opened from amazement as they watched the parade of food trolleys.
"Lady Yuna, as I have promised before, the best sweets throughout the whole of the Farmalte Territory." ［Reisner］
"Waah～! Are all these really for me?!" ［Yuna］
"Of course, you can have as much as you want." ［Reisner］
The moment the Lord said such words, Yuna's eyes sparkled even brighter, brighter than the lights illuminating the room and the sun in the sky. She turned her head left and right, face full of excitement with a bright smile plastered on her face.
It wasn't long before the sweets buffets started. Of course, Yuna ate with everyone, sampling each and every sweets and producing a mystified "Waah～!" every single time. She was acting just like a child, a side of her Grey always found adorable.
After their lunch, they were quickly led towards the kitchen where the trading of recipes occurred. It was a productive time where them and the chefs showed and expressed their passions through cooking. A short bonding time for cooks.
He also delivered on his other promise and sent the best of herbs and magical plants to Yuna. There was quite a lot, a collection which would surely cost thousands upon thousands of kiels.
"Ugh... That was quite the day, wasn't it?" ［Grey］
"Un! But it was also a lot of fun!" ［Yuna］
"Well, I couldn't argue with that..." ［Grey］
Night had already fallen and Grey and Yuna are now back in the Emerald Lily. It was very hard trying to decline the Lord's goodwill and having them stay over but they managed to do it somehow.
The white bed in the middle, the black cabinets and drawers without any grandiose engravings, and the small simple windows. It may not match up to the room in the castle, but it was still amazing. In the end, the inn was still more comfortable.
"Bed! Oh, how I missed you!" ［Yuna］
Just like the first day of their stay, Yuna suddenly jumped towards the bed, enjoying its comfort with a smile on her face. It has only been two days yet she already missed it, sprawling ever so freely without much care in the world.
"Hey, Yuna, you shouldn't jump on the bed so precariously. Also, you should take off your boots first." ［Grey］
"Ehh～? But I'm too tired... Can you do it for me, please～?" ［Yuna］
"No, and that's final. If you won't take off your boots right this instant, I'll place limitations on your sugar consumption once again." ［Grey］
"Eh?! That's cheating! You said you'll lift it for a month!" ［Yuna］
"I did say that. But I didn't say I couldn't place it back again." ［Grey］
Yuna's face was riddle with traces of shock as soon as she heard Grey's retort, her mouth hanging wide open. She had never thought of Grey doing such a thing. She was speechless, flabbergasted even.
"Grey, you meanie...!" ［Yuna］
Grumbling and puring, Yuna immediately removed her boots and hung her coat on the coat rack at the same time. After which she removed all of the excess clothing, only leaving behind what's necessary, feeling as if they were in their own home.
And as she was doing so, she remembered something important. The silly anger she felt towards Grey was no more as she walked towards her with a calm and cute expression painted on her face.
"Grey, here." ［Yuna］
"Hm? These are...?" ［Grey］
Yuna quickly handed Grey a few platinum rings, four of them to be exact. They were the Armament Rings they had used in their battle previously. One from Fizzel and Yuna, and the other two which Yuna removed from Grey as he was sleeping.
After the rings, she then handed quite a number of healing and mana potions towards Grey, the excess from both her and Fizzel. She has been keeping all the items on her, only waiting to give them back to Grey.
"Oh, thanks. It seems like you worked hard after I collapsed, huh." ［Grey］
"Hehe, of course! Then, as a reward, would you like to extend the lifting of limitations about the sugar? Another month would be good!" ［Yuna］
"Haha... Just where did you learn to be so cunning, huh?" ［Grey］
"Teehee!" ［Yuna］
There weren't any answers, only a mischievous, bright smile plastered on Yuna's face, fully confident that Grey will grant her wishes once again. An expression Grey could only heave a lengthy sigh at.
"No, I won't be extending it." ［Grey］
"Eh?!" ［Yuna］
Unfortunately for Yuna, such a cheerful smile didn't work on Grey, well, at least not for now. Though he wanted to spoil her, he also needed to be firm from time to time, and it just so happened that that time is today, leaving Yuna in shock.
"Instead, I'll be cooking a delicious dinner for us. What would you like to eat?" ［Grey］
"Really?! Yaay～!! Then I would like...." ［Yuna］
Well, even if he acts firm towards Yuna, him being "firm" is not really what others would consider so. In the end, he was still useless in the face of Yuna. What could he do? He just has a soft spot for her.
One after another, Yuna named a dish she wanted to eat. They may have already eaten a lot back in the castle, but in the end, such a number was still not enough. They're Grey and Yuna, after all.
Without wasting any time, Grey quickly headed towards the kitchen, cooking dish after dish whilst Yuna played with the familiars. Just as the sun went down, Grey had also finished cooking. A fantastic meal was served atop the dining table.
"Yuna, Dinner's ready～!" ［Grey］
"Comingー Waah～! So many!" ［Yuna］
A blindingly bright expression gleamed from Yuna's face as soon as she saw the dinner Grey cooked. In there were a lot of her favorites placed beside one another, a harmony of appetizing smells wafting throughout the kitchen.
The dishes made by the castle may be delicious and all, but in the end, what Yuna finds the most delicious are the ones Grey makes for her. Her eyes were sparkling brightly as she looked at the dishes as if it was the first time she had seen them.
"Hahaha. I knew it, My girlfriend really is cute, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"Eh?! Why all of a sudden?!" ［Yuna］
"Well, just because." ［Grey］
"Eh?! Grey, you meanie! You're teasing me again!" ［Yuna］
It was yet another one of Grey's surprise attacks, making Yuna blush red from the sudden comment. He didn't answer the question either, only leaving her to figure it out on her own, a satisfied expression blooming on his face.
Joy and laughter filled the air as two people shared a lovely and delicious dinner with one another. The snow continued falling yet the atmosphere couldn't be any warmer, thawing the frozen ice. The rainbow after the storm.
CHAPTER 189 END