Chirp Chirp Chirp
The sweet melody of chirps and rustles danced around the air, the gentle sunshine beating gracing the verdant gardens as the harmonious fragrance of flowers wafted through the air. It was yet another wonderful morning.
It was a familiar scene and harmony yet it also felt very distant, one Grey had almost forgotten after staying in the Labyrinth for a whole month. He could only stretch one of his hands towards the ceiling, grasping it slowly, his eyes staring ever so intently.
Well, it wasn't the only one he missed. Sleeping soundly beside him was his cute and beautiful girlfriend, her soft and pretty face basking by the sunlight. Seeing her face, his heart couldn't stop beating wildly, warmth flooding his entirety as he landed her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
"Looks like she's really tired, huh..." ［Grey］
It wasn't the first time Grey had kissed her yet Yuna's eyes still didn't even twitch a little, only continuing to sleep in the warmth and comfort of the bed, tired from the days they spent in fiery depths of hell.
Slowly, Grey got up from the bed and fixed himself with a little bit of magic. He then took a change of clothes for himself and prepared himself for the day. It has been a long time since he cooked generously, so he was looking forward to using the Royal Kitchen once again.
"Hmm... What should I cook for today... Beef... Pork... No, I should use some rare meats and herbs... How about the Garuda meat from before..." ［Grey］
Mumbles and whispers echoed in the air as Grey took a look at the ingredients they had available. Keeping in mind the sleeping Yuna's favorite dishes, Grey planned the perfect meal, full of dishes, drinks, and desserts which suits his beloved's taste.
'Right... There's still these, huh...' ［Grey］
It was also then that he realized that he has yet to organize the things they got from the Labyrinth of Flames. Just seeing how many there were, he could already taste the difficulties ahead of him. He was starting to regret hoarding all that he saw.
Of course, there was also the fact that they have yet to give Amelia and Julius their rewards. He was thinking of giving them Legendary-Grade weapons each, an absurd idea only he and Yuna would think of so lightly.
Most of all, he has also yet to give Yuna the Storage Ring he found in the boss' treasure room. Not only was it useful, it was also beautiful as well. Its cold, platinum color along with the small, yet intricate gems and patterns engraved on it. It was something which could only be called a masterpiece.
"Mmng... Gwey... Hmm... Grey...?" ［Yuna］
Just in time, the sleeping beauty had started to awake, turning her head left and right as she searched for Grey with her sleepy eyes. It was hard to imagine she was the same girl who could massacre monsters with ease. Rather, she only looked like a clumsy and silly little girl.
Yuna continued bobbing her head up and down, and swaying left and right, her grogginess getting the better of her. Still half asleep, she kept on mumbling Grey's name yet unable to find him even when he was in front of her.
"Grey... Huh...? Where... Grey...? Grey...?" ［Yuna］
Cute as ever, Yuna soon locked towards Grey's direction. But since all she saw was a hazy blob, she only tilted her head as she stared at him with confusion, all the while instinctively holding the blanket over her bare body. Such an act only served to make Grey chuckle lightly.
"Yeah, yeah, it's me. Are you hungry?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... No, not hungry...." ［Yuna］
Answered Yuna as she rubbed her eyes like a little kitten, soon mumbling intangible words not even herself understood, yawning softly from time to time. Soon enough, Yuna then patted near the bedside, signaling Grey to sit beside her.
It has been far too long since they spent so much time together, and as one would expect, her clinginess started relapsing on her. Now, she doesn't even want Grey to be separated from her for a single moment, only wanting to cling on him all day.
"Grey... Hug me... Cuddle..." ［Yuna］
"Eh? Don't you want to get dressed first?" ［Grey］
"No... Don't care... Cuddle... Quick..." ［Yuna］
Reasoning with her was useless, the clinginess was at an all time high. The lady who would usually be meek after such a passionate night was now bolder than ever. Grey had no choice but to comply with her wishes.
For the several minutes to come, Yuna clung to Grey tightly, her soft body gently pressing on the latter. It was a situation Grey could only described as Heaven and Hell, taking it all he could just to retain his sanity.
"Hmm? Grey, you're blushing... Is there something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"Well, that's... Look down..." ［Grey］
"Look down? What do... you.., meanー Kyaaa!!" ［Yuna］
Well, it wasn't long before Yuna finally regained her senses. As soon as she did, she then quickly pushed Grey off the bedside and covered her bare body with the blanket as much as she could, flustered as one can be.
"Grey! Close your eyes! Quick!" ［Yuna］
"Yes, ma'am." ［Grey］
Her face turning beet red from embarrassment and Grey chuckling to himself, Yuna then quickly grabbed a couple clothes from her Storage Ring and draped herself with casual clothing, her eyes showing swirls as she panicked ever so cutely.
"Geez, Grey! You should have warned me!" ［Yuna］
"But I did though, but you said it so clearly, 'No... Don't care... Cuddle... Quick...'. You were so cute that I couldn't resist." ［Grey］
"Fwaaah?! I-I did?!" ［Yuna］
Laughs and squeals drifting in the air, Grey and Yuna spent their sweet time ever so meaningfullyー or rather, Grey just continued teasing Yuna all the while chuckling to himself, making the young lady more flustered than before.
He may not see her expressions with his eyes closed, but Grey could clearly tell what she looked like. Her blushing cheeks, red ears, and feverish complexion as her body trembled from panic. Just thinking of how adorable she was only made Grey fall even harder for her.
After their shenanigans, Grey and Yuna then proceeded to fix the room and clean up after their mess. After which, they then headed towards the Royal Kitchen, smiles across their faces as they looked forward to cooking together once again.
Truthfully, they were supposed to have breakfast with the Royal Family, but having woken up late as it is, they missed their chance. It was also worth noting that it was the start of a new school year so Julius was now at the Royal Academy. Now, Grey and Yuna have all the time for themselves.
"Move it! Move it! We still have a lot to do!" ［Carlton］
"Head Chef! I'm done with the braised beef!"
"Good! Help out those making the side dishes!" ［Carlton］
It was as lively as ever. They have yet to enter the kitchen yet they could already overhear the busy noises of the chefs as they made dish after dish, preparing for lunch a couple hours away.
Of course, along with the noise was the various, appetizing scent wafting here and there. Scents which only served to make Grey and Yuna hungrier as they stepped foot inside the kitchen. It was a tempting welcome.
"How are the lobstersー Oh! Lord Grey, Lady Yuna! Good morning!" ［Carlton］
"Good morning, Mister Carlton!" ［Yuna］
"Morning. Can we borrow the kitchen for a bit?" ［Grey］
"Of course! You can do so anytime!" ［Carlton］
"Hahaha, thanks. Then we'll be intruding on you again." ［Grey］
The chefs' eyes on them, Grey and Yuna headed to a corner of the kitchen and started unloading ingredient after ingredient, filling the counter to the brim. From meat, vegetables, spices, and dairy. There was nothing lacking.
Of course, they didn't just bring out normal ingredients. It has been a long time since they cooked together, and so, they decided to splurge for once. And when they want to splurge, they really do go all out.
The meats were from rare animals and high-ranking beasts, some of the herbs were magic plants, and the spices were all of the highest quality. If one were to know what ingredients they were using, their eyes would surely pop out of their sockets.
Chop Chop Chop Fwish Fwish Fwish Fwoosh Fwoosh Fwoosh
The sound of boiling and spluttering, the sound of knives chopping, and the sound of flames scorching harmonized in the air like a sweet orchestra by the kitchen tools and appliances as the chefs danced around the place.
Grey and Yuna soon joined the act, new melodies and fragrances joining the kitchen orchestra. Their hands moved quicker than lightning, meat and vegetables chopped in the speed of light, perfectly and beautifully.
Time passed and the hours elapsed. One after another, dishes were completed, displayed atop the tables and trays, each one not losing out to the chefs' dishes in both display and flavor. Such dishes piled up one after another, soon forming a large mountain of dishes.
"Oho... That's quite a lot, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna..." ［Carlton］
"Fufufu! It's been a long time since we've cooked together, after all. Plus, we also want everyone to have a taste." ［Yuna］
"That's right, though I think we got a little carried away..." ［Grey］
Or so he said, but it was in no way just a "little". The number of dishes supposed to be served in lunch literally multiplied more than double. Even when there were a lot of chefs, Grey and Yuna managed to outperform them with the effective use of magic. It was quite a sight to see
"Ah, right! Mister Carlton, would you like to try some?" ［Yuna］
"Oh, may I?" ［Carlton］
"Un! We made a lot for everyone, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! If you insist, then I'll be indulging your generosity." ［Carlton］
Excitement on his face, Carlton quickly got a fork who-knows-where and pierced a piece of meat with it. There was no resistance. The fork smoothy went through the tender meat, meaty juices flowing out soon after.
Blowing a couple of times, he then delivered the meat to mouth. As soon as he did, flavors of sweetness, sourness, and spiciness exploded in his mouth like fireworks. Though they were different, they all blended harmoniously with one another.
Carlton moved his mouth and chewed the meat soon after, juices overflowing, soon flooding his mou with delicious meaty goodness. The natural sweetness of the meat, along with the mild strength of spices it was marinated in, caressed his tongue ever so gently. It was so delicious, it was enough to make him cry.
Not only were the ingredients of the best qualities, with the use of magic, Grey and Yuna were also able to control the heat, blend consistently, and remove unneeded substances perfectly. Their skills brought out the ingredients' potential to their fullest.
"This... This is... This is a masterpieceー No! It's a grand masterpiece!" ［Carlton］
A loud declaration echoed all throughout the kitchen as Carlton clenched his fist and raised it to the air, tears of amazement trickling down his face as he savored the taste of the dish before him.
Strangely enough, none of the chefs were surprised with Carlton's actions. After all, it wasn't the first time he did such things. Rather, it was quite a common occurrence whenever he tasted something which moved his heart.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, my mind is clear now. Thanks to you, my eyes are now open. I've been too conceited... I'm still far away from the level of a true master chef... Thank you very much. " ［Carlton］
Dramatic as usual, Carlton uttered praise after praise as he evaluated the dishes, not a single chef batting an eye on his antics. They were far too used to it that they had built a resistance to being surprised.
"Then, everyone, we'll be heading out now～! We'll leave the dishes and desserts in your care!" ［Yuna］
"Oh, and right, there's some separate trays on the right. Please have a taste as well. I hope you enjoy it." ［Grey］
As soon as Grey mentioned such words, all eyes then shifted to the direction Grey was pointing to. The dishes they thought were only for the Royal Family were actually for them. They were all moved.
"Thank you, Your Highnesses!"
"Cheers for Their Highnesses!"
"Your Highnesses are the best!"
It was as if they were like Carlton. As Grey and Yuna left the kitchen, the happy and excited voices of the chefs rang clearly inside their ears, making them chuckle and giggle as they headed away.
After cooking in the kitchen, Grey and Yuna then went on their separate ways to fix themselves and bathe in the hot baths, changing into more formal attire and making themselves more proper and presentable before heading towards the dining hall.
"Wah～! Big Bwo! Big Sish!" ［Natalia］
"Oh my! Natalia, don't run too fast." ［Talia］
"Oh? Grey, Yuna, good morningー or should I say good noon, now?" ［Ernes］
The very first one to greet them as soon as they arrived was none other than the Little Princess who happily embraced them. After her, the King, Queen, and everyone else also gave them their warm greetings.
Except for Julius who was attending the Royal Academy, every member of the Royal Family was present, all chatting and relaxing comfortably as they patiently waited for lunch to be served. It was just as peaceful as before.
"Fufufu! Our Little Princess really is the cutest, aren't you? Have you been a good girl?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia, gud girl!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! Then it seems that I have to reward our Little Princess then," ［Yuna］
Of course, there was also one thing which had changed. For instance, the little pronunciation and articulation has improved over the almost two months they were gone. She now stumbles less often and can speak much longer sentences.
Happily and excitedly, the little princess held Yuna's hand, leading the latter to her seat with her small hands. After Yuna sat down, she then climbed on her, sitting on her lap ever so comfortably with a smile on her face.
After her, Grey then sat down beside Yuna, sitting adjacent to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess and opposite to the Queen and Princess Royal. It wasn't long before they continued chatting and sharing stories with one another.
"Right, you two, I didn't have the time to ask yesterday. But about that thing yesterday, it's your ability, isn't it?" ［Ernes］
Of course, it also meant that the interrogation the King wasn't able to do the day before was initiated. It took quite a lot of time to answer them, but they were able to get through by making up some stuff about it being from a Mythical-Grade item.
There were also quite a number of follow-up questions after that, but they were all easily answered by just telling the truth. It was fortunate that Julius still hasn't shared some stories with how busy he was. They were all able to pass things off lightly.
"Haah... Seriously, you really do some absurd things from time to time... I even heard you became heroes of Valliarta... Really, you two..." ［Ernes］
Said the King as he massaged his forehead, his head slightly aching as he thought of the things Grey and Yuna did. It wasn't the first time su things happened, but he was still exhausted nonetheless.
Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna chose to run into troublesome situations, rather, it was the opposite, the troublesome situations just kept running towards them. Now, they have even started to get used to such things.
"Oh my! Grey and Yuna became heroes again? How wonderful!" ［Talia］
"You two really are something, aren't you?" ［Galleus］
"C-Congratulations, Elder Brother Grey, Elder Sister Yuna!" ［Iris］
"Big Bwo! Big Sish! Hewoes! Hewoes!" ［Natalia］
Surprisingly, the King was the only one with such a surprised and troubled face. The other members of the Royal Family simply praised them. Such was especially true for the Little Princess, cheering even when she didn't understand the situation.
"Haah... Less about it... I heard you cooked something in the kitchen again today, is that true?" ［Ernes］
"Ah, yeah... It's been some time, after all. Figured we start cooking again. It was quite the fun experience." ［Grey］
"Un! We've made a lot of food! I'm sure everyone will enjoy it!" ［Yuna］
"Ohoho～? Then it seems I should be looking forward to lunch then." ［Ernes］
It was as easy as that. As soon as they started talking about food and similar stuff, the cheerful atmosphere quickly returned to the room as everyone chatted about much simpler and relaxing topics, catching up to one another.
"Then, then, Nalia go fwoom! Then bam!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! Did the Little Princess catch the rabbit then?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Rabbit, castch!" ［Natalia］
But of course, the most enjoyable story was the one which was told by the Little Princess. Though they could barely understand her words and the flow of the story, they still listened to her attentively, enjoying every bit and second of it.
Two people in particular were very happy and proud as they told their stories. They were none other than the King and the Crown Prince. A doting grandfather and a doting father who kept nodding and smiling and they listened to Natalia's stories with such glee in their faces.
Knock Knock Knock
Time passed very quickly with the little princess' story telling and soon enough, a couple knocks came resounding from the door. There was no need to guess, they were the dishes that would be served for lunch.
"Your Majesty, lunch is ready." ［Carlton］
"Oh, come in." ［Ernes］
The King's permission at hand, the food trolleys entered one after another and soon. Well, rather than a chain of food trolleys, it would be more appropriate to say that it was a train of food trolleys. There was just so much food.
"A-Amazing... That's quite a lot, isn't it..." ［Galleus］
"My, it seems like we'll be having quite a fulfilling lunch. Fufufu!" ［Talia］
"Oi, you two, what the hell is this?" ［Ernes］
Various reactions came from everyone as the food parade entered the dining hall. Some were of surprise, some of excitement, and some of disbelief. All in all, everyone showed positive responses, one way or another.
The dishes were then displayed atop the dining table slowly but surely, appetizing scents dancing in the air as the lids were lifted off. Soon, the dining table was filled to the brimー or rather, there was so much food, some couldn't even be displayed.
Each and every one of the dishes were top class. Be it the ones Grey and Yuna cooked, or the ones from the royal chefs. If a gourmet were to see such a splendid array of dishes, they would, without a doubt, call such a sight "paradise".
"""Thank you for the meal!!"""
There was no time to waste. As soon as the dishes were displayed, with smiles on their faces, everyone quickly dug in the meal in front of them, everyone taking their favorite dishes and dining ever so happily.
"Oh, my! What meat is this? It's so tender and juicy!" ［Talia］
"You're right, Mother. It has a sweet aftertaste, too!" ［Natasha］
"Mmn! Yummy! Yummy!" ［Natalia］
Positive responses came left and right from the Queen and the princesses as they tasted the sweet-glazed Garuda Grey and Yuna prepared. The Little Princess in particular liked the sweetness of the dish very much.
"Oh! This is spicy, but not too spicy! How splendid!" ［Ernes］
"Hmm... I think it's still a little mild... Though the sourness is just right." ［Galleus］
As for the gentlemen, they tried the more extreme dishes which were spicier and sourer. After which, they then started sampling each dish, smiles emanating from their faces as they enjoyed their lunch together.
"Oh, Grey? What's this one?" ［Ernes］
"Ah, that's spicy glazed chicken." ［Grey］
"Oh, spicy, eh? Let's have a taste then." ［Ernes］
Enthusiasm all over his face, the King quickly got himself a serving of the spicy glazed chicken and placed it on his plate. Following him, the Crown Prince, Grey, Yuna, and the others also had their fill of it.
The only ones who abstained were the Crown Princess and the Little Princess who were both not good with sweets. Well, it was only understandable. After all, Grey made sure to make it worthy of the "spicy" in its name.
"Hooh... This one's really spicy, isn't it?" ［Galleus］
"You said it well, Son. I'm sure Edward will like this." ［Ernes］
"I think it's too spicy for me, too..." ［Talia］
The King and Crown Prince who were just eating the spicy foods with ease before were now sweating bullets from the heat. Even the Queen who only ate a little bit easily backed off, only Grey and Yuna enjoying it to the fullest,
Well, it wasn't actually just Grey and Yuna. Other than them, there was another one which enjoyed the spicy glazed chicken very happily, unfazed by the heat. And it was none other than...
"Hm? This is spicy?" ［Iris］
It was Iris. The Princess Royal, Iris. The sweet and innocent lady who looked very delicate was the one unfazed by the spiciness not even her father and brother could endure. The most unexpected one of them all.
"Fufufu! It seems like our Iris really is amazing." ［Talia］
"Hahaha! You really are my daughter! That's how it should be!" ［Ernes］
"Hoo... To think the day will come my little sister will beat me in a contest of spiciness... Hahaha! What a surprise!" ［Galleus］
Smiles and laughter soon filled the air as everyone looked at Iris with warm eyes, the latter still puzzled about the current situation. Though they all felt defeated, the feeling of surprise and happiness was even more overwhelming.
The hearty and jolly lunch continued and more smiles continued to bloom. Stories were shared and silly jokes were made. It was a time full of happiness, a memory sure to be remembered.
CHAPTER 198 END