Lights of gold and white, gracing the verdant trees and neon gardens. The sun now climbing down the sky, step by step as the seconds pass. Peace was all over the place as the afternoon continued to unfold.
Cards of black and red. Four sets of 13, one made of hearts, one of spades, another of clovers, and finally, there were diamonds. Kings, Queens, and Jacks, parading all over them. Two jokers red and black, dancing around. Such was a deck of cards.
Such a beautiful deck of cards was placed upside down, only a red cover to be seen. Face up and face down, they were flipped time and time again as hands reached out to them. Five people taking turns one after another.
"Thish! And... Thish!" ［Natalia］
It was the little princess' turn, and after careful consideration, she pointed one card after the other, revealing two sevens, one heart and one diamond. A pair of red was formed, cards taken off the table.
"Yaay～! Nalia shcoresh agaan!" ［Natalia］
A cheerful smile soon bloomed as a pair was made, a happy face beaming warmth and joy all over the place. It was a smile which could easily thaw and melt the coldest of hearts into a warm puddle.
The happy little princess then placed her cards down and started picking pairs once again, everyone watching her play ever so happily, reaching out to the cards with her cute little hands. Her thinking face was really adorable, too.
What everyone is playing is the card game "Memory". And since Grey had yet to make a proper and designated deck of cards for the game, they were only using the traditional deck of playing cards, playing in the little princess' room.
The rules were very simple. The players only need to match the same value cards which are of the same color, with exception of the jokers which can only be matched with each other. After one gets it wrong, it would be the next player's turn.
Of course, with their exceptional memory, Grey and Yuna were given a little bit of a handicap. They were only allowed to get three pairs per turn, providing the others a chance to watch and win. It has been a couple games since they started.
"Uuu... Ish wrong..." ［Natalia］
The smiling face was no more as soon as the cards the little princess flipped didn't match. But it wasn't in any way a bad turn. In fact, in just that single turn, the little princess managed to make four pairs. Quite a good score if one were to be asked.
"Hmm... The Little Princess' memory's really good, huh..." ［Grey］
"Un! She might win this game." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! My daughter's really smart, after all. Mommy's proud of her!" ［Natasha］
A happy atmosphere soon loomed over the place as everyone praised the little princess. Even the princess who was dejected a while ago has now brightened up, looking at the cards carefully and remembering where which cards were placed with attentive eyes.
After the little princess, it was Iris' turn. She managed to match three pairs, handing the next turn to the Crown Princess. The game continued and it wasn't long before the game finally ended. As for the victor, it was...
"Waah! I-I won!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! Congratulations, Iris!" ［Natasha］
"Hahaha. That was a great game." ［Grey］
It was Iris. Though she lagged behind in the beginning, she managed to make a comeback in the later phase. She managed to collect all the remaining pairs in her last turn, scoring one higher than the little princess.
"Uuu... Nalia losht agaan..." ［Natalia］
The only one who didn't cheer on Iris' victory was the little princess who was now down and dejected. It was only natural. After all, she hasn't won a single time, and she was so close this time as well. It was a total pity.
"Fufufu! Now, now, don't be sad Natalia. You can still win next time." ［Natasha］
"Uuu... Okay... Andh Aunthie... Gatuashonsh." ［Natalia］
"Y-Yes! Thank you, Natalia." ［Iris］
Her articulation might have gotten much better, but she still couldn't word out the word "Congratulations". The only thing ot did was make her more adorable. A warm atmosphere once again enveloped the room.
Without the ever so energetic King and Crown Prince, the atmosphere in the room was very quiet and peaceful. Though it was a pity that the Queen had to join them for her queenly duties, they still managed to make a fulfilling afternoon for themselves.
"Then, should we play another game?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Play agaan!" ［Natalia］
"Okay! Then let's playー Hm?" ［Yuna］
Yuna didn't even finish her words. On the corner in her eye was a lone red flower in a beautiful vase, almost wilting, its leaves and petals almost falling. Though it looked much different now, it was a flower very familiar to her eyes.
"Missus Natasha... Is that..." ［Yuna］
"Oh that... Yes, that's the flower you gave Natalia before you departed. Actually, I'm still surprised it lasted this long. Did you, by any chance, enchant it?" ［Natasha］
"Ah, un... I did..." ［Yuna］
Yuna replied but her eyes were fixed on the flower, glancing at the little princess from time to time. As she remembered the promise she made with her, she then started giggling softly to herself, patting the little princess' head soon after.
"Little Princess, did you keep the promise to Big Sis here? Have you been a good girl while we were away?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia, gud girl! Very, very gud!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! I see, so you've been a good girl! Then it seems Big Sis here will have to keep her side of the promise." ［Yuna］
Caressing the little princess' head ever so gently, Yuna glanced at Grey's direction, sending a message just by locking eyes with him. There were no words needed. All it took was a single glance for the latter to understand her intentions.
Though the little princess didn't really understand anything, she just kept on smiling, enjoying Yuna's soft and warm pats. Her hair was ruffled a little bit but she didn't mind at all, blissfully enjoying such big sisterly comfort.
"Then, Little Princess, do you want to head to the kitchen? Big Sis and Big Bro will make you some sweets as promised!" ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Reawly?! Sweetsh?!" ［Natalia］
"Of course! It's a promise, after all!" ［Yuna］
Bright as the morning sun, the little princess beamed a smile towards everyone's direction. It was a critical hit. Everyone's hearts were now smitten with the little princess' indomitable cuteness. She really was the cutest!
Left hand holding Grey's and right hand holding Yuna's, the little princess headed towards the Royal Kitchen with everyone following after her. Each of her little steps resounding in the long corridors as everyone matched her pace.
Thankfully, it was still early in the afternoon and dinner was still quite some time away. Because of such circumstances, the Royal Kitchen was quiet and peaceful, not even a single person in to be seen. It was one of the rare times even the Head Chef, Carlton was not present.
There was no need for permission either. Though they usually ask politely before using the kitchen, Grey and Yuna have actually been allowed by the King himself to use it if they wanted to. Not to mention that the princesses were with them.
"Fufufu! It seems like we have the kitchen all for ourselves!" ［Yuna］
"Then, shall we get started?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
Their spirits through the roof, Grey and Yuna quickly headed to an empty counter and started unloading ingredient after ingredient. If before, they took out loads of meat, herbs, vegetables, and spices, now, there was only eggs, sugar, dairy, fruits, flour and a lot of pastry stuff. A full display.
There are already a handful of pre-made sweets in Grey's inventory, but since it was for the little princess, it was only natural they would make some more. A number of recipes already started revolving in their heads, all tasty and delicious.
"Iris, how about you? Do you want to help us out again?" ［Grey］
"I-I can?" ［Iris］
"Un! Of course! Iris is always welcome to join us!" ［Yuna］
"Th-Then I'll be in your care." ［Iris］
Grabbing a smaller apron in his "Inventory", Grey quickly handed it to Iris and had Yuna tie it for her. She was then given a small footstool. a little spot for herself, and a couple ingredients for her to use. She was ready to set foot to battle.
"Are you ready, Iris?" ［Yuna］
"Yes! I'm ready!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! That's the spirit!" ［Yuna］
Hyped and determined, everyone then quickly and fervently started their tasks. Grey handled the cold desserts, Yuna with the pastries, and Iris with the much simpler ones like pudding, tarts, and the likes.
Whisk Stir Clack Fwoosh
Mixtures were stirred and whisked, pots and trays were placed, and flames were lit ablaze. A harmonious symphony played out in the kitchen as the metal tools clicked and clacked, accompanying everyone's footsteps as they danced around the kitchen.
Pies, puddings, tarts, custards, shortcakes, sponge cakes, macaroons, cookies, ice cream, fruit salads, and a lot more were dished out one after another. It has only been more than an hour yet the number of sweets already surpassed what was humanly possible.
"Waah! Yellow! Red! Gwin!" ［Natalia］
"Our Natalia's so smart～! Mommy's very proud of you!" ［Natasha］
"Hehehe!" ［Natalia］
And as the three were busy making sweets, the mother and daughter princess combo was also busy playing with one another. Now, Natalia's identifying the colors of the dishes and fruits which are placed atop the table with a happy smile on her face.
Of course, there weren't just familiar dishes displayed atop the table. As the main desserts, Grey prepared something he always loved ever since he was a child. A special dessert he and Yuna enjoy in their free time. Mango float!
Chop Chop Chop Crush Crush Crush
Chopping sounds echoed in the kitchen as Grey chopped three kinds of fruits into tiny and fine pieces. There were cherries, strawberries, and mangoes. Crushing sounds soon followed as he turned some graham crackers to fine powder. He also sliced a number of fruits into large pieces for later use.
After some chopping and crushing, Grey then took a bowl and mixed condensed milk, cream, and vanilla extract, adding in the chopped fruits and graham powder in the mix, whisking until the volume increased noticeably.
Everything mixed perfectly, Grey took a couple trays and placed them atop the table. A layer of whole graham crackers was then placed on the bottom, followed by the cream mixture, and lastly by the sliced mangoes, cherries and strawberries, repeating the process until a couple layers were made.
Finishing the top layer with all the fruits left and dusting the graham powder, all was finally finished. All that was left was to chill it. But of course, since it would take a lot of time, several hours to be exact, magic was used to speed up the process again. A beautiful treat was made in a matter of minutes.
"Waah～! It looks so good! Can I have a bite?!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... You're too excited. Let's eat together later, alright?" ［Grey］
"Un! Okay!" ［Yuna］
Two replies, the same meaning. A bright smile plastered on her face, Yuna quickly finished making her sweets and soon after, Iris also finished with hers. Everyone safely finished, dozens of sweets and desserts atop the counter.
Of course, since they were finished, what followed after was the clean up. Thankfully, even with the creams, powders, and fruit juices sticking on the table, it was still easy to remove with magic as if they never touched the kitchen to begin with. Magic really is a life saver.
"Then, should we head back to the Little Princess' room and eat?" ［Grey］
"Um! Eat sweetsh!" ［Natalia］
Just as jolly and excited as they came in, everyone headed out the kitchen just as cheerfully. They quickly headed back to the Little Princess' room, the little child once again holding Grey and Yuna's hands as they walked.
As soon as they arrived, Grey quickly took out a table, draped a clean white cloth atop of it, and took out a couple of fancy chairs. The sweets and desserts were then displayed next, a colorful display filling the table soon enough.
"""Thank you for the treat!!"""
"Thank you!" ［Natalia］
Not a single second was wasted. As soon as the sweets were displayed, everyone quickly got a serving for themselves and dug into the sweetness, heading to sugary wonderland where one's teeth would surely ache from sweetness.
"Yellow! Shweet andh Tashty!" ［Natalia］
"Oh my! This custard is amazing!" ［Natasha］
"Un! It's very delicious! Good job, Iris!" ［Yuna］
"Th-Thank you!" ［Iris］
Smiles and satisfied faces bloomed here and there as ladies enjoyed their choice of sweets and desserts. Of course, there was also tea and drinks to soothe the throat of the sweetness. A perfect sweets party.
"Big Sish! Big Sish!" ［Natalia］
"Hm? Is something wrong, Little Princess?" ［Yuna］
"Um! That! Nalia wantsh!" ［Natalia］
A cute request from the adorable little princess, her hands pointing towards the special mango float Grey just made not long ago. It was a request hard to deny, a piece of cold sweetness landing on the little princess' plate.
"Here, Little Princess. Say ahh～!" ［Yuna］
"Ahh～!" ［Natlia］
A cute little mouth wide and open, Yuna gently spoon fed mango float to the little princess. As soon as she did, a gentle flow of flavors surged in her mouth, her eyes widening in delight, sparkling brightly soon after.
It was neither too sweet nor was it too sour, just perfect with a hint of strawberry and cherry. The cream which accompanied the treat felt like soft clouds inside the mouth, melting ever so gently. It wasn't too soft either, balanced by the graham crackers. It was the perfect treat for all ages.
"How was it, Little Princess?" ［Grey］
"Um! I love ish!" ［Natalia］
"Hahaha. I'm glad to hear that." ［Grey］
After the little princess, everyone then also had their share of the mango float. They all had the very same reaction, totally delighted as smiles of satisfaction were painted on their faces, enjoying the treats ever so happily.
Such a happy time continued until Yuna once again looked at the red flower from before. Seeing it again, she remembered another promise she made to the princess. One far more important than the one before.
"Right, Princess Natalia, do you still remember our oath?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia rembers!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! Then since the Little Princess has been a good girl, this Big Sis will keep her oath. Big Sis will make your wish come true!" ［Yuna］
"Wish?" ［Natalia］
"Un! Any wish! The Little Princess just needs to say it!" ［Yuna］
Big and round eyes stared into Yuna as the little princess thought of what to wish for, her face looking ever so serious as if it was a life-changing situation. And though such a serious face doesn't suit her age, it only made her more adorable.
"Th-Then! Nalia wantsh flower!" ［Natalia］
"A flower?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Help Mishter Flower!" ［Natalia］
Said Natalia as she pointed towards the same flower Yuna was looking at before, everyone's eyes following where her fingers were pointing to. It was a wish neither one of them expected at all.
To the little princess, the flower wasn't anything common anymore. It has become an important treasure to her, one she always looked at before she sleeps. It was such a simple wish, one which only showed her purity and innocence. Qualities which only moved everyone's hearts.
"If that's what the Little Princess wants then consider it done! Big Sis here will help Mister Flower later on." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Reawly? Promish?" ［Natalia］
"Of course! It's a promise! But first, let's finish our food, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Um!" ［Natalia］
Warmth and happiness looming over the room, everyone continued their little sweets party with one another, merrily chatting and laughing with one another. Of course, there was also the regular doting on the little princess.
Time passed, and soon, for one reason or another, more people joined in on them. The Queen joined them first, followed by the King and Crown Prince, and finally, there was Julius who just returned home from the Royal Academy.
More time passed and soon, the sun finally descended the skies, darkness devouring the world as the moon and stars showed themselves. The city became quiet once again, street and house lights illuminating the place.
Of course, it went without saying that Grey and Yuna had returned to their room already. They once again took their baths and changed to their warm and comfy pajamas, ready to retire for the day.
"Fwaah～! That was a tiring day, wasn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, you can say that again. But oh well, the Little Princess is cute so it's okay. It makes it worth it using the gate to come back quickly." ［Grey］
"Un! It sure is!" ［Yuna］
Like a little child, Yuna was now sprawling in the bed, her arms stretched out as she rolled over the bed, left and right. She was like a cute little puppy, lazing about without a care in the world.
"Mmn... Grey, I have a question..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? What is it?" ［Grey］
"Between me and the Little Princess... Who's cuter?" ［Yuna］
Halt, Grey did. As soon as such a question rang inside his ears, he was faced with an insane dilemma. It was the first time he faced such a question, yet he could already feel fear and uneasiness creep inside his heart.
It was especially nerve-wracking with Yuna staring at him very intently with her pure, innocent blue eyes. Though he would usually feel happiness in such a situation, the situation couldn't be any different. He could only feel chills running down his spine.
"A-Ah, right... I just remembered. I have something to give you, Yuna." ［Grey］
"Hm?" ［Yuna］
Avoiding the question as much as he could, Grey quickly took out a beautiful platinum ring from his "Inventory". It was the Mythical-Grade Storage Ring he got as a reward for defeating the boss monster back at the Labyrinth of Flames.
Seeing the ring, Yuna's eyes soon widened from surprise, her face turning redder by the moment as her heart thumped and pumped madly. She was feeling feverish, panic striking her heart as her eyes started to swirl.
"U-Uhm! G-Grey, th-that is?!" ［Yuna］
"Oh, right, I totally forgot to tell you. I actually got a lot of Mythical-Grade items in the Labyrinth. This Storage Ring is one of them. I'm sure it will be very useful to you. Here you go." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, un! R-Right, a storage ring! Thank you!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's face became even redder as she received the storage ring from Grey, but now, for a totally different reason. If before, it was because of surprise and shock, now it is because of embarrassment. Extreme embarrassment to be exact.
"Hm? Is something wrong, Yuna? Your face is bright red." ［Grey］
"That's... That's because of you... Dummy... I... I thought you were... Umm... I thought you were gonna propose..." ［Yuna］
Stuttering and fumbling, Yuna answered Grey's question. It was only then that the latter realized where exactly it went wrong. Now, his face also became feverish, just as red as Yuna's, flustered as one can be.
"Uh... No... That's... I'm not proposing..." ［Grey］
"I... I see... S-Sorryー" ［Yuna］
"For now, that is... But one day... When the time is right, I'll surely do it properly... You better prepare yourself..." ［Grey］
"U... Un..." ［Yuna］
Faces red as one can be, silenced soon swallowed the room as Grey and Yuna tried to calm their racing hearts. It seemed like a simple task but with each and every time they locked eyes, their hearts only raced faster.
It took several minutes before the two finally calmed down, laying down on the bed in each other's embrace, feeling the rhythm of their beating hearts and the warmth of their bodies in the depth of the night.
"Right, Grey, what's your answer?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Answer to what?" ［Grey］
"About my question. Who's cuter? Me or Princess Natalia?" ［Yuna］
"Umm... Are we really doing this?" ［Grey］
"Un. We are." ［Yuna］
Well, Grey might have avoided it for some time, but he couldn't avoid it forever. His heart which was once filled with peace, warmth, and comfort was now flooded with a surge of uneasiness and trouble. Needless to say, it was going to be a long night.
CHAPTER 199 END