"Miss, I would like to exchange this..."
"Next please～!"
"Oh! Should we do wolves or... Would goblins be better...?"
Dozens upon dozens of voices danced and drifted in the air, coming from a variety of people. Some were wearing hats, some were adorned with heavy armor, some had pointed ears, and some with furry tails. A lively atmosphere was about the place.
It was still early in the morning yet the adventures were already bustling. From quest picking all the way to processing them, each and every spot was filled. Yet even with such business, the lines were moving smoothly, efficiently managed by the beautiful receptionists up front.
"Ogre extermination... Bandit Subjugation... High Orc exterminations... Gather Limmul vines... Another Ogre extermination... What do you want to do, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"I don't know... We've already done many of them..." ［Yuna］
"Haha... That's true..." ［Grey］
Of course, within the Adventurers' Guild, Grey and Yuna were also there. Their eyes were moving left and right, scanning the F-rank quest board for quests they fancied, standing there for a couple minutes already.
It has been some time since the two got a quest from the guild, but thankfully, even with their long absence, there wasn't an overflow of high-ranking quests. After all, Kris and Aria were still actively doing their job. Especially with Aria reaching A-rank before they left, quests weren't much of a problem.
Unfortunately, no matter how much they looked around, there wasn't a quest they liked. But there was still hope. After all, even only using their alternate identities, there were still the G-rank and H-rank quests to explore.
"Ah! Grey, this one! Let's do this!" ［Yuna］
"An escort quest?" ［Grey］
A happy smile sprouted on Yuna's face as soon as she spotted a good quest. There wasn't anything special about it. It was just to escort a family to a nearby town. And that town just happened to be Moterno! It was perfect!
"Are you sure? It's a five-day journey, you know?" ［Grey］
"Un! I want to experience camping outside during a quest!" ［Yuna］
"Camping... Didn't you say you hated it? What's the real reason?" ［Grey］
She couldn't hide her true intentions even for a quick second. Grey didn't even need to use "Judgement". Just Yuna's facial expressions with traces of guilt was enough to tell that she was lying. She was too easy.
"N-Noring really... I just want to experience something new..." ［Yuna］
"Yuna. I said the real reason." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I want to sample lots of food along the way..." ［Yuna］
And there it was. Yuna's true intentions have finally been revealed, her voice as low as her gaze which was attempting to escape Grey's judging stares. Grey had already expected it to be something along those lines, but hearing it first hand was still quite astonishing.
Well, though Yuna hid her true intentions, it was also true that they hadn't camped while on a quest. The escort quests they had only lasted hours so there was no need to. Each and every quest finished relatively quickly.
If there was one time, it would be when they escorted Elnart and Galvin towards the capital which couldn't even be counted as a normal experience with flying in the sky and all. It can only be called a surreal experience if anything. In other words, it was weird.
"Haah... Alright. But next time, I'll be the one picking." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Grey really is the best." ［Yuna］
In the end, Grey couldn't do anything against Yuna's request. Though she'd become more spoiled and childish since they dated, he could only blame himself for babying her too much. Not that he regrets his actions anyway.
"Tilda, we'll be taking this quest." ［Grey］
"Oh. A moment please." ［Tilda］
The request paper in hand, Grey and Yuna then headed towards the reception desk to process the undertaking of the quest. And since the quest was still scheduled the day after, the two went back out and passed their time away.
They first dropped by the Rabbit's Den to tell them they'll be gone for some time again. After which, they headed to the Aldridge mansion to play with the kids, spending their morning together. As for their afternoon, they simply bonded with one another.
Just like that, the sun had set on the horizon, and as quickly as night fell, the morning sun quickly rose in the sky, coloring the sky blue and lands green. A new, beautiful morning had come about once again.
And with the new morning, it was also time for them to finally fulfill their escort quest. The first morning bell had just rang and Grey and Yuna are already on their way to the gates, walking ever casually, their steps matching each other's pace.
"It says here that the client has brown hair and is in his late twenties... Have you found anyone yet?" ［Grey］
"Hmm... Isn't that him? That guy over there?" ［Yuna］
"No. They don't have the same name. Try again." ［Grey］
"Then that one...?" ［Yuna］
The quest papers already had full information about the client and where to meet up. It was one designed so that it would be easy for both the adventurers and clients to meet up. Of course, it was also the same case with Grey and Yuna's quest papers.
It wasn't that they couldn't find him. Rather, Grey already found him. They were just playing a game where Yuna would guess which one the client was based on their characteristics alone. They were simply killing time before the meeting.
"Oh? Are you perhaps Miss Elena and Mister Shin?" ［Client］
As for the time limit, it was until the client noticed their approach. Unfortunately for Yuna, the client managed to spot them before she could. It was a loss for her, but there was no sadness to be seen on her face.
It is also worth noting that the two are once again in their disguises. They are now wearing different hair and eye colors. Of course, their attire was also different than usual. Another interesting aspect of taking an escort quest.
"Yes, we're Shin and Elena. You're Mister Dennis, I assume?" ［Grey］
"That's right, that's right. I'm the one who posted the request... Ah! But first, I guess you should meet my family, yeah?" ［Dennis］
An ever so energetic smile on his face, Dennis led the two to his carriage, not giving them any chances to be bored with his talkative nature. They soon arrived at the carriage, two little heads popping out and a blonde woman by their side.
"Let me introduce you to my family. To my right is my lovely wife, Leah." ［Dennis］
"Hello～! Nice to meet you." ［Leah］
"And these two munchkins are our children, Cole and Luca." ［Dennis］
"Adventurer Big Bro and Big Sis! Hello!" ［Cole］
"Hi～!" ［Luca］
Much like Dennis, the whole family was also very energetic. The wife, Leah, though looking reserved, had a playful nature, while the son, Cole, and the daughter, Luca, were pretty much the type of kids you see playing here and there once you take your eyes of them. It was quite a family.
"Hi as well! I'm Elena, and this is my partner, Shin. We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］
And who would be better to greet them than the similarly energetic young elven lady, Yuna. They had just met but Grey could already tell that they'll get along quite well. The synergy between them was just too high.
With the introductions over. Everyone quickly boarded the carriage. Grey was in the coachman's seat along with Dennis, while Yuna was inside with Leah and the kids. A few moments later, the whip lashed and the wheels finally started to turn.
Clop Clop Clop Clop
The horse's footsteps echoed clearly as it hit the hard road, the carriage passing through the gates without much trouble. The green and beautiful plains greeted them once again as they went outside the walls.
"So, so, what happened next?!" ［Cole］
"And then we hit the orc in the kneecap and it fell down, kneeling towards the ground! The orc was helpless!" ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Big Sis is amazing!" ［Luca］
"So cool! I want to hear more!" ［Cole］
It has only been a few minutes since they met, but everyone inside the carriage is already getting along well. Smiles and laughter were all over the place as Yuna continued her story telling, the kids listening very attentively.
Though there was just one thing off with Yuna's stories. It wasn't just a simple orc. It was an Orc Conqueror, an S-rank monster she fought in the Labyrinth. Well, there's no need to reveal such things. What's important is that they're happy.
"They sure are getting along well, yeah?" ［Dennis］
"Hahaha. Then would you believe me that Elena was actually very shy when we first came to Galderia. She was very meek with strangers back then." ［Grey］
"Oh? That's quite hard to believe. She looks quite eloquent and comfortable right now, if you ask me." ［Dennis］
As for the men, they are simply talking about everyone else in the carriage. Soon, they also started talking about a lot of topics on their own. There was even one part where Dennis talked about his romance with Leah, the lady in question, cheering on him from behind. It was quite an interesting ride.
Smooth as silk, the journey continued and so was the climbing of the sun in the sky. The sky, turquoise as one can be very clear, little to no clouds to be seen. It was a peaceful day, the refreshing wind caressing their faces as they chatted merrily.
The sun soon reached its Zenith and it was time for the horse to rest. Finding a nearby shade, everyone then hopped out of the carriage to get a breath of fresh air and have lunch to fill their stomachs as well.
Clang Clang Clang
It was a strange melody, the sound of metals clanging along the rustling of the leaves and grassesー Well, of course it was a strange sound. After all, only Grey and Yuna would bring a whole kitchen set while camping. Dennis and family's eyes opened wide in agape as they watched the two.
"Miss Elena, Mister Shin... Excuse me, but what are you doing?" ［Leah］
"Ah. We're making lunch." ［Grey］
"Oh, I see... Oh, I see..." ［Leah］
It was a casual answer. But in the eyes of normal people such as Dennis and his family, it was an absurd answer. One so absurd that Leah ended up repeating her words subconsciously, her eyes filled with contusion.
It was only natural. After all, when traveling, what people would usually eat are jerky, bread, dried dishes, dried fruits, root crops, cheese, and many more cheap and long-lasting foods. Cooking in the wild, not to mention with fresh ingredients, was just completely out of the ordinary.
Still in shock, Dennis and family quickly accepted the two's strangeness and simply sat down and observed the two make lunch, all the while eating bread and jerky. They were so in shock, they didn't even question where everything came from.
Chops, fwishes, clangs, and many more wonderful melodies danced in the air as the live cooking show continued. Soon enough, wonderful and appetizing aromas wafted through the air, arousing everyone's appetites.
"Lunch's ready! Please wash your hands and get a plate." ［Yuna］
"Eh? Ah? We're included too?" ［Dennis］
"Hm? Of course? We made lunch for everyone, after all." ［Yuna］
Rather than Dennis, it was Yuna who was puzzled, tilting her head ever so cutely. She answered as if it was only natural, Grey smiling behind her with eyes full of affirmation. Now, the family was even more confused.
"Umm... I'll make sure to pay you forー" ［Dennis］
"No, that won't do. We're doing this of our own volition, after all. No need to hold yourselves back." ［Grey］
"Papa! Let's eat!" ［Luca］
Dennis and Leah were full of concerns, but with the two's persistent invitation and the kids' excitement, there was only little they could do about it. They could only thank the two from the bottom of their hearts, Grey and Yuna responding with a smile.
But they haven't even started eating yet the little Luca already looked troubled. She looked left and right, frantically searching for something, not even receiving the plate Yuna was trying to give her.
"Is something wrong, Luca?" ［Grey］
"Umm... Water. I can't wash my hands..." ［Luca］
And it was because of an innocent and adorable reason. Since Yuna said to wash their hands before getting a plate, she was troubled because all they had in store was drinking water. She was in a little dilemma.
"Hahaha. Come here, stretch your hands." ［Grey］
Well, there was no need to use drinking water in the first place. With just a flick of a finger, Grey quickly created a stream of water out of thin air, Lica washing her hands, excitement sparkling in her eyes. Oh, the simple happiness. of a child.
After Luca, the others also had their hands washed and wiped with dry, clean cloth. When all was done and finished, they then sat down the picnic blanket from who-knows-where, a plethora of dishes displayed atop them.
"""Thank you for the meal!!"""
Smiles blooming on their faces, everyone had their plates filled to the brim. As for their reactions, it was just like one would expect. Just like the ones before them, their faces melted in happiness from the deliciousness of the meal. It was heaven.
"Mmn! Dewishous!" ［Luca］
"Wuca, here, eat thish!" ［Cole］
"Kids, don't talk when your mouth is full." ［Leah］
A warm atmosphere was about the place as everyone fed themselves. Especially the children, they were eating so hastily that it was worrying whether they might choke on their food. Not to mention they were talking. They really were too energetic.
If there was someone whose expressions were painted differently, it was Dennis. Just after a single bite, his hand and spoon completely stopped moving, eyes staring at his wife and children as they enjoyed their meal.
"Is something wrong, Mister Dennis?" ［Grey］
"Ah, no... It's just... I've never seen them smile so much during a meal during our travels. I feel a little overwhelmed..." ［Dennis］
"Then you'll need to get used to it soon. We'll be eating like this until the quest ends, after all." ［Grey］
"I see... Hahaha, I'll be in your debt then." ［Dennis］
There were no more words needed to be said nor any need to delve on the topic any longer. Dennis simply smiled, got another spoonful of the meal before him, and fed it to himself. A satisfied expression soon showed on his face.
"Right, Mister Shin, can I have some more, yeah?" ［Dennis］
"Yeah, sure. Have as much as you can." ［Grey］
"Oh, nice! Thanks a lot!" ［Dennis］
Noon soon ended and the suns finally started to descend from the sky. The wheels of the carriage finally moved and the reins were once again manned. The carriage continued on its way, onwards to the horizon.
Along the way, they entered a couple villages, Yuna buying a lot of snacks just like she promised to herself. They only stopped for a quick while, but one way or another, she managed to haul in a mountain of treats. She really was amazing in ways more than one.
It wasn't long before the sky's color started to change, and with a few more minutes, the sun had finally vanished from the horizon, the sky finally painted black, dots of white scattered all over the place as stars littered the night.
With the coming of the night, the symphony of critters and the wind danced in the air. A calming melody rang inside everyone's ears, lulling the children to sleep in the carriage, blankets covering and warming their bodies.
"Miss Elena, Mister Shin, we'll be heading off to sleep now." ［Dennis］
"Un! Good night～!" ［Yuna］
The only ones who weren't heading to dreamland were Grey and Yuna who are now on lookout duty, sitting in front of the campfire, their tents erected not far away from the carriage. Only the night's symphony accompanied them.
Though they could simply have the familiars do it and their bodies would instinctively react to dangers, looking out is one of the duties of an escort adventurer. Since they wanted an authentic experience, it was necessary to do so. Though for their case, they're only doing it for fun.
Crackle Crackle Crackle
The campfire sang and danced, painting the place red and orange. Shadows were cast on the ground as two figures sat nearby, making themselves comfortable as they listened to the peacefulness of the night.
"The night sky sure is amazing... The moon and stars are so beautiful." ［Yuna］
"You can say that again. It's rare to see this sight back on Earth. This world really is full of amazing things, huh..." ［Grey］
"Earth... Grey, can you tell me more about it?" ［Yuna］
It was an unexpected question. Though Yuna already knows Grey's past life as Matteo, she very rarely asks anything about it. She had always kept quiet, keeping her curiosity to herself. Grey was taken aback a little bit.
"Ah... But it's okay if you don't want to. I-I'm sorry if I touched a sensー" ［Yuna］
"No, it's alright. I was just a bit surprised is all. Though... It's quite a long story so how about I tell you about it tomorrow? For now, just go to sleep first. I'll wake you up when it's your turn to look out." ［Grey］
"No way. I know you won't wake me up until the sun rises. I already know just how overprotective you are. I'm sure of it." ［Yuna］
Grey couldn't even deny Yuna's words. She already knew him well enough to know that he has no intentions of doing so. Now, her face is puffed cutely, pouting a little as she looks at Grey, sulking.
"Guess I can't fool you, huh." ［Grey］
"Of course! I'm your girlfriend, after all. I know Grey the best!" ［Yuna］
Declared Yuna whilst puffing her chest, looking completely smug and proud even when no one's competing against her to win such a title. Her eyes were sparkling even brighter than the stars adorning the sky above their heads.
Well, not that Grey hates her enthusiasm. If anything, it only made her cuter in his eyes. Not trying to dwell on it any further, he simply laid down the blanket they laid on the ground, using Yuna's lap as a pillow.
"Eh?! Grey?! Why all of the sudden?!" ［Yuna］
"I just want to rest in my girlfriend's lap. Am I not allowed to?" ［Grey］
"No, you are... Just tell me first next time." ［Yuna］
It was clear as day. Though Yuna's face was veiled by the darkness of the night, only dimly illuminated by the campfire's light, Grey knew she was blushing red. It wasn't even lookout duty anymore. They were simply just flirting out in the open,
"Then, are you ready to listen now? It's going to be quite a long story so you need to brace yourself." ［Grey］
"Un! I'm ready!" ［Yuna］
"Haha. You sure are enthusiastic." ［Grey］
Grey could only chuckle heartily to Yuna's cheerfulness. Soon enough, he opened his mouth, telling the tales of his previous home. From the smallest and most trivial of things, to the most intricate and complex concepts, he told them all with much vigor.
Of course, he still couldn't beat Yuna's energy. She listened to him attentively, asking questions from time to time and expressing envy to the little things Merusia did not possess. It was fun seeing her expressions unfold time and time again.
Their soft voices drifting in the air, the stars continued twinkling and the moon drifted towards the horizon. The sun soon rose and a new morning started again. Though they didn't get a single wink of sleep, both greeted the new morning full of energy.
Just like that, time passed ever so quickly. The sun rose and the sun set, the sky changing to different colors, and villages were met along the way. In just a blink of an eye, four days passed and it was now the final day before they arrived at Moterno.
"Then, when I proposed to Leah. I haven't even taken out the ring yet she already started crying. It was quite a sight, yeah?" ［Dennis］
"Dennis, stop lying. I'm pretty sure it wasn't me who was crying." ［Leah］
"No, no, no. I can still remember how you cried that day." ［Dennis］
It was a peaceful journey. Throughout the days, they simply chatted happily and laughed at each other's stories. The journey continued smoothly and they soon arrived at Moternoー or so how it normally would have been.
'Hm?' ［Grey］
But just on the edge of Grey's "Heaven's Eye", he could see a couple figures lurking by the bushes. They were all rough-looking figures, weapons by their side, awaiting for a clueless carriage to pass. They were predators waiting to ambush.
『Yuna, prepare yourself. There's trouble ahead.』 ［Grey］
CHAPTER 205 END