The sky was amber, almost fading to black. Faint stars are showing in the sky, the moon already appearing on the horizon, its radiance illuminating the world as the sun went to sleep and darkness started to awake. Night was soon to fall.
Under the golden brilliance of twilight, a little figure danced around the viridescent and flower-scented gardens. Her golden hair fluttered in the air as the silver glimmers of her sword flickered from time to time, her steps and movements soft and smooth like a butterfly's wings, fluttering in the air.
Left, right, front, and center. The sword danced along the little lady, sharp winds cascading through the place with each and every stroke. She was like a painter and the sword was her paintbrush, each stroke beautiful like a piece of art.
⟨⟨Starlight Blossom!⟩⟩ ［Eliza］
Her voice drifting in the air, blades of ana sprouted from her sword. As soon as her sword stopped, like a flower blooming ever so brilliantly, the blades of mana scattered in the air, radiating its brilliance as it sliced through the air.
The little lady was, of course, none other than Eliza. She is currently showing Grey and Yuna the progress in her swordsmanship, showing off the best sword art she could make, a different and serious glint glimmering in her eyes.
But it didn't just stop there. Or course, it wouldn't just be her swordsmanship, Eliza also needed to show her proficiency in water magic. After all, a warmage is not truly capable unless she masters both arts and spells. It was an unwritten rule.
The blades of mana leaving its mark on the verdant grasses, Eliza soon stopped moving. Her breathing was calm as one be, silent like the gentle breeze caressing her face, moisture gathering around her like a whirlpool.
⟨⟨Sweeping Wave!⟩⟩ ［Eliza］
A wave from a stormy sea. Such was what came about as soon as Eliza flashed her palm, surging ever so violently towards her target. A loud crash soon echoed as soon as the nearby statue was swallowed whole, destroyed to pieces.
Splash Splash Splash
Splashes and trickles reverberating in the air, the verdant grasses were untimely watered with Eliza's attack. As soon as her demonstration was finished, her head then took a sharp turn, looking at Grey and Yuna with expectant eyes.
"Elder Brother Grey, Elder Sister Yuna, how was that?! Did I do a good job?! Did I?! Did I?!" ［Eliza］
"Fufufu! Un! Liz has become much better than before." ［Yuna］
"That's true... By now, you should be on par with Elise and Elaine... You sure do learn quickly, huh... That's our Liz for you." ［Grey］
"Hehehe!" ［Eliza］
They were all but simple compliments, but Eliza's lips were curling from ear to ear, a bright smile on her face. Though she's a little exhausted after all the demonstration, she was still very happy. Truly a little ball of energy.
Well, it was only to be expected. After all, not only did Grey and Yuna teach her, she also received a couple books and manuals from them and there was also Polaris to watch over her. Combined with her exceptional talent, she was bound to reach such a level sooner or later.
"But Liz... Was it really alright for you to nonchalantly destroy the statue? It looked quite expensive too." ［Grey］
"Ah..." ［Eliza］
There was no need for confirmation. Just Eliza's reaction and pale expression alone was enough to tell the whole story. She was so excited to show Grey and Yuna her progress that she totally forgot to control herself.
"Elder Sister Yuna... Elder Brother Grey... What do I do...?" ［Eliza］
Almost teary-eyed, Eliza looked at Grey and Yuna with a worried face. Though Fritz would most likely just scold her for a little while, she still felt guilty that she destroyed something. She really was a kind girl. The two couldn't help but look at her warmly.
"Fufufu! Don't worry too much about it, okay? We have your Elder Brother Grey to help us out. Right～?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah, I'm on it." ［Grey］
Luckily, Grey was around. Though she couldn't reverse time, he had an eye which could grasp every detail and a mind which could remember everything. With just a quick use of earth magic, the statue was back to its previous and glorious form.
"Waah～! It really is fixed! Elder Brother Grey, you're amazing!" ［Eliza］
"Hahaha, is that so?" ［Grey］
"Un! Elder Brother Grey is the bestest in the world!" ［Eliza］
"Eh? Then how about me?" ［Yuna］
"Of course! Elder Sister Yuna is just as amazing!" ［Eliza］
There was no lies in Eliza's eyes, only sincerity. Grey and Yuna were, after all, two of the people she admired the most. To her, they were just as amazing as her father, her older sister, older cousin, her mother, and everyone else she admired. All were great in her eyes.
Well, now that the demonstrations are over, there was only one thing left to do. With the sun now disappearing from the horizon, it was time to prepare dinner. A dinner Eliza that had been missed for several months.
"Then, let's head inside, shall we? Let's make the best dinner we can." ［Grey］
"Un! Let's go to the kitchenー" ［Eliza］
"No can do. Liz will be heading to the bath. I mean... Look how sweaty and drenched you are... Is this how a lady should look, hmm?" ［Yuna］
"But Iー" ［Eliza］
"No buts! You're going to the bath now, Young Lady! And that's final!" ［Yuna］
"Uuu.... Okay..." ［Eliza］
Unfortunately for Eliza, she won't be able to enjoy watching the food cook. Though she didn't want to go, she had no other choice. She didn't want to go against Yuna whom she looks up to as her older sister. She was still a very obedient girl.
Eliza going to the bath and Yuna giggling ever so softly, Grey and Yuna headed to the kitchen to help prepare dinner for the night. They still haven't planned what to make, but they weren't a bit worried. All that was needed was to do their best.
"Hello, Mister Rhodes～! Hello everyone～! It's been some time!" ［Yuna］
"Oh! Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, it's been some time! Welcome, welcome, please enter and make yourselves home." ［Rhodes］
"Hahahaha. Then, we'll be intruding on the kitchen again." ［Grey］
"Of course! Feel free to do so!" ［Rhodes］
It wasn't just Rhodes. Every other chef in the kitchen enthusiastically welcomed Grey and Yuna as soon as they entered. Especially the new chefs. Their eyes were literally sparkling as they watched the two ever so intently.
If it was before, the two would have felt awkward with such intense attention directed, but after dealing with it for months, they have already built up some resistance. It was just a little worrying that they have gotten used to living like celebrities. They both felt a little conflicted.
"Your Highnesses, if I may ask, what would you be cooking today? Stew? Soup? A whole buffet? Rice?" ［Rhodes］
"Well, nothing too overwhelming, really... Just some simple dishes. You know, rice and a couple things here and there." ［Grey］
"Oh, I see... Best of luck to you two, then." ［Rhodes］
"Yeah. Thanks." ［Grey］
Yep. There was no way in hell Rhodes understood what Grey was talking about. But knowing what they cooked before, he could already expect that they won't be cooking anything normal. He simply looked at the bright side and looked forward to it.
One by one, Grey took out fresh and rich ingredients from the "Inventory" as if it was the most normal thing in the world. They only looked like some excellent meat and ingredients, but in reality, they were all ridiculously luxurious.
Though they know that they'll get scolded by Fritz if he knew what ingredients they were using, it is only if he knows. After all, if they simply keep quiet about it, there won't be any troubles. There was no need to hold themselves back.
"Yuna, let's do the usual." ［Grey］
"Un! Copy that!" ［Yuna］
A short exchange and the two soon started moving their hands and bodies, clicks, clacks, and chops echoing in the air, creating a harmonious melody. There was music in the air, the ingredients dancing around as they were cleanly prepared.
Grey prepared the main course whilst Yuna made the appetizers and desserts. The two worked in perfect harmony, not bumping a single time with one another. The chefs could only gawk in admiration from their magnificent coordination.
Grilled, sweet and spicy, roasted, fried, and many more. The orchestra of appetizing aromas soon followed, as dish after dish was cooked, accompanying the rhythmic beats and tunes of the kitchen. It was a concert like no other.
"Right, Grey, what would you like for dessert?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? You aren't going to choose for yourselfー" ［Grey］
Grey was about to ask, but he soon stopped abruptly. As soon as he saw the array of sweets behind Yuna, his mouth shut closed on its own, eyes filled with pure disbelief. Yuna had already chosen her treats. All that was left was for Grey's picks.
'Haah... Really, this girl...' ［Grey］
There was no need to think too much about Yuna's actions. Grey simply thought of a dessert he wanted to eat, wanting to taste something foreign. It was then that a dish of Italian origin popped up in his mind.
"Then, since you already made many desserts, I'll just ask for one. I'd love to have some tiramisu, please." ［Grey］
"Okay～! Tiramisu it is!" ［Yuna］
There was no bounds to Yuna's excitement. As soon as she heard Grey's request, she raised one of her hands with determination. Soon, a couple noises echoed in the kitchen as she excitedly got a bunch of ingredients for herself.
Of course, as Grey and Yuna aren't really fond of alcohol, it is going to be a non-alcoholic Tiramisu. After all, Eliza would also be eating it. There was no need to add something which could cause them trouble.
First, Yuna made the custard. In a mixing bowl set over simmering water, she mixed some egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla, whisking it until the mixture thickened. She then removed it from heat, letting it cool down. A process sped up by the use of magic.
After the custard, next was the cream with a little bit of cheese and more egg yolks. Though there wasn't any mascarpone cheese in Merusia, they were still able to make do with something similar. The cream was then combined with the custard, folded until it gained a smooth texture.
Since it was non-alcoholic, fruit juice from some citrus fruits was used instead of brandy, mixing it with the espresso. The already made ladyfingers were then dipped into the mixture until they were soaked.
In a baking dish, an alternating layer of soaked ladyfingers and custard was placed one after another until a three-layer dessert was made. After all was done, cocoa powder was then used to dust the whole truth.
Everything was finished! All that was left to do was refrigerate it and let it sit for a few hoursー or so it would have normally been. But it was Merusia, after all. With just a little bit of intricate ice magic, Yuna made the same effect, creating a very beautiful and delicious treat!
"Grey! I'm done!" ［Yuna］
"Oh, great! Can you help me out a little bit? I'm still not finished, you see..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Of course!" ［Yuna］
With Yuna done with her side, she then quickly headed to Grey's rescue and helped him out with the remaining dishes. There wasn't really much to do. Everything was almost done, after all. Only a little polishing.
Soon, every single dish was complete. The ones Grey and Yuna made, and the ones the chefs made. If one were to see how many dishes there were, they would have surely thought there was a celebration. It was truly fantastic.
Of course, with everything finished, all that was left was to deliver the dishes to the dining hall. There wasn't just one or two of them, but a whole four food trolleys headed out of the kitchen, all filled to the brim. Another food train was made, Grey and Yuna following behind it.
"Waah～! So many!" ［Eliza］
Eliza commented with her eyes sparkling ever so brightly. She was still fresh out of the bath, yet she is once again up for another challenge. With the amount of food before her, there was no way she was losing out.
And though Eliza was very excited, Fritz on the other hand had an entirely different expression. His eyes were full of suspicions as he looked at the dishes coming in, his gaze soon shifting towards Grey and Yuna who just entered.
"Hey, you two... You didn't make anything outrageous again, did you?" ［Fritz］
"Really now... Just what do you think of us? They're all just normal dishes. You just worry too much." ［Grey］
"Normal, you say..." ［Fritz］
"Yeah, normal." ［Grey］
Fritz's eyes were full of suspicions, but with Grey simply smiling brightly, there was nothing more he could do. It was fortunate that Yuna was already sitting near Eliza, otherwise, her inability to lie would have exposed it all.
"Haah... Alright, I give up, let's just say they're normal. You win." ［Fritz］
"Hahaha, thanks, I guess?" ［Grey］
Their silly little argument over and Grey still smiling, everyone then took their seats around the dining table. And as one would expect, it was filled to the brim with all sorts of exquisite dishes, each and everyone appetizing to the eyes.
"""Thank you for the meal!!"""
There was no need to wait and there were no words needed to be said. As soon as everyone tasted the dishes, be it from Grey and Yuna or the chefs, a burst of superb deliciousness exploded in their mouth, rich flavors flooding within.
The most expressive oneー or rather, ones, among them was none other than Yuna and Eliza. Both showed faces which looked like the pinnacle of ecstasy, expressions very identical to one another.
"It seems like your cooking skills are still great. No wonder even the Royal Head Chef praises you. This really is something." ［Fritz］
"You're praising us too much. We're still far from perfect, you know? There's still a long way ahead of us." ［Grey］
"Far from perfect, huh... Rhodes would surely cry if he heard that..." ［Fritz］
Commented Fritz, a gentle smile forming on his face as he had another bite. It was a comment which only led to Grey imagining what it would look like. After all, it surely is something Rhodes would probably do.
"Um! Wew shill werning! (Un! We're still learning!)" ［Yuna］
"Ewishin sho dewishoosh! (Everything's so delicious!)" ［Eliza］
Well, it wasn't only Grey who had an opinion. Yuna also had the same thought, Eliza following her though she actually didn't understand what Yuna said. It was just like watching over two very hyperactive children. It was worrying and heartwarming at the same time.
There was no use fussing over it. Even if they did point things out, it would surely be futile. After all, they only get more energetic with one another around. There was no need to spoil the merry and warm atmosphere.
"Hmm... Even your seafood dishes are great too. I'm glad that new trade routes are opening up. I could get used to this." ［Fritz］
Ignoring her energetic daughter, Fritz simply continued eating on his plate. It was simple but such a comment struck something on Grey's mind. He remembered his mental checklist all of the sudden.
"Right... Speaking of the new trade routes... Which territory did these seafood and ingredients come from?" ［Grey］
"Which territory...?" ［Fritz］
To Grey's question, Fritz was made to think about what territories are located on the coasts of Alfrione. Many came to mind, both owned by small and large noble families. Each territory has a specialty of their own.
Of course, it wasn't just the seafood and ingredients Grey was interested in. He was also interested in the beauty of the place. He swore to bring Yuna to see the sea and beaches once and he'll be doing so. He was a man of his words.
"Well, rather than just one territory, it's actually a mix of many. More trade routes are also being constructed so you can expect an increase in the number sooner or later. Why do you ask?" ［Fritz］
"Nothing really. I'm just curious..." ［Grey］
"Curious, huhー Oh... I see... So that's how it is..." ［Fritz］
He didn't need any more words. As soon as Fritz remembered that Grey and Yuna were a couple, he quickly realized the latter's intention. Now that he realized it, he once again realized Grey was still a teenage boy.
After all, he also went through such things with his now wife, Eleanora. He knows full well the feeling of wanting to surprise your beloved with a well thought out gift. It was one full of thrill, anxiety, and excitement. A very wonderful experience.
"Then, how about we talk about it at a later time. Some of them have beautiful seas and beaches. They're quite interesting." ［Fritz］
"Oh... Then I'll be in your care..." ［Grey］
"Don't worry about it. It's my pleasure as well." ［Fritz］
Fritz had already received a lot of help from Grey and Yuna, and though it might not be much, he was still happy to help him out. He was also interested in how it will fare so it's a little fun for him as well. Killing two birds with one stone.
"Waah～! Elder Sister Yuna, this is delicious! What is this?!" ［Eliza］
"That's tiramisu. Would you like some more?" ［Yuna］
"Un! I want more please!" ［Eliza］
And while the men were talking about some interesting things, the girls were already sampling the desserts. From the pudding, to parfait, and all the way to the tiramisu Yuna just recently made. They were fully enjoying themselves.
Of course, Grey already knew how delicious tiramisu is. Even then, he didn't expect the two to react so excitedly even after tasting a lot of sweets already. They really were amazing in ways more than one.
"Is it really that delicious, Liz?" ［Fritz］
"Un! You should have some too, Father!" ［Eliza］
"Hahaha, then I'll gracefully accept your invitation." ［Fritz］
There was no use resisting. As soon as Eliza handed Fritz a piece, he knew that he had to eat it. After all, what kind of father could resist an invitation from their very adorable daughter. There simply is none.
Fritz only needed to put a little strength and his fork quickly cut through the soft tiramisu, a little clink resounding as he hit the plate. And when he delivered it to his, a rush of sweetness and creaminess with a hint of coffee caressed his tongue. It was the first time he tasted such and it was amazing.
"Oh! Another bittersweet dessert! As expected from you two, you're really on another level! I'm sure this will be popular!" ［Fritz］
"Un! Elder Sister Yuna and Elder Brother Grey are the best!" ［Eliza］
"Hahaha, you really like Grey and Yuna, don't you, Liz?" ［Fritz］
"Un!" ［Eliza］
Now, even Fritz has joined the cheering squad. Yuna was especially happy that her work was being praised. The merry atmosphere in the dining hall only getting warmer and warmer with each passing second.
'Then I guess I'll be having some too.' ［Grey］
Smiles and laughter all over the place, Grey stood up a little and got himself a serving of tiramisu as wellー Or so it should have been. But he hasn't even stood up and Yuna's hands have already moved again.
"Grey, here, have some too." ［Yuna］
It was but a simple gesture, yet Grey couldn't be any happier with such simplicity. A smile subconsciously bloomed on his face as he accepted the plate Yuna gave him.
Though she is childish and energetic most of the time, there really are times she is just mature, thoughtful, and caring like a gentle mother. Two total opposite sides, a gap so wide Grey just couldn't help but wonder.
"Thanks." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! You're welcome!" ［Yuna］
Well, no matter what side it was, be it her silly and childish side, her thoughtful and caring side, her potion-loving side, or her battle-driven side, Grey knew of only one thing. And that is he loved everything about her and that he's falling even harder with every passing second.
'I really am hopeless, aren't I?' ［Grey］
The night continued to deepen, the moon and stars shining brightly like they always have, and the gentle breeze dancing freely. Along such a breeze, a single thought floated adrift. The simple thought of a hopeless idiot in love.
CHAPTER 208 END