Woof Woof Woof
Barks and whines twirled and danced in the air, three pairs of furballs running and bouncing about. Accompanying them were two children, ages 8 and 6, hair painted with a different shade of gray, running around so freely.
"Hey, Galvin, that's unfair!" ［Elnart］
"Hehe! Big Sis and Big Bro said it's allowed!" ［Galvin］
"Ehh～?! That's unreasonable!" ［Elnart］
The children were none other than Elnart and Galvin who are once again playing with the familiars, dashing and darting as if they owned the whole garden. Of course, they weren't the only ones in the garden. Three other figures were also with them.
It has been a few days since Grey and Yuna went to the Royal Capital, and now, they are back on Galderia. Currently, they are in the Aldridge mansion, playing football with the kids like they usually do in their free time, all while Cedric watched over them.
"Here, Galvin, pass the ball!" ［Yuna］
"Um!" ［Galvin］
Stopping ever so abruptly, Galvin then firmly planted one of his feet towards the ground, and without an ounce of hesitation, he gave it his all and kicked the ball towards Yuna's direction. It was a good passー or so it should have been...
"Oh, no, you don't." ［Grey］
The ball couldn't even go halfway towards Yuna, when a swift leg blocked the ball with much precision. It didn't take much effort to stop the ball at all. Of course, the owner of the leg was none other than Grey who was in Elnart's team.
Relief and disappointment. Two completely different emotions swirled in two people's hearts as they witnessed Grey's action. The relieved one was Elnart, and the other was Galvin. As for Grey and Yuna, they only watched them warmly.
"Big Bro... That's unfair... You're too good..." ［Galvin］
"Haha, that's not true. It's because Galvin always shoots straight that it's easy to catch the ball. You should learn to curve your shots." ［Grey］
"Uuu... Okay..." ［Galvin］
His face was sulking but Galvin didn't say any more. Galvin simply accepted Grey's explanation and backed down. Though he was competitive, he was also very understanding for his age. Grey and Yuna were glad he was a kind child.
"Then, how about we take a break for a little while? We still have some refreshments back on the table." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Then I'll be partaking on your offer～." ［Yuna］
"Hey, Yuna... I'm talking to the kids, you know?" ［Grey］
"My I'm afraid I don't know what you mean～. I'm just talking to myself, after all～. Un! I'm just talking to myself." ［Yuna］
She really was a mischievous girl, humming to herself as she ignored Grey's words. Elnart in one hand and Galvin on the other, she then headed to the garden table, a big and bright smile floating on her beautiful face.
Grey could only heave a dry and lengthy sigh of resignation from Yuna's actions. Soon after, he also followed after them, the familiars following him closely behind. It was like a silly little march, with the ever so smiley and cheerful Yuna on the lead.
"Oh? Are you done playing already?" ［Cedric］
"Nuh-uh, we're just taking a break. Would you like to join us, Cedric?" ［Yuna］
"Sorry, but I'll have to pass on that. I've been cooped up in my office these past few days. I just want to breathe in some fresh air. I really appreciate you playing with the children. Thank you." ［Cedric］
"Fufufu! No worries!" ［Yuna］
Calmly, replied Cedric. He was sitting carefreely on his chair, reading a couple books by his side and enjoying a few refreshments, it was one of the rare times he was free and so, he vowed to enjoy it to the fullest.
And it wasn't just Cedric. Fritz, the Prime Minister, the General, and many people of high positions rarely had breaks. Grey and Yuna fully understood how precious such days were and were happy to help out to entertain the children.
『Hmm... Yuna, Haven't we been taking care of too many children lately? I feel like we've become babysitters... I feel a little conflicted...』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! That's true, but it's fun anyway, so it's perfectly fine!』 ［Yuna］
『Haha, I guess that's true.』 ［Grey］
It may look troublesome to many people, and it may be tiring to spend hours upon hours looking after them, especially without any pay, but Grey and Yuna really enjoy spending time with the children they have met.
To Grey and Yuna's eyes, taking care of the children was simply another form of an adventure. As adventurers, it was pretty much what they're made for. It may deviate from what many consider an adventure, but an adventure was still an adventure nonetheless. They both love it.
"Anyway, less about me... You sure do have a lot of interesting things up your sleeves, don't you, Grey?" ［Cedric］
"Hm? What do you mean?" ［Grey］
"I mean... Last time you made some fun games, then there were the strange magic tools you brought the other time, and now this... Umm... Football, was it? By now, I won't even be surprised if you whip out some Divine items. Hahahaha!" ［Cedric］
Cedric was laughing cheerfully, but Grey's actions couldn't be any more different. After all, the very rings they were wearing were Divine-Grade. Not that there was any need to mention it. Grey could only laugh wryly.
In reality, other than wanting to play something new with the children, the reason why Grey introduced new games was so that he could take note of what games Yuna liked the most and what she would likely think of them.
After all, Grey was still planning to take her to the beach, and give her a big surprise once they arrived there. Yuna is still in the dark about everything and he'd like to keep it that way. It would only ruin the essence of a surprise, otherwise. He wants to give it his all as her boyfriend.
"W-Well, I think it's a nice way to change the pace. That way, we can do more things without getting bored." ［Grey］
"Un! Grey's right! The games he makes are the best, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! It seems like we have one proud girlfriend over here... Though I appreciate you taking care of the children, please keep the flirting to a minimum, alright? Elnart and Galvin are still too young for that." ［Cedric］
"W-We're not f-flirting! A-At least not that much!" ［Yuna］
A negation and an affirmation. Two contradicting statements came out of Yuna's mouth as her face slowly started turning red, all the while Cedric chuckled to himself, remembering his teenage years with Veronica.
"Big Sis... What's flirting...?" ［Galvin］
"U-Umm... That is... L-Let's talk about when you grow up, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Ehh～? Why...?" ［Galvin］
"Umm... Well... It's still too early for you..." ［Yuna］
To top it all off, Galvin overheard his father's words and got curious, pressing Yuna for answers and making her bluish even more furiously. It was one thing when it was someone like Helen or Amelia, but when it was an innocent child, it really was embarrassing beyond words.
Yuna looked over at Grey's direction, asking for help but no help came to her rescue. The latter simply looked in their direction, smiling happily and brightly, his black hair fluttering in the air as he sneakily snapped a picture of an embarrassed, yet still cute and adorable, Yuna.
'Sorry, Yuna... I love you, but I can't miss out on this opportunity. I promise to accept and receive any punishment later.' ［Grey］
Such thought was what ran throughout Grey's mind as he sneaked a couple more shots. He was hiding it skillfully with illusion magic so no one barely noticed it. It was another one for the Yuna collection.
As for Elnart, he already knew what such words meant. He decided to not dwell on it, simply drinking his fruit juice in silence, also a little embarrassed. He was in a sensitive age, after all. It was only natural.
"Galvin, let's not trouble Yuna anymore, alright? How about we talk about some other things? I'll tell you cool stories later." ［Grey］
"Really?! You promise?!" ［Galvin］
"Yeah, I promise." ［Grey］
"Okay!" ［Galvin］
It was as easy as that. As soon as Grey gave his word, Galvin quickly backed off and headed to the garden table to get a drink of his own, soon snacking on the cookies with an extremely delighted face.
"Are you alright, Milady?" ［Grey］
Grey asked but there no answers came ringing to his ears. Yuna simply looked at him with her cheeks puffed, clearly pouting. Her face was still flushed, almost teary-eyed from too much embarrassment as she glared at Grey ever so intently.
"You sure were having fun, weren't you?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, sorry... It's because my girlfriend is so cute, I can't help it." ［Grey］
"Mou... Grey, you meanie..." ［Yuna］
A soft mumbling drifted in the air as Yuna expressed her slight dissatisfaction. She was even more dissatisfied when her heart raced just by hearing Grey's words. She can't believe herself for being placated easily by mere sweet whispers.
Well, even though they were whispering softly and their voices were barely audible, one figure couldn't help but look at them with expressionless eyes. He can't believe they were already flirting though it has only been a couple minutes since he reminded them. A wry smile was on his face.
'Haah... The Heroes of Alfrione, huh...' ［Cedric］
It wasn't like he couldn't understand his actions and way of showing affection. Though they're often glorified as heroes, to his eyes, they were also a pair of youngsters. He decided to let them do as they please for the meantime.
Time passed by quickly, and after several minutes of resting, it was finally time for everyone to play the games again. Though, since they just ate some snacks, it was decided that they'll only be playing card games for a while before playing out in the garden once again.
"Ugh... I lost again..." ［Galvin］
"Me too... Older Sister Yuna and Older Brother are just too amazing..." ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! No need to be so down. We can just play another game!" ［Yuna］
Well, even if they were to play, the children were the ones who often lost. The gap between the skill levels was just too big. They have played a lot of games, and the results were mostly the same. Not that it stopped the children from having fun.
The familiars also joined from time to time, and even Cedric puts down his book to join their little game. The more people joined, the merrier the games became. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but think how fun it would be with everyone playing, thinking how great it would be if they became friends.
'Hm? Should I just introduce them to each other, then?' ［Grey］
Well, there was no need to think much about it. Though it was a little difficult for them to meet at a sudden notice, there was still a person in Galderia they could get in touch with relative ease. It was perfect.
"Hey, Cedric, say... I want to invite a child to be Elnart and Galvin's playmate... Are you alright with that?" ［Grey］
"A playmate, huh... I'm not against it. As long as they're well-behaved, I am more than glad to welcome them." ［Cedric］
"Even if they're of common origin?" ［Grey］
"Hey, just what do you think of me? I'm not one to discriminate between nobles and commoners. You should know that by now." ［Cedric］
Cedric was right. Grey already knew the answer, but he still wanted to hear the answer from the man's mouth himself. A little smile bloomed on his face as soon as he heard Cedric's answer, grateful that such a man was Galderia's Lord.
"Alright, that's settled then..." ［Grey］
With everything settled nicely, Grey simply stood up from his seat, stretching his arms towards the vast blue sky. He then tapped his boots on the ground a couple of times before turning around, his feet itching to wander around.
"Grey, where are you going?" ［Yuna］
"Just a little distance away, but don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. Please continue playing with the children in the meantime, alright?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... Un. Okay, and take care～." ［Yuna］
There was no need for worries. As soon as Yuna waved her hands goodbyes, Grey headed straight out of the gate where he was seen off by the guards. It wasn't long before he was out of the mansion, the fresh air greeting him.
Grey didn't dilly-dally any longer, he quickly looked ahead in a certain direction and simply marched ahead without any stops. A lot of people greeted him on the way and he smiled back at them. It was a very wonderful morning.
A few minutes of walking and a couple thousand steps later, Grey finally arrived at his destination. It was a humble house, various beautiful crafts and merchandise to be seen through the window. It was little Bella's home.
Knock Knock Knock
"Missus Marianne, Mister Ross, it's me Grey, can I come in?" ［Grey］
"Oh, Mister Grey! Sure, sure, please come in!" ［Ross］
It was a quick reception. As soon as they heard Grey's voice, a response came ringing soon after. A couple steps followed after it, a clack and creak soon resounding as a little girl opened the door, a smile blooming on her face.
"Big Bro! Hello～!" ［Bella］
"Yeah, hello too, Bella." ［Grey］
The little girl was, of course, Bella. As soon as Grey entered the house, she quickly and cheerfully guided him to where her parents were, skipping her steps ever so excitedly. She was a ball of energy just like Galvin.
Along the way, Grey saw not just one or two, but several dozen items on display. There were stuffed toys, statuettes, wooden toys, dresses, furniture, and many more. It was obvious that Ross and Marianne had been busy throughout the days.
"So, what brings our benefactor here? Is it about the products? If so, I'm afraid it will take much longー" ［Ross］
"Ah, no, it's not about that. We aren't in a rush or anything, not at all. I'm here for an entirely different reason." ［Grey］
"Oh, and that is?" ［Ross］
"Ah, I'm here to borrow your daughter." ［Grey］
A straight declaration, silence following soon after. Marianne's face was completely shocked as she looked at Grey, meanwhile, Ross was completely frozen, speechless and brain unable to profess a single thing. Ross.exe has stopped responding.
"Umm... Mister Grey, while I'm glad you fancy our daughter... Bella is still too young. Can you wait a few more years, pleaseー" ［Marianne］
"Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! I didn't mean it like that! And I already have Yuna! I'm not that kind of person!" ［Grey］
"Oh, really?" ［Marianne］
"Yes, really! How did you even think of that?!" ［Grey］
It was just too absurd. Both parents were a little loose in the noggin. Grey didn't even know how they both ended up in the same conclusion. He was flabbergasted beyond words, his head aching from thinking about it.
To make it worse, even when he already expressed his thoughts, there were still some doubts and suspicions in Ross and Marianne's eyes. It took Grey several minutes of explaining for the two to finally understand his intentions.
"I see... So you just wanted to invite Bella to play games..." ［Ross］
"Well, if that's the case, then please, by all means. I'm sure Bella would also love to play with friends. Right, Bella?" ［Marianne］
"Yes! I'd love to!" ［Bella］
Thankfully, the getting permission part was quite easy. As soon as Grey explained everything, they quickly agreed, not a single ounce of worry on their faces. They really were some carefree parents. A perfect pair.
"Alright, then shall we go and head there now? I'm sure they'll be extremely happy to see you." ［Grey］
"Okay! I also want to play with them!" ［Bella］
"Hahaha. That's good to hear." ［Grey］
There was only sincerity in Bella's face as she looked forward to meeting the kids Grey mentioned. The latter hasn't even mentioned who exactly they were, and her eyes were already sparkling. There was only excitement painted on her face.
After saying goodbye to Ross and Marianne, Grey and Bella then quickly headed towards the mansion, Grey carrying the little girl in a shoulder carry to ease her burden and quicken the pace. It was a fun journey.
"Alright, we're here." ［Grey］
Well, it was fun until Bella finally saw the mansion. She was now stiff as s statue, petrified and speechless. She really resembled her father not long ago. Actually, she was so frozen, it was a little worrying.
It was only natural. After all, even if she is only a child, she knew full well of the differences between nobles and commoners. Being a normal citizen, getting frozen stiff after knowing they are going to meet a noble was a normal response.
To make things worse, there weren't just one or two stories about evil and corrupt nobles from story books. Though she knows from her parents that Galderia's Lord was a good person, she still couldn't help but feel nervous. It was very unlike her.
"Hahaha, no need to be so stiff, Bella. Just act like you usually do, okay?" ［Grey］
"B... But..." ［Bella］
"No need to worry. I'll be sure to protect you if the need arises." ［Grey］
It was a simple reassurance, but Bella greatly calmed down after hearing Grey's words. The nervousness and uneasiness inside Bella's heart was easily quelled. Soon, a determined smile bloomed in her face.
Grey and Bella then entered the gates, the former still sitting on Grey's shoulder. As soon as they were in, her head quickly started turning left and right as she admired the beautiful scenery, giving Grey a slight chuckle. It wasn't long before they arrived at where Cedric and the others were.
The moment she saw them, Bella's body immediately started quivering, her anxiety resurfacing. Though as soon as Grey patted her gently, she quickly calmed down, returning to her normal self.
"Oh, what a grand entrance. Is this the child you were talking about?" ［Cedric］
"Yeah, this is Bella. Bella, introduce yourself." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he grabbed her by the waistline and plopped her back to the ground. Well, Grey still held her shaky little hands for reassurance, greatly helping her be calm even when she was visibly trembling before Cedric.
"I... I greet His E-Excellency. I-I'm Bella. P-Pleased to m-meet you!" ［Bella］
Stiff like stone, such was Bella's greeting. Though she was stuttering and trembling, she still tried her best and managed to greet Cedric formally. Seeing her try so hard, the adults couldn't help but think how cute she was.
"Hahaha. What an adorable child. Though... There's no need to act so stiffly. Just treat me like a neighborhood uncle. That would make me happy." ［Cedric］
"An uncle...?" ［Bella］
"Yes. Just an uncle, alright?" ［Cedric］
"Okay..." ［Bella］
Cedric's words were like a soothing melody. As soon as Bella heard it, she quickly calmed down, body stopping from trembling as she sighed a sigh of relief. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but smile at her.
"Hi～! You're Bella, right? I'm Galvin! Nice to meet you!" ［Galvin］
"And I'm Elnart. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Elnart］
"Y-Yes... Nice to meet you too." ［Bella］
After their father, Elnart and Galvin then came down from their seats and took turns greeting Bella, to the latter's surprise. Though thanks to Cedric's words, she was much better than before, evidently less nervous.
"Come on! Let's play cards! I'll teach you!" ［Galvin］
"Can I...?" ［Bella］
"Of course. You're our friend now, after all." ［Elnart］
"Friend"... Such a simple and common word. Yet such a word caused a great stir inside Bella's heart. The nervousness she once felt is now completely gone, only replaced by happiness as her energy burst forth into a bright smile.
"Okay! Let's play!" ［Bella］
"Yaay～!" ［Galvin］
"Hey, Galvim, calm down!" ［Elnart］
The ever so energetic Galvin on the lead, the children then headed towards the table where a pile of cards could be found. As soon as they took their seats, Galvin then started teaching Bella enthusiastically, the latter nodding from time to time. The adults couldn't help but smile as they watched them with warm eyes.
Happiness, excitement, warmth, and many more. Such beautiful emotions swirled around the place, creating a lovely atmosphere. Time passed some more and rhe games continued. Yet another fun and relaxing day.
CHAPTER 211 END