"I see... So that's what happened... No wonder I didn't see you exit the Labyrinth... You two really are something, huh..." ［Jiro］
"Hahaha. We just thought it was a good chance to get some training done." ［Grey］
"Un! And there were lots of treasures as well! It was really amazing!" ［Yuna］
"That's to be expected. It was the 9th floor, after all. I'm surprised that you could even laugh while talking about something so horrifying." ［Jiro］
Three distinct voices echoed in the streets and the sun was reaching its zenith. As they walked ever so leisurely, they were greeted by the wonderful scenery, getting greener and greener, contrasting the blue sea and sky.
As they went further away from the port, less and less houses could be seen. Only nature was the one encroaching, the paths transitioning from stone brick streets to a dry dirt path, grass and bushes growing by the sidewalks.
Not long after, a certain house could be seen, not too big but not too shabby. It was a wonderful house, surrounded by lush and lovely greenery, whole stones embedded on the ground to make a lovely pathway.
"Oh, looks like we're here." ［Jiro］
It was, of course, none other than Jiro's lovely home which just screamed comfort and coziness. It may not be like the massive mansions Grey and Yuna had been to before, but a single glance was all it took to tell it was a beautiful home.
It reminded Grey and Yuna of their little cottage back in the forest which has been their first home. Of course, there was also the new house they were constructing in the "Sanctuary", one which was still far from completion.
Knock Knock Knock
"I'm home～!" ［Jiro］
Knocks resounded in the air and Jiro's voice soon followed after. It wasn't long before another set of sounds danced in the air, they were rapid footsteps nearing the door, a click and creak adding the final touch as the doors opened widely.
"Dad! You're back!" ［Son 1］
"Welcome home, Dad!" ［Son 2］
"Dad, did you bring some presents? Did you? Did you?" ［Daughter］
Three lovely faces greeted Jiro warmly, jumping to his arms with excitement painted on their faces. If it wasn't for the fact that Jiro was a High-Ranker, they would have all stumbled, falling to the ground with Jiro serving as their cushion.
Well, it wasn't just the three children. After the kids, a lovely lady came out from the kitchen, an apron still wrapped around her waist. There was no need for guessing. The lovely lady was none other than Jiro's beautiful wife.
"Welcome back, Honey." ［Wife］
The greeting was also quite different. Unlike the children who just rammed towards him head first, the wife gently approached him, leaned towards his face, and gave him one soft kiss. Married couples really are something.
"You must be tired from work. I'm preparing lunch right now. How about you get inside and take a seatー Oh, we have guests?" ［Wife］
The wife stopped, looking at Grey and Yuna with curious eyes. After her, the children also followed, observing who the guests were and tilting their heads as they couldn't quite figure things out. All they saw were two gorgeous strangers.
"Yeah, they're my acquaintances from quite some time back. Sorry for springing this on you, but is it alright if they have lunch." ［Jiro］
"Fufufu! Of course. Any friend of yours is also a friend of mine. They're more than welcome to join us anytime." ［Wife］
"Ohh～! We're having lunch with the guests?! Awesome～!" ［Son 1］
"Then, can we play with them?!" ［Son 2］
Thankfully, everyone was quite welcoming. Jiro hasn't introduced who Grey and Yuna were yet they already welcomed them with open arms. It took a bit of a load off Grey and Yuna's shoulders knowing such was the case.
The boys were especially excited. It reminded the two of the ever so excited Galvin as they beamed their sparkly eyes towards them. They were just like innocent, little puppies, not wary of any dangers in the world.
"Dear guests, our house may not be much, but I hope you enjoy your time here. Please make yourselves at home." ［Wife］
"Thank you. We'll be imposing on you." ［Grey］
"Pardon the intrusion～!" ［Yuna］
As soon as they stepped inside, the house was even more amazing. Though it might look a little small outside, it was actually quite spacious inside. Not only that, it was very neat and beautiful as well. Both the layout and furniture were amazing.
Well, it was only to be expected. After all, Jiro was a High-Ranker. A single C-rank quest could earn him at least a hundred thousand kiels. In other words, he was rich and loaded. Even with modesty, one could only expect grandeur and elegance.
"Big Sis! Big Bro! Sit here! Sit here!" ［Son 2］
Like a little ball of pure energy, the youngest child excitedly invited Grey and Yuna to a nearby couch, patting it cheerfully and showing off how comfortable it was. With his eyes sparkling ever so brightly, there was no way Grey and Yuna could reject such an innocent invitation.
And it was just like how it looked. As soon as they sat down, the comfort of the sofa welcomed the two. It was just like their couches at home, soft like they were resting on clouds. It was fantastic.
"Big Bro, Big Sis, what's your names? I'm Alan!" ［Alan］
"And I'm Alec! I'm 8 years old!" ［Alec］
"Hello～! I'm Lyra! Dad's cutest daughter!" ［Lyra］
One after another, the children introduced themselves to Grey and Yuna. There was the eldest child, Lyra, the middle child, Alan, and the youngest, Alec. Unlike Jiro who is usually calm, the three were just too energetic like excited children in a playground.
Now, Grey could finally understand why Jiro said Yuna reminded him of his daughter. Though she isn't as energetic as her younger brothers, being a teenager already, the way her eyes sparkled with excitement was just like Yuna's when she finds and sees something interesting. The similarities were hard to miss.
"Hahaha. How rude of us, it seems like we'll also have to introduce ourselves. The name's Grey. Nice to meet you." ［Grey］
"And I'm Yuna. We're adventurers just like your dad. I hope we get along." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Adventurers! That means you must have fought monsters too!" ［Alec］
"Have you gone inside dungeons?! I heard from Dad that it's super scary! What is it like inside?" ［Alan］
And at the very mention of the word "adventurer", the children's enthusiasm quickly skyrocketed. Especially the boys. Without even hitting the brakes, they asked one question after another, curious about the two's adventures.
"Now, now, don't bother Grey and Yuna too much. That isn't polite to the guests, you know? They might get uncomfortable." ［Jiro］
"Ah. Sorry, Big Bro Grey, Big Sis, we got too excited." ［Lyra］
"No, no, it's okay. We're quite used to it anyway." ［Yuna］
Thankfully, Jiro was there to calm down the kids. With just a couple statements from him, the kids quickly settled down and sat down properly. Even then, that doesn't mean the glow in their eyes had vanished. They were still sparkling.
"Well, now that the kids have introduced themselves, albeit chaotically, there's only one more person left, right?" ［Jiro］
Said Jiro with his eyes swimming towards one beautiful woman. The latter simply covered her mouth with one of her hands, letting out a soft and barely audible laugh as she watched her family with warm and gentle eyes.
"This is my lovely and beautiful wife, Alma. I don't mean to brag, but she also just happens to be the prettiest woman in townー No, the whole world." ［Jiro］
"Fufufu! Honey, that's too embarrassing. You can't always keep saying that to every one of our guests." ［Alma］
"But it's true, though? My wife is the most beautiful woman in the world." ［Jiro］
There was no need to ask. His words alone confirmed one thing, and that thing is, that Jiro was a fool for his wife. A doting husband, so to say. He wasn't the first they saw, but he really was on another level, flirting so openly in front of the guests. He was amazing in ways more than one.
Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna could also retort to them as they, too, are head over heels over one another. It made them wonder whether there was something wrong in the heads of High-rankers. Only Kurt seemed to be the normal one.
"But Grey and Yuna, hmm... I feel like I've heard those names somewhere before? I just can't pinpoint where..." ［Alma］
"Hahaha. Of course you did. After all... Our guests here are amongst the six Heroes of Alfrione." ［Jiro］
A shocking and bewildering revelation!ー or so what one might expect. But rather than shock, Jiro's family only felt excitement and admiration as they looked at Grey and Yuna again. Everyone's eyes were beaming.
"Awesome! I heard you defeated a Garudas in the capital! Is that true?!" ［Alan］
"Waah～! Big Bro Grey and Big Sis Yuna must be super strong then!" ［Alec］
"Big Bro, Big Sis, can I get an autograph?!" ［Lyra］
Once their identities were revealed, the children which Jiro has once calmed down have started to go loose again. They couldn't stop their excitement anymore, bringing chaos to the house as their liveliness engulfed theplace.
They were energetic, sure, but compared to the others bowing and trembling once they got to know their identities, it was a refreshing sight. A small smile could be seen surfacing atop Grey and Yuna's face as they entertained the children,
"Fufufu! Then it seems I'll have to do my best in cooking. I can't let our heroes eat something mediocre now, can I?" ［Alma］
"Ah! About that, Missus Alma, can we help you out a bit?" ［Grey］
"Oh? You would like to cook as well? I'm fine with that, but would that be alright? Our kitchen's a little on the smaller side." ［Alma］
"Un! It's fine! We promised to cook Mister Jiro a good lunch in exchange for showing us around, after all." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! Then it would be my honor to cook along our dear heroes." ［Alma］
Everything done and settled, Alma, along with Grey and Yuna, headed towards the kitchen. And unlike what Alma described it was, though nor as much as theirs, the place was actually quite spacious, enough for them to work in.
Of course, there was no need to waste any time. As soon as they finished a quick loom around the kitchen, Grey and Yuna quickly took out a mountain of ingredients from his "Inventory", the fresh seafood they just bought dominating the place.
"Oh? You're cooking them already?" ［Jiro］
"Of course. It's best to cook them fresh, after all." ［Grey］
Or so he says, but deep down, he knew that such a thing was pure nonsense. Time doesn't flow inside "Inventory" , after all. All ingredients put inside would remain fresh and in their best qualities. Well, he convinced Jiro and that's all that matters.
"Yuna, I'll handle all the seafood dishes for now. Can I leave the others and the desserts to you?" ［Grey］
"Of course! Leave it to me!" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! Looks like I'll have to start moving then." ［Alma］
Like warriors in a war, three figures entered a heated battlefield, equipped with their trusty knives and spatulas. One ingredient was taken out after another and the sound of splashes echoed as the faucets were opened.
Chop Fwoosh Sizzle
Not long after and the kitchen's orchestra resounded in the air once again. The pil started to boil, the pans started to heat up, the cabinets were opened and closed, and the knives started moving. The kitchen only got heated.
Though she may just be a regular person, Alma didn't lose out to Grey and Yuna's speed and precision. As one would expect from a housewife, she was a monster in the kitchen, her hands faster than lightning as her knives cut through the vegetables.
"Dad! Look! The dishes are flying!" ［Alec］
"Ohh!! Is this how you cook in other places?! Awesome!" ［Alan］
"Big Bro, Big Sis, I want to learn that too!" ［Lyra］
And as the kitchen show progressed, the children watched them from the sidelines, enjoying the wonderful show where fishes were flying, meat chunks were diced in a split second, and flames devoured the pans whole. Cooking with magic!
It was as if there were a hundred cooks in the kitchen. With Grey and Yuna's magic, the kitchen was never the same. With just a flick of their hands, things flew here and there and the flames bursted forth and mellowed down. In just a couple of minutes, they dished out dish after dish.
There was the usual rice, curry, omelettes, lasagna, noodles, fried pork, beef steak, and many more. But since they were in a port town, the number of seafood dishes wasn't something to scoff at either.
From simple fried fish, to savory clam soups, lobster dishes, calamares, takoyaki, and seafood dishes from across various cultures, Grey dished out dishes like a rapid-fire machine gun, quickly filling the dining table in a matter of minutes.
"And I guess it's time for these guys, huh..." ［Grey］
Of course, the sea cucumbers weren't left alone either. Though he may not know much about them, he knows a couple chinese delicacies from scrolling online on the internet, It was time to put his knowledge to good use.
First comes the cleaning and preparations. With the use of his knife and a little bit of magic Grey sliced off the unnecessary parts like the front and the back, slicing it open and washing the insides, exposing the tender and bouncy meat.
Second came the peeling off the meat from the leathery skin, raking only a couple of seconds. After which, the meat was then cut into strips and squares. Of course, some sea cucumbers were prepared differently for a quick increase in variety. Some were also soaked quickly.
There wasn't too much to think about. With the sea cucumbers now prepared, Grey quickly cooked them in various ways. There was simple marinating and frying, there was braising it with mushrooms and vegetables, salt-grilled ones, and many more.
The sea cucumbers, the juicy calamares, the buttered lobsters, and the many more seafood dishes Grey prepared. The dining table was filled to the brim with a number of amazing dishes, exuding an appetizing fragrance which was hard to resist.
"Waah～! So luxurious! Can we really eat all these?" ［Lyra］
"Big Bro, Big Sis, can I eat already?!" ［Alec］
"Of course, you can eat as much as you want. Just be careful not to choke yourselves, okay?" ［Yuna］
The dining table was literally sparkling, filled with tasty and colorful dishes from left to right. It was a sight not even nobles could see every day. Even Grey and Yuna were a little shocked about their dishes. They went a little bit overboard once again.
"Now, now, you should wash your hands before eating." ［Alma］
"""Yes～!"""
Footsteps danced in the air as the children raced towards the kitchen, splashes soon echoing afterwards. Everyone was excited to have a taste of the meal set atop the dining table, unable to hide their bright, smiling faces.
"Still... We sure made a lot, didn't we..." ［Alma］
"Hahaha. Sorry, we just got too excited and made a little too many... Ah, but don't worry, we'll make sure nothing goes to waste." ［Grey］
"Un! We'll make sure all plates are clean and tidy!" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! That's good to hear. It isn't good to waste food, after all." ［Alma］
Alma was giggling to herself, but little does she know, Grey and Yuna meant it when they'll make sure nothing goes to waste. They're Grey and Yuna, after all. A meal for a dozen people is an easy feat for the two of them.
It didn't rake long before the children returned with their hands clean and tidy. They then took their seats one after another, sitting parallel to where Grey and Yuna were, they could no longer hide their excitement. Especially Alec, he was already drooling.
"""Thank you for the meal!!"""
The short prayer was done and out of the way, everyone then grabbed their spoon and forks, and soon enough, their little feast started to commence. Everyone served themselves a handful of dishes and dug straight in with sparkly eyes.
"Woow～! Sho dewishous!" ［Lyra］
"This is awesome! I want to eat more!" ［Alan］
"Oh dear, what an amazing taste. Honey, here, have some of this." ［Alma］
Their eyes sparkled even more the moment they had a taste of the dishes in front of them. Be it the ones Grey and Yuna cooked or the homey ones made by Alma, all were delicious and filling to the stomachs.
But the one most pleased of them all was Grey. Though he knew a lot of recipes, he hasn't really had the chance to cook many of them due to their high prices back on Earth. Even then, he was thankful for the internet. Thanks to it, he could get to taste something so amazing.
"Grey! The sea cucumber is so amazing! It's bouncy and delicious!" ［Yuna］
"Didn't I say so? Here, have some of this takoyaki as well." ［Grey］
"Un! Thank you!" ［Yuna］
Of course, Grey was especially thankful that Yuna loved the seafood he made. They really haven't had much seafood to enjoy back in the Beldon mansion, and so he made sure to prioritize them over the others, and he was glad he did. Otherwise, he wouldn't see such a beautiful and satisfied smile.
She really was like a hamster. Though she hasn't finished her food yet, she stuffs in another bunch and eats them ever so joyfully. The only time she stops is when she wants to talk. Yuna really was adorable.
"Oh? Missus Alma, is this made with the Sea Serpent?" ［Grey］
"It is. Would you like to have some?" ［Alma］
"Yes. Please, and thank you." ［Grey］
Lunch continued eventfully and a number of laughs echoed in the air. The plates and dishes soon disappeared one another, and it was only then that Alma realized what Grey and Yuna were talking about before.
They couldn't even notice Grey and Yuna's hands when they move when they feed themselves. Before they knew it, their mouths were filled with another bite and they were already chewing on food once again, excited smiles on their faces.
Though they may look graceful when eating, if one were to observe carefully, they really were just a pair of big eaters, thoroughly enjoying their meals. In just a moment, their plates are filled to the brim, and the next moment, everything's gone. Amazing. That's all they could think of.
"Alright! I will eat more too so that I become super strong like Big Bro Grey and Big Sis Yuna!" ［Alec］
"Wait, Alec, me too! I'll also eat more!" ［Alan］
And it seems like they influenced another pair of souls too. The children who were usually picky with food ate ever so enthusiastically until they were bloated. A warm atmosphere was all over the place.
Lunch was soon over, and the afternoon was spent inside Jiro's house. They played games, told stories, and just chatted merrily. Everyone had a merry and wonderful time together, just wasting it away in the comfort of their home.
The sun finally started to set and the sky was painted amber once again. The salty breeze swept through the city once more and the final radiance of twilight graced the town. With the ending of the day, it was finally time to say their goodbyes.
"Are you sure you won't be having dinner over?" ［Jiro］
"Well, we'd love to, but everyone might worry if we get home too late. Maybe next time, when we have the chance." ［Grey］
"Haah... Then I guess this is goodbye for now," ［Jiro］
"Fufufu! Don't worry, we'll make sure to visit again!" ［Yuna］
There were no sad goodbyes, only smiling faces as they waved each other goodbye. Grey and Yuna set off into the horizon and before long, their figures slowly vanished into the horizon, only the dimming amber light to be seen.
The road was long and the sky was getting darker by the second. With the town getting quieter and quieter, the soft howls of the wind and the quiet roars of the waves only became clearer, along with the sound of footsteps as two figures walked ever so slowly.
"Oh?" ［Grey］
There was no sort of warning. Before Grey even noticed it, Yuna suddenly took his hands and held it tightly. The young lady inched even closer until their arms were touching, leaning her head on his broad shoulders.
"Is something wrong?" ［Grey］
"Nuh-uh... I just haven't got the chance to cuddle a lot with you today... I just want to fill up my Grey meter." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Grey meter, huh... Well then... I'll also be filling up my Yuna meter if you don't mind." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he held Yuna's hands even tighter and drew her even closer. An act which only served to make the young lady giggle softly as her cheeks turned red like the red sky above them, closing her eyes as she leaned her head closer.
There were only a few people by the streets and the sky was dimming darker and darker. There was little need to hold back themselves any longer, feeling one another's warmth despite the cold breeze as their hearts raced like the winds.
"Grey, I love you." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I know... I love you too, Yuna." ［Grey］
A sickeningly sweet atmosphere in the air, the sun had finally set and the stars had finally taken over the skies. The street lamps turned on one after another and the night's symphony played along the beaches. Yet another day filled with memories.
CHAPTER 220 END