Fweet Crash Splash
The boat whistles blew sharp and sound, accompanied by crashes and splashes as the waves crashed on the port's seawalls, water drenching the roads wet. The winds howled once more, greeting the rising of the morning sun.
Yet even with such cacophony, the orchestra of nature was drowned by the noises of the people hustling and bustling as they loaded the boats and their boots hit the solid planks of the docks. The sky was still red, but the town was already awake and lively.
The cold breeze blew, pushing the boats and ships as they sailed away into the red-hued horizon. And as ships left, some also returned, bustling noises filling the air once again as the fishermen unloaded barrels upon barrels, full of fish they just caught. All were beaming smiles on their faces.
Tap Tap Tap
Among the people in the port, three figures stood out the most. There was the silver-haired young elven lady, the young man with eyes of amethyst, and the man who was always smiling. Yuna, Grey, and Jiro walked silently across the port.
With yesterday's happenings, the Adventurers' Guild had been briefed by ever so reliable Abraham, and being the Vice-Guildmaster and a High-Ranker, Jiro was sent as their representative to help out in the case.
"Alright. That should be all, right?" ［Grey］
"Yeah... I don't think any details are missing..." ［Jiro］
It has been several minutes since they met up, and after confirming the contents of the report again and again, their discussion had finally come to an end. Their roles have finally been decided for the duration of the mission.
Grey and Yuna would be living in Torogi for a few days, defeating the Leviathan as soon as possible, and while they are doing so, Jiro is tasked to keep Lista safe, going around the port for any disturbances.
As for the boats and ships which already sailed, the familiars will be looking out for them in the shadows, hiding deep beneath the water's surface like they did yesterday. It was the best and most efficient plan they could make.
"Then, Mister Jiro, we'll be leaving everyone in your care." ［Grey］
"Un! We're sure it would be fine with you around! Then, we'll be going nー" ［Yuna］
"Alright, then, I'll see youー Ah, wait! You two, before you go, I have something to give you." ［Jiro］
Grey and Yuna hadn't even done so much as to turn around, but they were already stopped on their tracks. Jiro then quickly rummaged through the contents of his storage ring, seemingly searching for something important.
It didn't take too long. After a few seconds of searching, Jiro took out a number of black boxes, wrapped with a few pieces of cloth around them. They may look a little different from what they usually use, but they could easily tell what they were. They were meal boxes.
"Dad wants to give these to you," ［Jiro］
"From Captain Jack?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. These are from the fish and seafood he caught yesterday. He says thanks for everything yesterday. And that you can drop by anytime you wanted to." ［Jiro］
There weren't just two or three, but a whole dozen meal boxes. All were still steaming hot with appetizing smells coming from them. It was obvious that they were being considerate of their appetites. It was honestly a little embarrassing.
"Then, Mister Jiro, please tell Captain Jack we're thankful for it. We'll make sure to enjoy it thoroughly." ［Grey］
"Un! I'm sure it will be delicious!" ［Yuna］
"Alright. I'll make sure to tell him just that." ［Jiro］
Several meal boxes in their hands, Grey and Yuna finally waved their hands goodbye and headed off to the horizon, vanishing slowly but surely. Soon, not even a shadow of their figures could be seen.
Of course, like how they returned yesterday, Grey and Yuna once again headed into an alleyway, making sure not a single eye was on them. Grey then activated a Gate and, a couple steps later, they passed through it, blue light soon disappearing.
Chirp Chirp Chirp Rustle Rustle
The tranquil sound of the leaves rustling and the sweet songs of the birds, such a wonderful symphony was what greeted Grey and Yuna as soon as they exited into a forest. It was calm and quiet, a complete opposite to the lively port they were just in.
With the sky still amber, the forest was still a little dim, only bits and pieces of sunlight seeping through the gently swaying leaves. The winds were also cool and refreshing, the scent of flowers, herbs, and the earth wafting through the air.
"Mmn～! So fresh～!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You really like the forest, don't you?" ［Grey］
"Hehe! It's full of fruits and herbs, after all! It's calming and beautiful! Plus, it reminds me of our old home! It's the best!" ［Yuna］
Said Yuna, expressing her joy as she stretched her arms to greet the morning sun once more, Grey chuckling by her side. Seeing such a bright expression on her face, Grey felt like all his exhaustion and problems were seeping out of his body.
And as one would expect, Yuna's eyes quickly went swimming left and right, watching the flowers bloom, the blades of grass way, and the fruits hang about. She was herb watching, curious and excited as one can be.
Still, no matter how much she liked herbs, Yuna didn't mindlessly pick anything she took an interest in. It was a forest where people often forage food and get herbs after all, and they still haven't gotten permission. Seeing her hold herself back, Grey could only chuckle at her cuteness once again.
"Then, shall we head out now, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
Excitement dancing in the air, Yuna took Grey's hand and they headed out towards the village. The path was a little rough, but for them, it was a walk in the park, simply hopping and skipping as if they were playing games.
A couple minutes later and the village was in sight, even more beautiful than before. Though it was already wonderful before, seeing it just after sunrise was something else. It had an appeal which could just make one open their mouth in admiration.
Yet despite how early it was, the people were already busy. Be it tending to farms, herding the livestock, or going out to hunt and forage, the villagers were all up and ready. Even the children were already running about the place, playing games with one another, smiling ever so brightly.
"No, move it more to the left, and... Alright, that's perfect. Next is..." ［Manelo］
But perhaps the busiest one would be the Great Chief. It was still early in the morning yet he was already coordinating the people, wooden chairs and tables to be seen all around the place. The preparations for the feast were on the way.
"Waah～! Everyone looks so busy..." ［Yuna］
"That's only natural! This is the welcome feast for Lord Grey and Lady Yuna! It should be the best the world has ever seen! There's no compromise!" ［Manelo］
"The best feast, huh... Hahaha. How exciting." ［Grey］
"Of course! Please look forward to itー" ［Manelo］
The Great Chief smiles, but such a smile was quickly gone, or rather, it was plastered frozen on his face. There was only a puzzled expression on his face as he looked over Grey and Yuna's direction. A face which still hasn't processed what's going on.
"L-L-Lord Grey?! L-Lady Yuna?!" ［Manelo］
The moment the situation finally loaded it, a loud voice boomed throughout the fields as a surprised face was plastered on the Great Chief's face. He felt as if his heart jumped out of his chest, still a little confused.
It wasn't the first time that Grey and Yuna had seen such a reaction, but it never ceased to be entertaining. It was to the point that they even considered using Yuna's abilities to pull such pranks. A good way to kill boredom,
"W-When did the two of you arrive?" ［Manelo］
"Ah, we arrived just now... Were we disturbing something?" ［Grey］
"No, not at all. We're simply preparing for the feast this upcoming evening. And thankfully, it's been going well so far." ［Manelo］
As if his previous flustered expression was a lie, the Great Chief quickly calmed himself down and proceeded to shift the topic to the preparations. It was really obvious, but Grey and Yuna didn't bother with him anymore and let things be.
Well, there wasn't actually any need to put so much effort in it. Even if the Great Chief didn't draw their attention to the preparations, their eyes would have still swam there anyway. Seeing the people at work, it reminded them of the preparations for Kris and Aria's wedding. What fun little times.
There were no efforts spared in making preparations for the evening feast, each and every one of the ones involved moving about in the field, carrying baskets of food, moving tables and chairs, and preparing the fire. It was a busy morning.
Though Grey and Yuna would usually feel guilty making people prepare such things for them, seeing the smiles on their faces as they break away from the recent terrors, they couldn't help but simply watch in silence. Now, they are even more determined to defeat a Leviathan.
"Then, since everyone's so busy preparing,... I think we'll be exploring the village for a little bit. Is that alright?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, i-if that's the case, then let me be of assistance to you. I'll make sure you experience the best of our prided Torogi." ［Manelo］
"Haha. We appreciate the thought, but... Wouldn't it compromise the preparations if you're not here, Great Chief?" ［Grey］
"Un! And don't worry, we were planning to go sightseeing anyway. There's no need to be so accommodating, really." ［Yuna］
At Grey and Yuna's words, the Great Chief couldn't respond a single word, his face looking a little crestfallen. Though he would love to entertain them, there was also the matter of overseeing the preparations. He was torn between two choices.
But the Great Chief didn't give up quickly. As if lightning struck his mind, a sudden thought popped up in his mind. He then turned his head left and right, searching for something, only stopping when he spotted a certain someone.
"Please wait a moment, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. I will be back in a jiffy." ［Manelo］
Grey and Yunq couldn't even respond. The Great Chief suddenly dashed away, running straight to a certain direction. And just a couple seconds later, he returned, carrying a young lady with him. A young lady just as confused as the two before her.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, this is my youngest child, Marika. As inexperienced she may be, I believe she is able enough to guide you around the Chiefdom. I hope she will be of assistance to you." ［Manelo］
"A-Ah, yes... Thank you..." ［Grey］
The young lady still dazed and confused, the Great Chief quickly introduced her as his daughter, and surely enough, there were quite a few resemblances. Both the white hair, black stripes, and the blue eyes were on spot.
"Marika, what are you in a daze for? Greet the Emissaries immediately." ［Manelo］
"A-Ah, yesh! Pardon sha late introdutshon! I'm Marika, the Papー the Great Shief's daughter! Nash to meeth you!" ［Marika］
Not just once, not twice, but a whopping six times! That was how many times the young lady bit her tongue due to her nervousness. She may resemble her father unlike the other ladies they met, but she was different alright. She was a klutz.
"Y-Yes... I'm Grey, and this is Yuna. We'll be in your care as well." ［Grey］
"Un! We're looking forward to the tour!" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! I'll do my besht!" ［Marika］
Biting her tongue again, Marika straightened her back and replied with confidence, but the effect was in no way reassuring. What completes the scene was the proud face her father was making, really putting his trust in his daughter.
"Great Chief! We need your help with the arrangements."
"Alright. I'll be there in a moment." ［Manelo］
The villagers calling out to him, it wasn't long before the Great Chief headed away to continue the instructions. After saying his goodbyes to Grey and Yuna, he quickly headed out, head turning left and right as he instructed everyone.
"T-Then, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, I'll lead the way, please follow behind me. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask." ［Marika］
"Fufufu! We'll be imposing on you, then." ［Grey］
Of course, with the Great Chief getting back to work, it was also time for the three to go on their own tour. After hearing Yuna's words, Marika's face beamed with a smile of excitement. It wasn't long before they headed out, but...
"Then, first, we'll be goingー" ［Marika］
CRAASSSHHHH
... They haven't even taken a couple steps yet they already encountered a problem. A number of chairs and decorations along with herself. Thankfully, nothing was broken, but a loud crash sure echoed all over the fields.
"A... Are you alright...?" ［Grey］
"Y-Yes! I'm more than fine! Pleashe don't worry!" ［Marika］
Or so she says, but despite her words of reassurance, Grey and Yuna could only feel worried for her, wondering if everything's going to be alright. It seems like they'll be babysitting again, only that it's a 15-year-old girl this time.
Before long, the three finally departed, and fortunately enough, they met no more large accidents along the way. There was a little bit of tripping and bumping into others, but so far, everything has gone fine.
Their first destination was not too far away from where they were. It was a vast and open field full of colors and life. As the sun finally peeked over the tall mountains, sunlight dyed it a golden color, accentuating its rural beauty.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, here we are, the prided farms of our village!" ［Marika］
Marika's excitement ringing in the air and the sun's rays beating down from above, there was nothing else one could ask for. It was green as far as the eyes can see, littered with various colors in linear patterns. It was breathtaking.
There wasn't just wheat and cereal crops, be it pumpkins, corn, string beans, carrots, and a variety of leafy greens and root crops, a lot of fields could be seen. It was the largest and most beautiful farmland they have ever seen.
"Amazing... They even have plants I haven't seen before..." ［Yuna］
"Now, now, don't get too excited, alright? We don't want you picking crops here and there, after all. We both know what you'll do when you're too excited." ［Grey］
"Uuu... That's right, but I've been holding back myself more, you know? You should put more trust in me." ［Yuna］
"Is that so? Looks like my girlfriend's been a good girl. There, there." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I'm not a child anymore, you know..." ［Yuna］
As if they were in their own home, Grey gently patted Yuna's head, praising her ever so proudly. And as the one on the receiving end, Yuna couldn't help but blush. Even though she doesn't like being treated too much like a child, being patted on the head was another matter. She loves it.
There was just one slight problem that they forgot to consider. They were so caught up in the moment that she forgot they weren't in their house. They were out in the open, a pair of eyes watching them with a similarly red tint on her face.
"P-Please don't mind me..." ［Marika］
Or so she says, but with the situation as it is, there was no way Grey and Yuna could do as she asks. Grey's hand has now stopped moving, a flustered expression painted on his and Yuna's faces. It was just too embarrassing.
"A-Ahem! Marika, about the fields... Could we take a closer look at it? It's very wonderful, after all. It's such a waste watching it from afar. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"U-Un! We also have a little garden in our backyard, you see. Maybe we could learn a thing or two from it." ［Yuna］
"O-Of course! It would be an honor!" ［Marika］
Desperate as one can be, Grey and Yuna forcefully changed the topic and shifted their eyes towards the farmlands before them. Thankfully, Marika was kind enough to let them off and go with the flow. Truly a kind hearted young girl.
Descending down from a hill, the three neared the farms and the closer they came, the more beautiful the scenery became. The fruits and flowers which were barely noticeable from up the hill were now in full view, colorful and beautiful.
"Lady Marika, good morning, what brings you here?"
"Good morning, I'm just here with Lord Grey and Lady Yuna for sightseeing. We're touring the whole village right now." ［Marika］
At Marika's words, everyone's eyes shifted to Grey and Yuna behind her. They were all full of curiosity and astonishment, obviously seeing different races for the first time. Even then, they didn't forget to be polite, showing great courtesy.
"""We greet the Emissariesー"""
"Ah, please raise your heads. We aren't really good with formalities, you see. We would appreciate it if you treated us like any other." ［Grey］
"Un! And anyone complains, just say that we were the ones who said it's fine to do so. Let's see if anyone dares to!" ［Yuna］
Ending their statements with gentle smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna quickly captured the sympathy of others. Though they put a lot of emphasis on Grey and Yuna's status, thankfully, they weren't too stiff either. It was quite easy to convince them.
There wasn't even a chance for tension to form in the air. Grey and Yuna were easily welcomed by everyone. No matter where Grey looked at it, it really does remind him of the rural areas he visited back on Earth. It made him a little happy.
"Ah, right! Everyone, Lord Grey and Lady Yuna here said they wanted to learn a little more about farming! Can you help them?" ［Marika］
"Oh? Farming? That would be quite easy!"
"Of course! It would be our pleasure!"
"Please leave it to us!"
And with a little help from Marika, they were able to quickly integrate with everyone. Now, everyone's spirits were high up in cloud nine as they swarmed around Grey and Yuna, excited to teach them about farming.
Of course, the two weren't complete beginners in farming either. With Grey growing crops in the "Sanctuary" and Yuna growing the herbs in their garden, they were quite experienced actually. Still, there was no harm in learning more.
"Then, we'll be in your care, everyone." ［Grey］
"Un! We look forward to working with you!" ［Yuna］
Excitement high as one can be, Grey and Yuna were then quickly given a tour around the farm. They were made to familiarize the farm's layout and which plants were planted where. A process which didn't take too long with their outstanding memories.
"Here, you need to make sure to trim the old leaves regularly. Else, the new leaves won't get enough sunlight."
"For pumpkins, you need to space them about this length."
"When the branches reaches this long, we can cut it and plant it elsewhere. But make sure to shed the bottom first and that it's planted deep enough."
Of course, it wasn't just a tour. They were also given the chance to learn how to sow, plant, nurture, and harvest various crops. From root crops like potatoes, all the way to large crops like pumpkins and squashes. It was a wonderful time.
And despite her clumsy and airheaded nature, Marika was quite knowledgeable in many matters. In fact, she was knowledgeable enough to teach the younger farmers the knowhow of the farms, asking every question she was asked.
Well, Grey and Yuna were also swarmed by e farmers. Many thanked them for the healing magic yesterday. Though it was only a byproduct of their little exhibition, they were glad that everyone's body aches and stiff joints were healed because of it. A happy little accident
With such a fun and wonderful atmosphere about them, time quickly passed, and before they knew it, it was already about time for the second bell to ring, were they still in towns and cities. It was a fruitful experience.
"Please visit next time, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. We'll be happy to teach you more about crops and plants. "
"Thank you. We'll make sure to do so. Then... Until next time, everyone," ［Grey］
"Bye～! See you all at the feast!" ［Yuna］
Before long, it was time to say goodbye. Though they wanted to learn more, they needed to move on if they wanted to tour the Chiefdom more. Their figures slowly vanished from the horizon as they waved their hands goodbye.
As they walked around the village, all they could see was a wonderful sight. It was not just the farm, each and every single person they met had a festive atmosphere about them, a complete contrast to yesterday's tense atmosphere. It was a relief indeed.
"Then, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, shall we go to our next destination?" ［Marika］
"Un! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
The sun continued to climb the morning sky and the preparations only progressed further. Three figures walked towards the horizon with excitement painted on their faces, cheerful voices dancing in the air. The adventure had just begun.
CHAPTER 229 END