"Would that really be enough, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna?" ［Manelo］
"Well, rather than that... This is actually more than we could ask for... In fact, it feels like we're taking advantage of your kindness." ［Grey］
"Un... Are you sure you don't want anything in return?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Please don't say that. You're our saviors. Compared to our lives, this much is nothing. I have already said this many times before, and I'll say it again... We will forever be grateful for everything you've done for us... Thank you..." ［Manelo］
There was only sincerity and gratefulness in his piece as he said his piece. The Great Chief bowed his head once again, giving Grey and Yuna his deepest thanks.
And though they have experienced it time and time again, Grey and Yuna still felt a little embarrassed, receiving such honest to goodness gratitude. It was as if there were butterflies in their hearts, fluttering ever so freely,
It was a new day, and after yesterday's events, the village held a grand feast to celebrate victory over the Evil Beast. An event where the two received countless compliments and gratitude from everyone.
Not only that, the Great Chief and the elders unanimously decided to let the two keep everything they got from the laboratory as a thank you gift as they have no use for it anyway. A separate present from the reward to their request which they decided to be an everlasting permission to harvest resources in Torogi.
Of course, Grey and Yuna wouldn't abuse such a condition. Even then, it was still too much that they felt conflicted, especially when the Chiefdom doesn't want anything in return. But with such expectant eyes staring at them, they could only do so much.
"Fufufu. Then, Grey... I guess we'll really have to accept these, huh..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, that seems to be the case." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Please do so, and if you ever need something, don't hesitate to tell us. We will be more than happy to help." ［Manelo］
"Thank you. We'll do just that." ［Grey］
There was nothing more they could ask for. With the support of the Chiefdom, they could only break a gentle smile and accept everything with grace, the Great Chief returning an even bigger smile.
"Then, now that that's all over... We'll be taking our leave now. The Great Chief is quite the busy man, after all." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he looked in a certain direction. Following his eyes, Yuna and the Great Chief's eyes also followed suit, seeing the elders and villagers just waiting outside the Great Hall, a couple scrolls and pens in their hands.
After all, the Great Chiefs' work was not done. There was still the refugee camp and recovery plans for the Chiefdom. After yesterday's celebration, it was now time for work. It was going to be a long day ahead of him.
"I'm sorry about this, Lord Grey, Lady Yuna. It seems this is as much as I can spare. I will make sure to accommodate you better next time," ［Manelo］
"Don't worry about it. We really aren't bothered by it. If anything, please tell us if there's anything we can do to help." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! We'll be going now, Great Chief～! Remember not to overwork yourself, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. I'll make sure to do so." ［Manelo］
The two waved their hands goodbye and their footsteps echoed in the air. As they headed outside of the Great Hall, the people greeted them before entering, bowing their heads as politely as they could.
The morning sky was still young, the sun barely climbing the horizon. The fresh air blew over the mountains as they descended down the steps, the sound of it whistling ringing in their ears ever so softly. It was a peaceful day.
Well, it's not like they are free to do whatever they want. They still have to report that everything's been resolved to the Beldons and to the Guild. But that can wait. For now, they need to solve what's in front of them... Literally...
"I pay my respects to the Honorable Emissaries of God." ［Kalun］
Like a tiger waiting to ambush its prey, the Head Elder lurked at the end of the stairs to greet Grey and Yuna. But rather than pouncing at them, he simply bowed his head in respect as his whole body trembled ever so slightly.
It was a far stretch from his previous behavior, looking more tame and reasonable. It seems that with the defeat of the Evil Beast he has returned to his former self, his eyes, though only slightly, regaining their original colors.
"There's no need to bow so much, Head Elder. Please raise your heー" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words. The Head Elder, rather than raising his head, lowered it down even more, kneeling to the ground with his old and brittle knees, bowing his head, not daring to meet their eyes.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, as impudent as I may have been, I want to apologize for my past actions! Though I know that I wasn't myself when I said those words, it does not take away the fact that I have insulted you! Once again, I apologize!" ［Kalun］
It was an over the top apology, his voice echoing throughout the air, loud and clear. The Great Chief had mentioned he was a serious and sincere man, but they never thought it would be to such an extent. They were about to stop him, but...
"Uh... Umm... Head Elder, pleaseー" ［Grey］
"And... Thank you... For avenging my sons, and everyone else... Thank you... From the bottom of my heart, I will never forget this debt... Thank you..." ［Kalun］
An endless stream of "thank you" filled the silent air as tears trickled down his face, dripping towards the solid ground. His hands were still trembling, barely able to get his words out. He was a sobbing mess.
It was not the first time someone expressed their gratitude regarding such a topic. Many villagers yesterday also said the same words, all the while tears were shed from their eyes, gratitude and sadness brewing in their hearts.
Many lives were lost, and many lives were saved. Though it was unfortunate that they couldn't save everyone, such a thing was only natural and might happen again in the future. All they could do was accept reality, and be happy that they have saved many. A bittersweet smile floated in their faces.
Grey and Yuna just let the Head Elder bawl his eyes out and accepted both his apology and gratitude. Though it was the least they could do, strangely enough, they weren't too sad about it... Just a little conflicted.
With their business done, Grey and Yuna walked around the village, seeing all sorts of sights. From people farming and tending to livestock, to warriors training, and the children playing. A sense of peace blossomed in their hearts.
"It's really a lovely village, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... Though it was unfortunate that they were struck by a Leviathan, I'm happy to see that they are now back to normal." ［Grey］
"Un, that's right... I hope they can recover soon..." ［Yuna］
Their eyes swam left and right as their feet stepped forward ever so slowly. There was not a destination in mind, just going along where their feet take them, aimless like a leaf blown away by the winds.
"Hmm... Grey, now that the Leviathan has been subjugated... There's nothing left to do, isn't there? Should we go sightseeing around Torogi?" ［Yuna］
"Sightseeing... I'm fine with that, but... Do you have a place in mind?" ［Grey］
"Hmm... That's right... Where would be nice..." ［Yuna］
Pondering as she tilted her head left and right, Yuna was in deep thought as she tried to come up with an answer to Grey's question. Yet no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn't think of one. Or rather, she couldn't decide on one.
After all, though it's relatively small compared to a territory, Torogi was still a large archipelago with many sights to see. The problem was, neither Grey nor Yuna knew where to look. She was in deep thought until...
"Ah!" ［Yuna］
A certain young girl appeared in front of her. She bore long, white hair, black stripes running along and decorated with twitching tiger ears. Her tail was wrapped along her waist as she oversaw the people working.
"Good morning, Marika～!" ［Yuna］
"Oh! Good morning as well, Big Sister Yuna～! Big Brother Grey～!" ［Marika］
It was none other than Marika who was holding a couple scrolls on her hands. The moment she saw Grey and Yuna, she waved her right hand energetically and her tail wagged left and right like an excited little puppy.
It was good that she didn't start running towards them, otherwise, her being herself, and worse, blinded by excitement, Marika would have surely tripped and hurt her knees once again. She was just far too clumsy for her own good.
"Are you two out on a walk?" ［Marika］
"Un! You could say we are! How about you?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, I'm helping Papa out with the accommodation of refugees. We're currently building some temporary shelters for them." ［Marika］
Said Marika as she looked at the buildings the villagers were working on. Though only the rough frameworks have been finished, there were a lot of them laid out all over the place. A little over a dozen to be precise.
"Waah～ You sure work fast, don't you?" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! We always get many of our houses destroyed during storms, after all. We just got used to building things quickly. This is nothing." ［Marika］
"Ohh～!... Ah, is it really fine to say that? Storms aren't a joke, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Don't worry, Big Sister Yuna. It's only the houses who get broken. Everyone's usually okay when that happens. So, no worries." ［Marika］
"Phew... That's good to hear." ［Yuna］
The two were on the same wavelength, wearing similar smiles on their faces as they continued their chat. And though Grey feels a little left out, he was very happy to see the two of them being cheerful. Yuna really was built to be an older sister.
At the same time, as Grey surveyed the location for the refugee camp, he once again admired how skilled the people of Torogi were. They may fall behind in technology, but their skills were amazing.
'At this rate, I wonder how long it will take for the villages to recover...' ［Grey］
Such a thought running through his mind, a light bulb suddenly lit up inside his mind. Though not intentionally, a place for sightseeing has come up to his mind. It may not be the usual location for such an experience, but it would work out just fine.
"And then, I think it would be nice ifー Ah!" ［Marika］
Their conversation was going well, when suddenly, one of the workers from afar waved his hand towards her. It was clear that they needed Marika's help for the designs and layout. It was time to get back to work.
"Sorry, Big Sister Yuna, Big Brother Grey, I have to get back to work now. I'll talk to you later!" ［Marika］
"Okay～! Continue the good work～!" ［Yuna］
"Be careful and watch your surroundings, alright?" ［Grey］
"Yes! I'll make sure toー Waah!" ［Marika］
It hasn't even been a few seconds since Grey warned her, yet she already went ahead and tripped herself, effectively making the scrolls fly a distance away and wounding herself on the knees. Little tears soon formed in her eyes.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna were there to treat her quickly, giving her a little bit of scolding while they're at it. After which, she got back on the worksite and started giving instructions to the workers. A clumsy yet reliable girl.
"Then, should we go sightseeing now, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Eh? We have a location already?" ［Yuna］
"Well, it isn't the ideal location... Rather than sightseeing, I think it would be better to say we're surveying or something like that... Still, what do you think?" ［Grey］
"It's okay! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
There was not a trace of hesitation in her voice. As soon as Grey recommended it, Yuna's answer was set. She doesn't even know the other details, but as long as she gets to spend time with Grey, she is on board. That was all that mattered.
There was no time to waste, as soon as Yuna gave her answer, Grey quickly reached out his hand and created a "Gate" in front of them. A single step and the sight of the forest disappeared, the sight of the blue sea replacing it.
The waves splashed and the water droplets rippled, the crabs and snails crawling all over the sandy beach, and the seagulls circling in the everlasting sky. The sea was calmer and ever, the salty breeze dancing and twirling.
It would have been perfect if not for the floating wooden planks, broken hulls and decks, ruined houses, and devastated coral reefs. It was the very same village the Leviathan attacked yesterday, ruined and void of the busy people.
"Hmm... This place sure took quite a beating, didn't it?" ［Yuna］
"You can say that again. Though... I guess we could say it's fortunate that only those near the shores received heavy damage. It should be easy to repair the other houses and buildings." ［Grey］
"I guess... Then, what are we doing here again?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I'm glad you asked." ［Grey］
Yuna asked as she tilted her head a little and Grey answered with a smile plastered on his face. He then waved his hand, making the wind dance to his tunes, creating wave after wave as he beat his hand.
The waves drew near the shores, carrying countless floating debris, barrels, crates, and many more. In just a few seconds, a large pile of scraps and items were brought ashore, sticking out like a sore thumb on the sandy beaches.
"Let's do a little cleaning up, shall we?" ［Grey］
Said Grey, a bright and blinding smile painted on his face. Meanwhile, Yuna wore a completely different reaching, her ears drooping down and her cheeks puffed a little. She was feeling a little sulky.
Though she was fine as long as she could spend time with Grey, it was too out of her expectations that she couldn't help but feel baffled. It's not like she was against it, she was just a little disappointed is all.
"Hm? Do you not want to?" ［Grey］
"It's not that... It's just... I thought we'll have something like a beach date..." ［Yuna］
"Now, now, don't be too sad. We could always do that later, for now, let's help the Chiefdom out a little, alright? This is the least we could do for everything they had given us." ［Grey］
But now that Grey had said it in such a way, she has no more reason to reject his invitation... Not that she was going to anyway. Yuna could only raise her head and chin up, deciding to look at the plus side.
After all, with all the things in the laboratory and the permission to harvest as many resources as they want, there was barely anything they could do to repay them. It was the perfect opportunity to help them whilst also getting rid of their boredom. It was killing two birds with one stone.
"Mmn... I guess you're right..." ［Yuna］
"Good girl! I knew I could count on you. My girlfriend really is the best!" ［Grey］
"Hmph! Flattery won't get you anywhere, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Oh, really? Is that why your ears are getting red?" ［Grey］
Her ears weren't only red, they were flapping up and down too. Try as she might to hide what she's feeling, she always gets caught with how easy it is to read her facial expressions. All she could do was pound on Grey's shoulders to hide it.
All shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna quickly got to work. With a little bit of wind and water magic, they commanded the waves to wash the scraps and debris ashore, creating piles upon piles of items, filling the beach with the passing of time.
"Hey, Grey, what do you say we have a little competition?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Is it about who gets the most cleaned up?" ［Grey］
"Un! And the winner gets to punish the loser! How does that sound?" ［Yuna］
It was another one of Yuna's silly little games, declaring it with a loud and excited voice. To which, Grey could only chuckle to himself. After all, Yuna's cheerful and excited face is always a wonderful treat.
"Sounds good, but... Don't go crying when you lose, alright?" ［Grey］
"Hmph! Who'll lose?! I'm sure I'll win!" ［Yuna］
"Sure, sure, whatever you say." ［Grey］
They may be lovers, but having been together for almost four years already, they are also each other's greatest rivals. When it comes to a competition, there is no way they'll go easy on one another. The game was on.
From small wooden scraps, all the way to broken boat pieces, items and debris were washed ashore time and time again, two figures standing still, unfazed by the drifting waves heading their way,
And as time passed, the waves grew larger and larger, like a raging tsunami about to devour an island whole. A strange tsunami which suddenly stops before getting ashore and dropping off the items which were once floating aimlessly on the sea.
It wasn't just on the water surface that they cleaned. Using his "Heaven's Eyes", Grey picked up the heavier items which sank and brought them ashore. And while he was at it, he also cleaned up the coral reefs, leaving more room for it to grow.
"Hey, Grey! That's cheating! You're using your eyes, aren't you?" ［Yuna］
"My, I don't remember us agreeing to ban our abilities though. Therefore, I'm not cheating, or... Is it that Little Yuna wants to make up new rules?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... Grey, you meanie..." ［Yuna］
Yuna pouted and Grey chuckled. As their little competition continued, Grey didn't forget to poke fun and tease Yuna in every way he could. Yuna's expressions were just so cute and adorable that he couldn't help himself.
The piles grew to hills, and hilts grew to mountains. Before long, a long stretch of the beach was covered with all sorts of things. There was no shortage in variety one could find in such a large dump of materials. Heck, there was even live seafood and tons of seaweeds.
"I had my doubts, but to think it really is Lord Grey and Lady Yuna. It's a pleasure to see you on such a wonderful day." ［Sakar］
And for one reason or another, Sakar and a little group of warriors happened to come along the ruined village, bringing their trusty shields and weapons with them, soon nodding slightly to greet the two. It was a fateful coincidence.
"Oh, Sakar... What brings you here?" ［Grey］
"We were instructed by the Great Chief to check if there are still people here. He tasked us with eliminating any dangers if we ever find one." ［Sakar］
"I see... You sure are hardworking, huh..." ［Grey］
"Well, it's our job after all... And this may be impudent of me to ask, but what are Lord Grey and Lady Yuna doing here?" ［Sakar］
"Us? Nothing really... We're just doing a little bit of cleaning." ［Yuna］
"Yeah. The sea and village have been trashed, after all. We thought we'd clean a little bit while we're at it." ［Grey］
A little they said, but no matter where the warriors looked, it wasn't the case at all. Just seeing the mountains of wood and scraps piled along e beaches, they could only imagine how much work it would take. They were all amazed beyond belief.
"Then, would it be alright if we join you?" ［Sakar］
"Hm? Aren't you still working though?" ［Grey］
"Well, we were, but we're done now. And we could also use a little bit of training while we're at it." ［Sakar］
Sakar said and the warrior behind him nodded with bright smiles on their faces. It was obvious that they were rearing to help out, not only because it was for the sake of the Chiefdom, but to simply work with Grey and Yuna as well. Some of them have become fanboys after yesterday's events.
"If that's that case then you're more than welcome to help." ［Grey］
"Un! And make sure to be careful when handling debris, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Of course. We'll keep that in mind." ［Sakar］
With such expectant eyes on their faces, there was no way Grey and Yuna could deny their request. With them around, their progress in the clean up improved by leaps and bounds, things moving faster than ever.
Grey and Yuna washed the debris ashore whilst the warriors arranged the piles into different categories. There were wooden planks, storage items, metals, and many more. Of course there was also junk which couldn't be salvaged anymore, some of which were turned to fertilizer for later use.
Time passed and the clouds drifted ever slowly. After working, taking breaks and snacks in intervals, everyone was finally done with the cleanup. What's more, a beautiful sunset greeted them over the horizon as they finished.
"Mmn～! The sea really is beautiful!" ［Yuna］
The unsullied and tranquil sea, the cool and refreshing winds, the calming ambience, and the amber sunset by the distance. Now that the place has been cleaned up, it is now more beautiful than ever. A polished and beautiful gem.
"I wish everyone could also see this sight..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? Let's do that then." ［Grey］
"Eh?" ［Yuna］
Yuna was dumbfounded, tilting her head a little to the left as she stared at Grey in the eyes. The latter was serious with his words, only gently patting the still confused Yuna in the head.
"I mean, let's bring everyone here and enjoy the sea with them. You know, playing games, eating seafood, sightseeing, and all that. What do you think?" ［Grey］
"U-Un! Let's do that! Grey, you're a genius! And then, we should also invite the Little Princess! I'm sure she'll love it! And then let's also invite Liz! And....." ［Yuna］
Yuna kept on mumbling and mumbling, her eyes sparkling ever so brightly as she made plans about their little outing with the others. She was so excited she didn't even ask Grey of his opinions and continued on with her plans.
"Ah! Sorry, I got too excited..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It's alright... How about we plan this over some milk and cookies? I still have some left from before." ［Grey］
"Waah～! Let's do that! Let's do that!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It's settled then." ［Grey］
A happy elf skipping her steps excitedly on the sandy beaches and a smiling young man walking beside her. The sun continued to set and night soon came. The moon and stars reigned over the sky again as the cold winds blew.
It was a silent and peaceful night, yet excitement bloomed all over the place as Grey and Yuna made various events as they went over their little plan. Two smiling faces bloomed ever so brightly, a warm atmosphere in the air. Yet another lovely night to remember.
CHAPTER 239 END