"Everyone, please stand back for a moment." ［Grey］
Grey requested and the people followed. As the familiars stepped forward towards the sea, the others moved backwards, taking one step at a time. All were puzzled, still not understanding what really was going on.
It was already past noon, the sun climbing down the sky and everyone's bellies full after a merry and delicious meal. All were excited to go out and have fun, yet Grey and Yuna had another idea of their own. It was time for yet another surprise.
"Hmm... I wonder what those kids are doing..." ［Gerd］
"Wait... Don't tell me..." ［Kris］
"Ah! Come to think of it, Natalia did request something from them." ［Natasha］
The crowd's reaction was divided. Some were confused, some already figured it out, while some were still in disbelief. But amongst them, one person... Or should I say, princess, in particular, had a totally different reaction.
Of course, it was none other than the Little Princess who was excited as one can be, clapping her hands happily as she gazed upon the familiars with adorable, sparkly eyes. She was the one who requested it, after all.
"Everyone, don't be too surprised, alright?" ［Yuna］
"Eh? What do you meanー" ［Selia］
"Now then, everyone, if you would please." ［Grey］
At Grey's behest, bright light shone upon the shores and the sea. Seven little furballs suddenly started glowing bright, their figures turning to light itself, soon growing and changing as they let the winds run wild and made the waves tremble in awe.
Violet like an amethyst fresh out of the earth, a brilliant silver glimmering brighter than any gem, dark gray like cold, raw iron, a golden sheen like the amber sky, pure clarity like a diamond under the moonlight, green like a viridescent forest, and brown like freshly picked walnuts. Seven colors shone brightly.
Such beautiful color was none other than the beautiful brilliance of the familiar's eyes and core crystals. Their beauty was unparalleled, more radiant than the sun above. Seven such magnificent beasts spread their platinum wings and the waves bowed before them. A mystical scene of beauty.
"Wh... What the..." ［Ross］
"Oh my..." ［Veronica］
Everyone was frozen at such a beautiful sight, both from awr and surprise. Though they wanted to scream out loud, they couldn't bring themselves to. A mysterious force kept them calm, silently admiring what lies before them.
"This may be a bit late, but let us introduce our familiars to you. From the left, we have Polaris, Sirius, Canopus, Kentaurus, Arcturus, Capella, and Vega." ［Grey］
One after another, Grey introduced their familiars to everyone, the latter bowing their heads politely as their names were called, their eyes still glowing like highest quality gems only seen once in a millennium.
Everyone already knew the familiars when they were in their wolf pup forms, but it was the first time for many of them seeing their real forms. All they could do was stand frozen in place as they tried to grasp just what was going on.
"Greetings everyone. Pardon for the late introduction." ［Polaris］
"We greet the Master and Mistress' acquaintances." ［Sirius］
"Ah... Ah, yes... Nice to meet you..." ［Elaine］
Calm and composed voices echoed in the air, giving many a sudden spook. Yet strangely enough, they weren't afraid of them in the slightest, only a little shocked to see such cute little furballs turn into majestic and honorable dragons.
Well, no matter how shocked everyone was, they couldn't compare to Kris and Aria who were so frozen, one would think they were just finely sculpted statues. Both their eyes were on Sirius, eyes widened in shock.
『Aria, it's like that, isn't it?』 ［Kris］
『Yes, I think so too...』 ［Aria］
『Haah... And here I thought I wouldn't be surprised anymore... Those two really are something, aren't they?』 ［Kris］
After all, they were all present when Polaris ascended to Calamity-Class, and knew full well how much his body had changed. The same change which could now also be seen over Sirius' body. They quickly pieced the puzzle together.
Just recently, Kris found out Grey's breakthrough to Calamity-Class, and needless to say, it gave both him and Aria quite a shock. And now, another one of their familiars achieved the same. Just thinking about it was enough to make their heads hurt.
"Umm... Mister Kris, Miss Aria, are you okay?" ［Tilda］
"Ah, yes... We're just a little tired, I guess...?" ［Aria］
"Yeah... Just a little tired..." ［Kris］
Tired from Grey and Yuna's endless surprises, that is. But there was no need to say it out loud. Things would just get more troublesome if they did. Thankfully, Tilda didn't press them for any answers and simply shifted her eyes back to the familiars.
"Haah... I really can't get used to this..." ［Elise］
"Eh?! You already knew about this, Elise?!" ［Elaine］
"Hm? Of course, I do. Why do you think I was calm yesterday even after seeing Lord Kris' match against them? I've already had my fair share of surprises during the school break, you know?" ［Elise］
"Uuu... I suppose that's true..." ［Elaine］
Everyone had so much fun yesterday and today that they totally forgot about the match between the challengers and the familiars. Now that they thought about it, it finally made so much sense why a little furball could pack so much power.
"Yaay～! Puppiesh～!" ［Natalia］
And as expected, the Little Princess quickly got excited as soon as she saw the familiars transform. The moment the Crown Princess let her down, she quickly rushed towards Sirius' side and hugged her by the ankles.
"Puppy!" ［Natalia］
"Good to see you again in this form, Princess Natalia." ［Sirius］
"Um! Fwy! Fwy!" ［Natalia］
She is already raring to go, wanting to touch the skies once more and part the clouds along the way. She has only experienced it a couple of times with Grey and Yuna, but she has already fallen in love with such an enjoyable hobby...?
After the Little Princess, many of the little ones also approached the familiars to see them up close. First were the ever so brave Bella and Galvin, then Elnart, and so on and so forth. Even Iris who was shaking a little also approached them as she was invited over by Eliza.
"Come on, Elaine. Let me introduce you to Polaris." ［Elise］
"Un! Let's go, Elder Sister Elaine!" ［Eliza］
"E-Eh?! W-Wait a moment, please!" ［Elaine］
Before long, everyone was gathering around the familiars, admiring and touching them with curious and excited eyes. After all, no matter how different they may look, they were still the same furballs from before. There was no need to be afraid.
"Ohh～! What beautiful scales. They're even prettier than most treasures." ［Ernes］
"Ernes, Dear, this isn't an art exhibition. Please behave yourself." ［Talia］
"Come on... Allow it for now, Talia. It isn't every day that we get to see and touch dragons. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!" ［Ernes］
"Mmn... I suppose that's fair..." ［Talia］
Even more so that the children, the men were really excited to watch the dragons from up close. After all, it is part of man's romance to see one. And now that they could even touch them, there was no way they're letting the opportunity go.
The scales, the tails, the wings, the crystals, and everything else they could find. The men circled and circled, trying to satisfy their curiosity as much as they could, just like little children exploring the playground for the first time.
Seeing everyone interact with the familiars as friendly as before, Grey and Yuna could only breathe out a sigh of relief and happiness. It was fortunate that everyone was understanding, even though some were still a little scared.
"It's been some time, Master, Mistress." ［Dianthus］
"Fufufu! Long time no see, everyone. How have you been?" ［Aria］
"We've been well, Mistress. Everyone was treating us very kindly. Especially Lady Valka, she's a very warm and caring person." ［Primula］
"Fufufu! That's good to hear." ［Aria］
And as everyone was already playing with Grey and Yuna's familiars, Kris and Aria also summoned theirs and let them play with everyone as well. They might not be as powerful as the former, but they were just as amazing, everyone just as amazed as they watched them.
Now, 11 massive beasts could be found resting on the shore. If one were to see such a sight, they would surely think that the day of reckoning was approaching. Luckily, such was not the case. On the contrary, everyone was smiling.
"Now then, everyone, if you're all ready, just ask the familiars of anything. They'll be guiding you as you go." ［Grey］
"Huh? About what?" ［Fritz］
"Hm? What do you by what? I meant flying, of course." ［Grey］
Nonchalant as one can be, Grey said such things to everyone, effectively garnering their attention. As soon as they heard his words, they reacted just as one would expect... Frozen and petrified like a statue. And what followed after was....
""""Ehhhh?!""""
A loud cry full of shock, surprise, and confusion. Their eyes were wide open, their mouths were hanging open, and cold chills ran down their spines. In fact, some were so surprised, their souls immediately left their bodies.
"W-W-Wait a moment! We're flying?! We're really flying?!" ［Fritz］
"Of course, we are. Just why do you think we brought out the familiars in the first place? Don't worry, it's not as scary as you think." ［Grey］
"Un! The Little Princess requested it, after all." ［Yuna］
They answered so naturally as if there was nothing wrong with it, calm as one can be as they carried the Little Princess. But the same couldn't be said about many of the others. They were still in shock and confused. Well, who wouldn't be?
"Then, Little Princess, shall we go?" ［Grey］
"Um! Fwy! Fwy! Huwwy!" ［Natalia］
"Hahaha. Alright, alright, we're going up now." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Nalia, fwy!" ［Natlia］
A single leap was all it took and Grey quickly rode on Sirius' back. Yuna followed suit soon after and also took her place. There were no traces of worries in their faces, only excitement and they erected the necessary barriers one after another.
Though there was little to no chance of falling with the familiars' steady and reliable maneuvering skills, there was nothing to lose being extra careful. The Little Princess was with them, after all. Though... The Little Princess herself wasn't really scared.
"We'll be in your care again, Sirius." ［Yuna］
"Yes. You can count on me." ［Sirius］
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
Sirius flapped her wings and the winds answered, a storm of dust and sand brewed in the beach as a massive platinum figure took off to the sky, spreading her wings with pride as she took her reign like a true Queen.
In just a single moment, Sirius was already soaring high up in the sky, parting the white clouds and leaving a streak of white mist behind her. She soared faster and faster, everyone watching her go as her figure faded into the horizon.
"My... I wonder how long has it been since we flew..." ［Amelia］
"Hahaha! How about we chase after them, then? I've been itching to fly again as well. I'm sure it'll be a ton of fun!" ［Julius］
"Hmm... I suppose that's right." ［Amelia］
After Grey, Yuna, and the Little Princess, Julius and Amelia also rode on Canopus' back like they previously did and soon took off to the skies. He may not be as fast as Sirius, but he was just as magnificent, soaring high and mighty.
"Mother! Father! Elder Sister! Elder Sister Elaine! Let's fly, too!" ［Eliza］
"Hahaha! How interesting! It seems like we'll have to join in as well!" ［Ernes］
"Hmm... Should we also head out with the children, Dear?" ［Cedric］
Seeing Julius and Amelia take off as well, everyone quickly got interested in flying in the sky with the familiars as well. One after another, they started grouping up and asked the familiars to accompany them, taking off to the skies soon after.
Though it was unfortunate that there were not enough familiars for everyone to ride on, there was no need to frown. Everyone simply agreed to take turns, enjoying the rare opportunity as much as they possibly could.
"Ohh!! No wonder Natalia's so excited! This is amazing!" ［Ernes］
"Waah～! You're so fast, Polaris! Can you go even faster?" ［Eliza］
"Kyaa! So high! We're so high!" ［Helen］
Some were amazed, some were excited, and some were scared of heights, hugging their companions tightly. All sorts of reactions echoed in the air as everyone watched the blue sea under them unfold, learning what it's like to be a free bird.
The cold wind caressing their skin, the beautiful view served before them, and the peaceful atmosphere as they backed under the everlasting sky. It was an experience they've never felt before, making them feel excited like carefree little children.
"Waah～! Fwying! Nalia, fwying!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! Do you really love flying that much, Little Princess?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia, love! Vewy, very musch!" ［Natalia］
Of course, there was no one much more excited as the Little Princess was. She was already in the sky yet she still flapped her little arms as if she was a little bird, head turning left and right as she watched what kinds of things unfold before her.
They were already a couple kilometers up in the sky, but the Little Princess showed naught of fear. Rather, she was brimming with excitement and enthusiasm as she pointed at all sorts of things, and naming them with whatever she came up with. She really was one adorable little princess.
"Little Princess, should we go even faster?" ［Grey］
"Fashter...? Um! Fashter! Fashter!" ［Natalia］
"Hahaha. As you wish, Your Little Highness." ［Grey］
There was no need to tell Sirius. At the Little Princess' request, she quickly toned up the speed and created sonic booms one after another, the scenery of what's below them, unfolding faster and faster like a sped up treadmill.
Yet despite how fast they were flying, the Little Princess only got even more excited, raiding her hands up to the sky as her soft and adorable giggles danced cheerfully in the air. Such a fearless little princess she was.
"Hehehehe! We caught up!" ［Eliza］
With his mind-numbing speed, it didn't take too long for Polaris to catch up to Sirius. And on his back was a smiling Eliza who was more than happy to fly side by side with Grey and Yuna, a bright smile blooming on her face.
"Kyaa!! Liz, we're going too fast! Too fast" ［Elise］
"L-Liz! P-Please slow down! Please, I beg of you!" ［Elaine］
Though the same couldn't be said to the ones behind her, both were already at the verge of tears as they held tightly for their dear life. And such was the normal reaction. Eliza was the one out of the ordinary.
"Elise, what do you think? Flying's pretty fun, right?" ［Grey］
"Uuu... Shut up..." ［Elise］
Elise was especially scared. Though she gathered all her courage to join in despite knowing it will be high up in the air, she is now very regretful about it. Not only were they so high in the air, they were going too fast as well. Even if there was a barrier protecting them, it was still too much.
Seeing Elise, who was usually confident, now shaking in her boots, Grey and Yuna could only chuckle lightly, seeing a different side of her. It made Yuna remember about the good old days where she made them fight against ogres... One full of bliss.
"Well, Liz, I think that's enough speeding up for now. Be a little more considerate of Elise and Elaine, alright?" ［Grey］
"But... We won't be able to catch up if we slow down..." ［Eliza］
"Fufufu! If that's the case, then why don't we fly together later? That would be much better for everyone, no?" ［Yuna］
"Really?! No takesy-backsies?!" ［Eliza］
"Un! That's a promise." ［Yuna］
"Yaay～!" ［Eliza］
She has grown a lot since they first met, but Eliza was still the same girl from before, a cheerful and adorable younger sister figure. Just a simple promise was enough for her to unveil the brightest smile in the world, full of innocence and happiness.
Soon enough, Polaris' speed toned down a notch and Elise and Elaine's screaming was finally quelled. It has become a little lonely that they were left behind, but it was still fun in its own way, especially with such a lovely little princess before them.
"Little Princess, do you want to see something cool?" ［Grey］
"Cool...?" ［Natalia］
"Yeah. Big Bro wants to show you something amazing and beautiful. What do you think? Would you like to watch it with me?" ［Grey］
"Waah～! Un! Watcsh! Nalia wantsh cool!" ［Natalia］
The Little Princess requested and Grey happily obliged. Both him and Yuna were chuckling to themselves, enjoying the sweet smile the princess graced them with. She was simply too adorable, they can't get enough of her cuteness.
"Then, Sirius, if you would." ［Grey］
"As you wish, Master." ［Sirius］
Not a single second passed yet another series of sonic booms reverberated in the air as Sirius sped up and soared higher and higher to the sky, piercing dozens of clouds as they eagerly reached for the stars.
As soon as Sirius reached a certain height, she suddenly stopped, her body turning a complete 180 as she started stooping down towards the blue sea. A beautiful streak of platinum and white fell from the sky, like a shooting star in the middle of the night.
Yet despite how swiftly Sirius dove towards the sea, the Little Princess wasn't afraid at all. Rather, she enjoyed herself even more, living for the thrill as her eyes sparkled brighter than the sea of blue before her.
SPLAAASSSSHHHHHHH
Head first, Sirius dove towards the sea, birthing large waves as splashes echoed in the air. Foams and bubbles formed, dancing on the water's surface, soon popping one after another and creating a subtle yet beautiful serenade.
As the curtain of bubbles were raised, the wondrous beauty of the sea was unveiled. Coral reefs standing proud like little mountains, schools of fished swimming swiftly and slickly, and everything in between. It was a scenic masterpiece.
"Waah～ Fish! Lots of fish!" ［Natalia］
It was like they were in an aquarium back on Earth, only more massive and more beautiful, only the barrier Grey made separating them from the vast blue sea. A scene only made possible with the power of magic.
"What do you think, Little Princess? Cool, right?" ［Grey］
"Un! Cool! Very cool!" ［Natalia］
It wasn't an exaggeration to say that the princess loved it. She was literally jumping up and down for joy as her head turned in all directions, a big, bright smile blooming on her face which just wouldn't go away.
The sky was fun, yes, but the sea was even more so. Compared to the birds in the sky, the fishes in the sea were much more abundant. She was seeing all sorts of new things one after another, pointing happily as she proudly showed Grey and Yuna all her wonderful discoveries.
"Waah～! I didn't think the sea would be this beautiful! Grey, we should have done this sooner!" ［Yuna］
Well, it wasn't only the Little Princess who was full of excitement. Yuna herself was brimming with it, her heart overflowing as she joined the Little Princess in discovering all sorts of things. The child in her has awakened once again.
As for Grey, well, he was more than satisfied. He had already seen everything with his eyes, and thought he'd also show such a wondrous sight to them. It was just a sudden thought, he was glad he went along with it.
'They sure are in sync, huh...' ［Grey］
Thought Grey as he noticed how similar Yuna and the Little Princess were acting. If it wasn't for the difference in their appearance, one might think they were mother and child. He couldn't help but chuckle to himself.
The colorful reefs, the deep trenches, the swarming colonies, the starfish populated sandy seafloor, and many more. They were around all sorts of places, satisfying their curiosity and enjoying their time together.
Several minutes passed by, and yet another loud splash resounded in the air. A platinum figure emerged out of the water and swam towards the white and sandy shore, smiling faces floating behind her back.
"Mama～! Papa～! Nalia, back!" ［Natalia］
"Welcome back, Natalia. Did you enjoy yourself?" ［Natasha］
"Un! Nalia fwy and shwim! Lots of fish!" ［Natalia］
Excited as one can be, the Little Princess recounted her experience and shared it to everyone else. She made all sorts of motions, trying to explain the best she could with a bright smile on her face.
And as they watched such a warm scene unfold, a sudden tug suddenly pulled Grey and Yuna's hands. As soon as they turned their heads, they were greeted by another set of sparkling eyes, full of excitement and anticipation.
"Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey, It's my turn now～!" ［Eliza］
"Me next! I'm after Big Sis Liz!" ［Bella］
"M-Me too! I'm after Bella!" ［Iris］
It wasn't just Eliza. Bella, Iris, Galvin, and the children looked at them with such bright and innocent eyes, it was blinding. Before they even knew it, like people waiting for an attraction in an amusement park, a line had formed for those who wished to ride with them. One full of smiling faces.
"Oh dear... It seems like we've got ourselves quite the situation here..." ［Yuna］
"Sure is... It seems like we still have a long day ahead of us, don't we?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Well, let's just do our best, Grey!" ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 248 END