Clop Clop Clop Chatter Chatter Chatter
A myriad of footsteps and a bustling pandemonium of voices resounded in the air. A live orchestra as the lively city of Galderia unfolded like any other day, store owners and customers bargaining like any other day.
"Grey, what do you think the menu is today?" ［Yuna］
"Probably the usual. I don't think they're developing any new recipes at the moment... At least, not that I know of..." ［Grey］
And amongst these bustling people, two people were standing out more than the others. They were, of course, none other than Grey and Yuna, who are just as casual and carefree as ever, talking about food like they usually do.
"Mmn... Should we help them then? I also want to eat new dishes!" ［Yuna］
"Huh? Couldn't we just cook some for ourselves? We still have a lot of spare ingredients, don't we? We could experiment ourselves." ［Grey］
"That's true... But I still want to eat it at the Rabbit's Den! That's why, let's do our best and help them out! Let's make more recipes!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Alright, alright, as you wish, Milady." ［Grey］
Her logic was vague and didn't make much sense, sure, but what mattered was that Yuna was enthusiastic like a little ball of energy. She happily skipped her steps as they headed towards the Rabbit's Den, Grey chuckling and following behind her.
Cling Cling Cling
Soon enough, with a couple minutes of walking, the two finally reached the inn and sweet chimes resounded in the air. It was just as lively as usual, everyone happily enjoying their meals as they warmed their stomachs with delicious dishes.
Like usual, Gerd and Selia were nowhere to be seen in the hall, moving about in the kitchen as they finished the few final dishes for the morning. They were busy bees, making sure everything was going smoothly. As for Helen...
"Hahaha. And it exploded once again, didn't it?" ［Helen］
"Yeah... I almost got my hair charred this morning..." ［Owen］
"Geez...! That's why I told you to be careful! Don't take your job lightly!" ［Helen］
"Yes, ma'am... I'll be more careful next time..." ［Owen］
... She is with Owen, chatting merrily as the latter enjoys his meal. Though they've been interacting more as of late, something about them seemed strange. Somehow, the atmosphere about them was much sweeter than usual, with a hint of sappiness.
Just a single glance and Grey and Yuna could tell that something happened between the two. They're relationship doesn't seem what it used to be, sparking interest and curiosity from the two, a mischievous smile sprouting in their faces.
"Helen～! Good morning～!" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah! M-Morning, Grey, Yuna... How may I help you?" ［Helen］
"Mmn... Nothing, really... But, is there perhaps something you want to tell us about? There's something, right? Right...?" ［Yuna］
Yuna was smiling, but her eyes weren't. Though it wasn't menacing nor intimidating, Helen could feel chills down her spine as she watched Yuna. She knew full well what kind of look it was. It was the look of a lady hungry for some juicy details.
"Please go easy on me..." ［Helen］
"Fufufu! That entirely depends on your cooperation～!" ［Yuna］
Heleen's pleading was useless. With how much Helen pressed Yuna for information from their previous love talks, now that it was her turn, Yuna wasn't intending to go easy on the former. It was time for a sweet revenge.
Left with no other choices, Helen was forced to spill any and all information about what happened between them. From how their relationship progressed into that of lovers, and how far they have gone, not a single detail was spared. Yuna was merciless.
As for Owen, well, he was helpless as well. Though it was the first time they talked with one another, he wasn't spared as well. He was thrown into the pit with Helen, a sweet demoness squeezing out all the details as their faces turned beet red.
"Waah～! You really did it, Helen! We're so proud of you!" ［Yuna］
"Congratulations, you two." ［Grey］
"Oh! Little Helen finally got a boyfriend? We should celebrate!"
"Congratulations, Helen! Wha'd you say you treat us to a free meal?"
And it wasn't just Grey and Yuna who congratulated them, the other customers gave them their heartfelt congratulations as well, a lively round of applause echoing all throughout the inn. It was as if there was a festival inside.
"Geez! Everyone, stop it! It's too embarrassing!" ［Helen］
Helen stomped her foot to show her dissatisfaction, but the cheers and applause only got louder, not dying down anytime soon. After all, many of the older customers there have watched her grow since she was a child. Everyone was simply happy for her.
"Helen... It feels like it was just yesterday when you were wriggling in my arms... You didn't have to grow so fast...!" ［Gerd］
Everyone except the father. Though he couldn't see them as he was in the kitchen, hearing them cheer on her only makes his heart ache, acting as if his one and only daughter is getting married and taken away from him.
Thankfully, Selia was there to calm him down, patting his shoulders as she consoled him. Their daughter had just gotten a boyfriend, and he was already acting like that. Just thinking how he'd react once she actually gets married was enough to make her head hurt. She'd rather not think about it.
Soon enough, the commotion finally died down and Grey and Yuna could finally order their meal. They were having their usual combo, four sets each, large as ever. A sight everyone had gotten used to after seeing it countless times.
"Still... For Helen to be the one to confess first... You sure are quite the popular one, aren't you, Mister Owen?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Please, you can drop the ''Mister'. Our ages aren't that too far apart, after all. Formalities are quite stifling, you see." ［Owen］
"I guess that's right... Owen it is, then... Ah, right! This may be a bit late, but the name's Grey, nice to meet you, Owen." ［Grey］
"And I'm Yuna. Pleased to meet you too." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. The pleasure's all mine. Nice to meet you too, Grey, Yuna." ［Owen］
The introductions ensued and everyone shook their hands together. And unlike the others from before, Owen was surprisingly calm after the introductions. It was quite the refreshing and wonderful reply.
"Oh, and right. As for your question before... I'm sure I'm not as popular as you two. A confession or two must not be a big deal for you, right?" ［Owen］
"A confession, huh... I wonder..." ［Grey］
Owen asked them playfully, but the response he got was pretty far off from what he expected. Rather than brushing or laughing it off as if it was no big deal, the two were put into deep thought, scouring their memories for anything of the sort, only to find nothing at all.
"Eh? Is something wrong...?" ［Owen］
"No, it's just... Apart from Yuna reciprocating her feelings, I haven't really received anything of the sort. A confession, that is." ［Grey］
"Un. The same goes for me. Grey's the only one who'd ever confessed to me. I don't think we're that popular..." ［Yuna］
"Eh...?" ［Owen］
Owen was baffledー No, he was dumbfounded. After all, if it was just up to him, he could confidently say the two youths before him were amongst the most gorgeous people he has ever met. Learning they aren't popular was quite a shock.
And the same also goes for Helen too. She was also quite shocked, but for an entirely different reason. She just couldn't believe how oblivious her friends were. They were so oblivious she just wanted to give them a wake up call slap for once.
It wasn't that they weren't aware that they were a cut above the rest. It was just that they don't notice the others' reactions anymore as they are usually in their own worlds as they walk along the streets. In other words, they were an idiot couple whose minds are only filled with the thoughts of one another. Fools in the truest sense.
Well, there was also the fact that they are always together most of the time that much less confess, no one could even muster the courage to approach them. They haven't even tried, and they already know they're going to be rejected.
"Helen... Are those two serious?" ［Owen］
"Yeah... Just leave them alone. They're already lost causes anyway." ［Helen］
"Lost causes, huh..." ［Owen］
Helen doesn't even need to explain any further. Just looking at the two and Owen could already get what she was talking about. The oblivious two who were still thinking about wether they were popular or not, despite being prodigies, also acts idiotic at times, and this is simply one of those times.
Before long, their breakfast continued and everyone chatted over a warm meal, smiling and laughing as they talked about a lot of topics. One of those topics was none other than enchanting which everyone has some degree of knowledge about.
"Oh? You also do enchanting, Grey, Yuna?" ［Owen］
"Un. Only from time to time, though. A hobby, so to say." ［Yuna］
"Ehh～. Then, have you registered at the guild already? I don't believe I've seen you two around? Have you just registered?" ［Owen］
"Ah, no, not at all. We haven't registered. We just didn't find the need to. We also have other jobs, you see." ［Grey］
"I see... That's a shame..." ［Owen］
Or so they say, but one simply can't judge the two through common sense. Though they put it in such a way, in reality, they mostly spend their time together, just lazing around or training as they go about their days. They aren't as busy as they implied.
"Then! Should we register in the guild now, then? Just to try and see!" ［Owen］
"Oh! I think that's a good idea too! What do you think, Grey, Yuna?" ［Helen］
"The Enchanters' Guild... Hmm..." ［Grey］
And as one would expect, such a question was soon raised, putting them to deep thoughtー or so one would expect, but they didn't think too long at all. They were already registered in many guilds, what's one more going to do?
"Alright. Let's do that then. I've also been interested in it for quite some time. It's about time, isn't it?" ［Grey］
"Un! I'm getting excited just thinking about it!" ［Yuna］
"Great! Then, let's go register after we're finished!" ［Owen］
It wasn't a part of their plans for the fay, but they weren't particularly against the idea. Rather, they could finally get to a goal they have been putting off. It was finally time to head to the last and final of the five major guilds, the Enchanters' Guild!
Making haste, everyone quickly finished their breakfast together and chatted their time away. And before long, everyone tidied up their dishes, waving their hands goodbye as they left the inn together, walking off to the distance.
Hustle and bustle in the air, three sets of footsteps danced freely. Grey, Yuna, and Owen treaded the main street as they talked about enchanting, drawing closer and closer to the guild which each and every step.
"Oh. We're finally here." ［Owen］
The footsteps stopped and a magnificent and intricate building was displayed before them. Just like any other guild, the Enchanters' Guild was grand as one can be, eye-catching like the moon in the middle of the night.
Grey and Yuna have passed by it many times already, but now that they stopped and took a good look at it, it looked even more fantastic. It was like a research institute with a touch of neoclassical architecture. It was a work or art.
But perhaps what was even more amazing was what lies inside. Though it was resemblant of the Alchemists' Guild, it was more "modern" and open, runes engraved all over the place as various arrays were arranged like a giant puzzle.
"Welcome to the Enchanters' Guild!" ［Owen］
"Miss Silica, have you heard from Arden about the products?"
"What do you think of this configuration?"
"Agh... It exploded again... What a pain..."
It was a busy beehive of researchers and customers, going about their transactions and negotiations as they buzzed all over the place, some even having charred faces as a consequence of their failed experiments.
"Oh?" ［Owen］
And amongst the bustling crowd, one familiar figure stood out in Owen's field of view. She was a small and petite bespectacled woman, freckles on her cheeks and hair disheveled as one can be. She was also wearing an oversized lab coat over her.
But perhaps what was most surprising was when Grey appraised the young ladyー or rather, she wasn't a young lady at all! Though she may be undeveloped in many areas, she was already in her late thirties! A certified legal loli!
"Grey, are you alright? You look pale..." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yeah, I'm fine... I... I just think I saw something I shouldn't have,.." ［Grey］
"Hmn? Something... You shouldn't have...?" ［Yuna］
"N... No... It's nothing..." ［Grey］
Shock still brewing in Grey's heart, the little loli noticed them and locked her eyes on her. Footsteps soon echoed in the air as she approached them with an angry eyes which looked like that of a predator's.
"Owen! You brat! Where have you been?!" ［Little Lady］
"M-Master! I-I can explain!" ［Owen］
"Explain, my ass! You were supposed to help me with my experiment today! Look how much time we've wasted!" ［Little Lady］
And apparently, the little lady was also Owen's master. A master who's got quite the sharp tongue despite her small size, beating Owen into submission without putting much effort. A rabid little beast is what she was.
"Oh? And these are...?" ［Little Lady］
"A-Ah, right! Master, these are Grey and Yuna, they're aspiring enchanters! They said they wanted to register!" ［Owen］
"It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Grey, and this is my partner, Yuna." ［Grey］
"Nice to meet you, Guildmaster." ［Yuna］
Polite as one can be, the two bowed their heads slightly and greeted the little lady before them. The Guildmaster on the receiving end didn't even need to guess who they were, just their appearances alone was enough for her to connect the dots.
Whipping out a hair comb from god-knows-where, the little Guildmaster quickly fixed her disheveled hair and changed into a new coat and pair of glasses. In just a couple seconds, she looked more formal and dignified, like a proper lady.
"Pardon my late introduction. I'm Lydia, the Guildmaster of this branch. It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna." ［Lydia］
It was a complete transformation. The sharp-tongued and messy little lady was no more, only a formal and proper Guildmaster to be seen. It was such an unusual sight, Owen couldn't help but hang his mouth in surprise.
"Master, this is no time for jokes." ［Owen］
"You brat... Do you really not know?" ［Lydia］
"Know what?" ［Owen］
"Haah... You really are hopeless..." ［Lydia］
The Guildmaster heaved a lengthy sigh yet Owen only tilted his head. The former really wanted to beat him again, but since Grey and Yuna were there, she held herself back. Owen is lucky.
"Listen closely, brat... The two you brought along are none other than two of the Heroes of Alfrione. The prodigies who exterminated a horde of beasts lead by a pair of garudas with a single spell." ［Lydia］
"Eh?" ［Owen］
"Huh?" ［Grey］ "Eh?" ［Yuna］
"Ehhh?!!" ［Owen］
He was shockedー No, shock couldn't even begin to describe what he feels. He has been holed up in his research room most of the time that he doesn't even know much about what's happening in the world.
Now, Grey and Yuna could finally understand why Owen showed a lack of response during their introductions from before. It was simply because he didn't know. An idiot who is now trembling as he recounted how casually he interacted with them.
"Umm... Is Owen going to be okay?" ［Yuna］
"Don't worry, Your Highness, he'll be fine... Rather than that, should I drop the formalities now, Your Highnesses? I heard you aren't quite fond of it." ［Lydia］
"Ah, yeah, that would be nice if you could." ［Grey］
"Huhuhu. Don't worry about it. It makes things easier for me too. Formalities are quite stifling, after all." ［Lydia］
The way they laugh, the way they hate formalities, and their manner of speaking. They may look and act different in certain areas, but they are also very identical in those that mattered. They were master and disciple, alright.
"So, I heard you are going to register, Grey, Yuna? Is that true?" ［Lydia］
"Yeah, we figured it's about time we do." ［Grey］
"About time, huh... Huhuhu! Well then, follow me! And no need to go to the counters! I'll be backing the both of you!" ［Lydia］
She may be small, but she was quite a fierce one. She nonchalantly disregarded the normal procedures as if they were nothing and led Grey and Yuna to the examination areas without an ounce of hesitation, Owen following them behind.
Soon enough, they finally reached the designated areas, a surprise welcoming the two as they entered. Though the room was just as big, there was barely any equipment to be found, only a table, a chair, and a couple items. Very minimalistic.
"Hooh... This sure takes me back..." ［Owen］
"To what? The times you failed your exams?" ［Lydia］
"Master... You needn't have to remind me of that..." ［Owen］
"Hmph! If you don't want to be scolded, then do better, you brat!" ［Lydia］
She was as fierce as ever, not missing any chance to bite, crushing Owen's heart mercilessly without a single thought. She reminded Grey of his parents back when they were still alive. Loving, yet sharp as a knife. Ah... The nostalgia...
Not wasting any more time, the Guildmaster then explained the rules to Grey and Yuna. And sure enough, it was quite similar to the ones from the other guilds. They simply need to create the best enchantment they could in an hour. The tier of the enchantment will decide their tiers.
"Are you two ready?" ［Lydia］
"Un! Anytime!" ［Yuna］
"Huhuhu! Then, let's start!" ［Lydia］
There was no time to waste. As soon as Lydia gave the signal, Grey and Yuna's hands quickly moved like lightning. They swiftly grabbed the items they were supposed to enchant and performed their enchantments.
Enchantment, unlike smithing and alchemy, doesn't need much in terms of materials. Instead, they need a lot of mana from themselves or from mana crystals and a set of equipment to perform their bidding.
The enchantment process is made up of three steps, equating, carving, and weaving. Equating simply means creating equations using runes to carry out a certain effect. Then comes carving which applies runes to an item, and weaving that connects those runes to finalize the equation. If things go well, an enchantment will be produced.
Enchantments, like abilities, are also graded from 1☆ to 5☆, depending on their effect, and the number of enchantments an item can carry depends on the items' enchantability which takes account the components and quality of the items. Such are the basics of enchanting.
"Hooh～! They sure are quite skilled and knowledgeable for their age. No wonder the other Guildmasters praise them." ［Lydia］
"Huh? What do you mean, Master?" ［Owen］
"Nothing... It's none of your concern." ［Lydia］
Or so she says, but deep inside, she was actually trembling. After all, Guildmasters often exchange information with one another as they go about their schedules. And amongst this information are the list of their prominent members.
Having heard from the other Guildmasters, she knew full well that Grey and Yuna are prodigies in the Blacksmiths' and Alchemists' Guilds, respectively. Prodigies which reached Tier-7 at such a young age.
And now that she sees the two enchanting before her, she knows that their abilities are nothing to scoff at. Her whole body trembled as she imagined just how frightening their future potentials were. They were monsters, through and through.
"Phew... Guildmaster, I'm finished!" ［Yuna］
Before long, Yuna finally finished her enchantment. It was an enchantment composed of 76 runes, and viable to be applied for Peak-Tier, Middle-Grade equipment. A work which warmed her a Tier-4 Enchanter Guild Card.
It was a result which shocked not only the Guildmaster, but Owen as well. After all, they only said that they are only enchanting as a hobby, yet she already reached heights he has yet to climb. He was in awe.
"Amazing! I never thought you'd have so much talent, Yuna! You must be a geniusー no, a prodigy!" ［Owen］
"Fufufu! That's too much, and... Compared to Grey, this is nothing..." ［Yuna］
Yuna's eyes shifted to her beloved, and the others followed. As they watched rune after rune get carved in the item, they could only watch in awe and silence, marveling as they watched ever so intently.
Minutes passed, and finally, the final rune has been carved, each and every one of them connecting in a complicated network of spiderwebs as they created an effect those below Superior-Grade can never handle.
There weren't just a hundred or two, not even three hundred. There were a total of more than 2,000 runes carved in the item Grey enchanted, creating a powerful 3☆ enchantment which only High-Rankers can wield. It was a masterpiece.
"Guildmaster, I'm donー" ［Grey］
"Boyー No, Master! Make me your disciple! I'll do everything I can! I'll even offer my body if I have to!" ［Lydia］
"Master! Don't do that! Grey already has Yuna! And on top of that, I'm sure Grey will never be interested in the body of a little girl!" ［Owen］
"Hah?! What did you say, you brat?!" ［Lydia］
But rather than a round of applause, what greeted Grey was a chaotic pandemonium as the master and disciple tandem brought havoc into the examination area, Owen getting beaten up by her small, but terrible master.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna could get the guild staff before things got worse, making the Guildmaster and Owen kneel on the floor as they got scolded by not just one, but three scary guild members.
It was quite the eventful day, to say the least.
CHAPTER 250 END