The wind was fresh and cool, dancing with the curtains by the window sill. The sun had risen over the horizon yet again and a new morning had started, sunlight gracing the earth and waking the ground to greet the new, sunny day.
In a certain room, a beautiful princess lay asleep, snores subtle as one can be as she slept ever so soundlyー or at least, she was. But as the warm and gentle sunlight poked her face again and again, she finally opened her eyes, head still a little groggy.
But rather than a grand and wonderful canopy, what greeted her was an unfamiliar ceiling. She blinked once, then she blinked twice. She kept staring and staring, eyes fixed on the ceiling before her, trying to collect her thoughts.
"Ah... Right..." ［Iris］
It was only then that the young princess finally remembered that she was traveling on a journey towards Erdea with Grey and Yuna. She slept so tightly that her brain was still lagging, not wanting to part with the warm and fluffy bed.
However, as a princess, she must act poise and proper. Without much complaints, she quickly got up on her bed, and since there weren't any servants around, she did her best trying to fix the bed, making sure it was as tidy as possible.
After which, she then looked around the place and tried to find the closet. She was still in her pajamas, after all. She wasn't quite sure how she wore them, but she could vaguely remember Yuna fitting it to her. It was a little embarrassing, to be honest.
"Mari, what should I wearー" ［Iris］
Out of habit, she called out to one of her personal maids, only to once again realize that she wasn't in the castle. She dwelled on the silence for a short while before looking back at the closet, picking up her clothes for the day.
It may be quite different from what she used to, but there was no use despairing over it. Rather, she was quite excited to experience such things for the first time in her life, eyes sparkling brightly as she picked her dress.
Clop Clop Clop Thunk
"Oh, looks like our princess is awake." ［Grey］
"Fufu. She sure is energetic." ［Iris］
And it was exactly because she didn't have any servants helping her that she had to go back and forth from every side and corner of the room after forgetting things time and time again, her silent footsteps resounding in the air.
After which, Iris then headed down stairs, subtle steps echoing in the corridors. The moment she got downstairs, she was then greeted by a cacophony of noises from the kitchen. It was Grey and Yuna who were now preparing breakfast.
"Good morning, Iris." ［Yuna］
"G-Good morning as well, Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey." ［Iris］
"Morning. Did you have a good night's sleep?" ［Grey］
"Y-Yes! The bed was very comfortable and the winds were also refreshing. It was one of the best sleeps I have experienced in a long while!" ［Iris］
Iris went on and on as she praised the quality of her sleep. Though the Royal Castle's furniture was much more luxurious, expensive doesn't always equal good. If anything, she was more comfortable in a smaller, more medium-sized room without dramatic aesthetics around.
For the first time in her life, Iris felt how it was like to live a "normal" life without too much luxury. It was a little bit hectic since she wasn't new to it, but it was fun. She was really happy to have gotten such an experience.
"Haha. We're glad to hear that. Now, why don't you go take a bath first? We'll have breakfast shortly after you're done." ［Grey］
"Yes! Thank you very much!" ［Iris］
"Ah! Wait, Iris!" ［Yuna］
Iris was about to head towards the bath, when a sudden voice called out to her. It was Yuna, who, for some reason, showed little traces of concern on her face. She then started removing her apron and untying her hair.
"Iris, I'll be going with you." ［Yuna］
"E-Eh?! You don't have to worry about me, Elder Sister Yuna. I can at least manage a bath by myself!" ［Iris］
"That's not it, you silly girl. There are just some magic tools inside the bath that you may not be familiar with. I'll be there to guide you." ［Yuna］
At first, Iris thought Yuna wanted to help her bathe like the servants do, making her a little embarrassed. She may be a princess, but she wasn't a child anymore. If it's only a bath, she can manage to do it like anybody else.
Unfortunately, that wasn't what Yuna meant. After all, their bath had tools not present in Merusia which Grey made using Earth's technology. From the shower, hair dryers, multifunctional sinks, and many more. It would be confusing for others.
"Or... Is it that you hate the idea of bathing with me?" ［Yuna］
"N... No... Not at all... It would be my pleasure..." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! It's decided then!" ［Yuna］
It's not like Iris had anyway. With Yuna pleading in such a way, she could only say yes and nod politely. After all, it would be much more embarrassing if she got stuck in the bath because she doesn't know how things worked. It was all or nothing.
"Then, Grey, I'll be joining Iris in the bath. Can I leave everything to you?" ［Yuna］
"Sure, but don't stay there for too long, alright? I'll be using it next." ［Grey］
"Un! Got it! Let's go, Iris." ［Yuna］
There was no need for dilly-dallying. With things now decided, Yuna quickly grabbed a towel and a change of clothes from her storage ring and headed to the bath with Iris. There was unfounded excitement in her face, humming with enthusiasm.
Before long, the subtle sounds of water splashing echoed in the air, accompanied by the excited voices of the two ladies as they bathed together. Iris was especially excited, letting out voices of amazement as she saw all sorts of new things.
"They sure are having a lot of fun, aren't they?" ［Grey］
Meanwhile, Grey was left alone in the kitchen, cooking breakfast after taking over Yuna's. But it was a good thing. With Iris around, Yuna won't go walking around the house after bath with only a towel on. It'll be hard to restrain himself otherwise.
"Yup. This should be good." ［Grey］
Getting his mind off the matter, Grey continued to stir and chop, quickly finishing cooking breakfast. And as one would expect, a plethora of dishes were lined up at the dining table one after another. A scene would only make one's mouth water.
Before long, the two ladies finally finished bathing and so, it was Grey's turn. Much later after that, they then had their lovely breakfast together, Iris enjoying it as much as she did yesterday with a bright smile blooming on her face.
After breakfast came washing the dishes, making sure the house was clean and tidy, and finally, checking that they had all their things on them. Grey then waved one of his hands after which, creating the exit of Sanctuary without much effort.
"Waah～... It really is the forest..." ［Iris］
As soon as they stepped out, the green and beautiful forest greeted them. Iris had seen it yesterday night, but now that it was morning, it looked much more welcoming, all sorts of beautiful flora and fauna to be spotted.
And while she looked around the place, Grey and Yuna once again called out Sirius so that they could once again fly in the skies. If things go as expected, they would arrive at Erdea at about 10 o'clock in the morning.
"Are you ready to fly again, Iris?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! I'll be in your care again, Miss Sirius." ［Iris］
"The pleasure is mine, Princess Iris." ［Sirius］
There was no time to waste. With the sun already high up in the sky, Sirius then spread her wings and with a single burst, they once again soared high, creating strong gusts of wind every time she flapped her wings.
Sirius could go even faster and cover the distance in less than an hour, but if she does, there would be no beautiful sights to see and sonic booms would echo throughout the skies time and time again. She went just at the perfect speed.
The flight was smooth sailing, not a single worry to be concerned about. Everyone simply chatted merrily as they watched the scenery below them unfold, everyone pointing at things here and there as they admired their beauty, even taking pictures from time to time.
"Waah～! It sure is a beautiful city... And so colorful, too!" ［Yuna］
"Well, they don't call it the city of colors for nothing." ［Grey］
A couple hours of flight later, and a massive city finally appeared over the horizon, just perching on the grassy meadows under the sun. It may not be as massive as the Royal Capital of Alfrione, but it was still quite big.
But perhaps the most interesting sight is what lies outside the city. There was a large meadow, and not just any plain old green meadow. It was one which housed all kinds and colors of flowers, spreading as far as the eyes can see.
"So beautiful..." ［Iris］
"As expected... Erdea really is something, huh..." ［Grey］
From roses, daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, violets, lilies, and even some rainbow-colored flowers. There were hundreds of thousands, if not millions of flowers all throughout the field of colors. It was a sight which would surely leave one frozen in awe.
Sirius, veiled in illusion magic, quickly descended from the sky into a nearby empty plain. And to prevent anyone from panicking if they happen to see her, they quickly unsummoned her after thanking her for her service.
"Then, should we get going... too...?" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words. As he turned around to tell the other two that they should be heading to the city, he saw them crouching by the ground, observing the vast sea flowers and enjoying the fragrant breeze.
Well, not just flowers, there were also bees, butterflies, dragonflies, ladybugs, and all sorts of little critters all over the place, just as beautiful and colorful as the flowers, dancing in the air as if they were having the best times of their lives.
And off into the distance were snow-capped tall mountain ranges which served as a wonderful backdrop for the scenery. It was truly a sight to behold, one just couldn't help but stop in their tracks and admire the beauty of nature.
"Alright. Since we're here already, why don't we take a look around the place and take a couple pictures? How does that sound?" ［Grey］
"I'd love that! That's a wonderful idea, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"I-I think so as well, Elder Brother Grey!" ［Iris］
There was not a single hint of opposition from the two. The very moment Grey said his words, Yuna and Iris quickly agreed with eager and enthusiastic smiles on their faces. They were really excited no matter how one looked at it.
Well, it's not like Grey couldn't relate to it himself. He himself was also quite interested. He had seen many flowery meadows on the internet before, but not one of them could compare to the one before him. It was a treasure trove.
"Waah～! Iris, look! This rose is so beautiful!" ［Yuna］
"It really is! Its petals are sparkling like sapphire!" ［Iris］
"Right～? I wonder if we could grow them in our garden." ［Yuna］
Walking here and there, everyone explored the place and admired the various kinds of flowers they saw. From small dandelions to giant sunflowers, they saw all sorts of flowers in a full spectrum of colors.
"A natural blue rose, huh... How bizarre..." ［Grey］
Of course, some of these plants were straight up strange to Grey who was from Earth. Well, with the presence of magic plants, it was only to be expected. He was more shocked than he was still surprised, if anything.
"Grey～! Iris～! Over here! I found something interesting!" ［Yuna］
And speaking of magic plants, with whatever method she was using, Yuna managed to find one hidden within a gathering of tulips and lilies. It has only been a couple minutes yet she already found something so rare. As expected of an alchemist.
Though the magic plant had weak magical properties, if it was just aesthetics, it could contend as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world with its amber petals and golden veins coursing through it, creating subtle yet intricate patterns.
"Should we press this, then? We could also turn this into a flower pin?" ［Yuna］
"Can we do that?" ［Iris］
"Of course! We can do it together later if you want." ［Yuna］
"R-Really?! Then I would really love that!" ［Iris］
A beautiful flower at hand, Grey, Yuna, and Iris then continued exploring the flower fields together and picked more and more flowers as they went. Each one was very beautiful like jewels shining under the radiant sun.
Well, there weren't just flowers and insects, there were small critters as well roaming the flower fields and simply going about their day. There were rabbits, guinea pigs, and all sorts of small and adorable creatures.... Not as adorable as the familiars though...
"Cappella, come here. It's your turn." ［Yuna］
"Miss Vega, please stay still." ［Iris］
Familiars who were now receiving skillfully-made flower crowns from Yuna and Iris, one after another. They were already playing anyway, so it was much better to let them run around. The more the merrier, as they say.
However, if there was someone who stood out, it would be Grey. Rather than join in on the fun, he was out and about, exploring on his own. His eyes shifted left and right as he turned his head slowly, feeling a little surprised and excited.
'So they've already arrived here, huh...' ［Grey］
Thought Grey as he extended his hands out, tiny orbs of dim and colorful light landing gently on his palm. Well, rather than orbs, it would be more appropriate to call them small masses of luminous mist or sprites.
They were, of course, none other than spirits which were made after Grey activated the first device back at the Labyrinth of Flames. They looked just like he remembered them, bringing the sound of soft chimes as they drift along the air.
Grey had always wondered where they were after returning to Galderia, but it seems the effect of the activation spreads all over the world, spirits created one after another as it envelopes the whole world.
'What strange little guys...' ［Grey］
But perhaps what's most interesting about them was the fact that they don't have a physical body that one could grasp. Even when they looked like they were perched on Grey's palm, they were simply floating, bobbing ever so subtly.
Grey doesn't really know much about them other than they were made of aether and that they are the countermeasures for overspreading corruption. But finally seeing them after such a long time makes him happy.
It may look strange at first, but looking the picture in a bigger perspective, the spirits only served to make the flowery meadows much more beautiful, filling the place with more colors and life, little floating sprites bobbing up and down as they floated about.
"Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, nothing... I was just lost in thought, is all." ［Grey］
"Hmm... If you say so..." ［Yuna］
Oh, and another note. As it seems, Grey is the only one who can see them at the moment. If he interacts with them without much thought, he would surely look like some sort of crazy person in the eyes of others.
He wanted to avoid that at all costs, especially such a situation when it comes to Yuna. After all, what kind of boyfriend would want their girlfriend to think they were crazy? No that it was entirely wrong though. He is crazy about a certain somethingー or rather, a certain someone.
"Elder Sister Yuna! I think I found some magic plants!" ［Iris］
"Oh?! Where?!" ［Yuna］
"Elder Sister Yuna, over here～!" ［Iris］
Time passed some more and as petals and pollens danced freely in the air, the sun continued to climb up the sky. Noon was drawing near yet the wind stayed fresh and fragrant, the scent of flowers blending in harmony.
Several more minutes later, it was finally time to stop playing. Though it would be lovely to have a lunch picnic in the meadows, it was still best to find a place in the Erdea first before delving into such activities.
And as one would expect, with the Festival of Hearts approaching, there was a very, very long line from the city gates stretching all the way to a couple hundred meters. There a number of carriages, merchants and aristocrats entering one after another.
"Waah... The line is so long... I wonder when we'll get inside..." ［Iris］
"Right. This is your first time lining up, am I correct, Iris?" ［Grey］
"Yes! I've seen lines many times before, but this is the first time I have ever been in one. I didn't know it was this long." ［Iris］
Such was the life of a princess. Every time they head inside any town or city, they would always be inside a carriage. And with the royal crest embedded on it, entry was easy as ever, not needing to line up like anyone else.
Well, not that she was annoyed about it. Rather, she was very curious and excited as she lined up with Grey and Yuna. She had never expected such things before, and though it may be tiring for others, it was exhilarating for her, eyes sparkling brightly.
"Iris, be careful not to stray out of line. Things could get dangerous once the carriages start to move again." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! Sorry!" ［Iris］
"No worries. Just make sure to be careful." ［Yuna］
So excited, in fact, that Yuna needed to hold her hand to make sure she doesn't stray too far away from the line and get into trouble. It was very uncharacteristic for her to behave in such an excited way, but that gap only served to make her more adorable.
"Waah～! So large and colorful!" ［Yuna］
"So beautiful..." ［Iris］
"This really is something else, huh..." ［Grey］
They moved along and with every step they took, the city looked more and more impressive. The walls and gates themselves were unlike any other they have seen, dyed with colors dull and bright, murals and sculptures all over the place.
The city's very walls itself was like a massive piece of art made by hundreds upon hundreds of painters, sculptors, and all sorts of artists. A masterpiece made over the decades, getting more and more beautiful with the passage of time.
"Grey, could you make something like this in our house?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... It would be difficult, but... I don't think it's impossible." ［Grey］
"Really?! We should start painting when we get back!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. If that's what you want then sure. I am much obliged, Milady." ［Grey］
"Yaay～!" ［Yuna］
And bringing about their random whims, it was decided that Grey and Yuna would be painting the walls of their house as soon as they get back. They don't know what to paint over them yet, but it would surely be exciting.
The line moved and shifted, and before long, it was finally Grey and Yuna's turn to get inside the city. And now that she was in front of the gates did Iris feel nervous, trembling and panicking a little.
"Iris, calm down. You just need to follow suit." ［Grey］
"Y-Yes." ［Iris］
But with Grey and Yuna by her side, there was really no need to worry. The two went ahead first and showed the guards their alternate cards, and following them, Iris also took out hers and gave it to the guard.
Of course, it wasn't her usual card which shows her as a princess. It was yet another alternate card which the King issued for her to use in such circumstances. It was her first time using it, and needless to say, it was a little bit nervewracking.
"Alright. You can pass."
The guard soon gave his approval and the young princess' face shone brightly. She happily received her identification card back and hid it inside her sling bag. Though it may be a normal experience for others, it was a first for her. She was elated.
And with such a happy smile on her face, Grey and Yuna could only smile just as brightly. Grey patted the young princess' head, making her look at him with a hint of confusion on her face as she tilted her head.
"Let's head inside." ［Grey］
So head inside they did, and what welcomed them was a sight they have never seen before. The houses, the streets, the stalls, and even the people walking by the street's sidewalks, all were brilliant and colorful.
Just like the walls and gates from before, each and every house was unique and filled with personality, painted with the creativity of their owners. There were houses with butterflies, one with the sky, one with the mountains, and even abstract paintings with lines and shapes unfamiliar to them.
As for their reactions... Is there even a need to ask? Yuna and Iris' mouths were hanging wide open from awe and surprise, eyes swimming left and right in silence. As for Grey, he was a little immune as it was pretty common back on Earth. Still, it was a beautiful sight to behold.
"Haha. What are you two stuck in a daze for?" ［Grey］
"Eh? Ah? Yes?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. What I meant was... Let's go, let's explore the City of Colors!" ［Grey］
"A-Ah! Un! Let's have lots of fun!" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes!" ［Iris］
Excitement was brewing in the air, and not just excitement, there was also music dancing all around the place as people sang and laughed merrily. They had just arrived yet they were already welcomed so warmly. It was exhilarating.
CHAPTER 261 END