The city was wild and lively, all sorts of attraction to be seen left and bright, and as one would expect from the city of colors, they were all beautiful and colorful as well, with all shades of the rainbow present, dyeing the city with happiness.
The sun was already high in the sky, the third bell resounding ever so clearly, yet the city showed no sign of slowing down. Rather, things only got busier with time, people going back and forth as they go about their daily lives, busy as one can be.
"Dear customer, over here～! Are you looking for a place to stay?"
"Ah! Please be careful when unloading that. There's some fragile things inside."
"Ohh～! So this is Erdea!"
Of course, with the Festival of Hearts just around the corner, such business was only bound to grow more hectic and noisy. Time and time again, carriages entered the city and brought a lot of people with them, eyes sparkling as they were welcomed by such a wondrous sight.
Well, it wasn't just the tourists who were busy. With such a massive increase in the number of people in the city, business already started to boom, taking any and every opportunity they got as much as they could.
In fact, just by the city's entrance, a number of people would greet the tourists with brochures in their hands, letting them know of various locations and enticing them to try out their services. The city was bustling like never before.
"Elder Brother Grey, what are those things?" ［Iris］
"Oh, those? That's cotton candy. Is it your first time seeing one?" ［Grey］
"Yes... They look so fluffy..." ［Iris］
Of course, amongst those tourists were Grey, Yuna, and Iris who were taking their sweet time and looking around the city. They were still near the entrance yet they a
Ready saw all sorts of things, excitement in the air.
And as one would expect, not just their houses and clothing, their food was also quite colorful and brilliant. In fact it was the first time Grey had seen cotton candy after four years. It was quite interesting to say the very least.
"Hmm... Should we try out some then?" ［Grey］
"C-Can we?" ［Iris］
"Hahaha. Of course we can. And... It's also been some time since I've had some, so I'm quite curious," ［Grey］
"Eh? Are they delicious, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Well, we'll see soon enough." ［Grey］
Not a single trace of opposition from the others, everyone then headed to the cotton candy stand nearby and lined up before the other customers. And like before, Iris' eyes were sparkling at the thought of experiencing a new experience.
They moved slowly but surely, step by step, and before long, the cotton candy maker machine was in view. Grey took a quick look and was surprised how similar it was as compared to Earth's design with the only difference being the use of magic circuits instead of electricity. It was amazing.
But enough about the machine, it was finally everyone's turn. After they paid the man their a couple nickel coins, the latter then spun the wheel and created more and more cotton candies which were not only colorful, but sprinkled with sugary shapes.
"Here you go."
"Thank you very much." ［Grey］
Each one of the cotton candy was a work of art. Not only were there cute designs made of sugar, the cotton candy themselves were spun to mix the colors of the spun candy. Plus, they also looked so fluffy. They were perfect!
Yuna rook the blue and white spiral with sugar stars sprinkled over it, while Iris got the pink one with dashes of white, rainbow sprinkles as a topping. As for Grey, it was just plain yellow which looked like honey. All were wonderful.
"Mmn～! So sweet! And it just melts in your tongue, too!" ［Yuna］
"So fluffy... It's like I'm eating clouds." ［Iris］
It was just like Grey had remembered. It was sweet and tasty, melting at the slightest contact with moisture. Yet funnily enough, for some reason, it was very fluffy. It didn't even feel like he ate anything. They were simply too soft.
Eating it again made him relive some of his childhood memories, feeling the festivities in the air as he listened to the bustling city. The times when he would simply buy them by the roadside whenever he had spare change left. Such nostalgia...
"Eh... It's done already...?" ［Yuna］
Sadly for Grey, he had no time to dwell in the past. As he saw before him, rather than using her hands. Yuna simply ate the thing like she would a skewer, biting it directly. And as one would expect, the cotton candy was gone in only just a couple of bites.
"Yuna... You're supposed to pinch and eat it by hand, you know?" ［Grey］
"E-Eh? Was I...?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, just look at the others. They're pinching it in small bits." ［Grey］
Grey said and Yuna's eyes swam around. It was only then that she realized her way of eating was simply plain strange. She got a little panicky, cheeks painted a subtle red as embarrassment showed on her face.
Well, Grey couldn't really blame her seeing the cotton candy was held up using a stick. She may be a genius, but there are simply times she would act silly. A slight chuckle resounded in the air as he once again realized how cute his girlfriend was.
"Haha, you really are hopeless. Here, you can have mine, instead." ［Grey］
"Eh...? But... What about you?" ［Yuna］
"You don't need to worry about me, silly. I've already eaten tons of them in the past. And... What's a cotton candy compared to seeing my girlfriend smile?" ［Grey］
Grey said with confidence and a nonchalant expression on his face. He was acting as natural as ever, but the same couldn't be said in Yuna's eyes. As he said those lines, he looked a lot cooler and bright, her heart struck by cupid once again.
Now, Yuna's face was even a much redder heart racing wildly from Grey's words. She was wholly silent as she enjoyed the cotton candy her beloved gave her, unable to look him in the eyes. She was falling deeper and deeper in the abyss called love.
As for Iris, well, she was still too absorbed about her first time eating cotton candy that Grey and Yuna's whole conversation simply entered one ear and exited the other. A lucky little miscalculation.
"Then, since it's already noon, we should probably find ourselves a place to dine in. We can't be going around in an empty stomach, afterー" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words. As she turned around, in the corner of his eyes was a familiar figure standing proud. He was a stubby man with a bald head and a large mustache on his face, currently talking to another merchant.
"Then, can I expect the delivery tomorrow? We're quite in a tight spot, you see,.."
"Hohoho! You can leave it to me. I will make sure to not disappoint." ［Beklaim］
"Haha. Thanks, that really saves us a lot of trouble."
"No problem! It's what we merchants do, after all!" ［Beklaim］
It was none other than Beklaim who still had the same loud and cheerful voice. If there was something that changed, it was that he looked a little more rounder than before. He was a figure who was hard to miss.
Before long, the other merchant finally left and Beklaim was left on his own. He was tending to his carriage, checking the goods and seeing if the carriage was still in good condition. Just as one would expect from a merchant, he was quite meticulous.
"8 crates of pots... Check... 12 crates of utensils... Check... 5 crates oー" ［Beklaim］
"Mister Beklaim, long time no see!" ［Grey］
"A-Ah! Oh, dear me! That surprised me. Long time no... see.. as..." ［Beklaim］
Lots and lots of marks filling his head, Beklaim slowly turned around to see who was greeting him. But as soon as he did, the question marks quickly vanished and turned into exclamation marks. Big, red ones at that.
"Y-Your Highー Mnphh!" ［Beklaim］
Greeted by a great surprise, Beklaim was about to greet Grey and Yuna in a loud voice, but before he could even finish his words, Grey managed to stop him by a hair's breadth, panic painted on his face. He didn't want a repeat of before.
"Mister Beklaim, we're keeping our identities a secret. It would really be a great help if we get to go unnoticed for now." ［Grey］
"A-Ah... Sorry about that, Your Highness... It seems me and my loud mouth have almost troubled you yet again." ［Beklaim］
"No, it's alright. As long as you understand." ［Grey］
The crisis was averted before it could even start. As Beklaim nodded his head, Grey then released his hands and then erected a sound-isolating barrier with a flick of his just for assurance, letting them have more room to breathe in.
With relief in the air, Grey and Yuna once again greeted Beklaim with bright smiles on their faces. But perhaps even more brighter was Beklaim's expressions. It was so bright, it was practically blinding. He was a big fan of them, after all.
"I didn't expect to see you here, Your Highnesses. Are you going to participate in the Festival of Colors as well?" ［Beklaim］
"Ah, yeah. It only happens once every nine years, after all. It would be a great shame if we were to miss it." ［Grey］
"And we also heard it's one of the most beautiful festivals there is! Just thinking how it will go makes my heart go wild. We're so excited!" ［Yuna］
"Hohoho! You need not to day more, Your Highness. The previous festival was also very lively and beautiful. And I dare say it's the grandest celebration there is. I'm sure it won't disappoint." ［Beklaim］
"Fufufu! Now, I'm looking forward to it even more!" ［Yuna］
There were giggles and laughter as everyone shared how excited they were for the upcoming festival. But as such fun was about, a young princess stayed silent, only watching them as she enjoyed her cotton candy.
"Oh! That reminds me, who must this young lady be?" ［Beklaim］
"Ah, right. I suppose we should introduce you to each other..." ［Grey］
Well, she wasn't left out for too long. He may be having a lot of fun, but Beklaim was very keen about everything. He didn't want to leave out the young lady, but rather, wanted to include her as well, excited at the thought of a new acquaintance.
"Iris, this is Mister Beklaim. Mister Beklaim, this is Iris." ［Grey］
"Good day, Mister Beklaim. I am Iris. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Iris］
"Hohoho! What a well-mannered young lady. The pleasure is mine." ［Beklaim］
Iris bowed her head slightly and so did Beklaim after her. The latter was quite good with children so he knew full well how to handle Iris, not scaring her even with his loud voice. Rather, his cheerful personality makes them more comfortable.
Seeing him, Iris was made to wonder just how different people are. Though the man before him was just as merry as her father, he seemed much more reliable. They had just met, but she could already tell he was a hardworking man. How she wished her father could also be the same.
"Oh, right! That reminds me, I still have some candies here with me. Would you like some, Little Iris?" ［Beklaim］
"Would that be okay?" ［Iris］
"Of course! But, ah! Make sure not to accept any candies from just any stranger, okay? It could be dangerous. You need to be extra careful." ［Beklaim］
Or so he says, but he's doing exactly what he warned Iris against. Well... Technically, one could say that they're already acquainted, but that still doesn't remove the fact that they just met a couple moments ago. A strange situation, indeed.
Iris happily accepted the candy from Beklaim and as soon as she tried it, a bright expression bloomed on her face, her smile reaching from ear to ear as she touched her cheeks, it was super delicious!
"Bur still, Iris... You have the same name as our Kingdom's only princess. What a strange coincidence. Hohoho!" ［Beklaim］
"Hahaha... Strange indeed..." ［Grey］
Grey could only give a wry laugh at Beklaim's comment. After all, it wasn't just a mere coincidence. Iris really is the very princess he was talking about. Thankfully, normal people don't normally see royalty so he hasn't connected the dots yet.
It wasn't that they didn't trust Beklaim. It was that he was a rather chatty person. He might suddenly slip up one day and do a repeat of the incident from before. They wanted to avoid such a thing from happening at all costs.
"Oh, right. Your Highnesses, have you had lunch yet?" ［Beklaim］
"Ah, we haven't. We were about to find an eatery or a restaurant, but we bumped into you, so we decided to say hi first." ［Grey］
"Oh! That's perfect then! I know just the place!" ［Beklaim］
There was no time to waste. With the sun already at its zenith, everyone then quickly followed Beklaim to his recommended place. They chatted and laughed as they walked, only stopping as soon as they arrived at their destination.
The place was nothing too fancy nor was it too big, just a simple inn. But it is quite well known throughout the city to serve reasonably-priced yet delicious dishes. Not to mention their very good customer service. It was one of a kind.
Beklaim had just arrived in Erdea a little over a week ago, and by chance, as he was strolling about, managed to find such a wonderful place. And now, he's absolutely in love with it. Well, who wouldn't be? After all...
"Waah～! This is so delicious! The flavors just melt in my mouth!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna's right. The spices are quite strong, but it's not overwhelming. Rather, it's quite pleasant if anything. This is amazing!" ［Grey］
"Hohoho! Didn't I say so?" ［Beklaim］
... The food was out of this world. Though the palate was quite different to the ones served in Alfrione, it was something anyone would enjoy. Iris was so moved, she couldn't even speak. Her first experience eating in an inn was super amazing!
Well, it wasn't just the food. As it was the city of colors, there were also flowers all around the place to serve as decoration and to make the air smell pleasant. They both considered beauty and purpose. It was a first-class inn!
"Thank you for the recommendation, Mister Beklaim. The food was amazing. We really enjoyed it a lot." ［Grey］
"Hohoho! Anytime, anytime!... But well, I'll need to be going now. See you again next time, Your Highnesses." ［Beklaim］
"Yeah, see you next time." ［Grey］
"Bye, Mister Beklaim～!" ［Yuna］
The fun time was over, and with the sun starting to sink down the horizon, it was finally time for everyone to part ways. Beklaim still has some merchant business to take care of, and so does everyone else.
Well, rather than business, it was more like a not-so-simple greeting. Though Grey and Yuna would usually find an inn during their travels, now that Iris was with them, things are a littleー no, a whole lot different.
The King had already contacted the Mayor, and so, it has already been decided where they will be staying. It would be the Royal residences reserved for when members of Royal Families from the continent visits. The best and most burdensome accommodation there is.
"Then, shall we also get going?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's go!" ［Yuna］
"L-Let's go!" ［Iris］
Yuna punched her fists in the air, and as if mimicking her, Iris soon followed suit. They then walked towards the city side by side, eyes still swimming left and right as they continued to admire the city in all its glory.
Of course, Yuna once again held Iris' hands, afraid of her getting separated from them. She is already 11 years old and is more than capable of carrying herself, but there was no harm in being more careful. Seems like Grey's overprotectiveness has rubbed on her.
Hundreds upon hundreds steps later and they finally arrived at the center of the city, and what greeted them was a very, emphasis on very, very large manor. One which housed several mansions and was just a tad bit smaller than a castle.
Of course, with it being the heart of the city, it was very colorful and artistic as well, the gates and fences painted with all sorts of subtle yet beautiful designs. The gates were just as wonderful. A gate of happiness.
"Excuse me, this is the Mayor's manor, correct?" ［Grey］
"Yes. What business do you have with us, Sir?"
"Well... I guess it's much easier to just show you." ［Grey］
Grey didn't say any more words after that. He simply waved his hand and appeared before them was a beautiful envelope with a certain seal imprinted upon it. A seal the guards were ever so familiar with. It was an invitation.
"We have confirmed the invitation. Welcome to the City of Erdea, oh esteemed guests. We hope you enjoy your stay."
"Yeah, thanks. Keep up the good work." ［Grey］
A quick inspection later and everyone was then allowed entry, the guards politely bowing their heads as they greeted them. Soon, the gates were opened in unison and they then passed through it, excitement traced on their faces.
And it was just as expected. With just a beautiful outside, the inside of the manor was even more so. The gardens, the paved paths, the buildings, the lampposts, and even the little accessories here and there. The attention to detail was insane.
The mansions weren't ordinary either. As they would be used to house different Royal Families, they are built and designed to represent each of their countries. Each one was a different style yet just as beautiful.
"Whoa... This sure is something, huh..." ［Grey］
"So this is what Mother and Father were talking about... So pretty..." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! They really put a lot of effort into this, didn't they?" ［Yuna］
Their feet continued to walk and their eyes continued to swim left and and right along their turning heads. They admired and admired, and admired some more, still unable to believe their eyes even with all the things they have already seen.
Clack Clack Clack
"O-Oh?" ［Conrad］
And as they admired the place as much as they could, the sound of heavy, metal boots echoed in the air. Before long, a familiar middle-aged figure appeared before them. A person they once saved during the bandit attacks. It was Conrad!
It took Conrad a couple moments to process who he just saw before them, but as soon as he did, his lips quickly arched into a smile, glowing brighter and brighter as he approached everyone with such a friendly expression on his face.
"Your Highnesses! It's been so long. I'm very happy to see you again. When did you arrive at Erdea?" ［Conrad］
"Oh, we just not too long ago." ［Grey］
"I see... And seeing that you have Her Highness, Princess Iris, with you, did His Majesty assign you an escort mission?" ［Conrad］
"Well... I guess you could say that..." ［Grey］
No, it was not that at all. In the first place, it wasn't even a quest, they were simply forced on it. And rather than an escort, it would be more like babysitting, if anything. Not that they really minded it though. Spending time with Iris is fun.
And as they exchanged words with one another, Conrad also bowed his head to formally greet Iris. She may be tame and polite, but she was still the Princess Royal of Alfirone. Even if it's only for formality's sake, showing respect is a must.
Political things aside, everyone engaged in small talk as they walked along the path to the mansion. And Conrad, who was once leaving before, was now, for some reason, escorting them towards the mansion for Alfrionian guests. It was a long talk.
"Oh! Look at me... It seems I talked about quite a lot of things. I hope you didn't mind it, Your Highnesses." ［Conrad］
"No, not at all. It was rather enjoyable." ［Grey］
"Un! It's fun talking with you, Sir Conrad." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I'm very glad to hear that." ［Conrad］
The talk has stopped and they have finally arrived at the door. It was grand and massive, a lot of details embedded on it. And for some reason, as they arrived, Conrad suddenly straightened his posture and fixed his clothing.
"This may be a bit late to say now... But I hope you enjoy your stay here, Your Highnesses." ［Conrad］
Conrad's voice rang in the air and a creak soon followed as the doors opened. As soon as it did, a wonderful sight was unveiled before them. The grand scale of the mansion was a sight to behold, full of style and delicacy.
Luxurious, golden chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, a beautifully weaved carpet on the ground, and grandiose decorations by the walls, with two massive staircases centered in the hall. The hall was practically shining.
"Right... What did I even expect..." ［Grey］
"Isn't this a little bit too much...?" ［Yuna］
It wasn't just a little bit, it was straight up wasteful. With all the super luxurious things displayed all over the place, they couldn't even feel a shred of joy nor comfort. Their eyes were all lifeless as they heaved some lengthy sighs.
They have even stepped foot inside, yet their heads were already aching... What a day...
CHAPTER 262 END