Strap Strap Tap Clack Clack
A subtle series of sounds echoed in the room, a single lady sitting by the bedside. She was humming happily to the tune of the wind, tilting her head left and right as she tied and strapped her boots, tapping it on the floor soon after as she checked.
She then twirled around and checked her attire if there was anything wrong. A bright smile then bloomed on her face, full of satisfaction as she patted her dress. Her eyes then sparkled brightly as she looked in a certain direction.
There, a certain young man stood in silence, cupping his chin with his fingers as he was in deep thought. Concentration which was quickly broken when a young elf approached him upfront, eyes filled with curiosity.
"Hm? Is there something on my face?" ［Grey］
"No, it's just... Can you lift both your arms, please?" ［Yuna］
"My arms...? Sure, I guess..." ［Grey］
Confusion traced on his face, Grey slowly lifted his arms as Yuna had requested. As soon as he did, the young lady then tilted her head lift and right, tugging on his jacket for no apparent reason, making the latter even more confused.
"Hmm... Lift your arms a little higher, please." ［Yuna］
"A little higher.. Sureー Woah!" ［Grey］
Grey couldn't even finish his words, when he was suddenly cut off by Yuna's sudden actions. The very moment Grey lifted his arms, she quickly charged towards him and gave him an embrace from up front, a bright smile blooming in her place.
There wasn't anything wrong with Grey's clothing nor was she actually curious in the first place. It was all a farce, Grey dancing in the palm of the young lady's hands. The very same young lady who was now burying her face in her beloved's chest.
"Yuna... You just wanted to hug me, didn't you?" ［Grey］
"Hehehe! I wonder～!" ［Yuna］
It was still early in the morning yet Yuna's playful side was already up and about. With no one in the room other than them, she could play as much as she could and cling to Grey until she's satisfied. She wouldn't pass up on such a chance.
Well, it wasn't that Yuna didn't have any real reasons. After all, for the next several hours, they would be with the others. The next time they'll be alone would be by night time. She wants to savor their time together as much as she can.
Though... The same couldn't be said for Grey. He was already having a hard time keeping himself under control, and now, Yuna decided to become more flirty than usual. A hell for the especially sensitive Grey at the moment.
"Hehe! Grey, you're blushing～!" ［Yuna］
There was no way he wouldn't be blushing. Even now, when Yuna is smiling brightly, all Grey could focus on was her soft and plump lips, wanting to attack her in broad daylight. He felt like a shameless wild beast.
It's still their second day in Erdea yet he was already faced with such difficulties. He could only think about how difficult things would be in the upcoming month, praying to God that he'll be able to control himself.
Knock Knock Knock
And just as the final string was about to stop, fortune graced him with an answer. A resonant series of knocks came ringing from the other side of the door, soft and shy just like the one who was knocking.
Of course, it was none other than their lovely young princess, Iris, ready to go out for the day. The moment the knocks resound, Yuna loosened up her embrace, quickly fixing her character soon after. It was a close call.
"Good morning, Iris～!" ［Yuna］
"Morning, Iris." ［Grey］
"Good morning as well, Elder Brother Grey, Elder Sister Yuna!" ［Iris］
A creak soon echoed in the room and the doors were opened. A lovely princess was then unveiled before them, wearing light and comfortable clothing unlike her usual fit, and ready to head out for the day.
"Fufufu! Looks like someone's super excited." ［Yuna］
"Is it obvious...? Do I look strange...?" ［Iris］
Asked the young princess with a hint of concern on her face. Though she had visited countless other cities before, it was the first time she could do so without constraints of being a Royal. She was all new to it.
"Fufufu! No, no, not at all. Rather, our Iris looks so cute and beautiful! You look pretty as a doll! A very beautiful doll!" ［Yuna］
"E-Elder Sister Yuna is pretty too! I-I really mean it!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! Thank you～!" ［Yuna］
Compliments were thrown here and there, and Yuna couldn't stop giggling to herself. Iris was just far too pure and honest, she sounded so adorable as she tried to convey how sincere her words are, cheeks painted a rosy tint, just a tiny bit flustered.
And as the ladies were busy complimenting one another, a certain figure appeared in Grey's visionー Well, not his real vision, but in his "Heaven's Eye". That figure is by the mansion's entrance, pacing back and forth whilst mumbling to himself.
"Ladies, let's save the chitchat for later, alright? Our guide is here." ［Grey］
His words ringing in the air, everyone then left the room one after another. They didn't dilly-dally any longer and headed straight towards the entrance, a bright and familiar figure greeting them along with the morning sun.
"Oh, Boss! Good morning!" ［Garret］
"Ah, yeah... Morning, Garret..." ［Grey］
Of course, the guide was none other than Garret who, during dinner, enthusiastically volunteered himself to tour everyone around the city. A bright smile was now painted on his face as he greeted everyone with eagerness and excitement.
Though, not everyone was as excited as he was. Especially Grey, his face was filled with dread as he received the greeting. Though he has nothing against Garret, being called "Boss" was simply too much. He could only smile wryly.
As for why it came to that... Well, it's quite the long story, but long story short, it was all because of Garret's persistence. Ever since Grey beat him, he looked up to him even more and now, he simply calls him boss as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"Ah! Lady boss, good morning too! And, of course, you as well, Your Highness. I hope you had a pleasant start to your day." ［Garret］
"A wonderful morning as well, Lord Garret." ［Iris］
"Good morning, Garret. The weather is quite nice, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Yes, I totally agree. Perfect for sightseeing." ［Garret］
Well, it wasn't only Grey who received a strange form of address, Yuna also wasn't spared from Garret's antics, and now, he is calling her "Lady Boss" for some reason. His eyes were filled with reverence and respect for her.
Only Iris was spared of the antics. Now, he is formally addressing her with "Your Highness" as one properly should. Not that it stops him from acting very casually in front of her. His words may be formal, but his actions begged to differ.
"Then, now that we're on the topic, should we get going now, everyone?" ［Garret］
"Un! We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］
"It is my greatest pleasure." ［Garret］
There was no time to waste. With everyone now done and ready, led by Garret, they all then headed out of the gates and into the open city. The hustle and bustle greeting them at their very first steps, lively as one can be.
They could have taken the carriage, but what good would a carriage be? If one is talking about sightseeing, it is best to experience the whole thing whilst walking, feeling the wind caress through your skin and listening to the cacophony of business.
And so they did. Everyone happily explored the city, walking with a certain direction in mind, but their heads turned left and right with each and every step. They've already seen the city yesterday, but now was a completely different experience, even more lively and colorful than before.
"Mister, can you give me five of those, please?"
"Ohh! That's a great decision! I'm sure you won't regret buying from our store!"
"Should I get the blue one...? No, the red one looks nice too..."
The very moment they stepped foot into the central market, a pandemonium of noises rang throughout the air. Some were whispering while some were shouting. Everyone was different, with lively expressions all over their faces.
Of course, as one would expect, many of the products sold there were fine works of art. Though food stalls and material shops were still present, souvenir and flower shops were much more prominent, dotted all over the place.
"Everyone, this might be a bit random, but... when you hear of Erdea, what is the first thing you would think of?" ［Garret］
Just as they explored, Garret suddenly asked, putting everyone into deep thought. It was a sudden question, but everyone carefully thought of an answer. Neither Grey and Yuna were really keen on history, but they at least knew a thing or two.
"Umm... Wouldn't it be the 'City of Colors'...?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That is right, we are often called that, but that is just simply a more recent nickname. Here, in Erdea, we call our home..." ［Garret］
"The 'City of Peace', am I correct?" ［Iris］
"That's right. That is the original name of our city." ［Garret］
Said Garret with a tinge of pride blooming in his heart. He is now totally different from before, acting more proper and dignified as he toured everyone around. There was a gentle smile on his face as he looked up, soon halting his steps.
"And speaking of peace... Here we are... The most prominent landmark in the City of Peace. The Obelisk of Covenant!" ［Garret］
It didn't take too long before everyone arrived at their first destination. Before them appeared a grand, black obelisk easily measuring more than 30 meters in height and widths of a couple meters. A monument which stood out like a sore thumb.
But it wasn't as simple as it seemed. If one were to look closely, finely written texts were engraved all throughout the giant obelisk, various symbols and images running from top to bottom. Texts so fine, it would take more than a day or two just to read through all of it.
"Waah... So amazing... It's shining like a giant piece of obsidian..." ［Yuna］
"I've heard a lot of things about this before, but this is my first time seeing it... It's even more beautiful than I imagined..." ［Iris］
"This must have taken months to make." ［Grey］
"No. Rather than months, years would be more appropriate." ［Garret］
Everyone reacted differently as they gazed upon the obelisk, but one thing was for sure, they all had some sort of admiration brewing in their hearts. Grey had seen a number of historical monuments before, but it was his first time seeing one so refined. He was in awe beyond words.
"Hmm... The obelisk feels... How do I say this... Umm... Strange...?" ［Iris］
Even then, Iris couldn't help but notice some peculiarities about the obelisk. It looks simple at first glance, but upon touching it, she could feel a strange sensation, both cold and warm running through her fingers.
"Ah! Sorry, I didn't mean it in a bad way! It's just..." ［Iris］
"Hahaha. It's alright, Your Highness, I always hear that all the time." ［Garret］
"Eh...? All the time?" ［Iris］
"Yes... After all, this obelisk is one of a kind." ［Garret］
Garret ended his statement with a bright smile on his face. Though it could simply be taken on surface level, Garret's words were much more than that. It was then that Grey finally understood the meaning of Garret's previous words.
"I see... So it's all an array, this obeliskー no. This whole city, that is." ［Grey］
Hearing Grey's words, Garret was a little taken aback. Throughout al, the years he's been in Eardea, it was the first time he heard someone get such a quick grasp about the situation. Grey was right on the mark.
Though the obelisk was an intricate piece of art, Grey found it strange why Garret said it took the people years to complete it. It was only then that he realized it wasn't just the obelisk the latter was talking about. It was the whole city.
The engraving on the obelisk were not simple texts but runes, which not only ran up and down throughout the obelisk, but under the bricks laid down the city as well, all the way to the walls. If it weren't for the subtle mana signatures, Grey would never have found out. The most intricate piece there is.
"Amazing... I never thought you would understand it so quickly, Boss... Are you an enchanter as well?" ［Garret］
"Yeah, it's a little hobby of mine, and Yuna too. But rather than that, could I ask about something else?" ［Grey］
"Sure, Boss. I'll answer it to the best of my abilities!" ［Garret］
"Then... Why the sudden formality? It's a little... Erm... Strange...?" ［Grey］
It wasn't just Grey, both Yuna and Iris were also interested about Garret's sudden change. Though he used all sorts of fancy words and gestures yesterday, when he returned to his casual self. It was a little off-putting.
"Ah, that... I've actually been inspired by tour guiding a couple years ago. And since I will be touring everyone today, I thought I'd put my experience to good use. What do you think, boss?" ［Garret］
"It's a little unexpected, but it suits you, I guess..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Thanks a lot, Boss. My parents also said the same thing!" ［Garret］
"Oh? They must have been quite proud of you then." ［Yuna］
"Not at all! They actually scolded me a lot. But there was one time Father said it also suits me. He's happy, he said it with a loud voice and such a big smile." ［Garret］
Garret was smiling brightly but everyone could only imagine how different it was. The Mayor was probably being sarcastic and shouting, clearly frustrated. They all thought the same thing but didn't say it out loud. They simply let him be.
Well, the Mayor's reaction was only natural. Though guiding tourists was a good thing, Garret would always skip all his tasks just to do so, saying things like "I was born to be a tour guide", much to his parent's worries and frustration.
"But enough about me. It's time for a quick lesson about the Obelisk." ［Garret］
And so, Garret gave a quick rundown about the history of the Obelisk and Erdea as a whole. A history which all started during the continental warring era which more than 200 years ago, lasting several decades.
The time was fierce and countries were destroyed one after another. As the years passed, several millions lives were claimed and the era of turmoil brewed deep. It was only then that a miracle was born in this very place.
As they gazed upon the beautiful fields where flowers bloomed under the sun, they all realized their mistakes and how much they have soiled the world. Tears fell towards the ground as their weapons fell towards the ground.
First, it started with the soldiers who battled in the fields, but like wildfire, it spread to the upper ranks until even the Rulers understood the hell that they created with their own hands. War soon stopped when all was almost lost.
But it was not far too late. As tragic as it may be, the previous monarchs of the lands agreed to stop the war and seek peace with one another. They erased all the hatred in their hearts and started anew, building the continent with each other's help.
And it was in the very spot of where the obelisk stood that the first conference was held. A conference where treaties were signed and alliances were formed. Contracts which would last until the present day.
"And to honor the covenant, Erdea was built." ［Garret］
The city grew and prospered, and before long, the Obelisk of Covenant which took several years to make was finally planted down the ground and a grand celebration was held. It was the first Festival of Hearts where all Royal Families attended.
The obelisk is the heart and center of the array which grants protection and warmth to the people. It is the very symbol of peace and happiness after the warring era ended. To Erdea, it was their very origin and their pride.
And to this day, Erdea remained an independent city-state to honor the agreement between the previous Monarchs. And in honor of the nine countries which lasted the war, the Festival of Hearts is held every nine years. The grandest celebration there is.
"Amazing... I didn't think there was that much history about the obelisk." ［Yuna］
"Surprising, right, Lady Boss? Though nowadays, it's used more as a tourist spot rather than a sacred place." ［Garret］
"Fufufu! It's still beautiful, nonetheless. A national treasure, as they say." ［Yuna］
"Elder Sister Yuna is right. I'm sure that no matter how much time passes, this Obelisk will continue to stand proud and tell the stories to the next generation." ［Iris］
"Hahaha. Hearing that makes me happy." ［Garret］
Garret had toured countless tourists before, but it was the first time he received such words. He only wanted to show them the pride of their city, but never thought he'd receive such compliments. He was happy.
"Oh! I almost broke character there. Should we continue the tour?" ［Garret］
"Yes, we'd love that." ［Grey］
And continue the tour, they did. With one of the most important monuments now visited, they then went ahead of the city and looked through the stalls and stores laid out by the street sides, all very different from other cities.
"Here we have Old Man Joel's sweets shop and to the right is the Lavender Garden, a restaurant famous for its jam and cream bread." ［Garret］
But perhaps even more astonishing was the fact that Garret memorized all the shops there to see, who owned them, and what their specialties were. Each of his words were on point, a very calm and friendly expression on his face.
Garret had previously said that he's been a tour guide for a couple of months, but they never thought he was so thorough and amazing with his job. He was more than outstanding, beating even those with several years of experience.
"Young Lord, please try our new products!"
"Oh! Young Lord, you arrived just in time! We made a new type of jam. Please tell us what you think about it!"
"Young Lord, how have you been?"
Surprisingly, Garret was also very popular with the city folk. Every time someone sees him, they always shower him with presents and give him some snacks to eat, Garret accepting them as if it was the most natural thing to do.
Him being such a troublemaker, everyone initially thought he had a lot of enemies in the City, but who would have thought it was actually the opposite. He was very loved, not a single trace of hatred from the citizens. They were all sincere and happy.
"Boss, Lady Boss, Your Highness, please have some as well." ［Garret］
"Oh? Is that alright?" ［Grey］
"Of course! I wouldn't be able to finish all of this anyway." ［Garret］
"Alright. Then we'll take you up on your offer." ［Grey］
One after another, everyone took a couple pieces of treats from Garret's arms and they snacked down on them with bright smiling faces. All the treats were delicious, just as one would expect from reputable stores.
Of course, for their future consumption, Grey and Yuna also bought a number of the treats they fancied and stored them in their "Inventory". And needless to say, all the store owners they brought from were very shocked by their purchase.
As for Iris, she simply bought what she could eat. She has a normal appetite, after all. The excess she bought we put inside Grey's "Inventory" as time stopped there. He'll simply give them back to her whenever she asks for it,
"If we look to the right, we couldー" ［Garret］
"Well, well, well, looks who we have here～." ［???］
But just as everything went smoothly, a couple figures suddenly appeared in front of them. They all wore torn jackets and carried wooden bats on their person, earrings hanging in their ears as they displayed their irritable smirks.
They haven't even gotten to know each other yet, but they could already smell trouble brewing in the air. Garret's eyes were fixed on them, an unwavering gaze as he looked at them straight to the eyes.
"What's with that stare, you bastard...?! Are you looking for a fight?"
"Hehehe! You couldn't even speak. Don't tell me you're scared?"
"Ahh... I really want to punch that arrogant face of yours."
The rowdy bunch of thugs drew closer and like a comedic much of lowlives, they spit out cliché lines one after another. Their steps only stopped when they were a couple steps away, large grins plastered on their faces.
"Long time no see, you bastard." ［???］
CHAPTER 265 END