Trees, vines, and boulders as far as the eyes can see. The wind whispered and danced, soft rustles drifting in the air as they swayed the leaves and grass. The refreshing scent of greens wafting through the forest.
Each step they took, they ascended through the ever so majestic mountains, twigs and pebbles rolling off the steep slopes, panting breaths pulsing regularly. A familiar figure then stopped her steps, bending over as she gasped for air.
"Iris, you don't need to force yourself. Let's take a rest, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Uuu... Sorry for dragging you down..." ［Iris］
"Fufufu, don't be. We're here to have fun, remember? We can rest whenever we want. The quest comes second." ［Yuna］
"Okay... And thank you." ［Iris］
Those figures were none other than Grey, Yuna, and Iris who were on their way on their first quest which asked them to collect Ruruna herbs. And as luck would have it, they have to trek a mountain to reach the location of the herbs. It has been more than an hour since.
And in that considerable span of time, surprisingly, even though she clearly lacked the stamina, Iris managed to hold on and climb the mountain even though it was quite the taxing task. Even then, will is not enough to compensate for her weakness.
Right now, the young princess finally stopped, sitting atop a large boulder to rest herself. Before long, Grey gave her a fresh and cold glass of water. A quick sip and she could feel her fatigue simply washing away.
⟨⟨Dry⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, they couldn't simply let the princess be drenched in sweat. With a simple flick of his finger, Grey immediately dried Iris and her attire, a cool breeze enveloping her body. The young princess is fresh and tidy once again.
"A-Ah! Thank you, Elder Brother Grey!" ［Iris］
"Sure, but are you sure you're fine? I could cast a couple of recovery spells if you're hurting somewhere. Just say the word." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, no. I'm fine, really. I just need a little bit of rest." ［Iris］
It was good that Iris was fine, but at the rate they are going, it would take them quite a lot of time to reach their destination. It's good that Iris is having fun, but they'll really be going home late if they spend any more time loitering around.
Thankfully, it wasn't like the problem was hopeless, rather, it was quite simple. With just a little bit of thinking, Grey easily thought of a simple solution. He had already done it for Eliza before. Doing the same for Iris wouldn't hurt, though he's thinking of doing it a little differently.
"Alright, let's get going." ［Grey］
"Eh? Grey? Iris still needs to rest. Let's take it easy." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Sorry, that's not it... What I meant was..." ［Grey］
Grey didn't even finish his sentence. He approached Iris, and without any warning, he suddenly held her by the back and the back of her knees, making her scream a short "kyaa!". Before they noticed it, Iris was already in Grey's arm. Princess carry style.
"E-Elder Brother Grey?! W-What is this?!" ［Iris］
"With this, you don't have to walk, right? We could head towards the location while I carry you. That way, you can continue to rest." ［Grey］
"T-That's right! B-But! Why is it this way?! Why a princess carry?!" ［Iris］
"Hm? Because you're a princess...? Are there any other reasons?" ［Grey］
It was as simple as that. Though Grey wasn't entirely wrong with his logic, they still couldn't help but be a little bit baffled about Grey's reasoning. Even Iris who was previously flustered was now speechless, a short sigh escaping her mouth.
Thankfully, through their persistent pleas, they managed to convince Grey to change his decision. Though he would still be carrying Iris, it would now be a piggyback ride rather than a princess carry. Quite the huge improvement.
"Iris, just tell me if you feel uncomfortable, alright? You just need to tug my jacket. And remember to hold tightly." ［Grey］
"Y-Yes! I will make sure to do so!" ［Iris］
"Alright. Then... Let's go!" ［Grey］
There was no need to waste any more time. As soon as Iris got a tight hold of Iris, Grey and Yuna quickly sped up and zoomed through the mountain. Of course, they didn't go all out, otherwise, they might scare the princess. Just quick enough.
And even though she was a little scared at first, after a couple moments, Iris quickly calmed down, and her eyes started to sparkle. The experience of such a high-speed piggyback ride was a novel one for her. Excitement was blooming in her heart.
When they were still in the capital, Iris had heard a number of stories from Eliza, and amongst them was her piggyback experience with Grey. She had always wondered how it felt, but now that she had experienced it for herself, she finally understood why Eliza loved it so much. She was happy.
'Mmnghh...' ［Yuna］
But a certain silver-haired elf felt a little conflicted. She was happy for Iris, but even then, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous of Iris, pouting albeit subtly and cutely as she puffed her cheeks, watching the two from behind.
Moreover, she knew that it really doesn't mean anything to the two. She feels so guilty for getting jealous over such a petty reason, especially when she considers Iris one of her little sister figures. A confusion mix of emotions brewed in her heart, her eyes boring a hole though Grey's head.
「Yuna, don't pout so much. I'll spoil you all you want later, alright?」 ［Grey］
「E-Eh?! Who's pouting?!」 ［Yuna］
And just when she was in the pit of chaos, a gentle and familiar voice suddenly rang inside her head. She was so surprised, she ended up acting a little tsundere, denying her sulking. Actions which only made her look cuter.
「Hahaha. I wonder who～.」 ［Grey］
「Grey! You meanie! You're teasing me again!」 ［Yuna］
「Hahaha. That's because my girlfriend is just so cute. But oh well, there's no need to act so prickly. You can just say it if you don't want to be spoiled..」 ［Grey］
「No, that! It's not like I don't want to be spoiled...」 ［Yuna］
It was as easy as that. Yuna may be able to hold out against him in a battle, but when it comes to teasing and the likes, Grey is usually the one who comes out on top. Now, the young elf is soft and quiet, red blushing profusely.
"Hm? Elder Sister Yuna, are you okay? You look quite feverish,.." ［Iris］
"A-Ah, that's! It's probably because of the lighting! Un, the lighting!" ［Yuna］
"Really? Are you sure you're fine?" ［Iris］
"Un! Really! So you don't really have to worry about me. Let's just look forward to our quest, okay? I'm sure there're beautiful sights at the top!" ［Yuna］
It was a close call, but Yuna managed to dodge the topic with shifty eyes and flushed cheeks, Grey chuckling to himself. And so, they continued their trek, leaping from boulder to boulder and running easily through the steep slopes.
The distance which took them more than an hour to travel was easily bridged within just a couple of minutes, wonderful sights and the fresh forest breeze greeting them as they headed higher, the soft chirping of small critters drifting in the air.
Before long, they finally arrived at their destination, a field of white flowers greeting them extravagantly, blooming by the mountain side and under the canopy. The bright and abundant sunlight accentuated their magnificent bloom, dandelions drifting slowly as they were carried by the wind.
"Ah! Look! Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey, what kind of birds are those? They look so beautiful!" ［Iris］
"Oh my. Aren't those Peachbirds? What do you think, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Yeah, they are. They're Erdean Peachbirds. And... They seem a little smaller than the ones in Haltea Great Forest, don't they?" ［Grey］
Well, there weren't just flowers and a bountiful fauna, there were also small birds and critters to be found all over the place. So much so that rather than being amazed by the flowers, their attention was quickly taken by the small birds flying about.
Soon enough, Grey let down Iris and she then slowly strolled towards the field of flowers, crouching as they watched them bloom up close. A gentle smile was afloat on her face as she satisfied her curiosity like a little child.
"Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey, are these the ones we need to collect? The... Umm... Ruruna herbs, am I correct?" ［Iris］
"Close, but not quite. These are just normal lilies, you see." ［Yuna］
"Fweeh?! These aren't ruruna herbs?! But they look so similar!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! In that case, you just need to look at the leaves. Unlike lilies, ruruna herbs have three-pronged leaves. You just need to look closely." ［Yuna］
And as one would expect from our herds and alchemy maniac, Yuna quickly started teaching Iris about herbs, telling her tips and tricks to easily spot the ruruna herbs from a patch of lilies. It was as easy as one, two, three.
Meanwhile, Grey looked around to see if there were any dangers nearby, and luckily, there weren't any monsters in the nearby vicinity. If there was anything noteworthy, it would be the adventurers a couple hundred meters away also doing collection quests. The mountains were a hotspot for them.
"A-Ah! Elder Sister Yuna! I-I think I found one!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! Good for you. Now, only 19 left and the quest is complete." ［Yuna］
"Yes! I'll do my best." ［Iris］
Before they knew it, Yuna and Iris were already off to start their gathering quest. Iris gathered the ones she could identify after a careful inspection, and Yuna picked them left and right with lightning speed hands, identifying them in an instant.
Of course, as one already expected, the quest didn't just stop when they reached the quota. Yuna simply kept quiet and continued collecting all herbs she could see, not just ruruna herbs. Her hoarder side has shown herself once again.
"Yuna, I know you love herbs, but make sure you don't take too much. They're going to get wiped out at that rate." ［Grey］
"I-I'm not going to overcollect! You can trust me!" ［Yuna］
"Really?" ［Grey］
"Really!... Probably..." ［Yuna］
It wasn't reassuring at all. Both of them knew full well just how much of a menace Yuna becomes once she gets into the mood for collecting resources. Not a single herb, fruit, animal, or monster would be safe once she rampages.
Even the person herself is terrified of what she can do, knowing she can clear an entire forest if she ever wanted to. It has happened before after all. The memory of Grey scolding her is still fresh in her mind.
"Haah... Alright, I'll leave it up to you. But just remember this... If you ever go overboard, I'll cut your sugar allowance in half." ［Grey］
"Grey! That's too cruel! Half is too much!" ［Yuna］
"Well, you know what they say, drastic problems need drastic measures." ［Grey］
Grey wouldn't budge on the topic. Though he knows how much Yuna treasures her monthly allowance of sugar, he had no other choice but to use that very weakness. Otherwise, only God know how far she'll go once she goes ham,
After all, if Yuna suddenly goes all out and wipes the whole mountain of resources, it would trouble everyone in Erdea and things might get out of hand. It was something he wanted to avoid at all costs. A drastic measure indeed for the now crestfallen elf.
"Don't be too sad now. To make up for it, I'll give you all the herbs I'll collect and find you some rare ones with my appraisal." ［Grey］
"Really...? No takesy-backsies, okay? Promise me!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah, I promise. So you can cheer up now." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! You're really the best, Grey!" ［Yuna］
Thankfully, cheering Yuna up was as easy as taking candy from a baby. All Grey needed to do was give her a simple promise and now, she is up on cloud nine, a bright smile on her face as she hummed to herself.
'This makes it thirteen. Just seven more! Seven more!' ［Iris］
And all the while their flirting unfolded, Iris overheard everything, her cheeks a little red from embarrassment. She simply pretended not to notice, gathering ruruna herbs as she melted into the air. She is one now with the forest.
The gathering continued and more herbs were picked. Though it was strange seeing a princess crouching by the grass to pick some herbs, the person herself had a lot of fun experiencing new things even when her hands got dirty. She was smiling so merrily.
Fun which only increased when Grey and Yuna let the familiars join in on the fun. They soon helped around and picked herbs which caught their eyes. Before long, a mountain of rare and precious materials appeared before them.
"Ah! Elder Brother Grey! I found the same flower from the garden the other day! Should I collect it?" ［Iris］
"Wait a minute. Don't touch it recklessly and wait for me." ［Grey］
"O-Okay! I won't move a muscle!" ［Iris］
Of course, even when they're having a lot of fun, they still prioritized their safety. Iris didn't simply pick any herb she saw. She first tells the others and asks them for help. She was a smart and well-behaved child one just couldn't help but be proud of.
The collecting continued, and soon enough, they gathered quite the hefty amount. Heck, the familiars even managed to defeat a bunch of ogres from god-knows-where and brought their drops back. They feed on corruption, after all.
Of course, Grey also kept his promise to Yuna and gave her the rarest, most valuable herbs he could find in the vicinity. It was a ton of magic plants which only served to make the latter beam a bright smile. So bright, it was blinding.
"With this, our quest is done. Good job, everyone." ［Grey］
"Ehh～? Can't we collect some more? I want to collect more!" ［Vega］
"Master, I found some kobolds a few kilometers away! Let's hunt them!" ［Canopus］
"Fufufu! Now, now, everyone, let's not be too rowdy, shall we?" ［Yuna］
Everyone had different reactions the moment they heard Grey's words. Some were happy, some were disappointed, and some were straight up enthusiastic. It was like having a whole ten children at once.
But perhaps the most unique reaction among them was Iris'. She was now trembling ever so subtly, tugging on the end of her skirt as she bit her lips. She was deathly silent, eyes showing swirls which clearly meant panic.
"Is something wrong, Iris? You're shaking..." ［Yuna］
"It's... Uhh... Umm... T... T..." ［Iris］
"T...?" ［Yuna］
"... Toilet... Please..." ［Iris］
"Ah..." ［Yuna］
All eyes were on her, and her cheeks were flushed red. As embarrassment brewed within, the princess couldn't really care less as only one urgent thing was on her mind. She couldn't hold back any longer, tears forming on the corner of her eyes.
High-Rankers could control their bodies so well that they could simply do such whenever it's convenient without feeling discomfort. They had totally forgotten that normal people needed toilet breaks in between. It totally slipped their mind.
Of course, Grey didn't waste any more time and opened up the "Sanctuary". The moment he did, the princess quickly hurried inside, Yuna accompanying her if she ever needed comfort. It was embarrassing, after all. Especially for a princess.
"Everyone, can you remind us next time to consider bathroom breaks? I feel like it might slip our minds again." ［Grey］
"As you wish, Master." ［Sirius］
"You can count on us, Master!" ［Procyon］
Their silly conversation aside, Yuna and Iris soon returned from their little break. The young princess' face is now bright red from embarrassment. Thankfully, everyone was there to cheer her up and things quickly returned to normal.
And so that such things won't repeat again, they decided to take breaks every two hours for Iris' sake. And though she was a little shy, she wasn't entirely against the idea. It was for her own good, after all.
"Alright Iris, hop in. Let's go to our next destination." ［Grey］
"Yes! I'll be in your care once again." ［Iris］
Shortly after, it was time to depart once again. They quickly zoomed throughout the place, the familiars following them from behind. And since they were still in their wolf dub form, they looked so cute dashing at extreme speed with their little legs.
Fortunately, the next quest location wasn't too far away from the first one, and only took them to reach it. With Grey and Yuna's speed, a couple minutes was more than enough. They quickly arrived at their destination.
Just like the previous one, the current location was also a wonderful present from mother nature. Though the sight varied quite well, with less open areas and more trees, it was still beautiful over all, calm shades shielding them from the sun's rays.
"Amazing... There are so many fruit trees... Are these all edible?" ［Iris］
"I think so tooー Ah! Iris, you like apples, right? I think I spotted some over there. I'll go get them for you." ［Yuna］
"Ah, you don't have to, Elder Sister Yuna." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! It's fine～. I also wanted to taste some anyway." ［Yuna］
There was no stopping her. As soon as they arrived, Yuna quickly skipped some high jumps like an excited rabbit and hopped over to where the apple trees were. With a little bit of ice magic, she cut off the fruits, making them fall towards the ground.
However, with reflexes as fast as hers, the apples didn't even have time to reach the ground. With hands as fast as lightning, Yuna easily caught them one after another, returning back with a handful of apples with her.
"Here, Iris, have one." ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, thank youー Waah! It's cold!" ［Iris］
Of course, she didn't just give them to Iris as is. Other than cleaning them up quickly with magic, she also chilled them so that they become cool. After all, nothing beats a cold, sweet treat. It's simply the best refreshment there is.
"You too, Grey, everyone." ［Yuna］
"Thank you, Mistress." ［Achernar］
"Oh, these are quite sweet." ［Grey］
Just like before, they had yet another unplanned break, enjoying the cool and sweet apples under the shade of the light canopy, the fresh air embracing them gently. The peace and quiet of the mountains were a sight to behold.
Well, they didn't simply just laze around. After eating their apples, they quickly went around and searched for blue orchids, their current quest item. They are flowers which grow on branches high up in the trees.
And since Iris wouldn't be able to reach it, Grey decided by himself to shoulder carry Iris so that she could reach them. And for super high places, he could simply use a little bit of wind magic and use it to fly. It wasn't too difficult for him.
"Amazing! We're really flying!" ［Iris］
"Hahaha. We are, we are, but be careful. You'll fall over if you're too energetic. That would really hurt, you know?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes! I'll keep that in mind!" ［Iris］
Iris is a well-behaved child, but there was still the need to remind her. With how uncharacteristically energetic she is right now, she really might fall over. Well, Grey could simply catch her if something of the sort were to happen.
Meanwhile, Yuna and the familiars were also on their own, collecting any herb and plant they could. Yuna was simply moving about at breakneck speeds, while the familiars grew small, flappy wings. Now, they're winged wolf pups!
"Then, Iris, where should we go next?" ［Grey］
"How about that tree, Elder Brother Grey? I see a lot of orchids there." ［Iris］
"Alright. Let's go to that tree then." ［Grey］
Iris requested and Grey followed. At the direction Iris was pointing at, soon starting their collection with Iris trying her best. Hardworking efforts which are truly reflected in the warm eyes of a certain silver-haired elf.
'Fufufu! How adorable...' ［Yuna］
She was still a little jealous, but seeing them act so friendly, such jealousy was easily buried by warmth and happiness. She could only giggle to herself as she observed the spectacle from a distance away, a bright smile painted on her face.
'I wonder... Would Grey also be like that to our children...' ［Yuna］
Such thoughts entered her mind as she continued to watch them. Seeing Grey act like such, she could only imagine what their future would be like, thinking of their future kids riding the shoulders of their father. She couldn't help but be happy.
Happiness which was soon replaced with embarrassment the moment she realized just what kind of things she was thinking of. Her face quickly burned up, a red color eyeing her face all the way to her ears as her heart thumped madly.
'Uuu... It's still too early for that...' ［Yuna］
It was super effective, and she even did it to herself. Now, her face is completely beet red and feverish, crouching on the ground from embarrassment, wanting to simply dig a hole and hide away. She got too excited once again.
"M-M-Mistress, are you alright?! Y-Your e-ears look red!" ［Capella］
"Emergency! Call the Master!" ［Procyon］
"Master! Mistress feels feverish!" ［Kentaurus］
"E-Everyone, please stop!" ［Yuna］
Well, not as excited as the familiars, that is...
CHAPTER 270 END