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Fresh air danced and wafted throughout the forest. The high mountains stood proud as they basked under the sun as the tree branches swayed by the whims of the wind. A lovely day was once again upon the world as the sun reached its Zenith.
In such a lovely forest, surrounded by trees and flowers, blades of grass waving ever so subtly, a number of figures could be seen sitting around. A light colored blanket was covered over the grass as they enjoyed a lovely meal together.
"Mmn... I've noticed this before, but you sure do eat well, huh, Iris..." ［Yuna］
"Ermm... Is that bad...?" ［Iris］
"No, not at all. Rather, it's good that you're not a picky eater. Here, eat some more veggies so that you grow up big and strong." ［Yuna］
"Elder Sister Yuna... I'm not a child anymore..." ［Iris］
Of course, along with their lovely meal was a joyous talk filled with bright smiles and gentle laughter. And like any other day, Grey and Yuna doted on Iris as if they were their own little sister, feeding her like a little chipmunk.
Well, it isn't just Iris. Be it Eliza, Zeke, Elnart, Galvin, or any other child, they treat them all the same like they were family. It's also the reason they are so attached to them, following them little ducklings following their mother duck.
"Hahaha. You say that but you disliked vegetables, you know? I still remember how you refused to eat tomatoes and broccoli back then." ［Grey］
"Th-That's all in the past! And I eat all my greens now! Geez!" ［Yuna］
"Really now. You can't even handle bitter ones yet." ［Grey］
"Uuu... That's because they taste horrible... They're also hard to wash away. The taste always stays in your mouth." ［Yuna］
And what meal would be complete without a sprinkle of discourse and teasing? They relived their past long ago when they had just met, Grey chuckling to himself as he remembered the different faces Yuna made when eating greens.
Thankfully, Grey's cooking skills were enough to overcome the difficulty of eating them. Just a taste of his stir-fried vegetables, and Yuna ate them with great delight. Though in exchange, Yuna has become quite a bit of a glutton. Well, Grey still loves her all the same.
Their lunch continued and a little bit of rowdiness occurred as the familiars played with one another. They stumbled and fell, soon rolling around as they tackled each other. Vega and Kentaurus once again started to cuddle Procyon, much to the latter's annoyance.
"Hm?" ［Iris］
Just as all the excitement unfolded, Iris spotted in the corner of her eyes, a little rabbit looking at her with black and innocent eyes. It was sniffing ever so adorably, standing silently as it looked at everyone with curious looks.
They were such adorable eyes that one couldn't simply help but fall in love with how small and cute they were. Especially when its fur was dyed a pink color. It stood out like a flower swaying alone in a grassy meadow.
"My, would you like to pet the rabbit, Iris?" ［Yuna］
"E-Eh, ermm... That's... That's not it..." ［Iris］
"No need to hold back now. Right now, you're not a princess, you're just 'Iris'. You can have fun all you want." ［Yuna］
"Mmn... I want to fluff the rabbit..." ［Iris］
She was a little reluctant and headstrong at first, but with a little bit of talking from Yuna, she finally let loose. After all, there isn't anyone around to judge them. It's simply them and them alone, having fun as much as they could.
"Here, hold this celery in your hand. You just need to reach out slowly. Don't move too fast, you might startle the rabbit otherwise." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes..." ［Iris］
Following Yuna's words, Iris extended her hands out, a piece of celery in her grasp. She waited and waited and some, and soon, the little pink rabbit started moving, hopping along with its little legs and approaching them with little caution.
The rabbit hopped and some more, and before long, it was already before Iris. It had a little sniff before biting down on the celery, munching with its puffing cheeks, its eyes shining subtly as it basked under the sun.
"E-Elder Sister Yuna...! I-It's eating! It's eating the celery!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! We know, we know. And here's another celery. It's almost finished with the first one." ［Yuna］
"Yes! Thank you!" ［Iris］
One, two, three. As time passed, more and more rabbits came out of hiding and they soon approached everyone, hopping and stumbling along. Iris' eyes sparkled with such a lovely sheen, a bright and wondrous smile reaching from ear to ear.
Well, it wasn't just Iris. Grey and Yuna also fed the animals with all sorts of fruits and vegetables. And soon enough, even squirrels, chipmunks, and all sorts of little critters joined in on the fun, surrounding them with fluff and cuteness.
'Hahaha. This sure is something, isn't it?' ［Grey］
It really was a sight to behold. With animals around them, the green nature as their background, and the bright smiles on their faces. If they were to start singing, they would be one of those Disn*y princess Grey often saw in movies.
"Master, Mistress, no fair! Let's join in on the fun!" ［Vega］
"Second Sister, please don't be so childish." ［Rigel］
"Ehh?! I just wanted to be pet too!" ［Vega］
"Now, now, everyone. There's no need to fight. Come over here." ［Yuna］
There was a little bit of jealousy but such was easily resolved. Just a little bit of patting and belly rubbing, and the familiars' mood were on cloud nine. The little critters may be cute, but the familiars will always stay on top, the cutest there is.
The sun finally started to climb down, and the forest winds blew even gentler. They soon packed up and cleaned after themselves, happily smiling as they waved their goodbyes to the little critters they had just befriended.
Before long, everyone finally started moving again, Iris once again riding on Grey's back. They had just finished another quest before lunch, and now, they are one their last two. They are both a distance away, but it was no problem for them.
"Iris, are you feeling alright? Are we going too fast?" ［Grey］
"No, I'm all fine, Elder Brother Grey. If anything, I quite like the fresh breeze. It feels cool and amazing." ［Iris］
"Alright, if you say so. Just tell me if you start feeling any discomfort." ［Grey］
"Yes. I'll bear that in mind." ［Iris］
The journey continued, and after dashing through a couple mountains and skipping over a number of rivers, they finally arrived at their next destination. Unlike the foresty mountains from before, it is now a prairie, green grass as far as the eyes can see.
They were still high up on the mountains, but the view was entirely different. It was much flatter, with only a couple boulders dotted around the place. With such an open scenery, the fresh, cool breeze was even more evident, the scent of the grass and the soil wafting through the plateau.
"Oh, there are quite a lot of them, aren't there?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! And they look so fluffy too." ［Yuna］
As for the quest, they are simply tasked to collect wool from the rainbow sheep living in the prairie. Rainbow sheep which greeted them with delight the very moment they landed. It truly was an astonishing sight to see.
Well, they're called rainbow sheep, but the colors of their wool was all one and the same, the color of deep and enticing violet all over the place. They were still beautiful, but there isn't much to be called a rainbow.
Rather, the name comes from them changing the color of their wool depending on the season. It just so happens now that violet is the fad. Even then, their wool is still of the best qualities there is, sought out by many consumers.
And there is no need to hunt the sheep. All one needs to do is collect the wool they shed every so often, They are quite the tame animals too. It was a shame their food only grows in the plateau, otherwise they would have been domesticated.
"Then, shall we start our quest?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah! Elder Brother Grey, please wait a moment!" ［Iris］
"Hm? Is something wrong?" ［Grey］
"N... No... That's not it... Should I go hide...?" ［Iris］
To Iris' words, both Grey and Yuna were a little confused, tilting their heads ever so slightly. But the moment they finally figured out what the panicked princess meant, they couldn't help but break a smile, chuckling and giggling all the while.
"Hahaha. Don't worry, we won't be hunting them. We just need to collect the wool they shed and that's it. Easy-peasy." ［Grey］
"E-Eh? That's all there is...? But isn't this the most difficult one?" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! That's because it's hard to get here. Otherwise, it would have been pretty easy. So, don't worry too much, you silly girl. Just have fun, okay?" ［Yuna］
Said Yuna, ending her statement as she tapped one of her fingers on her forehead, a bright smile flashing on her face. And she was totally right. The rainbow sheep are really docile, after all. It isn't even dangerous.
In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that the grass they eat only grows in high places, they would have been domesticated early. Not only are their wool beautiful, they're also soft, glossy, easy to clean, comfortable, and don't shrink easily. A top-quality material.
And so, the material collection started, everyone zooming here and there as they picked up the pieces of wool which shimmered like amethyst. With such a contrasting color, they stood out like a sore thumb, making the quest a walk in the park.
Even the familiars, with their currently small body, didn't simply laze around and also picked up the wool from the ground. Canopus who is especially competitive gathered the most out of everyone, eyes burning with determination.
"Waah～! They're so fluffy! Even fluffier than our beds!" ［Iris］
"Right～? I bet stuffed toys made from these would be amazing." ［Yuna］
"Stuffed toys... It must feel amazing..." ［Iris］
"Would you like one Iris? We could ask Missus Marianne to make you one once we get back. Though it might take a little bit of time." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! That's more than fine by me! Thank you, Elder Sister Yuna!" ［Iris］
There was only excitement and happiness in the air as the sun continued to descend down the horizon. The sheep, who seemed to not care in the slightest about what was happening continued to graze down the green grass.
They were so indifferent, in fact, that they didn't even mind it when Achernar, who was being chased by Vega, bumped into them, making the little furball bounce back from the fluffiness of their wool. Quite the ridiculous spectacle it was.
"Oh! Achernar! Do that again!" ［Vega］
"Nooo...! You do it, Second Sister!" ［Achernar］
"Okay～! I'll be going then～!" ［Vega］
And so she did. Without a hint of hesitation in her eyes, Vega suddenly pounced on one of the sheep, and as the fluffy wool repelled her lightweight body, she was flung up to the air, only to land again and be flung up once more. It was like a trampoline.
"Oh! That looks like fun!" ［Kentaurus］
"Hey! Count me in!" ［Canopus］
Before long, everyone joined in on the fun. Even those who didn't were practically dragged in by the others, the familiars bouncing up and down the sheep who still didn't have an ounce of care plastered on their faces.
And brought to them by their own curiosity, Yuna also approached one of the sheep, and suddenly, she let herself fall in, her body swallowed by the fluffy wool as she sank deeper and deeper, swallowed by warmth and comfort.
"Oh! This feels amazing! Iris, Grey, try it too!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Yuna... Just what are you up to again..." ［Grey］
"E-Elder Sister Yuna, is it really that amazing?" ［Iris］
"Un! It's soft and fluffy! It feels like heaven!" ［Yuna］
No, it wasn't just like heaven, it was even above that. Their wools were so soft, it feels like they are melting away from reality, sinking into a world of warmth and comfort. Not even beds in the royal castle could compare.
Strangely enough, even though the sheep has been grazing around and no one's been faking care of them, their wool was still super clean, not a hint of dirt or dust to be seen. It was truly magical.
"Grey... I'm just wondering..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? What is it?" ［Grey］
"These sheep... Do you think they are delicious too?" ［Yuna］
Of course, it was also worth noting that Yuna also considered the sheep's culinary potential, eyes sparkling brightly as she asked Grey, traced with anticipation and expectations. Her mouth was already watering thinking how delicious their mutton was.
And sensing such menacing intentions, for the first time, the sheep who were unfazed by their disturbance and the whistling winds finally felt a shiver run down their spines. They could feel danger drawing near, and so, panic brewed in their hearts.
"Ah! Wait! Why are you running away～?!" ［Yuna］
They weren't just running, they were running for their dear lives, a strong sense of urgency and terror brewing in their hearts. They ran so fast you wouldn't even think they were sheep. It was quite a spectacle to behold.
"Aww... The sheep ran away..." ［Iris］
"Yuna, look at what you did. You scared them all away..." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I was just asking..." ［Yuna］
Asking with the intention of eating their meat, that is. Well, no matter what they'll do, the sheep have already run far away, and it seems like they aren't stopping anytime soon. The fluffy heaven they enjoyed was short-lived. It was a shame.
However, on the plus side, as they ran away, they also shed a lot of wool. There was violet wool all over the place, gleaming brightly over the green grass. A few moments later and their quest was completed with flying colors, with a couple more bags than they will ever need.
"Alright, let's continue with our quests, shall we?" ［Grey］
There was no time to waste. With their rainbow sheep wool collection complete, it was time to head to their last and final quest. It is the farthest one there is, and would also take several hours of travel into the densest forest there is.
Well, several hours of travel for normal people that is. To Grey and Yuna, it only took them several minutes, and for a change of pace, Yuna was now the one carrying Iris on her back. As for Grey...
"Master! Go faster! Faster!" ［Vega］
"W-Waah! Vega, don't be too rowdy...!" ［Capella］
"Vega, behave a little, will you?! I almost fell!" ［Kentaurus］
... Well, he has different passengers this time around. With Iris now piggy-backing on Yuna, a certain lively familiar suddenly thought to take her place, and now, everyone is riding on him, acting like spoiled children piggybacking on their father.
With their speed and light, they didn't even need to ride on him. They only wanted to be spoiled, enjoying their time as best they could, rowdy as one can be. Yuna and Iris could only chuckle all the while.
The very moment they arrived, a stunning array of green and brown greeted them. There were tall trees all over the place, stretching out to dozens of meters, a dense canopy looming at the top and a lit forest floor, which only serves to make one feel tiny. A place of wonders.
"We're searching for amania mushrooms, right?" ［Iris］
"Yeah, that's right. When you dry and ground them, they would be good for stomach aches and the like so they're always in high demand." ［Grey］
"I see... They seem very useful." ［Iris］
"Un, they are! And when you cook them, they say they taste like pork with a tinge of lemon. We should also collect some for dinner later." ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! I'll do my best!" ［Iris］
Determination set ablaze in her heart, Iris then started turning her head left and right, looking for the so-said mushrooms. They have a simple drawing so she knew what they looked like, but no matter how hard she searched, she just couldn't find any.
"They're... not here...?" ［Iris］
"Hahaha. That's because you're searching in the wrong place if you want to look for them... You need to search a little higher." ［Grey］
"E-Eh...?" ［Iris］
Grey didn't even finish his words. He simply smiled and pointed upwards, making the latter follow suit. And it wasn't just "a little", the mushrooms of brown and white grew near the canopies where sunlight could reach them.
They simply are strange mushrooms which need sunlight to grow. Strangeness which only made them hard for others to harvest. But if one could taste them, it's more than worth all the effort. They're just too delicious.
"Then, shall we, Princess?" ［Grey］
But such heights were nothing to the likes of Grey and Yuna. Even when he had Iris sitting on his shoulders, it only took Grey a single leap to reach the top, a sea of green greeting them as far as the eyes could see.
A flick of his finger and the winds were his to command, hovering over the forest as if it was the most natural thing to do. As for Yuna, she simply used plant magic to make platforms for herself to stand on. Lastly, the familiars simply flew.
"Iris, I'm going to harvest them. Look closely, alright?" ［Grey］
"Yes!" ［Iris］
"Hahaha. You sure are enthusiastic, aren't you?" ［Grey］
Chuckling all the while, Grey soon taught Iris how to harvest the mushrooms safely. Just a little bit of twisting left and right, and they easily came off. They only needed to be a little careful not to be too rough, else, spores will scatter here and there. It could be painful to the eyes.
"There, did you get it? Should I do it again?" ［Grey］
"No need, but thank you very much, Elder Brother Grey. I think I can do it by myself now." ［Iris］
"Hahaha. Good, then let's make sure we collect more than Yuna." ［Grey］
"Oh? What's this? Is that a challenge, perhaps?" ［Yuna］
"Maybe, maybe not. I wonder." ［Grey］
A little bit of teasing later, they finally started collecting the mushrooms. Iris was especially excited, foraging the mushrooms earnestly with a cheerful smile on her face. A smile which grew brighter with every mushroom she picked.
Unlike the herbs from before, there's no need to hold back. After all, the mushrooms are simply the fruiting bodies, the mycelium running underneath is the real body. They could forage to their hearts' contents.
And forage, they did. They got a few baskets of amania mushrooms, and also a number of goodies they found along the way. They were all satisfied, happily looking forward to dinner.
"Alright, that should be enough." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! What dish should we make with them?" ［Yuna］
"Mmn... Wouldn't anything be fine? Why don't we splurge for today?" ［Grey］
"Really?! Yaay～! Did you hear that, Iris? Iris...?" ［Yuna］
Yuna asked, but there was no response. As they looked at the direction of the young princess, all they saw was a frozen figure, gazing into the distance, the amber sunset reflected beautifully in her eyes.
"Fufufu! You sure do love sunsets, don't you, Iris?" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah! Y-Yes?! Yes...?" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! No need to panic so much. We just want to tell you we're going home. Or, should we stay a little bit and watch the sunset?" ［Yuna］
"Ah, no... It's okay. Let's go home." ［Iris］
A soft voice drifted in the air, the young princess' eyes slowly shifting away from the sunset. Even then, there was no sadness to be seen in her face, only happiness as her lips curled up into a smile.
"Looks like someone's excited for dinner." ［Grey］
"E-Eh? Was I that obvious...?" ［Iris］
"A little bit, yeah... So, what would you like for dinner?" ［Grey］
"You better decide fast, Iris. Grey said we could splurge tonight." ［Yuna］
"Th-Then, in that case! I would like...." ［Iris］
CHAPTER 271 END