The smell of barbecue wafted through the air as the sun's rays graced the ever so colorful city. Music and excitement bobbed up and down, a stream of people laughing left and right, the city bustling and hustling even more than usual.
The streets which were already colorful had gotten even brighter and beautiful, a myriad of bandanas hanging off the strings as banners fluttered in the air. More and more festive trinkets chimed ever so softly as the breeze danced past them.
"Iris, Violet, which would suit Grey better? This one or this one?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... I think the left one is better...?" ［Iris］
"Eh?! Shouldn't it be the right one? I think it would suit Older Brother Grey's coolness! It matches the color of his eyes, too!" ［Violet］
In such a busy crowd, three familiar figures went about with large smiles on their beautiful faces, now stopping by a small stall to buy beautiful souvenirs for everyone. Yuna had already chosen everyone else's, and now, only her beloved is left.
It has been a day since she and Grey went to find the Scarletheart Chrysanthemum, and for reasons unknown to her, Grey had gone on a solo quest again, adamant that she doesn't join him. He left so quickly, Yuna couldn't even say goodbye.
It was quite disheartening, but thankfully, Iris and Violet were there with her. With so much free time in their hands, they decided to go about the place, explore as much as they could, and simply enjoy the experience as much as they can.
"Okay, let's just buy both of them!" ［Yuna］
Though, ever since they started their little exploration, they always reached the same conclusion, buying all choices when they can't decide. It wasn't the first one, in fact, Yuna had bought so much, she already lost track of how much she bought.
Yuna quickly grabbed some coins from her storage ring, paid the stall owner, and received her souvenirs with such a bright smile on her face. At this point, with how many she bought, one would think she's making a collection of every souvenir available in Erdea.
"Okay, let's go to another one～!" ［Yuna］
"Yes～!" ［Violet］
Their momentum didn't stop. After buying some items from the stall, they went to another one and brought some more. There were simply too many beautiful things to see all over the city, they couldn't help but keep on buying.
Especially Yuna. Just thinking about how everyone would react once she gave them their souvenirs, she could already feel so much happiness and excitement, her ears flapping up and down with glee. She was so happy, she has yet to realize she is already going overboard.
"Oh, right, Iris, aren't you going to buy some souvenirs for your family too?" ［Yuna］
"Souvenirs.... I wonder if they would be happy if I did..." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! You worry too much, Iris. I'm sure they'll likeー No, I'm sure they'll love them! His Majesty might even make it a national treasure, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Mmn... I think making it a national treasure is going too far..." ［Iris］
Or so she says, but with the King's personality as it is, it was very much a possibility. Especially with the doting princes along his side. There's no telling what such idiots would do, one could only imagine.
Iris didn't even have to think so long to reach such a conclusion. She knew full well just how much her father and brothers pamper her that she felt a little conflicted. It really makes one wonder how they were related.
"Then, I'm going to buy some as well..." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! That's a good girl! Here, I'll help you." ［Yuna］
"Me too! I'm going to buy some for my family too!" ［Violet］
Now, not just Yuna, but even Iris and Violet joined in on the fun. They all looked throughout the displays, a few items catching their fancy. There were accessories, handicrafts, and figurines of all sorts. It was an artwork extravaganza!
It was a short time, but throughout their quests, Iris had been receiving a fair share of the rewards. She was reluctant at first, but after a little bit of convincing by Grey and Yuna, she gracefully accepted it with much gratitude.
Now, the princess was especially excited. It was the first time she's buying things with the money she worked hard for, and so, she couldn't help but break a beaming smile. She clutched her precious money pouch as she chose which items she wanted to buy.
"Mister, I would like to buy these please." ［Iris］
"Oh! Great choice, Miss! That would be 32 kiels."
"32 kiels... Please wait a moment..." ［Iris］
Adorable as one can be, Iris reached out to her money pouch and counted the coins she had. Relief immediately streamed in her heart as soon as she realized she had enough money, getting four nickel coins and handing it to the stall owner.
"Here you go, Mister." ［Iris］
"Hohoho, thank you very much, Miss. And... here's your change."
"A-Ah, thank you very much!" ［Iris］
Like a curious little kitten, Iris watched the merchant count the copper coins for her change. Soon enough, a bright smile bloomed on her face as she received it, great joy flooding her happy little heart. A successful first purchase!
After which, she then put her money back in her money pouch, carefully as she could like a little child who just spent her first allowance. She was so adorable that even the merchant couldn't help but watch her with warm eyes, a light chuckle resounding in the air. She was just too precious.
"Mister, here you go, I'll buy all of these as well." ［Yuna］
"Me too～! I'll get these and these, oh and these ones here too." ［Violet］
"Oh! Thank you very much!"
After Iris, it was now Yuna and Violet's turn to buy some souvenirs, and needless to say, they got nothing less than Iris. So much so that Yuna bought a whole mountain of them, thus surprising the merchant. A good and welcome surprise that is.
With so many things on their person, they then went on ahead with whatever they were doing, going around where their feet took them, and having a "few" snacks here and there. They ate them with such delightful faces, one would think they were eating in a 5-star restaurant.
Of course, they didn't just limit themselves on the stalls in the street sides, they also went inside shops and took a look at whatever they were offering, finding a couple "specialties" they'll never find in other places, some strange as one can be.
"Hey, let's go to the carnival! I heard there are many new games this time around!"
"Oh, really?! Let's hurry up then!"
"Hey, you're running too fast! Wait for me!"
The cheerful noises of the crowd echoed in the air, successfully catching everyone's attention. As the children played around and ran towards the direction of the carnival, wearing gleeful smiles on their lovely faces.
"Fufufu! Let's go to the carnival too, shall we?" ［Yuna］
""Yes!"" ［Iris and Violet］
There was no need for an argument. As soon as Yuna suggested it, both the princess and the young lady agreed with great delight. They happily headed towards the carnival, holding one another's hands as they walked side by side.
Waaahhhh!! Whooooo!! Ooohhhhh!!
They have yet to arrive yet loud noises already boomed here and there, screams of joy and excitement brewing in the air. The closer they drew, the livelier the atmosphere became, and the carnival did not disappoint.
As soon as they arrived, a field of colors greeted their eyes. Balloons, banners, and a myriad of decorations could be seen everywhere. There were clowns, dancers, and all kinds of entertainers parading all over the place. Heck, there were even large and strange animals around.
There was also a carnival back during the Founding Festival last year, but even that couldn't compare to what they saw before them. Everything hasn't even been set up yet yet there was already so much to see. An exciting wonderland.
"Waah... How fantastic... I've never seen a carnival this big..." ［Iris］
"I've played here when I was young, but I've never forgotten how fun it was! I can still remember all the wonderful attractions!" ［Violet］
"Is that true, Elder Sister Violet?" ［Iris］
"Yes! I'm sure it will be just as fun this year as well!" ［Violet］
"Fufufu! What are we all waiting for then? Iris, Violet, let's go! Let's explore and enjoy the carnival!" ［Yuna］
There was no time to waste. As soon as they stepped foot inside the carnival, the trio then went ahead and explored to their hearts' content. Their eyes swam left and right, sparkling ever so brightly with every step they took.
There weren't just simple games and stalls, there were also new attractions brought about by years of development. Rides which shoot you to the sky, ones that make people float, mazes of illusion, and many more. They have it all.
"Three tickets for the roller coaster, please." ［Yuna］
"Three tickets... That would be 60 kiels."
"Okay, here you go." ［Yuna］
Of course, they weren't just there to look around, they also wanted to experience the attractions for themselves. As soon as Yuna paid the tickets for the roller coaster, they then lined up, soon seating themselves with hearts pumping with excitement.
"Please wear your seat belts and hold onto the handrails all the time."
A quick precaution from the operator later, and the roller coaster was ready to start. Heavy metallic and machine sounds echoed in the air, clinking and clanking as the train started to move, picking up speed by the moment.
Waaahhhh! Aaahhhhhh!! Woooohhhhh!!!
Before long, screams filled with both fear and excitement boomed throughout the air. Thrill and anticipation built up as the train climbed up the tracks, soon turning into loud screams as the train dropped down like a speeding bullet.
Both Iris and Violet held tight unto Yuna as the train descended, and the latter simply enjoyed it as it is. There was a bright smile on her face, unfazed by the howling winds which caressed her skin. It was as fun as one can be.
The train turned and twisted, slowing down and speeding up along the tracks. There were vicious drops and even loop-the-loops here and there. Soom, the train finally stopped and everyone got off, some still trembling from the experience.
"Fufufu! That was quite fun! Should we do it again?" ［Yuna］
"Elder Sister Yuna... Let's take a short break please... That was too scary." ［Iris］
"Eh? But it was very fun! Did you not like it, Iris?" ［Violet］
"I did, but.. It's still a little scary..." ［Iris］
It was indeed too much excitement for one person. Even Iris, who usually enjoys novel experiences, couldn't help but fear for her life as she clung tightly to Yuna, screaming on the top of her lungs. It was fun but scary.
"Fufufu! No need to push ourselves now. Since Iris is still recovering, how about we ride other rides instead?" ［Yuna］
"Ah! I agree with Older Sister Yuna! I think so too!" ［Violet］
"A-Ah! Me as well! I would also like to ride them!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! That's settled then. Let's go!" ［Yuna］
There were no objections. As soon as everyone agreed, they then went around all over the place and enjoyed every ride which caught their eyes. They enjoyed the ferris wheel, merry-go-around, mazes, games, and more. Of course, Merusian style,
But perhaps the most interesting one amongst the attractions was the haunted house. Especially when vicious and deadly monsters and ghosts really do exist in Merusia. It was a very scary scary experience.
"Aahhhh!! Elder Sister Yuna, save me! Save me!" ［Iris］
"Kyaa! It's a hand! Ahh! Blood!" ［Yuna］
"E-Elder Sister Yuna... I want to go home now... Hic... Hic..." ［Iris］
Loud screams echoed all over the place as two young ladies trembled in extreme fear, clinging unto Yuna for dear life. Even the usually dignified princess was now crying like a little child as monsters popped out here and there.
As for Yuna, well, she's calm as one can be. If anything, she found the monsters cute compared to the ones they fought in the labyrinth. She was softly giggling to herself as held onto the two girls who were on the verge of crying.
But the crisis soon passed. After several minutes of walking, screaming, and crying, they were finally out of the haunted house. Still, the two young ladies still clung onto Yuna like scared little chicks, trembling ever so slightly.
"Iris, Violet, let's let go for a while, okay? I need to go to the restroom." ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna, politely as she could. Yet no matter how politely she did, the young ladies only shook their heads in silence and disagreement. No matter what excuse Yuna threw at them, they answered all the same.
"Haah... Okay... Let's just sit down on a nearby bench instead. Are both okay with that, Iris, Violet?" ［Yuna］
"Okay...." ［Iris］
"Yes..." ［Violet］
The young ladies were meek as one can be, but they soon loosened their grip as they headed towards a nearby bench. As soon as they were seated, Yuna gave the two with cool, refreshing drinks to calm themselves down.
"Have you calmed yourselves now?" ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna again, but there were no direct answers. Iris and Violet simply nodded in silence as they looked Yuna straight in the eyes. They were like scared little puppies, not wanting to part with Yuna even for a single second.
"Haah... You leave no choice then..." ［Yuna］
Thankfully, Yuna was an expert with handling children. With no other choices left, she then reached her hands inside her storage rings and grabbed a couple certain somethings from it, the young ladies' eyes swimming towards it.
What might these things be, one might ask? They were ice cream!
Yuna was initially planning on having them once they've had their lunch, but with the situation as it already is, there was nothing more she could do about it. She simply handed the two a couple cups of ice cream, chocolate syrup glazed atop.
"Here you go. Enjoy them while they're cold." ［Yuna］
The young ladies didn't say a single word, and simply accepted Yuna's goodwill. As soon as they had a bite of the ice cream, their faces quickly brightened up, hands speeding up faster and faster with each bite.
Their once gloomy faces soon shone brighter than the sun, cheerful smiles on their faces as they savored their ice creams as much as they could. Soon enough, their cups were emptied, shocked expressions plastered on their faces.
"Fufufu! It's okay, you can have some more." ［Yuna］
"Th-Thank you very much." ［Iris］
"A-Ah, me too. Thank you so much, Older Sister Yuna." ［Violet］
Before long, the two young ladies' moods have finally improved and brightened. They were now enjoying ice cream with smiles reaching from ear to ear. Fear and gloom were now nowhere to be found in their hearts.
"Mmn... Older Sister Yuna sure is amazing..." ［Violet］
"Hm? Why so sudden?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing, it's just... Older Sister Yuna wasn't even scared inside the haunted house. You were so brave!" ［Violet］
"Fufufu! But I wasn't always like this, you know?" ［Yuna］
Of course, she wasn't. When she started her training, though she acted bravely, fear still brewed in her heart. In fact, she was so scared, she had nightmares for days after fighting monsters all day.
Thankfully, she wasn't alone. Grey was always with her, guiding her and supporting her all the time. He would always help her whenever she asked for it. It was also one of the many reasons she fell in love with him.
He was her strength and will forever will be. It feels like she could do anything as long as she stays by his side. Just thinking about all the past experiences they have been through, she couldn't help but have her heart set aflutter.
"Let's just say it's because of a certain someone." ［Yuna］
"A certain someone.... It's Elder Brother Grey, isn't it?" ［Iris］
"It's definitely Older Brother Grey." ［Violet］
Yuna tried to be a little mysterious, but it didn't even take a few seconds and both young ladies immediately figured out who it was she was talking about. Now, her face was burning slightly red from embarrassment.
"Elder Sister Yuna, I want to hear stories about you and Elder Brother Grey." ［Iris］
"Me too! I also want to hear your love story!" ［Violet］
"E-Eh, girls? It's not the time to talk about thaー" ［Yuna］
""Please～!"" ［Iris and Violet］
Resistance was futile. With both the princess and the young lady pleading towards her with such innocent, puppy eyes, she couldn't bear to deny their request. She simply heaved a lengthy sigh as she gave up in the end.
A myriad of colors could be seen all throughout the carnival, but only a fierce and fiery red was painted on the silver-haired elf's face. She was quite flustered and embarrassed as she told their story, face feeling feverish.
Oh, what a sight it was.
...
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
A rapid torrent of wind burst forth throughout the forest at breakneck speeds, along with it were pure white webs lunging like spears. Webs which packed enough power to fell all the trees and crush all the boulders along its path.
An Empress Arachne danced all over its webby fortress, legs nimble as one can be as it continued to launch its torrent. Yet no matter how hard it tried, she couldn't get a hit in, missing barely as a blur inched closer and closer.
⟨⟨Magnum Caliber!⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, the blur was none other than Grey who had searched high and low for an Empress Arachne as it soared through the sky with Polaris. It took him quite a while to find it since an A-rank monster, but the moment he spotted it, he didn't let it off the hook, crushing it mercilessly.
It may be an A-rank, but Grey was a Calamity-Class. As soon as his heavy punch connected with the Empress Arachne, its head was bashed in without mercy, green blood spilled throughout the forest grounds.
⟨⟨Gale Waltz!⟩⟩ ［Grey］
He didn't just stop there. As soon as he landed his punch, he used his other hand to launch a spell towards the enemy, a volley of wind blades slicing off the enemy's legs and wounding its body without much difficulty.
With such a merciless torrent aiming for its life, the Empress Arachne could barely stand its ground. It soon fell towards the ground with a loud thud, most of its limbs already torn apart from its body.
⟨⟨Magnum Caliber!⟩⟩ ［Grey］
The finishing blow was landed and the enemy's skull was completely crushed. Green blood splattered everywhere as the enemy finally stopped moving, silence returning to the forest as soon as it was defeated.
Soon enough, the Empress Arachne's body started to shine, turning into fragments of light as its body disintegrated into nothingness. Before long, items dropped from its death, a stretch of pure white fabric stretching like a sore thumb.
"Hmm,.. It really is smooth. No wonder it's so popular." ［Grey］
Commented Grey as he felt the fabric. It was nothing like he had ever felt before. Even when he was an amateur when it came to such things, he could tell how magnificent its quality was. One of the very best.
"With this, I've already collected two of them... Only seven more to go." ［Grey］
Of course, the only reason why he wanted to collect them was so that he could fulfill all the items in the Legend of Nine Colors. A bright smile soon bloomed on his face as a platinum descended before him.
"Should we get going now, Master?" ［Polaris］
"Yeah, thanks for waiting." ［Grey］
"Fret not, Master. I didn't wait long at all." ［Polaris］
"Hahaha. That's good to hear.... Well then, let's go!" ［Grey］
The hunt for colors continues.
CHAPTER 274 END