Flowers by the side of the streets, street lamps hanging under the street posts, and moving carriages heaving in and out of the city. Such was the sight as one walks on the busy streets of such a bustling city.
Well, calling it bustling would simply be an understatement. With how busy people are, there was barely any time for enjoyment, everyone making sure that everything goes well during the upcoming festival in a couple week's time.
"Move it! Move it! Don't let the noise bother you."
"Hey, is there more paint over there?! We need some red ones here!"
"Please pass this to His Lordship. We need a response as fast as possible."
They were running about, left and right, carrying heavy loads and making all sorts of structures all over the city. And it wasn't just the laborers, even the performers and the entertainers from outside the city were doing their best, practicing their shows.
No matter which nook and cranny of the city one looks at, they could feel the liveliness in the air, a hint of passion and determination passing within. It has been going on like such for several days already, and there seems to be no sign of stopping, not even slowing down for some rest.
"Your Lordship, there seems to be a lack of materials and manpower in the 12th district. Should we send some people over?"
"The 12th district...? I'm sure I provided them with enough resources..." ［Gerald］
"Ah, about that... Some carriages broke down so the materials didn't arrive on time. They're making do with what we have, but there's still some daily."
"I see... Then send a group over. I will check personally later." ［Gerald］
The Mayor was especially restless. With how much work he needed to handle, he barely gets enough rest. While it is true that he is now out of the office and into the field, he wasn't enjoying himself. He was still working.
"Wow... Everyone sure is busy... There's workers everywhere..." ［Yuna］
"Mmn... It's even busier than the founding festival back in our Kingdom... Even some of the soldiers are helping out..." ［Iris］
"Well, the festival is only a couple weeks away, after all. Dad's goal is to finish everything a week before it." ［Violet］
And in that busy crowd, three familiar figures walked down the streets, curious eyes looking left and right. They were planning on exploring the city once again, but with how things are, it seemed like watching the workers work was more interesting.
It has been a few days since the Geldhart Auction, and ever since such a successful event, things have been pretty normal for everyone. They went around places and did a little bit of questing, lazing and playing around in between.
It was especially lively with Garret's shenanigans from time to time, even though he always gets scolded by their parents in the end. It was one of the most peaceful times in Grey and Yuna's lives, barely any troubles coming their way.
As for Iris, she has adapted quite well with life in Erdea. Though she does get lonely, she still sees her family once a week. Grey and Yuna promised the Little Princess to visit her on a weekly basis, after all. It was only for a couple hours, but it was more than enough for them.
"I really apologize, Your Highnesses. Though I want to entertain you, there is still much to do to prepare for the festival. I hope you understand." ［Gerald］
"Fufufu! It's fine, Lord Gerald. We're simply here to watch anyway." ［Yuna］
"I see... Thank you for understanding." ［Gerald］
The Mayor smiled, but there was barely any energy in his words and actions. They have already lost count how many times they've casted recovery spells on him in the past few days, his face wearing a pale complexion with dark bags under his eyes.
"Rather than that... Is there anything we can do to help, Lord Gerald?" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, oh no! How could I dare make Your Highnesses work for us? Your concerns are more than enough. This Gerald is already more than grateful." ［Gerald］
Moreover, he was very stubborn as well, and didn't want help. Or rather, he doesn't want to bother Yuna and Iris whom he perceives as important guests, only wanting them to enjoy the best in Erdea.
It was a good thing that he was working hard, but he was working too hard. On top of barely having any rest, he also skips meals from time to time. Everyone was worried about him, especially Violet. She doesn't want to see her father collapse from overwork.
"We can't work... But it's okay as long as we're having fun, right?" ［Yuna］
"P-Pardon...?" ［Gerald］
Yuna didn't need to say anything anymore. At her command, her shadows quaked and several fragments split off from it. The shadows shaped themselves, and soon, a number of birds, different colors decorating their feathers appeared out of thin air.
Of course, those beautiful birds were none other than the familiars who have shifted forms by Yuna's commands. The young elf only needed to smile and the familiars quickly understood the assignment, not wasting a single moment.
"Wh-What's happening?!"
"Hey! Give that back!"
With their swift and agile flight, the familiars quickly grabbed the ropes and strings and flew high up in the air. Some people were surprised, but they didn't care, landing on the roofs without much effort.
As soon as they were in position, they immediately tied the ropes and strings with their long and narrow beaks, making knots and tightening them properly. It was an absurd sight to see, seeing birds tie knots even better than people.
It wasn't just the quality as well. After tying their first knots, the familiars quickly proceeded to the next in a systematic order, flying back and forth at great speeds. Before long, colorful flags and banners decorating the streets.
Not just the ropes and strings, the familiars also carried heavy loads with relative ease, transporting them from one place to another in only a few seconds, several times faster than the workers. They may look cute and small, but their true forms were still powerful and magnificent Dragons,
"What do you think, Lord Gerald? Is it okay for us to have fun?" ［Yuna］
"... Haah... It is not like I can stop Your Highness' wish anyway... Please have fun as much as you can, and... Thank you very much." ［Gerald］
"My, I don't know what you mean～. I'm just playing around, after all." ［Yuna］
The Mayor was reluctant, but with everything Yuna had done, it would be rude to deny her request any further. He only got back to work and instructed the workers once more. Three young ladies have joined the fray, excited as one can be.
With them and the familiars around, things quickly progressed as if their workforce was more than doubled. Be it the heavy loads or the hectic laborious tasks, they were easily completed much faster than scheduled.
Especially Yuna, with her strength, carrying a ton or two wasn't a problem at all. She could also jump really high, reaching places which would usually need ladders with ease, only humming to herself as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"Lord Gerald, is it fine to place it right here? Or should I move it a little more." ［Iris］
"No, this spot is fine, Your Highness." ［Gerald］
"Okay, if you say so..." ［Iris］
And though she is nowhere near as capable as Yuna in physical strength and skills, Iris was still very helpful. With her Superior-Grade storage ring, she helped out in transporting the items, making them appear and disappear with a wave of her hand.
She may be a princess, but such work wasn't new to her. After all, one of her goals in traveling with Grey and Yuna was to learn new things about the world and expand her horizons. Experiencing some work herself was a good learning opportunity.
"Hmmn... I don't think... Hmm... How about we move this here and also this here to create a more disorderly arrangement, Dad?" ［Violet］
"Hm? Wouldn't it look chaotic then?" ［Gerald］
"That's right, but it would also feel more natural and spontaneous like the fields. And look, doesn't it look much better already?" ［Violet］
"Well, I can't deny that... It does look more appealing to the eyes." ［Gerald］
As for Violet, she helped out her father in making decisions about the layout of things. As someone whose eyes are always searching for beauty, she knew what was the best way to arrange and decorate the place, offering perspectives even the Mayor hadn't thought of.
It wasn't just the decorations, Violet also helped instruct the workers and gave them clarifications whenever they needed to. She may be young and inexperienced, but she was still the Lord's daughter. Leading people was only natural for her.
Thud Thud Thud
Now, Yuna is even putting her throwing skills to use, nailing down the strings as she threw them towards the wooden planks. She didn't even need to look, she simply threw the nails and they fell right in place. It was like magic.
"Ohh! Amazing! To think familiars can do this, too!"
"That was plant magic, wasn't it?! This is the first time I'm seeing it!"
And now that they were finished with tying down the ropes and strings, the familiars then helped out in other things. They used their magic to revitalize the flowers, give them water to drink, and heal all their sore bodies.
Before long, a portion of the streets was quickly finished and it didn't even take them several hours like usual. Rather, it was only half an hour's work, everyone was a little bit surprised with how fast and easy things were going.
"To think we really made it... And in less than an hour no less... How could I ever repay you, Your Highnesses?" ［Gerald］
"Fufufu! Then how about a few treats, Lord Gerald? We could really use some snacks and refreshments right now." ［Yuna］
"Oh, my. Did someone say treats?" ［Cynthia］
They arrived just when they were needed. Just as Yuna wished for it, Cynthia and the maids suddenly arrived on the worksite, bringing with them a number of carts. There were cookies, macarons, sandwiches, juices, and many more.
There weren't just treats, they also brought full-blown meals for their hardworking workers. The moment they saw the parade of food before them, bright and eager smiles bloomed on everyone's faces, everyone soon gathering around.
Well, it wasn't the worksite they were in. Cynthia was in charge of the other sections as well, giving them instructions and facilitating their works like her husband. She just finished checking, and coincidentally came with the break crew.
"Lady Cynthia, you're here." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! I'm also in charge of the festival, after all. And from what I saw... It seems like Your Highnesses are also helping around the place?" ［Cynthia］
"Un. Since we have nothing else to do, we just thought we'd help out a little. We need to move our bodies, after all." ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but if you were to ask Grey, she is one of the most energetic people there is. She had moved left and right, jumping up and down as she worked yet she barely broke a sweat. Labor work wasn't even a challenge for her.
Even then, no matter how easy it was for her, she still needed to eat "some" snacks to recover all the energy she usedー No, actually, she just liked eating. Especially when served such delicious-looking sweets. Yuna will always be Yuna, after all.
The moment she ate one of the cookies, an explosion of starchy sweetness exploded in her mouth like fireworks. It was a shame that there were no chocolate chips, but the cookies were still delicious. Not as delicious as Vanessa's baking though.
"My... I have always thought of this, but... Your Highness sure has a good appetite, don't you?" ［Cynthia］
"Fufufu! A lot of people do tell me that from time to time... And, it isn't my fault anyway. It's all because of Grey." ［Yuna］
"His Highness... Hmmn... He is quite the doting one, isn't he?" ［Cynthia］
It isn't just "quite", he was one of the most doting boyfriends there is. Even Cynthia and everyone else who've only known them for barely over a week could already tell how sweet he is, pampering Yuna like there was no tomorrow.
In fact, sometimes, they even doubt whether their relationship was that of lovers or that of father and daughter. It was simply too confusing. They simply decided to not think too much about it. Thinking too hard will only make their heads hurt.
"Doting... I don't know... He hasn't spoiled me as much as usual..." ［Yuna］
"Eh...? Not as much as usual...?" ［Cynthia］
To top it all off, what Cynthia and the others see is when Grey is holding himself back, only the tip of the iceberg. Cynthia could only shudder and imagine how it is when they really do flirt "like usual". It was a terrifying thought.
"But speaking of which... I haven't seen Grey around lately..." ［Yuna］
Said Yuna as she scratched her chin gently, and the very moment he heard her words, the Mayor immediately flinched. He was the only one who knew what Grey was up to, and he isn't planning to leak things anytime soon.
Fortunately enough, he and Grey had prepared for when such situations arise. Grey had already requested him for help. There was no way he could deny his benefactor even if he was up against the devil. All that's needed to do is hold his end of the deal.
"About that, Your Highness, I have actually asked His Highness to collect some much needed materials for the festival, hence why he is not around." ［Gerald］
"Materials...? Why am I left behind then?" ［Yuna］
"I'm sure His Highness simply wants Your Highness and Her Highness, Princess Iris to enjoy Erdea. He is a sincere man, after all." ［Gerald］
"Mou... That Grey... He could've just told me..." ［Yuna］
It pained him to lie but it must be done. For the sake of the future where they are both together, for the sake of the upcoming proposal, and for the sake of their happiness. It was a necessary lieー or so he convinced himself.
"Then, how about this, Your Highness? Why don't we bake some treats for His Highness later? I'm sure he will be delighted!" ［Gerald］
"Mmn... I'm a little hurt that he left me out again... But, okay, I'll think of something to bake for him. Would apple pies suffice?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's the spirit, Yourー" ［Gerald］
"And I'll put some chili powder in the mix." ［Yuna］
Gerald stopped on his tracks, question marks filling his head. He first calmed himself, checking whether he heard it wrong, but no matter how much he tried to recall Yuna's words, he clearly heard "chili powder" ringing in his ears.
"Maybe I'll put in a lot of salt too... Or would something bitter be better...?" ［Yuna］
Nope, he did not mishear Yuna's words at all. Noe, not just chili powder, Yuna is thinking of putting all sorts of things into the apple pies she's going to bake later. There weren't just two or three, a number of terrible ingredients were in the mix.
Even Cynthia, who was just listening in to their conversation, had her eyes widened in shock from the things she heard come out of Yuna's mouth. She simply ignored her and headed away, acting as if she didn't hear anything.
"P-Pardon me, Your Highness... But those are not what you usually put in apple pies, or any pie for that matter..." ［Gerald］
"I know. This will probably taste terrible." ［Yuna］
"Th-Then may I ask the reason why...?" ［Gerald］
"Hmph! This is what he gets for leaving out his girlfriend!" ［Yuna］
She was pouting, alright. She was puffing her cheeks like a little hamster, cheeks slightly red from a hint of anger and disappointment. She looked cute, yes, but no matter how cute she was, one could only tremble after hearing her words.
'Your Highness... I apologize... I could not stop Her Highness... I hope you survive... Just trust in the power of love...!' ［Gerald］
The wind whistled and whooshed, howling from time to time, a single prayer drifting in the air. As the sun continued to climb in the horizon, the city only shone brighter, neon colors blooming like radiant flowers in spring. How beautiful.
...
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
A lone figure danced in the forest, his steps light as a feather yet agile like the wind. Streaks of cyan streaked towards him at breakneck speeds, and he dodged him just barely, playing around under the canopies, his eyes glimmering sharply.
He dodged and he dodged some more, his nimble feet never stopped moving, riding the wind even though he didn't possess any wings. All was going smoothly, when suddenly, he stopped on his tracks, a cold chill ran down his spine.
Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh
"Whoa! That was a close one!" ［Grey］
He was thrown off-track in a single moment, and the opponents didn't miss a beat and bolted towards him like darting arrows. Thankfully, Grey's reflexes were even much faster. He easily dodged them without any difficulties.
"Are you alright, Master? Should I help you out?" ［Polaris］
"No, it's alright. Someone's probably just talking behind my back." ［Grey］
"Talking... behind your back...?" ［Polaris］
"No, it's nothing." ［Grey］
Grey is now in a forest by the southern end of the continent, and his goal is searching for another one of the colors. He had been searching high and low all throughout the continent for days, and finally, he found a trace of another one.
Now, he is battling against Safallas. They are C-rank four-winged snakes of the wind attribute who are known for their extreme speed. The moment they charge towards something, they are so fast, they become blurs in the eyes of many.
Of course, for Grey, seeing them was a walk in the park, and since he was already at it, he decided to have a little bit of training. He once again toned down his strength and acted as if he was in the M*trix, dodging the bullets which are the Safallas.
As for Polaris, he just watched his master do some strange things without questioning his actions. He had already fed himself with corruption, and so he needed not to hunt for the day. All there was to do was wait for Grey to finish whatever he was doing.
"Alright, that's enough playing around." ［Grey］
Suddenly, Grey's eyes gleamed sharper than daggers and the atmosphere around him changed drastically. The Safallas couldn't even approach him when he suddenly vanished into thin air, not even an afterimage left behind.
"Sorry, this might hurt a bit." ［Grey］
Thud Thud Thud Thud Thud
One after another, Grey swiftly struck the Safalss on their heads, making them lose consciousness almost instantaneously. Their bodies fell to the grounds like flies, loud thuds echoing in the air as they fell helplessly.
There weren't just one, two, or three Safallas. A whole flock of them was struck down with ease. It didn't even take him a couple seconds, turning the tide of the battle in a single moment. They didn't stand a chance at all.
"Aren't you going to finish them off, Master?" ［Polaris］
"No, I'm just here for their scales, and if I hunt down this many, it would surely affect the forest. We can't have that happening now, can we?" ［Grey］
Grey knew that he had already hunted down many beasts, but they were all either from quests or are a danger to people. There were also ones they hunted for food, but those were ones which have high populations or breed quickly. Balance and moderation is necessary.
"I see... That does make sense. The Master sure is wise." ［Polaris］
"Hahaha. You're praising me too much, Polaris." ［Grey］
Laughed Grey as he knelt down on the ground. He then grabbed a trusty dismantling knife from his "Inventory" and picked off the scales one after another, removing them from their bodies as if they were just puzzle pieces.
Grey only plucked off were those who were about to fall off, shining so brilliantly, even brighter than gems. The more he looked at them, the prettier he found them to be. The blacksmith inside of him is even telling him to make armor from them.
⟨⟨Perfect Heal⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Of course, he didn't just let them bleed after collecting their scales. The moment he was done with them, he quickly healed all their wounds and even regenerated their scales. Soon, they were back to normal as if nothing happened. Some were even in better condition than before.
Time passed and the scale collection continued. From dozens to hundreds, to even thousands, Grey collected as much as he could without endangering the lives of the Safallas or hurting them too much.
And for the sake of it, Grey also searched for their nests and picked up the fallen scales from them. He found some very high quality ones, even more beautiful than diamonds themselves. It was a jackpot.
"Alright, that should be more than enough. Let's go, Polaris." ［Grey］
"Where to, Master?" ［Polaris］
"Hahaha, is there even any need to ask? Let's hunt more colors!" ［Grey］
"By your will." ［Polaris］
To the skies, once again!
CHAPTER 277 END