A soft bed, fluffy pillows, and a warm blanket. A certain elf indulged in such heaven as she laid down the bed, sprawling atop of it without much care in the world as she watched her beloved lie down beside her, sunlight seeping through the windows.
Thinking back to all the fears and anxiety both she and Grey felt during the past few weeks, she once again realized how silly it was. It was a problem they could have easily solved had they just talked it out with one another.
But strangely enough, Yuna only felt thankful that such misunderstandings occurred between them. Though it did cause them some problems, it was also because of it that they managed to understand each other much deeper than before, their love now much stronger than ever, and...
"So it wasn't a dream, huh..." ［Yuna］
... Now, their relationship has even progressed another step. The young lady couldn't help but smile to herself as she raised her hand, watching how beautiful the ring in her finger was. She still can't believe Grey was now her fiancé.
Well, there were also a couple more things after that, but it was better left unsaid. Just looking back at what happened last night, Yuna could only blush furiously as such passionate scenes replayed in her mind. Even with her on the lead, Grey was simply a total beast.
She could only puff her cheeks adorably, remembering all the embarrassment she went through. She then faced her beloved once more, poking his cheeks time and time again as her playfulness bloomed once more.
"Yuna... I won't be able to sleep with all that poking, you know..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Good morning, Grey." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, morning, Yuna." ［Grey］
It felt like it was just a couple moments ago when they were so anxious about each other, but now, here they are, acting playfully with one another. Grey soon rose from the bed and gave Yuna a kiss to greet her in the morning.
Well, it wasn't just a simple greeting. Before Yuna knew it, Grey had already pinned her down and she had been laid out bare. It was all too sudden, the young lady had yet to process what was happening so early in the morning.
"Eh...? Grey...? May I ask what you are doing right now...?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? What else would it be? I'm just continuing from where we left off last night. You don't truly believe I was satisfied with just that, don't you, My Dear?" ［Grey］
"Eh...?" ［Yuna］
Grey ended his word with a sweet smile, but the same couldn't be said for Yuna. Not only question marks, exclamation marks now also filled her head, a certain sense of danger welling up in her heart the moment she saw the sharp glint in Grey's eyes.
Just the last night, they did all sorts of things that she didn't even want to remember, and now, Grey was telling her his appetite has yet to be sated. Even now, Yuna's stamina has yet to recover from their long and passionate night together.
Yuna had said that she'll happily accept everything about Grey, and she truly meant it. She just didn't think she'd doubt her own judgement so soon. It was only then that she realized that the man she was just betrothed to was indeed a wild beast.
"You're not regretting this now, are you, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Uuu.., Grey, you're being too much...!" ［Yuna］
Scream all she could, Yuna was powerless to Grey's vigor. It wasn't like she hated it, but doing it so soon when they had just woken up was simply far too embarrassing. Only now did she start to regret her precious choice of words,
And so, as the sun continued to climb up the sky and the creeks continued to trickle, they continued their passionate time together, a sweet and rosy mood drifting about in the air. Even the flowers were put to shame.
Soon enough, Grey and Yuna finally started their day, fixing themselves quickly and taking a hot bath to rid themselves of filth and fatigue. They then had their lovely first breakfast together as an engaged couple.
"Grey, let's set up some ground rules later, okay? We can't be doing that everyday. We still have work, after all." ［Yuna］
"Hm? Then, are you saying it's alright if we don't have work?" ［Grey］
"Grey...!" ［Yuna］
Well, by enjoyment, it was mostly Grey who was enjoying himself by teasing Yuna again and again. He just couldn't get enough of how cute and adorable his girlfriー no, his fiancée was. Her reactions were simply far too fun to pass off.
Even then, even with how much he teased Yuna, Grey didn't forget to show her how much he loved her. Not only did he cook the best breakfast there was, he also did all the requests she asked of him, paying back all the time they lost.
Well, it was also their first-year anniversary at the same time so there was double the celebration. There was only sweetness in the air as the two started their day together, even sappier and stickier than honey. A high-degree hazard for diabetes.
"Right, Grey, I almost forgot... Didn't you say you were collecting all those things because of a legend in Erdea? What was it again...?" ［Yuna］
"It's the 'Legend of Nine Colors'." ［Grey］
"Un, that. Can you tell me what it was about again?" ［Yuna］
"Sure, that's an easy one." ［Grey］
Just like how the Mayor explained it to him, Grey also explained the legend to Yuna just as thoroughly. From the items to the different meanings they possess, Grey didn't leave a single detail out, not wanting to hide anything from her.
And interestingly enough, Yuna was quite enthusiastic listening to Grey's words. She was especially happy after learning about the meanings to the items that Grey got by himself, unable to stop herself from constantly smiling ever so brightly. She was just too happy to contain it inside.
"Then, since you collected nine of them,.. What meaning does it have...?" ［Yuna］
Asked Yuna, but Grey didn't answer her immediately. Rather, he acted as if he didn't hear it at first, looking away from Yuna. Well, not that looking away would let him get away, especially with how sparkly Yuna's eyes were.
"Do... Do I really have to say it...?" ［Grey］
"Of course! You've already told me everything, why stop now?!" ［Yuna］
Yep, there was no way he could escape Yuna's question anymore. With such a bright and beaming smile directed at him, he could only give up on his attempt to escape. It was a little bit embarrassing, but it was all or nothing.
"You, and you only... That's... That's what it meant..." ［Grey］
Grey finally said the words, his cheeks burning a slightly red tint. Meanwhile, Yuna, the very one who asked Grey to say the words, was now beet red all the way to the tip of her pointy ears. It was super effective!
Now, the young lady was acting all meek and shy, playing with her fork and slowly eating food. It may be from embarrassment or simply because she didn't want to, but she couldn't look Grey in the eyes anymore, silent as one can be.
"Then, it's my turn to ask... Last night, when you said you weren't ready yet, what did you mean by that? Did you know how shocked back then? it felt like my heart dropped all of the sudden," ［Grey］
"Uuu... You still remember that?" ［Yuna］
"Of course. How could I ever forget the words of my beloved." ［Grey］
"Grey! You're just teasing me again at this point!" ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but it wasn't like she had forgotten about it either. On the contrary, it was still fresh inside her mind, echoing every now and then. She really didn't mean much by it, just a couple reasons here and there.
There was the simple fact that they were still too young. There was also the fact that she doesn't feel she's still mature and responsible enough to be a wife. Then there's the fear of giving birth due to Vanessa's experience, and a couple more of them.
Yuna just wanted to take it slow and steady with Grey, savoring the time they have with each other. But perhaps the most important and silliest reason was that...
"Umm... Grey, you do know that parenthood comes after marriage, right?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, is there something wrong with that?" ［Grey］
"No, nothing at all. It's just... I don't think I can share you with our future kids just yet. I... I still want to monopolize you for a little longer." ［Yuna］
It was a critical hit, not just to Grey, but to Yuna as well. Now, the young couple have become a pair of ripe tomatoes, face beet red as one can be. Yuna could only silently take a sip of her fruit juice, trying not to dwell too much on her embarrassment.
"Well, you really don't have to worry about that. There's no way I would be ignoring you again, I can assure you at least that much." ［Grey］
"Really? Even if they're our kids, I'm still going to get jealous, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha, you're worrying too much. You will always be my number one, Yuna. My heart will forever belong to you, My Dearest." ［Grey］
Just like adding oil to the fire, Grey's sweet and sappy lines only served to make the atmosphere more awkward, their cheeks now even redder than before. Silence had swallowed the room, only the sound of their racing hearts echoing in the air.
And so, the two continued their breakfast in silence, enjoying their anniversary to the fullest, acting like a newlywed couple when they had just gotten engaged. Not even the familiars could get in their way, simply leaving the idiot couple to their own worlds.
In fact, they were so out of the world that Grey had totally forgotten something quite important. Something he has been tirelessly planning for the past couple weeks with the Mayor. Of course, it was his proposal plan! A plan which has long been spoiled.
Not that it didn't take them too long to remember. As soon as they were finished with breakfast, Grey and Yuna quickly headed back to Erdea with the use of "Gate". It was a quick warp only lasting a few seconds, a colorful view greeting them warmly.
"A-Ah! Your Highnesses! I finally found you!" ［Gerald］
Well, it wasn't just the beautiful scenery which greeted them. By chance, Gerlad also happened to be passing by the corridors, rushing towards them the very moment he spotted them, now gasping for air and out of breath.
"Lord Gerald, please calm yourself down. No one's chasing you." ［Yuna］
"That's right, please take deep breaths first, Lord Gerald. We also have some water if you'd like to quench your thirst." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes, thank youー No, that's not it! This is wrong! Your Highness, what about the plan! Everyone is already waiting!!" ［Gerald］
"Ah... Right..." ［Grey］
It was only then did Grey finally remember the plan he'd been working on. It wasn't just the process, the venue, the music, the lunch, and everything else. They have already planned it thoroughly all the while preparing for the festival.
Though, as it is right now, the plan had already crumbled to dust. Grey knew that it was his fault, and now, he's having a hard time thinking how to break it down to the Mayor. He was the one who helped him the most, after all.
"Well, about that... Some things happened yesterday, and... You know, I sort of got dragged along with the mood, so... You see... Yuna said yes." ［Grey］
There was nothing more needed to be said. Grey simply held Yuna's hand and raised it along with his. With such a lovely pair of rings adorned on their ring fingers, Grey's intentions were clear as day, announcing their engagement to the world.
Meanwhile, the Mayor's soul finally left his body. It was just too much of a shock that he didn't know what to do. Thankfully, one way or the other, Grey and Yuna managed to calm him down, soon explaining things to him as thoroughly as they could.
"Haah... This is quite a lot to take in..." ［Gerald］
The Mayor was totally right. To think that the proposal that they've been planning for a few weeks already would end up getting spoiled by the very person who made the plan. He didn't know whether he should be laughing or crying.
But seeing how happy the two youths before him were, he could only give up on his thoughts. What's done is already done. Even if the plan was spoiled, seeing that the goal was still reached, how could he feel anything other than happiness?
"Well, this is quite a bit unexpected, but... Congratulations, Your Highnesses. May your future be blessed with love and happiness." ［Gerald］
"Thanks, Lord Gerald." ［Grey］
"Thank you." ［Yuna］
Their relationship was now more harmonious than before, holding one another's hands as they stood under the arches of the hallway. With rings in both their fingers, one could easily tell how successful the proposal was. There was just one itsy-bitsy problem...
"Now... How should we relay this news to everyone?" ［Gerald］
... That is, how they should tell everyone the news when they have already gathered inside the venue. Be it the people they hired or everyone close to them, they were all told about the plan just a couple moments ago and now, are only waiting for the two.
It was a thoroughly prepared plan as well, so it was a little troublesome changing it midway. Everyone was already surprised when the Mayor told them about the plan, and now, they are up for yet another surprise.
They have yet to head inside, but they could already tell they would be bombarded with a barrage of wishes and questions the moment everyone knows. There would also be the confusion of the people they hired. Oh, how troubling it was.
"Haah... Well, there's nothing we can do about it anymore. Let's just head there and tell everyone what happened." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I'm sure everyone would be surprised! I can't wait to see their reactions, especially Iris and Violet." ［Yuna］
"Yuna, you sure are enjoying yourself, aren't you?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I only get to see it once, after all." ［Yuna］
Though, as it seems, there was not a trace of worry in Yuna's face. Rather, she was very much enjoying herself, looking forward to everyone's reaction the moment they reveal they are already engaged, giggling to herself all the while.
Then, bracing themselves for what's about to happen, Grey, Yuna, and the Mayor soon headed towards the venue. Their steps echoed throughout the halls once again, heading north where a mystical garden lay peacefully.
The very moment they headed inside the Marble Gardens, the scent of flowers greeted their noses, life and colors blooming everywhere. There was also the occasional laughter of the people, dancing in the air.
The original plan was to invite Yuna to lunch "arranged" by the Mayor in celebration of finishing the festival preparations. Everyone else would also be present, having a little garden party as classical music played in the background.
There would also be entertainment present, and just when it is time to dance, people would slowly drift away, leaving Grey and Yuna on their own, it would be then that Grey kneels on the ground and proposes to her.
"Oh! Older Sister Yuna, Older Brother Grey, over here～!" ［Violet］
"Boss! Lady Boss! You're finally here! What took you two so long? The party's almost starting, you know?" ［Garret］
"Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey, good morning." ［Iris］
It was just as they expected. The very moment they entered the venue, everyone greeted them casually, acting like usual. And "coincidentally", the host also noticed their arrival, signaling the others as subtly as he could.
Before long, the music started playing, the food was served, and people started chattering. In just a couple moments, the atmosphere about the place completely changed, Iris glancing at Grey and Yuna curiously from time to time.
"Oh my, what's with your attire? Did we forget to tell you about today?" ［Cynthia］
They also quickly stood out with the casual clothing they wore when everyone was wearing dress, suits, and all sorts of formal attires. They were supposed to do so, but as one knows, Grey had completely forgotten about it.
"Well, about that... Can I borrow the stage for a little bit?" ［Grey］
"Oh, sure..." ［Cynthia］
Cynthia and everybody else tilting their heads in confusion, Grey quickly headed towards the stage, Yuna following suit behind him. Everyone's eyes were on them, following them as they headed up the stage.
A short moment of talking with the host later on, and the former handed the voice-enhancing magic tool to Grey. There was a tinge of nervousness and awkwardness in his heart, soon breathing out a lengthy sigh.
"Good day, everyone. I hope you're all enjoying the party right now, and well... Yuna and I are now engaged." ［Grey］
"Surprise, everyone～!" ［Yuna］
""""Ehhh?!!""""
A sweet and short revelation, but the reaction was quite a bit different. As soon as they showed the beautiful rings on their fingers, the audience went into an uproar, everyone's eyes widened in shock as their mouths opened in agape.
They were meant to be the one surprising Yuna, but instead, they were the ones who received a surprise, and quite a big one at that. The musicians were so surprised, they quickly stopped playing their instruments, music cut off all of a sudden.
"Boss! Lady Boss! What do you mean by this?!" ［Garret］
"E-Elder Sister Yuna, a-are you really now engaged to Elder Brother Grey?" ［Iris］
"Haah... I knew this would happen..." ［Gerald］
It was as they had expected. As soon as they revealed their engagement, everyone quickly rushed towards them and peppered them with questions left and right, the Mayor shaking his head as they watched the two drown in them.
What happened, how it came to be, where they have been, and many more. There were all sorts of questions headed their way, and they had no other choice but to answer each one of them, else, they wouldn't be able to calm down.
Of course, Grey and Yuna evaded the topic about what happened after the proposal. Not only was it something so embarrassing, it was also part of their very private lives. Not even the familiars knew of it.
"I see... So that's what happened. That's quite the twist of fate." ［Cynthia］
"I knew it! You really are a man amongst men, Boss!" ［Garret］
"Boss, please teach us the ways! We'll follow you forever!" ［Lester］
And in a strange turn of events, now Garret and his gang are praising Grey like some sort of idol, clinging onto him as they plead for his teachings. It was an embarrassing sight Yuna just couldn't help but giggle to herself.
"Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brother Grey, congratulations on your engagement!" ［Iris］
"Congratulations, Your Highnesses. I hope we will have the pleasure to attend your wedding someday." ［Cynthia］
"Older Brother Grey, Older Sister Yuna, me too! I also want to attend!" ［Violet］
Of course, there were also ones who happily congratulated them on their successful engagement. After Iris, everyone quickly followed suit and gave them their best regards on their engagement, giving them their best wishes all the while.
If there were some who reacted differently from everyone, they were the people they hired for the proposal. With the couple now engaged, they didn't know what to do anymore, simply standing in silence as they waited for instructions.
"Pardon my rudeness, Your Highness. But, how should we proceed with the party?"
"Oh, right..." ［Grey］
Even the host was now troubled as the party was centered on the proposal. With the main reason now done and dusted, the whole plan has been ruined. Though, not that it really mattered much to Grey and Yuna.
"Well, there's no need to change too much with the flow of events. Let's proceed with the party just as planned." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! That's right. Let's just have as much fun as we can!" ［Yuna］
"By your will, Your Highnesses."
There was no need to think too much. As soon as Grey and Yuna gave their piece, the host then instructed everyone involved. With a wave of his hands, music started playing once again and the waiters served the tables with all sorts of tasty dishes.
As a bonus, Grey also took out some of the sweet and delicious desserts they made beforehand, filling the table with more life and colors. Everyone's eyes quickly lit up at the sight of such novel treats they've never seen before.
"Oh! This is so good! Try this one out, boys!" ［Garret］
"The Boss really is amazing! To think they could also make sweets!" ［John］
"Hey, Marcus! Don't hog them all for yourself!" ［Lester］
There was also no shortage of shenanigans that unfolded throughout the stretch of the event, Garret and his gang being chaotic as usual as they wolfed down the treats Grey and Yuna made with such delightful faces.
The once formal occasion has now become a casual gathering, yet strangely enough, no one really minds it that much. Rather, they preferred such a lively atmosphere, chatting and laughing merrily with one another.
"Here, Yuna, say ahh～!" ［Grey］
"Ahh～!" ［Yuna］
"Do you like it?" ［Grey］
"Un! I love it! And... I love you too, Grey," ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I love you more, silly." ［Grey］
But perhaps what caught the attention of many were two figures who were happily feeding each other food and flirting openly without a single care in the world. They were, of course, Grey and Yuna who were now acting like newlyweds, smiling such blinding smiles.
It was so blinding, in fact, that some of the guests found it hard to eat with them around, hearts bouncing from place to place as the flowers bloomed. The whole garden was now pink as one can be, it was especially painful for the singles.
"Iris... Have Older Sister Yuna and Older Brother Grey always been that sweet?" ［Violet］
"Fufufu! Let's just leave them be for now. This is much better than seeing Elder Sister Yuna bawl all day." ［Iris］
"I guess you're right..." ［Violet］
Not that anyone has the heart to scold the idiot couple anyway. They simply minded their own business and enjoyed lunch as much as they could. Violet and Iris soon digging into their serving of pudding.
"Mmn～! So delicious～!" ［Iris］
CHAPTER 283 END