The day was full of life, warmth, and energy. Bees and butterflies danced all over the brilliant and colorful gardens, flowers of all shapes and sizes blooming all throughout the place. The little creatures sapping away the sweetest of nectars.
There was only peace to be observed, sweet giggles ringing in the air like soft chimes singing by the tune of the wind. A number of adorable furballs ran across the green grass, wagging their tails as they hopped and rolled around.
"Puppies! Wait for Nalia!" ［Natalia］
"Hey, Natalia, you're running too fast!" ［Iris］
And chasing after them was the Little Princess whose smile was stretching from ear to ear, giggling ever so happily as if there was no tomorrow. After her was Iris whose face was full of worry about her little niece tripping and hurting herself.
Another day has passed, and after yesterday's successful event, Grey opened up the "Gate" for the Royal Family to pass through. The Festival of Hearts was just another day away, and so, there was no time to waste dilly-dallying.
But rather than explore the city like any other tourist, they simply spent the day in the Manor, resting themselves and enjoying the scenery as it is. They were finally done with their work, and so, they are enjoying their little break to the fullest.
"It's been nine years since I've been here, but this place hasn't changed, huh... It's still as beautiful as ever." ［Ernes］
"You say that Dear, but you weren't even paying attention before. If I remember correctly, you just wasted out time away with all sorts of mischief last time," ［Talia］
"Now, now, no need to get into the specifics." ［Ernes］
And like any other family, they simply chatted their sweet time away, recalling what happened in the past and all the troubles they ran through. And by "troubles", it was meant to be plural. There was no end to the mischief the King had caused.
It was their first time attending the Festival of Hearts as the King and Queen at the time, and they already made quite the deep impression towards everyone else. Needless to say, it was quite a day to be remembered.
"Oh! These tangerines are really tasty!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Really?" ［Grey］
"Un! Here, open wide." ［Yuna］
As for Grey and Yuna, they are once again openly flirting in front of everyone. The sweet and rosy atmosphere from before has yet to disappear and they are still as flirty as one can be. So much so, that hearts were bouncing everywhere.
They were so sweet and sappy, even the black coffee the King was drinking started to taste sweet as if a whole bag of sugar was dumped inside it. A sore sight to behold which would surely break the hearts of those who are single.
"Hey! The idiot couple in front of me! Can you tone it down a little bit? You're making the sweets taste bad!" ［Julius］
It was especially irritating to Julius who was sitting in front of them. And no, he wasn't bitter nor jealous since they couldn't bring along Amelia with them, not at all. He was simply a concerned spectator, yes, a concerned spectator was all he was.
"Shut up, you're just jealous." ［Grey］
"Haah?! Me, jealous?! Why would I be jealous over you two?!" ［Julius］
I repeat, he wasn't jealous at all. Even with how irked and irritated he looked, just like a fuse which was about to burst, Julius' heart was calm as a placid lakeー No, let's just face it, he was extremely jealous of Grey and Yuna being all lovey-dovey.
So jealous that there was only irritation in his mind, wanting to break off the two apart. Seeing them all like that makes him yearn to see Amelia again. It has only been a day yet this fool of a prince was already lovesick.
"Tsk. Let's see how long you two can keep acting like that. At least have a little bit of decency, there are children watching." ［Julius］
And Julius was perfectly right. As they turned their heads to the right, they could see the Little Princess looking at them with expectant and excited eyes. They didn't even notice when she stopped running around, and Iris was with her as well.
"Nalia, ahh～!" ［Natalia］
"Alright, here you go, Little Princess. Open wide." ［Yuna］
Though, as it seems, rather than their actions, what the Little Princess was interested about was the tangerines in their hands. Yuna then peeled some more and fed them to her, making her smile ever so cheerfully, flapping her arms happily.
"Iris, would you also like some yourself?" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, yes, but Elder Sister Yuna... I can eat by myself..." ［Iris］
"Aww... That's such a shame..." ［Yuna］
Yuna also tried to feed the Prince Royal, but as one would expect, she was quickly and politely rejected. She was already 11 years old, after all, and a princess at that. Being fed at such an age would surely be something she'll be embarrassed about for the rest of her life.
Instead, Yuna simply gave a couple pieces of tangerines to Iris and let her do the rest. She skillfully peeled the tangerines with her pretty little hands, revealing amber-colored pulp deep inside. A sweet smile soon bloomed on her lovely face, matching that of the Little Princess'.
And for some reason, Julius also got himself a couple pieces of tangerines without even asking. Then the King followed, then the Queen, and so did everyone else. Before long, everyone was already enjoying their sweet and juicy tangerines.
"Come to think of it... Grey, Yuna, since you two are now engaged, when would the wedding be happening?" ［Ernes］
"Hmm... We actually don't have plans for that yet. Though we're now engaged, we decided to take things slow and only marry when we are truly ready." ［Grey］
"Un. No one's rushing us, after all." ［Yuna］
Their relationship was already fast enough as it is, but Grey and Yuna don't simply want to ride the momentum. They decided to take things at their own pace, only deciding the final arrangements once they've fully settled their feelings.
Well, there was also the fact that Yuna still wants to "monopolize" Grey and all that whatnots, so the wedding would most likely happen only after a couple, maybe even a few, years. They still have a lot of time left to ponder.
"A slow and steady approach... Fufufu! That sounds wonderful." ［Talia］
"Then, do let us know once you've decided to hold the wedding. If you want, I can lend you two the Grand Cathedral for the wedding." ［Ernes］
"The Grand Cathedral... Wasn't it only the high-nobility and royalty who are allowed to wed there?" ［Grey］
"Of course, but we can always make exceptions for our dear Heroes. What do you think? This isn't an everyday opportunity, you know?" ［Ernes］
The King said with a suspicious smile on his face, however, Grey could tell he was actually being sincere. There was just one problem with his proposal, it was that Grey and Yuna don't like standing out too much, and the Grand Cathedral would be the total opposite of that.
"Thank you for the offer, Your Majesty, but I'm afraid we'll have to decline. All we want is a simple wedding, nothing more, nothing less." ［Grey］
"Un. We don't want to cause such a commotion, after all." ［Yuna］
Although it is true that many of their actions made them stand out more than they need to be. They are simply people who wish for a leisurely and peaceful life. The wedding they wanted was a simple and comfortable one.
Of course, as for the wedding details, it was still undecided. Whether they wanted it to be a forest wedding like Kris and Aria, a beach wedding, a church wedding, and so on and so forth, only time can tell. Things could change at any moment.
Well, their wedding might be quite the peculiar one. With Grey and Yuna's standard of what is simple and what is not, there really was no telling what they'll do. Only one thing was for sure, it is bound to be something interesting.
"I see... Then, you can just tell us if you ever change your mind. The Grand Cathedral will always be open." ［Ernes］
"Fufufu! Thank you, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］
"Oh, and don't forget to invite us, alright? We wouldn't miss it for anything." ［Ernes］
Said the King as he ate another piece of tangerine, and everyone nodded after his words. They all wore sincere expressions on their faces, truly wanting to see them exchange vows with one another. Even Julius was a little excited.
"Your Majesty... You just want to skip work, don't you?" ［Grey］
"Urk!" ［Ernes］
Grey's guess was right on the money. Though he was sincere in wanting to attend the wedding, he also had some ulterior motives hidden in that sincerity, wanting to skip his job and laze around even if it's just for a day.
Still, no matter how mischievous and troublesome the King was, both Grey and Yuna were thankful for his consideration. He may not be the best of Kings there are but he was a good person who can easily understand others.
"Speaking of important events, Grey, I just remembered, but isn't it the familiars' birthday today?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, we've summoned them just a day later, after all." ［Grey］
"Ah! Then let's celebrate! Everyone～!" ［Yuna］
It didn't take too long before the topic completely shifted to that of the familiars' first birthday. Yuna immediately called them over with Sirius, Canopus, Kentaurus, and Arcturus lining up in the front, tilting their heads in confusion.
Well, it wasn't just the familiars. Adorably as she can, the Little Princess also joined in on the line up and seated herself behind them, sitting down on the soft green grass, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she looked at Grey and Yuna. Truly adorable.
"You called for me, Master?" ［Polaris］
Of course, they also didn't forget their eldest familiar, Polaris. With a single call from Grey, he was quickly summoned from Moterno all the way to Erdea. And as usual, he greeted them politely, bowing his little fluffy head.
Everyone's eyes were now glued on the little furballs. They really didn't pay much attention to it before, but now that they were all present, they could easily tell there was more of them now than before. All were puzzled and confused.
"Everyone... We have something important to ask of you..." ［Yuna］
"Please ask away, Mistress. We'll do our best to answer your questions." ［Polaris］
"I see, then... What would you like for your birthday～?" ［Yuna］
The slightly serious mood was quickly broken with Yuna's enthusiasm. Now, the familiars were left puzzled, their eyes showing traces of extreme confusion as they looked Yuna straight in the eyes.
"Birth... day...?" ［Polaris］
A familiar's duty is to be of service to their master, and so, things such as birthdays and celebratory events are something they didn't anticipate. They simply stared at her, blank-eyed, not knowing how to answer such a question.
In the first place, they have no need for jewelry, accessories, and the sorts of things people give to one another as presents. Even if they did, it would only hinder them in their duties so they weren't really something desirable. It was a simple yet surprisingly rough question to answer.
"Nalia wants cake～!" ［Natalia］
Though, the same thing couldn't be said for the Little Princess. Even when she wasn't really the one who was asked, she already ready gave her answer as excitedly as she could, smiling from ear to ear as she raised her tiny hands to the air.
The Little Princess then proceeded to name all sorts of things she could think of for a present, mainly foods that she knew, counting slowly with her little fingers. Everyone watched her with warm eyes as they laughed to themselves.
Of course, like the fools that they were, both the King and the Crown Prince took down notes of the Little Princess' request, making sure she has the best birthday when she turns three years old in a few months.
"Grey, Yuna, would you like to cook for Natalia's birthday?" ［Ernes］
"Your Majesty... This isn't the time for that..." ［Grey］
Said Grey with a wry smile on his face, Yuna wearing all the same. Unfortunately, the King was too much of a fool for her granddaughter to listen. He and the Crown Prince simply continued listing down the things the Little Princess mentioned.
"Master, Mistress, we appreciate the concern, but your wishes are far more than enough for us. We are already haー" ［Arcturus］
"No! We're not taking that for an answer! And we won't be done here until we've decided on something and celebrated." ［Yuna］
"But Mistressー" ［Canopus］
"No means no! And that's final!" ［Yuna］
The familiars tried to negotiate, but Yuna won't back down on her stance. Now, they are stuck on a rock and a hard place, not knowing what they should request to not burden their masters whilst still satisfying them. What a troublesome situation it was.
"Then, what about food? Is there something you'd like to eat?" ［Grey］
Thankfully, it wasn't like there weren't any solutions to their problem. The very moment Grey asked such a question, everyone's ears quickly perked up, a sense of interest blooming in their hearts. Before long, their eyes beamed with excitement.
""""Meat!!""""
Answering in unison, their loud voices echoed in the air as stars sparkled in their eyes. They really didn't need to eat but the taste of meat was something they enjoyed all too well. Especially the stir-fried ones Grey and Yuna make for breakfast,
"Alright, meat it is, then!" ［Grey］
Smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna didn't waste any more time and quickly got to work. Their portable kitchen was taken out to the garden and soon, ingredients filled up the table. Since it was a special occasion, they decided to splurge a bit.
The meat wasn't just any common ones you'd find in the supermarket. Nor only were there meats of high-ranking beasts, there were also some from Divine Beasts such as the Garuda and Leviathan, placed atop the kitchen table with great care.
There were also Pterygia, Tarper Shark, Thunder Eel, King Lobster, Jet Hawk, Rock Falcon, Aronel, Bulldeer, Tentares, and many more. It was an assortment of premium ingredients not even royalty would get to see everyday.
Chop Chop Chop Crack Crack Crack Whisk Whisk Whisk
With their swift and nimble hands, Grey and Yuna quickly prepared ingredients one after another. Some were chopped, some were dices, some were fileted, some were marinated, and some were whisked with beaten eggs. A cacophony of noises echoed all throughout the garden.
Soon, the sound of sizzling oil echoed in the air, the prepared ingredients fried in very hot oil. And whilst such was happening, the grill was also prepared, the smell of burning charcoal wafting through the air.
"Grey, here are the patties." ［Yuna］
"Thanks, and oh, can you hand me the sesame oil real quick?" ［Grey］
"Un! Sure!" ［Yuna］
They moved so fast, it was quite difficult for the spectators to know what exactly was happening. All they knew was that one dish after dish was placed atop the table one after another, a meaty and appetizing smell drifting in the air.
Mixed hamburg steak, grilled chicken, buffalo wings, unadon, meat balls, tempura, croquettes, battered Leviathan filet, crispy meat fritters, roasted Bulldeer, and many more. Whatever one could think of, they could find it atop the dining table.
And just in time, noon was also close approaching, the sun now reaching its zenith. With the appetizing fragrance coming from the foods, it was hard to hold themselves back from feeling hungry. They were simply far too enticing.
"Hey, Grey, can we have a bite already? I'm starving." ［Julius］
"Alright, go ahead." ［Grey］
"... Eh...?" ［Julius］
Since it was also a special occasion, Grey didn't waste any time arguing and simply agreed to Julius' request, in turn making the latter very confused. He had expected a harsh scolding, but instead he got a treat. Question marks were all over his head.
"Julius, what are you staring in silence for? Dig in already. The food is not going to wait for you, you know?" ［Ernes］
"A-Ah, yes..." ［Julius］
Still in shock by how calm Grey was, Julius quickly seated himself and had a taste of Grey and Yuna's cooking. The shock he once felt was quickly replaced with delight, an explosion of flavors flooding his mouth.
He already knew that Grey and Yuna were excellent cooks, but something about the new dishes they just cooked stood out from the others. They were exceptionally and incredibly delicious, he could eat them all day. They were divine!
"What the heck is this?! This is even much better than what you usually cook! Am I dreaming right now?!" ［Julius］
"Quite down, Julius. It's bad manners to shout during a meal." ［Talia］
"Mmn～! Food, yummy!" ［Natalia］
The food was already good, but the moment rice was brought out, it became even more divine, everyone unable to hide their smiling faces. Needless to say, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the various meat dishes Grey and Yuna cooked.
『Master, this is great! It's really good!』 ［Kentaurus］
『Mmn～! This one's the best! It's really juicy.』 ［Canopus］
『As expected of Master and Mistress. Truly out of this world,』 ［Polaris］
As for the familiars, there was no need to say anymore. They also loved the food they cooked, sending telepathic messages as to not add up to the noise. The little smiles on their fluffy faces made all the effort they spent felt worth it.
Of course, Grey and Yuna didn't just simply cook. As they went about with their cooking, they also had a quick taste of a couple samples here and there, enjoying themselves to the fullest just like everyone else.
"Yuna, here, open wide." ［Grey］
"Ahh～!" ［Yuna］
And by enjoying themselves, it meant that they were flirting without a single care in the world. They were still as sweet as honey, taking turns feeding each other. They were blushing and smiling, enough to make flowers bloom in the background.
Julius, who was dearly missing Amelia, simply didn't pay any attention to them and just continued to wolf down the dishes served before him. He acted like air, not trying to think about the idiot couple behind him.
The more time passed, the more dishes were dished out. Everyone happily enjoyed their bountiful lunch, but also practiced moderation. After all, meat is usually high in fats and cholesterol. They simply enjoyed themselves as best as they could.
Well, there weren't just meat dishes. Albeit only a few, there were also some fruits and veggies on the table and some juice to cleanse their palate. Overall, it was a wholly balanced meal with everything one would ever need.
Chatter Chatter Chatter Chatter
And just as their lunch progressed, the garden suddenly became noisy. The sound of the gates opening echoed in the air, soon followed by the footsteps of horses. It was obvious that valuable guests were being welcomed.
With the day of the festival upon them, the time for the royal families from all over the continent to arrive in Erdea had also come. It was also the reason why the Mayor and his family were not present, busy welcoming guests by the Teleportation Gate.
Now, the second out of the several royal families have arrived. Just like the Alfrione Royal Family from before, they are now receiving a grand welcome, the sound of drums and trumpets echoing in the air. A royal fanfare!
"I wonder which royal family it is this time..." ［Galleus］
"Hahaha, does it really matter? No matter which one it is, I won't be greeting them until I finish my food. I'll tell you that much. Hahaha!" ［Ernes］
"Dear..." ［Talia］
Though, as it seems, no one was really interested in greeting the other royal families, simply wanting to continue their meal and keep chatting and laughing with one another over the dining table, like any other family,
"Oh! These skewers are amazing! Grey, Yuna, I'll have another one." ［Ernes］
"Un! Go ahead, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］
The King was especially uninterested in the royal affairs, wolfing meat down one dish after another. Following him were the two mischievous princes, and surprisingly, the Little Princess, who had a surprisingly good appetite for her age.
Lunch progressed and before long, the sun finally started to climb down the horizon. The whistling winds continued to blow and the little insects continued to flutter in the air. There was only peace all over, everyone indulging in the tenderest meat there is.
Just as such peace continued to unfold, an unfamiliar set of footsteps ruffled the grass, drawing closer and closer with each passing second. Then it suddenly halted, an unfamiliar figure standing behind them.
"So you were here, our Dear Heroes." ［???］
CHAPTER 284 END