The winds whistled and the pine needles fell after another. Trees, bushes, and grass alike swaying ever so gently as they greeted the sun above. It was a chilly and fresh morning, the smell of the earth riding adrift the forest breeze.
Inside such an open forest, a certain color stood out like a sore thumb. A beautiful silver swayed and fluttered, contrasting the beautiful and viridescent forest in the background. Only silence loomed in the air, the young elf softly closing her eyes as she put her hands together.
It has been a couple of days since Kris and Aria's dispute, and just as they replied to the King's invitation, they were now on the way to the Graystone Kingdom, stopping by the Haltea Great Forest to visit everyone's graves and offer them some prayers.
"Oh, and Mom, please don't worry. Although I'm engaged now, the marriage is still far away. I don't think I'm ready to be a wife yet. I'm still nothing like you." ［Yuna］
Of course, as they were having a visit, Yuna also gave updates about the important happenings in her life, the events in Torogi, the Festival of Hearts, and of course, her engagement with Grey. There was a light blush on her cheeks.
As for Grey, he was simply standing a couple distance away, letting Yuna have her time and space with her parents. He had already given his greetings and respects, picking flowers now to put beside their gravestones.
"Sirius, aren't you tired?" ［Grey］
"Not at all, Master. If anything, it is much more enjoyable spending time with the Master and Mistress. I'm sure everyone feels the same." ［Sirius］
"Hahaha.Then I guess we have to let you out moreー Hm?" ［Grey］
And just as he and Sirius were finished picking the flowers, Yuna waved one of her hands towards his direction, calling him over. And for some reason, her face was much redder than before, ears flapping excitedly.
"Guess that's my cue..." ［Grey］
All sorts of wild flowers in his hands, Grey headed to Yuna's direction and left Sirius on her own. The Platinum Dragon simply watched her masters from afar, a warm and soft pair of eyes looking at them as she laid down the green grass.
Grey soon knelt to the ground and joined Yuna on her talk with her parentsー or so he was planning to, when suddenly, Yuna grabbed his hands by surprise then holding it tightly with both hands, eyes sparkling with an excited sheen.
"And look, Grey made these rings himself! Aren't they beautiful?! I was so surprised when he proposed to me back then!" ［Yuna］
Apparently, she just wanted to show her parents the engagement rings Grey made after weeks upon weeks of preparations. They have already worn it for more than a month already yet it was only then that Grey felt a little embarrassed.
"And! And! Grey also made a lot of trial rings before these! Grey, can we show them to my parents, please?" ［Yuna］
"Alright.... Just give me a moment." ［Grey］
"I'm sure you'll love them, Mom, Dad. They're really beautiful!" ［Yuna］
She's already pretty childish when they're alone together, but being in front of her parents, she felt even more like a child again. She happily showed all the rings and things Grey made in preparation for the engagement ring.
Not only the rings, Yuna then showed the bouquet of nine colors Grey presented to her. The legend of nine colors, the meaning behind the colors, the hidden message when all of them are gathered. She told them everything with a bright smile.
"... I wish you could also attend our wedding..." ［Yuna］
Even then, it wasn't all just happy scenes. She was talking to them excitedly, but she knew full well that they were no longer a part of the world. A crestfallen look befell on her face, trying to hold herself back from bawling her eyes out.
Yuna had long already accepted the fact that her parents had passed away, yet she still longs for their warmth and love. No amount of money nor fame could ever be exchanged for something so trivial yet invaluable.
"It's alright, Yuna... I'm sure they'll be watching over us." ［Grey］
"Un... You're right..." ［Yuna］
All Grey could do was comfort his beloved, letting her head rest on his shoulders as he held her hands even tighter. Before long, he also joined in on the conversation, telling all sorts of stories in their daily lives, including Yuna's daily shenanigans, making the latter flustered.
Just like that, time slowly passed and the sun climbed higher on the sky. Grey once again checked on the barrier surrounding the place, making sure there was nothing wrong with it and everyone could rest in peace.
The familiars also gave their greetings to everyone, bowing their heads respectfully. Even the usually energetic and short-tempered Procyon was being well behaved, uncharacteristically quiet like Achernar and Capella. Such a serene scene it was.
"Mom, Dad, everyone, it's time for us to go. I don't know when I can visit you again, I'll try to drop by whenever I can." ［Yuna］
"Don't worry, Mister Folsen, Missus Ristelle, like before, I'll make sure to take care of your daughter. I'll always be there for her." ［Grey］
"Hear that, Mom, Dad? It seems you have nothing to worry about, and don't worry, your daughter is already plenty strong by herself. I can protect myself!" ［Yuna］
"That's right. She could probably annihilate an army or two if she ever wanted. I don't think there's anyone who'd willingly pick a fight with her. Haha." ［Grey］
Time was running low and it was almost time to go. Unlike before, the mood was now much lighter, Grey and Yuna joking around as they said their farewells. A subtle smile was afloat on Yuna's pretty face, her eyes gentle as can be.
"Then, goodbye～! See you later～!" ［Yuna］
The winds howled once more and the fallen leaves danced in the air. A glimmering streak of platinum darted towards the sky as Sirius flapped her wings. The clouds were once again parted, flying freely, unbound by any chains.
Since Grey had been all over the continent in his hunt before, the journey became much shorter. They used a gate to the nearest location from their destination, flying the remaining distance at breakneck speeds even lightning couldn't compare to,
They soon crossed the borders, an even more tropical scene greeting them. The grass was much lighter, a shade of olive painted all over the plains. The forests were taller too, brand new varieties of fauna and flora as far as the eyes can see.
It wasn't just the scenery, the wind was quite welcoming too. It was pretty much like the humid and temperate air Grey was ever so familiar back in his previous life. One which brought about memories of his tropical, summer days.
Soon enough, as they continued to fly in the air, a staggering city came into view, walls higher than any tree and a castle shining like a gem. It was no less beautiful than Alfrione's Royal Castle, only differing in styles of architecture.
There was also no need to land in a forest like usual. Grey and Yuna had already informed the King about their way of transport, and to their surprise, the King said it would be alright to land with a dragon. He himself was a fan of them and would very much like to see one for himself.
"Sirius, descend slowly." ［Grey］
"Understood." ［Sirius］
Even then, there was no harm in being careful. Sirius was still a massive beast, after all. Even if the King had allowed them, the common folk would surely be surprisedー or so they thought, but as it seems, the people only looked at them with awe.
They soon landed near the gates, the people's eyes on them as they descended, looking at Sirius' magnificent form. Soon, a group of knights headed their way, a grandiose carriage approaching behind them.
"Greetings, Your Highnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna. We have already met before, but let me reintroduce myself... I am Lt. General Galahad myr Granum. I have been given the honor to escort you today." ［Galahad］
They were as grand as ever. With such gallant knights greeting and kneeling before them, the people only got even more curious as they peeked towards Grey and Yuna. With such a reception, they would surely be not just any normal people.
As the Lt. General said, Grey and Yuna had already met him back at the Festival of Hearts as he was the Graystone Royal Family escort back then. It was then that they got acquainted with one another.
"Everyone, please rise. And thank you for escorting us." ［Grey］
"It's our greatest pleasure, Your Highnesses, and I must say... You really did come in style, riding such an elegant dragon." ［Galahad］
"That may be so. But Sir Galahad, we're surprised the people didn't have much of a reaction to them... Rather, they look curious, don't they?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's because they're already pretty used to it." ［Galahad］
"Used to it...?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. Like Your Highnesses, the Royal Family also has many a handful of familiars in their person. It wasn't just once or twice that we used them to fly." ［Galahad］
Galahad wasn't exaggerating. With it's long and rich history, Graystone Kingdom had summoned quite a lot of familiars and they have been passed down from generation to generation, each one a valuable asset to the Kingdom.
Familiars, though bound to their masters, usually outlive them. In such cases, either by the will of their departed master or itself, they usually search for a new master who would be worthy of them. Such has happened in Graystone over the centuries.
Much like Alfrione today, such familiars have been assigned to the higher ups of the army. The General is now the master of an S-rank familiar who has been around since the founding of the Kingdom. And even Galahad has one of his own.
"Such a beautiful familiar you have..." ［Galahad］
"Thank you for your kind words, Sir Galahad." ［Sirius］
"Oho, I was simply telling the truth. No need to be so humble." ［Galahad］
It wasn't just Galahad, even the knights behind him were in awe at the beauty of the platinum figure before them. They had seen dragons in books before, but seeing one in real life was just a completely different experience. It was jaw-dropping.
"Ah! Forgive me for wasting such precious time... If it's fine with you, shall we escort you inside the city now, Your Highnesses?" ［Galahad］
"Please do... It seems like we're getting quite the bit of attention out here." ［Grey］
"By your will." ［Galahad］
"Fufufu! We'll be in your care, everyone." ［Grey］
Like a gentleman, Galahad opened the doors of the Royal Carriage and let Grey and Yuna in, a luxurious chamber greeting them. As soon as they were inside, Sirius then vanished into thin air, melding back into their shadows.
The knights mounting such wonderful stallions by their side, the carriage soon moved and they paraded under the gates. The moment they passed through, yet another grand and elegant scenery greeted them, liveliness springing in the air.
Much like the cities in Alfrione and Valliarta, the main streets were populated by all sorts of shops and stalls, stables and resting places appearing here and there, busy people passing by, increasing the traffic in the area.
There were establishments of various sizes, people from different races, adventurers, merchants, soldiers, and civilians going about their daily lives, and children playing around by the side of the streets, eyes wandering everywhere.
As the Royal Carriage passed through the gates, all eyes befell on it. With such a grand entrance with a number of knights escorting it, it was only natural, the children stopping their steps to admire such a wonderful scene unfold.
Thankfully, unlike before, Grey and Yuna were pretty much familiar with such a scene before. They have already half given up on their dream of staying out from the eyes of the public and simply accepted the things the way they are. Thinking too much about it will just make their heads hurt.
"What do you think of Avalon, Your Highnesses?" ［Galahad］
"It's wonderful... Though we've seen similar sights before, it never ceases to amaze me how lively Royal Capitals are." ［Grey］
"Un. It's so nice seeing things peaceful and lively like this." ［Yuna］
"That's because of our wise King. His Majesty has been putting all the effort he could to make sure everyone regardless of status enjoys a good life. He's the inspiration of many in the kingdom." ［Galahad］
There were only praises for the King, Galahad's eyes filled with pride as he talked about it. Rather than an aide, he was like a fan who has been admiring his idol for quite a long stretch of time, happy to serve under him.
It wasn't just him, the other escort knights were also the same, proud of their great and wise King. One who, unlike a certain King which shall not be named, was actually a dependable figure to the masses. A source of strength.
"Speaking of inspiration, It has been a long time since I saw it, but I still couldn't get my mind off your match with the Azure Sword Emperor. You were really amazing back then, Your Highnesses!" ［Galahad］
"Fufufu! It's only because His Majesty was going easy on us." ［Yuna］
"Yeah... Otherwise, we wouldn't have lasted a couple minutes..." ［Grey］
"No, that's not it! Even if that were true, you still demonstrated a level of skill no other could compare. Especially your teamwork, it was exceptional!" ［Galahad］
And speaking of idolization, it seems that a certain someone was still in awe from the battle between them and Richter. He just couldn't stop singing praises for them, like a bard in tavern, enthusiastic as one can be,
Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna could only get embarrassed at such an open display of admiration. It would have been alright if they were children, but if it was a middle-aged man in his late thirties... It was just a little uncomfortable..
The tour continued...
The city was beautiful as one can be, but it wasn't just simply known as the Royal Capital of Graystone, it was also called the "City of Swords" which was founded by the first King who happened to be an excellent swordsman.
As one would expect from such a moniker, most of the weapons shops they saw sold only swords and there were swordsmen all over the place. Even all the knights that were escorting them were swordsmen, swords tucked inside their scabbards.
And just as the carriage continued to trot down the streets, a massive statue of a sword slowly started to appear before them, sticking out like a sore thumb from. It stood more than ten meters tall, intricate carvings all over it. It was a masterpiece.
"What an amazing statue..." ［Grey］
"This is the 'Sword of Valor', one of the four swords of the Kingdom." ［Galahad］
"Four...?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. In each of the cardinal directions of the city, there is a statue of a legendary sword King Parsifal used in battle." ［Galahad］
King Parsifal, the First King of Graystone. It was said that he had fought countless wars in order to protect their peace and founded the kingdom soon after. He was a Calamity-Class figure who was known to be a great hero.
In his honor, one the previous Kings erected four statues all over the city resembling his swords. There was the "Sword of Valor" in the north, "Might" in the east, "Calm" in the west, and "Judgement" in the south, all representing King Parsifal's values.
"Four swords... I want to see the other three too..." ［Yuna］
"Haha. I'm afraid that will have to wait, Your Highness. We still have to greet His Majesty to let them know you have arrived safely." ［Galahad］
"Then, it would be our pleasure if you could escort us when the day comes." ［Yuna］
"That might be difficult with my schedule, but it would be an honー" ［Galahad］
WOOHOOOO!! WOOAAAHHH!! OOOHHHHHHHH!!
Galahad couldn't even finish his words, when suddenly, a loud cacophony of cheers echoed by the distance. Screams of ecstasy, excitement, and enthusiasm danced in the air, people chanting ever so eagerly.
What appeared in front of them was a massive colosseum stretching out hundreds of meters wide, fully encased with tough materials and a barrier to protect the whole place, able to house more than a hundred thousand people. A true giant.
"Waah～! So massive... What is that thing..." ［Yuna］
"Oh? Is this perhaps your first time seeing a colosseum, Your Highness?" ［Galahad］
"A colosseum...?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. In simpler terms, a massive arena... It is a place where warriors and mages fight with their best until one is unable to continue or surrender, and also a place for people to see such intense battles unfold." ［Galahad］
To Galahad's words, Yuna was even more surprised. She had seen all sorts of arenas and training grounds before, but never a colosseum. Even Grey who had seen them online couldn't help but be amazed by such a marvel.
There wasn't just one. Located near the center and each of the city's quadrants was a colosseum, making a grand total of five colosseums. Though not as massive as the Grand Colosseum in front of them, the others were still large and popular. They were all a sight to behold.
It is also because of these colosseums that Avalon is populated with swordsmen. The fights in such arenas are what inspired the younger generations to wield a sword and improve their skills, watching the fights to gain some reference.
Because of such popularity, swordsmen from all over the continent also started to gather in order to learn and improve themselves, fighting other swordsmen while they were at it, creating a domino effect which has been in effect for centuries already.
"How can we fight in the colosseums?" ［Yuna］
"For that, you only need to register as a 'Gladiator' in any of the colosseums. The process shouldn't take too long." ［Galahad］
"I see... Then I guess we'll give it a try." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I can't wait to see you in action again, Yourー Ah..." ［Galahad］
A sudden realization soon came to Galahad as he spoke his words, making him abruptly cut his own words. He wanted to tell Grey and Yuna, but doesn't have the heart to, a troubled look looming over his face.
"Is something wrong, Sir Galahad?" ［Yuna］
"No, it's not really... Well, the problem is... The colosseums only accepts swordsmen. An assassin and a brawler would most likely be rejected..." ［Galahad］
It was troublesome indeed. It was already to be expected from the City of Swords, but to think even their colosseums are only limited to swordsmen. If Grey and Yuna didn't know about it beforehand, they would have surely gotten in trouble.
Fortunately, Grey and Yuna were also well versed in swordsmanship, possessing at least "High" level of mastery. Even more fortunate was the fact that not only do they have the "Divine Sword" in their possession, but "Vulcan's Wrath" as well, two Divine-Grade swords which suits them perfectly.
They don't know whether it was fate or just a coincidence, but with it, they were sure they could participate in the fun and let themselves loose. Swordsmanship may not be their front, but they could still learn a thing or two about it.
"No need to worry, Sir Galahad, we know a thing or two about swordsmanship so we should be alright." ［Grey］
"Un. It may not be our strongest cards, but I'm sure we'll make do somehow. We'll try our best not to disappoint you too much." ［Yuna］
"Oho! Then, I am looking forward to your matches, Your Highnesses." ［Galahad］
Such things out of the way, the carriage continued to trot and before long, they finally arrived at the Royal Castle, massive golden gates opening before them, letting them pass through as beautiful scenery greeted them.
Not only were there gardens, there were also statues of important people erected all over the place. Each one held swords in their person, looking like gallant figures of the past. Heroes who engraved their names in history.
As soon as they came down the carriage, each and every servant they met lowered their heads to greet them politely, the knights saluting to Galahad before bowing their heads towards them. Such a welcome reception.
"Where is His Majesty right now?" ［Galahad］
"He's sparring with the Captain of the Royal Guards again. I think it would still take an hour before His Majesty comes back."
And as it seems, the King was not in the throne room nor was he in his office. Rather, he was on the training grounds with the knights, not to spectate, but join them in their training, crossing swords with them to better his swordsmanship.
"It seems like we'll have to walk a little more ways. Would that be alright with you, Your Highnesses." ［Galahad］
"Yeah, no problems here." ［Grey］
"Un. We could use a little bit of a walk." ［Yuna］
"Great. Then I shall lead the way." ［Galahad］
There were no contradictions on Grey and Yuna's side. As Galahad took the two to where the King was, he also gave them a tour of the Royal Castle while he was at it, showing all the important places and also introducing them to important figures.
The Ministers, the Army Officers, the Head Chef in the kitchen, and many more, Grey and Yuna got to meet all sorts of wonderful people throughout their little tour, the Head Chef even giving them treats as they passed by.
Before long, the sounds of swords clashing echoed in their ears, clouds of dust brewing in the near fields. They have arrived at the training grounds, greeted by a fierce clash between two men, a familiar figure amongst them.
"Hahaha! You're finished, Eliazar!" ［Archen］
CHAPTER 301 END