Tomato sauce, potatoes, meat, cheese, and many more. A perfectly circular dough baked in the oven as such toppings were cooking on top of it, an appetite-arousing fragrance wafted throughout the kitchen, expectant faces blooming all over the place.
They had yet to taste the pizza, but the fragrance was more than enough for them to be full, humming in the air as they waited for the pizzaー well, pizzas, too cook. There wasn't just one, but as many as seven varieties, batches of two cooking at a time.
"Mmn～! It's been so long since I've had pizza. I really missed it." ［Helen］
"Pizza... What an interesting dish..." ［Owen］
"Oh, right. This is your first time seeing one, right, Owen? Don't worry, it's very delicious! I'm sure you'll like it!" ［Helen］
"If Helen says so, then it must be really delicious. I can't wait." ［Owen］
The couple waited in anticipation as the sound of chopping knives and sizzling oil echoed in the air. Of course, it was Grey and Yuna. Since they were making pizza, they might as well go all out and cook many more for the future. Nothing beats a snack on the go, after all.
It has been a couple days since Grey and Yuna came back, and as they went about their days, they have been taking it slow, relaxing as much as they can as if they were extending their vacation from Erdea.
Of course, by relaxing, it means 30% actually relaxing and lazing around, and 70% flirting. Just because they are now engaged, they are not holding themselves back anymore, flirting in every chance they get as if they were the only people in the world.
Even Helen who is usually supportive of them can't handle the sweetness of the two, her eyes and heart hurting even when she also has Owen. The two were simply on another level, one not even the characters in Helen's books could compare to.
"Is something wrong, Helen?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing... I just can't get over the fact that you're really engaged now... And to think I was all worried about you before..." ［Helen］
"Fufufu! I'm sure your time will come as well!" ［Yuna］
"That's too much pressure, Yuna..." ［Owen］
"That's right. Helen's still too young. No engagements nor weddings are happening until they are secure and stable enough." ［Gerd］
They didn't even notice him coming in, and he already pitched in on the discussion. Well, not just him, but Selia as well. They have already given them their approval, but that doesn't mean they'll simply let them do whatever they want.
After all, as parents, it was their job to guide them to the right path. They really aren't against the idea of letting their daughter go and be independent, they just want to make sure they don't do anything reckless due to the heat of the moment.
As Gerd and Selia headed inside, Owen then slightly bowed his head and greeted the two, the latter reciprocating with warm and trusting smiles. A surprisingly good relationship for soon to be in-laws.
"Speaking of marriage... Grey, Yuna, what are your plans? Have you already settled on the wedding date?" ［Selia］
"Hmm... We aren't really rushing ourselves so we don't know for sure.... Maybe in three... four... maybe even five year's time?" ［Grey］
"Oh my, that's quite the long wait..." ［Selia］
"Hahaha. Well, we still have a lot of time to think about it. But we'll be sure to tell you once we've finally decided." ［Grey］
Vague as it was, Grey and Yuna were happy with their decision. They were still young, and so, there was practically no need to rush. Especially with their longevity as High-Rankers, they could even marry at thirty or forty if they want.
What was important was that they have confirmed their feelings for each other, and... They are already living with one another. Marriage would barely make any difference. They are simply too strange for common sense to be used on.
"We'll be looking forward to it then. We'll make sure to cook you the best dishes we can when the time comes." ［Gerd］
"Ah! Make me one of the bridesmaids, okay?" ［Helen］
"Fufufu! That's already a given, you know?" ［Yuna］
Laughter was afloat in the air, and just right in time, the long-awaited pizzas were finally done baking, delicious smells wafting all over the kitchen as Grey and Yuna took them out one after another, a golden delight greeting their eyes.
The pizzas were then cut and subtle crunches echoed, melted cheese sticking to the knife as it ran through them, pieces of meat cut along the way. Before long, everyone took a slice for themself, being careful not to be burnt.
"""Thank you for the food!"""
Everyone chanted and they bit down on their shares. The sourness of the cheese, the juiciness of the meat, the sweetness and spice of the bell pepper, and many more. A rich explosion of flavors flooded in their mouths.
Not only was the toppings heavenly, the pizza itself was also excellent. The bottom was crunchy, but the inside was soft, melted cheese hanging down as one takes a bite, filling their mouths with delight. It was immaculate.
"Mmn～! So good! Grey and Yuna's pizza are really the best!" ［Helen］
"This is amazing! I'm so going to brag about this to Master!" ［Owen］
"Please don't... Guildmaster Lydia will surely bother us if she hears about this. We will not get to the end of it if she does..." ［Grey］
They may be Master and Disciple, but there was still a little bit of a rivalry going on between them. The Enchanters' Guild Guildmaster is especially envious that Owen gets to spend time with Grey and Yuna when she could only work her ass off
Of course, that goes without saying that Grey and Yuna sometimes get caught in their crossfire. There was one time Owen bragged about Grey and Yuna teaching him, and the Guildmaster begged them to do the same for her, even just for some time. It was quite flustering seeing her kneel before them.
Even then, they couldn't really hate the two, or rather, they have been used to being bothered so much that they don't really mind it anymore. Especially with a certain troublemaker of a King. Quite the hectic life they have.
『Speaking of which... Since I'm the one who taught you, doesn't that technically make you my disciple, Yuna?』 ［Grey］
Asked Grey, telepathically, as he continued munching down on his slice of pizza. Meanwhile, Yuna, on the receiving end, could only look at him with confusion evident in her eyes, puzzled by the random question Grey threw at her.
『Eh...? Why so suddenly...?』 ［Yuna］
『Nothing... I'm just thinking about how proud and lucky I am to raise such a good 'Disciple'. You've grown so much...』 ［Grey］
『Grey, you know... You can be so annoying sometimes...』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah, but... You're the last person I want to hear that from, Miss 'Clingy and Spoiled' Fiancée.』 ［Grey］
『Guh... You didn't have to go that far...』 ［Yuna］
They may look like they are fighting, but they were actually flirting like idiots who are totally in love. Helen couldn't even hear their telepathic conversation, but she could feel the air suddenly getting sweeter and sappier, turning redder by the moment.
Before long, their little snack time was over and they finished with satisfied smiles and tummies. There were still a lot of pizzas and pizza slices left, but there was no need to fret as Grey easily shoved them inside his "Inventory".
They chatted for a couple more moments before finally breaking apart as the sun rose higher in the horizon. Noon was drawing and near, and so, it was time to prepare for the rush of hungry customers.
"See you later, everyone～!" ［Yuna］
"Drop by later, alright? We'll be cooking our specials again." ［Gerd］
"Un! We'll surely do so!" ［Yuna］
They headed out the inn and the customers headed in one after another, happy and rowdy noises as they went in. And as usual, Helen welcomed them warmly with a bright smile on her face, soon asking them of their orders.
"Oh! Your Highnesses, good morning! How has your day been?"
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, we have some new bread for sale. Would you like to buy some? We have a sale right now."
"Big Sis! big Bro! Let's play again!"
As they walked down the streets, a handful of people greeted them warmly, waving their hands and smiling ever so brightly. From kids to elderly, they were all quite friendly and accommodating, making them feel warm and cozy.
The food shop owners were especially welcoming. After all, with their great appetites, Grey and Yuna were amongst their customers. Especially when they're on a splurge, many shops would be wiped clean. Quite the sight to see, it was.
Though, now that they are done with their little snack, they have so much more time in their hands than they know what to do with. They have no more work to do nor any plans ahead of them. They were free as one can be.
"Hmm... As I thought, it should really be there, huh..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Are you thinking what I am thinking?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, it's been quite some time as well." ［Grey］
They didn't even need to talk to one another to know. After a long time of enjoying the peace and liveliness of Erdea, there was something they haven't been doing as often as they did. Of course, it was adventuring!
There was no time to waste. As soon as they decided on a destination, the two then quickly marched towards the Adventurers' Guild, a number of familiar faces greeting them as soon as they headed inside.
Unlike before when many people were scared of them, quite a few adventurers have started to warm up to them after so long. Especially the younger ones, they looked up to them as if they were their idols. Quite the celebrities they've become.
"Looks like Mister Kris and Miss Aria have been diligent in their work... There's not a single C-rank or higher quest around..." ［Grey］
"Well, there's still some D-rank ones to choose from, you know?" ［Yuna］
"That's true... Should we take all of them, then?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... I want to loom around the other boards first..." ［Yuna］
After greeting Tilda, the very first thing they looked at was the quest boards as per the usual, scanning them from right to left as they looked at all the quests the guild could offer, some absurd ones on the mix.
The D-rank ones were pretty tempting, but since none of them were urgent, Grey and Yuna decided to pick the most interesting ones for them, picking a total of three quests as they only have the afternoon left for them.
They then headed towards the counter, bringing the request papers with them, lining up after the others. Of course, the counter they lined up to was Tilda's, the beautiful fox lady who was wearing her bright, professional smile yet again.
"Tilda, we'd like to take these ones, please～." ［Yuna］
"Okay, please wait a moment... Oh! And, can I borrow your main guild cards for a short while? There's some processes we need to do." ［Tilda］
"Okay...?" ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna slightly tilting their heads, Tilda soon processed their quests on their alternate cards before heading towards the employee-only section with their main cards, another receptionist taking her place to entertain the other adventurers.
Soon enough, Tilda returned to them, carrying what seems to be special cards with her. Strangely enough, in those cards, Grey and Yuna's names were engraved, an ominous premonition shaking their hearts.
"Sorry for the wait. Here are your cards." ［Tilda］
"Thanks, but... Tilda... What the hell are these...?" ［Grey］
It wasn't just a little different, they were totally different. What was previously made of gold with black engravings, was now the complete opposite. They were now black cards made of Noirite with golden engravings, a large letter "S" carved at the top-right corner of the cards.
There was no mistaking it. Their B-rank guild cards which they have tried so hard to keep ranked "low" were now S-rank ones. Even when they were holding it, it still didn't feel real, still blinking their eyes from time to time to see if they were dreaming.
It was quite the showy card as well. With its rich and brilliant, black color, it garnered the eyes of the nearby receptionists and adventurers without much difficulty, rumors spreading like wildfire before they knew it.
"Hey, look! The Grim Reaper and the Phantom finally got their S-rank guild cards!"
"Oohh! It's my first time seeing one! They look so cool!"
"As expected of the Heroes! It's about time!"
It hasn't even a minute and Grey and Yuna were still standing frozen, yet everyone in the guild already heard of the change in their guild cards. It felt like all the efforts they spent trying to rank up was useless, a crack to be heard as their hearts shattered.
Yet despite their crestfallen and puzzled emotions, the background noise begged to differ, the people celebrating their sudden promotion to them. A noise which wasn't quelled even when the Guildmaster walked inside the lobby.
"You must be pretty confused right now." ［Gaston］
"No.. Well... Yeah, we are... How did this happen...?" ［Grey］
"Haah,.. Don't ask me, ask the higher-ups. It was the decision of the Grandmaster so I can't really say no to it. Don't hate me too much." ［Gaston］
The Grandmaster, in other words, the highest ranking authority of the Adventurers Guild. The one currently sitting in such a position is an Elf who is also in Calamity-Class like Grey, famous for being a valiant hero of his time.
As the Guild was an international organization, it would take a long time to sort out all the documents, and as it seems, it looks like the Grandmaster finally got to Grey and Yuna's strange case of not taking the rank up exams even though they have met the requirements for promotion.
After all, many of the adventurers not only seek thrill and fortune, but fame as well. For Grey and Yuna who stayed at B-rank despite their achievements was a huge pain to the Grandmaster who kept getting annoyed by many influential powers.
"Uuu... Can the Grandmaster really do this? This feels unfair..." ［Yuna］
"Of course. He's the Master of the whole Adventurers' Guild. His words are the law in the world of adventurers." ［Gaston］
He couldn't be any more truthful. They have almost forgotten since adventurers are usually associated with freedom, but there was still a formal structure within the guild which one must comply with. It was something they couldn't do anything about.
"And... Did you really think you could stay as B-rank adventurers forever? It would be a problem if you can't take higher ranked quests in times of emergency." ［Gaston］
"Yeah, but aren't there special quests for those instances?" ［Grey］
"You may be right, but being an official S-rank adventurer would still be far more convenient. In the first place, you're already well-known as Heroes. Hiding is useless." ［Gaston］
They wanted to, but they couldn't refute the Guildmaster's words. In the Adventurers' Guild's perspective, it was much better to promote Grey and Yuna so that they can send emergency messages whenever necessary, and many more functions.
They once again looked down at their cards, letting the black and gold colors be burnt to their memories before heaving lengthy, exasperated sighs. There was no use thinking too much about it. Their fates have already been sealed.
"You accepted that much quicker than I thought." ［Gaston］
"Not like fretting about it would make a difference anyway..." ［Grey］
"Ugh... How troublesome..." ［Yuna］
"Now, now, don't sulk too much, you two. Oh! And that reminds me... The Grandmaster also sent this letter to you." ［Gaston］
The Guildmaster handed them the letter, and the two accepted reluctantly with such depressed expressions on their faces. They soon opened it, scanning through the contents with their eyes swimming left and right.
The content of the letter was as follows: An explanation to their sudden promotion, what it entails to them, an official apology from the Guild, and a personal apology from the Grandmaster for promoting them without their knowledge.
Seeing as to how sincere the Grandmaster was, Grey and Yuna felt much better than before, their hearts easing a little. Though...
"Your Highnesses! Let's drink to celebrate your promotion!"
"Hey! You can't just talk casually to Their Highnesses! Use some delicacy, idiot!"
"Your Highnesses, can I have your autographs?"
... The guild was as chaotic as it could possibly be. Some simply congratulated them, whilst some were very rowdy and merry, trying to invite the two or shake their hands. Not even the Guildmaster could quiet them down.
It was already to be expected, but Grey and Yuna were then held inside by the merry bunch of adventurers just like celebrities getting surrounded by their lively fans. They went in with a goal to take some quests and got a promotion instead. Quite a drastic turn of events, I'd say.
Needless to say, it was a very tiring time, draining every bit of energy Grey and Yuna had left in them. It took them quite some time before they could finally get out of the chaotic mess which was the Adventurers' Guild.
"Oh! Grey, Yuna, I heard you finally got your S-rank guild cards! Congrats!" ［Dale］
"Mou... So it has already spread this far..." ［Yuna］
"Haah... This is why we didn't want to get a promotion..." ［Grey］
They quickly headed towards the city gates, but the nightmare still followed them. The news of them getting a promotion was such a big deal, it became the talk of the town, eyes full of admiration boring holes through them.
They couldn't even be bothered to correct them anymore. It hasn't been an hour yet Dale already heard of it. Even if they try to hide it, such rumors would surely reach the ears of everybody by tomorrow. Such extreme and rapid wildfire.
"Well, I wouldn't waste more of your time, should I? Good luck on your first quests as S-rankers, Your Highnesses!" ［Dale］
"Mister Dale... Please spare us..." ［Grey］
They've already lost all their energy, but after dealing with such intense stares from all over the crowd, they felt like they just wanted to go home. Unfortunately for them, they have already taken their quests. They needed to do it no matter what.
And so, with their faces full of exhaustion, Grey and Yuna soon departed towards their quest destinations. They were only several kilometers away so all they needed were a few minutes of sprinting, reaching their destination without breaking a sweat.
Thankfully, they took their quest with their alternate guild cards, and so, they didn't have to deal with the same experience from Galderia in the villages. They were simply guided towards the locations without wasting any time.
From orcs to treants, Grey and Yuna made sure to exterminate each and every threat without leaving a single one behind. They made swift work out of them, but because of it, they could relieve some frustrations. A strange method of stress relief.
"Grey～! I already picked up the drops here. Are these the last ones?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, they should be... With this, our work is done." ［Grey］
"Good～! We could finally go back!" ［Yuna］
"Back, huh..." ［Grey］
They have already finished their quests, but there were traces of reluctance in their eyes, unsure if they should really go back. By now, rumors should have already spread far and wide in the city. It would be a bother to deal with them.
It would have been no problem if they just had to go home, they could just use Gate for that. The problem as they still heeded to process the completion of the quests. They would need to go out no matter what.
"Haah... Should we just leave this for tomorrow?" ［Grey］
"But the rumors would have fully spread by then." ［Yuna］
"Haah... That's right, isn't it?" ［Grey］
Rustle Rustle Rustle GRAAWWWRRR
And just as they discussed what to do, a series of loud rustles echoed in the air. They were so fast, they only left blurs behind as they pounced towards Grey and Yuna, their steel clubs aiming to crush the Grey's head
BOOOMMMー Clang Clang Crush
Unfortunately for the troll, the opponent he picked a fight with was Grey. The latter easily caught the steel club with ease, crushing it soon after in front of the troll. Soon, one of his fists clenched, doom looming in the air.
"Can you not... disturb us right now?!" ［Grey］
BOOOOMMMMM
Grey's lightning speed jab struck the troll's face and dented it in as if it was some kind of paper mâché. It was then blasted meters upon meters of distance away, colliding with trees and other trolls on its way.
He was already frustrated as it is with the situation, yet another bunch of headaches tried to bother them. It has been some time since he felt so pissed and frustrated. Though, as luck would have it, some "stress relief" volunteered themselves for him.
"Now, which one of you wants to go first?" ［Grey］
Said Grey, menacingly as he cracked his fists. Monsters aren't even able to feel fear nor any sort of emotion, yet they froze in place as soon as they saw the look in Grey's eyes. It was as if an unstoppable predator was heading their way.
Not just trolls, but goblins, orcs, kobolds, ogres, golems, and all sorts of monsters that crossed their path were eliminated in a matter of seconds. It wasn't even a battle, it was a massacre, the forest wiped clean of monsters as a wild beast rampaged all over the place.
"Grey...." ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 293 END