The wind blew eastward and shadows were cast on the ground as the sun ran along the sky. A massive sword of stone was erected by the streets, people and carriages circling around it, many admiring its grandeur as it stood proud and mighty.
Click Click Click Click
A series of clicks and clacks bobbed up and down in the air, dancing hand in hand with the little flashes, capturing every memory and engraving it into a piece of paper. Smiles and giggles floated adrift the place, a couple familiar figures standing merrily.
Of course, such figures were none other than Grey, Yuna, and Lisandra. They were now in front of one of the four swords of the Kingdom, the "Sword of Judgement", and just like the Sword of "Valor" from before, it was truly a sight to behold.
"Hmm... This looks good. What do you think?" ［Grey］
"Un! I think they came out good! Ah! This one's a little blurry..." ［Yuna］
"Isn't that fine? I think they are still beautiful." ［Lisandra］
"Mmn... Then I guess it's fine. We've taken a lot of photos anyway!" ［Yuna］
It's been a few days since Grey and Yuna's duo matches, and today, they decided to take a break from dueling and explore the city for once, now going around in all sorts of places and taking a bunch of pictures as they enjoy themselves.
With the colosseum and all, they have completely forgotten to go around the city. If it wasn't for Lisandra inviting and dragging them along, they would probably still be in a duel, fighting the colosseum and hearing the cheers of the crowd.
It wasn't bad seeing the excitement of people all the while improving their skills with the sword, but taking a breather every once in a while and enjoying life as it is was just as enjoyable, adding a bit of spice in their monotonous schedule.
"Lisa... Thanks..." ［Grey］
"Hm? What for?" ［Lisandra］
"For showing us around. I really appreciate it." ［Grey］
A smile bloomed on Grey's face, and Yuna's soon after. It was only a simple thank you, but it was enough to make Lisandra's heart flutter in warmth and happiness. She couldn't help but smile, looking at the two.
"Fufufu! It's nothing, I was also quite bored myself... Anyway, is anyone hungry? Why don't we try some Avalon specialty fruits?" ［Lisandra］
"Ah! I would like to! Are they sweet?" ［Yuna］
"Yes! They're very sweet! There's also some that are very sour and some that are a little bit minty. Should we try all of them?" ［Lisandra］
"Un! I'm going to buy a bunch of them! Grey! Hurry up～!" ［Yuna］
Excitement drawn on their faces, everyone headed to the nearby stalls and looked for Graystone Kingdom's specialty fruits. And as one would expect from a tropical nation, there was quite a lot of variety of fruits, filling the markets with life and color.
There were the usual apples, oranges, bananas, watermelons, pineapples, and many more. However, just as many were the fruits Grey and Yuna had never seen before, some taking very common forms and shapes, and some looking like they come from a totally different planet.
Of course, with Grey's appraisal, he easily identified many of them, eyes filled with interest and curiosity as he scanned through them. It was still the first time he saw them, but he was already excited to see what recipes he could make with them.
"Oh, Your Highness! Are you here to buy some sapro berries again?"
"Yes. And please give me some kiwano, red bananas, lamala, and..." ［Lisandra］
The Princess ordered and pointed, eyes swimming left and right as she continued to lengthen her list. It wasn't the first time she had gone shopping by the market. In fact, she had gone too much, she was already familiar with the vendors.
Grey and Yuna had already witnessed it beforehand, but Lisandra really was popular with the people despite being a princess. Not only was she bright and hardworking, she was also down to earth. Such a perfect princess.
"Mister, I'd also like to buy these... Do you have any more of these? I want to buy a little more if possible." ［Grey］
"Oh! It would be a pleasure to serve Your Highness. Please wait a moment, I will just check if I still have some stock."
"Please doー oh! And while you're at it, can I also get some alderine." ［Grey］
"Grey, this one too! They look delicious!" ［Yuna］
Before long, Grey and Yuna joined the shopping spree, following Lisandra's lead and buying everything which caught their eyes, Yuna sampling some of them with a bright smile on her lovely face, filling her mouth with berries.
And in a very Grey and Yuna-like fashion, they bought tons and tons as if they were ordering for a big store. Grey and Yuna's purchase was so big, the other nearby stalls needed to supply them with fruits as well, the vendors confused yet happy.
The shopping spree continued, and from left to right, they bought a mountain of fruits even Lisandra couldn't help but surprise. She already knew they were quite the big eaters, but seeing them shop was still baffling... In a way... They were amazing.
"Waah～! The lemon is so sweet! It feels like magic!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, why don't you taste something bitter as well?" ［Grey］
"Oh? Would it work with bitter things too, Lisa?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. As far as I'm aware, everything should taste sweet. I don't know about spicy ones though. I have yet to try it." ［Lisandra］
As they wandered around, they also chanced upon some miracle berries. After eating one, everything Yuna tasted now became sweet. Even the sourest lemons were not a match, tasting sweet as candy.
They continued their stroll, Lisandra continuing to guide them throughout the massive streets and narrow alleys. She knew the city as if it was the back of her hands, taking them around every nook and cranny, showing them all sorts of shortcuts,
The people chatting, the carriages passing by, the smokes rising into the sky, the city was full of vitality. Even the children were running around the streets, holding sticks in their hands and acting like they were the most valiant of swordsmen.
"Prepare yourself, bandit! I will defeat you!"
"No! I will be the one to defeat him! I'm the hero!"
"Hahaha! I'm the greatest swordsman in the world!"
They were still young yet they were already dreaming big, waving their little sticks and pointing them towards each other as they played around. They hopped and they ran around the place, acting as if they were gladiators in the colosseums.
Of course, there were also adults watching them from a distance, making sure they didn't get themselves in trouble. Playing with sticks could be dangerous, after all. They could get themselves hurt if they get too rowdy for their own sakes.
"Kids! Don't run too fast! You're going to fall again!"
"Kyaa～! The demon lord is chasing us!"
"Hurry! The dragons are coming! I know a secret passage!"
Their imagination was active as one can be, Grey, Yuna, and Lisandra couldn't help but laugh softly and warmly at their words and actions. Before long, they vanished from sight, their voices fading away soon after.
Time passed and the second bell of the day rang. The three headed towards shops a many, buying all sorts of things for the upcoming ball. Of course, it wasn't like any ball they attended before, it was a masquerade ball!
Not only dresses and suits, Lisandra also helped the two buy some beautiful masks to fit themselves. There were ones shaped like butterflies, ones with feathers, ones with gold engravings, ones shaped like beasts and many more. There were a lot of them to pick from.
"What about this, Yuna? I think black would suit you. It serves as a nice contrast with your silver hair." ［Lisandra］
"I'm usually wearing blue or white... Would black really suit me?" ［Yuna］
"Why don't we give it a try? It's also nice to see you change your style every now and then. I'm sure you would look beautiful in it." ［Grey］
"Oh, you... Fine, I'll give it a try." ［Yuna］
The idiot couple was flirty as usual. Though not as sweet and sappy as they usually are since the princess was around, they were still sweet enough that ants might start crawling at any given moment, like butterflies attracted to nectar.
Yuna soon headed to the dressing room and brought the dress, the heels, and the mask with her. At the same time, Lisandra also took off on her own and dressed herself up just like Yuna. She may be tomboyish, but she was still a girl. Wanting to be beautiful was only natural.
"Hmm... This is quite nice... This one too... Should I get these both?" ［Grey］
As for Grey, he simply tried out all sorts of masks, seeing which one would fit him the best. It was his first masquerade ball so he was quite excited to try them out, just like a little child who just found a new game to play.
"Umm... Grey, what do you think?" ［Yuna］
And just as he played around to his heart's content, a lovely and familiar voice rang from behind. As he turned around, a blinding dazzle greeted his eyes, his excitement fading away as he froze like a statue. A goddess has descended before him.
A pure black dress with a semi-transparent floral design along with matching evening gloves made with sheer fabric and a shawl draping from both her arms and her back. There were no frills nor ribbons like usual, only thin and smooth fabric which flowed like water, fluttering in the wind.
She wore dark heels which shone like the night sky, had her plump lips tinted a bold red color and her hair braided twice, showing off her pointy elven ears. Lastly, there was the black mask, contrasting her silver hair, a single ebony feather dazzling like black diamonds under the starlight.
Grey had already fallen far too deep in the abyss called love, but seeing her like that, he once again confirmed how much of a fool he was, and also how lucky he was. The young lady in front of her, his fiancée, truly was a goddess.
"I knew it... Pure colors really suit you more..." ［Grey］
"E-Eh?! Is it that bad?!" ［Yuna］
"No, that's not it... If you go in the ball looking like that... I'm afraid all men would keep staring at you. It's too inviting... is what I meant to say..." ［Grey］
"I-I see... Then, let's keep this for later..." ［Yuna］
"For later"... One could only guess and speculate what such words meant. The young lady might just have muttered it out of panic, or maybe there really is something more into it. Only time can tell and only the two would know.
"Hey, I'm doneー Oh? Did something happen?" ［Lisandra］
""No... Nothing..."" ［Grey and Yuna］
Faces beet red and flustered, everyone continued their shopping spree and bought all sorts of things. From the things they would be needing at the ball all the way to the small trinkets and accessories they could use later down the line. They made sure to not compromise, getting what they could get.
The winds blew over the city and the soft chimes rang in the air once more. After their shopping spree, they once again headed out to the streets, welcomed back by the soft sunlight as the sun continued to climb up the horizon.
"Mmn... There sure are more and more people coming in, huh..." ［Yuna］
They soon arrived in front of the gates, watching crowds and carriages pour in like an unstoppable flood. It was even busier than when they first came to Avalon, people of all races and nationalities coming from all directions.
"Well, there are a lot of events happening, after all. It's not just the Carnival of Swords, there's also the opening of the Labyrinth of Stars." ［Grey］
"And it will only get more crowded from here onwards." ［Lisandra］
"I can see that happening..." ［Grey］
"Mmn... Just like the Labyrinth of Death last time... I wonder how many of the participants will be swordsmen..." ［Yuna］
With the upcoming opening of the Labyrinth, more and more kinds of people are drawn towards Avalon. From mages to warriors, and even users of special magics such as healers, summoners, and many more.
Even then, no matter how varied and many they were, they couldn't beat the number of swordsmen present in Avalon. In fact, with all other classes of warriors and mages combined, they aren't even a third of the whole population. Complete domination.
And as one would expect, there were also a number of powerful people as well. Just the number of High-Rankers have reached double digits. The events would surely be a show to behold. They can't help but look forward to it.
"I'm sure a lot of them will be... Oh! And speaking of swords, I just remembered something. Would you care if we take a quick turnaround?" ［Lisandra］
"Hm? Are we going somewhere?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. I have something I need to check on." ［Lisandra］
There was no time to waste. With Lisandra on the lead, their feet started to do stride after stride, heading inside the alleyways for a quick shortcut and crossing the streets time and time again, running around a complex route.
Yet surprisingly, no matter how complex their twists and turns were, they still arrived at their destination, and several minutes earlier to boot. The Princess really is a master of the streets, navigating them as if it was nobody's business.
Their destination was none other than an equipment store, and by that, one that sells swords and swords mostly. It was an establishment as massive as the guild, and just as grand, customers coming in and out without a break.
"Grey, Yuna, what are you standing there for? Let's head inside!" ［Lisandra］
It wasn't just any normal equipment store, it was the biggest in the Kingdom. A store supplied by the biggest smithies and the biggest laboratories. If one were trying to get the best equipment and items for themselves, it was the best place to go.
And just as expected, the interior was just as grand as the exterior, swords of all shapes and sizes displayed by the walls and on display cases, a ton of knights and adventurers looking at them, contemplating ever so seriously.
As for their grades, they were pretty varied, ranging from Middle to Superior Grade, prices ranging from a couple thousand all the way to millions, items getting more and more expensive the higher the floor was.
"Ohh～! Should we take Liz here some other time, Grey? I'm sure she'll love it." ［Yuna］
"We could just make one for her, you know?" ［Grey］
"True, but! Looking around wouldn't hurt, would it?" ［Yuna］
It hasn't even been a minute since they went inside yet Grey and Yuna were already sucked inside the world of equipment, talking about all sorts of things as they looked at the many swords displayed all over the place.
They may not be swordsmen themselves, but they still knew many of them who were. Eliza especially came to mind since her current equipment was still High-Grade. It is about time that she gets an upgrade.
"Grey, Yuna, would you like to take a look around first?" ［Lisandra］
"Nah... We can do that later. Let's just finish your business first." ［Grey］
"Thank you." ［Lisandra］
But they weren't there to look at the display items. Lisandra just ignored them and headed straight towards the reception desk. Just like how she knew the streets, she also knew the layout of the store, not making any unnecessary turns.
"Hello. Is Lord Orden available right now?" ［Lisandra］
"Oh, Your Highness. It's a pleasure to meet you this lovely morning. However... about your question... I'm afraid he's still busy at the moment."
"How about Lady Holly?" ［Lisandra］
"She also has a long list of orders right now. It may take them a while before they are available. I truly apologize, Your Highness."
The Princess asked a couple more times, but the receptionist kept on shaking her head. All the top blacksmiths of the country were busy with the upcoming events, all their slots now filled with orders from a mountain of people.
Lisandra may be royalty, but that doesn't mean she could get everything she wanted to. Well, if she uses her authority as a royal, she might get things a lot easier. Still, there are limits to what she could do.
And right now, Lisandra really wanted to get her sword with her own power. Be it the money she will pay with or the patience she needs to endure, everything was a fruit of her hard earned efforts. Even her current sword was one she earned herself.
"Should I make an appointment under your name, Your Highness?"
"No. That would only make things more difficult for them... Ah. If they're available, can you send a message to the Royal Castle? Address it to me,"［Lisandra］
"Yes. We would surely do so."
"Thank you. That is much appreciated." ［Lisandra］
It was a disappointing trip, and it wasn't the first. With the approach of the Carnival of Swords, Lisandra thought of buying a new sword for herself even when she can't join. Unluckily, the same thoughts also ran in everyone's minds, spots then quickly taken.
It has been weeks since she's been waiting yet there was still no fruition. With the way things are, she would surely not be able to get a sword for herself before the Carnival of swords. She could only walk away with her head hanging down.
"Hm? Are you looking for a new sword to be made, Lisa? You could have just asked me, you know?" ［Grey］
"Eh? You're also a blacksmith, Grey?" ［Lisandra］
"Yeah. I might not look it, but I'm quite confident in my skills," ［Grey］
But not all hope was lost. Fortunately for Lisandra, there just so happens a competent blacksmith beside her. And not just any blacksmith you can find in the alleys, but one who was amongst the best there ever was.
Nonchalantly, Grey took his Blacksmith Guild Card out of his "Inventory" and showed it to the princess. And her reaction was as follows...
"T-Tier 8?! Grey, you're a Grandmaster?!" ［Lisandra］
She couldn't believe it. After all, there are only about a dozen of such blacksmiths around the world, second only to "Legendary" Blacksmiths in the current world. Even Graystone only has two Tier-7 "Master" Blacksmiths. Grey was incomparable.
Lisandra couldn't believe her eyes, but there was no reason for Grey to lie to her. In the first place, him being an S-ranker was already unbelievable. What was strange to the others seems to be the norm for him and Yuna.
"Right, I'm also a Tier-8 Enchanter so I could enchant it while I'm at it. Also, Yuna's a Tier-8 Alchemist. You can ask her if you need some items," ［Grey］
"Un! Don't be shy, Lisa! You can ask anytime you want! Ah! But I still can't do any Legendary-Grade potions though. It might take a while before that." ［Yuna］
It was the first time she heard people talk about such valuable items as if they were just some common household items, nonchalant as can be. Now, she is convinced that the two really weren't, in any way, normal.
"So, what do you think? Should we make one for you?" ［Grey］
"Y-Yes! I will be counting on you!" ［Lisandra］
However, there was no need to hesitate. Grey and Yuna already did their part and extended their hands towards her. It was now up to her to take their hands and trust their abilities. She was fully confident they could do it.
Lisandra quickly accepted Grey and Yuna's offer and gave them what kind of sword she wanted. There was no need for bothersome measurements. Grey's eyes already got a grasp of her body and hands' proportions, knowing what would fit her well.
Of course, as Lisandra's personality would dictate it, it won't be a present from friend to friend, but a commission from a customer to a producer. She would be paying for her equipment with the money she earned from the colosseums.
"Then that would be a High-Grade, Mid-Tier Fallanov Longsword, enchanted with light weight and sharpness. Is that right, Lisa?" ［Grey］
"Yes! That's right! And here's the down payment," ［Lisandra］
"Alright. 200 thousand kiels received... Please look forward to it." ［Grey］
The transaction was soon over, Grey and Lisandra signing a contract for formality's sake. The princess who was down in the dumps before was now smiling brightly, a strong sense of excitement welling up in her heart.
With the urgent things now over, they continued their stroll and headed to all sorts of places, Lisandra smiling even more than before. They then headed towards the city museumー or so they were supposed to.
"Hey! I heard there's a limited edition dish at the 'White Nightingale' today! They say it tastes like heaven! I really want to taste it!"
"Dream on, man. You know how expensive the dishes there are."
"Shut up. What's wrong with dreaming?"
They halted their steps as soon as they heard such words. And by "they", it meant "Yuna", her pointy ears twitching again and again as she continued to listen, soon looking at Grey with sparkly eyes.
Grey didn't even need to ask what she was going to ask of him. The words "Let's eat there, please～!" was already painted on Yuna's face. Sometimes, he wonders to himself why he fell in love with her.
"Haah... Everyone, why don't we have lunch first?" ［Grey］
"Grey, you're the best!" ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 310 END