FLAP FLAP WHOOSH WHOOSH
A platinum figure made her descent, the winds howling at her whims as her scales glimmered under the afternoon sun. Her claws graced the ground, the winds calming down as she folded her wings, soon lowering her body even more.
Two figures hopped off from her back and towards the ground, landing softly without making even the tiniest of sounds. They arrived yet again at another forest, veiled by the dense and thick trees, a fresh and earthy breeze greeting them merrily.
"Fuu～! That was a good ride～! Thank you, Sirius!" ［Yuna］
"It was my pleasure, Mistress... Then, I shall be taking my leave now. I hope you have a wonderful time together." ［Sirius］
"Un! We'll see you later!" ［Yuna］
Sirius bowed her head and vanished into thin air as she returned to the shadows, leaving the gaping winds behind. Peace and silence has swallowed the place once more, Grey and Yuna remaining still in the wonderful forest.
It has been a couple hours since Grey and Yuna encountered the unpleasant man back at the market, and after a short stop, they then continued their journey, finally arriving at Xeros' vicinity in the early afternoon, the sun sinking down the horizon.
Like they have heard, the forest really was denser in Foltriesse, trees equipped with thick trunks and dense vegetation growing around the place. There were all sorts of plants to be seen, all growing abundantly in the lush and vibrant forest.
"Then, let's also head out, Grey! To Xeros!" ［Yuna］
Yuna punched her hands to the air, a bright smile blooming on her face. She grabbed Grey by the hand and headed out towards the forest's exit, her heart pumping with so much excitement, she could barely contain herself.
They took their steps and the scenery played out before them. After running along for a short while, the trees finally thinned out and the canopies soon cleared, revealing the high and sturdy walls every city had, one easily exceeding 20 meters fall.
Other than the fact that it was surrounded by a forest and cliffs in all directions, Xeros didn't look that much different from the other citiesー or so it would seem at first, but one wouldn't be any more wrong in making such an assumption.
"Hm? That's interesting..." ［Yuna］
"Oh, they sure are diligent ones... I wonder how much they spent here..." ［Grey］
'It must have been a lot. Though these aren't that hard to make, to cover this much distance... I don't think it's an easy feat..." ［Yuna］
That's right, there was something special with the walls... Or rather, the ground near the walls. They were all doused with chemicals which would repel most beasts from approaching the city, all encompassing the outer city walls.
Though the chemical itself isn't harmful to plants or people, it contained something that many beasts steer away from. The moment they smell the chemicals, they would easily run away and head back into the forest without a second thought.
Not only does it make the city safe, it also makes sure that the beasts stay in their respective habitats to make the ecosystem function like normal. It was like a magic spell, except that it was not. Still it was just as effective.
"Grey, could we take a sample of the soil? I want to try something later." ［Yuna］
"Yuna... Haah... Go ahead... It's not like I can stop you, anyway." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Thank you, Grey～! I promise I'll make it quick!" ［Yuna］
And off she goes... As soon as Yuna got permission from Grey, she then whipped out a trowel and a sack out of nowhere and started digging for "some" samples, all the while smiling and humming like a fool. She looked like a child playing with dirt no matter how you look at it.
After which, they then toured around the walls ame finally found the gates after a few minutes of walking. They lined up after everyone else and handed their cards when it was their turn, still using their alternate identities.
It didn't take them long to process their entry, not a single hitch to be seen. Grey and Yuna then passed under the gates, a certain young lady wearing bright and sparkly eyes, looking forward to the adventures she'll face from now onwards.
"Waah～!" ［Yuna］
A single word escaped her mouth, her steps stopping at the sight. It has already been countless times since Grey and Yuna entered a new town or city, yet her expressions remain the same. She was just as adorable as she was during her first time.
"Hahaha. This reminds me of the old times..." ［Grey］
"Ah... Hm? Did you say something, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"No, nothing... I was just reminiscing about something..." ［Grey］
The houses were massive yet compact, all sorts of gradients present left and right. The houses and buildings were mostly made of wood and stone, barely any clay, concrete, steel or metals to be seen decorating the place.
Just like the city of Alconia they visited just this morning, the architecture was more on the rustic side of things, with buildings a little more bulky. They were made with stones compacted into bricks, intricately laid out to make a strong foundation.
The roofs were also mostly made of wood, planks spread all over the place. But they weren't just any wood. They were ones who were much tougher and more resilient than any other, able to withstand several decades without deteriorating.
And while the architecture may look simple at a glance, there were also fine and intricate details like arches, columns, carvings, sills, and many more. Sure, it was different from the other cities they visited before, but it was just as beautiful.
"Grey! Do you think their guilds are also built like this?" ［Yuna］
"That's hard to imagine... But even if it is, I'm sure it would be just as grand as the others. Maybe it's even more beautiful?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I'm even more excited after hearing that! Let's go exploring now, Grey! Let's explore the whole city!" ［Yuna］
The young lady was excitedー no, calling her just that wouldn't do her any justice. She is so excited, the words were clearly painted on her face, the symphony of her heart ringing in Grey's ears. She was just too energetic for own good.
"Haah... Let's do that later. We still have to check in on an inn. Well.., if you want to stay in the Sanctuary, we could also do that." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, no! Since we're here, we should also experience what it's like to live here! The Sanctuary doesn't count at all!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I knew you'd say that. My fiancée really is adorable." ［Grey］
"Mou... What are you saying all of a sudden..." ［Yuna］
The fools drifted along their own world once again, they then continued their steps and looked around for a place to stay at. Thankfully, Grey had already checked out the place with his eyes, finding a couple inns near them.
It didn't take them too long before they reached their destination, a massive building greeting them as soon as they stopped. Carved on the signboard was a pure white camellia with a butterfly perching on top of it.
Cling Cling Cling Cling
Grey and Yuna soon stepped inside, and the soft chimes played like usual. It may be because it was already the afternoon, but there were barely any noises to be heard. It seems that the people had just finished their lunch, some still heading out.
As for the interior of the building... It was surprisingly normal like the previous inns they have been to before, wooden furnishing present everywhere, with the lower halves of the walls covered with wooden planks for a nice touch of asymmetry.
"Good afternoon, and welcome to the 'Camellia Valley'. How may I help you today, Young Man, Young Lady?" ［???］
And unlike the previous receptions they received before, the one on the reception desk was not a young, beautiful woman. Rather it was a middle-aged man who was on the leaner side of the spectrum. To be honest, he was actually quite lanky.
Despite that, he wore the same friendly and welcoming smile as the other receptionist they met before. It was actually a breath of fresh air so Grey and Yuna didn't mind it that much, soon heading towards the reception.
"That... We'd like to check in for the time being, and right, we'd love a double room please. How much would that be?" ［Grey］
"A double... That would be 130 kiels a day, meals not included." ［???］
Grey and Yuna were expecting quite a big difference in the price of their stay, but surprisingly, it was about the same as the cost of staying at the Rabbit's Den. There weren't any problems even if they stayed there for a very long time.
"Then, we'd like to stay for a week for now, and... Regarding the meals, could we also borrow the kitchen from time to time? We're quite the big eaters, you see." ［Grey］
"The kitchen, well... As long as you pay up for the materials and ingredients you use and don't break anything then I think it's fine." ［???］
Hearing the man's words, Grey and Yuna breathed out sighs of relief whilst smiles bloomed on their faces. They were thinking up of cooking in the Sanctuary if they weren't allowed, but thankfully, that wasn't a case
"Ah, but, we can only let you use the kitchen when we don't have work or we're busy. Is that fine with the both of you?" ［???］
"No, that's more than enough. We'll be taking that then, and we'll pay separately for breakfast. We might also be staying longer if thing's go to plan." ［Grey］
"Understood. Then that will be 910 kiels in total. Please hand in your ID cards so I can list you down the reception list." ［???］
"Ah, right... Thank you." ［Grey］
There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey and the receptionist concluded their deal, they then went to signing up the list and paying the cost, Grey handing a silver coin as payment and receiving nine nickel coins in return.
The man also wrote down a couple more things in the log book, opening the cabinet and getting a plaque from inside. He then handed their room number plaque and the keys towards Grey and Yuna, greeting them with a smile once again.
"Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Pascal, the owner of this inn. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Shin, Miss Elena." ［Pascal］
"It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mister Pascal." ［Grey］
"We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］
"Then, if you ever need something, I will be down here in the lobby. Please don't hesitate to call whenever you're in troubleー Oh! Welcome to....." ［Pascal］
Just as Grey and Yuna finished checking in in the Camellia Valley, they then headed upstairs and towards the 3rd floor. The place was pretty quiet, with rooms still empty as the lodgers were still out and about in the city.
It didn't take too long before Grey and Yuna reached their room, a series of clicks, clacks, and creaks echoing in the air as they inserted the key and opened the door before them, a pretty normal and standard scene greeting them.
There was a wooden floor, walls with simple wallpapers, a large bed, some cabinets and drawers, and some switches for the light. There was a toilet room by the side, and also some tables and chairs for dining in. It wasn't a very bug room, but it was cozy enough for them to enjoy their stay.
"Oh? You aren't jumping on the bed this time round, Yuna? Don't you usually do that when we enter an inn?" ［Grey］
"Hmph! I'm not that childish, you know!" ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but there was no way Grey would believe her in any way. After all, she was the type to hop in bed as soon as she sees one, with a bright smile at that. She must have eaten something weird this morning.
"And! We still have to explore the city! There's no time to play!" ［Yuna］
"Ah... So that's the real reason..." ［Grey］
That, or she may just be so excited, she couldn't sit still and roll around the bed. With an abundance of herbs waiting for them outside and the exciting sights they have yet to experience, there's no way she could waste such precious time just lazing around.
After all, even if they do waste the whole day outside, she could still cuddle with Grey when they get back. It was the perfect plan with nothing standing on her way to the path of alchemy and excitement. She was raring to go.
"Haah... It's fine that you're excited, but let's get our things sorted first. It'll be a pain if we do it late on when we get too tired." ［Grey］
"Un! Let's do it!" ［Yuna］
Excitement and Enthusiasm in the air, Grey and Yuna then arranged their things into the right places and made sure it was as convenient as it could for them. They will be staying for quite some time, after all, so they can't have a messy room.
It didn't take them too long at all to sort things out, barely taking them a few minutes with the aid of magic. It couldn't even be called a stretch, the young lady full of vigor and enthusiasm as she made the curtains dance in the wind.
After finishing up their task, Grey and Yuna then headed out of the room and out into the open streets, the busy and bustling scenery greeting them, people working and the children playing around left and right.
But of course, what Yuna was most interested in were the alchemy-related things scattered all throughout the whole of Xeros. Her heart was already pumping and racing in excitement just thinking about everything she'll experience. Most of all, she'll also be experiencing it with Grey.
'Haah... Looks like this is gonna be one hell of a day for me...' ［Grey］
Meanwhile, Grey felt like an exhausted father taking her energetic daughter to the park to play. They haven't even started and he already knew it was going to be an exhausting day where he'll get dragged around by Yuna here and there.
Well, it's not like Grey doesn't understand where Yuna is coming from. He may not be as good as Yuna, but he was also an alchemist, and a Tier-5 at that. He also wanted to further his skills and reach greater heights with the chance presented before him.
"Ah! Grey, look! There's a big store! Let's head inside!" ［Yuna］
"Wait, Yuna, there's still a crowd soー" ［Grey］
"There's no time to waste! Quick! Quick!" ［Yuna］
It was just as he expected. Grey couldn't even finish his words when he was suddenly dragged along by his excited fiancée, plunging themselves towards the crowd of people before them and swimming through the sea of mobs.
Surprisingly, they weren't caught up by the rush, and safely crossed to the other side of the street. Grey didn't know whether it was luck or it was skill, but all he knew was that he couldn't bear to stop his beloved when she's already so excited.
"Hm? Grey, what were you saying again?" ［Yuna］
"Nothing, really. I was just wondering what kinds of things they are selling inside here. I'm also a little curious." ［Grey］
"Un! I knew you'd get it! You're the best Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Yeah, yeah,... Sure, I am..." ［Grey］
Grey stopped thinking anymore and finally went along with the unpredictable flow of Yuna. He wanted to go ahead and search for a couple things first, but there wasn't much he could do. He was simply powerless in the face of love.
The fool that he was, Grey then headed inside the store, following Yuna in front of him. They were greeted by all sorts of magic stool in varying shapes and sizes, all serving different purposes, unique to one another,
And no, it wasn't just any magic tool shop... It was a magic tool shop specially tailored to alchemists and their brewing needs! All tools present were for precise making of concoctions and aiding the alchemist to become more efficient.
From simple measuring flasks and tubes, to complex tools and machinery which can be used for centrifugation and extraction, there were all sorts of things present. It was practically a hardware shop which all alchemists dream of.
"Waah～! There's so many fancy things! What are these? Oh, there's some strange flasks as well! Oh, I wonder what these are used for!" ［Yuna］
And as one would expect, Yuna was especially excited at the sight, her ears flapping up and down as she zoomed from place to place. The completely opposite of Grey who was actually anxious that she might break something due to her excitement.
She couldn't stay still from her spot and pointed at things here and there, staring at them with great glee in her eyes. And unsurprisingly, she caught the eyes of many, the people looking at her like she was an excited child.
Of course, Yuna's "Divine Alchemist's Toolset" Yuna was still much more useful than anything in the shop, with each tool fulfilling the purpose of many. Still, that doesn't mean that the magic tools were worthless. They were just as interesting.
"Excuse me, Miss, is there something you are looking for...?"
"Ah..." ［Yuna］
Soon enough, a shop clerk approached Yuna and offered his assistance with a bright smile plastered on his face. He didn't mind Yuna's age and treated her fairly as one of their customers, reaching his hand out to her.
"Oh, sorry for surprising you, Miss. It's just.... You seem to be having trouble, so I wanted to offer my help. Was I just being meddlesome?"
"Ah, no, no, not at all. I'm just looking around for interesting magic tools." ［Yuna］
"I see... Is there a magic tool you are looking for in particular? Maybe some mixing paraphernalia or would you like to see light machinery instead?"
Well, no matter how excited you are, one would still behave after getting confronted by a shop clerk. Yuna quickly fixed herself and reined in her excitement, trying to act like a proper adult for once. Grey couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
Though now that someone else was watching Yuna, Grey could finally relax a little bit and explore on his own. There were also some things he was curious about, and he'd like to have a closer look at themー or at least he was going to...
"That's correct! I'd like to buy everything here!" ［Yuna］
"P-Pardon...? Everything...?"
"Un! I'd like to buy everyー Hmpshph! Pmmhf! Mmpnh!" ［Yuna］
Grey really couldn't leave her be even for a single second with another person, the young lady nearly ordering everything in the shop without a speck of hesitation in her eyes, much to the clerk's surprise. Everyone would reacted the same.
It was only for a moment, but Grey had nearly forgotten how much of an alchemy maniac Yuna was. He had thought her impulsive behavior only applied to herbs, but oh how wrong he was. As long as it had something to do with alchemy, she wouldn't spare a single penny to buy them.
Thankfully, Grey managed to cover Yuna's mouth before she could say anything they might regretー no, they surely would have regretted it if Yuna really bought everything in the shop. They don't even have use for any of them.
"Umm... Sorry about that, please ignore what this girl is saying. Though, we might be buying some magic tools after we take a look around." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, I see... Then, please don't hesitate to ask me if you have any queries."
"Yeah. We'll make sure to do so. Sorry for the disturbance." ［Grey］
A quick talk late and Grey managed to steer clear from the worst case scenario. The shop clerk headed back to his post and continued assisting the other customers he could, leaving Grey and Yuna to their own devices.
Now that trouble was gone, Grey could finally take a breath of fresh air. On the other hand, Yuna's eyes were now swimming away from him, not wanting to meet his eyes. She was clearly aware of what she almost just did and was guilty of it.
"Yuna... Do you have anything to say, Dear?" ［Grey］
"Sorry..." ［Yuna］
Such a word was all she could say, trying to look as apologetic as can be. Though... Grey wasn't really mad at him, and it's not like buying everything in the store will dent their financial power. There was still more to spare.
"Haah... Just be more careful next time." ［Grey］
Said the young man as he patted Yuna gently on the head, trying to convey that he wasn't scolding her. He knows full well that he won't be able to change Yuna's love for alchemy, so he just needed to look out for her... It was a tough road ahead of him.
Troubles and shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna continued their tour inside the shop and bought things they took a fancy too. They really weren't useful, per se, but they were interesting enough to rouse their curiosity. It was worth the purchase.
Time passed some more, and after buying a few things, their total came to several thousand kiels. A smile of satisfaction sprung up the young elf's face as they headed towards the busy streets. She was the happiest elf in town.
"Mmn～! That was a good warm up! Should we start our date now, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Eh...? That... That was still a warm up?" ［Grey］
"Of course! That's just the first shop! There's still many more to go!" ［Yuna］
Exclaimed Yuna with pride and confidence, a strangely triumphant expression on her lovely face. She was bouncing up and down, her ears as lively as she was whilst her eyes sparkled brighter than the stars on a starry midnight sky.
Of course, the young lady meant everything she just said. After all, her excitement was still far from depleted, her blood boiling even more eagerly as she dreamed and looked forward to what the other shops had to offer.
"Haah... Fine... Let's raid all the shops, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's go all out!" ［Yuna］
The adventure was still far from over.
CHAPTER 356 END