"A delightful morning, Your Highnesses." ［Gustav］
"Grey, Yuna, it's been quite some time～!" ［Eleanora］
What a wonderful morning it was. The sun was shining brightly, not a single patch of dark clouds in the sky. The breeze was cool and the wind was refreshing, leaves and curtains alike dancing at their whimsical tunes.
It was yet another busy day in the Royal Castle, all the maids, butlers, and servants running around as they did their chores and the knights patrolling around the castle. They were all doing their busy jobs, doing the best they can today as well.
The same also goes for the Gustav and Eleanora sibling duo. The former had just finished training with the knights and the latter had just submitted her report to the Minister of Finance, coincidentally meeting familiar faces on the way back.
"It really has been quite some time. Good morning as well, Sir Gustav, Missus Eleanora. Fancy meeting the two of you here." ［Grey］
"It seems like you're in a good mood, Missus Eleanora." ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! That's because I'm done with all the work for the time being～! It's been some time, but I can finally have a nice long call with Fritz and Liz!" ［Eleanora］
"Ohh! Good for you, Missus Eleanora! Ah! Maybe Grey can help you have a nice chat with them! Wouldn't meeting them face to face be much better?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. I'm sure Liz would be happy to see her mother again." ［Grey］
"Oh! That would really be appreciated. Thank you～!" ［Eleanora］
It has been a couple days since the spirits became middle spirits and life has been ever so peaceful. The two of them continued on taking and completing quests, now clearing all the high-ranking ones in the nearby regions.
Now, since it was the day of their weekly visit to the Little Princess, the two of them decided to take a break and relax whilst playing with them for a little bit. They also have some business with the King so visiting was very much needed.
They have already met with the King and the Royal Family a couple moments ago, and got the information they needed. Now, they are exploring the Royal Castle and enjoying a leisurely time together...
"It's been quite some time, but... I didn't think you'd have children already... I didn't think you'd be so quick about it, Your Highnesses." ［Gustav］
"Hahaha... It just happens sometimes..." ［Grey］
Well, it wasn't just the two of them. There were three other people wandering around the castle with them. There was the Princess Royal, Iris, the Little Princes, Natalia, and the Little Angel, Antoinette. A strange combination, they truly are.
"Good morning, Your Highness. I hope you've had a wonderful day." ［Gustav］
"It's a pleasure to see you too, Sir Geldoria, Countess Landevar." ［Iris］
"Hi～! Play with Nalia!" ［Natalia］
Though Iris was simply walking beside them, the same couldn't be said for the Little Princess and the Little Angel. The former was having a piggyback ride on Grey, and the former was being carried carefully by Yuna.
It would have been understandable if it was only Princess Iris and Matalia, but with the 8-month-old Antoinette with them, there couldn't be any stranger of a situation. No matter how you spin it, they look like a young family at a single glance.
The others couldn't see it, but there was also the Lesser Wind Spirit from long before following Antoinette around. It seems like it really fancies the Little Angel and stuck close to her ever since. It was acting like the family pet.
"This may be a little sudden, but... How did this come to be...?" ［Eleanora］
"Hahaha... I also want to know that..." ［Grey］
Eleanora asked, but even Grey and Yuna were just as confused as she was. All they could do was smile wryly, a tinge of tiredness in their voices. To better understand the situation, one would need to peer a couple moments into the past.
It was just like their usual visit, Grey and Yuna heading to the Little Princess' room, playing with her, the Royal Family members arriving, having snacks with them, and engaging in long and leisurely chats as they played the game.
They've also given the Little Princess some of the things they found on their quests such as the smooth and beautiful shells, pearls, and beads they found in the lake, and the feathers of the Rhapsodic Macaw a couple days ago.
"Oh my... Aren't these Rhapsodic Macaw feathers? And very high quality too. Is it really fine to give these to Natalia?" ［Talia］
"Un! We don't have much use for them anyway. It's better to give them as presents rather than have them collect dust in the corners." ［Yuna］
"Nalia have all?" ［Natalia］
"Un! You can have all of them! They're pretty, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Super Pretty! Nalia love it!" ［Natalia］
The Little Princess was very pleased about the present they brought, smiling from ear to ear as she fiddled and tinkered around with them. She was on the peak of curiosity and excitement, her eyes sparkling ever so radiantly.
Well, she wasn't the only one they gave presents to, but the other members of the Royal Family as well. The Queen and Princesses were especially happy with the high quality items like fur, silk, and feathers even they rarely get a hand of.
But perhaps what they're most enthusiastic about were the snacks Grey and Yuna made. There was a new selection of them, and each one was delicious as can be. The King was especially happy... Happy to slack off, that is...
"Right, Grey, Yuna, didn't you say you have something to ask us?" ［Ernes］
"Oh, that's right... I almost forgot." ［Grey］
The information Grey and Yuna wanted were none other than the noteworthy details about the western continent, Vartes, and the countries which belonged to it. It is all because of what Grey remembered the other day.
It hasn't been long since they've been to the Labyrinth of Stars, but now, they have to depart once again for another long journey. The Labyrinth of Thunder in the Western Continent is about to become active, and it was the perfect time to ask about it.
It was a place very far away from the Eastern Continent, Oiros, in which they are in right now, separated by an ocean spanning several thousand kilometers. Asking for some information beforehand is one of the basics of traveling.
"I see... So you want some useful information, huh... I never thought you two would ask me a favor about this... So, what do you want to know? Geography? History? Political situations? I also know some top secretー" ［Ernes］
"Ah, no. We just want to know some nice tourist attractions is all." ［Grey］
"Un! Their especially cuisines too!" ［Yuna］
"Eh....?" ［Ernes］
Not just any information, but tourist attractions! That's what Grey and Yuna want to know! After all, if it's just about the things the King mentioned about, he already has a bit of knowledge from what God gave him long ago.
Some of the information may be outdated, but Grey can still put the bits and pieces together to get a full picture. Grey also knows some of the tourist spots and cuisines, but it wouldn't harm them to know a little more. Every bit of information is useful.
Of course, who would be better to ask than the Royal Family Members. Being royalty themselves, they have gone to many parts of the world and experienced it first hand. The very same Royal Family who are still shocked about their replies.
"Haah... We really can't beat you two, huh..." ［Galleus］
"Don't think too much about it, Galleus. These two aren't bound to common sense. You'll only hurt your brain if you think too much about it." ［Ernes］
"Fufufu! You never really cease to surprise us, Grey, Yuna." ［Talia］
They grumbled and giggled, but in the end, they all gave the two of them a number of wonderful tourist spots they have been to before, cuisines they have tasted, and the unique experiences one has to try for themselves.
Grey made sure to take note of everything they were saying, especially taking note of the Kingdom of Aldengard. It is the Kingdom where the Labyrinth of Thunder was at, and has also quite the number of formidable tourist attractions.
There are beaches, natural springs, colorful mountains, spring fields, great lakes, and all sorts of natural wonders. Best of all, their cuisines are also different and delicious. The more they hear about it, the more they become interested in it.
"If you head to the left, you'll seeー" ［Natasha］
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
"Your Majesties, Your Highnesses, I apologize for suddenly disturbing your free time, but I have something important to discuss with all of you." ［Anderson］
The Crown Princess couldn't even finish her words, when a series of knocks came echoing from the other side of the door. What came after was a familiar voice, the calm and gentle waves of his voice ringing all throughout the room.
It was the Prime Minister, and as it seems, there is an urgent matter which just came up which needs the opinion of all the Kingdom's higher-ups. It was a matter which needed to be discussed immediately, nodding their heads as they listened.
"Sorry, Grey, Yuna. It seems like we'll have to save this conversation for another day. Something urgent just came up." ［Ernes］
"It's alright, Your Majesty. We understand." ［Grey］
"Great. Then can you look after Natalia for us for a little while?" ［Ernes］
"Sureー Huh? What did you just..." ［Grey］
Grey and Yuna were too slow. Before they could even realize what was happening, the King, Queen, Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess had all left the room to head to the Grand Office to have their meeting.
The ones left behind were Iris and the Little Princess who were still too young to join the meeting, and Grey and Yuna whose minds were still filled with question marks. They became baby-sitters before they even knew it.
"Oh, Grey! Yuna! Nice timing!" ［Vanessa］
To make things worse, they coincidentally met Ranzel and Vanessa as they walked by the corridors. It seems like they're on a break and taking Antoinette out on a walk when the meeting suddenly calls for them. They were Lt. Generals, after all.
"I'll leave Anne in your care, okay? Good luck～!" ［Vanessa］
"Sorry about this, Grey, Yuna. We'll repay the favor later." ［Ranzel］
As if it was the most natural thing to do, Vanessa and Ranzel handed their the sweet Little Angel over to Grey and Yuna and have them watch over her for the time being, handing over the baby toys and milk while they're at it.
Once again, Grey and Yuna were tasked with responsibilities they never wished for, silence looming over the corridors as they watched Ranzel and Vanessa slowly but surely disappear before their sights. They still haven't processed what happened.
That brings us to the current situation where the two of them have to take care of not just one, but two children. It's a relief that Iris was present. She may be a child in their eyes, but she was more than reliable enough to help them around.
"I see... That's quite the bizarre experience, huh..." ［Gustav］
"Hahaha. You can say that again... Everything just happened so quickly, and poof. Here we are, babysitting Natalia and Anne." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Kids tend to like you two, after all." ［Eleanora］
Eleanora couldn't have worded it out any better. Actually, there are a lot of maids in the Royal Castle who can do the job, but for some reason, the children have become too attached to them that they don't want to leave their side.
The Little Princess was understandable, but even the 8-month-old Antoinette was very attached to them too, even when they barely see each other a couple times a month. They don't know if it's a blessing or a curse, maybe even a bit of both.
"Bbaa! Baa! Buu～!" ［Antoinette］
"Hm? Do you want to drink milk already, Anne?" ［Yuna］
What Grey surely knows is that Yuna was an expert in handling them. He had almost forgotten, but Yuna has quite the strong gentle and motherly side too, knowing when and how to best handle the children no matter the age.
It doesn't even take her a couple seconds to realize and understand what the Little Angel wants, immediately giving it to her before another second pass. The latter is more than happy, excitedly suckling in her milk bottle.
Not just milk, she also knows when the little Angel wants to be cradled, embraced, walked around, and all sorts of things. Even the little cues of curiosity which sparks in the Little Angel's eyes are noticed by her, approaching whatever she's curious of in a jiffy. She is a genius at parenting.
"Baby drink milk?" ［Natalia］
"That's right. You were also like that before, but the Little Princess is big now, isn't she? You're Anne's Big Sister now, alright?" ［Grey］
"Um! Nalia is big! Anne is baby sis!" ［Natalia］
"Hahaha. That's good. Our Little Princess is so reliable." ［Grey］
Thankfully, the Little Princess doesn't mind Yuna caring for other children. Rather than envy or jealousy, she was more curious about the younger child and wanted to play with her. They've been a few times already before, after all.
Well, not that Grey and Yuna would allow her to play alone with the Little Angel for now. With how lively and energetic the Little Princess is, one could only imagine what it would be like if she "plays" with Antoinette. All hell would break loose.
"Fufufu! It seems like you still have a long day ahead of you. Why don't we have a seat by the garden? It should be more relaxing, no?" ［Eleanora］
"That's a good idea, Missus Eleanora. Let's do that." ［Grey］
"Nalia play with Anne! Play in garden!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! That's right. We'll play in the garden." ［Yuna］
Without further ado, everyone then quickly headed to the nearest garden and found themselves some nice seats to sit down onー or rather, they laid down a soft picnic blanket on the soft grass and made themselves home.
It was a shame that Gustav still had some things to do at his mansion, and so, he had to part ways with them sooner than expected. Who were left behind were Eleanora and the others, happily enjoying their little garden picnic.
"Oh my, the number of puppies has increased again." ［Eleanora］
"Puppies! Nalia play with puppies!" ［Natalia］
"N-Natalia, slow down! You're going to hurt yourself again!" ［Iris］
Of course, they also brought out the familiars to play with, a whole nine of them, with only Polaris missing. As soon as she saw them, the Little Princess immediately ran towards them and cuddled them as if there was no tomorrow.
The spirits were also out, but since no one can see them, they're practically not there. Grey and Yuna just let them play with the other spirit following Antoinette, and some of the spirits in the garden. They were having their own fun as well.
Lastly, Yuna put the Little Angel down the picnic blanket. The grass was soft and the blanket was wide. There were also no insects or critters crawling around, so it was perfectly safe to let her down, the Little Angel rolling over as soon as she could.
"Oh my... As expected of Lord Ranzel and Lady Vanessa's child," ［Eleanora］
"Fufufu! Isn't my daughter great, Missus Eleanora?" ［Yuna］
"Hey, don't go claiming other people's daughters as yours." ［Grey］
The moment she successfully turned over, Antoinette quickly started crawling. She still couldn't get her tummy off the ground and she was super slow, but she was crawling nonetheless, eyes sparkly and excited.
With how much the Little Angel crawled, Grey had no other choice but to whip out an even bigger piece of fabric atop the grass for the Little Princess to practice crawling on. With how big the area was, crawling around was not a problem.
Of course, it wasn't just any normal fabric either. It was the silk dropped by the A-rank monster, Empress Arachne, costing several hundred thousand kiels. They have silk from a higher variant, but they'll be in trouble if anyone finds out.
The fabric was smooth, silky, soft, and comfortable, more than fitting to be used by an angel like Antoinette. After all, it's just gathering dust in the Inventory. It was better to use it in such a way than nothing at all. Common sense doesn't apply to them.
"Bbuuu! Gaaa gaah! Waaah! Bwaah!" ［Antoinette］
"Looks like Anne likes it." ［Yuna］
"Ahh! Nalia too! Nalia play with Anne!" ［Natalia］
The Little Angel stopped crawling and started rolling over here and there, and it might have looked fun to her, but as soon as she saw Antoinette do so, the Little Princess immediately let go of the familiars and ran towards the picnic blanket.
"Hey, Natalia! Don't run around too much! You'll ruin your dress!" ［Iris］
Iris followed behind the Little Princess, but compared to her energetic niece, she was no match. They haven't even run around for so much and she was already gasping for air, looking as if she just ran a ling marathon.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna were there to the rescue. With a little bit of magic, they easily dried the sweat on Iris and freshened her up. She was a princess, after all. Maintaining one's dignity and majesty is the basics amongst the basics.
Meanwhile, Natalia couldn't be any different. She now rolled here and there all over the picnic blanket, joining the Little Angel. Surprisingly enough, she was very careful around her, knowing she might hurt her if she's too rowdy. She is a smart child.
"Oh my～! Are you teaching Lady Anne to crawl properly, Princess?" ［Eleanora］
"No! Not Lady! Baby! Anne is baby! Nalia is Bis Sis!" ［Natalia］
"Fufufu! Oh dear, that's my mistake... So, are you teaching Baby Anne how to crawl, Big Sis Natalia?" ［Eleanora］
"Um! Nalia teach Baby!" ［Natalia］
She was strangely enthusiastic as well, assuming a crawling position to teach the Little Angel how to improve from crawling to creeping, slowly lifting her stomach off the ground to demonstrate how things are done.
Everyone was mostly sure Antoinette didn't understand what Natalia was doing, but the Little Angel watched her fervently with curiosity. The Little Princess continued to demonstrate her expert crawling prowess, looking proud as can be,
It was so cute, there was no way Grey would miss the opportunity. He immediately whipped out the new camera and recorded a video as quickly as he could. He needs to capture such an adorable moment and preserve it for all its worth.
CLAP CLAP CLAP CLAP
Seeing her try so hard to teach the baby, everyone couldn't help but look warmly at the scene. They clapped to show their appreciation, the Little Princess fired up even more at the sound of applause, even adding silly explanations at the end.
The little mannerisms the Little Princess has while teaching resembled Grey and Yuna teaching others. She has been watching whenever Grey and Yuna teached something to Iris, and is currently mimicking it. She looked adorable indeed.
"Bba! Bba! Waah waa!" ［Antoinette］
"Ahh... Hard to teach baby... Nalia teach Baby speak!" ［Natalia］
And through some strange turn of events, the Little Princess decided to teach the Little Angel how to speak. It was funny considering how she herself is still leaning, even fumbling her words often from time to time.
"Flower! Say 'Flower'! Anne speak now!'" ［Natalia］
"Bba baa baa! Bwaa! Gaa gaa gaa!" ［Antoinette］
"No, that wrong! It's 'Flower'! Say again!" ［Natalia］
Even then, she was very enthusiastic. She doesn't know what she was doing or how to teach properly, but that doesn't stop her. She even had to pick a flower from the nearby bush to show Antoinette what she meant, pronouncing all the while.
Normally, one would teach words like "Mama" or "Papa", but the level of difficulty of the Little Princess' lesson was more brutal than Grey and Yuan's spartan-style training. Not just for the learner, but for herself as well.
Of course, as an infant's attention span isn't that great, there were times that the Little Angel would turn around or roll over and start crawling towards another direction. Not that it stops her anyway. She still continued to teach her.
"Oh my, what's this? Is Natalia teaching Anne how to speak?" ［Natasha］
"Un! They've been going at it for almost half an hour now. Though, she did try to teach Anne how to crawl before this." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! How cute～! I wanna see that too!" ［Vanessa］
Time passed, and the urgent meeting was finally over. Everyone was now back to how they were before, heading straight towards the garden after asking a couple of servants about everyone's location,
"Hahaha! As expected of my granddaughter! She's a genius!" ［Ernes］
"That's my daughter for you. Not only is she good at learning, but teaching as well! I'm sure she'll be a great scholar later on!" ［Galleus］
"My... These doting fools..." ［Talia］
One way or another, everyone soon joined the little picnic and resumed what they were talking about before, all the while enjoying the refreshing breeze of the garden and the cuteness of the two angels before them.
Grey soon showed them the video from before, much to everyone's surprise. It was a revolutionary invention, the King even offering a whole mansion just to get the video of Natalia teaching Antoinette. Thankfully, the Queen was there to stop him.
It truly was a day to behold.
CHAPTER 402 END