MOOOOO MOOOO NGAAAAA
Large bovines roamed the fields, their horns reaching out towards the sky as they grazed on the ground. Their tails swung left and right, nodding their heads and far and wide, their large ears flapping from time to time.
There were just bulls and cows, but sheeps, pigs, horses, chickens, and many more. Some roamed about in their pens, whilst some stayed in their coops. There was a loud cacophony of noises, the farm animals enjoying their lives as they usually do.
"Ahh～. It's eating... So cute..." ［Yuna］
And amongst the various sounds the animals made, there was a squeal which stood out the most from others. A silver-haired elf's eyes were sparkling brightly, watching the little lambs eat the sheafs of green grass she handed over to her.
There weren't just one or two little lambs, but a handful of them, all crowding on the side of the fence where Yuna is. They were all chewing and grazing, happily enjoying the fresh and green grass Yuna provided for her.
"Grow up, little lambs. Eat tasty grass so you'll be tasty too!" ［Yuna］
"Hey... Don't say something so scary in such an adorable manner." ［Grey］
"Hm? I'm not wrong though?" ［Yuna］
"Just because you're right, doesn't mean you should say it. And these lambs aren't for eating, you know? They're for harvesting wool, see?" ［Grey］
Said Grey, ending his statement as she pointed towards one of the nearby stables where adult sheep are getting their wool sheared. There are no such things as electric razors in Merusia, so all they could do is manually use shears.
Even then, the quality of the wool doesn't lose out to that on the ones found on Earth. They were all smooth and fluffy, looking like clouds of white with small patches of brown from the dirt they were rolling around from. It was beautiful.
Well, not that Grey is an expert in making wool anyway. Being a blacksmith, also known as craftsmen, Grey knows how to deal with wool and leather, but he wouldn't consider himself an expert. Just a novice who knows his stuff.
"Hmm... Where are the ones for eating then? I'll feed them tasty grass." ［Yuna］
"Yuna, let's just give up on the thought, shall we? We still have a lot of mutton in our person. We don't need to terrorize the local lambs, you know?" ［Grey］
"It's okay～! I'm just gonna pray they'll be tasty too." ［Yuna］
"Alright. I'm gonna stop you right there." ［Grey］
Yuna's eyes were bright and her smiles were as sweet as the tone of her voice, yet her words were the complete opposite, bringing terror to the little lambs if only they could understand words. It was too scary for such cute little creatures.
Of course, Yuna knew full well what she was doing. She was deliberately doing so so that she could pick on Grey and elicit some reactions from him. It's totally nor revenge for making her turn bright red just a couple moments ago. Definitely not.
Well, even if one says it's revenge... It was very mild and petty to the point that one would never notice it unless one says it out in the open. Such futile and adorable attempts only served to make her look more adorable in Grey's eyes.
"Oh, right! Where are the chicks? I want to feed them too," ［Yuna］
"They should be on the left... No, it seems like they've been moved." ［Grey］
"That means we can't feed them anymore, huh... Are there any other animals we can feed here? I'm sure there are more adorable little ones, right?" ［Yuna］
"There's some puppies on the right. And... Looks like the farm owner is training them to herd the livestock... Some sheep, as it seems." ［Grey］
"Oh! That's amazing! Let's watch them!" ［Yuna］
Excited as can be, Yuna grabbed Grey by the hands and dragged him towards the pens where the herding pups are in. There were over a dozen of them, all looking innocent and friendly as if they didn't know what they were doing.
It has been a couple moments since Grey and Yuna took a couple pictures by the bridges, and now, they are touring around the expansive farms located southwest from the city. Farms which not only grow crops but raise livestock as well.
Luckily enough, there was a paid tour available in the farms where they could watch the farmers do their work, learn, help out, watch the animals in their pens, and feed them some grass, grains, and unsellable crops.
They've been able to experience such delights before, but it is only now that they have done so up close. The animals were very tame and well-mannered, one could easily fall with how adorable they are, their eyes innocent as can be.
"Waah～! They're trying so hard. How cute!" ［Yuna］
Now, they are watching the little farm dogs try to herd for the first time, most of them not even knowing how to bark, just yelping adorably as they try to herd the sheep. They looked rather adorable than intimidating like adult farm dogs.
"I wonder if our familiars could herd sheep too?" ［Yuna］
"Aren't you too much, Yuna? Don't underestimate them. Not just sheep, I'm sure they can even herd A-rank sovereign beasts and S-rank divine beasts." ［Grey］
"Ohh～! Should we test that out? Where can we find such beasts, though?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... There should be a nest of wyverns down south, a couple thousand kilometers away... I don't exactly know where, though." ［Grey］
And one way or another, Grey and Yuna started talking about whether their familiars could also herd high-ranking beasts as if they are some kind of livestock. Well, with how powerful they are, it might very as well be the case.
Needless to say, the familiars who don't have a of or what the two are talking about were simply relaxing inside the shadows. There was a dark and ominous premonition looming in their hearts, question marks flooding their minds by the second.
『Eldest Sister, don't you feel something ominous?』 ［Achernar］
『I'm not sure as well.,. I've never felt like this before...』 ［Sirius］
Well, they were just intrusive thoughts filled with curiosity anyway, so Grey and Yuna really won't do something so reckless. They could only imagine in their heads what it would be like to create a ranch where A and S rank beasts are raised.
It was surely a crazy idea, but with Grey and Yuna being Grey and Yuna, there was no way it would be out of the picture. They might just do so out of pure curiosity and even catch some dragons while they're at it. Common sense was useless.
Speaking of the familiars, things have been going well in Galderia as well, and there had been no phone calls for sudden emergencies. It seems like the strategy of having the familiars take turns was very effective, quests cleared one after another.
"Right. Didn't Procyon and Achernar say they caught a B-rank beast during a quest? When should we go get it?" ［Yuna］
"That's impossible. The Guildmaster already asked to buy the beast's materials and meat. They should be done with it by now." ［Grey］
"Ehh... That's too bad... I wanted to have a taste too." ［Yuna］
Of course, with Yuna around, the conversation always ends up looping about food and meat alike. They could just teleport there with the use of gate, but dealing with the due process would be troublesome. It was better to just have some fun.
Time passed by in a flash and another set of bells rang out from the city. Grey and Yuna continued to explore the farm and have some fun, buying some fresh produce while they're and also tasting some tasty baked sweet potatoes.
With the sun sinking down the horizon, Grey and Yuna soon headed out of the farm and headed towards another one of the locations they couldn't miss. It was located a few kilometers from the farm, to the complete opposite side of the city.
The two of them headed northeast, to where the two rivers meet and where a large port was located, a couple restaurants and viewing decks by the central banks of the two rivers, overseeing the converging spot which looked like a little lake.
"Mama! Is there really a beast in the river?"
"Grilled fish! Buttered lobsters! River Eel Soup! Buy your seafood here!"
"Oh, Mister! Would you like to try some of our new products?"
It was located outside the city, but it was busy as can be, a large influx of locals and tourists going around the viewing decks and watching the wonderful and marvelous scenery play out before them, the sound of splashing waves echoing all throughout.
As one would expect, it was amongst one of the famous and more unique tourist destinations in the city, large numbers of tourists visiting the city for the sole purpose of visiting the place. As for the reason why, it was very simple...
SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH ROOOAAAARRRRRRR
... It was because in that very intersection is where the familiar of the Lord has been dwelling for several decades already. It has become its home, a shrine and even a handful of structures created for its comfort.
Such a place was also the breeding grounds of some powerful beasts ranging from E-rank all the way to C-rank, and even some lost B-rank beasts from time to time. It was the Lord's familiar's home and also feeding ground.
SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH GRRRRR
The Lord's familiar was an A-rank beast called a "Tarllagan", a massive beast which resembled shelled plesiosaurs Grey often saw in fictional works, its body reaching over 30 meters in length with flippers longer than 10 meters each.
It wasn't just big but powerful as well, equipped with fangs which can easily tear through steel as if it was nothing, and also flippers which could cause waves with a single flap of it. There was also a shell on its back, able to withstand fierce attacks from opponents of a lower combat power than it.
The Tarllagan wasn't a terribly powerful beast for its rank, but with its stats balanced between offense, defense, and its specialty whilst diving underwater. The beams of water it shoots and waves it causes are also devastating, it was a good familiar.
"Ohh～! It's like the strange fish from before!" ［Yuna］
"Strange fish... You mean the Pterygia, right? Well, it does look similar." ［Grey］
"That beast was also quite tasty when fried and grilled. I wonder if its meat would also taste similar. Aren't you curious as well, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Hey, don't think ill of other people's familiars. We'll get in trouble." ［Grey］
All the food talk aside, the Tarllagan looked very dignified as it swam across the wide river, unbothered by the rushing currents and simply swimming about as if there was nothing better to do, the people cheering as it passed by their sights.
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that everyone was fond of the familiar, some even offering some tribute to it in the form of the fishes and seafood they caught, it really looked like the guardian deity of Arihal, even worshiped by some.
Without any hesitation, the Tarllagan moved towards the shore and looked at all the offerings for a short while, having a little sniff soon after. It then opened its large mouth and took a bite of the offering, enjoying it happily and elegantly.
"Ohh! Lord Asfara is enjoying his meal! What delight!"
"Oh my... He's even bigger when up close..."
"Waah～! So cool～! Mama, I want to have a big pet too!"
Everyone was astonished by the feeding of the Tarllagan, the people watching very closely as to not miss a beat. It was a breathtaking sight to see such high-ranking beasts up close. Its radiant amber eyes were as beautiful as the sun.
The familiar also noticed Grey and Yuna for a while, and as if it understood just how powerful the two were, it nodded its head ever so slightly for a short while. However, it didn't do something so needless like panicking which the two were thankful for.
『That familiar just acknowledge us, didn't it?』 ［Yuna］
『Yeah. It seems like it knew we're stronger than it,』 ［Grey］
It was just a rough estimate, and the Tarllagan really doesn't know exactly just how powerful Grey and Yuna were, but its observations were more than enough to warrant some wariness. Wariness which soon disappeared as it continued to eat.
SPLASSHHHHHH SPLASH SPLASH SPLASH
With its meal now over, the familiar soon dove deep towards the river and sending a few waves crashing towards the riverside. It disappeared without a trace, the waters now still as can be. But the crowd has yet to dissipate.
The river surface was now calm as can be, a large shadow looming below. Such a shadow soon melted away in the darkness of the depths, only the subtle sound of waves and the flowing breeze whispering tunes into everyone's ears.
BOOM BOOM BOOM WHOOSH SPLASH
But such peace didn't last too long, a number of booms echoing all throughout the river and massive columns of water erupting from below in rapid succession, the once peaceful and serene waters now turned turbulent and dangerous.
But despite how dangerous the scene was, not one person of the crowd ran away in fear and simply watched with astonishment in their eyes. The most fearful reaction was that of children embracing their parents from surprise and peeking meekly.
Strangely enough, the orchestra of ripples and symphony of chaos seemed like a wonderful performance, everyone baring their eyes out and looking forward ever so excitedly towards the show the Tarllagan prepared for them.
SPLASH SPLASH WHOOSSHHHHH
Another series of splashes soon echoed and peace returned to the place. Suddenly, the water surface was ruptured, a massive figure soon erupting out of the water and flung towards the air, launched several dozen meters high.
It was a massive beast, measuring about 10 meters in length and equipped with a sharp and pointed snout. It was a C-rank beast called a Vargladius, resembling a massive swordfish, one of the more powerful beasts in the river.
"Watch out! Everybody steer clear!"
And that very beast was now heading towards the viewing dock, not even a flickering flame in its eyes and its body streamlined with its own blood. The facilitators of the place asked the crowd to steer clear and not move recklessly.
Of course, the trajectory of the Vargladius was already calculated, landing in one of the protruding parts of the viewing deck. It was a spot where there weren't any people standing, the Vargladius landing with a loud thud and rumble.
"Ohh! It's a Vargladius! It seems like Lord Asfara is in a good mood!"
"What luck! It's been a long time since I've seen one!"
"My, mu, it's quite the large one as well. This should fetch quite a hefty sum!"
The people of the city were already used to such scenes, and as it seems, the prey that the Tarllagan catches are given in exchange for the offerings they gave him. It has already been going on for several decades, people lining up to see it.
It wasn't just a show. The aquatic beasts given by the Tarllagan are also dismantled quickly. The materials are sold to the Guilds and companies, whilst the meat is to be sold to the crowd lining up at reasonable prices. Some cook them as well.
Grey and Yuna already heard from the Alfrione Royal Family that there was such a show as an attraction in Arihal, but it was a lot different than they imagined. It was surely a unique experience, and one people would look forward to.
"Those who'll buy raw meat, please line up on the left, otherwise, go to the right."
"I'd like some grilled Vargladius, please."
"Yes. Please wait a moment. Our cooks will be starting shortly."
Soon enough, the Tarllagan soon resurfaced, an even bigger Vargladius held in its mouth. It moved towards the viewing deck, the prey's blood still trickling down the river. The people soon moved away, watching him with anticipation.
Unlike the previous one, the Tarllagan gently placed down the second Vargladius in the viewing deck and let the dismantlers handle it. Its eyes soon moved in search of certain figures, only stopping the moment he spotted them.
"It may not be much, but I hope you enjoy it." ［Asfara］
Said the Tarllagan, soon bowing its head towards Grey and Yuna. He now knows that the two of them bore no ill intentions, but it was still polite enough to give them some show of good will to show its acknowledgement.
Thankfully, with how many people there are in the crowd, it was hard to tell that the Targellion was talking to someone specific. People only assumed that the preys were a gesture of good luck, the Tarllagan feeling quite generous today.
『He sure is polite, isn't he...』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! Isn't that great? We just got some free food!』 ［Yuna］
『I guess you're right. We should thank him some time, huh,』 ［Grey］
The crowd was quickly filled with excitement with the Tarllagan's sudden generosity, everyone lining up the stalls to buy some and state some Vargladius meat. The latter soon disappeared into the river, vanishing without a trace.
Lucky enough, it wasn't the first time the Tarllagan actually gave something for free to everyone, and it wouldn't be the last one either. It was a rare occurrence, but thanks to it, it didn't warrant any suspicion for Grey and Yuna to be troubled with.
"Grey, what are you doing? Hurry up! Let's go have some too! Lots of people are already lining up!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Someone sure is excited." ［Grey］
"Of course! I've never had Vargladius meat before, but since it's C-rank, it should be delicious, right?! I'm looking forward to how it tastes!" ［Yuna］
There was no time to waste. As soon as the Tarllagan left and rested itself in the bottom of the river, Grey and Yuna immediately lined up after the others and got themselves some fresh meat and some sample dishes as well.
As per the Tarllagan's wish, the meat and samples were given for free and everyone was able to enjoy them, filling both their hearts and mouths with happiness. It was a great day, everyone smiling with happiness.
After watching the Tarllagan's performance and eating some tasty dishes, Grey and Yuna then went around the city once more and entertained themselves with a variety of shows and attractions, wasting their time away.
"Ahh! So close! Why is my luck so bad today!" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Should I help youー" ［Grey］
"No! I want to do this myself! Look, I'll really win this time!" ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna were especially fond of the games offered by the stall owners in the street side, giving them a variety of games which relies both on skill and luck, the two picking the latter, otherwise it would be too easy.
The game was simple. It was just to draw from hundreds of papers a certain number, and if one doesn't pull a dud, they'll be able to win a prize, ranging from all sorts of simple snacks all the way to some valuable trinkets.
"No! I got a dud again!" ［Yuna］
Unfortunately for Yuna, her terrible luck has been betraying her since she started. She doesn't even want to win anymore, simply wanting to win to prove and redeem herself. There was a burning flame inside her heartー
"Uuu... I give up...." ［Yuna］
"There, there. You did good already." ［Grey］
... Or at least, there was. But after winning miserably a few more times, she quickly let go of her fixation and just gave up. For a game so rigged, she already did good enough, Grey patting her head to quickly cheer her up.
Time passed just like that and soon, the color of the sky started to change. From blue to amber to a deep red color, and finally, to black. The whole sky was shrouded in darkness, only the moon and stars sparkling brightly from above.
One after another, the street lanterns and house lights started lighting up as well, the city slowly illuminating like the sea of stars looming over them. The day was far from over, the city filled with life even when night ensued.
"I heard you got some Vargladius meat! Let's have a feast tonight!"
"Grizella's performance tonight was great! It was outstanding!"
"Oi, hurry up! Our shift is almost over!"
The streets were filled with life and lights, the soldiers roaming about on their patrol, the merchants still dealing with their goods, the workers heading back to their homes, and the street performers giving it their all to shine brighter than the stars.
It was a completely different world to Oiros, everything shining bright even though night had fallen. There was only beauty to be seen, a tinge of chaos and chatter making the night even more fancy. It was a beautiful place.
"Fufufu! It's even pretty at night... How nice..." ［Yuna］
"Not as pretty as my cute fiancée, though." ［Grey］
"Mou... You're teasing me again..." ［Yuna］
Grey and Yuna just got themselves the most beautiful spot in the city, high up in the top of the clock tower and overseeing the whole beauty of the place, a sea of golden stars sparkling ever so brightly from below.
The winds were cold and the night was silent, yet their hearts couldn't be any warmer and louder, their hands holding one another tight and their hearts beating as one. The young lady leaning her head on her beloved's shoulder, a sweet and gorgeous smile blooming on her face.
"Grey... I love you..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah... I know.... I love you too, Yuna..." ［Grey］
"Un..." ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 407 END