CLINK CLINK CLINK
The spoons and fork moved, hitting the plates and slicing the thick slices of steak, a tasty and juicy goodness exploding inside of one's mouth. An appetite-arousing and aromatic aroma was adrift the air, filling the dining table with life.
It was still early in the morning, the sound of crowing roosters ringing throughout town whilst the sun rose from the horizon, accompanied by the resonant bells and bustling streets. The town has become busy once more.
"Mmn～! Hmmn～! Mmn～! Mmn～!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, quit humming. Don't play with your food." ［Grey］
"But I'm not. I was just humming! You're too strict, Grey!" ［Yuna］
Yet another day has passed and after the loud commotions of yesterday, the two are now having their breakfast, acting all sweet and sappy when the sun had just risen. It was as if nothing happened yesterday, everything resuming to normalcy.
Well, if there was something new, it was that they are now enjoying a Veltofarian breakfast Norma, Nord, and Shelma worked so hard to make. It was delicious and full of strong flavors, yet was not too overpowering. It was an enjoyable feast.
It wasn't just them who were having breakfast, of course. Along them were Norma and her family, the little rabbit now up and about, slicing his fried eggs and feeding himself. A bright smile bloomed as he enjoyed his breakfast.
"Amazing... I've never seen him enjoy breakfast so happily." ［Shelma］
"Well, he's always hard to feed, after all. Unless it's something sweet, he barely touches his food... It's a miracle..." ［Nord］
"Ketchup, was it... This is fantastic, Grey, Yuna." ［Norma］
Of course, they couldn't just eat breakfast without showing off a little bit of their skills. The two of them also made their own dishes, and in addition to that, added their own sauces and condiments for everyone to enjoy.
The little rabbit was especially fond of the ketchup because of its sweetness. He was usually hard to feed during his meals, but after having a taste of the ketchup the two made, his appetite soared by leaps and bounds, his spoon and fork moving at haste.
"Thank you very much, you two. I never thought I'd see my son eating so healthily. It's all because of you." ［Nord］
"Hahaha. We don't deserve so much praise. It's just ketchup anyway... Oh, right! In that case, should we teach you how to make it? It isn't too hard to do." ［Grey］
"Would that be okay...? Wouldn't that be terrible for you? We really don't have much value to exchange for it." ［Shelma］
"Fufufu! It's fine～, it's fine～. It's not like it's a huge secret anyways. A lot of people back in our hometown already know of it. It's really not a big deal." ［Yuna］
"Then, if you insist... We'd be in your care." ［Nord］
The three couldn't be any more thankful for the two. Not only did they help them out yesterday despite being barely acquainted with one another, they are also willing to lend their recipes for the sake of Liam. They were too kind,
Of course, it still doesn't remove the fact that their identities were extremely shocking. After yesterday's events, they were all frozen and speechless after learning that the two of them were S-rank adventurers whom they've only heard about in stories.
At first, they were all stiff and addressed the two as "Your Highnesses", but after Grey and Yuna asked them to treat them casually as they did and a little bit of convincing, they finally addressed them like before, everything going back to normality.
Still, it was hard to believe that such youths were S-rankers who are on par with the General of the Kingdomー no, much, much greater than him. One could only wonder how their reactions will be after realizing Grey and Yuna were actually transcendents.
"Still... There aren't any customers in the inn, huh..." ［Grey］
"Un... It's really empty..." ［Yuna］
"Well, that's only understandable after yesterday's events. While it was true that they were relieved after seeing you two handle the Lord yesterday, they are still in fear of being involved with us, the Lord's enemies." ［Norma］
"We're not as powerful as you are, after all. If he can't get revenge on you, he might try to harm us instead. They're all scared of that possibility." ［Nord］
It was a shame, but there was nothing they could do about it. Not only could they be falsely accused of siding with Grey and Yuna, they could also be caught up in their fights whenever it breaks out. It was something everyone wanted to avoid at all costs.
Thankfully, despite the lack of customers, the Sugar Pie can still function normally. If they were to use the money they've been saving up until now, they should be able to live comfortably for a couple of months and not worry about anything yet.
There was barely anything they could do about it, but it was more than enough time for Grey and Yuna to uproot the roots of evil in Veltofar and clean everything up. After all, they've already got themselves tangled up with it. They might as well see it to the end and make sure to cut all loose ends.
"By the way... Missus Shelma... How is Liam doing?" ［Yuna］
"Ah... Well... I'm still not sure, but it seems that he's fine for now?" ［Shelma］
"Isn't there anything strange? Maybe some signs of trauma or terror?" ［Yuna］
"As far as I've seen... There's been nothing so far... He was quite shaky and scared this morning, but after you casted a spell, he's been calm ever since." ［Shelma］
"I see... That's good to hear then." ［Yuna］
Whisper, whisper, whisper... Yuna and Shelma whispered to one another, all the while keeping an eye on the little rabbit. After all, kids are very delicate creatures, shaped by their first experiences. They must be cared for the best they could.
And speaking of caring, Grey and Yuna had also casted some recovery spells for everyone to bask in. They were especially attentive to Liam, seeing to it that he doesn't get any trauma from yesterday's unfortunate turn of events.
It was all thanks to holy magic and healing spells. It was a spell called "Serenity", which, as the name implies, calms down the mind and cleanses it of any sorts of mental distress and disturbance, including fears and traumas.
They still don't know whether or not Liam would be perfectly fine, so all they could do is monitor his everyday experiences and make sure everything is going normally as they should. It was all just a matter of time.
『Grey, it seems like Liam's getting fine. I'm sure we'll still need to wait a little bit, but there's no need to worry so much for now.』 ［Yuna］
『I see... That's a relief then.』 ［Grey］
『Still... I can't believe those monsters dared to hit such a young child! We've met so many people before, but they're the worst! They aren't people anymore! They are scumbags which are even worse than trash!』 ［Yuna］
『Well, like father, like son, as they say... Just what did the previous Lord do wrong to have gotten such a terrible son. He must have been in despair.』 ［Grey］
『Hpmh! Who cares?! If I ever get my hands on them again, I'll make sure to teach them a lesson they'll never forget! I'll make sure of it!』 ［Yuna］
As for the ones who caused such trouble, they are now back in their mansion, and are recuperating from Grey and Yuna's beating yesterday. Shurtem and his knights were beaten up so much, they had still yet to regain consciousness.
Well, the Viscount himself was not much different. After he was knocked out by a mere pebble, it wasn't long before his servants arrived and took him away, making sure they face the people behind their Lord's current situation.
They all raised their swords, spears, and bows towards Grey and Yuna, wanting to punish them for harming their Lord and insulting nobility. However, they didn't even have the chance to do anything, a large figure putting them to their rightful place
"I dare you all to step forward and see what happens." ［Grey］
All it took was a single line from Grey and Sirius' figure lurking behind him, and each one of them were scared sh*tless, unable to move a muscle and trembling all the while. There isn't any more need to say more.
Unable to do anything, the knights could only swallow their pride and head back to the mansion with their heads hung low. Ever since then, neither the Lord nor his knights headed out of the mansion, all cooped up inside.
『Sirius... Your turn's over. You can rest now.』 ［Grey］
『Understood, Master.』 ［Sirius］
『Then, Arcturus, if you would please.』 ［Grey］
『As you wish, Master.』 ［Arcturus］
Now, with no knights to be seen, Grey and Yuna took in upon themselves to oversee the town. They summoned their familiars one at a time to watch over town and make sure no crime occurs while the knights are in seclusion.
They weren't just trying to protect town, they were showing off their dominance and making sure to etch into the enemies' minds which one of them has the upper hand. In front of a dragon, they were all but insignificant ants.
Of course, they wouldn't just leave it all to Sirius. They also asked the other familiars to help out and take turns watching over town. Not that there's any people so foolish, anyway. Who would commit crimes in front of dragons? No one was crazy enough.
Well, it wasn't just watching over town, they also asked two of the familiars, namely Canopus and Kentaurus, to lurk around the Lord's mansion for surveillance, taking the form of harmless butterflies as their disguise.
"Big Sister! Big Brother! I heard you have dragons!" ［Liam］
"Hmm～? We do～. Would Liam want to see them?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah! I want to see the cool dragons! They go whoosh and fwoosh, right?! I want to see them fly! Fly to the sky!" ［Liam］
"Fufufu! Let's go for a ride later, then. But～! Only if Liam becomes a good boy and finishes his breakfast. If there's even a speck left, we won't be going, got it?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yeah! I'm good! I'll finish my breakfast!" ［Liam］
Excited as can be, the little rabbit quickly but carefully fed himself, his spoon and fork moving around ever so excitedly along with the bright smile on his face. Everyone else watched over him with eyes warm as can be.
After breakfast, Grey and Yuna then chatted a little with everyone and checked up on Liam to see if the spells were working as intended. It was only after they confirmed it did that they felt relief flood in their hearts, heaving a lengthy sigh.
Soon enough, the two finished up what they're about to do and then headed upstairs to resign themselves. They planned to explore a little bit, but after yesterday's events, only trouble would be coming their way. They decided to have a home date instead.
"Fuwaah～! So tired～! I just want to be melt in the bed～!" ［Yuna］
"Please don't. I don't want my fiancée to be a huge and fluffy piece of furniture. Our wedding would be difficult then." ［Grey］
"Mou... Stop teasing me... You always do that..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I wonder what you're talking about～?" ［Grey］
Of course, with the two of them alone together, it was also time for flirting and for their love to bloom even further. There was a rosy and comfy atmosphere in the air, the two of them lazing around comfortably as they pleased.
Yuna, excited stars sparkling in her eyes, crawled atop the bed bed and headed towards the bookshelves by the bedside. There she took out one of the books she has yet to finish reading, opening it soon after, eyes soon lingering towards Grey.
"Psst. Psst. Grey, come here. Over here." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Why are you whispering? There's only two of us here you know?" ［Grey］
Acting all innocent and adorable, Yuna then beckoned Grey into coming over the bed and had him lie down over it. With a strange spark of determination in her eyes, she then spawled one of his arms, fixing its position like some sort of pillow.
When she was satisfied, the young lady then enjoyed the arms of her fiancé, then lying down on his arms and soon opening the book to read it with him. It was subtle but there was a soft giggle of satisfaction afloat in the air. She was adorable.
Whilst his adorable fiancée was making herself comfortable in his arms, Grey only heaved a brief sigh before giving up on thinking too much about it. There are still important matters to attend to, and problems needed to be fixed.
『Canopus, Kentaurus. How is it going over there?』 ［Grey］
『It's been normal so far, Master. We're still following the Viscount.』 ［Canopus］
『I don't think he'll be doing anything terrible for the time being. It seems like he's still traumatized of what the Master and Mistress did yesterday.』 ［Kentaurus］
『Hah! That pig deserved it!』 ［Canopus］
That important matter has to do with the Viscount who seemed to now have become paranoid because of Grey and Yuna's presence, now acting all finicky and fidgety as he bites his fingernails, obviously quite nervous.
He just had someone ask about Grey and Yuna's identities from the Guild, and after learning that they were really S-rankers, and ones considered as heroes by many countries at that, he was riddled with shock, his heart squeezing tightly and painfully.
Veltofar is not a very famous town, after all, so he had been doing anything as he pleased, acting as if he was a King. But now that someone ranking far above him is present, he could only shiver at the thought, mind going awry.
『Then, continue monitoring him and report to me periodicー』 ［Grey］
『Ah, wait, Master! The Viscount's acting very suspicious right now!』 ［Canopus］
『We are going to tail him, Master!』 ［Kentaurus］
And like any villain, the Viscount also has his own secrets. He was still in his office, but he seemed paranoid, turning his head left and right to see if there were any people around and soon heading towards the bookshelves.
Of course, it was the bookshelves. And like any other secret entrances, as soon as he took out a certain book, a few strings were pulled and one section of the shelves moved and revealed a secret passageway to a small, hidden room.
Canopus and Kentuarus didn't waste any time any further and immediately flew all towards the hidden entrance before it closed. Darkness soon filled the room as it closed, light shining bright as he flicked the switches.
Even when he is in the inn, Grey could still see what was happening in the mansion in full detail, unfortunately, that only extends to sight and nothing more... Well, not that there isn't a way to go around it.
⟨⟨Synchronize⟩⟩ ［Grey］
Using summoning magic which ties him to another creature, Grey used a spell in which would share his familiars' senses with him and giving him a full experience about what was happening. It was the perfect spell.
And just their senses were shared with him, what greeted Grey was an almost empty room with but only one thing present in the middle. It was a communication orb many nobles use in order to communicate with other places.
'A communication orb...?' ［Grey］
However, what was strange was that the Viscount had such an item. After all, it was one which would cause the same amount of fortune just for one of them. No matter how luxurious he was, there was no way the Viscount could have bought it.
There was only one answer... He didn't. It wasn't bought, but rather, provided to him. Provided by someone of much higher standing and much more power. There was only one person who came to mind.
BZZZT BZZZT BZZZT WHOOM WHOOM
A nervous look on his face, the Viscount soon activated the communication orb and he poured in a bit of mana and mana crystals. Before long, the orb shone brightly and light swallowed up the room in an instant.
The intense light quickly died down and when everything was over, a blurry figure appeared on the orb. Grey couldn't see his face properly because of how terrible the quality of the orb was, but the same couldn't be the same for the voice...
「Viscount Hameln... You responded quite early.」 ［???］
"A-Ah, of course. How could I make Your Grace wait? It should be who should be waiting, after all." ［Shuren］
「Hah! It seems like you still have some common sense left in you. This is why I like you. Though you may be stupid, you at least know your place.」 ［???］
"O-Of course! I-I am Your Grace's loyal subordinate, after all." ［Shuren］
... Thanks to the "Synchronize" spell, Grey could hear them quite clearly and could also make out their body language from how they were moving. It was more than enough to spy on the enemy and gather evidence against him.
And just as Grey suspected, it really was a person behind the Viscount. They were held the title of "Duke", the only ones who can be addressed as "Your Grace". And judging by the Viscount, it was none other than Duke Schemer.
Grey already knew that there is a feud going on with the Current King and the Duke of Schemer, and that it could devolve to yet another civil war sooner or later. It was a dangerous situation, not only for the combatants, but the civilians as well.
He had already heard from Norma about how terrible the Civil War was, and if such a thing were to happen once again on such a scale, one can only imagine how many lives would be lost. There would be hundreds of thousands. maybe millions.
「Enough of your useless rambling. What about the thing I tasked you with? Have you completed it already.」 ［Duke］
"A-Ah... About that... I might need a little more time, Your Grace. I am already more than 70ー No, 80% on the way there. If you just give me more timeー" ［Shuren］
「So... What you're saying is... You failed my task?」 ［Duke］
He was on the other end of the orb, but Shuren could feel the pressure and intimidation behind his words. His whole body shook for a while, obviously overwhelmed by the extreme pressure and domination exerted by the Duke.
"Th-That's not it, Your Grace! It's just that an unexpected situation happened in Veltofar! It was something I couldn't do something about!" ［Shuren］
「Are you sure you're not just weaseling out your way around this? You do know what I hate the most, don't you? You don't want to be the next one to disappear now, do you? Maybe in a month...? No, would 3 weeks be enough?」 ［Duke］
"P-Please, Your Grace, I'm begging you! It was something I really couldn't control! There's no way I would do something to hinder you!" ［Shuren］
「Viscount Hameln, which date and place would you like to disaー」 ［Duke］
"S-rankers! There are S-rankers here, Your Grace!" ［Shuren］
Driven by fear and panic, the Viscount immediately blurted out the problem and cut off the Duke as a result. Silence soon reigned over the room and the Duke was put into deep thought. The Viscount was sweating buckets.
「S-rankers, you say... Speak. Tell me everything you know.」 ［Duke］
The Viscount didn't waste the chance the Duke gave him and immediately started explaining about why his slow progress and even putting the blame on them for the results of laziness, conveniently leaving out the part that they just arrived yesterday.
The Duke listened to the Viscount's words in utter silence and simply thought of a couple of things. Such eerie silence only made the Viscount's nervousness rise even more, his hands shaking as he awaited for the mysterious man's answer.
「I see... S-rankers, huh... That really is quite unfortunate. No wonder your progress has been stagnant as of late.」 ［Duke］
"Y-Yes... That's it, that's the reason. Your Grace really is understanding." ［Shuren］
「Stop the useless rambling. Since it has come to this, I will give you another chance. Bring those S-rankers to our side by all means possible. Remember... I don't tolerate mistakes twice. I hate looking like a fool, Viscount.」 ［Duke］
"O-Of course! By your will, Your Grace!" ［Shuren］
It was impossible to recruit them, the Viscount already knew of that. However, there was no way he could utter such words to the Duke when he knew his life would be on the line. He only stayed quiet, trying to look calm.
「Still... 80%... That much is still plenty. We could have some use of those animals and forest dwellers. They would be perfect.」 ［Duke］
"O-Of course, You Grace! I made sure to get the best ones for you!" ［Shuren］
「Hmm... That sounds reassuring. Well, not that it matters anyway. I don't care about the quality. What's important is quantity. And you've been doing very well, Viscount. I will be sure to reward you once this is all over.」 ［Duke］
"It is my greatest pleasure, Your Grace." ［Shuren］
「... However, don't overdo it, Viscount. There are already rumors about the recent disappearances of orphans, prostitutes, and criminals. Do it in moderation.」 ［Duke］
"Of course, Your Grace. However... Those therianthropes, elves, and other races are just parasites of this country that shouldn't even exist... Shouldn't they be grateful to finally serve a purpose?... As sacrifices, that is." ［Shuren］
Sacrifice... A single word shook Grey's mind as soon as it rang inside his ears. He had already seen and read about it in various fictions about such a thing, but it was his first time hearing it so obscenely in reality.
What's worse, it wasn't just the evil and corrupted, but even innocent children and civilians as well. Be it thousands or tens of thousands, maybe even more. No matter where you look at it, no sane person would do such a thing.
"Kukuku! It's so fun to hear them beg and scream for mercy every time. Especially the young ones, their tears and bellows are a sight to behold. The way their expressions contort in the face of pain and agony... Kukuku! It's the best!" ［Shuren］
The Viscount's disgusting and repulsive laugh echoed throughout the air, a heinous and hideous smile sprouting on his already ugly face. It was a face just begging to be punched, anger boiling like magma in the depths of Grey's heart.
「You're having too much fun. Wipe that disgusting smile off your face.」 ［Duke］
"Ah, pardon me, Your Grace." ［Shuren］
There was no need to listen any further. As soon as Grey heard such foul words come out of the trash's mouth, he had steeled his heart and an adamant resolve appeared in his heart, his fist clenched tightly in anger.
"Yuna, prepare yourself. There's somewhere we need to go." ［Grey］
"Hm? Why all of the suddー" ［Yuna］
Yuna couldn't even finish her words. As soon as she saw the expression painted on Grey's face, she immediately dropped her book and went silent. It was dark and cold, seemingly calm but only waiting to erupt like a disastrous volcano,
The young lady had been with Grey for over 4 years already and she only saw such an expression on his face a couple of times. It was an expression of extreme rage and hatred, only tied by a thin and fragile string of reason. Even she couldn't help but be scared and overwhelmed by such a sight.
"... Understood..." ［Yuna］
CHAPTER 416 END