CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
Steps and strides echoed throughout the corridors, accompanied by the fluttering of clothes and the flapping of thick garments as the winds wafted throughout the Royal Castle, carrying the scent of flowers and stone bricks along with them.
It was a bright sunny day, two pairs of pretty and curious eyes lingering all throughout the place, monotonous silence ringing in their ears. Two figures were led by another in a massive maze of bricky walls and heavy pillars.
"Dear Guests, we have arrived. This is the room His Majesty has provided you,"
"Ah, yeah... Thanks for guiding us." ［Grey］
"It was my pleasure. Then, I will be taking my leave now. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ring the bell. Have a good day."
The maid soon left the two to their own devices, still curious about the castle and still puzzled on what else they should be doing. They soon opened up the doors to their room, and headed inside the guest room prepared for them.
It was grand and massive, as to be expected of the Royal Castle. There were all sorts of luxurious furniture and items all over the place, laid out masterfully to show off both variation and harmony, a sense of flow present in the room.
Even amongst the guest rooms Grey and Yuna had been to before, maybe because of the different culture in Aldengard, it was the most unique thus far, both in sense of architecture and arts, the people placing great emphasis on floral motifs and complex geometric patterns across the boards.
"Ohh～. This looks totally different from the guest rooms in Alfrione Royal Castle. It feels... kind of... erm... complex...?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Well, we're still in Vartes, after all. And is it just me or... Aren't they too over the top with their treatment for us here?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... I also think that... Un..." ［Yuna］
It seems like hospitality was also placed on much greater importance in Aldengard than the other places. It was not that the previous castles were horrible, but rather, the current one was simply too grand... Everything in the room cost a huge sum.
There wasn't just one room as well. It was like they were in a small house complete with baths, comfort rooms, balconies, walk-in closets, and little compartments which would only make their stay better. It was like a totally luxurious hotel.
Now that they're here, they feel a little bad for the Sugar Pie. It hasn't even been 2 days since they've stayed there yet here they are, already enjoying another stay in another place. They already told them beforehand, but they still feel guilty.
"Mmn... The bed is very fluffy too. I feel like I'll sink in fluffiness." ［Yuna］
"Please don'tー No, actually, I guess now would be the perfect time for that. We'll be busy sooner or later, after all. We might as well enjoy ourselves today." ［Grey］
"Hm? I can just laze around today?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. Enjoy yourself, Yuna." ［Grey］
It hasn't been long since Grey and Yuna finished their meeting with the King, and now, all they have to do is wait for a reply to come. Though, as it stands, it might not even take them that long, considering the urgency of the situation.
Still, that leaves them with a lot of free time in their hands that they have no idea what to do with. They could just simply laze around as they originally planned, but even with the young lady now in bed, she can't seem to clear her mind and relax herself.
After all, they knew full well what was happening but there was nothing they could do about it for now. It wasn't the first time, but it certainly doesn't make them feel any better. Rather, it makes the day even more bland and boring.
"Grey... I love you..." ［Yuna］
"Hey, don't say that just because you're bored." ［Grey］
"Mou... You're no fun～." ［Yuna］
In fact, the day was so boring, Yuna could only think of nonsense as she lay down the soft and fluffy bed. There was not a hint of emotion in her voice, her eyes simply staring at the beautiful painting in the canopy above her.
Well, it's not like Grey doesn't understand her. Usually, they have rough plans on what to do before visiting the place but now, it was a little different. They weren't planning on heading to the capital yet, after all, much less the Royal Castle.
"Then, should we head outside the castle and explore for a bit? I heard there's a lot of exciting sights here in Cargellion. There's also the sea nearby." ［Grey］
"Ohh～. That sounds exciting～." ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but her voice was monotonous as can be, clearly not having any sort of motivation yet as she continued to think ahead of what they'll be experiencing over the next few days, maybe even weeks. It was truly unlike her.
"Grey, I'm too lazy to stand up. Please carry me." ［Yuna］
Well, at least one thing was consistent and that she was still clingy and spoiled when alone with Grey. The young man could only heave a lengthy sigh, soon heading towards the young lady and giving her a light flick on the forehead.
After which, with no real plans in mind, the two then decided to head out of the room. Of course, they also made sure to arrange their belongings and fix their luggage into place before heading out and exploring the new city before them.
It hasn't been long since they started and Yuna's expressions slowly started getting brighter, her eyes once again filled with curiosity and anticipation. After all, such a gloomy expression really doesn't suit her. She was more beautiful smiling.
"Hm? You're chuckling... Is there something on my face?" ［Yuna］
"No, nothing. Don't think too much about it." ［Grey］
Without further ado, Grey and Yuna headed out of the Royal Castle, and into the Noble's District, then the Inner District, and finally, the Outer District. A bustling and familiar sight greeted them, people buzzing about like busy bees.
It was bright and colorful, the merchants moving about their cargo, the flower shop owners taking care of their flowers, the stall owners enticing the customers, and the newspaper boy selling newspapers across the streets.
It was so bright, one wouldn't even think that they were facing a problem right now, only faces of innocence and cheerfulness floating throughout the place as the people went on with their daily lives as they usually do.
"Oh! The young man and miss over there! Would you like to buy some skewers?"
One of the stall owners called out to them as they were staring out into the distance, and along his stalls were freshly grilled skewers looking very juicy and delicious, it was practically inviting them to have a bite and taste the goodness.
Yuna, whose mind was once filled with worries, was now distracted by the skewers cooking before them, her mouth opened a little, drooling ever so subtly. Grey couldn't help but chuckle at the sight, finding his fiancée cute once again.
"You should reply when someone's asking you a question, you know?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, right! W-We'll have 5ー No, 10 skewers, please!" ［Yuna］
"Ohhh! Good thinking, Young Miss! That would be 5 kiels each!"
There was no time to waste. As soon as Yuna snapped back to her senses, she then headed towards the stall and Grey followed behind her. She took out a couple coins, bought some skewers, and dug in soon after.
"Mmn～! So delicious! It's juicy, sweet, but also a little sour! The meat is tender and the sauce coating is also fragrant! This is amazing, Mister!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! I'm glad you liked it! We're also selling other foods other than skewers. Would you like to have a try at them, Young Miss?"
"Ah! That's right! Then, we'll have..." ［Yuna］
In just a quick moment, the Young Lady's expressions turned a complete 180, and she was now cheerful as can be. She pointed at one food after another, buying some tasty snacks and having a taste of them soon after.
"Here, Grey! Have a taste of these Glazed Chicken Drumsticks! They're super-duper good! I'm sure you'll love it!" ［Yuna］
Of course, what's a date without a little bit of flirting? Yuna also fawned over Grey and fed him all sorts of delicious foods she found, the young man enjoying the exquisite and explosive tastes of the dishes the market stalls had to offer.
There weren't just meat dishes like skewers and drumsticks, but a variation of local delicacies and specialties as well, from soup, stew, salads, noodles, bread, desserts, and a lot more, each one tasting different, but just as delicious as any other.
Like the other towns and cities before it, the Royal Capital also served them a couple of dishes overflowing with spice, and creaminess, their taste buds exploding with all sorts of flavors as they went around the market with smiles on their faces.
But perhaps what Yuna enjoyed the most were the light and simple snacks often eaten by kids as they ran around the streets. There were lots of sweets and candies offered here and there, Yuna buying heaps of them as per usual.
"Ah! Grey, look, your tongue has turned blue!" ［Yuna］
"Yours have also turned orange, you know?" ［Grey］
"Really? Let's take a picture then! I want to make a scrapbook later!" ［Yuna］
It didn't even take them an hour, and Yuna's expressions were already brighter than the sun above them. The plan to laze around was great, but Grey couldn't be any more pleased that they didn't. After all, Yuna's smiles are the best in the world.
Just like that, time passed by quickly and the sun continued to climb down the blue sky. Grey and Yuna continued strolling all over the Royal Capital, strolling aimlessly to wherever their feet took them and simply enjoying themselves.
Well, they were wandering aimlessly when they coincidentally came across a large board where a map of the city was displayed. There seems to be quite a few of them scattered throughout the city, marking out special places and coordinates.
"Hmm... What a shame... They don't display many tourist spots here..." ［Yuna］
"Should we head to the beach then? Sunset is still quite some time away, but it's better than just staying here and doing nothing, right?" ［Grey］
"Nng... But I still want to explore the city..." ［Yuna］
Unfortunately for them, the Royal Capital was so big, only the very grand and famous locations in the Royal Capital get marked out by the map. For the smaller things that they have yet to try, it was very difficult trying to find them.
"Big Bro! Big Sis! Are you looking for a good place?" ［???］
And just when they were troubled, a young and high-pitched voice came calling out to them. They soon turned around and saw a young boy wearing very casual clothes and pointy fox ears protruding from his head and a fluffy tail behind him.
He had a small stature, barely reaching the height of 120 centimeters and obviously smaller than his peers. He seemed to be about 9 or 10 years of age, a cheerful and smiling expression plastered on his youthful place,
"Ah, yeah... We are looking for some nice tourist spots..." ［Grey］
"Oh, you talked to the right guy! I know all sorts of places here in the Royal Capital! Whether it be places with great views, inns, or alleys. I know them all!" ［???］
As it seems, the little boy was some sort of guide in the Royal Capital who takes people into all sorts of locations and also tours them if the need arises. He was like a little tour guide, clearly experienced with dealing with people.
"Ah! It won't be for free, of course! I have a charge of 20 kiels!" ［???］
And... His charging fee was extremely cheap. It may be because he's just a child or that he was extremely polite, but normally, tour guides would charge at least 5 times the amount for touring people, and there is an increment after some time as well.
Grey and Yuna don't know the situation surrounding the child, but they could more or less guess what's happening. After all, it doesn't seem like he's the only tour guide around. Charging a cheap sum might be the only way to earn some money.
"Umm... You're a tour guide, right? The name's Grey, and this is Yuna. We're still new to the Capital, so we don't really know much. Nice to meet you." ［Grey］
"Ah, yes! Nice to meet you too, my name is Neil!" ［Neil］
"Fufufu! Neil, was it? What a nice name. Nice, to meet you, Neil!" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, thank you, Big Sis..." ［Neil］
It seems like he was a good and polite child as well, acting all meek and sky from one simple compliment from Yuna. With his personality like that, he would have probably still agreed to a lower price if the customers tried to haggle with him.
Grey and Yuna really weren't planning on taking a tour guide with them, but with the situation as it is, they would feel bad declining the young child's offer. It was only 20 kiels, anyway. They already spent way more from food alone.
"Niel, was it... Can you take us to a place somewhere fun? Oh, and for the charge you mentioned... Here, you can fake this." ［Grey］
Grey and Yuna are often thrifty with money unless it comes to food and presents, but they aren't stingy. Grey quickly whipped out a bronze coin, worth a hundred kiels, and tossed it over Neil, the young boy then catching it clumsily.
"Th-This is...! A bronze coin?! S-Sorry, but I can't have something th-this big! I-I don't have any change with me right now! S-Soー" ［Neil］
"Hahaha! You can keep the change, Neil." ［Grey］
"B-But... This is such a large amount,.. I can't possibly have something so valuable... A hundred kiels... That's far too large for payment..." ［Neil］
He really was a polite child, shaken at the mere sight of the bronze coin and trying to convince Grey and Yuna to just pay him his usual charge. He was both confused and flustered, clearly not knowing how to handle such a sudden and unexpected situation.
"Don't worry. It's not much anyway. and, tell you what... If we have a ton of fun, we'll pay you another bronze coin or two." ［Grey］
"Un! Didn't you say you're the right guy for us? So use what you got, Neil." ［Yuna］
"... O-Okay! I'll do my best!" ［Neil］
It wasn't long before the young boy agreed, a bring smile blooming on his face. With his newfound enthusiasm, he then led Grey and Yuan all around the city, giving them directions on where to go and what spots are best for what purposes.
For the first attraction, the young boy kept his promise and brought Grey and Yuna to someplace dun. it was a place where a certain sport was played, something the two rarely saw, and something quite popular with the people.
"Oh, Neil! Looks like you're bringing some customers again! Good job!"
"Thanks, Mister! I'll be going in now!" ［Neil］
And as it seems, it wasn't the first time Neil has led people to the place. Rather, he was already so acquainted with the staff and the owner that he was let in without any entrance fees. It seems to be some sort of thanks for bringing in customers.
WHOOOHOOO!! WAAHHH～' OOHHHHHH～!
Inside the venue, a cacophony of cheers and applause echoed throughout the air, tons of birds flying around in circles, triangles, all sorts of formations. They looked like a could of black, flowing smoothly like the gentle streams of the forest.
It was a bird showー or so one would think at first, but if one takes a closer look, the birds weren't normal ones, but birds of prey who are the terrors of the wild. It wasn't a bird show where sweet and little birds shows off, but something much more.
"Woah～! Are those eagles?! It's my first time seeing them!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? We've seen all sorts of eagles before though?" ［Grey］
"Un, but not a normal one! They were all just big and bulky birds!" ［Yuna］
What the place offered was falconry, a sport focused on training and hunting small critters with birds of prey. And for the performance, not only will the birds hunt a few small animals, they would also be demonstrating various formations just like now.
The trainer blowed his whistle and the birds were alerted. He then blew a couple more times in a specific pattern and different pitch, the birds then following his lead and changing their formation, dancing in the air to the beat of his whistles.
Normally, birds of prey are territorial animals, however, it seems that the trainer had trained them enough to get along with one another. Rather than fighting amongst one another, they cooperated very cleanly, each one alert as can be.
He waved his hands to the right and the birds flew towards the right, making a loop de loop all the while. He then snapped his fingers next and the birds scattered. He clapped and they screeched, diving towards the dummies with their sharp talons.
"Ohh!! They took down all the dummies! Amazing!" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Looks like they've been trained for several years already. I believe they can take down an Orc if they work together." ［Grey］
"They actually can, Big Bro! It's part of the show! Or at least, sometimes... Today, though, it seems like they're only doing some goblins." ［Neil］
"That's still very interesting. I'm even looking forward to it more now" ［Grey］
The trainer waved his hands once more and the birds flew like a sweeping wave. He then put his fingers inside his mouth and with a quick whistle, all the birds stopped flying and rushed towards his side, the biggest one landing on his arm.
Soon another figure entered the room, her footsteps echoing throughout the place and soon stood opposite of the falconry trainer. She raised her hands up and started to mumble a couple words, a storm of mana brewing soon after.
⟨⟨Horde: Goblin!⟩⟩
There weren't just one or two, but six whole goblins which were summoned to the show, all of them screeching and roaring like wild and feral animals. They looked at the trainer all at the same, then rushing towards him with great vigor.
However, the trainer didn't just sit still and with a flick of his fingers, the birds started to shriek and fly once more, charging towards the goblins whilst pointing out their sharp and deadly talons heading towards the goblins' way,
The goblins didn't stand at all, the birds simply tore them apart with their sharp and deadly talons, some even taking them high up in the air before brutally dropping them towards the ground, their bones shattering like brittle glass.
The birds eliminated the goblins one after another, and before long, the birds landed on the ground where the trainer fed them their rewards. A pandemonium of cheers and applause echoed even louder, the people excited as can be.
"Wooah～! That was fantastic! I want to see it again!" ［Yuna］
"Hehehe! What did I tell you, Big Sis, Big Bro? This place is fun, right" ［Neil］
"Un! Very! It's a little brutal... But it was fun and novel!" ［Grey］
Time passed a little more, and after dealing with the birds of prey, Grey and Yuna once again followed Neil towards a couple nice attractions from something very simple like the library to the secret spots only a few people know of.
Of course, what's the most fun were the new and exciting things they have never seen before like hound racing, Aldendardian-Style wrestling, tall temples, sports which resemble soccer, and so much more to experience.
Neil also brought Grey and Yuna to the stables, but as one would expect, the two immediately declined the offer as soon as they heard of it. They could still remember their first experience with it, and it wasn't too pretty.
"Then, just a to the left, we'll haveー" ［Neil］
GRUUUMMMBBLLLEEEEE～～
And just when the sun was about to set over the horizon, a loud rumble came out of nowhere. It wasn't Grey nor was it Yuna. It was none other Neil whose face was now bright red from embarrassment, holding his stomach with his little hands.
"Fufufu! Let's take a short break and eat early dinner, shall we? Our treat!" ［Yuna］
It was a little unexpected, but there was nothing they could do about it. Having early dinner isn't a bad thing, anyway. Without wasting any more time, Grey and Yuna then started buying dinner for the three of them, excited as can be.
Neil was a little hesitant at first, not wanting to burden the two, but with a little bit of insistence and perseverance, they managed to convince the young boy to take a bite and join them for dinner. It was a fantastic time.
"Mmn～! So delicious～! I've always been wanting this before! So this is how it tastes like! No wonder people love it! It's really delicious!" ［Neil］
"Fufufu! Just eat as much as you like." ［Yuna］
The young boy was smiling from ear to ear as he wolfed down the dishes before them. He was very lively and cheerful, it looks like he hasn't been eating the whole dayー No, it might actually be the case.
From how he approached them, his cheap fee, his familiarity with the city and shop owners, his stamina which lasts him several hours of walking, and even his reactions right now... Grey and Yuna had been suspecting something was off...
"Anyway, Neil. It's already getting late. Won't your parents be worried?" ［Yuna］
... And it seems like their guess was right. As soon as Yuna asked the question, Neil suddenly flinched and stopped eating, turning meek all of a sudden. There was an awkward smile on his face, his eyes looking crestfallen.
"... No, they won't... I don't have any parents anymore... They died at war..." ［Neil］
"Oh... Oh... I see... Sorry..." ［Yuna］
"No, it's okay. Big Sis is just caring for me anyway. And it's not like I'm sad. I was so young when it happened, I don't even remember their faces anymore." ［Neil］
He was so bright and cheerful, but deep inside, there was something heavy than he's carrying on his shoulder. They have almost forgotten, but the Civil War ended just not too long ago, and its scars are still present in the hearts of people.
It was hard for both Grey and Yuna to lose their family, but unlike them, Neil has no one to rely on by himself. If he doesn't want to starve to death, he must work harder than others his age and make sure to not be eaten by the strong.
"Hmm... Aren't there orphanages around here? Aren't they helping?" ［Grey］
"They are, but there are too many children who've been orphaned by the War. Rather than myself, I ought to give the spot to those younger and weaker than me." ［Neil］
"You're still a child, you know? Don't be too hard on yourself." ［Grey］
"It is hard... And there are times I sleep on an empty stomach. But... I'm still happy that I'm alive. I'm able to meet new people and experience new things. I'm sure, if I hold on for long enough... Things will surely get better!" ［Neil］
Yet despite the cruelty and harshness of the world, the young boy still manages to hold on and smile brightly as if he doesn't have a single problem in the world. A smile so bright, it was painful to see. At the same time...
『Grey... I've decided... I will crush Duke Schemer and everyone involved in this matter. I will make sure that not a single one of them will be left and make sure that no other children will suffer like Neil... No matter what it takes.』 ［Yuna］
... Yuna's already resolute resolve was steeled even further. Now, she was burning with determination to wipe out all the trash they would find and uproot them from the deepest roots. There was no room for forgiveness.
『... Yeah... Let's do that...』 ［Grey］
It may be a small step, but it was a step to make a difference. It may take them some time, but they want to make Neil's dream a reality. To make the world a better place... It sounds childish, but strangely endearing at the same time...
"Hahaha. That's right, things will get better someday." ［Grey］
"So that's why, you must eat a lot today so you'll grow up healthy and see that world for yourself. Isn't that right, Neil?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yeah!" ［Neil］
CHAPTER 420 END