Chatter Chatter Chatter

  The sun was high in the sky and the city was bustling in one of its busiest hours. It was eleven in the m and the people were doing what they usually do, going about their daily lives as they walked dowreets and greeted one another.

  There were grumpy old men scolding naughty children, the gossip-loving dies whispering to one ahe adventurers who just fiheir quests, and the eic children running around. It was a lively sery, full of life and colors.

  Cck Cck Cck

  The doors opened and the doors closed, two figures exiting the game ter with smiles on their faces. It was, of course, Grey and Yuna who just finished pying a lot of games and satisfied as one be, not even breaking a single sweat.

  "That was a lot of fun, wasn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, it was. Though... I didn't think you'd be so into it. You really were eic back there. I was a little surprised." ［Grey］

  "Mou... Fet about it already..." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna, her face a little red. Though she went there so that Grey could have fun, the excitement was too much that she pletely fot her inal purpose and gave it her all instead, breaking all the high scores there has ever been.

  Well, it was not like Grey didn't have fuher. Just seeing Yuna's bright smile was enough for her. Of course, he also broke a lot of records just like Yuna. All eyes were practically on them, cheering on them as they peted with one another.

  "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing you. But, on one dition." ［Grey］

  "And that is...?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing much... You just o uphold your promise ter, alright?" ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he put one of his fingers in front of his lips, a teasing smile f soon after. There were no more words o be said. Yuna immediately uood romise Grey was referring to, blushing even more.

  "Of course. I'll also give Yuna her 'prizes' if you want." ［Grey］

  "Mou... You said you'd stop teasing me already..." ［Yuna］

  "But I'm not though? Is it wrong to shower my super-duper lovely and adorable girlfriend with all the love in the world?" ［Grey］

  The pliments were too much. Though Yuna doesn't hate it, she couldn't help but feel that Grey was teasing her. She could only pout cutely, making Grey chuckle at the cute and flustered expressions she makes.

  'Mou... Just where did he learn to speak such words...' ［Yuna］

  Yuna pouted, sneaking some g Grey from time to time, only to see a bright and smiling Grey. Unfortunately for her, no matter how much she thinks, she would most likely not get and answer. All she could do was heave a short sigh.

  "Anyway! Si's almost noon, how about we have an early lunch? I know a good pce! I'm sure you'll like it!" ［Yuna］

  Skillfully avoiding her embarrassment, Yuna quickly tackled lunch. Her attempts were obvious, but Grey just let her do as she wants, chug softly as he let the frab his hand ahe way for them.

  The sun tinued climbing up, and it wasn't long befrey and Yuna arrived at their destination. It was a high-eaurant, walls and windows made of gss, and fancy tables and chairs arranged ly all over the pce. Eveside was beautifully decorated with bright and fragrant flowers.

  They haven't even stepped foot inside, yet they were already garnering a lot of attention. The very moment one of the employees spotted them, a smile bloomed on her face, soon opening the door and bowing her head slightly.

  "We've been waiting, Yhnesses. It's a great pleasure to serve you lun this lovely day. Wele and I hope you enjoy your time."

  It was just like the theater previously. Before they could even go to their seats, they were guided by the employees, giving them a warm reception. It was as if they were celebrities entering a store. Everyone was smiling at them.

  "I see... So you already made a reservation, huh..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It's your birthday, after all." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. If that's the case then I wish everyday would be my birthday." ［Grey］

  "Mmn... That might be a little much..." ［Yuna］

  A troubled expression was what loomed over Yuna as she thought of Grey's words whilst furrowing her brows. Though she isn't against the idea of celebrating Grey's birthday everyday, she would quickly run out of ideas if such was the case. She was feeling flicted.

  Meanwhile, Grey could only look at her warmly. He was only joking after all, he didn't think Yuna would think of it so seriously. He couldn't help but chuckle, once again realizing how adorable his girlfriend was.

  Soon enough, Grey and Yuna were sitting on their seats. But there wasn't a single menu oable nor were they given any. Rather, the waiters only came out from the kit oer another, delivering dish after dish to their table.

  "Please enjoy your meal!"

  And enjoy they did. As soon as all the dishes were dispyed before them, they quickly sent their prayers to the heaven above and started wolfing down the dishes oer another, in a graceful manner, of course.

  "Here, Grey, say ahh～!" ［Yuna］

  The only time Yuna stopped was to feed Grey a slice of steak with a rge smile on her face. And of course, Grey didn't reject her invitation, opening his mouth wide, letting Yuna spoil him for a ge.

  Lunch tinued and so did the flirting. In fact, there was too much flirting that the other ers could barely taste their food, only able to watch them in silence. Even the employees were frozen and dumbfouhe sweetness was just too much, like dy dipped in honey.

  The dishes disappeared oer another and a mountain of ptes, cups, and bowls soon formed. They really were amazing. A course which could feed more than a dozen people was taken care of by them easily.

  "Phew... That was a good meal!" ［Yuna］

  "It really was. Though... it was a little expensive..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It's alright to splurge a little from time to time, isn't it? Didn't you also say that ba our early dates?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, I suppose I did say that... Then, where are we goi? I suppose our date isn't over yet, is it?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! I still have a lot to show you, after all! Just follow my lead!" ［Yuna］

  After their delightful lunch, they then tinued on with their birthday date and did a lot of activities. There was watg puppet shows and street performances, art css, dang lessons, market exploration, and many more.

  One of the activities they made was fruit pig at a nearby grape vineyard. It has been some time sihey've picked some grapes and fortunately, the owners were more than happy to allow them to spend a little time there. Yuna was very lucky.

  "Look, Grey! I got an o's cute, isn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... What's cute about it?" ［Grey］

  "Just look! It's round and purple! So it's cute!" ［Yuna］

  "Eh...? But almost all grapes are like that, you know? Doesn't that mean that all of them are cute?" ［Grey］

  "No! You aren't looking carefully! Just look! It's different!" ［Yuna］

  And one way or ahey got in another silly argument once agaiing whether the grapes looked cute. It was an argument one could only tilt their heads and rack their brains the moment they heard it.

  Well, they were still on their date clothes, clothes unfit for pig grapes. What's another weird aspect if they were already unusual to begin with. All there is to be seen is a siingly sweet idiot couple, flirting by the vineyard.

  "Oh? Are those Their Highhey look really geous..."

  "I knht? I hope my daughter grows up to be like Lady Yuna someday."

  "Hahaha. I feel the same. Though... Rather than Heroes, they just look like normal teeo me. It's quite refreshing."

  "I thought so too. At first, I was nervous, but seeing them act like that, I could only look at them warmly."

  "Hahaha. You could say that again."

  Of course, there were also other workers w in the vineyard. They were all looking at them with warm eyes like parents watg over their children py. No matter where they looked, they just seemed like normal kids to their eyes.

  "Ah... We're out of grapes..." ［Yuna］

  "Don't worry. We just grow some more." ［Grey］

  Well, they looked normal until Grey suddenly used magic. With just a single wave of his hand, the pnts suddenly started growing some more, buds appearing from thin air, soon turning into flowers then grapes. All happened in the span of a few seds.

  "Yaay～! Thank you, Grey! You're the best!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Anytime." ［Grey］

  It was as if it was just normal. Grey and Yuna just ughed merrily, tinuing to pick grapes with excited smiles on their faces. And they weren't just normal grapes. As they were enriched with mana, they were of eveer quality. Sweeter and juicier.

  Meanwhile, the workers were all frozen, with some rubbing their eyes to see if they were still w. But it was useless. No matter how much they rubbed or blihe pnts were still rge and fruitful, grapes all over the pce.

  "About the part where I said they're normal... You fet it..."

  "Ah, yeah..."

  The workers were still shocked, time passed some more and the sun, time and time again, climbed down from the sky. The carriages tio pass the streets and the city folk tinued hustling and bustling, stopping and moving about.

  After pig grapes, Grey and Yuna tinued on with their dates. They bought some snacks from a number of stalls, went to the library, admired the garden, and watched the suop the roofs with their hands interlog with one another.

  It was only when the sky faded from amber to bck that their date came to a closeー Well, almost to a close. There was still one more surprise awaiting our birthday boy, blindfolded by Yuna as she led the way.

  "Yuna... You do know I could just use my 'Divine Eyes' to peek." ［Grey］

  "And I'm telling you not to. Just py along for now, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Alright, alright. As Midy wishes." ［Grey］

  Hand grabbed by Yuna, Grey was dragged along, not a single speck of light grag his eyes. Soon enough, they both ehe building, deathly silening over them. It was then that Yuna finally removed the blindfold.

  """Happy Birthday!!"""

  A loud cacophony of cheers. Such was what greeted Grey as light returo his eyes. In front of him were several of their friends and acquaintances, all gathering in the Rabbit's Den. All of them were smiling brightly.

  Of course, it wasn't just the people. The food, the decorations, and the arras. It really seemed like a surprise party if he's ever seen one. Especially the rge cake sitting atop one of the tables. Grey didn't eveo guess who baked it.

  "Grey... Are you okay? Do you not like it?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, no... I'm just a little surprised is all. I'm a little overwhelmed..." ［Grey］

  Grey already figured out something simir with how Yuna was ag, but seeing it happen for real was still a little overwhelming. He felt very moved, a ge powerful emotion surging in his heart. It was warmth and happiness.

  "Oh, are we finally going to see you cry?" ［Kris］

  "I'm not going to! I'm not like you on your wedding day!" ［Grey］

  "Hey! When did I start g?! I don't remー" ［Kris］

  "Kris, Dear, please shut up." ［Aria］

  It was a toug moment, but Kris just couldn't help himself from teasing the young man. Thankfully, Aria was there to stop his antics. It was fortuhat they were in public, otherwise, Kris would have already been pinched by the sides. A stinging and painful o that.

  Well, what would you expect? It was Kris, after all. Though they've been through a lot, his attitude was still the same, nosy and meddlesome. Grey couldn't help but think just what Aria saw in him for her to marry him.

  "Happy birthday, Big Bro!" ［Galvin］

  "Happy birthday, Older Brrey." ［Elnart］

  "Happy Birthday!" ［Bel］

  The very first to greet Grey personally was her thahree children who were now great friends. They all gave Grey a bright a-melting smile, followed by a tight embrace from Galvin and Bel, all receiving a head pat iurn.

  "Older Brrey, Father says sorry that he couldn't make it. He actually wao e but he's still busy. I hope you uand." ［Elnart］

  "No, it's fine. I know how busy he is. Rather, please tell him I'm grateful. The thought is already more than enough." ［Grey］

  "Okay. I'll make sure to tell him." ［Elnart］

  Grey wasn't even a little bit disappointed. In fact, he was already more than thankful that he eveed him despite his busy schedule, even allowing the children to participate in the surprise Yuna had pnned.

  "Grey～! Happy birthday! How was your date with Yuna? Was it amazing? Did you enjoy it? Huh? Huh?" ［Helen］

  "I k... You were the one who gave her all those ideas, weren't you?" ［Grey］

  "Teehee!" ［Helen］

  After the children, everyohen gave their greetings oer ahere was Helen, Gerd and Selia, Tilda, Dale, the familiars, and a lot more. Even the usually irritating Kris gave a sincere afelt greeting like a g older brother.

  While it was unfortuhat not all of their acquaintances could make it due to their busy schedule, Grey was already plenty satisfied with everyone in attenda was a blissful moment he never got to experien his past life. He never knew he would feel so happy.

  "Okay～! Everyohe dishes are ready. Please line up～!" ［Selia］

  It didn't take long before dinner finally started. Everyoly ahemselves and took their seats properly beside the dining tables. As soon as they were given their ptes, they then started lining up, getting a serving of the dishes they liked.

  Of course, as everything cooked was made by the Rabbit's Den with Yuna's help the days before, everything looked and smelled very appetizing. Everyone was excited as they filled their ptes with a number of amazing dishes.

  "ht, Grey, si's your birthday, you'll be making a spee front of everyone, right? I'm looking forward to it." ［Kris］

  "Oh? You're making a speech, Lad?" ［Bartolos］

  "A speech from Grey... I 't imagi..." ［Tilda］

  Grey couldn't even say a word. Before he k, it was decided that he'd be making a spee front of everyone, and as if it was a formal occasion, for some reason or another, everyone was uedly expet.

  Before long, everyone finally settled down in their seats, their meals served in front of them... Well, almost everyone. One figure was still standing, and that figure was Grey who was about to give his speech, feeling a little bit nervous all of the sudden.

  "Ahhh... This is a little nervewrag... Actually, as you might have known, I didn't really know about this party, so you'll have to bear with me for this speech. Don't get your hopes too high, alright?" ［Grey］

  Everyone was smiling and ughing, a warm atmosphere over the pce. After all, in no world were Grey's words how one would start a speeot that they mi, rather, it made it eveer.

  "In this past year, I've been through a lot of things. There were things people would normally experience, and others... Well, not so much... Actually, me and Yuna have met a lot of trouble just this past year.

  But I don't regret any of them. Because, it was due to all those troubles that I met such amazing and fantastic people. People I would never get to meet if things were even a little bit different. For that, I'm very thankful..." ［Grey］

  Grey's speech tinued and everyone listetentively like children listening to their grandparents' stories. Be it Grey and Yuna's adventures or their daily life in general, everyone listened closely and carefully.

  Of course, it wasn't just all serious talk. There were also lighthearted moments where Grey simply told everyone about all the silly and embarrassing moments they experienced and the joy of living in the moment,

  "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is... Everyohank you for everything this past several months. I hope you apany me in this year of my life again," ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! Cheers to another year!" ［Kris］

  """Cheers!!"""

  ks and ks echoed in the air as wine and juice moved about their gsses. The sound of cheers and appuse soon followed, and finally, everyone enjoyed a hearty dinner with smiles, ughter, and merry talks all over the pce.

  A delieal, lively panions, and a warm atmosphere. There was nothing mrey could wish for. He could only be grateful to everyone, cherishing them deep in his heart, wishing such bliss would tinue.

  If there was anything worth noting, it was that a number of ers returned with fused faces. After all, even if the diner was closed, there were still people going home to their rooms. It was a little bit awkward, but it made things more iing.

  The night went on, and soon, it was finally time for everyoo go home. After helping out with the ing, Grey and Yuna too, also went back to their sweet home, the resting familiars in their shadow. They could still feel the merriness from the party.

  "Haah... That was quite a day, wasn't it?" ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he plopped himself down the couch, taking off his coat aie oer ahough it was fortable, it was still more refreshing without such garments on him. He could finally feel the cold, nightly breeze.

  "But it was fun, wasn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course. It was one of the best days of my life. I 't believe you mao pull that off without me knowing." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Stealth is my specialty, after all!" ［Yuna］

  Boasted Yuna as she puffed her chest proudly, showing off her rge assets with a smug smile on her face. And again, Grey couldn't help but smile with how adorable she is. He just wao embrace her tightly,

  "So, how was it? Did I make your heart race a lot of times?" ［Yuna］

  "Haha. Is there even a o ask that? Even now, my heart is still pounding madly. It 't seem to calm down." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! That's good then, but! It's not over yet! There's still more!" ［Yuna］

  Another bold decrati, and this time, Grey couldn't help but tilt his head in fusion. Before he could even ask, Yuna suddenly grabbed her ste ring and with a flick of her fingers, a number of bags and boxes appeared before them.

  "Oh? These are...?" ［Grey］

  "Hehehe. You'll have to open it to find out." ［Yuna］

  And open them he did. What greeted him with ead every box was a variety of surprises. There were clothes, accessories, books, small utility tools, and many more. It would be an uatement to simply say there was a lot. There was a mountain.

  "What do you think, Grey? Do you like themー" ［Yuna］

  Yuna couldn't even finish her words when Grey suddenly came at her and gave her a tight embrace. It caught her by surprise, her eyes wide open from shock, feeling Grey's beati and his warmth.

  "I like it. I like it very much." ［Grey］

  Yuna couldn't see his face, but his voice alone veyed that his words were sincere. She theurned his embrace, enjoying the sound of his heartbeats to the fullestー Or at least she was going to, until she remembered something important.

  "Ah, right... I still have something to give you." ［Yuna］

  "Oh? There's still more?" ［Grey］

  "Un. I made them myself." ［Yuna］

  Her words drifting in the air, Grey slowly let go of Yuna so that she could retrieve her final gifts. Soon, two items appeared on her hand. One was a small gss bottle with some flower petals and clear liquid inside, and the other was a ed accessory.

  "Perfume and a pendant...?" ［Grey］

  "Well, you rarely have some etic products, so I thought I'd make you oh the use of alchemy. As for the pendant... It's just a bit out of my selfishness, but I want you to always remember me... Is it weird, after all?" ［Yuna］

  The young dy asked with eyes riddled with ay. Though she knows it's normal for couples to give each other pendants, she didn't want to seem over-possessive, worries which didn't st long at all.

  Before Yuna could even notice, Grey unched yet another surprise attack, hugging her even tighter than before. It wasn't just his embrace. His heart is now rag even faster than before like a wild stallion galloping by the meadows.

  "It isn't weird at all! I love it! I'll make sure to treasure it as long as I live!" ［Grey］

  As if the dams finally broke down, Yuna's heart was flooded with relief by Grey's words. She was so happy she was about to cry, thinking how silly it was to worry about such a thing. Happiness was overflowing in her heart.

  "I see... You love it, huh..." ［Yuna］

  "Of course. I'll say it as many times as you want." ［Grey］

  "Then... I be a little more selfish?" ［Yuna］

  "Sure. You be as selfish as you want." ［Grey］

  "If that's the case... About your 'prize'... I want to give it to you now." ［Yuna］

  Voice soft and meek, fluttering in the air like a little butterfly. Yuna's face was redder than the su, her blue eyes looking at Grey as the rhythm of her heart quied the pace, dang like e winds freely blowing.

  There were no more words o be said. As the stars glimmered and sparkled, Grey and Yuna's lips sealed one aheir eyes closed as they shared a soft and sweet kiss. There was a cold breeze, but all they could feel was warmth and fort.

  "You know... I think I'm falling even harder for you now." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! What a ce, me too!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! Then, shall we eat some cake for now? There's still a lot leftover from the party. Let's have a little party of our own." ［Grey］

  "U's party!" ［Yuna］

  A cheerful and radiant atmosphere enveloped the room, light footsteps eg soon after as two figures ran around. There wasn't anyone else. It was a time for the two of them, and the two of them alone. A little celebration if you will.

  The night went on and the moon tio illumihe night sky along with the stars. Soon, there was only pead quiet bing the sleeping city. Even then, even if the day had ended, it is a preemory. An unfettable day.

  CHAPTER 214 END