Chirp Chirp Chirp

  Sweet melodies filled the air as the m sun climbed the sky. The wind was cool, dang ever so freely like ballerinas in a ballroom as the leaves appuded with their rustling. It was a wonderful way to wake up in the mー except, it's not.

  To begin with, there wasn't even a soft bed nor a familiar ceiling to be seen. All there was tinum figure darting through the blue sky like a free arrow, two figures sitting atop its back as it fpped its magnifit wings, shining like clear water.

  "Mmn～! The wind's really nice, isn't it, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "It is, but you sure are enjoying your time, aren't you?" ［Grey］

  "My～ I don't know what you mean～." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she g even tighter to Grey. While it was true that the wind was cold, for someo the peak of S-rank like her, it is only a cool breeze. She was simply taking advantage of the situation to act gy trey, snuggling close to him.

  "Haah... Really, what am I going to do with you..." ［Grey］

  "Hehehe. It's Grey's fault for spoiling me so much everyday, you know? You ought to take responsibility." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, yeah, I know." ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't evee Yuna's words as he knew full well it was the truth. Well, not that he regrets any of the times he did. If he had other choices, he would choose to spoil Yuna again. Or rather, he would spoil her even more.

  'Haah... I've really bee a doting fool, haven't I?' ［Grey］

  Asking himself such a question, Grey subsciously patted Yuna's head, making the tter smile like a little kitten being purred. Just like that, they tinued s in the sky, parting the clouds wherever they went.

  It has been a few days since Grey's birthday, and to uphold their promise with the King, Grey and Yuna are now heading towards the city of Gilm, the main city of the Beldon Marquisate, one of the rgest territories in the kingdom.

  In most of Merusia, tries are divided into many regions, spanning dozens of thousands of square kilometers each. Regions are then further divided into smaller provinces, which themselves extend a few thousand square kilometers. Each of these provinces are then finally occupied by a number of settlements.

  When a noble is granted a title, they are also granted provinces which will be their territory. The Landevar territory for example only sisted of two provinces, but after Fritz was ordaihe title of "t", he was grawo more provihus expanding his territory.

  Of course, like he Gentry also be granted "Fiefs" by their lords. Knights, for example, are granted a vilge to govern over along with its surrounding nds. In a way, they could also be called "Minor Lords".

  The Beldorey and Yuna are headed to is prised of seven provinces. Of which, two are coastline provinces, perfect for the sea viewing Grey wao surprise Yuna with for quite some time already.

  Of course, Yuna still doesn't know about Grey's pn. The surprise would be pointless otherwise. Grey couldn't help but look forward to how Yuna would react. Just thinking of her excited and smiling face was making butterflies flutter in his heart. A little chuckle soon escaped his mouth.

  "Hm? Is something wrong Grey? You were chug..." ［Yuna］

  "Well, I just remembered something funny." ［Grey］

  "Ehh～? What is it? What is it?" ［Yuna］

  Eyes full of innod curiosity and an inquiring look on her face, Yuedly asked Grey about what he was thinking. Her eyes were sparkling shtly, that if she was wearing an animal-ear headband, she would surely look like a small animal.

  Grey couldn't help but ask himself again if she really was the same Yuna who acts like a geher towards the children. The gap between her childish and mature side was simply just that big. It truly was a mystery.

  "Haha. Don't worry. It's nothing much." ［Grey］

  "Ehh～? But I'm curious... 't you tell me? Pretty please～?" ［Yuna］

  "Well... Maybe ter, but for now, I'll be keeping it to myself." ［Grey］

  "Boo! Boo! Grey's so mean! Right, Sirius?" ［Yuna］

  Yep, there was no denying it. She really is a little child now, puffing her cheeks ever so cutely to show her dissatisfa and even asking for Sirius' opinion. Unluckily for her, such cute revolts didn't shake Grey's will. Rather, it only made her look cuter.

  Yuna asking Grey relentlessly, the flight tinued and more clouds were parted. The ground below tio ge and the whistling of the winds became music to their ears, apanied by the chirping of the birds from time to time.

  After several more minutes of flying, the city of Gilm was finally in view, standing out in the horizohe viridest meadow. It was evehan Galderia, proudly showg its presence, walls standing majestically.

  "Sirius, if you would please." ［Grey］

  "As you wish, Master." ［Sirius］

  Of course, they couldn't just show up to town whilst riding a dragon. Even if they already informed the estate of their visit, it would still cause quite a lot of panic if Sirius were to suddenly desd from the skies.

  With her shapeshifting ability, Sirius quickly shruinum body, the two pairs of her wings turning into one and her horns disappearing. In just a couple seds, the majestic High Dragon turned into an equally majestic white pegasus, her beauty still as radiant as the sun above.

  vely enough, even when Sirius had such a rge shift in her frey and Yuna's fort wasn't promised a si. It still felt like they were riding on clouds, Sirius' silky mane fluttering in the air.

  The closer they closed in oy, the clearer the views became. And just when they were close enough to the city, they could see a number of knights waving their hands towards the two from the gates, clearly wanting to wele them.

  Clop Clop Clop Clop

  Sirius soon desded, her footsteps eg as her hooves hit the solid ground. All eyes were on her as she folded her wings, letting Grey and Yuna e dower another. It isn't everyday you see a pegasus, after all.

  Thank you for your hard work, Sirius. ［Grey］

  Thank you very much, Sirius! It was a fun ride! ［Yuna］

  Fufufu! It was my pleasure, Master, Mistress. ［Sirius］

  Gentle lights gathered around Sirius' white figure and as if she was all but an illusion, she disappeared the very moment, leaving only orbs of golden light behind. It was a magnifit and mystical spectacle.

  Soon after Sirius came back to Grey and Yuna's shadows, the knights, who were ones waving to them, approached them slowly, their heavy steps eg as their heavy boots ccked. Of course, what happened was already expected...

  "Greetings, Yhnesses. We have been waiting for your arrival. It is reatest pleasure to wele you to the Beldon Marquisate." ［Leader］

  It was a stiflingly formal greeting. After the leader of the knights bowed his head, the other knights followed suit and also bowed with respect. Though Grey and Yuna had gotteo it, they 't say it was fortable.

  "Please raise your heads, everyone. We're also more than grateful for your warm hospitality, but..." ［Grey］

  "I... Is there something not to your liking, Yhness?" ［Leader］

  "Ah, no... It's just... Is everyone here going to escort us?" ［Grey］

  Asked Grey as his and Yuna's eyes swam towards the knights behind the leader. There weren't just two or three, but more than a dozen. Not only that, eae was equipped with armor, their trusty ons by their sides.

  Anyone seeing such a rge number of knights esc them would surely think they are important people. Of course, the attention they'll receive would be ungodly. They wao avoid such a troublesome situation as much as possible.

  "Yes... That's what His Excellency, the Marquess, instructed us to. Is... something the matter with it, Yhness?" ［Leader］

  "Well, we aren't really fond of too much attention, you see. If possible, we'd only like a few knights to escort us." ［Grey］

  "Un... It's a little burdensome, after all. The fewer, the better. Ah, and nes, please. We'd love to take our time around the city" ［Yuna］

  "I see... I uand. I'll make sure to aodate your request." ［Leader］

  Fortunately, the knights were quite uanding. As soon as he heard their worries, the leader headed towards the knights and huddled them up. It was good that he was ag quick, it's just that... What happened was somethiher Grey nor Yuna expected.

  As soon as they huddled up, the knights quickly started pying rock-paper-scissainst one another, and like children, some despaired as soon as they lost. It wasn't long before one knight one, a rge smile beaming on his face,

  What were they peting against, one might ask? It was simple. They just wao get the ce to escort the fabled Heroes of Alfrione. Everyone was very envious of the young knight who won the petition.

  "Yhhis is Clyde. He may be young, but his abilities are excellent, I'm sure he'll be of great assistao you." ［Leader］

  "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Yhnesses. Please don't hesitate to ask if you need something." ［Clyde］

  "A-Ah... Yes... We'll be in your care, too." ［Grey］

  Sparkly. Too sparkly. Such was the eyes of the young knight as he looked at Grey and Yuna. Though the two were happy that some people are looking up to them, it could be a little burdensome sometimes. The expectatiooo much.

  "Then, would it be fine if I dismiss the knights now, Yhness?" ［Leader］

  "Yes. Everything's more than enough. Thank you." ［Grey］

  "Everyone, tihe good work!" ［Yuna］

  Just a couple statements from Grey and Yuna, and the knights whice looked dejected quickly sprang back up to life. It was as if their energies were boosted, eyes sparkling as they looked at the two with eyes full of admiration.

  It wasn't lomb before the knights were finally dismissed after bowing their heads once again before scattering throughout the city walls and heading back to their stations. Only three figures remained, one of them with eyes still sparkling brightly.

  "Then, shall we head to the mansion now, Sir Clyde?" ［Grey］

  "Yes! Please leave everything to me, Yhnesses!" ［Clyde］

  Excited as one be, Clyde straightened his bad proudly reassured Grey and Yuna with his words. Soon enough, he thehe twh the gates and ihe city, a wonderful and lively sery greeting them.

  It was just like the first time they headed inside Galderia. The streets, the people, the establishments, and every sidewalk were all busy and bustling as the people went about their daily lives.

  Though not as much as the capital, the buildings by the entrance were quite rge and imposing. The streets were much wider than the ones in Galderia and stalls were much more on, popping out here and there as they walked.

  Ahing to note was the abundance of people in coats and school uniforms. No matter where Grey and Yuna looked, they could see them everywhere. Even in the Royal Capital, such was not the case.

  "What do you of Gilm, Yhnesses? Is it to your liking?" ［Clyde］

  "It's a little different from Galderia and it's much busier, but I don't think it's a bad thing. Rather, I like how lively it is." ［Grey］

  "Uoo... Especially the stalls around here. There sure are a lot of them, aren't there?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. It's all because of His Excellency's policies and hard work. He prioritized the employment and education of the people. It's also the reason why Gilm became this wealthy as a city." ［Clyde］

  The young knight said with a sense of pride burning in his eyes, looking at the streets with a smile on his face. Grey and Yuna didn't eveo ask. It was obvious that the Marquess was quite loved by the people as a lord.

  It was the total opposite of Grey's previous viewpoint of hough he often read a lot of vile and scheming nobles from fial works ba Earth, it wasn't quite the same iy as proven by the people he knows. The Kingdom of Alfrione really was a wonderful pce.

  "Oh, what are those? Those stick-like thingies..." ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna as she poio one of the stalls. In there, a number of items dispyed, ranging from crafts, toys, sweets, and treats. It was a little souvenir shop one would usually see by the city entrances.

  What Yuna poi was a little fe ing in many different colors. They were dies made from a variety of fruits, mixed with honey and milk. Just a single gnd one could tell it was something children enjoyed.

  "Oh, those are Rostils. They're one of the specialty dies in Gilm. Would you like to try some, Yhnesses." ［Clyde］

  "Un... I'm a little curious..." ［Yuna］

  "Alright. Your wish is my and." ［Clyde］

  Not wasting any more time, Clyde quickly went ahead and headed towards the stall. To Grey and Yuna's surprise, the young knight was ag friendly to the stall owner. It was obvious that the two were close acquaintances.

  It wasn't long before Clyde returo the two, a bag of dies in his hands. And it wasn't just Rostils, he also bought a variety of sweets and treats with him. All of which looked very tempting to the eyes.

  "Yhnesses, if you would please." ［Clyde］

  "Thank you." ［Grey］

  "Thank you very much." ［Yuna］

  There was no time to hesitate. As soon as they were given some dies, Grey and Yuna quickly accepted and bit onto them, sweet and fruity fvors exploding in their mouths along with a geouilkiness.

  Though there are a lot of differences in cuisines betweeh and Merusia, the dies were all top-tier. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but enjoy themselves as they tio nibble on the Rostils, delightful expressions on their faces.

  "Mmn～! These are super good!" ［Yuna］

  "You're right. I especially like the creamy aftertaste." ［Grey］

  "Un! It's creamy and tasty!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! I'm gd you liked it, Yhnesses." ［Clyde］

  There it was again. Clyde's eyes once again sparkled with pride as he saw Grey and Yuna enjoy the Rostils. He may not know how to make them, but having grown up in Gilm, he couldn't help but smile when someone praises their specialties.

  It wasn't just the Rostils. The other dies Clyde bought were also quite a delight, bringing a lot of fvors iheir mouths, exploding like fireworks. If it weren't for the fact that their bodies were inhumane, God knows how many cavities they might already have.

  "Ah, sorry, Sir Clyde, we got a little too carried away there. How much were all of these again?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, please don't worry about the cost, Yhness. Just seeing you enjoy Gilm's prided treats is more than enough." ［Clyde］

  "I appreciate the thought, I really do, but... it feels bad not giving you anything iurn. I feel a little guilty..." ［Grey］

  "Un... Is there at least anything we do to repay the favor?" ［Yuna］

  Says the two who mostly don't ask very mu returher. Though they were fortable in the giving end, being on the receiving end only made their sce feel guilty. They really were an odd pair.

  "Umm... Then, if it isn't too much to ask... I have one request..." ［Clyde］

  "Sure, what is it?" ［Grey］

  "About your battle in the Royal Capital, you tell me more about it?! I've already heard it a lot of times from stories, but I want to hear it directly from Their Highnesses' mouths! That's my only wish!" ［Clyde］

  A plete 180. The reserved Clyde was no more, only aed fan with eyes sparkling brightly just like befrey and Yuna had always wondered where his exciteme, but it seems like he was just holding himself back. It took them both by surprise, holy.

  "Haah... If that's all you want, then sure. But don't get disappointed when you really hear what happened, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Un... A lot of the stories were exaggerated, after all... It might be a little different from what you've heard." ［Yuna］

  "Of course! I've already prepared myself. Rest assured, Yhnesses!" ［Clyde］

  Grey and Yuna tried to dissuade the young knight, but it was useless. Rather than giving up, he only became more determined aed. It was fortuhat the crowd was busy and noisy, otherwise, they would have already been overheard with how loud Clyde was.

  Their steps tinuing to head towards the mansion, Grey and Yuna told Clyde about their adventures in the Royal Capital including the battle during the Foundiival and the Raid long before it, the tter listening attentively.

  Several minutes passed and they were finally in front of the Beldon Mansion. It was as luxurious as one would expect from a Marquessal household, even bigger than the Aldridge and Landevar mansions. The true definition of grandiosity.

  "We have arrived at the mansion, Yhnesses. I hope you enjoyed our walk throughout the city," ［Clyde］

  "Yes, we e very much, Sir Clyde. Thank you." ［Grey］

  "Until ime. tihe good work～!" ［Yuna］

  "It was my greatest pleasure, Yhnesses." ［Clyde］

  One more bow and Clyde expressed his gratitude, soon going away to resume his duties. Grey and Yuna were once agai aloogether, standing in front of two massive gates, a rge mansion behind it.

  "It really is big, isn't it..." ［Yuna］

  "Haha... You say that again..." ［Grey］

  The more they looked at the mansion, the mrandiose aiful it became. It wasn't simply luxurious, it was also elegant and sophisticated, not a single wasteful element, only showing off the pride and dignity of the estate with fidence.

  Well, even if they were not being wasteful, a mansion was still a mansion. There was no denying how grand it was. Seeing it, Grey was reminded of the many mansions he saw oer ba the days. It was even more spectacur thahey really were something.

  "Then, Yuna... Should we also buy a mansion for ourselves?" ［Grey］

  "A mansion, hmm... That's a little... It's somewhat burdensome, after all, isn't it? I'll have to pass on that one, please. I already like our home as it is." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha." ［Grey］

  A soft chuckle and a light atmosphere, such was what enveloped the two as they tio admire the mansion from afar. It wasn't long before the guards started approag them, looking ster weling.

  "We've been expeg you, Yhnesses. His Excellency has been waiting for you. Wele to the Beldon Manor."

  g g Creakkkk

  Following the guard's words, heavy metallic sounds echoed in the air as the gates were opened, unveiling the gem hidden within. The sound of footsteps soon followed as Grey and Yuna headed ihe guards following behind them.

  The inside was even more marvelous the moment they id their eyes upon it. There was a garden on both sides, hedges high as two meters with roses blooming all over the pce. And in front was a white mansion made of limestone and marble, rooves colored blue and bck.

  And as one would expect, the reception was quite overwhelming. Standing on both sides were a line of knights and servants, bowing their heads in silence, showing their respects. It was as if they were weling members of the Royal Family.

  Ah... Should we have dressed a little better? I feels so out out of pce. ［Grey］

  Fufufu! Then shall we get our formal attires? ［Yuna］

  Hahaha. Maybe ime. ［Grey］

  Chug and giggling to themselves, Grey and Yuna tio head towards the mansion. The path was even lohan it seems, taking them a solid mio traverse the whole distance.

  As soon as they arrived, two figures greeted them by the entrance of the mansion, dressed more extravagantly and appropriately thahers. It was not just their attires, their look and figure were geous as well, like sculptures carved out from the highest-quality marble.

  One of them was a familiar face they have o ba the afterparty. His hair was white like newly woven silk and eyes red as the roses in the garden, the aura of dignity and nobility exuding from him as he stood proudly.

  "A wonderful m, Yhnesses. It's reatest pleasure to serve the most distinguished guests of Alfrione. I wele you to the Beltoe." ［Abraham］

  CHAPTER 215 END