Corridors cool and spacious, floors made of tiles painted various colors and id out in various patterns, ceilings high above, supported by rge pilrs and arches, and a beautiful sery of the gardens outside with flowers in full bloom.

  Such beautiful ses transpired with each step, soft and silent ccks eg gently as soles hit the tiles. A few figures traversed the pce, their gem-like eyes wandering freely, admiring the wonderful ndscape. A treat of beauty and elegance.

  "I have already heard from His Majesty, but I'm still a little surprised that Yhnesses chose our humble estate over the other territories. Even now, it still feels quite unreal." ［Abraham］

  "Well, when His Majesty asked, Marquess Beldon's words from before were the ones which stu my mind. And... There's o be so humble. The Marquisate is a lovely pce to be in." ［Grey］

  "Yes. Though it was short, from our little tour, we could only see smiling faces. We heard it was all because of the Marquess' efforts. Your subjects must be happy to have you as their Lord." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's too much praise, Yhnesses. I'm only doing what I ought to do. It's all because of my wonderful vassals." ［Abraham］

  Stifling. Too stifling. Though it seemed like a normal versation and everyone was smiling, the formality was still too much to bear. Even Yuna's casual "Uns" have bee formal "Yeses". It was actually really burdensome.

  In fact, before they had a stroll, the Marquess was sh Grey and Yuna endless praises and gratitude for g his son and wife. It was too much, Grey and Yuna could barely remember half of what she said.

  Though Grey and Yuna could still remember the Marquess being fih casual nguage, today was different. They were attending a formal invitation, after all. They, as well, also o act just as formal.

  "And Yhnesses... Like I said before, there's o force yourselves to aally. Please speak in the way you find the most fortable." ［Abraham］

  Well, it was actually them who thought it was necessary. The Marquess, oher hand, doesn't really mind a casual way of speaking. Even though he himself speaks formally out of habit, he preferred it if the others spoke fortably around him.

  "Ah... We're we too obvious?" ［Grey］

  "No, not at all. I just figured since I heard from His Majesty that you arely fond of such things." ［Abraham］

  "Haah... His Majesty, huh... We'll be taking you up on that then." ［Grey］

  "Please do so." ［Abraham］

  It was a weight off their shoulders. And it wasn't just speaking. After the firmation from the Marquess, they also rexed their bodies, loosening up the tension. It was still more fortable ag casually, after all.

  "Then, shall we tinue our tour of the mansion?" ［Abraham］

  "Un. Please, and thank you." ［Yuna］

  The stroll around the mansion tinued, and a lot of sights were shower ahere was the tral fountain, the main garden, the greenhouse, the training grounds, and many more. It took them several minutes just to do a single p.

  Throughout the whole stroll, Grey and Yuna couldn't help but notiething about one of their panions. It was the Maress. She has been very quiet the whole time, ag meek and only showing a gentle smile, ay and nervousness painted on her eyes.

  Grey and Yuna have heard a couple rumors here and there about the Maress from their time in the capital. And pared to the vile and vicious she was described as, the one before them was simply shy and reserved like a prim and proper dy.

  "And here we have theー" ［Abraham］

  "Y-Your Excellency! W-We have some news from Lista!" ［Janus］

  "Janus, didn't I tell you I will be guiding Their Highoday? If it isn't anything of great importance, just leave it by my office. I'll look into it ter." ［Abraham］

  "I apologize, Your Excellency, but it's an urgent matter..." ［Janus］

  Tension was in the air, the Marquess torher he should prioritize his duties as a host. He looked between Grey and Yuna and back to Janus, uo pick the right choice. It was a difficult dilemma.

  "It's fine, Abraham. Please take care of the matter at hand. I'll take over t Their Highnesses. Please leave it to me." ［Vilma］

  For the first time sihey arrived, the Maress finally opened her mouth. Her voice was like that of an angel's, sweet and soft, drifting slowly in the air and carrying the same dignity and authority as her husband.

  "Would that be alright...? I know you've already recovered, butー" ［Abraham］

  "Abraham, please rest assured. I am the Lady of the house. It's also my responsibility to aodate uests. I will do my utmost best as long as Their Highnesses are fih me." ［Vilma］

  ented Vilma, her eyes soon swimming rey and Yuna's dire, asking for their approval. Well, there wasn't too much to think about. It wasn't long befrey and Yuna gave their answers.

  "I have no problem with it." ［Grey］

  "Uoo. It's also fih me." ［Yuna］

  Grey and Yuna's approval at hand, there was only so much the Marquess could do. He once again looked at Janus whose eyes were full ency, heaving a lengthy sigh as he resigned himself.

  "I apologize for my ck of courtesy, Yhnesses. But you rest assured with my wife. I'm sure she will give you the best tour around the mansion. I will see you all ter at lunch." ［Abraham］

  "Then, it seems like we have no choice but to look forward to it." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm gettied!" ［Yuna］

  Smiles of reassuran Grey and Yuna's faces, the Marquess could finally feel relief bloom in his heart. Soon enough, with Janus by his side, he the for his office, slowly inquiring the tter of a brief summary.

  The only ones left behind are the Maress, Grey, and Yuna, a silent atmosphere looming about them. Though Grey and Yuna had nothing against the Maress, the same couldn't be the same for the other. They were both a little worried about the mild expressions on her face.

  "Then, Yhnesses, is there anywhere you would like to go? I may not be the best, but I will serve you to the best of my abilities." ［Vilma］

  The Maress asked, ag as if there were no problems. She was wearing a gentle smile on her face, expressions soft as once be. Though Grey and Yuna were both curious about what , they didn't inquire any further.

  "Well, if it's alright, we'd like to tihe tour of the mansion, please." ［Grey］

  "Uood. If that's what Their Highnesses wishes." ［Vilma］

  Curiosity still lingering in their minds, the tour of the mansion tinued and a lot more pces were visited. Be it the stables, the main hall, the kit, the gallery, or the many rooms in the mansion, they explored as much as they could, satisfying their is and curiosity.

  They weren't just simply looking at the pces either, the Maress also gave them a brief expnation about the pces aions of the mansion. It reminded Greu of the school tours he once participated in. It was nostalgic.

  "And that cludes our tour of the mansion. Is there any more you would like to see, Yhnesses?" ［Vilma］

  "No, it's more than enough. It's a very wonderful pce. I could see why the Marquess would be proud of it. It really is like a gem." ［Grey］

  "Un! Especially the greenhouses, they were very beautiful. Both the pnts and the decorations. It seems like a nice pce to rex." ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! I'm more than happy to hear that Yhnesses e. I'm sute Abraham would be delighted by your praises." ［Vilma］

  Soft ughs echoed in the air, the Maress gently c her mouth with her left hand, as if hiding her smile. Even then, she couldn't hide the worried expressions on her face. They were still clear as day.

  "Ah, but I do have one question... Is that alright?" ［Grey］

  "Of course. I'll do my best to answer your questions." ［Vilma］

  "Then, umm... Maress Beldon, are you alright? You haven't been looking fine for a while now. Is something wrong?" ［Grey］

  To Grey's question, the Maress froze in pce, silening over the pce. She thought she hid her expressions quite well, but she still couldn't escape the sharp and observant eyes of Grey and Yuna.

  "Haha... It seems like I 't fool Yhnesses' eyes." ［Vilma］

  The Maress ughed, gloom noticeably present in her voice. The color in her eyes quickly faded as she looked towards the ground, a blue and anxious expression finally showing on her face as she tightly gripped her dress.

  "Maress Beldon, if there's something wrー" ［Yuna］

  "Yhnesses, please five mine and my son's previous foolish as! I know it is imperti of me to ask of this, knowing Yhnesses were also the ones who cured our ditions! I ask you this not as the Maress but as a person, please find it in your hearts tive us!" ［Vilma］

  A sudden outburst. Such was what echoed in the air as the Maress bowed her head trey and Yuna, sweating heavy bullets and cold shivers running down her spine. Her face ale, body trembling ever so lightly.

  It was only natural. After all, even though she heard from her husband that Grey and Yuna were pretty fiving, she still couldn't rest without giving them a proper apology. She may be a Maress, but in her eyes, not only are the two of higher rank, they were also their beors. It was a must.

  "P-Please raise your head, Maress!" ［Yuna］

  "No, this is the least I do to show my siy. I know it's unreasonable for me, but I hope you accept my apology!" ［Vilma］

  "U-Un, we uand that, but why are you apologizing in the first pce?! I don't remember you ever offending us!" ［Yuna］

  Though, a plete opposite of Vilma's train of thoughts, Grey and Yuna actually didn't really mind the previous is much. So mu fact that they had actually fotten that it actually happened.

  Vilma was stunned, frozen even. Her mind couldn't prehend Yuna's words. After all, she has already braced herself for the worst, but who would have thought the people iion actually had no idea about it. She was fbbergasted.

  "E-Eh? But... My son insulted you..." ［Vilma］

  "Un. That did happen, but... It was uandable from his standpoint." ［Yuna］

  "A-And I tried to have Her Highness expelled from the Royal Academy." ［Vilma］

  "I did hear about it, but it's not like you did it while you were in yht mind. On top of that, nothing really happened." ［Yuna］

  "B-But... I also didn't greet you at the afterparty." ［Vilma］

  "That... We don't really hold grudges over that. And the Maress was still rec back then. It couldn't be helped." ［Grey］

  Three quick points, and all were shot down by Grey and Yuna. While they may be justifiable worries when doowards other nobles, especially the arrogant ay oo Grey and Yuna, they were simple things they couldn't care much about.

  Now, the Maress was even more fused. Her mind finally stopped w after all of her worries colpsed in under a minute. She couldn't even begin to expin the fusing swirl of emotions she was feeling.

  "Umm, Maress Beldon... About the past, we don't really mind it. We know it's not your fault and we aren't bming you for it either. I think it would be for the best that we fet about all of that." ［Grey］

  "I agree. It would only cause you needless worries, after all. And if possible, we'd love it if you simply treat us as friends rather than Heroes." ［Yuna］

  Hearing their words, the Maress finally felt a relief surge in her heart, feeling silly that she even worried over such things long ago. She was both thankful and happy at the same time.

  "Then... Would it be fine if I address you as 'Mister Grey' and 'Miss Yuna'?" ［Vilma］

  "Un! We'd love that!" ［Yuna］

  "I'm fih it, too." ［Grey］

  Another smile blossomed on the Maress' face, but now, it was one only filled with siy. There was no more worry nor ay, just pin and simple happiness as all of her worries vanished into thin air, feeling like a free bird.

  "Miss Yuna, Mister Grey, I know our tour of the mansion is already finished, but... Would you like to see the city as well?" ［Vilma］

  "Oh? Would that be alright?" ［Grey］

  "Or course! I will show you the best of Gilm you will never fet!" ［Vilma］

  It was as if she was a pletely different person. As soon as her worries were lifted, the meek and quiet Maress was no more. All that was left roud dy of the estate, a bright smile fshing on her face.

  The Maress on the lead, Grey and Yuna were led out to the city. And though it was normal for the Maress t a couple guards along, with Grey and Yuna around, there was o.

  "Your Excellency, good m! Have you been well?"

  "Good m! I have been well, thank you for asking." ［Vilma］

  "A fine day, Your Excellency! Would you like to try some apples?"

  "Fufufu! Then just one, please." ［Vilma］

  "Oh! Your Excellency, please try this too!"

  "Your Excellency, have some of our pineapples!"

  They haven't ventured out far but the number of people greeting the Maress only grows more and more with every step. Each of the city folk that greeted her only had bright and cheerful smiles on their faces, waving their hands hello.

  If oo see them without text, save for the elegant dress, it would seem like she was a simple neighborhood dy wandering around the city. It was easy to see that she was loved by their people.

  "Missus Vilma sure is popur, huh..." ［Yuna］

  "You say that again... She's a kind ale dy, after all. It's only natural that people gather around her." ［Grey］

  "I guess that's true..." ［Yuna］

  Grey and Yuna ented as they walked behind the Maress. They only observed what was going on, and the more they saw, the more they were vinced of how good of a dy the Maress was.

  And for such a lovely and kind dy to be turned into such a vile woman befrey and Yuna could only get angry at the one who poisoned her. It was fortuhat she quickly recovered, starting a fresh life anew.

  "Yhnesses, is there anywhere you'd like to go first?" ［Vilma］

  "No... Anything's fine by me... What about you, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Anything's also fih me. I'm sure there are a lot of wonderful pces to see here in Gilm." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! You leave it to me, then. I'll make sure you have the best experiend memories here in Gilm." ［Vilma］

  A fident smile on her face, the Maress then marched off into the distand led Grey and Yuna to the best pces there was in Gilm, starting from the ever so crowded market all the way to the quietest of museums and libraries.

  Of course, as they walked around the city, the Maress were given a lot of stuff, time and time again. If it weren't for the ste ring she was using, God knows how big of a mountain she has already received from the city folk.

  The m tinued and the sun climbed higher in the sky. Grey and Yuna saw more and more of the city, and their admiration of it only grew. Save for the stables they have somewhat of a bitter experieh, everything was wonderful.

  "Oh? A handicrafts shop?" ［Grey］

  "Are you curious about it, Mister Grey? If you want, we get ihe store. I am a little acquainted with the shop owner, you see." ［Vilma］

  "If it isn't too much of a bother, then please." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as everything was decided, everyohen headed ihe handicrafts shop, the doors creaking as they were opened, apanied by the usual, gentle chimes.

  I was even more amazing than what be seen from the gss windows. Handicrafts of all shapes, sizes, and colors could be seen all over the pce. From hair bs, shell bracelets, vases, masks, hair pins, and many more. One could find all sorts of things.

  If there was anything stra was that there were little to no people ihe store even with how beautiful the products were. The culprit was her than the rge number of handicraft stores present in Gilm.

  "Hohoho, look who we have here. If it isn't Her Excellency?" ［???］

  "Good day, Mister Rotto. How has business been doing?" ［Vilma］

  "Well, as you see... It's quite desote, only a few ers here and there. Well, I still earn some profit, so it's alright," ［Rotto］

  "I see. That's good to hear." ［Vilma］

  Just like old neighbors, the Maress and the shop owner were versing with each other in a very casual mahough Grey and Yuna already expected that they knew each other from what the Maress previously said, they didn't think they would be this close.

  Well, it wasn't like it was a bad thing. Grey and Yuna only tio look around the store for some beautiful items, admiring the beautiful art pieces and questioning the ones which were on the absurd side.

  "Anyway, it seems like Her Excellency brought some guests along. Are they perhaps new ers?" ［Rotto］

  "Ah, sorry for the te introdu. I'm Grey and this is Yuna. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Rotto." ［Grey］

  "o meet you." ［Yuna］

  "And as you already know, the name's Rotto. Good to see you too." ［Rotto］

  Casual as one be, Rotto extended one of his hands trey and Yuna as a greeting and iurn, the two also exteheirs, shaking the former. It was quite refreshing, seeing how Grey and Yuna have beeed as of retly.

  "But Grey and Yuna, eh...? You sure have the same names as the Heroes. Especially with those silver and bck hair of yours. They're... very... simir.." ［Rotto］

  Rotto's voice slowly died down, finally halting to a stop. He then started rubbing his eyes, blinking rapidly in succession, aing the process a couple times. Even then, his eyes only showed the same thing in front of him. A silver-haired elven dy and bck haired young man.

  Bewildered, Rotto slowly turned his head towards the Maress, his eyes asking the obvious question. The tter, receiving such a question, didn't utter a single word, only nodding on sile was then that he realized who they were.

  "Y-Y-Yhnesses?!" ［Rotto］

  Well, so much for being refreshing, it was rather eaining. As soon as Rotto realized who Grey and Yuna were, he quickly fell into panid started sweating profusely, head turni and right as if he was searg for something.

  "P-Please wait a m-minute, Your H-Highnesses. I-I'll just get s-some tea. I'll b-be right b-ba a jiffyー" ［Rotto］

  "No, Mister Rotto, it's alright. Just treat us as you would any other ers. We're just here to look around, after all." ［Grey］

  "But Yhness, that's..." ［Rotto］

  "Fufufu! It's okay, really. Thanks to Mister Rotto, we got to see all kinds of wonderful things. Please speak to us fortably." ［Yuna］

  Just like that, Grey and Yuna's words immediately calmed down the panig Rotto. He then heaved out a sigh of relief, returning back to his normal self, still uo believe that the people he only heard about in rumors were now standing before him.

  Other than that, Rotto was very happy to hear his merdise being appreciated by such distinguished people. He couldn't help but feel proud of his handicrafts, now more fident of his skills. A smile appeared on his face.

  "Then, Yhnesses, if you won't mind it, I would like to give you a little tour of the store." ［Rotto］

  "Oh, we'd really appreciate it. Thanks." ［Grey］

  "Hohoho! The honor is mine!" ［Rotto］

  Rotto on the lead, everyone walked left and right, expl every nook and y of the store. From the simplest of accessories to the most intricate of decorations, they were given simple expnations, all listening attentively.

  There was a light atmosphere about the store, colors and patterns shined brightly in everyone's eyes. The sound of s g as they shimmered softly. Cases were closed and opened with the tig of the clock.

  The fun had just started.

  CHAPTER 216 END