The wind was fresh and cool, dang with the curtains by the window sill. The sun had risehe horizo again and a new m had started, sunlight grag the earth and waking the ground to greet the new, sunny day.

  In a certain room, a beautiful princess y asleep, snores subtle as one be as she slept ever so soundlyー or at least, she was. But as the warm ale sunlight poked her face again and again, she finally opened her eyes, head still a little groggy.

  But rather than a grand and wonderful opy, what greeted her was an unfamiliar ceiling. She blinked ohen she bliwice. She kept staring and staring, eyes fixed on the ceiling before her, trying to collect her thoughts.

  "Ah... Right..." ［Iris］

  It was only then that the young princess finally remembered that she was traveling on a jourowards Erdea with Grey and Yuna. She slept so tightly that her brain was still gging, not wanting to part with the warm and fluffy bed.

  However, as a princess, she must act poise and proper. Without mupints, she quickly got up on her bed, and sihere weren't any servants around, she did her best trying to fix the bed, making sure it was as tidy as possible.

  After which, she then looked around the pd tried to find the closet. She was still in her pajamas, after all. She wasn't quite sure how she wore them, but she could vaguely remember Yuna fitting it to her. It was a little embarrassing, to be ho.

  "Mari, what should I wearー" ［Iris］

  Out of habit, she called out to one of her personal maids, only to once again realize that she wasn't in the castle. She dwelled on the silence for a short while before looking back at the closet, pig up her clothes for the day.

  It may be quite different from what she used to, but there was no use despairing over it. Rather, she was quite excited to experience such things for the first time in her life, eyes sparkling brightly as she picked her dress.

  Clop Clop Clop Thunk

  "Oh, looks like our princess is awake." ［Grey］

  "Fufu. She sure is eic." ［Iris］

  And it was exactly because she didn't have any servants helpihat she had to go bad forth from every side and er of the room after fetting things time and time again, her silent footsteps resounding in the air.

  After which, Iris then headed down stairs, subtle steps eg in the corridors. The moment she got downstairs, she was theed by a cacophony of noises from the kit. It was Grey and Yuna who were now preparing breakfast.

  "Good m, Iris." ［Yuna］

  "G-Good m as well, Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brrey." ［Iris］

  "M. Did you have a good night's sleep?" ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes! The bed was very fortable and the winds were also refreshing. It was one of the best sleeps I have experienced in a long while!" ［Iris］

  Iris went on and on as she praised the quality of her sleep. Though the Royal Castle's furniture was much more luxurious, expensive doesn't always equal good. If anything, she was more fortable in a smaller, more medium-sized room without dramatic aesthetics around.

  For the first time in her life, Iris felt how it was like to live a "normal" life without too much luxury. It was a little bit hectice she wasn't o it, but it was fun. She was really happy to have gotten su experience.

  "Haha. We're gd to hear that. Now, why don't you go take a bath first? We'll have breakfast shortly after you're done." ［Grey］

  "Yes! Thank you very much!" ［Iris］

  "Ah! Wait, Iris!" ［Yuna］

  Iris was about to head towards the bath, when a sudden voice called out to her. It was Yuna, who, for some reason, showed little traces of on her face. She then started removing her apron and untying her hair.

  "Iris, I'll be going with you." ［Yuna］

  "E-Eh?! You don't have to worry about me, Elder Sister Yuna. I at least manage a bath by myself!" ［Iris］

  "That's not it, you silly girl. There are just some magic tools ihe bath that you may not be familiar with. I'll be there to guide you." ［Yuna］

  At first, Iris thought Yuna wao help her bathe like the servants do, making her a little embarrassed. She may be a princess, but she wasn't a child anymore. If it's only a bath, she mao do it like anybody else.

  Unfortunately, that wasn't what Yu. After all, their bath had tools not present in Merusia which Grey made usih's teology. From the shower, hair dryers, multifunal sinks, and many more. It would be fusing for others.

  "Or... Is it that you hate the idea of bathing with me?" ［Yuna］

  "N... No... Not at all... It would be my pleasure..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! It's decided then!" ［Yuna］

  It's not like Iris had anyway. With Yuna pleading in such a way, she could only say yes and nod politely. After all, it would be much more embarrassing if she got stu the bath because she doesn't know how things worked. It was all or nothing.

  "Then, Grey, I'll be joining Iris ih. I leave everything to you?" ［Yuna］

  "Sure, but don't stay there for too long, alright? I'll be using it ." ［Grey］

  "Un! Got it! Let's go, Iris." ［Yuna］

  There was no need for dilly-dallying. With things now decided, Yuna quickly grabbed a towel and a ge of clothes from her ste ring and headed to the bath with Iris. There was unfounded excitement in her face, humming with enthusiasm.

  Before long, the subtle sounds of water spshing echoed in the air, apanied by the excited voices of the two dies as they bathed together. Iris was especially excited, letting out voiazement as she saw all sorts of hings.

  "They sure are having a lot of fun, aren't they?" ［Grey］

  Meanwhile, Grey was left alone i, cooking breakfast after taking over Yuna's. But it was a good thing. With Iris around, Yuna won't go walking around the house after bath with only a towel on. It'll be hard to restrain himself otherwise.

  "Yup. This should be good." ［Grey］

  Getting his mind off the matter, Grey tio stir and chop, quickly finishing cooking breakfast. And as one would expect, a plethora of dishes were lined up at the dining table oer another. A se would only make one's mouth water.

  Before long, the two dies finally finished bathing and so, it was Grey's turn. Much ter after that, they then had their lovely breakfast together, Iris enjoying it as much as she did yesterday with a bright smile blooming on her face.

  After breakfast came washing the dishes, making sure the house was and tidy, and finally, cheg that they had all their things on them. Grey then waved one of his hands after which, creating the exit of Sanctuary without much effort.

  "Waah～... It really is the forest..." ［Iris］

  As soon as they stepped out, the green aiful forest greeted them. Iris had seen it yesterday night, but now that it was m, it looked much more weling, all sorts of beautiful flora and fauna to be spotted.

  And while she looked around the pce, Grey and Yuna once again called out Sirius so that they could once again fly in the skies. If things go as expected, they would arrive at Erdea at about 10 o'clo the m.

  "Are you ready to fly again, Iris?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! I'll be in your care again, Miss Sirius." ［Iris］

  "The pleasure is mine, Princess Iris." ［Sirius］

  There was no time to waste. With the sun already high up in the sky, Sirius then spread her wings and with a single burst, they once again soared high, creating strong gusts of wind every time she fpped her wings.

  Sirius could go even faster and cover the distan less than an hour, but if she does, there would be iful sights to see and sonis would echhout the skies time and time again. She went just at the perfect speed.

  The flight was smooth sailing, not a single worry to be ed about. Everyone simply chatted merrily as they watched the sery below them unfold, everyone pointing at things here and there as they admired their beauty, even taking pictures from time to time.

  "Waah～! It sure is a beautiful city... And so colorful, too!" ［Yuna］

  "Well, they don't call it the city of colors for nothing." ［Grey］

  A couple hours of flight ter, and a massive city finally appeared over the horizon, just perg on the grassy meadows uhe sun. It may not be as massive as the Royal Capital of Alfrione, but it was still quite big.

  But perhaps the most iing sight is what lies outside the city. There was a rge meadow, and not just any pin old green meadow. It was one which housed all kinds and colors of flowers, spreading as far as the eyes see.

  "So beautiful..." ［Iris］

  "As expected... Erdea really is something, huh..." ［Grey］

  From roses, daffodils, hyaths, tulips, violets, lilies, and even some rainbow-colored flowers. There were hundreds of thousands, if not millions of flowers all throughout the field of colors. It was a sight which would surely leave one frozen in awe.

  Sirius, veiled in illusion magic, quickly desded from the sky into a nearby empty pin. And to prevent anyone from panig if they happen to see her, they quickly unsummoned her after thanking her for her service.

  "Then, should we get going... too...?" ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't even finish his words. As he turned around to tell the other two that they should be heading to the city, he saw them croug by the ground, the vast sea flowers and enjoying the fragrant breeze.

  Well, not just flowers, there were also bees, butterflies, dragonflies, dybugs, and all sorts of little critters all over the pce, just as beautiful and colorful as the flowers, dang in the air as if they were having the best times of their lives.

  And off into the distance were snoed tall mountain ranges which served as a wonderful backdrop for the sery. It was truly a sight to behold, one just couldn't help but stop iracks and admire the beauty of nature.

  "Alright. Since we're here already, why don't we take a look around the pd take a couple pictures? How does that sound?" ［Grey］

  "I'd love that! That's a wonderful idea, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "I-I think so as well, Elder Brrey!" ［Iris］

  There was not a single hint of opposition from the two. The very moment Grey said his words, Yuna and Iris quickly agreed with eager ahusiastic smiles on their faces. They were really excited no matter how one looked at it.

  Well, it's not like Grey couldn't rete to it himself. He himself was also quite ied. He had seen many flowery meadows oer before, but not one of them could pare to the one before him. It was a treasure trove.

  "Waah～! Iris, look! This rose is so beautiful!" ［Yuna］

  "It really is! Its petals are sparkling like sapphire!" ［Iris］

  "Right～? I wonder if we could grow them in arden." ［Yuna］

  Walking here and there, everyone explored the pd admired the various kinds of flowers they saw. From small dandelions to giant sunflowers, they saw all sorts of flowers in a full spectrum of colors.

  "A natural blue rose, huh... How bizarre..." ［Grey］

  Of course, some of these pnts were straight up strao Grey who was from Earth. Well, with the presenagits, it was only to be expected. He was more shocked than he was still surprised, if anything.

  "Grey～! Iris～! Over here! I found something iing!" ［Yuna］

  And speaking of magits, with whatever method she was using, Yuna mao find one hidden within a gathering of tulips and lilies. It has only been a couple minutes yet she already found something so rare. As expected of an alchemist.

  Though the magit had weak magical properties, if it was just aesthetics, it could tend as one of the most beautiful flowers in the world with its amber petals and golden veins c through it, creating subtle yet intricate patterns.

  "Should we press this, then? We could also turn this into a flower pin?" ［Yuna］

  " we do that?" ［Iris］

  "Of course! We do it together ter if you want." ［Yuna］

  "R-Really?! Then I would really love that!" ［Iris］

  A beautiful flower at hand, Grey, Yuna, and Iris then tinued expl the flower fields together and picked more and more flowers as they went. Eae was very beautiful like jewels shining uhe radiant sun.

  Well, there weren't just flowers and is, there were small critters as well roaming the flower fields and simply going about their day. There were rabbits, guinea pigs, and all sorts of small and adorable creatures.... Not as adorable as the familiars though...

  "Cappel, e here. It's your turn." ［Yuna］

  "Miss Vega, please stay still." ［Iris］

  Familiars who were now receiving skillfully-made flower s from Yuna and Iris, oer ahey were already pying anyway, so it was much better to let them run around. The more the merrier, as they say.

  However, if there was someone who stood out, it would be Grey. Rather than join in on the fun, he was out and about, expl on his own. His eyes shifted left and right as he turned his head slowly, feeling a little surprised aed.

  'So they've already arrived here, huh...' ［Grey］

  Thought Grey as he extended his hands out, tiny orbs of dim and colorful light ndily on his palm. Well, rather than orbs, it would be more appropriate to call them small masses of luminous mist or sprites.

  They were, of course, her than spirits which were made after Grey activated the first device back at the Labyrinth of Fmes. They looked just like he remembered them, bringing the sound of soft chimes as they drift along the air.

  Grey had always wondered where they were after returning to Galderia, but it seems the effect of the activation spreads all over the world, spirits created oer another as it envelopes the whole world.

  'What stratle guys...' ［Grey］

  But perhaps what's most iing about them was the fact that they don't have a physical body that one could grasp. Evehey looked like they were perched on Grey's palm, they were simply floating, bobbing ever so subtly.

  Grey doesn't really know much about them other than they were made of aether and that they are the termeasures for overspreading corruption. But finally seeing them after such a long time makes him happy.

  It may look stra first, but looking the picture in a bigger perspective, the spirits only served to make the flowery meadows much more beautiful, filling the pce with more colors and life, little floating sprites bobbing up and down as they floated about.

  "Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, nothing... I was just lost in thought, is all." ［Grey］

  "Hmm... If you say so..." ［Yuna］

  Oh, and another note. As it seems, Grey is the only one who see them at the moment. If he is with them without much thought, he would surely look like some sort of crazy person in the eyes of others.

  He wao avoid that at all costs, especially such a situatio es to Yuna. After all, what kind of boyfriend would want their girlfriend to think they were crazy? No that it was entirely wrong though. He is crazy about a certain somethingー or rather, a certain someone.

  "Elder Sister Yuna! I think I found some magits!" ［Iris］

  "Oh?! Where?!" ［Yuna］

  "Elder Sister Yuna, over here～!" ［Iris］

  Time passed some more and as petals and pollens danced freely in the air, the sun tio climb up the sky. Noon was drawing near yet the wind stayed fresh and fragrant, the st of flowers blending in harmony.

  Several more mier, it was finally time to stop pying. Though it would be lovely to have a lunch pii the meadows, it was still best to find a p the Erdea first before delving into such activities.

  And as one would expect, with the Festival of Hearts approag, there was a very, very long line from the city gates stretg all the way to a couple hundred meters. There a number of carriages, merts and aristocrats entering oer another.

  "Waah... The line is so long... I wonder when we'll get inside..." ［Iris］

  "Right. This is your first time lining up, am I correct, Iris?" ［Grey］

  "Yes! I've seen lines many times before, but this is the first time I have ever been in one. I didn't know it was this long." ［Iris］

  Such was the life of a princess. Every time they head inside any town or city, they would always be inside a carriage. And with the royal crest embedded on it, entry was easy as ever, not needing to line up like anyone else.

  Well, not that she was annoyed about it. Rather, she was very curious aed as she lined up with Grey and Yuna. She had never expected such things before, and though it may be tiring for others, it was exhirating for her, eyes sparkling brightly.

  "Iris, be careful not to stray out of lihings could get dangerous ohe carriages start to move again." ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! Sorry!" ［Iris］

  "No worries. Just make sure to be careful." ［Yuna］

  So excited, in fact, that Yuna o hold her hand to make sure she doesn't stray too far away from the line a into trouble. It was very uncharacteristic for her to behave in su excited way, but that gap only served to make her more adorable.

  "Waah～! Se and colorful!" ［Yuna］

  "So beautiful..." ［Iris］

  "This really is something else, huh..." ［Grey］

  They moved along and with every step they took, the city looked more and more impressive. The walls and gates themselves were unlike any other they have seen, dyed with colors dull and bright, murals and sculptures all over the pce.

  The city's very walls itself was like a massive piece of art made by hundreds upon hundreds of painters, sculptors, and all sorts of artists. A masterpiece made over the decades, getting more and more beautiful with the passage of time.

  "Grey, could you make something like this in our house?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... It would be difficult, but... I don't think it's impossible." ［Grey］

  "Really?! We should start painting whe back!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. If that's what you want then sure. I am much obliged, Midy." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～!" ［Yuna］

  And bringing about their random whims, it was decided that Grey and Yuna would be painting the walls of their house as soon as they get back. They don't know what to paint over them yet, but it would surely be exg.

  The line moved and shifted, and before long, it was finally Grey and Yuna's turn to get ihe city. And now that she was in front of the gates did Iris feel nervous, trembling and panig a little.

  "Iris, calm down. You just o follow suit." ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes." ［Iris］

  But with Grey and Yuna by her side, there was really o worry. The two went ahead first and showed the guards their alternate cards, and following them, Iris also took out hers and gave it to the guard.

  Of course, it wasn't her usual card which shows her as a princess. It was yet another alternate card which the King issued for her to use in such circumstances. It was her first time using it, and needless to say, it was a little bit nervewrag.

  "Alright. You pass."

  The guard soon gave his approval and the young princess' face shone brightly. She happily received her identification card bad hid it inside her sling bag. Though it may be a normal experience for others, it was a first for her. She was eted.

  And with such a happy smile on her face, Grey and Yuna could only smile just as brightly. Grey patted the young princess' head, making her look at him with a hint of fusion on her face as she tilted her head.

  "Let's head inside." ［Grey］

  So head ihey did, and what weled them was a sight they have never seen before. The houses, the streets, the stalls, and even the people walking by the street's sidewalks, all were brilliant and colorful.

  Just like the walls and gates from before, ead every house was unique and filled with personality, painted with the creativity of their owners. There were houses with butterflies, oh the sky, oh the mountains, and even abstract paintings with lines and shapes unfamiliar to them.

  As for their reas... Is there even a o ask? Yuna and Iris' mouths were hanging wide open from awe and surprise, eyes swimmi and right in silence. As frey, he was a little immune as it retty on ba Earth. Still, it was a beautiful sight to behold.

  "Haha. What are you two stu a daze for?" ［Grey］

  "Eh? Ah? Yes?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. What I meant was... Let's go, let's explore the City of Colors!" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah! U's have lots of fun!" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes!" ［Iris］

  Excitement was brewing in the air, and not just excitement, there was also musig all around the pce as people sang and ughed merrily. They had just arrived yet they were already weled so warmly. It was exhirating.

  CHAPTER 261 END