The city was wild and lively, all sorts of attra to be see and bright, and as one would expect from the city of colors, they were all beautiful and colorful as well, with all shades of the rainbow present, dyeing the city with happiness.

  The sun was already high in the sky, the third bell resounding ever so clearly, yet the city showed no sign of slowing down. Rather, things only got busier with time, people going bad forth as they go about their daily lives, busy as one be.

  "Dear er, over here～! Are you looking for a pce to stay?"

  "Ah! Please be careful when unloading that. There's some fragile things inside."

  "Ohh～! So this is Erdea!"

  Of course, with the Festival of Hearts just around the er, such business was only bound to grow more hectid noisy. Time and time again, carriages ehe city and brought a lot of people with them, eyes sparkling as they were weled by such a wondrous sight.

  Well, it wasn't just the tourists who were busy. With such a massive increase in the number of people iy, business already started to boom, taking any and every opportunity they got as much as they could.

  In fact, just by the city's entrance, a number of people would greet the tourists with brochures in their hands, letting them know of various locations aig them to try out their services. The city was bustling like never before.

  "Elder Brrey, what are those things?" ［Iris］

  "Oh, those? That's cotton dy. Is it your first time seeing one?" ［Grey］

  "Yes... They look so fluffy..." ［Iris］

  Of course, amongst those tourists were Grey, Yuna, and Iris who were taking their sweet time and looking around the city. They were still he entra they a

  Ready saw all sorts of things, excitement in the air.

  And as one would expeot just their houses and clothing, their food was also quite colorful and brilliant. In fact it was the first time Grey had seen cotton dy after four years. It was quite iing to say the very least.

  "Hmm... Should we try out some then?" ［Grey］

  " we?" ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. Of course we . And... It's also been some time since I've had some, so I'm quite curious," ［Grey］

  "Eh? Are they delicious, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, we'll see soon enough." ［Grey］

  Not a sirace of opposition from the others, everyohen headed to the cotton dy stand nearby and lined up before the other ers. And like before, Iris' eyes were sparkling at the thought of experieng a new experience.

  They moved slowly but surely, step by step, and before long, the cotton dy maker mae was in view. Grey took a quick look and was surprised how simir it was as pared to Earth's design with the only difference being the use of magic circuits instead of electricity. It was amazing.

  But enough about the mae, it was finally everyourn. After they paid the man their a couple nickel s, the tter then spun the wheel and created more and more cotton dies which were not only colorful, but sprinkled with sugary shapes.

  "Here you go."

  "Thank you very much." ［Grey］

  Eae of the cotton dy was a work of art. Not only were there cute designs made of sugar, the cotton dy themselves were spun to mix the colors of the spun dy. Plus, they also looked so fluffy. They were perfect!

  Yuna rook the blue and white spiral with sugar stars sprinkled over it, while Iris got the pink oh dashes of white, rainbow sprinkles as a topping. As frey, it was just pin yellow which looked like honey. All were wonderful.

  "Mmn～! So sweet! And it just melts in your tooo!" ［Yuna］

  "So fluffy... It's like I'm eating clouds." ［Iris］

  It was just like Grey had remembered. It was sweet and tasty, melting at the slightest tact with moisture. Yet funnily enough, for some reason, it was very fluffy. It didn't even feel like he ate anything. They were simply too soft.

  Eating it again made him relive some of his childhood memories, feeling the festivities in the air as he listeo the bustling city. The times when he would simply buy them by the roadside whenever he had spare ge left. Suostalgia...

  "Eh... It's done already...?" ［Yuna］

  Sadly frey, he had no time to dwell in the past. As he saw before him, rather than using her hands. Yuna simply ate the thing like she would a skewer, biting it directly. And as one would expect, the cotton dy was gone in only just a couple of bites.

  "Yuna... You're supposed to pind eat it by hand, you know?" ［Grey］

  "E-Eh? Was I...?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, just look at the others. They're ping it in small bits." ［Grey］

  Grey said and Yuna's eyes swam around. It was only then that she realized her way of eating was simply pin strange. She got a little panicky, cheeks painted a subtle red as embarrassment showed on her face.

  Well, Grey couldn't really bme her seeing the cotton dy was held up using a stick. She may be a genius, but there are simply times she would act silly. A slight chuckle resounded in the air as he once again realized how cute his girlfriend was.

  "Haha, you really are hopeless. Here, you have mine, instead." ［Grey］

  "Eh...? But... What about you?" ［Yuna］

  "You don't o worry about me, silly. I've already eaten tons of them in the past. And... What's a cotton dy pared to seeing my girlfriend smile?" ［Grey］

  Grey said with fidend a nont expression on his face. He was ag as natural as ever, but the same couldn't be said in Yuna's eyes. As he said those lines, he looked a lot cooler and bright, her heart struck by cupid once again.

  Now, Yuna's face was even a much redder heart rag wildly from Grey's words. She was wholly silent as she ehe cotton dy her beloved gave her, uo look him in the eyes. She was falling deeper and deeper in the abyss called love.

  As for Iris, well, she was still too absorbed about her first time eating cotton dy that Grey and Yuna's whole versation simply entered one ear aed the other. A lucky little miscalcution.

  "Then, si's already noon, we should probably find ourselves a pce to dine in. We 't be going around in ay stomach, afterー" ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't even finish his words. As she turned around, in the er of his eyes was a familiar figure standing proud. He was a stubby man with a bald head and a rge mustache on his face, currently talking to another mert.

  "Then, I expect the delivery tomorrow? We're quite in a tight spot, you see,.."

  "Hohoho! You leave it to me. I will make sure to not disappoint." ［Bekim］

  "Haha. Thanks, that really saves us a lot of trouble."

  "No problem! It's what we merts do, after all!" ［Bekim］

  It was her than Bekim who still had the same loud and cheerful voice. If there was something that ged, it was that he looked a little more rouhan before. He was a figure who was hard to miss.

  Before long, the other mert finally left and Bekim was left on his own. He was tending to his carriage, cheg the goods and seeing if the carriage was still in good dition. Just as one would expect from a mert, he was quite meticulous.

  "8 crates of pots... Check... 12 crates of utensils... Check... 5 crates oー" ［Bekim］

  "Mister Bekim, long time no see!" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah! Oh, dear me! That surprised me. Long time no... see.. as..." ［Bekim］

  Lots and lots of marks filling his head, Bekim slowly turned around to see who was greeting him. But as soon as he did, the question marks quickly vanished and turned into excmation marks. Big, red o that.

  "Y-Yhー Mnphh!" ［Bekim］

  Greeted by a great surprise, Bekim was about to greet Grey and Yuna in a loud voice, but before he could even finish his words, Grey mao stop him by a hair's breadth, panic painted on his face. He didn't want a repeat of before.

  "Mister Bekim, we're keeping our identities a secret. It would really be a great help if we get to go unnoticed for now." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah... Sorry about that, Yhness... It seems me and my loud mouth have almost troubled you yet again." ［Bekim］

  "No, it's alright. As long as you uand." ［Grey］

  The crisis was averted before it could even start. As Bekim nodded his head, Grey then released his hands and theed a sound-isoting barrier with a flick of his just for assurance, letting them have more room to breathe in.

  With relief in the air, Grey and Yuna once agaied Bekim with bright smiles on their faces. But perhaps even more brighter was Bekim's expressions. It was sht, it ractically blinding. He was a big fan of them, after all.

  "I didn't expect to see you here, Yhnesses. Are you going to participate in the Festival of Colors as well?" ［Bekim］

  "Ah, yeah. It only happens once every nine years, after all. It would be a great shame if we were to miss it." ［Grey］

  "And we also heard it's one of the most beautiful festivals there is! Just thinking how it will go makes my heart go wild. We're so excited!" ［Yuna］

  "Hohoho! You need not to day more, Yhness. The previous festival was also very lively aiful. And I dare say it's the gra celebration there is. I'm sure it won't disappoint." ［Bekim］

  "Fufufu! Now, I'm looking forward to it even more!" ［Yuna］

  There were giggles and ughter as everyone shared how excited they were for the upiival. But as such fun was about, a young princess stayed silent, only watg them as she enjoyed her cotton dy.

  "Oh! That reminds me, who must this young dy be?" ［Bekim］

  "Ah, right. I suppose we should introduce you to each other..." ［Grey］

  Well, she wasn't left out for too long. He may be having a lot of fun, but Bekim was very keen about everything. He didn't want to leave out the young dy, but rather, wao include her as well, excited at the thought of a new acquaintance.

  "Iris, this is Mister Bekim. Mister Bekim, this is Iris." ［Grey］

  "Good day, Mister Bekim. I am Iris. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Iris］

  "Hohoho! What a well-mannered young dy. The pleasure is mine." ［Bekim］

  Iris bowed her head slightly and so did Bekim after her. The tter was quite good with children so he knew full well how to handle Iris, not sg her even with his loud voice. Rather, his cheerful personality makes them more fortable.

  Seeing him, Iris was made to wonder just how different people are. Though the man before him was just as merry as her father, he seemed much more reliable. They had just met, but she could already tell he was a hardw man. How she wished her father could also be the same.

  "ht! That reminds me, I still have some dies here with me. Would you like some, Little Iris?" ［Bekim］

  "Would that be okay?" ［Iris］

  "Of course! But, ah! Make sure not to accept any dies from just any stranger, okay? It could be dangerous. You o be extra careful." ［Bekim］

  Or so he says, but he's doily what he warned Iris against. Well... Teically, one could say that they're already acquainted, but that still doesn't remove the fact that they just met a couple moments ago. A strauation, indeed.

  Iris happily accepted the dy from Bekim and as soon as she tried it, a bright expression bloomed on her face, her smile reag from ear to ear as she touched her cheeks, it was super delicious!

  "Bur still, Iris... You have the same name as our Kingdom's only princess. What a strange ce. Hohoho!" ［Bekim］

  "Hahaha... Strange indeed..." ［Grey］

  Grey could only give a wry ugh at Bekim's ent. After all, it wasn't just a mere ce. Iris really is the very princess he was talking about. Thankfully, normal people don't normally see royalty so he hasn't ected the dots yet.

  It wasn't that they didn't trust Bekim. It was that he was a rather chatty person. He might suddenly slip up one day and do a repeat of the i from before. They wao avoid such a thing from happening at all costs.

  "ht. Yhnesses, have you had lunch yet?" ［Bekim］

  "Ah, we haven't. We were about to find aery or a restaurant, but we bumped into you, so we decided to say hi first." ［Grey］

  "Oh! That's perfect then! I know just the pce!" ［Bekim］

  There was no time to waste. With the sun already at its zenith, everyohen quickly followed Bekim to his reended pce. They chatted and ughed as they walked, only stopping as soon as they arrived at their destination.

  The pce was nothing too fanor was it too big, just a simple inn. But it is quite well known throughout the city to serve reasonably-priced yet delicious dishes. Not to mention their very good er service. It was one of a kind.

  Bekim had just arrived in Erdea a little over a week ago, and by ce, as he was strolling about, mao find such a wonderful pce. And now, he's absolutely in love with it. Well, who wouldn't be? After all...

  "Waah～! This is so delicious! The fvors just melt in my mouth!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna's right. The spices are quite strong, but it's not overwhelming. Rather, it's quite pleasant if anything. This is amazing!" ［Grey］

  "Hohoho! Didn't I say so?" ［Bekim］

  ... The food was out of this world. Though the pate was quite different to the ones served in Alfrio was something anyone would enjoy. Iris was so moved, she couldn't even speak. Her first experieing in an inn was super amazing!

  Well, it wasn't just the food. As it was the city of colors, there were also flowers all around the pce to serve as decoration and to make the air smell pleasant. They both sidered beauty and purpose. It was a first-css inn!

  "Thank you for the reendation, Mister Bekim. The food was amazing. We really e a lot." ［Grey］

  "Hohoho! Anytime, anytime!... But well, I'll o be going now. See you agaiime, Yhnesses." ［Bekim］

  "Yeah, see you ime." ［Grey］

  "Bye, Mister Bekim～!" ［Yuna］

  The fun time was over, and with the sun starting to sink down the horizon, it was finally time for everyoo part ways. Bekim still has some mert busio take care of, and so does everyone else.

  Well, rather than business, it was more like a not-so-simple greeting. Though Grey and Yuna would usually find an inn during their travels, now that Iris was with them, things are a littleー no, a whole lot different.

  The King had already tacted the Mayor, and so, it has already been decided where they will be staying. It would be the Royal residences reserved for when members of Royal Families from the ti visits. The best and most burdensome aodation there is.

  "Then, shall we also get going?" ［Grey］

  "U's go!" ［Yuna］

  "L-Let's go!" ［Iris］

  Yuna punched her fists in the air, and as if mimig her, Iris soon followed suit. They then walked towards the city side by side, eyes still swimmi and right as they tio admire the city in all its glory.

  Of course, Yuna once again held Iris' hands, afraid of her getting separated from them. She is already 11 years old and is more than capable of carrying herself, but there was no harm in being more careful. Seems like Grey's overprotectiveness has rubbed on her.

  Hundreds upon hundreds steps ter and they finally arrived at the ter of the city, and what greeted them was a very, emphasis on very, very rge manor. One which housed several mansions and was just a tad bit smaller than a castle.

  Of course, with it being the heart of the city, it was very colorful and artistic as well, the gates and fences painted with all sorts of subtle yet beautiful designs. The gates were just as wonderful. A gate of happiness.

  "Excuse me, this is the Mayor's manor, correct?" ［Grey］

  "Yes. What business do you have with us, Sir?"

  "Well... I guess it's much easier to just show you." ［Grey］

  Grey didn't say any more words after that. He simply waved his hand and appeared before them was a beautiful envelope with a certain seal imprinted upon it. A seal the guards were ever so familiar with. It was an invitation.

  "We have firmed the invitation. Wele to the City of Erdea, oh esteemed guests. We hope you enjoy your stay."

  "Yeah, thanks. Keep up the good work." ［Grey］

  A quispe ter and everyone was then allowed entry, the guards politely bowing their heads as they greeted them. Soon, the gates were opened in unison and they then passed through it, excitement traced on their faces.

  And it was just as expected. With just a beautiful outside, the inside of the manor was even more so. The gardens, the paved paths, the buildings, the mpposts, and evetle accessories here and there. The attention to detail was insane.

  The mansions weren't ordinary either. As they would be used to house different Royal Families, they are built and desigo represent each of their tries. Eae was a different style yet just as beautiful.

  "Whoa... This sure is something, huh..." ［Grey］

  "So this is what Mother and Father were talking about... So pretty..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! They really put a lot of effort into this, didn't they?" ［Yuna］

  Their feet tio walk and their eyes tio swim left and and right along their turning heads. They admired and admired, and admired some more, still uo believe their eyes even with all the things they have already seen.

  Cck Cck Cck

  "O-Oh?" ［rad］

  And as they admired the pce as much as they could, the sound of heavy, metal boots echoed in the air. Before long, a familiar middle-aged figure appeared before them. A person they once saved during the bandit attacks. It was rad!

  It took rad a couple moments to process who he just saw before them, but as soon as he did, his lips quickly arched into a smile, glowing brighter and brighter as he approached everyoh such a friendly expression on his face.

  "Yhnesses! It's been so long. I'm very happy to see you again. When did you arrive at Erdea?" ［rad］

  "Oh, we just not too long ago." ［Grey］

  "I see... And seeing that you have Her Highness, Princess Iris, with you, did His Majesty assign you an esission?" ［rad］

  "Well... I guess you could say that..." ［Grey］

  No, it was not that at all. In the first pce, it wasn't even a quest, they were simply forced on it. And rather than an escort, it would be more like babysitting, if anything. Not that they really mi though. Spending time with Iris is fun.

  And as they exged words with one another, rad also bowed his head to formally greet Iris. She may be tame and polite, but she was still the Princess Royal of Alfirone. Even if it's only for formality's sake, showing respect is a must.

  Political things aside, everyone engaged in small talk as they walked along the path to the mansion. And rad, who was once leaving before, was now, for some reason, esc them towards the mansion for Alfrionias. It was a long talk.

  "Oh! Look at me... It seems I talked about quite a lot of things. I hope you didn't mind it, Yhnesses." ［rad］

  "No, not at all. It was rather enjoyable." ［Grey］

  "Un! It's fun talking with you, Sir rad." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I'm very gd to hear that." ［rad］

  The talk has stopped and they have finally arrived at the door. It was grand and massive, a lot of details embedded on it. And for some reason, as they arrived, rad suddenly straightened his posture and fixed his clothing.

  "This may be a bit te to say now... But I hope you enjoy your stay here, Yhnesses." ［rad］

  rad's voice rang in the air and a creak soon followed as the doors opened. As soon as it did, a wonderful sight was unveiled before them. The grand scale of the mansion was a sight to behold, full of style and delicacy.

  Luxurious, golden deliers hanging from the ceiling, a beautifully weaved carpet on the ground, and grandiose decorations by the walls, with two massive staircases tered in the hall. The hall ractically shining.

  "Right... What did I even expect..." ［Grey］

  "Isn't this a little bit too much...?" ［Yuna］

  It wasn't just a little bit, it was straight up wasteful. With all the super luxurious things dispyed all over the pce, they couldn't even feel a shred of joy nor fort. Their eyes were all lifeless as they heaved some lengthy sighs.

  They have even stepped foot inside, yet their heads were already ag... What a day...

  CHAPTER 262 END