"Long time no see, you bastard." ［???］

  Sinister smiles were afloat in the air and the tension got heavier all of the sudden. Two people stared into one another's eyes, smiling albeit differently. One was filled with indifference whilst the other was wiry disdain, different like heaven ah.

  As their stare off sparked lightning sparks all over the pce, people gathered oer another. Some were gasping, some were mumbling, and some were smiling. A variety of reas were unveiled from the crowd, the otioing louder and louder by the moment.

  "Why are you so quiet? Did the cat get your tongue?"

  "Hahaha. Don't talk like that. He's probably scared sh*tless!"

  "Why don't you go back g to your mommy? Hahaha!"

  Vicious remarks were released oer another like growling, rabid dogs and they soon ughed with vigor like a paalicious hyenas. They were sneering and crag their knuckles, ag like real thugs.

  The leader was especially vicious, drawing closer and closer with irked veins popping out his head and nee after another. A deep hatred burned within his eyes, like a hungry predator who was ready to crush everything that stands his way.

  "Lester..." ［Garret］

  "Haah?! Don't call my name so casually, you bastard!" ［Lester］

  Garret stayed calm but the same couldn't be said for the tter. He barked back like a rabid street dog, eyes getting redder and redder with anger as he grabbed Garret by the colr. It was a face which wouldn't accept iations.

  It was a very sudden situation, and so, Yuna patter Iris' bad signaled her to hide behihey didn't want to use violenless needed, but with how things are going, it would be difficult. What a troublesome situation.

  "Why aren't you answering, you bastard? Are you looking down on me?" ［Lester］

  "Ah, no... It's just... I'm doing like a hero... It's already over." ［Garret］

  But rather than a fierce response like he did yesterday, Garret responded in a way no one expected. A response whily brought fusion to everyone. Especially the man before him, making his eyes widen in bewilderment.

  "Eh? We're already done?" ［Lester］

  """Huh?! You're done already?!"""

  """Eh? What do you mean?"""

  Three differeions from three different parties. The gang of thugs was in shock, the gathering crowd was filled with disappoi, and Grey, Yuna, and Iris were fused as one be, now tilting their heads sidewards.

  "You should have said so earlier! What's the point of the e then?!" ［Lester］

  "That's right, Young Lord! You should have told us in advance!"

  "Aww... I quite liked ag like a thug too..."

  The thugs gave their opinions oer another, and slowly started taking off their rough outfits, soon ging into more casual and normal attire as they grumbled about Garret. They ged so quickly and so effitly, it was like magic.

  As frey, Yuna, and Iris... Well, they're more fused than ever. Question marks were afloat in their heads as they watched the absurd se unfold. They were the only ones who stood out like a sore thumb, not uanding a sihing.

  Especially Grey, he was already fused when he khe people before them were good guys, even thinking his eyes were broken. They were even ready to brawl it out, yet things never got physical. They are at a loss of words.

  "Umm... Garret... What's happening?" ［Grey］

  "Ah, that's right! Everyone, let me introduce you to my friends! Theyー" ［Garret］

  "Wait! Wait! Wait! Friends?! What was that just now then?!" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, that... They always go along with my whims, and since I was ag hero, I asked them to act as vilins. They were just ag, ag." ［Garret］

  "Sorry for startling you. I hope you weren't too surprised." ［Lester］

  Ag... It was all an aow, everything finally made sense. Grey's judgement, the reason why no one ran away, why such thugs could casually parade iy, and so much more. The pieces perfectly fell into pce.

  And to think Garret's straics also brushed off to his friends as well. They don't know whether to ugh or cry about the situation. No, rather, they don't even have the energy to think about what is happening. They just accepted things as they were. Thinking too much will hurt their minds.

  The moment the show was over, the crowd slowly dispersed and things immediately returo normal. Some were disappointed, but rather than feel down, they simply looked forward to Garret's "performance". It seems such events occur very often.

  "By the way, everyone, let me introduce you to my friends. This here is Lester, o him is John, then Marcus, and finally, Olsen." ［Garret］

  "o meet you." ［Olsen］

  "A pleasure meeting 'ya!" ［John］

  "Hello～." ［Marcus］

  Garret soon introduced his friends from the left. There was the vice-leader of the gang, Lester, the freckled maan, John, the chubby and cheerful Marcus, and finally, the long-haired dude whose eyes were o be seen, Olsen. Together, they make up Garret's gang of troublemakers.

  It was a strach-up, but from their iions alone, one could see how close they were as friends. Though Garret was the lord's son, that doesn't stop them from getting close and casual. No wonder people love Garret. He's simply too charming.

  "And everyone, let me introduce you tuests! You won't believe this, but listen closely, they areー" ［Garret］

  "Garret, we still have a tour, right? Why don't we tih that first?" ［Grey］

  Garret was about to slip up and introduce Grey, Yuna, and Iris, but thankfully, Grey was able to stop him just barely. They have already experieheir identities ooo many times, and they don't want to experience such troublesome things again.

  "Eh? But the introdusー" ［Garret］

  "Let's not fret too much about that. We do that any other time." ［Grey］

  "Un! And didn't you say you still have a lot of amazing sights to show us? We're really looking forward to it!" ［Yuna］

  "Ohh! Of course! You t on me!" ［Garret］

  Fortunately, Garret was quite easy to distract. A simple request from them and he quickly fot about the introdus. Though his reverence for them was a little troubling, it is also useful at times. And such was this time.

  Though they feel bad about his friends, there wasn't too much to worry about. With Garret fully vihey also quickly fot about the flow of events. It seems like Garret is influeng them in ways more thahank God they're also idiots.

  "ht! Speaking of which, Lester, is your shop still open?" ［Garret］

  "Our shop? Of course, it's always open. Why?" ［Lester］

  "Great! The's head there this instant!" ［Garret］

  There was ation in his voice as Garret gave such a decration. With him aer on the lead, they then headed oter's shop, chatting ever so cheerfully as they headed towards the pce, a light atmosphere about them.

  Of course, as they headed there, Garret and the gang also kept asking them about their names, but thankfully, they were able to distract them by ging the topic. They also tried to get Garret to not reveal their identities, but their gestures always fly over his head. He was hopeless.

  Before long, they finally arrived at their destination. It was a shop not too big but not too small either, beautiful flowers decorating the outside and a number of wonderful jewelry dispyed on the inside, each beautiful to their own.

  "We've arrived, everyone. Wele to Dolly's Accessory Shop!" ［Garret］

  And for some reason, Garret quickly ged the tone of his void started ag like a tuide once again. He happily and politely opehe doors for everyone, soft chimes dang in the air as they entered.

  It was even more beautiful inside, gems and preetals sparkling brightly like stars in the midnight sky. Frs to neckce, there were all sorts of things present, eae uniquely designed with intricate carvings.

  Rubies, gars, topazes, pearls, diamonds, gold, silver, and a lot more. Colors filled their view as they looked left and right. It was as to be expected iy of Colors. Even the presentation of the products was magnifit, things ly arrao showcase their true beauty.

  "Mom～! I'm backー Kugh!" ［Lester］

  "Lester, you brat! You finally came back!" ［Dolly］

  Lester couldn't even finish his words when, out of the blue, a wooden dle came flying straight towards him, hitting him magnifitly in the forehead and leaving a red mark. It made quite the sound too. It must have hurt a lot.

  But there was no time to worry about the pain. Just as he got up from being struck, he was already grabbed by the colr and shook wildly by his angry mother. He them received a lengthy and furious scolding for skipping his chores like usual. He's really is Garret's friend, alright.

  "You have even fihe dishes! Why youー Ah! Young Lord!" ［Dolly］

  "Good m, Missus Dolly. How have you been?" ［Garret］

  "Haah... I've been well, Young Lord. But as you see, a certain child of mine keeps causirouble. I hope he hasn't invenienced you." ［Dolly］

  "No, no, not at all. Rather, he's been helping me every time. I'm very thankful to him for everything he's done. He's a great friend." ［Garret］

  "I see... Then, I'll let him off the hook just this once. Maybe I've been a little bit too harsh on this child." ［Dolly］

  And like friends would, Garret quickly came to the rescue the momeer got into trouble. Though there weren't any lies in his words, Lester wasn't really helping him in something useful. They simply messed around and role pyed day after day.

  "Ah, right. I almost fot. I'm t our quests right now. Would it be alright if we take a look around the shop?" ［Garret］

  "Of course! You take a look around as much as you want!" ［Dolly］

  "Hahaha. Thank you very much, Missus Dolly." ［Garret］

  It was as easy as that. As soon as Dolly gave her approval, everyohen took a look around the shop to see if there was anything they fahey walked here and there, peering through the gss cases with excited, sparkling eyes.

  Iris was especially excited. Though she had picked jewelry for herself before, those accessories were only for formal events such as tea parties and grand balls. She had never picked one for her own enjoyment, and now that she could, she was so happy, she couldn't even hide her smile even if she wao.

  She especially liked the pearl neckce which shined like the burning su, red as one be. She couldn't take her eyes off it, even imagining herself wearing it on her neck. So much so, she didn't notice Yuna approag her.

  "Do you like that one, Iris?" ［Yuna］

  "W-Waah! E-Elder Sister Yunー Ah! Sorry!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! It's alright. Everyone's busy so no one hear us." ［Yuna］

  Iris quickly covered her mouth as soon as she realized she was about to say Yuna's loud. Thankfully, everyone was so busy looking at the dispys that they didn't really hear her. It was a close call.

  "So... Do you like this pearl neckce?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes... I think it looks beautiful..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! If that's the case, let's buy it then. This will be my gift to you." ［Yuna］

  "E-Eh?! N-No, I buy it myself! I still have some money! You don't have to trouble yourself with that, Elder Sister!" ［Iris］

  "No, that won't do. I'll be buying this as a gift for you, and that's final." ［Yuna］

  Yuna wao give the neckce as a gift to Iris, but the princess, being as shy as she is, quickly rejected her offer. Unfortunately for the princess, Yuna is quite stubbor es to such things. She didn't back down a little bit.

  Yuna tried her best to vince Iris, but the young princess doesn't want to budge an iher. They were in deadlock for a few minutes already. And though she really doesn't want to use it, Iris left Yuna with no other choice.

  "Listen, Iris... Your birthday is a month after Liz's, isn't it? Me and Grey didn't really get the ce to attend, so I thought maybe with this, I at least give you a present even though it's already so te." ［Yuna］

  "Elder Sister..." ［Iris］

  "But it looks like you really want to buy this... I'll just go find another one..." ［Yuna］

  "... Okay... I'll accept it as a gift..." ［Iris］

  It was super effective! Though Yuna is usually the cheerful and iype, having been with Grey and Julius, she now knew a trick or two. Using pity to gain the upper hand is such a simple trick. Iris didn't stand a ce.

  Though he may be cheg out the merdise, Grey couldn't help but overhear Yuna and Iris' versation. He 't say he's shocked, but he's a little surprised how sly his girlfriend had bee. Oh, how he regrets having corrupted her.

  "Hm? Is there something on my face?" ［Yuna］

  "Nah, nothing... I was just lost in thought for a sed..." ［Grey］

  Still in disbelief, Grey tinued with whatever he was doing and so did Yuna and Iris. Having picked a neckce for Iris, they the around the pce to see if there was anything else they'd like, eyes brimming with brilliance.

  As frey, he scoured the dispy quick as lightning, eyes zoomi and right as he scoured through them. Their design, the size, the gemstones, he scrutinized ead every detail of the items, leaning closely as he ied them.

  'How beautiful... I wonder if Yuna would like this...' ［Grey］

  Of course, the items were her than rings. After all, Grey had already decided to propose to Yuna, and though he had been practig how to make the best ring in his spare time, there was no harm in taking inspiration.

  He didn't pn to visit an accessory shop today, but it was lucky that they did. With this, he could directly ask the person herself of her preferend make the best e ring there is. It was a little nerve-wrag, to be ho.

  "Yuna, you e with me for a sed?" ［Grey］

  "Hm?" ［Yuna］

  But there was no time to chi out. As fidently as he could, Grey strode towards her and whispered softly to her ears. The tter really didn't uand what was happening, but she simply followed, a bright smile on her face.

  "Yuna, what do you think of this?" ［Grey］

  "Hm, this neckce...? I think it's beautiful, though it's a little too grand...?" ［Yuna］

  "Then, how about this one? Don't you think this is too pin?" ［Grey］

  "No, I actually like this oer. It's simple but still beautiful." ［Yuna］

  Of course, Grey didn't just ask about the rings like an idiot. He first started with the neckces, soon moving ts, and so one and so forth, listening closely to her remarks in order to spark a bit of passion and creativity in his heart.

  And finally, they arrived at the rings se of the shop. They looked like a lovely couple pig out an e ring, but Yuna was simply too focused to notice. She simply answered Grey's questions, having fun as she spent time with him.

  "By the way, Grey, why are you asking these questions?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing, really. It's just that I might use this ter someday, so I'm taking notes.mWe could use this as gifts for everyohen." ［Grey］

  "I see... As expected of my boyfriend! So thoughtful!" ［Yuna］

  Except that he's not. Though he might give them like the one he gave to Violet just retly, he's mostly doing everything he ow to know what kind of design Yuna would like for her e ring. It was a selfish desire, but there was o say it out loud.

  The questions tinued and so did their tour around the shop. Soon, they bought all the items they fancied, even giving some to Garret and the gang for their hard work. A gift was so happy to receive, he decred he'll make it the family heirloom.

  But the excitement simply didn't stop there. After the accessory shop, they the around and headed to Marcus' pce. His family also runs quite a successful business which is known throughout the whole of Edea.

  "Waah～! So beautiful!" ［Yuna］

  "So many bees... And flowers too..." ［Iris］

  That business is her than a honey farm. Where there are flowers, there would be bees, and where there would be bees, there would be honey. With Erdea's fields poputed by a myriad of both, honey is also a very popur product from them.

  And Marcus' family is one of the most promi honey producers in the whole city. Their honey products are so well-known, even the surroundiories have heard of it, always in high demand, people buzzing all over it.

  Well, why wouldn't it be? After all, not only is there honey super sweet and delicious, it also es in different varieties with different sweetness, sistency, and even different aftertastes. The product of several geions of cultivating honey.

  "Is this alright?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, if you're talking about the bees, they're pletely docile. Even if you try to harm them, they'll simply run away." ［Marcus］

  "Iing... How much work would it take to do that?" ［Grey］

  "Huhuhu. It's all because of the iy of my aors." ［Marcus］

  Said Marcus with a proud smile on his face. Though he is a part of Garret's gang, he is actually the most normal of the bunch, able to prehend on sense and know when to cross the lines. Su admirable young man.

  And that very same young man now started heading towards the beehives, cheg the tents of the hives, a smile floating on his face as he saw that honey was almost ready to be harvested yet again.

  "Marcus, we harvest honey yet?" ［Garret］

  "No, not yet... Though it should be ready in a couple days." ［Marcus］

  "Well, that's unfortunate..." ［Garret］

  "Huhuhu. o be so sad now. We still eat honey, you know?" ［Marcus］

  Garret was a little disappointed, but as soon as he heard Marcus' words, his eyes immediately lit up. Well, not just his. The other members of the gang and Yuna got just as excited as well, bright smiles blooming on their faces.

  And before long, they headed iheir house where hundreds upon hundreds of honey bottles were lined up oer ahey were all different tones of gold and amber, inviting as one be, glimmering shtly.

  There was oh some sliced lemons inside of it, one which was almost reddish in color, and even ones where the honey had already started to crystalize. They were all fasating to look at, adorably sealed in little jars.

  "Sorry, we only have bread right now. Are you all alright with that?" ［Marcus］

  "No. No problems here." ［Garret］

  "Same here～." ［Yuna］

  There was no time to waste. With everyone already so excited, Marcus then opened a couple jars of honey and with a spreading knife from God-knows-where, he swiftly and evenly spread the honey on top of the sliced bread.

  The sliced bread already looked so amazing, but with the honey on top, it shined even brighter. Everyone's eyes were on the pieces of sliced bread, happily accepting them with gratitude ahusiasm.

  """Thank you for the food!"""

  Everyoook a bite and everyone was surprised with delight. The sweet and sticky honey caressed their tongues gently as rich fvors exploded in their mouths. It was only a sie yet they already felt like heaven.

  "So good! Is honey usually this delicious!" ［Yuna］

  "Mmn～! This is bliss!" ［Iris］

  "I k! Your honey really is the best, Marcus!" ［Garret］

  Everyone sang praises of the delicious bread with honey and e to the fullest. Of course, a single slice wasn't enough. They all grabbed a spreading knife for themselves and started making such treats for themselves, happy as one be.

  And whilst such a warm atmosphere brewed over them, a sudden thought suddenly crossed Grey's mind. He then grabbed a few fruits from his "Iory", sliced them up, and pced them atop his bread, creating a fruity, honey sandwich.

  "Yup! That's much better, alright." ［Grey］

  The sweet honey on bread was already delicious, but bined with the natural sweetness and sourness of fruits, the treat became even more delicious. He felt bliss and peace even when such a chaotich was around him.

  "Boss! That's unfair! Please give me some fruits, too!" ［Garret］

  "Elder Brother... I also want to have some as well..." ［Iris］

  "Master! Me too!" ［John］

  "I would also love some too, My Lord!" ［Olsen］

  Well, he was soon noticed by the chaotid his peace was quickly broken. And for some reason, everyone else in the gang suddenly started addressing him formally as if he was some sort of Messiah. It was total chaos.

  The sun tio climb in the horizon and the bees tio buzz around, hopping from flower to flower. The silent breeze blew and a sweet fragrance was adrift in the air, dang ever so gracefully. What a memorable day.

  CHAPTER 266 END