The sun was high up in the sKy and the winds whistled as they passed by. The city tio hustle and bustle, people runni and right as they went about the tter half of their day, humming along as they looked forward to going home.

  In such a busy city, a few figures could be found l around with no particur destination in mind, walking towards wherever their feet take them, eyes wanderi, right, up, and down along the tunes of a soothing voice.

  "To the right, we could see the first ever brewery in town. It was a simple tavern at first, but as you see, it has grown to be quite a reputable shop after two hundred years of history." ［Garret］

  "Two hundred years... And to think they still stand to this day. Their alust be quite delectable for them to st so long." ［Iris］

  "Of course. It's one of the best iy. Especially their Silverstone Mead. It is often called the best mead in the ti!" ［Garret］

  The afternoon had already arrived and everyone was still tinuing their tour around the city. Erdea is quite big, after all. Even after several hours of t, they barely covered half of the area, still a lot more to go.

  As farret's gang, they were no longer with. After they visited Marcus' family's honey farm, they then headed to Olsen's family's rexation shop where they fully experiehe greatness of calming sts and massages, fatigue simply melting away from their bodies.

  And just in time, as lunch arrived, they then headed to John's family's restaurant which served one of the most delectable dishes they had ever eaten. They had a total bst tasting all sorts of fvors and the taste of Erdea.

  But such fun didn't st for too long. As it stands, everyoill had to help out in their family business, and so, after lunch, they headed out their own ways, leaving Grey and pany to their own devices, tinuing their tour with smiles on their faces.

  "This here is one of the biggest horse stables iy. They have the best horses around here. Should we have a ride?" ［Garret］

  "Uh... Garret, I'll pass on that one..." ［Grey］

  "Me too. I don't want to see the world spinning again..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, like any other city, there were also horse stables around. Garret offered for them to ride around the pce for some time, but Grey and Yuna quickly refused it without a sed. They still clearly remember st year's tragedy.

  They may be heroes who solo high-rank monsters, but even they have their own weakhey could ride dragons and soar through the clouds, but the rough and rowdy horses aren't meant for them. They'd rather go on foot if they have a choice.

  "How about you, Yhness? Wouldn't you like to try horse riding?" ［Garret］

  "I would also like to dee. I'm not really good with horses, per se." ［Iris］

  "I see... It's a shame, but we don't o force ourselves." ［Garret］

  And luckily enough, it seems like Iris wasn't also one fond of horses. She may be royalty, but horse riding was one of her greatest weaknesses. She shared the same seo the two, albeit for different reasons.

  "Boss, Lady Boss, are you sure you really don't wantー" ［Garret］

  "Ah! Garret, what's that? I've never seen them before." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Where?" ［Garret］

  "Over there, just a little bit on the left. That red little thing." ［Grey］

  "Oh! I see it too! It's so tiny!" ［Yuna］

  Garret was quite persistent, but Grey and Yuna were simply too crafty for him. He couldn't even finish his words when Grey suddenly poi a certain something which happeo catch his eyes.

  Soon, Yuna also joihe fray and aided Grey in distrag him. Soon, the young man was made to expin the red little thing, a radiant smile on his face, happy to aheir questions. They felt a little guilty, but it was necessary. Crisis averted.

  The tour soon tinued and all sorts of wonderful sights greeted their eyes. There were a ton of establishments big and small, ing in all shapes and colors. The children ran around all over the pce, chasing each other as they pyed tag. It really was a lively city.

  Of course, as they toured around, Grey didn't fet to snap some pictures to serve as memories. It was a little tiring expining it to Garret at first, but he quickly got it after a quick demonstration. Tons and tons of pictures were taken.

  "And here we are. Our final destination. The Marble Gardens!" ［Garret］

  Before long, they finally arrived at their st destination for the day located up north the city. Garret saved the best for st, a proud smile blooming on his face as he led everyone inside, a sweet and calming fragrance greeting them.

  "Waah～... So many flowers... They're all so beautiful..." ［Iris］

  "You say that again. It's like we're in paradise." ［Grey］

  The flower fields outside were already beautiful enough to rival the starry night, but what was ihe garden was even more so. So beautiful that it would leave one speechless, simply admiring the view as their subtle footsteps echoed in the air.

  It wasn't like any normal garden. There weren't just flowers dominating the garden, but trees, vines, bushes and all sorts of beautiful things popping up here and there, resembling a small forest which was brimming with beauty and tranquility.

  "Waah～! So many! There are even ones I haven't see! Wait, are these magits?! There's magits as well?!" ［Yuna］

  Tranquilly which was soon broken by a very, very excited Yuna. The moment she saw such a sight filled with flowers, herbs, and magits, her alchemist side quickly dominated herself, eyes sparkling brighter than the sun above.

  She was so excited, she didn't even care about anything else and zoomed here and there as she observed the pnts with great i. She was especially ied in the ones she hasn't seen before, wanting to pluck them so that she could study them.

  "Just a little bit won't hurtー Uuu!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, stop that. These aren't ours, you know?" ［Grey］

  Thankfully, Grey was there to keep an eye on her, sending a very light chop to the head to stop her frenzy. After all, her "a little bit" is not what it seems at all. Once she starts, she will go all out and start going on a material colle frenzy.

  "Uuu... I was just going to get a little bit... Just a petal..." ［Yuna］

  "A petal from each flower, right?" ［Grey］

  "N... No... Only a tiny bit..." ［Yuna］

  "And how 'tily are we talking about? You're not going to uproot all of them just to use them in alchemy, won't you?" ［Grey］

  Yuna tried to reason her way out, but Grey knew her far too well. She also tried to act cute and all, but Grey won't budge oter, simply ign her pleas with a heart as cold as ice. Strict mode on.

  It was only natural. After all, the Marble Gardens is one of the most known attras in Erdea. They 't have damaged pnts and flowers all over the garden simply because of a certain silver-haired elf's whim. It would be a disaster.

  "Don't worry, Lady Boss! We have a lot of these pnts in the manor. We could just ask Dad to give us some!" ［Garret］

  "Really?! I won't be holding back, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course! You ask as much as you ! I'm sure Dad would be happy to help you out as well! He's your fan, after all!" ［Garret］

  "Garret, don't ence her. She will only get more bold if you spoil her." ［Grey］

  Or so he says, but iy, he was the one who spoiled Yuna the most. The very reason why Yuna has been spoiled rotten, Not only is he overprotective, he was very doting as well, more like a father rather than a lover.

  In fact, even now, he was thinking of a way to make different flowers for Yuna with the use of pnt magic. They may take some time, but he had already marked it in his mental notes. Oh, the sweet, sweet irony.

  "Iris, listen, we'll be asking Lerald ter for flowers, would you like some as well? I heard they have some golden dahlias here." ［Yuna］

  "Golden dahlias? I want to see them too." ［Iris］

  "It's decided the's ask Lerald during dinner!" ［Yuna］

  Their choice was quickly decided and their hearts were filled with excitement. Yuna was especially enthusiastic, thinking of all sorts of things she'll see in the manardens and greenhouses. She especially looked forward to the magits.

  Shenanigans aside, their tour tinued around the garden and they saw all sorts of flowers blooming and vines swinging. There were also sweet berries and juicy apples free to be picked which they enjoyed very much.

  Other than that, they also viewed the rare spes grown ihe greenhouses. There were multicolored roses, tulips which looked like they were burning, and even flowers which looked like delicate, blue snowfkes, transparent aiful.

  "Grey! Grey! Look at this pnt! It looks so funny!" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? What is... A dogー No, a horse...?" ［Grey］

  "Un! It's a goril and a horse! A doghorse!" ［Yuna］

  Well, there weren't just beautiful flowers. There were also silly-looking ones which were just there to make them ugh. Especially the flowers which looked like a dog and a horse at the same time. It made Yuna's stomach ugh from ughing.

  "Yuna, which flower do you think is the most beautiful around here?" ［Grey］

  "Mmn... It's hard to choose... Do I really have to? They all look so pretty,.." ［Yuna］

  "Of course. There 't be two 'most beautiful' flowers now, there? Well, you just choose whie you like the most." ［Grey］

  Of course, Grey didn't miss a beat and took the ce to ask Yuna which flowers she likes and which were her favorites. He could use them as a reference for ter wheime es he'll have to propose to her.

  And surprisingly, rather than saying she liked all the flowers, Yuna actually thought long and hard, having a hard time pig between all the beautiful flowers before her. Her serious, thinking face was cute too.

  "Then I choose this one!" ［Yuna］

  "Oh? A el? I didn't know you liked them that much." ［Grey］

  "Of course! It may look simple, but it be used in making a lot of potions, you know? Just imagihe possibilities!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, it wasn't just as easy as it seems. Grey had almost fotten, but Yuna was one heck of an alchemy maniac. She doesn't just see the flowers by how pretty they were, but also their usefulness in her alchemy work.

  "Grey, why are you asking? Do you want to improve your alchemy too?" ［Yuna］

  "No, I was just curious. Maybe ime." ［Grey］

  "Don't be like that. Let's do alchemy together!" ［Yuna］

  And now, Yuna's mind was gearing into alchemy. She had a blindingly bright smile on her face as she tried to persuade Grey into pursuing alchemy with her. She was very happy buzzing like a merry bee all over her boyfriend.

  Alchemy talks aside, they tiheir tour and looked all around the pce. As the fourth bell rang throughout the whole city, they also had a small piic, relishing in the gentle winds aing the tastiest treats to waste their time away.

  Soon, the sky turned amber and the city's bustle slowly died down. As the sun started to sink down the faraway horizon, shops and stalls slowly closed oer another as people went back to their own homes, streetlights illuminating slowly and surely.

  "Time passed by so quickly... I didn't think it's already evening,.." ［Grey］

  "Right～? But we really did have a lot of fun today. It's been such a bst going around the city. What do you think, Iris?" ［Yuna］

  "I-I think so as well! I had so much fun spending time with Elder Sister Yuna and Elder Brrey!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! You're so cute, Iris～! Here, let me give you a hug!" ［Yuna］

  However, despite the darkness slowly creeping in the vast sky, there were only bright smile to be seen blooming in everyone's faces. They ehe day very much, learning all sorts of hings aing many people.

  Especially Iris. She had gone around different cities before, but it was the first time she explored on foot and visited so maablishments, not g about the eyes of the public. She finally uood why her older brothers liked sneaking out of the castle. The city was so much fun.

  "Well, we wouldn't have so much fun if it weren't for our reliable tuide. Thanks a lot, Garret. We really owe you this one." ［Grey］

  "Thank you, Garret! It was a lot of fun!" ［Yuna］

  "Thank you very much, Larret. This is the most fun I've had for a long time. I 't express how thankful I am." ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. I'm just doing my job, but I'm really happy that you think so." ［Garret］

  Everyone expressed their gratitude oer another, and Garret received them warmly with a rge smile on his face, extendio ear. He also had a lot of fun hanging out with everyone, proud that they think so highly of Erdea.

  Of course, as his tuiding duties were now finished, he finally returo his usual self, ag more casually all the while foing the formal speech he has been using most of the day. Casual was still best.

  "Oh! I almost fot. There's still something I want to show you." ［Garret］

  Said Garret, out of the blue. The tour was already over, but as he looked up to the amber sky, he suddenly remembered a spot he often frequents. It's a spot not many know, but he still wao show it to them before ending the day.

  They walked and they walked some more, soon arriving at one of the clock towers present iy. It was high and mighty, standing a couple dozeers proudly, overseeing the town with a rge clock attached in the ter, arms running slowly ast time ticked and tocked.

  g g g

  The sound of metal drifted in the air as footsteps struck the metal stairs. Each step, they climbed higher and higher, excitement brewing in their hearts as they wondered just what kind of surprise awaited them at the top.

  "Just a little bit more. We're almost there." ［Garret］

  Four, three, two, ohe flight of stairs was climbed higher and higher, golden light seeping through the windows as they climbed. The moment they arrived at the top, a sight of wreeted them. A nd illuminated by gold.

  "Wele to my paradise!" ［Garret］

  As Garret's voice echoed in the air, a wondrous sight was reflected in their eyes and engraved in their eyes. Everyone eechless and in awe as they watched the se unfold, the suing in the far horizon, slowly but surely.

  The Obelisk of ant, the Marble Gardens, the high walls, the manor, and even the flower fields outside the city. They could see everything from the top, like the free birds flying in the sky, the silent wind blowing past their ears.

  A sight of red, blue, green, and many more expanded as far as the eyes could see. What was on iridest treasure trove was now dyed the color of soft gold and sweet amber, preoments fading away by the sands of time.

  "So beautiful..." ［Iris］

  Two simple words drifted afloat in the air, carried by the gentle evening breeze as the princess stood atop the clock tower. Her eyes sparkled a beautiful sheen, a soft smile f on her lips as her golden hair fluttered in the wind.

  Silence soon took over and as the sky turned bck, it was finally time to head bae. The stars nned over the sky and the mning over them. Gentle light showered the nds as the city slowly drifted into sleep.

  Yet despite the darkness looming over them, the city tio shine like a bright gem uhe moonlight. The streets were filled with colors as street mps shihe color of the rainbow. It really is the city of colors, through and through.

  "Oh, Yhnesses, you're back. How was your day?" ［Gerald］

  "It was a lot of fue all sorts of treats and also visited many wonderful sights. Erdea is really beautiful." ［Yuna］

  "I couldn't agree more. Not only that, the people were also very friendly. No wo's called the city of peace. Erdea really lives up to its name." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! I'm extremely delighted to hear that." ［Gerald］

  As they went back to the mansion, a warm greeting weled them with everyone asking how their day went about. The parents were especially very happy when they heard Garret did a job well doheir troublemaker of a son has finally grown up.

  "Well, let's not waste any more time now. I have already asked our chefs to prepare the best dishes they could. It's time for dinner." ［Gerald］

  "Oh? The best dishes, huh... We're looking forward to it." ［Grey］

  "Oh, please do. I'm sure their food won't disappoint." ［Gerald］

  "That's right. Especially their braised pork stew. I hope you have a taste of it. It's the pride and joy of our kit." ［thia］

  There was no time to waste. With everyone looking forward to dihey all headed towards the dining hall, and soon enough, dinner was served in a beautiful manner, all sorts of dishes dispyed atop the table.

  There was fish, steaks, soups, and a lot more. And as they previously said, all were very delectable, fvors exploding in their mouths like firecrackers. Some were rich while some were mild, but all were delicious heless.

  They chatted their time away, ughter and giggles flying over the dining table. The night went deeper and ptes were emptied time and time again. Soon, it was time for everyoo retire, everyone heading to their own rooms to waste the night away,

  Of course, Grey and Yuna also went to their own room, a room of darkness engulfed by the light as they flipped the swit. They have just arrived but the bed already started inviting them over. A soft and fortable paradise.

  "Yuna... We still o ge..." ［Grey］

  "No... Just a little longer." ［Yuna］

  And just like Grey had expected, Yuna quickly became gy the moment they were aloogether. They have been with others throughout the whole day so she really didn't have a choice, but now was different. She didn't o hold baymore.

  The very moment Grey closed the door, she quickly embraced him from the front and held her head near his chest, feeling his heartbeats. She didn't care if Grey was a bit sweaty, all she wanted was to hold him tight, recharging her power.

  "Yuna, let's ge first, yeah? I might smell, you know?" ［Grey］

  "I don't care. Grey's smell is calming. I love it." ［Yuna］

  "Well... How about you let go for a mihen after we ge, we could cuddle all you want. Sounds good?" ［Grey］

  "No. We could still cuddle even if we don't ge." ［Yuna］

  Grey tried to promise, but Yuna wouldn't budge. She was now pouting, tightening her embra him like a little child who doesn't want to let go of her parents leaving for work. Her giness has reached its limit.

  Of course, it wasn't good frey at all. He had already been holding himself back throughout the whole day, and now, he was barely able to trol his desires. One more push and the final string of reason would be at risk of snapping.

  "Grey, I love you." ［Yuna］

  And so, the final string did snap. As Yuna's sweet voice rang throughout his ears, he finally lost all sense of reason and the beast inside of him had awakened. His eyes which were once full of hesitation and worry are now burning fiercely with passion.

  "Yuna, just remember, yht this upon yourself." ［Grey］

  "Hm? What do youー kyaa!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna couldn't even finish her words when Grey suddenly lifted her up into his arms, all the while creating a sound-isoting barrier to envelop the whole room. Before long, Yuna was already lying on the bed, pinned down by her beloved.

  She couldn't even enjoy the softness and fort of the bed. All she could feel was the intense passion radiating from Grey's fierce eyes whiow looked like that of a starved beast, ready to poun his prey.

  "Yuna, really you... You should learn how to read the atmosphere... Do you know how much I've been holding myself back? If you suddenly e to me ag all cute and adorable like that... Just what do you think would happen?" ［Grey］

  "E-Eh?! Grey, wait! Wait! I'm still sweaty from our walk! Let's ge first! No, let's at least take a bath, okay?!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. It's too te for that now, my dear. I don't think I wait any longer." ［Grey］

  Oh, how the tables have turned. With the beast now awakened and starved, Yuna could no longer run away from the sequences of her as. Grey's sharp gaze reflected on her eyes, the sound of heartbeats getting faster and faster.

  The young man leaned in and sealed her lips with a kiss, full of fierd passionate love as their body burned hot. As their lips separated, a thin, silver line was formed, glimmering in the air, soon broken by subtle breeze.

  "Grey... You're ag mean again..." ［Yuna］

  "That's because you're just so cute. I just want to eat you up." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Grey, you bully..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha." ［Grey］

  Oaths of love sworn towards one another as the room's atmosphere was tinted pink. The night was cold and the city was already asleep, yet there was only warmth and love dang in the air, two figures sealing their lips once more.

  "I love you, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Me too... I love you too, Grey," ［Yuna］

  CHAPTER 267 END