There was no movement, only the gentle sunlight seeping through the windows. The room vishly decorated by grandiose apers and luxurious furniture was still and quiet, a peaceful atmosphere enveloping the whole pce.

  The birds chirped and sang from the trees outside, a soft chime carried by the pyful wind. Two figures y down motionlessly on the bed, their bodies covered by a white b, soft and subtle snores drifting in the wind.

  "Hngg... Urghh..." ［Grey］

  But such tranquility was soon broken and silent movements were born. One of the figures slowly rose from the bed, his well-built body revealed as the b slowly slipped away. His eyes were still hazy, mind still a little sleepy.

  Well, who wouldn't be? After the long and passionate night filled with bliss that he shared with his beloved, it was only natural that he was a tad bit exhausted. They were so fierd passiohat time flew away before they noticed it.

  "Hm?" ［Grey］

  Grey looked to his right, and what he found was a sleeping Yuna. Her hair was still disheveled but she was still the most beautiful woman in the world to his eyes. Even when she was sleeping, she was so adorable, Grey just couldn't help but smile.

  "Haha. So defenseless..." ［Grey］

  The smile that bloomed on his face shone even brighter. He soon leaned in towards his beloved to give her a m kiss on the cheeks, when suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. The smile was no more, only a face of horror left behind.

  Yesterday's memories came flooding in, and not only happiness and embarrassment, a feeling of guilt also brewed inside his heart. He still remembered vividly the way he acted like a staved and savage beast, eating Yuna whole.

  If it weren't for the fact that he erected a barrier all over the room, their voices full of intense love and passion would have rang throughout the whole mansion. Now, not only guilt, but shame has swallowed his sce.

  'What have I done...?!' ［Grey］

  And to top it all off, he still isn't satisfied after everything they did the night before. His appetite is yet to be sated, and he simply wanted more from Yuna. His desire kept on overflowing that he thinks he's going crazy.

  It also didn't help that Yuna's sleeping face looked so pure and i. Along with his growing desires, the number of arrows filled with guilt stabbing his hearts also increased. A tug of war between his sd desires.

  'Haah... Just what am I doing...' ［Grey］

  Fp Fp Fp

  He sooracted his hands and hot off the bed, ag carefully as to not wake up the sleepiy. He quickly got himself a ge of clothes and swiftly draped in unto himself, a little bit of ing with magic.

  Yuna was still asleep, and the day was still long ahead of him. As much as he wants to spend time with her, he also doesn't want his desires to go out of hand. After all, the st thing he wants is for her to get disillusioned with him. It would be a nightmare.

  "Right! There's also that, isn't there?" ［Grey］

  Thankfully, he also had many things to do in his mental checklist. If he wants to clear his mind a rid of all the impurities, what better way is there to hammer it all out with the use of smithing?!

  In addition, he also wants te many rings and try out many designs for the big day he is pnning to do. He could progress with his pns and also was away from all the dirty thoughts. It was killing two birds with oone.

  "Alright! It's decided! Let's do some smithingー" ［Grey］

  Knooock

  "Elder Brrey, Elder Sister Yuna, are you awake already?" ［Iris］

  And just whehing had been decided a series of knocks came eg from the other side of the door. The one doing all the knog was her than Iris who seemed to have woken up earlier than usual.

  "Just a minute." ［Grey］

  With a flick of his fingers, Grey quickly closed the curtains on the bed and fixed all there is to be fixed. They 't have such a mess greet Iris' eyes, after all. She's still too young to learn of such ses.

  Click Cck Creak

  A series of sounds echoed oer another and the door was soon opened. A pretty princess whose hair was still disheveled. She may act prim and proper most of the time, but it's in times like such that Grey's reminded she's still a child.

  With a white towel on her person, it is easy to know what she came there for. She wao take a bath together with her again, wanting to be pampered like a little sister which she couldn't ask from his older brothers. She's so adorable.

  "M, Iris. Do you want to bathe with Yuna again today?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, good m as well Elder Brrey, and yes... I would very much like that if possible. Is Elder Sister Yuna around?" ［Iris］

  "Well... Unfortunately, she's still asleep." ［Grey］

  Following Grey's lead, Iris' eyes soon shifted towards the bed when she saw the silhouette of a sleeping Yuna. Her face soon drooped down, disappoiraced on her face, sulking a little bit.

  "Hahaha, there's o be so down. You still have a lot of ces to do that ter oill have a month, after all." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, yes! Sorry for w you!" ［Iris］

  "Don't be. Just make sure to be careful ih, alright? You get hurt if you slip. You shouldn't act recklessly." ［Grey］

  And like usual, Grey's overprotective side had sprung up once again. Although Iris is already 11 years old, and a well-behaved o that, he still treated her like a little child and gave her warnings. He was very serious as well.

  "Yes. I'll make sure to do so." ［Iris］

  "Alright, that's a good girl." ［Grey］

  Thankfully, Iris really didn't mind it, or rather, she was happy that Grey worried for her. Happiness which soon bloomed brighter as Grey patted her head gently, a gentle smile sprouting on her face, cheeks dyed a rosy tint.

  "ht. Before I fet, could you tell Yuna I wouldn't be with you all for the most of the day. I'd like to work on my smithing work." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Are you f something again, Elder Brrey?" ［Iris］

  "Yeah. It's quite an important task, so it would take some time..." ［Grey］

  Not just important, it is one of the most important tasks in both of his lives! He never had a girlfriend before Yuna, so it was only natural that he feels the most nervous he has ever been, not knowing whether to just go for it or wait a little bit.

  As for what ring he's going te, he's still debating on what to choose. He got a lot of useful information from yesterday's tour, but he still couldn't settle on which to use. All he knows he o do his best. He'll surely pour his heart and soul in this one.

  "Anyway, I t on you to rey that to Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Yes. You rest assured." ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. That's a relief to hear.... Well then, I'll be seeing you ter. I hope you have a wonderful day, Iris." ［Grey］

  "Yes. I wish you the same as well. Good luck!" ［Iris］

  Hands were waved and farewells were exged. After Grey said goodbye to Iris, he quickly ehe "Sanctuary" and proceeded to take out the ever so reliable "Divine Bcksmith's Toolset", a whole fe appearing from thin air.

  Silver, gold, jade, amethyst, opal, tanzanite, and a whole ton of preetals aones were dished out oer anlimmering ever shtly just like the determination burning fiercely in Grey's eyes.

  "Alright! Let's do this!" ［Grey］

  Passion burning in his heart and the hammer by his hand, Grey soon lit the fe abze, a loud roar eg in the fields. The furnace burned fierd hot as the ingots were id heated to extreme temperatures, soon turning a fiery red color.

  The hammer soon struck the ingots and a resounding sound boomed throughout the fields. And then another, and another once more. The sound of the hammer striking the metals reverberated throughout the fields as the fmes tio dance.

  ...

  Dongggg Dongggg Dongggg

  The curtains fpped and fluttered as they danced in the air. The sun had climbed higher into the horizon and the city had grown busier once more. The time was nine and the sed bell echoed throughout the city.

  "Mnghhh..." ［Yuna］

  And just as the city bells rang, a low groan soon echoed in a certain room. A certain silver-haired elf wiggled on the bed, sooing up and rubbing her eyes as she greeted the day with a yawending her arms towards the ceiling.

  "O....." ［Yuna］

  But it wasn't just a soft yawn which echoed in the air. Following it was a low cry of pain as her bad legs ached all over. Every time she moves, they simply sting, sending subtle shivers down her spine.

  Of course, the cause was her than the long and passionate night she spent with Grey. It was so wild and rough than usual that she even suffers from soreness. Even now, she could still remember Grey's fierd passionate eyes.

  "Grey... You really don't know how to hold back..." ［Yuna］

  Just remembering all the things they did was enough for her cheeks to feel feverish, flustered as one be. She might have experienced a little soreness, but it wasn't like she hated it. She simply loves Grey too much.

  ??Heal?? ??Recuperate?? ［Yuna］

  Well, even if she does love him, love won't simply heal her soreness. She still o use holy magic to relieve her pain. She hought she'd use it in such a way, but here she is. Oh, what a straurn of fate.

  All jokes aside, Yuna quickly ged into some casual clothing and fixed the room with a little bit of magic. Soon after, she then grabbed herself a towel and headed to the bath with a big, bright smile blooming on her face.

  "Waah～! This is bliss!" ［Yuna］

  She took a bath, and had the most wonderful time there is. She may have relieved all her soreness already, but it was still best to melt away in the goodness of hot baths. The moment she finished, she was fully refreshed and raring to go.

  Iris had also already told her about Grey, and though she was a little crestfallen, there was not much she could do about it. She'll simply savor all the time they could spend together, of course, with caution. She already learnt her lesson. Her heart isn't ready for sutense nights again.

  "Mmn～! So good! The food here is so delicious!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, what came after the bath was a warm and delicious breakfast. The others already had their fill, and though she was te, she didn't fet to enjoy it to the fullest, a smile extending from ear to ear painted on her face.

  "Her Highness really is enjoying herself." ［Violet］

  "Yes. Elder Sister Yuna makes the food look good." ［Iris］

  "Well, that's because they really are delicious!" ［Yuna］

  Well, it wasn't that she was alone. Breakfast may have already been over, but they could still hang out with each other. Sihey have nothing else to do, the girls decided to spend their leisure time with one another, chatting ever so happily.

  Garret also wao join in on the fun, but before he could even have the ce, he was immediately dragged away by the Mayor to help fix the dots he orashed. A scream of agony echoed throughout the mansion.

  "That's true... But I still think the foods Elder Sister Yuna and Elder Brrey cook are still the best." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! Thank you Iris! I'm very happy to hear that!" ［Yuna］

  "Eh? Yhness knows how to cook...?" ［Violet］

  The warm and fluffy atmosphere which just started to bloom was quickly broken by violet who was now tilting her head slightly to the right. Her eyes were filled with shod surprise as she looked at the other two before her.

  "Fufu! Do I perhaps look like a terrible cook?" ［Yuna］

  "A-Ah, n-no! Not at all! It's just... Yhness is s even when you're so young so I thought you've always been training... I just didn't think Yhnesses would have the time to cook as well." ［Violet］

  "We're just like anyone else, you know? Me and Grey also have a lot of hobbies, and cooking is simply one of them." ［Yuna］

  "Waah～! Yhness is so amazing! I be like you someday too?" ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! That depends on all your hard work." ［Yuna］

  Yuna ended her statement with a beaming smile and Violet's eyes sparkled with joy aement. Her nor just her, even Iris, was also filled with determination after hearing Yuna's words. Such adorable children.

  "ht! Since we're oopic already, why don't I make you something sweet to enjoy? A dessert, so to say." ［Yuna］

  "W-Would that be alright?!" ［Violet］

  "Of course! I've also been dying to have some, myself." ［Yuna］

  "Waah～!" ［Violet］

  Not just Violet, Iris' eyes also lit up with Yuna's decration. As soon as Yuna finished her breakfast, they quickly got permission from the Mayor then quickly headed to the kit in the Alfrione mansion. They had the whole pce for themselves.

  And as they were iy of colors, Yuna just had the perfect dessert in mind. She had always cooked it with Grey whehey liked, but it was her first time with the others. She was super excited, very much looking forward to it.

  "Are you both ready?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! I'm ready!" ［Iris］

  "Me too! I await your instrus, Yhness." ［Violet］

  Well, it isn't just Yuna who'll be making the treat. Sihey'll be sharing it with one another, why not make it together as well. That way, they have much more fun, using their time the best they could.

  There was flgs,salt, sugar, vegetable oil, food c, butter, frosting, and of course, fruits and berries, sweet as one be, both sliced and freeze-dried for ter use. Of course, what they're going to make is a rainbow fruit cake!

  "Iris, preheat the oven, please." ［Yuna］

  "Yes!" ［Iris］

  First and foremost, Yuna made the cake with the help of the girls, mixing flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and oil to make a batter. They then put them in cake pans already greased in butter and dusted with flour.

  Of course, each batter was different. They were all mixed with ground freeze-dried fruits to fvor, namely, strawberry, banana, mango, kiwi, blueberry, and bckberry, making six colors for their rainbow delight. Food c was also a must.

  Thankfully, both Iris and Violet were already experienced with baking so it didn't take too long for them to uand Yuna's instrus. They both made batters of their own, soon slig the fresh and chilled fruits with rge smiles on their faces.

  "Is that everything, Yhness?" ［Violet］

  "Yup, that should be all. All we need is to bake them." ［Yuna］

  And bake them they did. Oer ahe pans were pced ihe oven a sooook the kit. With the passing of time, the batter expanded and a sweet and wonderful aroma filled the air.

  Of course, they weren't just simply waiting as the cakes baked. With such plentiful ingredients at hand, they made more cake and filled the kit with life and colors. Laughs and giggles were adrift in the air as they eheir time together.

  When the cakes were fully baked, soft and fluffy, they then took them out of the oven and cooled them for a little while. The cake has yet to be assembled but everyone's eyes were already sparkling as they wondered what it would taste like.

  "The's finish this, shall we?" ［Yuna］

  ""Yes!"" ［Violet and Iris］

  Oer ahe cake was stacked yer by yer. First came the bckberry cake then pced ae amount of frosting on top. The steps were repeated with the blueberry, kiwi, mango, banana, and strawberry cakes. Then frosting the top and sides to plete the look.

  Of course, what cake would be plete without toppings? They put the chilled fruits they previously sliced on top, along with some edible flowers to plete the look. A quick slice revealed a beautiful rainbow color just as beautiful as the real thing.

  "Waah～! Yhness, it's so beautiful!" ［Violet］

  "Elder Sister Yuna, let's take a picture!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! That's already a given, isn't it?" ［Yuna］

  A snap here and a snap there, Yuna took a few wonderful pictures from her personal camera Grey made her not too long ago. And now, she could happily snap beautiful photos of the foods she loves all to her heart's tent.

  But as the photos were snapped, a certain pair of eyes couldn't get her attention away from the sweet delight before her. Her eyes were sparkling shtly, it was blinding. Of course, it was Violet who loves all things beautiful.

  "Fufufu! Let's have a taste, shall we?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes!" ［Violet］

  There was no time to waste. Yuna quickly grabbed a cake knife and cut the cake into seven more pieces in addition to a previous slice. Eae was filled with colors, a sweet and appetizing fragrance emanating from them.

  """Thank you for the food!"""

  The spoons cut through the cake and a rainbow was in their grasp. The very moment they munched down on such a delight, a burst of sweetness with a hint of creaminess and acidity exploded in their mouths.

  Though there were a multitude of fruits used, the taste did not tradict each other, but rather, plemented. Especially the fresh fruits used as topping, it was the ig on the cake, pleting the already delightful rainbow cake.

  "W-What is this?! It's so delicious!" ［Violet］

  "Elder Sister Yuna, I have some more ter?" ［Iris］

  "Of course! Have as much as you want." ［Yuna］

  The fvor of fruits and berries caressing their tongue, a blend of sweetness from the fruit juices Yuna just made, and the fruity aroma floating in the air. The kit had bee a sweet paradise filled with smiles and ughter.

  They baked more and more, a myriad of cakes piling up oable. Of course, they also tried using different fruits, creating tons of binations, but eae was very delicious heless. They were little children and the kit was their pyground.

  "Oh?" ［Grey］

  And just as the cakes formed a mountain, a certain figure ehe kit, lured by the fragrance of the cakes. He had just taken a bath to rid himself of all the swear and grime from his bcksmithing, mind cleared and refreshed.

  As one would expect, as he went straight to the "Sanctuary" without having breakfast, his stomach was now grumbling, only the thought of food drifting in his mind. It was the perfect time to indulge in some sweets and treats.

  "Ah! Grey, you're back! How did wo?" ［Yuna］

  "It's going well. I still o do some tweaking, but all that's left are some final touches. I should finish just in time." ［Grey］

  "Oh? That's great! Show me ter what you're w on, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course." ［Grey］

  Well, he'll be proposing to her, so of course, she'll be the first to see it. Not that there is ao mention that now. For now, he's just happy that he's finally progressing with his ped for the day that's about to e.

  "By the way, what dessert did you make this time?" ［Grey］

  "Ah! We decided to make some rainbow fruit cakes! Iris and Violet helped me out in making them. They're really delicious!" ［Yuna］

  "Oh? I have some then?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! There's more than enough for everyone!" ［Yuna］

  With his stomach hungry and grumbling, Grey didn't waste anymore time. He quickly snatched a pte and a fork from God-knows-where and had a slice, experieng the same delight the others did.

  "Oh! These are really good!" ［Grey］

  "Right～? We also made different binations. Here, have a taste." ［Yuna］

  Said the young elf as she fed Grey with a bright smile on her face. It was a surprise attack, striking Grey straight to the heart. He just cleared his mind after a hard day's work, and now his heart is rag wildly once again. His girlfriend was just too much.

  Soon, they headed to the tral mansion for lund they served the rainbow cakes for everyoo enjoy. And as one would expect, they all loved it with a big thumbs up of approval, smiles of satisfa dang in the air. A day full of sweets and happiness.

  CHAPTER 268 END