"We wish you lu your ventures, Yhnesses." ［Gerald］

  "Please have a safe trip～." ［thia］

  The sun was still low on the sky yet goodbyes were already waved in the air. Three figures walked proudly towards the gates, skipping their steps and chatting merrily as they looked forwards to what lies before them.

  It has been a few days sihey arrived in Erdea, and having stayed there for some time, they have gotteo the life there. Evehe liveliness of the town was still quite a sight to behold. Everyday is an experience full of wonders.

  "Mmn... I khat Iris in a dress looks pretty, but to think even more bold and adventurous styles would also suit you well. You look amazing, Iris!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna's right. It really does suit you." ［Grey］

  "T-Thank you. A-And, I'll do my best today so as to not invenience you!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! It's okay as long as Iris has a lot of fun!" ［Yuna］

  And today, they are now heading to the Adventurers' Guild. After all, one wouldn't be able to experiehe whole package if they also don't take a little bit of adventuring, seeing what lies beyond the walls and how different things are between nds.

  Of course, one wouldn't be able to go adventuring on a dress. Right now, unlike her usual style, Iris is wearing a long-sleeved blouse, jeans, and high boots, an attire that is easy to move iill fortable, feeling the fresh wind caress her skin.

  "Hurry up! Hurry up! We're going to be te for practice!"

  "Move it a little to the right, and... Stop! Stop! That's perfect!"

  "Do you think this would be enough? It seems a little g."

  Also, with the Festival of hearts drawing near, the city only got busier with ead every day. Now, people are starting to decorate the streets and shops, people now practig for their performance during the festival.

  Even then, no matter how busy they were, the children still went on and snout all over the streets, pying happily and asking curiously about every little thing they saw. It was quite the wondrous awarming sight to see.

  "Waah... It's a harpy... This is the first time I've ever seen one..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! Me too! They look beautiful, don't they?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! Their feathers look so glossy and amazing!" ［Iris］

  Of course, as the Festival of Hearts is a on-nine-years tial event, all sorts of races from all sorts of pces have started to arrive in Erdea. There weren't just harpies, there were undines, saureids, dwarves, and many more. All the seven races were present iy.

  The city which was already lively had gotten even livelier. Even now, as they walk through the crowd, more and more people are arriving by the gates. Each day, a couple thousaer the city, the poputioing higher and higher everyday.

  Well, popution is not the only thing which is ging. With ead every day, Grey's skills have also improved. For the sake of f the best e ring there is, he has been smithing day in and day out, only taking a break in order to spend time with Yuna.

  And as he fed tless rings, he alsed some equipment to spark some inspiration. And after endless f, he finally reached Tier-8 in bcksmithing! It was a surprise to be sure, but a wele o that.

  'Haah... I've been f day and night, but I wonder if there's something wrong with me... It still hasn't disappeared...' ［Grey］

  Well, Grey's skills weren't the only one increasing... So are his desires. He's been trying to smith to clear away all the impure thoughts he had, but rather than that, it seems to have only made things worse.

  Now, not only is his desires unmatched, he also feels more possessive and fierce when it es to Yuna. He's a little afraid that one day, he'll lose his reason and rationality and turn into a plete beast. A crazy beast at that.

  It has almost been a year sihey started dati only now is he experieng such w things. It's been so lo only now is he afraid to show Yuna his ugly sides, afraid that she'll hate him. He could only shudder at the thought.

  "Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  "Nah... I'm just thinking about something...?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Is it about your smithing? Do you need any help?" ［Yuna］

  "No, not yet. But you'll be the first oo learn ter if I ever do." ［Grey］

  "Un! Good! Just remember that I'll always, always be by your side! Just call and I'll be there for you, okay?" ［Yuna］

  Grey is really happy, he really is. But it is this very kind and siderate side of Yuna that makes him fall even harder for her. Each drop was like falling off a trench he ever climb up again. A wonderful yet dangerous abyss called love.

  'Really, Yuna... You're just far too niceー' ［Grey］

  Grey was just about to pat the young girl's head when he suddenly stopped. He had almost do subsciously again, but he already decided to trol his desires even a little bit more for her sake. It was a close one.

  "Yuna, Iris, what do you think of that cafe?" ［Grey］

  There was no point in needlessly withdrawing his hands. Instead, Grey just poiowards a cafe by the right, trying not to look obvious. It was a little bit cowardly, but there was nothing he could do about it. Oh how he envies his past, bold self.

  "Hm? Whie?" ［Yuna］

  "The one on the left with pink signs. It looks pretty nid it seems popur. Should we visit it sometime?" ［Grey］

  "Waah～! we?! I-I would love it if we could!" ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. It's decided the's go there tomorrow." ［Grey］

  Smiles were in the air and the sudden crisis was averted. Excitement loomed over them as they tio walk towards the Guild, yet despite suthusiasm, two certain figures wore strange expressions, hearts filled with mixed emotions.

  'Haah... That was a close one...' ［Grey］

  'Mou... I thought he was gonna pat me...' ［Yuna］

  Grey may be quick, but so was Yuna. It was only for a short while, but Yuna really thought Grey would pat her head like he usually does. Now that he didn't, she was both a little embarrassed and disappointed, only able to heave a short sigh.

  All the sighing aside, the jourowards the guild tinued and everyone chatted about various trivial topics. Of course, they also talked about the guild. After all, after the tour a few days ago, they also saw it albeit not too greatly.

  They have seen how beautiful it was from the outside alone and could only imagine how things were on the inside. Just thinking how different things would be pared to the uilds in other towns and cities was enough to make their heats pump a great deal of excitement.

  "Waah～! So big! Aiful too! It's like a noble's mansion!" ［Yuna］

  "So this is the Adventurers' Guild... I wonder if Elder Brother Julius also felt overwhelmed the first time as well." ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. He probably was." ［Grey］

  It was even more beautiful than they imagihough they had seen it a few days ago, now that they took a good look at it, it was even mrand and luxurious than most of mansions, even parable to the mansions in the manor.

  And the interior was no differeher. Just as grand as the exterior was, there were a variety of furniture and appliances scattered ly all over the guild, adventurers ly lining up on the reception desks, ag more formal and proper than the rough bunch they usually are.

  But perhaps the most eye-catg and overwhelming difference was the abundance of flowers decorated throughout the pce. From the pilrs, to the desks, and even the design oiles, they were all flowers or anything simir.

  Heck, even the adventurers ing back from their colle quests brought flowers or something of the like. They had jokingly thought such was the case, but to think it really was the case... Erdea really is something in ways more than one.

  "Amazing... They even have a cafe and a flower shop ihe Guild... Are all guild buildings like this, Elder Brrey, Elder Sister Yuna?" ［Iris］

  "No, not at all... This one is a special case. Yeah, a special case..." ［Grey］

  It was so important that Grey o say it twio, even amongst special cases, the one in Erdea truly stands out. The pce which was supposed to be filled with tough guys and such, to think it's filled with flowers instead. It was too absurd.

  "What are we waiting for? Let's try out the cafe!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... We just had breakfast, you know?" ［Grey］

  "I know, but aren't you even just a little bit curious? A cafe in a guild isn't something you'll see every day. Right, Iris?" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes! I-I also think we should try, Elder Brrey!" ［Iris］

  And now, even Iris is on board with Yuna's suggestion. Grey doesn't know if it's due to them spending more time with each other, but tely Iris had gotten influenced by Yuna more and more. A sed Eliza in the making.

  It isn't an issue, no, not at all. But if Iris were to somehow get influenced by their appetite, it would be quite a problem. After all, Iris was still a princess, dignity and propriety is a must. They 't lose her when her brothers are already lost causes.

  "Elder Brrey, we 't...?" ［Iris］

  "Ugh..." ［Grey］

  Though, as it seems, his resolve is much weaker pared to Iris' i pleas. With her puppy eyes and drooping voice, it hit Grey where it hurts. Especially when Iris rarely requests something. He didn't have the heart to say no to her.

  "Haah... Alright, alright, but just this once, got it? We'll go adventuring immediately once we're doing." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! You're really the bestest of the best, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "Thank you so much, Elder Brrey." ［Iris］

  They haven't even started their quests and they were already on a break. The guild may be at fault for putting a cafe iheir building, but Grey could only bme his weakness for the situation. He's still far too soft on them.

  And so, with happy smiles on their faces, everyone headed to the cafe by the side and ordered a "few" sweets that caught their eye and a few drinks to match. It was just like any other cafe that they totally fot they were ihe guild.

  Before long, a mountain of treats were lined up atop the table and a sweet fragrance drifted in the air. Just the aesthetics alone was enough to fill up both their hearts and stomachs. Sparkling ever shtly.

  "Mmn～! Iris, try this o's super good? You too, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "Waah～! It's so sweet! Is this lemon... Ne?" ［Iris］

  "Yeah, Liliosa sweet e to be precise. I heard they're quite popur here in Erdea. They're in season as well." ［Grey］

  "Amazing! You know so much, Elder Brrey!" ［Iris］

  "Hahaha, it's nothing special. I just did a little bit of research, is all." ［Grey］

  Sweet and acidic, with a hint of mint. The treats in the cafe were even more delicious than the ones in the famous cafes by the street side. It makes one wonder why it was located ihe guild. The trast was just too much.

  But oh well, after a hard day's adventuring work, a sweet treat would be great to melt one's fatigue. A faly reinforced by the number of adventurers enjoying their break time, eating sweets with a smile. It was an iing experience for sure.

  "Iris, have some of this cheese tart. Say ahh～!" ［Yuna］

  "Elder Sister Yuna, I'm not a child anymore. I eat on my own." ［Iris］

  "I know, I know, but just this once, okay? 't you agree with my request? My hand will really fall off if you don't open your mouth any sooner." ［Yuna］

  "Uuu... Okay..." ［Iris］

  Light, warm, and peaceful, such was the atmosphere looming over the guild. As they eheir unpnned and early break together, smiles and ughter was adrift in the air. A time one could only wish would never end.

  'Hm? Aren't we fetting something?' ［Grey］

  Silently thought Grey as he ate a slice of lemon cake. And yes, he was correct. They have wholly fotten the reason why they ehe guild in the first pce. The power of sweets was just simply too much.

  Time tio tid the people came a. As their fun little break ended, it was finally time to get to real business. Everyone immediately headed to the quest boards, eyeing out what quests remained before them.

  And as one would expect, the quest boards themselves were designed meticulously, flowers serving as borders, truly vish until the end. Even the papers were colored for some reason, truly deserving to be iy of colors. It was overkill.

  "Hmm... To think even their quests are like this... I 't say I'm surprised..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It is quite overwhelming." ［Yuna］

  As for their quests... Is there even a o say more? Though there were normal quests you'd find in any other Adventurer Guild, there were also a lot of colle quests which are reted to flowers and the like, and by a lot, it means a lot "lot".

  To be more precise, they were colle quests which tasks the adveo collect rare flowers and medial herbs which are often used in alchemy. And with Erdea the way it is, the number of them around are by no means small. Even in the forests outside, various pnts grow plentifully.

  And they may be colle quests, but they are by no means easy. Though some are just straight up rare, some only grow in dangerous territories where beasts reside, hehe difficulty. Not to mention some magits are dangerous as well.

  The color of the paper, as it seems, was very useful. They represent which part of the territory Erdea is managing they could be found and what kind of dangers one could expe there, as shown by the map just a few steps away.

  "They're quite detailed here, huh... This is the first time I'm seeing these..." ［Yuna］

  "Is this strange, Elder Sister Yuna, Elder Brrey?" ［Iris］

  "Well, yeah, you could say that. But it's only because Erdea has a small territory that they do this. Usually, these tents are written in the request paper." ［Grey］

  "Un. Some even only tell the location of the vilge, and the chief will tell the rest. The ones here in Erdea are quite special." ［Yuna］

  "I see... So that's how it is..." ［Iris］

  Well, such wasn't the only reason for such a thing. In actuality, Erdea is quite the peaceful ppared to any other in the ti. Not only do monsters spawn less frequently, beasts are also hidden away in the faraway mountains and forests.

  sidering such circumstances, it only makes sense why Erdea's quests are much different thaher branches. Now, both Grey and Yuna are curious about how different the uilds are pared to their usual terparts.

  "Hmm... Iris, which quest would you like to take?" ［Yuna］

  "E-Eh? I'm the one who will be pig?!" ［Iris］

  "Of course. Iris is with us, after all." ［Yuna］

  Safety is always first, after all. They 't just waltz into a dangerous situation with Iris with them. They may be the same age, but she is far too different from Eliza. They couldn't take anything too dangerous and scare her off.

  "S-Sorry, because of me, Elder Brrey and Elder Sister 't take the quests they want. I'm really sorry!" ［Iris］

  Though, as it seems, Iris misuood Yuna's iion. She is now bowing her head, quite the panicked expression painted on her face, as she apologized to Yuna. It seems like she thinks she's the reason why Grey and Yuna 't go all out.

  "A-Ah, no! That's not it! We just want Iris to choose what you think the most fun one is. We're not bming you or anything." ［Yuna］

  "R-Really? You're not mad?" ［Iris］

  "Of course not! We would never be mad at Iris! You're such a good girl!" ［Yuna］

  "That's right. You don't o worry about us and hold yourself back. Just choose whichever one you want, and we'll take it," ［Grey］

  Thankfully, the misuanding was resolved before it got any deeper. The st thing they'd want in taking quests, after all. But most importantly, they didn't want their prio make such a dejected face. It retty heartrending.

  And so, with the issue out of hand, Iris then started eyeing the quests before her. She doesn't have any experieh them, but she could tell at a quice what they meant. It was fortuhat it was already te in the m. There's o rush in pig.

  "Hmm... How about this one, is it dangerous?" ［Iris］

  "Let's see.. Hmm... I don't think it's that dangerous, but we might have to climb a mountain for this. This might be a little exhausting for you." ［Grey］

  "Right, and Iris, remember that you also pick from lower ranked quests. There's o stick with F-rank ones." ［Yuna］

  "Okay. I'll keep that in mind." ［Iris］

  Of course, she wasn't just blindly looking aimating the difficulty of the quests. She had Grey and Yuna's help in thinking things through, giving her a quid cise rundown about what it was about, and how difficult it would be for her.

  There were also quests that were straight up rejected. Iris' safety is the number one priority, after all. Even with all the power they got, there's o be reckless and risk hurting Iris be it physically, mentally, or emotionally. Safety first.

  "How about this?" ［Iris］

  "Oh! Ruruna herb! That's a good o's pretty near as well." ［Yuna］

  "Really?! Then we'll take this one!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! Good choice! And since we're already oopic of herbs, Iris, wouldn't you like to try alchemy too? I'm sure you'll like it." ［Yuna］

  But perhaps the most excited one of them all would be Yuna. Her eyes sparkled like stars in a clear, midnight sky, trying to vince Iris to try alchemy from time to time. She was so persistent, she always says it every time herbs e up.

  Thankfully, Grey was there to stop her oracks, otherwise, the young princess would surely be swept up iune. And he knew full well how excited Yus when it's about alchemy. He 't let the vulnerable Iris experience her menace.

  Time passed some more and they read out more request papers, stridi and right across the quest boards. Before long, they pleted the five quests they'll be taking for the day, satisfied smiles on their faces.

  "Are you sure about this, Iris? We 't ge it once we've taken it, you know? Just keep that in mind." ［Grey］

  "Yes! I'm sure of it!" ［Iris］

  "Alright, I'll process it at the ter for a while. You wait here and make sure to stick with Yuna, alright? Be a good girl and behave." ［Grey］

  "Yes! Take care, Elder Brrey." ［Iris］

  Request papers at hand, Grey then headed towards the reception ters and lined up after the other adventurers. Before long, it was already Grey's turn aarted processing them as swiftly as he could, not wasting even a little bit of time.

  Meanwhile, the dies were left alohe quest boards. They both chatted happily, smiles on their faces as they looked at the quest boards once again, Yuna's eyes drifting towards where Grey is from time to time.

  "Elder Brey sure is reliable..." ［Iris］

  "Hm? What's with that all of the sudden?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing. It's just... He's really kind ale. He also cares a lot as well. He's like the knight in shining armor you see in fairy tales!" ［Iris］

  "A knight in shining armor, huh... Fufu! He really is!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna's expressions were already soft ale, but the very moment they talked about Grey, it became even softer, a rosy tint dyeing her cheeks. Her eyes are now fully fixated on Grey, a loving gaze traced within.

  "Elder Sister Yuna must really love Elder Brrey, huh..." ［Iris］

  "Un, I doー No, that's not it! I mean, I do! I really do! But no! That's not it! Iris, what are you making me say?!" ［Yuna］

  "Hehehe! Elder Sister Yuna, you're blushing～!" ［Iris］

  "Iris! Where did you learn that?! Teasing is not good, you know?!" ［Yuna］

  And in a straurn of events, Yuna's cheeks started to burn fiercely. She was now in a state of panic, red 'til the tip of her pointy ears and swirls swirling in her eyes. A plete trast to Iris who is simply giggling to herself.

  tally, just in time, Grey also finished processing the quests. But rather than a warm wele, what greeted him was the sight of a profusely blushing Yuna and a softly giggling Iris. A strange sight to behold.

  "Hm? Did I miss something?" ［Grey］

  "Ah! N-No! Nothing at all!" ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! That's right. Nothing at all～!" ［Iris］

  Three different people, three different faces. One was beet red, flustered as once be, the other was smiling brightly, her giggles resounding in the air, and the st was tilting his head slightly, question marks filling his head.Their day had just begun, but chaos was already spinning around.

  Oh, what a lovely day it is.

  CHAPTER 269 END