"And... That makes it thirty." ［Grey］

  Grass here, grass there, grass everywhere. With the final cutting of a bde, the quest had finally been pleted. A subtle smile appeared on the young man's face, tug the herbs away with a wave of his hand.

  The sound of footsteps soon echoed in the air after he disposed of all their items, the gentle winds blowing a whisper to his ears. The sweet chirping of the birds and the harmonious rustling of the leaves were musig in the breeze.

  Several steps ter, a number of familiar figures appeared in his line of sight, sitting uhe shade of a tree. One was an elf smiling as soon as she saw him, the other was a young dy sleeping on her p, several furballs ying down the soft grass.

  "Looks like she's still sound asleep." ［Grey］

  "Fufu. We've taken a lot of quests, after all. It's only natural." ［Yuna］

  "I guess you're right, though... Yuna, you should ought to hide your sweets a little. I see them poking out yht." ［Grey］

  There wasn't just ohere were many. Be it cupcakes, dies, or fruit juice, Yuna ractically snag her time away as she let Iris rest on her p. She was very skilled, she didn't eve a crumb fall on the sleeping princess' sweet sleeping face.

  "Mou... I was just a little hungry..." ［Yuna］

  "A little... Haah... Yeah, sure, let's leave it at that." ［Grey］

  There was no use pining nor thinking too much about it. Grey simply accepted Yuna's words as it is, sitting down beside her. His beloved is simply too much for him to prehend. Not like he has the right to say so anyway.

  It has been a couple days sihey brought Iris on her first quest, and ever sihey have been taking quests left and right to sate the young princess' love for novel aing experiences, smiling ever so happily ead every time.

  Though, be that as it may, the adventures were still too much for her body to hahey have taken them a couple days straight, and now, the fatigue is really hitting her, uo fight back the temptations of sleepiness and drowsiness.

  "Tomorrow, let's take a break, yeah? I don't want Iris to overdo herself." ［Grey］

  "I was just thinking that. It's good that she's beore bold and active these past few days, but I think she's still pushing herself too hard. I'm worried she won't tell us if she's tired so as to not trouble us." ［Yuna］

  "Well, that's just how she is, being a princess and all. Always so hardw. Too hardw, actually." ［Grey］

  "Mou... I'm hardw too, you know..." ［Yuna］

  And also, in these past days, Yuna's attacks have bee heavier and more frequent. Especially now, seeing her pout and puff her cheeks because of simple ay jealousy was too adorable.

  In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Iris was with them most of the time, Grey, who is currently abstaining from his desires, would have already lost it. After all, what kind of beast would dare attack his beloved in front of a child? He isn't such at the very least.

  "Yuna, you really the cutest when you're pouting," ［Grey］

  "Fweeh?!" ［Yuna］

  Thankfully, as strong as her offense is, Yuna has practically zero defense. Grey has been using it to his advantage, making Yuna stop oracks before he finally loses it and bees a starved and insatiable beast.

  Just a couple sweet words topped with a smile and Yuna was red all the way to the tip of her pointy ears. She was now meek and quiet as one be, uo think of a respoo get back at Grey. She was simply too cute.

  "Well, it's still early iernoon, but I think we should head back to the city now. Adventurers will crowd if we get back too te." ［Grey］

  "Hey, Grey! Don't ge the topic! We're still not done yー" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, shh～! You'll wake Iris up at this rate." ［Grey］

  "Grey...! You meanie...! Bully...! Tyrant...!" ［Yuna］

  Screami whispering at the same time. Grey was simply too much of an expert in teasing Yuna, making her all pouty and puffy. Seeing her make such adorable expressions was simply too fun. Too much fun, in fact.

  And so, with the sun sinking down the horizon, Grey carried Iris ihe Sanctuary so that she could have a lovely sleep there, letting the familiars stay by her side as she rested, sound snores rippling in the air.

  Clouds of dust and leaves were kicked up oer another as two figures bolted across the forests and the pins. Before long, they arrived back at the city, heading towards the Adventurers' Guild without wasting a single sand of time.

  "Thank you for your hard work. Please tihe good work."

  The processing of the quest wasn't too loher. Sihe other adventurers have yet to e back, multiple ters were open and so, they easily processed all their quests. It didn't even take them a few minutes, and they were already out of the guild.

  With each passing day, the streets only got busier and livelier. More and more people poured in from all over the ti, inns filled up oer another as a steady stream of ers ehe city.

  "Oh? That's new... It is, right?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, they must have just arrived... There's many of them too." ［Grey］

  "Mmn... I wonder what they're selling." ［Yuna］

  Of course, with such a rge festival up ahead, the number of merts only grew by the hour. Now, every time they got back from their quests, they would often see alls popping up here and there, oer another.

  "Grey! They're selling pretty ribbons! Let's buy some!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright, alright, but only for a quick while though. We'll be back te if if stay here for too long," ［Grey］

  "Un! That's more than enough!" ［Yuna］

  A sweet smile on her face, Yuna grabbed Grey by the hand and headed towards the stalls selling all sorts of tail goods. Though they were familiar with some, some were also o them, probably ing from other tries.

  They were just normal ribbons as well. While pin ribbons were also present, there were many with pre-made embroidery on them, wonderful patterns id out on them. Some were so wonderful, in fact, that they don't even seem like they were made by human hands.

  It was unpnned, but it was the perfect time frey to figure more out about Yuna. He has already made a lot ress, but a little more information wouldn't hurt. It was all for Yuna, after all.

  "Mister, how much does this cost?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh! Miss has very good eyes! This one was especially made in the Vairoory of the Valliarta Empire. It's one of the best there is! I normally sell it for 300 kiels per meter, but for you, 280 will do!"

  "250...? That's quite expensive..." ［Yuna］

  "Why, of course. It's hard to acquire these ones! Plus, I have to travel all the way here. It's only natural that it's precious!"

  And as one would expect, some of the merts were quite the swindlers. They are fully taking advantage of the fact that people do not know the market prid proudly scamming people upfront, not a sirace of guilt. A professional swindler.

  Unfortunately for him, he met the wrong people. With his eyes, Grey could easily tell that the man was lying. Even with all the traveling expenses and whatnots, 280 was still far too high. Only fools would fall for such tricks.

  Grey and Yuna don't have mind-reDing skills, but they could practically see the mert smiling wickedly in his thoughts, happy to have caught such young and inexperienced ers he could easily take advantage of.

  "I see... That does sound reasonable... It's quite expe they're too good to simply pass up. Others might buy it if we dilly-dally." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. It seems that our dear ers are quite uanding. Then, how much would you like to buy?"

  "Then, we'd like 5 meters, please." ［Grey］

  "Hohoho! 5 meters it is!"

  The swindling mert was smilio ear as he measured the ribbon Grey and Yuna picked. A smile whily tained mischief as he ughed inside, happy to have fooled them. A smile which wouldn't st long.

  "I wonder if Sir Jonathan and the other knights will like our presents..." ［Grey］

  "Un! I'm sure they'll do! After all, the RIBBON is so beautiful! I'm sure they'll likeー no, I'm sure they'll LOVE it!" ［Yuna］

  "You're right. And if they want to ask where we got such PRETTY RIBBONS, we could just take them to MISTER MERT." ［Grey］

  "Un! I'm sure they'll be DELIGHTED to know him! After all, he's su HO and hardw man!" ［Yuna］

  The mert couldn't even finish pag the ribbons when such disturbing words reached his ears. His hands suddenly stopped, and cold chills ran down his spine, sweat dripping down his forehead as a dark aura loomed over him.

  Grey and Yuna tinued with their versation, emphasizing a couple words here and there. With each sentehey spouted, his hands trembled more and more, heart beating faster and faster. The smile which was once shining shtly was now long gone.

  It was not the first time Grey and Yuna had entered such schemes. And after spending time with the bargaining queen, Marika, they have bee even more skilled in dealing with them. It's a walk in the park.

  "O... Oh my... How silly of me... It seems like I mistook these for another set of ribbons... These ones are actually just 70 kiels per meter... Hahaha..."

  "Ah! You should be more careful, Mister Mert! Someone might think you're a SWINDLER if you're not careful!" ［Yuna］

  "Ahaha... My bad. As an apology, how about I sell you these for 60 kiels, instead?"

  "Really? You're too kind, Mister. Is that really alright?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! This is nothing at all... Hahaha..."

  The swindler has bee the swindled, and rather than earning big time, he even suffered some losses. He was so scared of the knights Grey and Yualking about, he didn't even dare to speak back. A wry ugh eg in the air.

  tinuing their momentum, Grey and Yuna headed to other stalls and also bought some things they fahey entered more swindlers, but they were handled all the same, suffering loses they wouldn't have acquired if they were being ho,

  Before long, the sun had finally started to rest, and so, it was time for them to return to the mansion. And just in time, Iris had also woken up. With a little help from the familiars, they helped the princess up, still feeling a little drowsy,

  "Then, Grey, we'll meet you again during dinner." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, sure. But don't py too mu the bath, okay? Finish quickly." ［Grey］

  "Un～! Roger that～!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, as they were out in the wild the whole day, dust and leaves have stuck to them. Like usual, as soon as they returhey headed towards the bath to rid themselves of such grime and to melt away the fatigue.

  Yuna and Iris headed to the women's bath, the fuiding the still sleepy princess who rubbed her eyes every now and then. As frey, he also headed to the men's bath, looking forward to a time of warmth aion...

  "Hm? Lerald...?" ［Grey］

  ... Or so he pnned. But before he could eveowards there, he met a familiar figure walking down the corridors, bags deep and dark below his eyes. He ractically a zombie, exhausted as one be.

  It was not a se Grey was unfamiliar with. In fact, he was so familiar with it, it was actually w. He didn't even have to use appraisal, he could tell that he has been up for multiple nights in a row, barely getting a wink of sleep.

  "Oh... Yhness... It's a great delight to see you here..." ［Gerald］

  "Ah, y-yeah... Good to see you too, but... Lerald, are you alright? It looks like you haven't rested in a while." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, I'm gd that you're worried, Yhness. But fret not, I'm more than alright. Never felt better." ［Gerald］

  Or so he says, but his hoarse void powerless as begged to differ. His energy which was ohrough the roof was o be found, only a shell of what he used to be. Such was the hard life of a Lord.

  Especially with the Festival of Hearts drawing closer, the number of works he o finish multiplied by leaps and bounds, dots f mountains atop his desk. He barely eves a det nap, as proven by the dark bags under his eyes.

  "Lerald, I think you should have some rest." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha... You worry too much, Yhness... I'm fineー Hm? Yhness, you're multiplying! I didn't know you had su ability!" ［Gerald］

  The Mayor wasn't fi all, rather, he was the opposite of fine. He was so tired, he is now seeing halluations, Grey multiplying before his eyes as his vision started to go awry. Even the background was ging colors.

  "Alright, that's it. You're resting." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. Though he o use some force to vihe Mayor, in the end, Grey mao have him sit down on their couch. The tter was a little hesitant at first, but it was no use. Grey's 'ving' was too good.

  ??Recuperate?? ［Grey］

  A little bit of magic ter and color finally returo the Mayor's eyes. Fatigue slowly but surely seeped out of his body and his plexiouro normal, an expression of surprise painted on his face.

  But that was not all. After using some recovery spells, Grey then took a certain something from his "Iory" and brewed the Mayor some tea. Tea made from the leaves of the Tree of Life, a couple sweets on the side.

  "I removed the fatigue from your body, but your mind is a different matter. Take some rest, and have some of this tea." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, yes..." ［Gerald］

  Still in a bit of surprise, the Mayor took Grey up on his offer ahe tea cup in his hands without much hesitation. He hasn't even tasted it yet the refreshing and aromatic st of the tea was enough to wake his senses.

  A bit of a sip ter, and a rush of sweetness, bitterness, acidity, and a hint of mint caressed his tongue. Just a few moments ter, and he could the tension in his body loosen up, his mind more refreshed and rexed than one be.

  "So, feelier now?" ［Grey］

  "Yes. Thank you so much, Yhness. It feels like my mind has beealized now. This tea sure is amazing." ［Gerald］

  "I'm gd to hear that. I give you some tea leaves if you want." ［Grey］

  "Oh! That would be great, Yhness! I would very much love to!" ［Gerald］

  Now, a smile finally sprouted on the Mayor's face. As he ate a piea, he could feel himself rex a little bit, free from the burdens of his position. He hought he would have such casual tea time with Grey, but here they were.

  But at the same time, as Grey watched the Mayor rest, a sudden idea popped up in his mind. He never p, but now that they were together, it was the perfect time to ask for some advice. The Mayor was a married man, after all.

  "Lerald, I have a favor to ask. Is that alright?" ［Grey］

  "Oh! Please speak, Yhness! As long as it is within my power, I will do my best to fulfill it no matter what!" ［Gerald］

  "Haha, thanks... Actually, the thing is..." ［Grey］

  And so, Grey told the Mayor about his problem, or rather, his pns of proposing to Yuna. He hasn't settled everythi, but he nning to do s their 1st anniversary, other details still undecided. And the Mayor's rea was...

  "You what?! You're proposing thness?!" ［Gerald］

  "Shh! Shhhh! Lerald, your voice! Your voice!" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, I apologize, I was simply too excited." ［Gerald］

  ... He was shocked as one be, his booming voice eg throughout the whole room. Thankfully, there wasn't anyone else around, and so, the worst sario has been avoided. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a surprise anymore.

  "But a proposal, huh... If that's the case, then it should be that, right?" ［Gerald］

  "That...?" ［Grey］

  "The legend of 'Nine Colors', that is." ［Gerald］

  The Legend of Nine Colors, as Gerald had said, is amongst one of the most, if not the most well-known Legend in Erdea. It involved giving your partner a certain item which represents certain aspects of love during the Festival of Hearts.

  These ems are all unique from one ahe specialty items of the past nine tries when Erdea was established. Each of these items also came in different colors, hehe name of "Nine Colors" was born.

  These ems are the "Scarleatheartt Chrysanthemum" representing red and passionate love, a bra of "Su Willow" fe and warm love, "Golden Stardust" for yellow ale love, "Deepbound Cereil" freen and greedy love, "Safallia Scales" for and crazy love, "Nerilia's Tear" for blue aernal love, "Umbrosias" for violet and resolute love, "Empress Arae Silk" for white and pure love, and stly, "Strelitzer's " representing bd blind love.

  These items be found scattered throughout the whole ti where the nine tries used to be, and it is said that giving eveo your partner will guarantee success in love and will also prove how mue loves the other.

  After all, these items were amongst the most precious items back then. Some are simply rare, while some are risky to acquire, even involving some battles if one is unlucky. Truly a challeo behold.

  There are also binations of these items depending oype and number, creating different meanings when given together. Colleg them all creates a four-word phrase whi Emperor in the past once whispered to his beloved....

  Though today, rather than gathering the items themselves, people only give imitation items which are much easier and safer to acquire. Only some people iy actually participate iradition. Still, the legend is quite popur.

  "How nostalgic... I still remember giving thia a branch of su willow as if it was just yesterday. Time sure flies..." ［Gerald］

  Of course, the Mayor was one of those people. He could still remember the moment he ko the ground and presehe brao her, his heart beating wildly with anticipation and nervousness. It was a moment he'll never fet.

  "Well, what do you think, Yhness? Was it helpful." ［Gerald］

  "Yeah, it was. Thanks, I think I got an idea." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. It is my greatest pleasure to be of help." ［Gerald］

  It isn't much, but Grey could finally feel like a clear path had been id down before him. It may be a trivial legend, but it's the thought that ts. Now, he has a goal to aplish, heart burning with determination.

  As for the Mayor, he is now simply sipping his tea, watg Grey with warm eyes. He could remember his youth in him, thinking of the time he resolved himself to go to the depths of the forest to find a bra of the Su Willow. Oh, such blissful times.

  "Then, Yhness, this may be imperti of me, but would it be alright if me and my family were to attend your wedding?" ［Gerald］

  Though, as it seems, looks like the Mayor had already determihat Grey and Yuna would finally tie the knot as a fact. He was smilio ear as he asked Grey such a question, eyes sparkling with anticipation.

  "That... That entirely depends whether or not Yuna would say yes, you know? Aren't you rushing things a little bit much?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. I'm sure it will go smoothly. You love each other, after all." ［Gerald］

  "Well, I hope so too." ［Grey］

  Says Grey, his cheeks tinted with a little bit of red. Though it's already a fact between him and Yuna that they love each other, having others point it out so casually was still a little embarrassing.

  "Then, since we're oopic, how about we pn the venue of your proposal? I know a few pces in mind." ［Gerald］

  "Oh, that would really help." ［Grey］

  "Of course, you t on this Gerald, Yhness." ［Gerald］

  As things went with the flow, they also started pnning other things such as the venue of the proposal, the time, what decorations should be there, and all that sort of things. Strangely enough, the Mayor was especially excited.

  They were so focused in their little pnning that other things quickly slipped out of their minds, the suing over the horizon with the passing of time. Two grown men pnning like little kids on a school trip. Quite a sight to behold.

  "Yhness, I think we should also add some music." ［Gerald］

  "Really? But what would be good? An instrumental?" ［Grey］

  "Oh～! An instrumental! How nice!" ［Yuna］

  "Really? Whie should weー" ［Grey］

  They didn't even hear footsteps echo in the air. Before they noticed, Yuna already appeared behind them, a bright and i smile blooming on her face as she listeo their little pn.

  "Yuna?! When did you arrive here?!" ［Grey］

  "Umm... I arrived just now... I came to say that dinner is ready..." ［Yuna］

  Her smile was so i, but Grey and the Mayor's hearts couldn't beat any faster. They were so surprised, their hearts almost jumped out of their chest, cold chills running down their spine as they trembled a little bit.

  "Anyway, what's this? It looks iing..." ［Yuna］

  "A-Ah, the Mayor was asking for my opinion in the festival ter on. We were just having a little chat." ［Grey］

  "Yes, yes. Though it seems that we'll have to tier. Dinner es first, after all. Don't you think so too, Yhness?" ［Gerald］

  "You're absolutely right, Lerald. Let's get going then. I'm famished." ［Grey］

  Thankfully, Yuna only mao catch a glimpse of their pns and only hear a tad bit of their versations, otherwise, it would have been a disaster. They mao get away with their hearts intact, the young dy only tilting her head a little.

  "Right, Yuna, what would you like for dessert?" ［Grey］

  "Ah! Then I would like some ice cream, please～!" ［Yuna］

  It was a close call.

  CHAPTER 272 END