The smell of barbecue wafted through the air as the sun's rays graced the ever so colorful city. Musid excitement bobbed up and down, a stream of people ughi and right, the city bustling and hustling even more than usual.

  The streets which were already colorful had gotten even brighter aiful, a myriad of bandanas hanging off the strings as banners fluttered in the air. More and more festive tris chimed ever so softly as the breeze danced past them.

  "Iris, Violet, which would suit Grey better? This one or this one?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... I think the left one is better...?" ［Iris］

  "Eh?! Shouldn't it be the right one? I think it would suit Older Brrey's ess! It matches the color of his eyes, too!" ［Violet］

  In such a busy crowd, three familiar figures went about with rge smiles on their beautiful faces, now stopping by a small stall to buy beautiful souvenirs for everyone. Yuna had already chosen everyone else's, and now, only her beloved is left.

  It has been a day since she and Grey went to find the Scarletheart Chrysanthemum, and for reasons unknown trey had gone on a solo quest again, adamant that she doesn't join him. He left so quickly, Yuna couldn't even say goodbye.

  It was quite disheartening, but thankfully, Iris and Violet were there with her. With so much free time in their hands, they decided to go about the pce, explore as much as they could, and simply enjoy the experience as much as they .

  "Okay, let's just buy both of them!" ［Yuna］

  Though, ever sihey started their little exploration, they always reached the same clusion, buying all choices when they 't decide. It wasn't the first one, in fact, Yuna had bought so much, she already lost track of how much she bought.

  Yuna quickly grabbed some s from her ste ring, paid the stall owner, and received her souvenirs with such a bright smile on her face. At this point, with how many she bought, one would think she's making a colle of every souvenir avaible in Erdea.

  "Okay, let's go to another one～!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes～!" ［Violet］

  Their momentum didn't stop. After buying some items from the stall, they went to another one and brought some more. There were simply too maiful things to see all over the city, they couldn't help but keep on buying.

  Especially Yuna. Just thinking about how everyone would reace she gave them their souvenirs, she could already feel so much happiness aement, her ears fpping up and down with glee. She was so happy, she has yet to realize she is already going overboard.

  "ht, Iris, aren't you going to buy some souvenirs for your family too?" ［Yuna］

  "Souvenirs.... I wonder if they would be happy if I did..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! You worry too much, Iris. I'm sure they'll likeー No, I'm sure they'll love them! His Majesty might even make it a national treasure, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Mmn... I think making it a national treasure is going too far..." ［Iris］

  Or so she says, but with the King's personality as it is, it was very much a possibility. Especially with the doting princes along his side. There's no telling what such idiots would do, one could only imagine.

  Iris didn't even have to think so long to reach such a clusion. She knew full well just how much her father and brothers pamper her that she felt a little flicted. It really makes one wonder how they were reted.

  "Then, I'm going to buy some as well..." ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! That's a good girl! Here, I'll help you." ［Yuna］

  "Me too! I'm going to buy some for my family too!" ［Violet］

  Now, not just Yuna, but even Iris and Violet joined in on the fun. They all looked throughout the dispys, a few items catg their fancy. There were accessories, handicrafts, and figurines of all sorts. It was an artwork extravaganza!

  It was a short time, but throughout their quests, Iris had been receiving a fair share of the rewards. She was relut at first, but after a little bit of ving by Grey and Yuna, she gracefully accepted it with much gratitude.

  Now, the princess was especially excited. It was the first time she's buying things with the money she worked hard for, and so, she couldn't help but break a beaming smile. She clutched her preoney pouch as she chose which items she wao buy.

  "Mister, I would like to buy these please." ［Iris］

  "Oh! Great choice, Miss! That would be 32 kiels."

  "32 kiels... Please wait a moment..." ［Iris］

  Adorable as one be, Iris reached out to her money poud ted the s she had. Relief immediately streamed in her heart as soon as she realized she had enough money, getting four nickel s and handing it to the stall owner.

  "Here you go, Mister." ［Iris］

  "Hohoho, thank you very much, Miss. And... here's your ge."

  "A-Ah, thank you very much!" ［Iris］

  Like a curious little kitten, Iris watched the mert t the copper s for her ge. Soon enough, a bright smile bloomed on her face as she received it, great joy flooding her happy little heart. A successful first purchase!

  After which, she then put her money ba her money pouch, carefully as she could like a little child who just spent her first allowance. She was so adorable that even the mert couldn't help but watch her with warm eyes, a light chuckle resounding in the air. She was just too precious.

  "Mister, here you go, I'll buy all of these as well." ［Yuna］

  "Me too～! I'll get these and these, oh and these ones here too." ［Violet］

  "Oh! Thank you very much!"

  After Iris, it was now Yuna and Violet's turn to buy some souvenirs, and needless to say, they got nothihan Iris. So much so that Yuna bought a whole mountain of them, thus surprising the mert. A good and wele surprise that is.

  With so many things on their person, they the on ahead with whatever they were doing, going around where their feet took them, and having a "few" snacks here and there. They ate them with such delightful faces, one would think they were eating in a 5-star restaurant.

  Of course, they didn't just limit themselves oalls ireet sides, they also went inside shops and took a look at whatever they were , finding a couple "specialties" they'll never find in other pces, some strange as one be.

  "Hey, let's go to the ival! I heard there are many new games this time around!"

  "Oh, really?! Let's hurry up then!"

  "Hey, you're running too fast! Wait for me!"

  The cheerful noises of the crowd echoed in the air, successfully catg everyone's attention. As the children pyed around and ran towards the dire of the ival, wearing gleeful smiles on their lovely faces.

  "Fufufu! Let's go to the ival too, shall we?" ［Yuna］

  ""Yes!"" ［Iris and Violet］

  There was no need for an argument. As soon as Yuna suggested it, both the princess and the young dy agreed with great delight. They happily headed towards the ival, holding one another's hands as they walked side by side.

  Waaahhhh!! Whooooo!! Ooohhhhh!!

  They have yet to arrive yet loud noises already boomed here and there, screams of joy aement brewing in the air. The closer they drew, the livelier the atmosphere became, and the ival did not disappoint.

  As soon as they arrived, a field of creeted their eyes. Balloons, banners, and a myriad of decorations could be seen everywhere. There were s, dancers, and all kinds of eainers parading all over the pce. Heck, there were even rge and strange animals around.

  There was also a ival back during the Foundiival st year, but even that couldn't pare to what they saw before them. Everything hasn't even bee up yet yet there was already so much to see. Aing wondernd.

  "Waah... How fantastic... I've never seen a ival this big..." ［Iris］

  "I've pyed here when I was young, but I've never fotten how fun it was! I still remember all the wonderful attras!" ［Violet］

  "Is that true, Elder Sister Violet?" ［Iris］

  "Yes! I'm sure it will be just as fun this year as well!" ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! What are we all waiting for then? Iris, Violet, let's go! Let's explore and enjoy the ival!" ［Yuna］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as they stepped foot ihe ival, the trio the ahead and explored to their hearts' tent. Their eyes swam left and right, sparkling ever shtly with every step they took.

  There weren't just simple games and stalls, there were also tras brought about by years of development. Rides which shoot you to the sky, ohat make people float, mazes of illusion, and many more. They have it all.

  "Three tickets for the roller coaster, please." ［Yuna］

  "Three tickets... That would be 60 kiels."

  "Okay, here you go." ［Yuna］

  Of course, they weren't just there to look around, they also wao experiehe attras for themselves. As soon as Yuna paid the tickets for the roller coaster, they then lined up, sooing themselves with hearts pumping with excitement.

  "Please wear your seat belts and hold onto the handrails all the time."

  A quick precaution from the operator ter, and the roller coaster was ready to start. Heavy metallid mae sounds echoed in the air, king and g as the train started to move, pig up speed by the moment.

  Waaahhhh! Aaahhhhhh!! Woooohhhhh!!!

  Before long, screams filled with both fear aement boomed throughout the air. Thrill and anticipation built up as the train climbed up the tracks, soon turning into loud screams as the train dropped down like a speeding bullet.

  Both Iris and Violet held tight unto Yuna as the train desded, and the tter simply e as it is. There was a bright smile on her face, unfazed by the howling winds which caressed her skin. It was as fun as one be.

  The train turned and twisted, slowing down and speeding up along the tracks. There were vicious drops and even loop-the-loops here and there. Soom, the train finally stopped and everyo off, some still trembling from the experience.

  "Fufufu! That was quite fun! Should we do it again?" ［Yuna］

  "Elder Sister Yuna... Let's take a short break please... That was too scary." ［Iris］

  "Eh? But it was very fun! Did you not like it, Iris?" ［Violet］

  "I did, but.. It's still a little scary..." ［Iris］

  It was ioo much excitement for one person. Even Iris, who usually enjoys novel experiences, couldn't help but fear for her life as she g tightly to Yuna, screaming oop of her lungs. It was fun but scary.

  "Fufufu! o push ourselves now. Since Iris is still rec, how about we ride other rides instead?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah! I agree with Older Sister Yuna! I think so too!" ［Violet］

  "A-Ah! Me as well! I would also like to ride them!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! That's settled the's go!" ［Yuna］

  There were no objes. As soon as everyone agreed, they the around all over the pd enjoyed every ride which caught their eyes. They ehe ferris wheel, merry-go-around, mazes, games, and more. Of course, Merusian style,

  But perhaps the most iing one amongst the attras was the haunted house. Especially when vicious and deadly monsters and ghosts really do exist in Merusia. It was a very scary scary experience.

  "Aahhhh!! Elder Sister Yuna, save me! Save me!" ［Iris］

  "Kyaa! It's a hand! Ahh! Blood!" ［Yuna］

  "E-Elder Sister Yuna... I want to go home now... Hic... Hic..." ［Iris］

  Loud screams echoed all over the pce as two young dies trembled ireme fear, ging unto Yuna for dear life. Even the usually dignified princess was n like a little child as monsters popped out here and there.

  As for Yuna, well, she's calm as one be. If anything, she found the monsters cute pared to the ohey fought in the byrinth. She was softly giggling to herself as held onto the two girls who were on the verge .

  But the crisis soon passed. After several minutes of walking, screaming, and g, they were finally out of the haunted house. Still, the two young dies still g onto Yuna like scared little chicks, trembling ever so slightly.

  "Iris, Violet, let's let go for a while, okay? I o go to the restroom." ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna, politely as she could. Yet no matter how politely she did, the young dies only shook their heads in silend disagreement. No matter what excuse Yuna threw at them, they answered all the same.

  "Haah... Okay... Let's just sit down on a nearby benstead. Are both okay with that, Iris, Violet?" ［Yuna］

  "Okay...." ［Iris］

  "Yes..." ［Violet］

  The young dies were meek as one be, but they soon looseheir grip as they headed towards a nearby bench. As soon as they were seated, Yuna gave the two with cool, refreshing drinks to calm themselves down.

  "Have you calmed yourselves now?" ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna again, but there were no direswers. Iris and Violet simply nodded in silence as they looked Yuna straight in the eyes. They were like scared little puppies, not wanting to part with Yuna even for a single sed.

  "Haah... You leave no choice then..." ［Yuna］

  Thankfully, Yuna was an expert with handling children. With no other choices left, she then reached her hands inside her ste rings and grabbed a couple certain somethings from it, the young dies' eyes swimming towards it.

  What might these things be, one might ask? They were ice cream!

  Yuna was initially pnning on having them ohey've had their lunch, but with the situation as it already is, there was nothing more she could do about it. She simply hahe two a couple cups of ice cream, chocote syrup gzed atop.

  "Here you go. Enjoy them while they're cold." ［Yuna］

  The young dies didn't say a single word, and simply accepted Yuna's goodwill. As soon as they had a bite of the ice cream, their faces quickly brightened up, hands speeding up faster and faster with each bite.

  Their once gloomy faces soon shone brighter than the sun, cheerful smiles on their faces as they savored their ice creams as much as they could. Soon enough, their cups were emptied, shocked expressions pstered on their faces.

  "Fufufu! It's okay, you have some more." ［Yuna］

  "Th-Thank you very much." ［Iris］

  "A-Ah, me too. Thank you so much, Older Sister Yuna." ［Violet］

  Before long, the two young dies' moods have finally improved and brightehey were now enjoying ice cream with smiles reag from ear to ear. Fear and gloom were now o be found in their hearts.

  "Mmn... Older Sister Yuna sure is amazing..." ［Violet］

  "Hm? Why so sudden?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing, it's just... Older Sister Yuna wasn't even scared ihe haunted house. You were so brave!" ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! But I wasn't always like this, you know?" ［Yuna］

  Of course, she wasn't. Whearted her training, though she acted bravely, fear still brewed in her heart. In fact, she was so scared, she had nightmares for days after fighting monsters all day.

  Thankfully, she wasn't alone. Grey was always with her, guiding her and supp her all the time. He would always help her whenever she asked for it. It was also one of the many reasons she fell in love with him.

  He was her strength and will forever will be. It feels like she could do anything as long as she stays by his side. Just thinking about all the past experiehey have been through, she couldn't help but have her heart set aflutter.

  "Let's just say it's because of a certain someone." ［Yuna］

  "A certain someone.... It's Elder Brrey, isn't it?" ［Iris］

  "It's definitely Older Brrey." ［Violet］

  Yuna tried to be a little mysterious, but it didn't even take a few seds and both young dies immediately figured out who it was she was talking about. Now, her face was burning slightly red from embarrassment.

  "Elder Sister Yuna, I want to hear stories about you and Elder Brrey." ［Iris］

  "Me too! I also want to hear your love story!" ［Violet］

  "E-Eh, girls? It's not the time to talk about thaー" ［Yuna］

  ""Please～!"" ［Iris and Violet］

  Resistance was futile. With both the princess and the young dy pleading towards her with su, puppy eyes, she couldn't bear to deny their request. She simply heaved a lengthy sigh as she gave up in the end.

  A myriad of colors could be seen all throughout the ival, but only a fierd fiery red ainted on the silver-haired elf's face. She was quite flustered and embarrassed as she told their story, face feeling feverish.

  Oh, what a sight it was.

  ...

  Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh

  A rapid torrent of wind burst forth throughout the forest at breakneck speeds, along with it were pure white webs lunging like spears. Webs which packed enough power to fell all the trees and crush all the boulders along its path.

  An Empress Arae danced all over its webby fortress, legs nimble as one be as it tio unch its torrent. Yet no matter how hard it tried, she couldn't get a hit in, missing barely as a blur inched closer and closer.

  ??Magnum Caliber!?? ［Grey］

  Of course, the blur was her than Grey who had searched high and low for an Empress Arae as it soared through the sky with Poris. It took him quite a while to find it sin A-rank monster, but the moment he spotted it, he didn't let it off the hook, crushing it mercilessly.

  It may be an A-rank, but Grey was a Camity-Css. As soon as his heavy punch ected with the Empress Arae, its head was bashed in without mercy, green blood spilled throughout the forest grounds.

  ??Gale Waltz!?? ［Grey］

  He didn't just stop there. As soon as he nded his punch, he used his other hand to unch a spell towards the enemy, a volley of wind bdes slig off the enemy's legs and wounding its body without much difficulty.

  With such a merciless torrent aiming for its life, the Empress Arae could barely stand its ground. It sooowards the ground with a loud thud, most of its limbs already torn apart from its body.

  ??Magnum Caliber!?? ［Grey］

  The finishing blow was nded and the enemy's skull was pletely crushed. Green blood spttered everywhere as the enemy finally stopped moving, sileurning to the forest as soon as it was defeated.

  Soon enough, the Empress Arae's body started to shiurning intments of light as its body disied into nothingness. Before long, items dropped from its death, a stretch of pure white fabric stretg like a sore thumb.

  "Hmm,.. It really is smooth. No wo's so popur." ［Grey］

  ented Grey as he felt the fabric. It was nothing like he had ever felt before. Even when he was an amateur when it came to such things, he could tell how magnifit its quality was. One of the very best.

  "With this, I've already collected two of them... Only seven more to go." ［Grey］

  Of course, the only reason why he wao collect them was so that he could fulfill all the items in the Legend of Nine Colors. A bright smile soon bloomed on his face as a ptinum desded before him.

  "Should we get going now, Master?" ［Poris］

  "Yeah, thanks for waiting." ［Grey］

  "Fret not, Master. I didn't wait long at all." ［Poris］

  "Hahaha. That's good to hear.... Well the's go!" ［Grey］

  The hunt for colors tinues.

  CHAPTER 274 END