Flowers by the side of the streets, street mps hanging uhe street posts, and moving carriages heaving in and out of the city. Such was the sight as one walks on the busy streets of such a bustling city.

  Well, calling it bustling would simply be an uatement. With how busy people are, there was barely any time for enjoyment, everyone making sure that everything goes well during the upiival in a couple week's time.

  "Move it! Move it! Don't let the her you."

  "Hey, is there more paint over there?! We need some red ones here!"

  "Please pass this to His Lordship. We need a response as fast as possible."

  They were running about, left and right, carrying heavy loads and making all sorts of structures all over the city. And it wasn't just the borers, even the performers and the eainers from outside the city were doing their best, practig their shows.

  No matter whiook and y of the city one looks at, they could feel the liveliness in the air, a hint of passion aermination passing within. It has been going on like such for several days already, and there seems to be no sign of stopping, not even slowing down for some rest.

  "Your Lordship, there seems to be a aterials and manpower ih district. Should we send some people over?"

  "The 12th district...? I'm sure I provided them with enough resources..." ［Gerald］

  "Ah, about that... Some carriages broke down so the materials didn't arrive on time. They're making do with what we have, but there's still some daily."

  "I see... Then send a group over. I will check personally ter." ［Gerald］

  The Mayor was especially restless. With how much work he o handle, he barely gets enough rest. While it is true that he is now out of the offid into the field, he wasn't enjoying himself. He was still w.

  "Wow... Everyone sure is busy... There's workers everywhere..." ［Yuna］

  "Mmn... It's even busier than the foundiival ba our Kingdom... Even some of the soldiers are helping out..." ［Iris］

  "Well, the festival is only a couple weeks away, after all. Dad's goal is to finish everything a week before it." ［Violet］

  And in that busy crowd, three familiar figures walked dowreets, curious eyes looki and right. They were pnning on expl the city once again, but with how things are, it seemed like watg the workers work was more iing.

  It has been a few days sihe Geldhart Au, and ever since such a successful event, things have beey normal for everyohey went around pces and did a little bit of questing, zing and pying around iween.

  It was especially lively with Garret's shenanigans from time to time, even though he always gets scolded by their parents in the end. It was one of the most peaceful times in Grey and Yuna's lives, barely any troubles ing their way.

  As for Iris, she has adapted quite well with life in Erdea. Though she does get lonely, she still sees her family once a week. Grey and Yuna promised the Little Prio visit her on a weekly basis, after all. It was only for a couple hours, but it was more than enough for them.

  "I really apologize, Yhhough I want to eain you, there is still much to do to prepare for the festival. I hope you uand." ［Gerald］

  "Fufufu! It's fine, Lerald. We're simply here to watyway." ［Yuna］

  "I see... Thank you for uanding." ［Gerald］

  The Mayor smiled, but there was barely any energy in his words and as. They have already lost t how many times they've casted recovery spells on him in the past few days, his face wearing a pale plexion with dark bags under his eyes.

  "Rather than that... Is there anything we do to help, Lerald?" ［Yuna］

  "A-Ah, oh no! How could I dare make Yhnesses work for us? Your s are more than enough. This Gerald is already more than grateful." ［Gerald］

  Moreover, he was very stubborn as well, and didn't want help. Or rather, he doesn't want to bother Yuna and Iris whom he perceives as important guests, only wanting them to enjoy the best in Erdea.

  It was a good thing that he was w hard, but he was w too hard. On top of barely having a, he also skips meals from time to time. Everyone was worried about him, especially Violet. She doesn't want to see her father colpse from overwork.

  "We 't work... But it's okay as long as we're having fun, right?" ［Yuna］

  "P-Pardon...?" ［Gerald］

  Yuna didn't o say anything anymore. At her and, her shadows quaked and several fragments split off from it. The shadows shaped themselves, and soon, a number of birds, different colors decorating their feathers appeared out of thin air.

  Of course, those beautiful birds were her than the familiars who have shifted forms by Yuna's ands. The young elf only o smile and the familiars quickly uood the assig, not wasting a single moment.

  "Wh-What's happening?!"

  "Hey! Give that back!"

  With their swift and agile flight, the familiars quickly grabbed the ropes and strings and flew high up in the air. Some people were surprised, but they didn't care, nding on the roofs without much effort.

  As soon as they were in position, they immediately tied the ropes and strings with their long and narrow beaks, making knots and tightening them properly. It was an absurd sight to see, seeing birds tie knots eveer than people.

  It wasn't just the quality as well. After tying their first knots, the familiars quickly proceeded to the in a systematic order, flying bad forth at great speeds. Before long, colorful fgs and banners decorating the streets.

  Not just the ropes and strings, the familiars also carried heavy loads with retive ease, transp them from one pce to another in only a few seds, several times faster than the workers. They may look cute and small, but their true forms were still powerful and magnifit Dragons,

  "What do you think, Lerald? Is it okay for us to have fun?" ［Yuna］

  "... Haah... It is not like I stop Yhness' wish anyway... Please have fun as much as you , and... Thank you very much." ［Gerald］

  "My, I don't know what you mean～. I'm just pying around, after all." ［Yuna］

  The Mayor was relut, but with everything Yuna had do would be rude to deny her request any further. He only got back to work and instructed the workers once more. Three young dies have joihe fray, excited as one be.

  With them and the familiars around, things quickly progressed as if their workforce was more than doubled. Be it the heavy loads or the hectic borious tasks, they were easily pleted much faster than scheduled.

  Especially Yuna, with her strength, carrying a ton or two wasn't a problem at all. She could also jump really high, reag pces which would usually need dders with ease, only humming to herself as if it was the most natural thing to do.

  "Lerald, is it fio pce it right here? Or should I move it a little more." ［Iris］

  "No, this spot is fine, Yhness." ［Gerald］

  "Okay, if you say so..." ［Iris］

  And though she is nowhere near as capable as Yuna in physical strength and skills, Iris was still very helpful. With her Superirade ste ring, she helped out in transp the items, making them appear and disappear with a wave of her hand.

  She may be a princess, but such work wasn't o her. After all, one of her goals in traveling with Grey and Yuna was to learhings about the world and expand her horizons. Experieng some work herself was a good learning opportunity.

  "Hmmn... I don't think... Hmm... How about we move this here and also this here to create a more disorderly arra, Dad?" ［Violet］

  "Hm? Wouldn't it look chaotic then?" ［Gerald］

  "That's right, but it would also feel more natural and spontaneous like the fields. And look, doesn't it look much better already?" ［Violet］

  "Well, I 't deny that... It does look more appealing to the eyes." ［Gerald］

  As for Violet, she helped out her father in making decisions about the yout of things. As someone whose eyes are always searg for beauty, she knew what was the best way te and decorate the pce, perspectives even the Mayor hadn't thought of.

  It wasn't just the decorations, Violet also helped instruct the workers and gave them crifications whehey o. She may be young and inexperienced, but she was still the Lord's daughter. Leading people was only natural for her.

  Thud Thud Thud

  Now, Yuna is even puttihrowing skills to use, nailing dowrings as she threw them towards the wooden pnks. She didn't eveo look, she simply threw the nails and they fell right i was like magic.

  "Ohh! Amazing! To think familiars do this, too!"

  "That nt magic, wasn't it?! This is the first time I'm seeing it!"

  And now that they were finished with tying down the ropes and strings, the familiars then helped out in other things. They used their magic to revitalize the flive them water to drink, and heal all their sore bodies.

  Before long, a portion of the streets was quickly finished and it didn't even take them several hours like usual. Rather, it was only half an hour's work, everyone was a little bit surprised with how fast and easy things were going.

  "To think we really made it... And ihan an hour no less... How could I ever repay you, Yhnesses?" ［Gerald］

  "Fufufu! Then how about a few treats, Lerald? We could really use some snacks and refreshments right now." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, my. Did someone say treats?" ［thia］

  They arrived just when they were needed. Just as Yuna wished for it, thia and the maids suddenly arrived on the worksite, bringing with them a number of carts. There were cookies, mas, sandwiches, juices, and many more.

  There weren't just treats, they alsht full-blown meals for their hardw workers. The moment they saw the parade of food before them, bright and eager smiles bloomed on everyone's faces, everyone soon gathering around.

  Well, it wasn't the worksite they were in. thia was in charge of the other ses as well, giving them instrus and facilitating their works like her husband. She just finished cheg, and tally came with the break crew.

  "Lady thia, you're here." ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! I'm also in charge of the festival, after all. And from what I saw... It seems like Yhnesses are also helping around the pce?" ［thia］

  "Un. Since we have nothing else to do, we just thought we'd help out a little. We o move our bodies, after all." ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but if you were to ask Grey, she is one of the most eic people there is. She had moved left and right, jumping up and down as she worked yet she barely broke a sweat. Labor work wasn't even a challenge for her.

  Even then, no matter how easy it was for her, she still o eat "some" snacks to recover all the energy she usedー No, actually, she just liked eating. Especially when served such delicious-looking sweets. Yuna will always be Yuna, after all.

  The moment she ate one of the cookies, an explosion of starchy sweetness exploded in her mouth like fireworks. It was a shame that there were no chocote chips, but the cookies were still delicious. Not as delicious as Vanessa's baking though.

  "My... I have always thought of this, but... Yhness sure has a good appetite, don't you?" ［thia］

  "Fufufu! A lot of people do tell me that from time to time... And, it isn't my fault anyway. It's all because of Grey." ［Yuna］

  "His Highness... Hmmn... He is quite the doting one, isn't he?" ［thia］

  It isn't just "quite", he was one of the most doting boyfriends there is. Even thia and everyone else who've only known them for barely over a week could already tell how sweet he is, pampering Yuna like there was no tomorrow.

  In fact, sometimes, they even doubt whether their retionship was that of lovers or that of father and daughter. It was simply too fusing. They simply decided to not think too much about it. Thinking too hard will only make their heads hurt.

  "Doting... I don't know... He hasn't spoiled me as much as usual..." ［Yuna］

  "Eh...? Not as much as usual...?" ［thia］

  To top it all off, what thia and the others see is when Grey is holding himself back, only the tip of the iceberg. thia could only shudder and imagine how it is when they really do flirt "like usual". It was a terrifying thought.

  "But speaking of which... I haven't seen Grey around tely..." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she scratched her gently, and the very moment he heard her words, the Mayor immediately flinched. He was the only one who knew what Grey to, and he isn't pnning to leak things anytime soon.

  Fortunately enough, he and Grey had prepared for when such situations arise. Grey had already requested him for help. There was no way he could deny his beor even if he against the devil. All that's o do is hold his end of the deal.

  "About that, Yhness, I have actually asked His Higho colleueeded materials for the festival, hence why he is not around." ［Gerald］

  "Materials...? Why am I left behind then?" ［Yuna］

  "I'm sure His Highness simply wants Yhness and Her Highness, Princess Iris to enjoy Erdea. He is a sincere man, after all." ［Gerald］

  "Mou... That Grey... He could've just told me..." ［Yuna］

  It pained him to lie but it must be done. For the sake of the future where they are both together, for the sake of the uping proposal, and for the sake of their happiness. It was a necessary lieー or so he vinced himself.

  "Then, how about this, Yhness? Why don't we bake some treats for His Higher? I'm sure he will be delighted!" ［Gerald］

  "Mmn... I'm a little hurt that he left me out again... But, okay, I'll think of something to bake for him. Would apple pies suffice?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's the spirit, Yourー" ［Gerald］

  "And I'll put some chili powder in the mix." ［Yuna］

  Gerald stopped on his tracks, question marks filling his head. He first calmed himself, cheg whether he heard it wrong, but no matter how much he tried to recall Yuna's words, he clearly heard "chili powder" ringing in his ears.

  "Maybe I'll put in a lot of salt too... Or would something bitter be better...?" ［Yuna］

  Nope, he did not mishear Yuna's words at all. Noe, not just chili powder, Yuna is thinking of putting all sorts of things into the apple pies she's going to bake ter. There weren't just two or three, a number of terrible ingredients were in the mix.

  Even thia, who was just listening in to their versation, had her eyes widened in shock from the things she heard e out of Yuna's mouth. She simply ignored her and headed away, ag as if she didn't hear anything.

  "P-Pardon me, Yhness... But those are not what you usually put in apple pies, or any pie for that matter..." ［Gerald］

  "I know. This will probably taste terrible." ［Yuna］

  "Th-Then may I ask the reason why...?" ［Gerald］

  "Hmph! This is what he gets for leaving out his girlfriend!" ［Yuna］

  She outing, alright. She uffing her cheeks like a little hamster, cheeks slightly red from a hint of anger and disappoi. She looked cute, yes, but no matter how cute she was, one could only tremble after hearing her words.

  'Yhness... I apologize... I could not stop Her Highness... I hope you survive... Just trust in the power of love...!' ［Gerald］

  The wind whistled and whooshed, howling from time to time, a single prayer drifting in the air. As the sun tio climb in the horizon, the city only shone brighter, neon colors blooming like radiant flowers in spring. How beautiful.

  ...

  Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh

  A lone figure danced in the forest, his steps light as a feather yet agile like the wind. Streaks of streaked towards him at breakneck speeds, and he dodged him just barely, pying around uhe opies, his eyes glimmering sharply.

  He dodged and he dodged some more, his nimble feet opped moving, riding the wind even though he didn't possess any wings. All was going smoothly, when suddenly, he stopped on his tracks, a cold chill ran down his spine.

  Whoosh Whoosh Whoosh

  "Whoa! That was a close one!" ［Grey］

  He was thrown off-tra a single moment, and the oppos didn't miss a beat and bolted towards him like darting arrows. Thankfully, Grey's reflexes were even much faster. He easily dodged them without any difficulties.

  "Are you alright, Master? Should I help you out?" ［Poris］

  "No, it's alright. Someone's probably just talking behind my back." ［Grey］

  "Talking... behind your back...?" ［Poris］

  "No, it's nothing." ［Grey］

  Grey is now in a forest by the southern end of the ti, and his goal is searg for another one of the colors. He had been searg high and low all throughout the ti for days, and finally, he found a trace of another one.

  Now, he is battling against Safals. They are k four-winged snakes of the wind attribute who are known for their extreme speed. The moment they charge towards something, they are so fast, they bee blurs in the eyes of many.

  Of course, frey, seeing them was a walk in the park, and since he was already at it, he decided to have a little bit of training. He once again toned down his strength and acted as if he was irix, dodging the bullets which are the Safals.

  As for Poris, he just watched his master do some strahings without questioning his as. He had already fed himself with corruption, and so he needed not to hunt for the day. All there was to do was wait frey to finish whatever he was doing.

  "Alright, that's enough pying around." ［Grey］

  Suddenly, Grey's eyes gleamed sharper than daggers and the atmosphere around him ged drastically. The Safals couldn't even approach him when he suddenly vanished into thin air, not even an afterimage left behind.

  "Sorry, this might hurt a bit." ［Grey］

  Thud Thud Thud Thud Thud

  Oer anrey swiftly struck the Safalss on their heads, making them lose sciousness almost instantaneously. Their bodies fell to the grounds like flies, loud thuds eg in the air as they fell helplessly.

  There weren't just owo, or three Safals. A whole flock of them was struck down with ease. It didn't even take him a couple seds, turning the tide of the battle in a single moment. They didn't stand a ce at all.

  "Aren't you going to finish them off, Master?" ［Poris］

  "No, I'm just here for their scales, and if I hunt down this many, it would surely affect the forest. We 't have that happening now, we?" ［Grey］

  Grey khat he had already hunted down mas, but they were all either from quests or are a dao people. There were also ohey hunted for food, but those were ones which have high poputions or breed quickly. Band moderation is necessary.

  "I see... That does make sehe Master sure is wise." ［Poris］

  "Hahaha. You're praisioo much, Poris." ［Grey］

  Laughed Grey as he k down on the ground. He then grabbed a trusty dismantling knife from his "Iory" and picked off the scales oer another, removing them from their bodies as if they were just puzzle pieces.

  Grey only plucked off were those who were about to fall off, shining so brilliantly, even brighter than gems. The more he looked at them, the prettier he found them to be. The bcksmith inside of him is even telling him to make armor from them.

  ??Perfect Heal?? ［Grey］

  Of course, he didn't just let them bleed after colleg their scales. The moment he was doh them, he quickly healed all their wounds and even regeed their scales. Soon, they were back to normal as if nothing happened. Some were even ier dition than before.

  Time passed and the scale colle tinued. From dozens to hundreds, to even thousands, Grey collected as much as he could without endangering the lives of the Safals or hurting them too much.

  And for the sake of it, Grey also searched for their s and picked up the fallen scales from them. He found some very high quality ones, even more beautiful than diamonds themselves. It was a jackpot.

  "Alright, that should be more than enough. Let's go, Poris." ［Grey］

  "Where to, Master?" ［Poris］

  "Hahaha, is there even ao ask? Let's hunt more colors!" ［Grey］

  "By your will." ［Poris］

  To the skies, once again!

  CHAPTER 277 END