BOOM BOOM BOOM

  Deafening shockwaves ruptured the air a disastrous tremors throughout the ground, rge cracks f oer another as the earth trembled. Clouds of dust were adrift in the air, lights flickering as the walls colpsed time and time again.

  Deep underground, a fierce battle unfolded between a number of figures. On one side were rge rocky entities who could easily crush boulders if they wao, and on the opposing party were a bck haired young man and a ptinum figure.

  Of course, these were her than Grey and Poris, the tter noeshifting to a small and mile panther form. Even then, he easily id waste to the enemies before them, tearing them to shreds without much difficulties.

  ??Gale Waltz?? ［Grey］

  Grey waved his hands and a storm of bdes flew out from his palms. There was ance whatsoever, the bdes of wind simply cutting through anything that stood on their path. Be it boulders olems, they were all cut mercilessly.

  Some of the swifter oried to unch attacks from behind, but they were far too slow. Before they could eve, a blur suddenly appeared before them. The very moment, their bodies were already diced up, some turo fine dust.

  "You i fools! How dare you attack from behind!" ［Poris］

  Poris ran throughout the pce as if it was its pyground, leaping from wall to wall and maneuvering like a free bird s through the vast sky. A bird of death whily brought destru upon wherever he passed.

  Before long, the enemies were quickly cleared out. They may be big, but pared to Grey and Poris, their powers were severely g. They soon turned bato mana leaving behind their drops. It was a mountain of precious ores and minerals, some gemstones added in the mix.

  "Whew... That really was something, wasn't it?" ［Grey］

  "How are you feeling, Master? Do you feel any disfort?" ［Poris］

  "Not really, but thanks for w, Poris... Anyway, let's tinue on ahead. We have no time to waste." ［Grey］

  "Uood, Master." ［Poris］

  And so, the two figures tinued down the abandoned mines. And as they traversed the dark and musty caverns, they paved doath of death aru for the monsters who happeo cross them.

  There weren't just golems. From slimes, to goblins, skeletons, and even liches, there were a plethora of moo be seen. Evehey all suffered the same fate in the hands of Grey and Poris, reduced to dust as if they did in the first pce.

  Before long, they finally arrived at their designation, a beautiful, green gleam shining throughout the mines as Grey's little orbs of light illumihe pce. The glow was so beautiful, it was easy to fall in love with it. There was just one problem...

  Guraakkkk Khiieeeekkkk Kururuuukkk

  ... It was that the pce was flooded with monsters, a pandemonium of noise ringing throughout the depths of the mines as they approached it. Just a quice alone and one could easily tell there were thousands of them.

  RUMMBBBLLLLLEEEEEEE

  To top it all off, there was a Golem King present in the cavern. It was so big, it barely fit in the mines, looking like a doll stuside its tight tainer. It was an S-rank monster as well, a single mistake could cause the mio colpse.

  "This pce is swarming with trash... Please leave this to me, Master. I'll make sure to thhly the pce up." ［Poris］

  "Hmm... Alright, I'll leave it to you, Poris. Good luck." ［Grey］

  "By your will. I will make sure not to disappoint you, Master." ［Poris］

  The ptinum panther bowed his head, and the very moment, he vanished out of pin sight. The moment he otted again, he was already at the enemy's rear side, blending into the shadows despite how spicuous his color was.

  Khieeekkkkk Arrgghhhhh Urrrkkkkkkk

  Screams of pain and agony soon echoed throughout the massive halls as Poris made quick work of them. The moment his dagger-like cws drew hem, their fate was quickly decided, vanishing into thin air soon after.

  He was very mindful of the surroundings as well, ing up the ones he ers and edges first, making sure they don't actally strike something they are not supposed to. And so, the numbers of the enemies quickly dwindled.

  BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM

  As for those who were too far away, they didn't say either. Before they could even do anything funny, Poris immediately unched a barrage of breath attacks towards them. Beams of golden light exploded upon impact.

  Crash Thud Thud Thud Thunk

  The Golem King tried to advand nd a strike towards Poris, but not only did it miss, its whole arm was chopped up to pieces as well, falling down the cold ground, making loud and heavy thuds as they crashed.

  Of course, Poris didn't just stop there. As soon as he climbed up its arms, he then nded a barrage of strikes towards its head and upper torso, his sharp cws digging its hard armor as if it was a hot knife swimming though butter.

  BANNNGGGGGG

  With its other arm, the Golem King tried to strike Poris down. Unfortunately for it, the tter was simply too swift, evading it without much issue. However, it was exactly because he evaded that the walls of the cavern received the heavy strike in his stead.

  Yet, the cavern didn't colpseー or rather, it couldn't. As soon as Grey foresaw the situation, he quickly created a barrier to coat the whole cavern. Not even the full-power punch of a Golem King destroy it.

  "Don't worry, Poris. I've already made some safety precautions here and there. You fight to your heart's tent." ［Grey］

  "... Thank you, Master. I will just do so." ［Poris］

  There was o hold bay longer. As soon as Poris heard Grey's words, he quickly nded ba his feet. But rather than attag again, he simply stood still and gathered tremendous amounts of mana near his maw.

  The room which was once illuminated by a deep, green luster was now swallowed by golden light, mana swirling all over the room. The Golem King, wanting to destroy Poris, quickly charged towards him, raising its fist mightily. Unfortunately for it...

  "Begone!" ［Poris］

  ... It was already far too te. Before the Golem King's heavy fist could even reach Poris, intended golden light engulfed the room whole, loud tremors reverberating throughout the earth as the mines shook ever so violently.

  The moment the light faded, only a single figure remaianding. It oris, and around him were hundreds upon hundreds of drops. Some were destroyed, but the best ones remaihere were still quite a handful of them.

  "Good job, Poris! You did it!" ［Grey］

  "I don't deserve such praise, Master. I couldn't have do without you." ［Poris］

  "Hahaha. Humble as ever, I see." ［Grey］

  Of course, Grey just didn't let the drops sit on the ground. With a swipe of his hands, he quickly stored them inside his "Iory", not leaving a single one behind. Ores were especially abundant, making Grey smiles a little.

  Now that everything has finally been ed up, Grey eyes soon traveled towards the walls, watg the gemstones sparkle like stars in the night sky. The only two differences were that they weren't stars, and they were in a cave. A tradi.

  All of the gems imbedded in the cavern walls were green jewels called "Cereil". They are precious gems which often thrive in mana-riviros, thousands of them present in the cavern. Though...

  "There you are. We've been looking everywhere for you." ［Grey］

  ... The ones Grey needed are the highest quality ones which absorbed the most mana after dozens, if not hundreds, of years. They were the "Deepbound Cereil" which was meant to represent "Greedy Love" in the nine colors.

  Careful as one be, Grey used both tools and magic to extract the Cereils firmly embedded in the walls. And though there were thousands of Cereils, only three were Deepbound Cereils, only showing how rare they were.

  "With that, that's eight of them." ［Grey］

  Said Grey, a gentle smile appearing on his face. He's been searg for them for so long, he hasn't even e back to the Manor for a few days already. Now that there was only one missing, he could only feel happiness.

  Well, it wasn't like he was simply colleg the nine colors. He had already phe other aspects of the proposal such as the veime, and such, and now, the only thing that's needed was to find the st color and propose. He was excited.

  "Master, may I ask something?" ［Poris］

  "Sure, go ahead." ［Grey］

  "This is just my jecture, but... Are you perhaps avoiding the Mistress?" ［Poris］

  It hit right where it hurts. As soon as Grey heard Poris' question, he suddenly halted on his tracks, his previously bright smile now stiff and frozen. It was all too sudden, he didn't know how to a.

  "Haah... I guess you could say that... Was I really that obvious?" ［Grey］

  "Yes, Master. Eveher familiars have started to notice. I believe everyone knows about it." ［Poris］

  "I see... That's quite troublesome..." ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't even ugh even if he wao, only a wry smile pstered on his face. Knowing how obvious he was in his as, he could only stay quiet and ponder what was wrong with him, and where his guts went.

  Even now, he's afraid that the moment he sees Yuna after days of not seeing her, he won't be able to hold back himself. He wants to embrace her, but is getting more and more afraid that he won't be able to hold back his desires a her whole.

  He could ha if Yuna only gets mad at him, but if she were to ever hate him... He doesn't know what to do anymore. The longer he pondered over it, the more doubts he had. Doubts whily appeared now that they've been together for so long.

  He's been p over his doubts. The more he thought about it, the more obvious it became. He wasn't just afraid Yuna would get disillusioned with her, but also that she rejects him. An unreasonable surge of ay growing in his heart. Truly ughable.

  "Does Yuna know about this?" ［Grey］

  "The Mistress... I'm not sure..." ［Poris］

  That was a lie.

  Being a familiar, Poris knows full well the emotions of his masters. He may not be able to read them like a book, he could still tell. He khat both of them harbored the same ay and the same fears.

  Even then, Poris didn't dare to say it towards them. It roblem they o solve as a couple, ohe familiars could not interfere directly. All they could do is offer them advice, lend an ear, and pray for the best.

  "Master, I may be meddling too much, but I believe you should talk this out with the Mistress. I am sure she will uand." ［Poris］

  "Knowing Yuna, yeah, that would probably be the case." ［Grey］

  "Then, why don't you try?" ［Poris］

  "That... I don't know... I'm actually fused as well." ［Grey］

  No, Grey isn't as fused as he cims he is. There simply was an irrational fear in his heart despite knowing it would most probably work out just firoubles of love he had never entered before.

  Thankfully, due to Poris' words, albeit slightly, he could feel the weight of his burden being lifted. He's still not ready to front Yuna, but he's starting to gain a little bit of fidence. He just wants to see and embrace her again.

  "Well, I'm sure I'll figure something out." ［Grey］

  "If that's the case, then it seems my s were unneeded. I wish you luck, Master. I hope you recile with the Mistress soon." ［Poris］

  "Thanks, Poris." ［Grey］

  "Soon"... Such a w throughout Grey's head. It isn't just the festival which is approag close, but also their anniversary. The very same day when he's pnning to y down his heart and kneel before his beloved. Only two days away.

  Still, things aren't quite ready. Though the pn is nearing its pletion, there was still oem from the Nine Colors which was missing. The which symbolizes the love he thinks was most important of them all,

  "Well, enough about that. Time is passing by quickly. Let's go!" ［Grey］

  "As you wish, Master." ［Poris］

  There was no time to waste. With the sands of down trig down, Grey and Poris quickly teleported back to the surface, the gentle sunlight greeting them, the fresh and cool breeze caressing their skin.

  Breeze which soon tururbulent the very moment Poris spread his wings, strong bursts of winds running rampant all over the pce as a ptinum figure soared high and mighty. Clouds were parted and bored, ptinum streaking like a lightning bolt.

  ...

  The breeze was fresh and pleasant, the sweet fragrance of flowers drifting in the air along with the st of freshly cut grass. Even the sun was not as harsh as usual, only sh the world with gentle and warm sunlight. It erfect day.

  "Hic... Hic... Grey... Hic... Grey..." ［Yuna］

  Well, almost a perfect day...

  As it seems, a lovely young dy is once again bawling her eyes out as if there was no tomorrow. She hiccuped and she cried, a single name ing out of her mouth time and time again, a sense of longing in her heart.

  It has been a few days since Yuna sulted with Helen and Tilda, and ever since, she has been trying to cheer herself up. There was still ay in her heart, but she felt much better than before, looking forward to talking things heart to heart with Grey.

  But despite the passing days, there was nress. So much as to try and talk with him, Grey isn't even showing up at the mansion anymore. He's been away for a few days already, causing eveer loneliness ihe young dy's heart,

  She could simply have a telepathic talk, but she preferred to do it face to face. Well, not that she could do the former anyway. For some reason, Grey has been cutting off the calls short, saying reasons along the lines of business. It was hopeless.

  "Hic... Should I try and seduce him then...?" ［Yuna］

  So much so that Yuna is even sidering Helen's words. She isn't usually the active one in the nightly activities, but she knew a thing or two after several months of doing it. She is quite experienced, one could say.

  "Uuu... But it's still too embarrassing..." ［Yuna］

  Even then, she was far too weak hearted to attempt such bold and aggressive things. She had seduced Grey many times before, but it was only when she was feeling bold or was doing it unsciously. It was far too high of a hurdle.

  The young dy who could easily wipe out cities aerminate monsters, struggling desperately iters of love. She couldn't even hold back her tears any longer, g like a little child from too much longing. Oh, what a sight to behold.

  "Mistress, are you sure you're okay? We ask the Master if you want." ［Sirius］

  "Uuu... Thank you, but I want to talk to Grey myself." ［Yuna］

  "As you wish, Mistress. But please do remember we're always by your side when you ever need our help. We'll be waiting." ［Sirius］

  "Un... Thank you, everyone." ［Yuna］

  Even the familiars could do nothing about their situation but spectate and offer help from time to time. They could only fort their mistress, cuddling up to her and making her feel better with their fluffiness and ess.

  As for Iris and Violet, they are currently out and about visiting a store. They invited previously, but the tter deed. She wao wait if ever Grey returned. She doesn't regret her decision, but she's undoubtedly much lonelier without them.

  Tap Tap Tap Clop Clop Clop

  And just as her loneliness reached its peak, a familiar rhythm echoed in the air. It was the footsteps of someone she was oh so familiar with, her ears perking up as soon as it rang in her ears, standing up abruptly as she could.

  She quickly rushed towards the doors, opening it with a cck, and she was right. As soon as she peeked in the corridors, she finally saw the figure she had been longing to see for days, uo help herself but smile like a fool.

  "Greー" ［Yuna］

  "Yhness, it's been some time! How are things going on your side?" ［Gerald］

  "Good to see you again, Lerald. And fortunately, things have been going well. Only one more to go." ［Grey］

  "Oh! That is wonderful news! Do tell if you ever need my assistance." ［Gerald］

  Still, she couldn't talk to him just yet. The Mayor had beateo the pund is now currently talking with Grey. She wao talk with her, but eavesdropping was not her hobby. And so, she waited patiently.

  It was fortunate, not for her, but frey. He was so tired, he fot to check with his "Heaven's Eye" if Yuna was around. Otherwise, Yuna would have heard their talk and the surprise would have been spoiled. It was fortunate, indeed.

  "Ah, about that, Lerald. I actually have a favor to ask." ［Grey］

  "Oh! Please do tell! I will be doing my best to fulfill your request." ［Gerald］

  "Thanks. Then..." ［Grey］

  And so, Grey and the Mayor's versation proceeded. They talked for quite some time and all Yuna could do was wait by the er. She was giggling softly to herself, looking forward to talking again with Grey after quite some time.

  Before long, the versation ended and the two finally parted ways. The Mayor headed back to his office whilst Grey walked towards the dire of their room, fixing his attire once more, making himself even a little more presentable.

  "Wele back, Grey." ［Yuna］

  "Ah, Yuna... How long have you been there?" ［Grey］

  "For a couple minutes, I guess... I've been here since you've arrived." ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... That's nor just a couple minutes, you know..." ［Grey］

  Strangely enough, though they've been so nervous about seeing each ain, they were actually much calmer iy. There was ne sense of distance about them nor was there any tension in the air. It was just like how it's always been.

  They chatted and they ughed, smiling about as they walked down the corridors, hearts fluttering like butterflies dang in the air. Walking side by side, it was as if their worries suddenly disappeared as if they were just fleeting lies. Hearts at rest.

  "By the way, Grey, how's your quests doing? Making any progress?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. I only need one more thing, actually. I should be finished just in time... Or at least I'm hoping so." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm sure you'll do it. Yrey, after all." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna, finishing her words with a sweet smile. A smile which quickly melted away all the fatigue Grey felt just by seeing it. He had already prepared himself for it, but he hought seeing her smile would make him so happy.

  "Right, Grey... After your work is over, I have a little bit of your time?" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Sure. Though... it might still be a couple days away. I'm still quite busy right now. Are you alright with that?" ［Grey］

  "Un! It's fihere's just something I o talk to you with." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, great. I'm looking forward to it." ［Grey］

  With that, everything has finally been decided. They have yet to settle their issues, but albeit slowly, they were making progress. Yuna couldn't be any happier talking with Grey once again, feeling like her heart would jump out of her chest.

  But such happiness was not one which sted long. Going with the flow of their versation and the mood looming in the air, Yuna tried to hold Grey's hands, but rather than reciprocate it, Grey suddenly flinched, flig her hand away.

  "Ah, sorry... I was just caught off guard, and... I'm a little sweaty right now, so..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Why are you making excuses? It's fine, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Really, sorry about that..." ［Grey］

  Grey didn't hate it, not at all. Rather, he was actually longing for her touce more. But with him being himself right now, there was no guarantee he could himself bace he gets riles up. His cheeks were now burning from embarrassment.

  Though, the same couldn't be said for Yuna. She simply ughed it off, but in the depths of her heart, a deep and dark swirl of ive emotions started to brew. A cold, ominous chill started to gnaw away at her heart once again.

  "Yuna, is... everything alright...?" ［Grey］

  "Un... Everything's perfectly fine..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna said with a smile on her face. But it wasn't bright nor was it sweet, rather, it ainful, f herself to make a smile even though there was no trace of happiness in her heart. There was only doubt and sadness.

  Ay crept inside her heart once again.

  CHAPTER 280 END