"Hmm... Shouldn't we buy more sugar?" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... This is already more sugar than we'll ever need, you know? Really... You and your sweet tooth..." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... But I'm sure a little more sugar won't hurt..." ［Yuna］

  The young dy said, upturned and i eyes gleaming brightly on her face. But her request was not little at all, rather, it was quite the opposite. I as she may look, she was demanding to increase the amount of sugar they buy by more than twofold.

  To which, Grey could only look at her with a troubled expression. After all, they have already doubled the amount of sugar they need. Doubling it aime was simply pin absurd. Not even a bakery es so much sugar. Yuna's sweets addi was really on another level.

  "Haah... Alright, fine, but under one dition. I'll cut yar allowance by half. That, or we'll go by our inal pn." ［Grey］

  "Grey! That's so mean! This is abuse of power! I thought you loved me?!" ［Yuna］

  "I do... But besides that, I know you've also been stashing away bags of sugar when you go out shopping with Helen. Or... Do you also want to have a cut on your daily allowance as well?" ［Grey］

  "Uuu... That's... You know, umm... That is... Well..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna tried to e up with an excuse, but no matter how hard she tried, nothing popped up in her mind. Well, even if something did, Grey would instantly find out she's lying. In the end all she could do was agree on Grey's term ale with their initial pns. Grey had the st chuckle.

  It has been a couple days sioie's birth and now, Grey and Yuna are ba Ti to prepare for the uping outing. All the pns were now plete, along with the agreement from all parties. All that was left to do was set up the venue.

  The sun was still young and the butterflies fluttered in the wind as they filled the fields with life and color. The wind danced and the bdes of grass swayed along it. A soft and peaceful opera pyed in the fields with joy and ess.

  A single young dy sat atop a small, smooth boulder swinging her legs up and down as she ehe view. A smile was afloat on her fajoying her long-awaited rest, free from all the responsibilities she bore. It py day.

  "Marika～!" ［Yuna］

  "Ah! Big Sister Yuna! Big Brrey!" ［Marika］

  That young dy was her than the Great Chief's clumsy yet reliable daughter, Marika. As soon as she saw Grey and Yuna's figure nearing her, her ears perked up and her smile bloomed even brighter as she skipped her steps towards them.

  "Are you free right now?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? I am... Do you need something from me?" ［Marika］

  "Well, sort of... Do you still remember that promise we made with you?" ［Grey］

  "Promise? We did...?" ［Marika］

  She really was a clumsy and airheaded girl. It hasn't evehat long sihey made the promise and she has already fotten about it, tilting her head left and right as she tries to recall what it was all about.

  The young dy pondered and pondered, and a number of is fshed before her mind. A few moments ter and she finally recalled what it was, a surprised yet excited expression blossoming on her face.

  "By promise, you mean...!" ［Marika］

  "Yeah. It's already long overdue, but if you want, we'd like to take you to a city in the mainnd. A promise is a promise, after all." ［Grey］

  "Un! We'll be shopping and expl all day. We'll have lots and lots of fun until we're tired. So... What do you say?" ［Yuna］

  "I-I'll go! I'd love to go! I'll go with Big Sister Yuna and Big Brrey!" ［Marika］

  There was o think any further. As soon as Grey and Yueheir invitation, she quickly agreed to it, her eyes sparkling brighter than the sun. There was oement in her eyes, uo keep herself calm.

  "Th-Then! I'll ask Papa for permission! I promise I'll be back quickly!" ［Marika］

  "Okay, just make sure to be careful. Keep your eyes on the road!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! I will!" ［Marika］

  Marika said as she ran off to the distance, and surprisingly, she didn't trip immediately a on dashing towards their house. There was aremely excited expression pstered on her face, a face bright as one be.

  "Uwaaah!" ［Marika］

  Well, it didn't take too long and she eventually tripped. Thankfully, she only tripped towards a sift and grassy area, her knees and elbows receiving mercy from fate. Grey and Yuna were both worried and relieved at the same time.

  It didn't take too long before Marika returned, bringing only her bright aed smile. The rest were inside her ste ring. She only brought a couple of essentials, some food, and money. A waving young dy could be seen drawing nearer.

  "Waah～! That was quick!" ［Yuna］

  "W-Well... I just got a little too excited..." ［Marika］

  "Fufufu! I uand. I was also excited the first time I went to a city. I'm sure you'll enjoy it like I did." ［Yuna］

  "Yes! I'm looking forward to it!" ［Marika］

  Ahusiastid expet voice ringing in the air, Grey and Yuna couldn't wait any further. With a wave of his hand, a white gate opened before them, a pce full of surprises waiting oher side.

  "Well then, shall we?" ［Grey］

  A single foot went ihe gate, followed by the leg, and soon, Grey's whole body. Yuna and Marika followed suit after him, heading into the gate, blindi gentle light grag their eyes.

  The light soon faded away, and as she opened her eyes once more, a forest of stone greeted Marika. T buildings tall as one be, paths made entirely of stone, and all sorts of decorations hanging outside. They were still in the alleys yet she was already mystified... Speechless...

  "Big Sister Yuna, Bigー Eh?" ［Marika］

  Yet such surprise aement soon turned into fusion the moment she turned around. Though they were undoubtedly Grey and Yuna, their eyes and hair color were different. It was a simple yet fantastic ge.

  "Fufufu! Don't get too surprised now, we'll be expl with you like this throughout the whole day. After all, it would be troublesome if people see us." ［Yuna］

  "That's right. And remember to keep our powers a secret. You absolutely must not tell anyone about it, uand?" ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes! I uand!" ［Marika］

  In fact, she did not uand. Why Grey and Yuo disguise themselves, and why she o keep their abilities a secret, she doesn't know why. Yet despite all that, she chose to believe the two, not a single ounce of doubt in their eyes.

  "Fufufu! You're too serious, Marika. e o's go!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna in the lead, footsteps soon echoed in the air as everyone headed out of the alleys and into the open streets. The dim alleys ghter and brighter with ead every step, a blinding light greeting them as soon as they faced the streets,

  The light faded and Marika opened her eyes. A lively spectacle was what greeted her as she did, all sorts of things, people, and colors fshing before her eyes. To such a wonderful and mystical sight, she could only utter a single sound.

  "Waah～...." ［Marika］

  The buildings, the stalls, the carriages, and the very street itself. Everything was a big o her i eyes, a mix of emotions swirling in her heart as she watched the se unfold, uo move from her spot.

  Previously, Grey and Yuna promised t her to Lista, but siions are starting to get established between Ti and the Beldon Marquisate, it would only be a matter of time before she visits the town iure. It was then that they'll brio the Royal Capital, and as it seems, it was the right choice,

  Marika's eyes were still full of awe as she watched the street. She turned her head left and right but not a single sound came out of her mouth, still uo process what she's witnessing before her. She was full of curiosity.

  "This is Farsa, the Royal Capital and also the rgest city in the Kingdom, and as you see, it's also the busiest. If I'm n, there should be around a million people living here... Impressive, isn't it?" ［Grey］

  "Yes, it is... I didn't think so many people would be living here... Even Ti only has thousands... It's amazing..." ［Marika］

  "Hahaha. Well, it's too early to be amazed. This is just normal for the Royal Capital, you know? The neighb Empire even has one about four, maybe five times bigger than this." ［Grey］

  "Eh?! Th-Then that means... Umm... Five million?! Th-That's so many!" ［Marika］

  Like a child who just learned about outer spad dinosaurs, Marika's curiosity aement ot be tained as she tried to grasp what the Royal Capital really was, gettied at every fun fact Grey threw at her.

  After all, Marika was a naturally curious girl, and in her eyes, her world has just grown by leaps and bounds. With her nature, it was only natural that she asked for every little thing, eager to learn and happy to listen.

  "Now, now, you two. We still have a lot to do, remember? We don't want to spend the whole day standing here, do we?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, Yuna's right. We should get moving now, shall we?" ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes! I'll be in your care!" ［Marika］

  A little kick start from Yuna and everyone was finally on the move. As they took their steps, Marika's head turned left and right, sparkling brightly. She didn't uand everything she saw, but she was excited heless.

  "Hahaha. It reminds me of the first time we got to Galderia. You were just as excited as Marika right now." ［Grey］

  "Mou... I 't help it, you know? It was my first time iy, after all." ［Yuna］

  "I know, I know, and you were really cute back then. I kind of want to see the shy aed Yuna again." ［Grey］

  "Eh～? What do you mean by that?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... I wooo." ［Grey］

  Of course, what day would be plete without a bit of flirting from the two. It was fortuhat Marika was so engaged in the Capital that she didn't hear them, otherwise, it would have been embarrassing.

  Their walk tinued and Marika entered all sorts of things. From fancy carriages, tall skyscrapers, massive museums, and the ever expanding market. There were a lot of things to see and Marika was excited about ead every single one of them.

  "Oh! Big Brrey, Big Sister Yuna, what's that?" ［Marika］

  "That's a fountain. You find it in almost every pza, and it's one of the most notable ndmarks iy." ［Grey］

  "Un! A of all, many performances are dohem. If you want to see a good show, you just o e here and you'll see all sorts of things." ［Yuna］

  "Waah～! That's amazing!" ［Marika］

  There were springs, waterfalls, and creeks all over Ti, aiful sights whie could only dream of seeing, yet even the simplest thing was enough to make Marika amazed like a little child.

  It wasn't just the fountains. The street mps, the sheds, the behe stalls, the brick road, and many more. Marika was entranced by every little thing, asking Grey and Yuna questions to satisfy her curiosity. It was like bringing a child to a pyground for the first time.

  Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna couldn't rete to what she's feeling. After all, they both had their fair share of untrolble excitement brought about by curiosity. They could very well uand what Marika was feeling at the moment.

  "Skewers! Skewers! Buy your skewers here!"

  "Freshly baked cheese bread! Buy some while it's still hot!"

  "Hey, Mister, would you like some meat buns? It's very affordable, I promise!"

  And of course, za kind of would be plete without a bustling line of food stalls lining up by the side of the streets. All sorts of delicious snacks and dishes were on dispy, aromatic smells wafting through the air.

  "Ah! Big Brrey! Big Sister Yuna! I want to buy some skewers!" ［Marika］

  "Fufufu! Go ahead. It's still the same as buying things in Ti. There shouldn't be any problems." ［Yuna］

  "O-Okay! I got it!" ［Marika］

  A smile of fiden her face, Marika skipped ahead and headed towards the stall with a heart brimming with excitement. It was going to be her first purchase outside of Ti, after all. Who wouldn't be?

  But before she could even buy some skewers, she suddenly froze in shock, and soon after, she returo Grey and Yuna with a crestfallen expression on her face. She ale and in disbelief, as if her world was just shattered.

  "Did something happen, Marika?" ［Grey］

  "E... Ex..." ［Marika］

  "Ex...?" ［Grey］

  "It's so expensive..." ［Marika］

  It didn't take long befrey and Yuna uood the problem. It was only then that they remembered how cheap things were Ti, Though the reason posite, Marika was experieng the same shock as they did.

  Not too long ago, Grey had found a way for ships to travel in and out of Ti using a certain path the a Empire of Asn used. Not only that, he also turned off the veil whice shrouded the isnd, making it reappear to the outside world.

  With it, Ti would surely engage in trade with Alfrione and other territories, and just like Marika, the inhabitants would surely be shocked as well the moment they realize how different people value things in the mainnd.

  Such a subject would be resolved over time, but for now, what they o do was expin things properly to the still shocked Marika. Who knows, it might help out the people ter if Marika were to guide them.

  "Umm... Marika, don't be too shocked, but what we're going to say, alright? Promise me that you'll remain calm." ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes... I'll try my best..." ［Marika］

  Grey and Yuna expihings to Marika slowly and surely, and the tter listeo them attentively. There were times where she was baffled and times her mind just straight up crashed, Marika.exe stopping its funs.

  "So... So, five times... Things are more expensive... Five times more expensive... Am I dreaming? Is this a dream?" ［Marika］

  The shock was just too much to handle. After all, Marika grew up with such values regarded as "normal" to her. Being told that they were the ones who were different was more than shog, her world crumbling down to dust,

  Thankfully, it was not that critical of a topic. With just a little bit of time and thinking, Marika maain her posure and calmed herself down. It was still a shock, but it was now manageable.

  "Then, Big Brrey, Big Sister Yuna, what should I do? I didn't bring that much money. Would I be alright?" ［Marika］

  "Fufufu! What are you talking about? We were the ones who invited you, it's only natural that we treat you." ［Yuna］

  "Eh? But... Would that be alright...?" ［Marika］

  "Of course! So let's enjoy ourselves as much as we , okay?" ［Yuna］

  She was dowed, but with a little bit of encement from Yuna, she quickly got back up on her feet, her faow beaming even brighter than before. It was as if Yuna used magic, yet she didn't. She was simply one sweet angel.

  "Grey, we'll be going to the stall right now. Would you like us to get anything for you? Grilled sausage, cream buns, or anything?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... I'm fih anything. I'll just get the same thing as you two." ［Grey］

  "Okay! Roger that!" ［Yuna］

  Grabbing Marika by the wrist, Yuna headed to the skewer stall and bought all sorts of things with Marika. She pointed left, right, up, and down, filling the paper bag with all sorts of meaty and juicy treats. She was even more excited than Marika.

  Seeing her act like such, Grey could only ponder over how much he really loves her, a strong desire growing inside his heart. A certain selfisho keep Yuna by his side and not letting go. He was more serious than ever.

  It was not that Grey wasn't serious with her retionship with Yuna before. Rather, ever sihey started dating, he's always taken into sideration their future together, especially regarding marriage. But it was only retly that he felt a strong sense of wanting, feelings getting strohan ever before.

  From "I would like to marry her someday", his thoughts ged to "I want to marry her". There was no one else in his heart but her, wanting to spend all of eternity by her side and holding her hand as they went along life. He was more certain than ever.

  And like before, he couldn't a his feelings, afraid to be rejected by her. After all, Yuna had previously mentioned she was still too young to get married, and it hasn't even been a year sihey started dating. He didn't want to rush things too mud just apulse.

  'Haah... How troublesome...' ［Grey］

  His heart wants to just rush towards her and hold her tight but his mind wants him to be careful and sider things more properly. No matter how he spun it, there was no one answer which could satisfy him.

  "Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  He thought too much that before he even noticed, Yuna and Marika were already back, holding bags upon bags of food in their arms. A pyful smile was on her face, making his heart quickly skip a beat.

  He was so surprised seeing Yuna's face up close that he quickly turned his face the other way to hide how beet red his face had bee. It was a dangerously close call. It really was.

  "Ah, no... I was just thinking that there sure are a lot of people in the tral pza right now. It's really bustling." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! What are you talking about? It's always been like this, silly!" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... I guess you're right..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! You're probably just hungry. Here, have a bite!" ［Yuna］

  Excited as one be, Yuna took out a skewer from the bag a to Grey. And as usual, it was juid tasty, a harmonious fvor of sweet and spices exploding in his mouth, but... Grey couldn't even taste it properly. Ahing was on his mind.

  A single smile, and all his troubles were suddenly blown away. The storm in his heart which was once raging and chaotic was now calm like the surface of a still ke. There was o worry.

  'Well, I guess there's o rush things... Let's just enjoy the moment right now.' ［Grey］

  It was as if all his troubles were but passing lies. The moment he saw Yuna's smile was the moment he decided to let things flow like it usually does. He might not find an aoday, but he will surely arrive at one one day. It's just the way of life.

  "How is it?" ［Yuna］

  "It's good. I could eat these all day." ［Grey］

  "I knht? Marika's also enjoying herself." ［Yuna］

  "I-It's very delicious, after all!" ［Marika］

  There was only happiness in the air as they started moving their feet again. They had ination in mind, simply moving along as they dug away the delicious treats Yuna and Marika bought.

  The sight was wonderful, the atmosphere was lively and cheerful, the air was fresh, and the food was delicious. There was nothing more they could ask for. Their outing had just beguhey were already satisfied to the max.

  "Oohhh!!"

  "The heroes! The heroes are here!"

  "Waah～! They're no match at all!"

  And as they walked dowreets, all sorts of noises rang in their ears. One very eye-catg sery in particur was a gathering of many people, cheering loudly and appuding every now and then. One which caught Marika's attention.

  "Hm? What's that?" ［Marika］

  "What do youー" ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't even finish his words. As he turned his head to the direarika ointing at, a familiar and embarrassing sight greeted them. Not only him, but Yuna was frozen as well, eyes filled with shock.

  To make both Grey and Yuna tense up, what might it be? A terrifying monster? No! A horrible and grotesque sight? No! A terrible exhibition! Wrong again! It was... another py which depicted and exaggerated ses of their exploits. One of their greatest embarrassments!

  "Umm... Marika, let's goー" ［Grey］

  "Big Brrey, Big Sister Yuna, let's watch it!" ［Marika］

  Unfortunately for them, they were just a tad bit too te. Marika had already poiowards the py, aed and expet look in her face. She was like aed child, pointing at her favorite toy in a toy store.

  "'t we...?" ［Marika］

  "N... No... We ..." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～!" ［Marika］

  And like parents who are just fools for their children, they had no choice but to agree. After all, the purpose of the trip was to keep their promise with her and expand her horizons. They would break both goals if they were to refuse.

  Needless to say, it was a memorable experience frey and Yuna, in ways more than one. Be it the ge, the shock, the embarrassment, or the over-exaggerated ses. They would surely remember it all. It was a nightmare.

  CHAPTER 242 END