Cck Cg g

  A series of metallic sounds echoed in the air. A young man stood in silence as he moved his hands flipping pans and turning the spatus, the sound of fme burning ever so gently resounding along the tune.

  Of course, that young man was her than Grey who is cooking dish after dish for the day, adding bits of seasoning as he tasted the dishes he prepared. There was only silence as an appetizing and fragrant aroma wafted throughout the kit.

  "Just a little bit of salt, and... Alright, that's perfect." ［Grey］

  He stirred, he mixed, aasted. After he was satisfied with the taste of the soup, Grey tiirrily and soon lowered the heat of the fmes. A few more ccks echoed as he prepared yet another set of kit utensils to cook another dish for the m.

  It has already been a few days siheir first rice harvest at the Gallen vilge, and as usual, Grey started the day by cooking breakfast for him and Yuna. Everything erfectー or at least, it would have been...

  Poke Poke Poke

  ... It's just that there was a certain silver-haired elf who oking his sides time and time again at regur intervals. She outing very cutely, puffing her cheeks and wearing sulky eyes, not uttering a single word.

  "Umm... Yuna... Do you need something...?" ［Grey］

  "Nothing..." ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but she has been b Grey ever sihe m started. At first, she was just staring from afar, but as time passed, she drew closer and closer until she was already behind him, poking and poking as she pouted.

  Well, it wasn't just poking. Every time she finds that Grey's hands are free, she holds them tightly, only letting go when he o use them. Of course, she did such as while still remaining silent.

  "Umm... Yuna... Are you sure you don't need anything?" ［Grey］

  "No..." ［Yuna］

  Grey asked again, but the response was much shorter. Instead, Yuna stopped poking Grey's sides and full-on hugged him. He couldn't see her faymore, but he knew full well that she was still pouting,

  As for the reason, well... It's fairly simple. It was just another one of Yuna's moods where she asks frey's attention in any way she . And strangely enough, even when she's doing such things, she still tries not to get in the way of Grey's work as much as she could. Truly tradictory.

  "Yuna, umm... Would you like to help me prepare breakfast?" ［Grey］

  "Eh?! I?!" ［Yuna］

  "Of course. Let's cook together." ［Grey］

  "Okay～!" ［Yuna］

  And like any simple problem, there was a very simple solution. All Grey o do was invite her to cook with him and she beamed brighter than the sun itself. Sht in fact that Grey thought he was going blind.

  After all, Yuna only wao spend time with Grey. As soon as Grey invited her, she quickly went ahead and grabbed her apron and a couple of kit stuff. She quickly returned, a bright smile blooming even brighter on her face.

  'So cute... I just want to gobble her up... Hm?' ［Grey］

  A sudden thought and a sudden pause. Grey's hands abruptly stopped as silence filled his mind. His eyes were shocked wide open as he examined what he just thought, uo believe such a thought ran through his mind.

  It wasn't the first such a thought occurred. In fact, such a thing has been every so often tely. The more he fell for Yuna, the stronger his desire to monopolize her and just eat her up. Impure and wicked thoughts.

  "Grey... Is something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  "N-No... Nothing..." ［Grey］

  To make things worse, Yuna's is shining brightly ead every time he thinks of such wicked thoughts. His heart is stabbed with arrows of guilt, like an undead purified by the holiness of Yuna's i smiles. It was too much to bear.

  Grey really loves Yuna, but with such thoughts in his mind, he feels like an insatiable beast just waiting to pouowards a (seemingly) harmless rabbit. It was a hard to trol impulse, but thankfully, there was a solution to every problem.

  "Yuna..." ［Grey］

  "Hm? What is it?" ［Yuna］

  "I love you." ［Grey］

  "Wh-What are you saying in broad daylight! Y-You dummy!" ［Yuna］

  Grey simply o reduce the iy of the attacks and be purified by Yuna's ess. Seeing her adorable reas ses his impure heart and brings him enlighte he's newer felt before. Love truly is a strahing.

  Well, it was not a solution without any backshes... For Yuna, that is. The young dy who was once brimming with radiance was now beet red and panicky, pounding on Grey's shoulders as she tried to hide her embarrassment, only stopping as she buried her fa his back.

  "Mmn... I love you too, dummy..." ［Yuna］

  Grey's heart was finally ed of all impurities and his mind is now clear as day. Without any wicked thoughts in his mind, his hands moved fast as lightning, chopping the vegetables and dig the meat. Yet another appetizing st wafted throughout the whole kit.

  Shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna finished cooking the dishes and they enjoyed a warm and delicious breakfast together. And as it was also the day they visited the Little Princess, they also made some sweets while they were at it.

  Well, I say the Little Princess, but it is actually for the whole Royal Family. After all, one way or ahey always mao find out whely they arrive in the castle and join in without any invitation. They were a very carefree bunch.

  "Then, shall we head out now, Midy?" ［Grey］

  "U's go!" ［Yuna］

  Without further ado, Grey then reached one of his hands out and like any other time, a white gate of mana appeared before them. Extending his arm once more, they then got a hold of Yuna's hand and together, they went iogether.

  The gentle light soon dissipated and trary to their humble and quiet living room, the moment they opeheir eyes, what greeted them was the grand and open Royal Castle, stone bricks id out in the floors and walls all over the pce.

  Of course, the knights, maids, and servants also patrolled the pce from time to time. Thankfully, Grey and Yuna kly where to pop in and out. They didn't want anyone else to find out about their abilities, after all.

  "One... Too... Free... Fou..," ［Natalia］

  And that pce was her than the corridors he Little Princess' quarters. It only took a few steps and the Little Princess' soft and adorable voice already echoed in the air, apanied by the sweet symphony of the garden winds.

  Just in time, they arrived as the Little Princess was undergoing early education. She is now ting the most basic of numbers, reg them oer another. She was fumbling her words, but that only made her even cuter.

  Knooock

  A cssic triple knock resounded in the air and the Little Princess ting was cut off as soon the knocks reached their ears. Soon, footsteps resounded in the air, a lone figure approached the door, and finally, there air of cd creak.

  "You've arrived, Yhnesses. Good m." ［Shasha］

  "Good m as well, Shasha... And good m too, Little Princess." ［Grey］

  "Waah～! Big Bro! Big Sis!" ［Natalia］

  It was just like they had expected. As soon as the Little Princess saw them, she quickly hopped out of her seat and rushed trey and Yuna, greeting them with a warm, little hug. A bright smile was blooming on her face.

  Of course, there weren't just hugs. As Yuna lifted the Little Princess and carried her in her arms, the tter pecked her cheeks with a greeting kiss and after her was Grey's turn. A series of greetings ended by yet aight embrace.

  "Pardorusion, Miss Shasha." ［Grey］

  "Not at all, Yhness. Her Highness is almost finished with her studies. There is o feel apologetic." ［Shasha］

  "I see... Then, could we join you then?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! Yhnesses are more than wele!" ［Shasha］

  It wasn't the first time Grey and Yuna offered to help teach the Little Princess. In fact, they have been doing so every time they get, spending more time with her and they went about their day. They have bee tutors once again.

  Of course, as the Little Princess was still young and the topic was quite simple, they didn't resort to their spartan-style way of training. They may be strict, but they aren't monsters. They don't want to scare the Little Princess, after all.

  Time passed by, and before long, the Little Princess finally finished her studies. Her handwriting may not be the best, but they were reizable enough. For a two-year-old child, she was already outstanding.

  "Hooh～! My granddaughter really is a genius, isn't she?" ［Ernes］

  And from God-knows-where, the King had suddenly popped ihe Little Princess' room, joining them in as he invited himself. He was so silent one would think he was an assassin. He was actually quite frightening.

  "Your Majesty... When did you arrive?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, me? I arrived just now. o pay me any attention. Just tinue on with whatever you're doing." ［Ernes］

  Or so the King says, but it's not as easy as he puts it. After all, what kind of person could just ighe King in the room who is now croug as observed and doted on his granddaughter? It was simply absurd.

  Fortunately, everyone was already used to the King's random shenanigans. They simply ed up after their study session, not batting an eye on him. He may be the King, but to be ho, he was just a royal pain in the ass. It was the Prime Minister who did all the work.

  Cck Cck Cck

  Speaking of the Prime Minister, a loud series of footsteps echoed from outside the Little Princess' quarters. They didn't eveo guess whom it beloo as it was easily revealed as the doors were opened.

  "Excuse me, is His Majesty here?" ［Anderson］

  "Oh, hey, Anderson. How are you doing?" ［Ernes］

  "Ah... I'm doing fine, Your Majeー No, that's not it! Your Majesty, please stop skipping work a back to the office!" ［Anderson］

  And there they go again. The moment the Prime Minister ehe Little Princess' room, yet anument resounded in the air and the two highest-ranking figures of the Kingdom started bickering ever so loudly.

  Normally, the Prime Minister is able to keep a calm head, but with a mountain-load of deadlio be met, there is no time to promise, he is going all out. It was a sight everyone has not gotteo.

  "Miss Shasha, you help us set the table?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course. It would be my pleasure." ［Shasha］

  "Little Princess, let's just wait a little longer, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Um! Nalia, wait!" ［Natalia］

  In fact, they were so used to the se that while the Prime Minister and the King argued, everyone else prepared the table for their snack time together. Ptes were pced and drinks were poured. Perfect for a little tea party.

  "Oh? You made some mango floats again?" ［Ernes］

  "Your Majesty, please take this more seriously!" ［Anderson］

  As for the King, he was simply adding more oil to the fire. The Prime Minister was already bursting with anger yet he was as calm as one be, not faltering nor budging a single inch. He was fident as he had a special on on his side.

  And what may that be a special on one might ask? It was simple, and no, it wasn't any type of sword or spear. Well, it isn't even sharp nor made of metal. Rather, it was the opposite. A very soft and adorable secret on.

  "Ga, weaving...?" ［Natalia］

  It was his very own granddaughter, the one and only Little Princess! Just a couple words from her paired with upturned eyes, and the Prime Miook a critical hit to the heart. He may be tough, but he was weak to such ess.

  "Umm... No... Princess Natalia... His Majesty o work, you see. I'm simply here to take him back to the office." ［Anderson］

  "But... But Nalia wantsh py... Py wif Ga..." ［Natalia］

  "Uhh... No... Umm... Princess Nataliaー" ［Anderson］

  "Nalia, 't....?" ［Natalia］

  There was o say any more words. The moment the Prime Minister was graced with the Little Princess' i and sparkling eyes, the fate of the battle was decided. It was finally over.

  And behind the i Little Princess was a smiling devil who was happy as one be. It didn't even cross his mind how despicable his as were, using his own granddaughter for his be. The most wicked of all wicked men.

  "Haah... I uand... And Your Majesty, please head back as soon as possible. You know how tight our schedule is." ［Anderson］

  "Hahaha. I'll try, I'll try." ［Ernes］

  "Haah... Your Majesty..." ［Anderson］

  The King ughed boisterously and the Prime Minister frowned. He wao retort, but was simply out of energy. He didn't try thinking any more and simply left the Little Princess' room, the King smiling ever so merrily as he celebrated his petty victory.

  "Now then, shall we get started then?" ［Ernes］

  "Haah... You really are something, Your Majesty..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! I'll be taking that as a pliment!" ［Ernes］

  Not just the Prime Minister. Even Grey, Yuna, and Shasha couldn't help but frown at the King's wicked schemes and antics. They don't even have the energy tue, simply ign him as they tiheir preparations.

  Time passed some more and like any other time, member after member of the Royal Family arrived oer another. Only Julius was missing as he still has school in the Royal Academy, otherwise, he would be there as well.

  Shortcakes, poundcakes, mas, mango floats, cookies, tarts, milkshakes, and many more. There was a rge sele of sweets and refreshments atop the white table, everyone enjoying them with bright, smiling faces, the familiars sitting on their ps as they pyed around.

  "Red! Wellow! Blue! Bwack!" ［Natalia］

  And as she ate her sweets, the Little Princess pointed from dessert to dessert and named what colors there are to be found in them. Everyone was watg her with warm eyes as she demonstrated her intellectual prowess.

  "Waah～! Amazing～! To think you already know all the colors!" ［Yuna］

  "Nalia, mayshing?" ［Natalia］

  "Un! Our Little Princess is a genius!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! Of course! Who do you think our sweet Natalia takes after?!" ［Galleus］

  Yuna praised the Little Princess, and the tter giggled cheerfully, proud of her little self. But even more proud than herself was her doting father, the Prince, puffing his chest as he decred proudly how amazing his daughter was.

  But as the colors were mentioned, one figure who would usually be in tuh the Prince's antics, was now put ihought as he scratched his cheeks, trying to remember something that was already a distant topi his mind.

  "Ah, right! Speaking of colors... I almost fot, but Grey, Yuna, do you have any i in heading to Erdea?" ［Ernes］

  "Erdea... Isn't that the city-state just north of Alfrione?" ［Yuna］

  "That's right. I'm just curious is you have any pns on heading there," ［Ernes］

  The King asked and Grey and Yuna wondered. With Sirius' help, what would take almost two weeks of travel from the capital would only take them a single day. If it's just traveling there, there is no problem with the idea.

  The problem was what reason they had to travel there. They could simply head there any time ve for them. In the beginning, it was strange for the King to suddenly bring up the topic.

  "We don't... At least, not at the moment. Why do you ask, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］

  "Well, I don't know if you remember him, but... Gerald, Erdea's mayor, is io head there. They'll soon be holding the 'Festival of Hearts', and he wanted you to attend as guests." ［Ernes］

  "A festival?! We'll go! We'll go!" ［Yuna］

  There wasn't even ao think. As soon as Yuna heard the word "Festival", her eyes immediately beamed with excitement and her long ears fpped up and down, quick as one be. She was brimming with enthusiasm.

  Well, who wouldn't be? After all, the "Festival of Hearts" is also known as the most festive and colorful festival in the whole ti. A festival which people from all ers of the ti attend to celebrate love, peace, and happiness. A festival everyone wants to attend even on their lives.

  And it isn't just a normal festival. It was one which celebrates harmoween the tries in the ti, held every nine years to orate the end of the warring era. A testament to the unity between tries.

  "Then, I guess the Royal Family is invited as well?" ［Grey］

  "Of course. Every Royal Family in the ti is. It's a grand celebration, after all. One of the very best." ［Ernes］

  "Grey, let's go! Let's go!" ［Yuna］

  "My, Yuna sure is more fired up than usual." ［Talia］

  With the words of the King, Yuna's eyes sparkled even brighter. She was so excited that her usually mature outer persona pletely broke down and the child inside her jumped for joy. She was now as excited as the Little Princess was.

  Well, Grey wasn't particurly against the idea. It just seemed strao him that the King decided t up the topiow. It was only then that lightning struck his mind and the answer popped out of nowhere.

  "Your Majesty... You just want to make use of my 'Gate', don't you?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha... I don't know what you mean..." ［Ernes］

  "Haah... I k..." ［Grey］

  Grey didn't eveo use his eyes. Judging by how the Kied, he knew full well that he was right on the mark. The King simply wao ease their travels with the use of Grey's abilities. He was a crafty one, alright. Just not crafty enough.

  Unfortunately frey, his curiosity isn't allowing him to miss such a rare opportunity. It only happens once every nine years, after all, and there was also the fact that Yuna was raring to go. There was no way he could just reject the invitation.

  "Haah... Alright, we'll be going..." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! Grey, you're the bestest of the best!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! I knew I could t on you!" ［Ernes］

  "Yaay～! Besht of besht!" ［Natalia］

  The moment Grey gave his word, the room was quickly filled with excitement, cheers and cps resounding in the air. Evetle Princess, who didn't even uand what was happening, is happy. The Royal Family really is something.

  "ht. And while you're at it, please take Iris with you. This is a good ce to expand her horizons." ［Ernes］

  "Eh?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Did I say something weird?" ［Ernes］

  Grey was in shock, and wao retort, but remembering what happened just retly betweeer and the Prime Minister, his resolve quickly vanished. He'd rather just accept things silently than deal with the troublesome creature before him.

  "Haah... Alright, fine..." ［Grey］

  "I-I'll be in your care, Elder Brrey!" ［Iris］

  "Yeah, just make sure to prepare all your things, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Y-Yes!" ［Iris］

  If there was anything to be gd about, it was that they were taking Iris with them, and her of the princes. Grey was gd that the Princess Royal took after the Queen, otherwise, he could only imagine how terrifying it would be.

  "Grey, do you have something a little sour?" ［Ernes］

  "Your Majesty..." ［Grey］

  Yep, he is really gd...

  CHAPTER 252 END