Quack Quack Spsh Spsh

  The little pond was as blue as the vast blue sky above it. Water rippled as the ducks paddled their feet, swimming ever so peacefully in their little pond as lotus bloomed beautifully over the tranquil waters and reeds swayed by the gentle winds.

  A figure peeked towards the peaceful waters, bck hair fluttering in the wind as her red eyes reflected oer's surface. A pair of red orbs, bright as ruby, stared off into the distance, gazing at the white swaing over the waters.

  "How beautiful..." ［Violet］

  Of course, such a figure was her than Violet. Her love for beautiful things was still running strong, now the animals, the pnts, the rocks, and the pond itself. Everything arkliifully in her eyes.

  She even admired the rge willow giving her shade, swaying her feet up and down as she rested atop the and rge boulder. She ehe peaceful symphony of the Marble Gardens, listening even to the softest ripples across the water.

  "Elder Sister Violet, Elder Sister Yuna made some parfaits, would you like to have some? They're really, absolutely delicious!" ［Iris］

  "Oh! That sounds amazing, and yes, I would love that." ［Violet］

  Though such peace didn't st, a loud yet gentle voice eg in the air. Iris is now calling over Violet, waving at her excitedly. Beside the princess was another beauty, giggling to herself silently as she sat over the piiket.

  "Fufufu! Looks like someone's eheir time over the pond. The Marble Gardens sure is beautiful, isn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "S-Sorry, I was a little bit lost in thought. The pond was just too beautiful." ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! Why are you apologizing, you silly girl? Here, have a parfait instead. If you want any more toppings, you get sht here." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she poi the chilled tainers filled with all sorts of fruits, berries, and nuts. There were also some syrups by the side from strawberry to chocote, and even some cookie crumbs and chocote chips. A sweet extravaganza.

  And as expected from such a lovely dispy, Violet immediately fell in love at first sight with the parfait. The berries, the ice cream, the water sticks, and the little spoon. Everything looked perfect, picturesque as one be.

  Well, it wasn't just the presentation. As soon as Violet delivered a spoonful towards her mouth, sweetness burst forth in her mouth. The sugary sweetness of the syrup, the creamy sweetness of the ice cream, and the fruity sweetness of the berries. All three were in perfect harmony.

  "Waah～! So this is a parfait... it's so beautiful! And delicious too!" ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! Just tell me if you want to have more, but Ah! Don't overeat, okay? Your stomachs might hurt if you do." ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but her as were the plete opposite of her words. She had already finished a gss of parfait, and is now going for her sed o hasn't even been a couple minutes yet she has emptied it fully. She was simply on another level.

  The sun tio sink and the three dies eheir meal together, soft ale ughs drifting in the air as the waters tio ripple. The leaves rustled, and then rustled some more.

  "Elder Sister Yuna, we still have some pieces of bread left over. Aren't you going to store these in your ste ring?" ［Iris］

  "Ah, that. I purposely left that there. Just let them be." ［Yuna］

  "Eh?" ［Iris］

  The young princess was easily fused, tilting her head ever so slightly. Yuna didn't expin any further and simply pulled in the bread with wind magic. It was as if she had invisible hands in her and. A little magic trick of sorts.

  As soon as the bread was in her grasp, she then used a bination of wind and fire magic to dry them, finishing off the with a small flurry of gust, cutting the bread into hundreds of small pieces. They were soon pced inside a bowl.

  "Let's feed the ducks, shall we?" ［Yuna］

  Her iions were pure and i. As soon as Yuna said her piece, the other two quickly agreed, nodding their heads iement. They all headed towards the pond, bright smiles painted on their faces.

  Quack Quack Quack Quack

  Yuna threw some crumbs to the pond and the ducks and even the swans quickly gathered. They swam gracefully towards the crumbs, pig them off with their beaks and swallowing them whole, all the while paddling their little feet.

  "Waah～! They're really eating it..." ［Iris］

  "Amazing... This is so beautiful... They look so adorable...!" ［Violet］

  Both the young dies were delighted by the sight, eyes swimmi and right as they watched the ducks and swans feed on the bread crumbs. Their formation was chaotic as one be, but still beautiful all the same.

  "Okay, here you go. Why don't you feed the ducks as well?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! I would very much love to! Thank you so much, Older Sister Yuna!" ［Violet］

  "Y-Yes! I'll do my best as well!" ［Iris］

  "Fufufu! Then, do your best～!" ［Yuna］

  Following Yuna's lead, both Iris and Violet also got themselves a handful of bread crumbs and also threw them towards the pond. Bright smiles bloomed on their faces as soon as they saw the little creatures gather slowly.

  The more bread crumbs they threw, the more animals gathered before them. Before they k, even little birds and pigeons also perched in the nearby branches and nded on the ground, looking at them with expet eyes.

  "Fufufu! It seems like these little guys are also hungry," ［Yuna］

  Yuna did not discriminate. As soon as she saw the little birdies nd on the ground, she then scooped out a handful of bread crumbs and also threw them towards the ground. The sounds of wings fpping echoed as they desded from the branches.

  "Elder Sister Yuna, I also want to feed them." ［Iris］

  "Sure, just make sure to keep the excitement to yourself, okay? You might scare them away otherwise." ［Yuna］

  "Yes! I'll keep that in mind." ［Iris］

  Ducks and swans on the pond, and pigeons, doves, and many more on the ground. The Marble Gardens were filled with new colors as the birds fpped their little wings. It was a bird paradise, chirps and tweets as musi the air.

  Time passed some more, and as the fourth bell rang, everyone was finally out of the garden. They then tiheir day-long stroll, wandering to where their feet took them with anticipation in their hearts.

  There were stalls, carts, exhibitions, simple attras, and even more stalls across the streets. It was a feast for the eyes, with all sorts of hings popping out here and there. Heck, there were even new ones ireets they passed through just a couple ho.

  "What are these things...? They look so weird... And jiggly like pudding..." ［Violet］

  "I also don't know... Do you know what this is, Elder Sister Yuna?" ［Iris］

  "I'm afraid not... It's also the first time I've seen this..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, just as there are maiful and iing things, there were also weird ones in the mix as well. Now, they are looking at a jello-looking sculpture that wiggles as it moves. They all had their minds on it, when suddenly...

  "Ah! Your Hiー I mean, Miss Yuna, you're here!" ［Bekim］

  ... A familiar voice echoed from behind. It beloo a stubby and chubby man without a single lick of hair on his head. It was her than Bekim, who is currently wandering around the city as he breathes in the excitement.

  Yuna didn't eveo think. As soon as she saw Bekim, she instantly erected a sound-proofing barrier around them. She knew full well how much of a chatterbox the tter be, after all. It was better safe than never.

  "Ah, Mister Bekim, good afternoon. How have you been doing?" ［Yuna］

  "Hohoho. Good afternoon too, Miss Yuna. And thankfully, I've been doing well. In fact, I just had one of the most wonderful lunches a few minutes ago." ［Bekim］

  "Oh, it seems like we're on the same boat, Mister Bekim. We just had a lovely piich over the Marble Gardens." ［Yuna］

  "Ohh～! The Marble Gardens! I heard it's a wonderful pce!" ［Bekim］

  "It is. You should go visit sometimes too, Mister Bekim." ［Yuna］

  "Hohoho, if Miss Yuna reends it then it must be so. I will make sure to drop by if I ever have the time. I'm very much looking forward to it." ［Bekim］

  The versation was as friendly as one be, Yuna and Bekim simply chatting as they gave updates over what happened over the past few days. And as it seems, the merts are only growing busier by the day.

  "ht, how rude of me. It's good to see you again, Miss Iris." ［Bekim］

  "Good to see you again as well, Mister Bekim. It seems like the metalware business is doing well for you." ［Iris］

  "That it is. I've been quite lucky tely." ［Bekim］

  Of course, they didn't just exclude the others. As soon as he noticed Iris in the er of his eyes, Bekim quickly greeted the princess with a slight nod before exging greetings with her, ughing as merrily as usual.

  After Iris, his eyes then shifted towards yet another young dy. It was his first time seeing her, but knowing she's with Yuna, he quickly cluded that she was a good person. A bright and friendly smile bloomed on his face as he extended his hand.

  "I believe this is our first time meeting, Young Miss. The name is Bekim, an acquaintaniss Yuna. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Bekim］

  "Ah, yes, I'm Violet Tobias. The pleasure is mine." ［Violet］

  The young dy sooended her hands as well and shook Bekim's hands. He was smiling shtly to have met yet another person, but such a smile was short-lived. A realization soon dawned upon him.

  "Eh...? Tobias...?" ［Bekim］

  Such a name echoed inside his mind time and time again, and his mind was sent to the void, his head empty as one be. His mind has finally stopped funing, freezing from a sudden shock as his soul left his body.

  "Mister Bekim, are you okay...?" ［Yuna］

  "If a potato eats a potato, does that mean it's a ibal?" ［Bekim］

  In fact, he was not okay. His mind was so fried, he started spouting some mumbo jumbo, gibberish as they came. The shock was simply too much for his brain a to handle. Bekim,exe has stopped w.

  With quick thinking, they quickly escorted Bekim towards a nearby shed and gave him some fresh air. A few mier, and fortunately, he finally snapped back to reality. A gss of water ter and he has been rejuvenated.

  He was a little stiff at first, but after a little bit of expnation from Yuna, he quickly calmed himself dowill found it hard to believe that Yuna was walking with such a big shot, then again, Yuna herself was also one. He just accepted it as it is.

  "Are you okay now, Mister Bekim?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, yes. Though I really apologize for showing you su unsightly sight. I just didn't think to meet the Lord's daughter this way." ［Bekim］

  "Fufufu! It must have been a surprise." ［Yuna］

  "It really is, it really is, Yhness." ［Bekim］

  The man was now back to his normal self, even going back to addressing Yuna formally. But as such a versation occurred, a certain figure couldn't help but tilt her head ever so slightly, puzzled about something.

  "But, Mister Bekim, wasn't your rea a little off? I mean, you have already met Older Sister Yuna, and there's Iris too." ［Violet］

  "Eh? Miss Iris...? I get Her Highness, but Miss Iris...?" ［Bekim］

  "Well, yes... She's the Princess Royal of Alfrione, after all..." ［Violet］

  It was one shock after another. Bekim had just recovered, but after an even heavier revetion was dropped on him, his soul escaped his body once again. Now, even his eyes have turned white, slowly swaying until his mind stopped w once again.

  "Eh...? Was I not supposed to say that?" ［Violet］

  It was now far too te frets. Now that she's said it, there was nothing more they could do about it. Thankfully, Yuna already set up a barrier around them, and so, no one else heard them. It was a relief, indeed.

  A whole gss of chilled fruit juice ter, and Bekim was finally back to his senses. He looked bad forth at Iris, still uo believe that the young girl before him was actually a bonafide princess. Shock still loomed in his heart.

  "Haah... To think Miss Iris really is Her Highness, Princess Iris. I... I don't know what to say, actually..." ［Bekim］

  "Sorry for hiding it from you, Mister Bekim." ［Iris］

  "Ah, no, no. Please don't lower your head, Yhness. I'm sure you had your reasons. I'm just in a bit of shock, is all." ［Bekim］

  No, it wasn't just a "bit" of shock. Bekim was so shocked, he doesn't even know what is real anymore. But thinking about it in a more logical perspective, it made sehat Iris rincess. He was just being blind.

  "However... Umm... Mister Bekim, if possible, I would love it if you still treat me all the same... Just like before..." ［Iris］

  "... Hohoho! If that's what Yhness wishes, then how else could this old man deny it? Once again, I'll be in your care, Yourー No, Miss Iris." ［Bekim］

  "Yes, I'll also be in your care. And thank you." ［Iris］

  There was o deny the young princess' request. Although his speech is more on the formal side, Bekim had already treated Grey and Yuna casually, one more wouldn't make much of a difference.

  And so, with everything finally resolved, they then started chatting about a couple of things. Bekim, in particur, was as chatty as ever. From events currently unfolding iy to some small gossip, he's got it all.

  "ht! That reminds me, Yhness. Would you also be participating in the Geldhart Au this uping Veneris?" ［Bekim］

  "Geldhart... Au...?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, it's one of the biggest au houses in Erdea, and also one of the most popur. Many merts and nobles will be gathering during the night." ［Bekim］

  What Bekim said was no exaggeration. From rare and specialty tris all the way to some lost treasures, the Geldhart Au House offers a rge range of items and sells it in their aus happening once a month, with one big, annual au at the end of every year.

  However, this year is quite special. With the Festival of Hearts approag, they would also be holding a grand au during which very important figures from all over the ti will attend. The gra one of them all.

  Rumor has it that there will even be Legendary-Grade and Mythical-Grade items which would be aued during the day of the festival, along with many rare and precious items. Eae would illions at the very least.

  But perhaps the reason why the au house is so famous was because it allows anyone, no matter what social standing, to participate. It is a battlefield where money is spent like water, s and crystals on the line.

  "Ohh! Would there be herbs and alchemy materials as well?!" ［Yuna］

  "Of course! And not just any herbs, they'll have all sorts of magits on dispy! Many high-tier alchemists would surely attend it!" ［Bekim］

  "Waah～! Magits...!" ［Yuna］

  But of course, what Yuna is most excited about were the materials and ingredients she could use in her alchemy. She already has a mountain of them, but having more wouldn't hurt. The more the merrier, as they say.

  Just thinking about what things she could find in there was enough to make her blood boil iement. And in a very Yuna-like fashion, she's already thinking of buying some as gifts for everyone, not even sidering the prices.

  "Umm... Older Sister Yuna, we're actually participating in the au this month. Would you like to joinー" ［Violet］

  "Un! Yes, please!" ［Yuna］

  There was ation in her answer. Violet has yet to finish her words yet Yuna already gave her answer. One doesn't eveo guess. Just by looking at hhtly her eyes were sparkling, one could easily tell she was excited.

  "Then, I'll tell Mom and Dad about it ter, I'm sure they'll agree. We just o pick our dresses for the day." ［Violet］

  "Fufufu! Thank you very much, Violet～!" ［Yuna］

  "Uh... Umm... Elder Sister Violet, about the au... I would also like to join you. Would that be okay?" ［Iris］

  "Of course! No problem!" ［Violet］

  There was o banter. With it, their pns for the few days have already been decided. Bright smiles bloomed on everyone's faces as they looked forward to the uping day, thinking about what things they would see there.

  The sun tio sink over the horizon, and after parting with Bekim, they then tiheir day out, heading iablishment after establishment. They had a lot of fun and bought a lot of things. It was a day full of memories aement.

  Soon, the sun finally set over the horizon, and everyone finally headed home. They had a wonderful dinner with everyone, discussing the uping au and sharing stories about their day. A hearty dinner full of warmth and ughter.

  "Fuwaaah～! So fluffy～!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, what came after dinner was heading back to their rooms. As soon as she arrived, Yuna quickly jumped towards the bed, boung a little bit before she settled. She was smiling so happily, enjoying the fluff and warmth.

  "Haah... Yuna, how many times should I tell you this? Remove your shoes first befetting on the bed." ［Grey］

  "Mou... It's too bothersome... Remove it for me, please～?" ［Yuna］

  "No, not today. Remove it on your own, Young Lady. And once you're doh that, pce it by the shoe rack, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Boo! Boo! This is abuse of authority!" ［Yuna］

  And as usual, now that they were aloogether, Yuna started ag like a spoiled kitten once again. Though, even when she was pining, she quickly removed her shoes and did as Grey told her. She was just being pyful, if anything.

  As soon as she was finished, she then crawled back towards the bed, hid uhe b, and watched Grey as he checked the tents of his "Iory" as she rolled around. It has bee a daily routine.

  "Yuna, yoing to bore a hole in my head with all that staring." ［Grey］

  "Well, hurry up ao bed then..." ［Yuna］

  "In a minute. I just e these things a little bit and I'm dohey're getting a tad bit too cluttered." ［Grey］

  "Mou... We barely talked all day yet you're only thinking about your Iory... Pay attention to me too... Hey, look at me..." ［Yuna］

  She really was like a spoiled kitten, now pouting as she puffed her cheeks, hugging her pillhtly all the while. She tio bore a hole trey, pouting even more the mrey ignored her.

  "Haah... I'm done. I'm going to bed now." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～!" ［Yuna］

  Though... It didn't take much to appease her. As soon as Grey said he'll join her in the bed, she squealed happily, over the moon as she smiled ever shtly. She looked so excited, patting the bed as if asking Grey to join her.

  And the very moment Grey id down on the bed, she quickly tched onto him and embraced him tightly. She had bee gy once again, giggling to herself as she crawled into Grey's arms, enjoying his warmth.

  She was so adorable, Grey's barely holding himself back. In fact, he wasn't actually arranging his items just a while ago, he was simply preparing himself for the battle against his desires which was about to e. Especially with such a cute girlfriend.

  "Grey, goodnight kiss..." ［Yuna］

  Yep, it was a battle, alright. He had already resolved himself, but with Yuna doing such sudden attacks, it was difficult to hold back. It was especially hard with such expet eyes looking at him straight to the soul.

  "No... Not now... Maybe tomorrow..." ［Grey］

  "Ehh?! Why?! I want a goodnight kiss!" ［Yuna］

  "Umm... How about a hug instead?" ［Grey］

  "No! Give me now! Now!" ［Yuna］

  And now, the young elf is throwing a tantrum. It was going to be a long night for the both of them.,. In ways more than one...

  CHAPTER 275 END