Chirp Chirp Chirp

  The trees stood proud and mighty in the vast sea of green, leaves rustling as gust ran past them and the chirping of the birds sang along with it. Squirrels hopped on the branches and rabbits ran around the forest floor, life peaceful as one be.

  It wasn't just the viridest forest. The rivers running through them were aiful, ripples, big and small, popping in and out from time to time. The waters sparkled like a treasure trove of diamonds as the sun slowly climbed down the horizon.

  "Haah... There's nothing here either..." ［Grey］

  And atop that very forest, a ptinum figure soared with pride, leaving streaks of white as it bolted throughout the vast blue sky. A bck-haired young man sat atop his back, eyes closed as he carefully listened about the whistling winds, soon sighing openly.

  Of course, that figure was her than Grey who has been searg day and night throughout the ti, relying on his abilities and on Poris' terrifying speed to explore hundreds upon hundreds of kilometers over the past few days.

  Even then, he just couldn't find the st item to plete the set of nine. Moreover, it was the one which he thinks holds the most meaning out of all of them. He had been searg far and wide, but he couldn't find even a single one.

  "Master, aren't you going to rest? You haven't slept since yesterday," ［Poris］

  "Thanks for w, Poris, but I'm really alright. Tomorrow's the big day. I 't have myself giving up now, I?" ［Grey］

  "But Master, you knoorried the Mistress will be if she hears about this. She would most likely throw aantrum like before." ［Poris］

  "Yeah, you're probably right... We'll just have to not tell her then." ［Grey］

  Poris tried trey, but the tter was adamant on his decision, not wanting to back down even a si. He had already spent so much time searg for the items, it would only be foolish to start giving up now.

  To top it all off, Grey had also almost fihe bouquet made out of the ems which were in the legend. They were supposed to be given as they are, but he found it more sincere if he were to make it something a little more special. Now, only one more item and it would be plete.

  Well, he's a Camity-Css Ranker anyway. A day or two without rest is nothing mu his body. In fact, he could even go on for a couple weeks without food nor rest if he ever wao. Giving up is the st thing he'll do.

  "Uood, Master. I will make sure the Mistress does not know of this. However, that is all that I promise you." ［Poris］

  "No, that's more than enough. Thanks, Poris." ［Grey］

  And so, as the sun tio sink down the horizon, Grey and Poris tio soar throughout the skies, c massive areas and sing them thhly with Grey's eyes, making sure not to miss a sihing.

  Evehe search was bitter. They have been flying since m yet they have still yet to find a trace of what they were looking for. The sun is almost setting, and Grey is almost starting to lose hope, when out of nowhere...

  "Wait! Poris! Go down! Go down!" ［Grey］

  A sharp glint gleamed at the er of Grey's eyes. It was small and subtle, but it was unmistakably a simir glow to what they were looking for. His heart started to thump madly as he chased after such a trabiguity.

  Poris immediately stooped at Grey's and, bolting like a lightning bolt as he desded down from the skies, and when he was low enough, Grey quickly jumped down from his back, using wind magic to nd ever so softly.

  A hurried expression on his face, he then headed towards the tiny glimmer he saw, the sound of water spshing as crossed the river mindlessly. He soo down to pick it up, however... There was not a trace of happiness on his face.

  "How is it, Master?" ［Poris］

  "Haah... It's another dud..." ［Grey］

  It was not the first time Grey and Poris found such things, in fact, they have been finding them all over the pce, meaninglessly making them excited only to crush their enthusiasm the very moment.

  They weren't useless rocks, in fact, they were still precious enough to cost thousands of kiels. Evehey weren't the ohey were looking for. It was close, but not at all at the same time. How truly unfortu was.

  Holding the opal in his hands, Grey could only store it away in bitterness. Strangely enough, he doesn't feel a very strong sense of sadness or disappoi like he previously thought he would, only heaving a lengthy sigh as he scratched his head.

  "Haah... Just my luck... I guess that's it, huh..." ［Grey］

  Said Grey calmly, looking at the amber sky above him and listening to the subtle spshes of the river. As he observed these little things he previously overlooked, a certain figure came to mind, making his heart aflutter.

  "Poris, I think this is enough for today. Let's go baow... I'm missing Yuna already. I want to see her again." ［Grey］

  ".... Uood, Master." ［Poris］

  The ptinum dragon thought for a short while, but all he could do was bow his head in silence. As a familiar, it was his duty to serve his masters. Despite knowing Grey's feelings, he decided to back off, giving the tter some space to think.

  Soon, the ptinum dragon vanished from thin air, and melded back to the shadows. Meanwhile, Grey took a st look at the forest before opening up the gate. Only a few moments after, he soon closed it, passing to the other side.

  Chatter Chatter Chatter

  And trary to the ever so peaceful forest, the moment he came back to Erdea, a lively atmosphere full of life and energy was what greeted him. People were having fun, enjoying the end of the day as much as they could.

  The children ran around the pd the eainers performed oreets, a cacophony of cheers and appuse following suit soon after. Such was the sery that unfolded as Grey walked himself back to the mansion.

  He was quickly let through the gates and the expansive gardens greeted him once again. They have been living in the manor for about a month already, but after all the quests he did, it felt like it was just yesterday. Time truly flies.

  "Good afternoon, Yhness. It seems like we have been bumping quite frequently as of te. Must have been fate." ［Gerald］

  "Hahaha, you say that again. And yeah, good afternoon, Lerald," ［Grey］

  Or so they say, but with them living in the same manor, it ractically natural that they bump into each other. Still, the Mayor's strange sense of humor was more than enough to lighten the mood and cheer Grey up a little bit.

  "Hm? Why the long face, Yhness?" ［Gerald］

  "It's that obvious, huh... Well, it's not really a secret. It's just... I'm feeling a little bitter that I couldn't collect all nine of them. I'm still missing one." ［Grey］

  "Oh? Would you mind telling me what it is, Yhness? It may not be much, but maybe I could help you out a little." ［Gerald］

  "Well, it's probably too te, but..." ［Grey］

  Grey leaned in towards the Mayor's ears and whispered the item he was missing. The very moment the tter heard the words, his facial expressions quickly ged into a darker one. From then, Grey could already tell how unfortunate he was.

  "I apologize, Yhness, but I don't think I help you out on this ohat one is just far too rare, and even if I did know who possessed them, they would be royalty h nobility. I am truly sorry." ［Gerald］

  "Hahaha, your s are more than enough, Lerald." ［Grey］

  Even the Mayor was helpless when it came to the item Grey was missing. It was just far too precious of a material hehe reason why it was also the one whose meaning was the heaviest of them all.

  Well, Grey really isn't too hung up oter anymore. Though it was a shame that he couldn't plete the whole set of nine, seeing as to how he collected almost all of them, he was already more than satisfied.

  "Do not worry, Yhness, eight items is already more thay! Even I only got one of them and that is already sidered fortuhere is o be too hard on yourself about it." ［Gerald］

  "Yeah, I guess you're right... It's just a shame though,.." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, if that is the case, would you like to join me for some refreshments then, Yhness? It might help relieve some of your stress." ［Gerald］

  "Thanks, but I'll have to dee this one. Right now, there's a certain someone I want to see first." ［Grey］

  Grey to say anything any further. Just his words were enough for the Mayor to uand just who that certain someone he was referring to, a gentle smile appearing on his face as he chuckled to himself.

  "I see... Then, I would not be meddling any further, and oh, Yhness, for tomorrow's events... I wish your the si good luck," ［Gerald］

  "Hahaha. Thanks, Lerald." ［Grey］

  The two exged words a little bit more, and before long, it was finally time to part ways. The Mayor headed back out towards the city whilst Grey headed toward the mansion they were staying at, excitement fluttering in his heart.

  Grey immediately headed towards their room, and as soon as he arrived, he quickly looked around the pce. Unfortunately, the one he was searg for was o be found. There was only ay room full of silence.

  "Haah... I guess she's not back yet..." ［Grey］

  Of course, the one he was looking for was her than his beloved, Yuna. But as it seems, it looks like she was still out and about the city, hanging out with the girls. It was unfortunate, but there was only so much he could do about it.

  "Well, looks like I still prepare for myself a little." ［Grey］

  Thankfully, Grey was not too disced by it. In the first pce, with how messy he looked, he would love to avoid Yuna for the moment and take some time to fix himself a little bit. Especially his clothing, it was covered in dust and pollen.

  Thinking back at it agai the Mayor in such a state. It was good that the tter didn't mind his appearance, but it was definitely not the most polite thing to do. Now that he thought about it, it was actually a little bit embarrassing.

  "Then, I guess that's our first order of business..." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey realized how messy he was, he quickly headed towards the hot bath and gave his body a good scrub, washing away all the filth and also resting his body at the same time.

  For the past couple of days, Grey has been using a bination of magic to his body, but experieng the hit bath once again, he once again realized how amazing a proper bath really was. They are the best, his fatigue slowly melting away.

  As soon as bath time was over, he then got himself something sweet to eat, enjoying the taste he hasn't been able to enjoy for quite some time now. Of course, he also made some more for the others to enjoy, especially Yuna whom he loves dearly.

  'Hmm... What should I talk about with Yuna once she gets back... Quests... No, that would be terrible... How about sweets, then I could bait her, right?' ［Grey］

  Of course, as tomorrow was the big day, Grey also prepared himself some topics so that he could easily slip in an invitation towards Yuna. Just thinking about having a nice long chat with her was enough to make him go smiling like a fool.

  Poris, how do you think Yuna would reay proposal? ［Grey］

  Hmm... I'm quite unsure since I am not too familiar with these things, but... I think the Mistress would most like be in shock. ［Poris］

  Hahaha, right? Though, I wish it goes well. ［Grey］

  But perhaps what he was most excited about was how Yuna would react to his surprise proposal. He has been pnning it for more than a month already, and now that the day was actually upon them, he couldn't help but feel nervous.

  Well, nor just nervousness but excitement and eagerness as well. There were all sorts of emotions swirling inside his heart time and time again. The longer he thought about it, the more intehey became. It was truly a spectacle to behold.

  Just like that, time passed by quickly and the sun soo over the horizon. The moon and stars are already reigning above the sky and dinner is about to start, but Yuna was still not back, only a lone man ying down the bed in the room.

  'Hm... Did something happen...' ［Grey］

  Grey couldn't calm down any longer and he quickly rose from the bed. Though he knew how strong Yuna is, as her partner and her boyfriend, she couldn't help but worry, scratg the top of his head as he went out of the room.

  Just as he wandered about the mansion and headed towards the dining hall, he saw a familiar figure walking before him. She had smooth hair as pretty as gold and red eyes shimmering like rubies. It was her than Iris!

  "Iris, are you heading towards the dining hall too?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, Elder Brrey, good evening. And yes, I'm heading there. Is... Is there a problem with that...?" ［Iris］

  "No, not at all. Nothing wrong with that. I just didn't think you'd head there alone. I thought you'd drop by our room first like usual." ［Grey］

  "Mou... Please stop treating me like a little child, Elder Brrey. I also do things by myself, you know?" ［Iris］

  "I know, I know. Our Iris is a reliable princess, after all," ［Grey］

  Or so he says, but his hands begged to differ. As he said those words to Iris, his hands gently patted Iris on the head as if he was f a child. Thankfully, the princess didn't hate it and simply pouted a little.

  "Right. I was just about to ask, have you seen Yuna around? It's already this te but she's still not back. Did she say not say anything before you separated?" ［Grey］

  "Eh...? But I haven't seen Elder Sister Yuna all day though? Weren't you two together on a quest, Elder Brrey...?" ［Iris］

  "No... But I was all alohough?" ［Grey］

  There was only fusion in the air as two figures stared towards each other's eyes, speechless from what they've just learnt. They couldn't even ugh about it, Grey now furrowing his brows as he tried to make sense of the situation.

  Since Violet and Iris are mostly together throughout the day, she couldn't have been with either of them. The Mayor and his wife were also busy, so it wasn't them either. And there was no way she would be with Garret's merry and mischievous gang. No matter how he thought about it, he couldn't find an answer.

  The only thing he could think of was that she went off adventuring on her own, but even that was highly unlikely. She was the type to rather indulge herself in alchemy rather than adventuring if given the ce. Grey knows her far too well.

  "Is... something wrong, Elder Brrey...?" ［Iris］

  "No, nothing, you don't have to worry yourself about it... Why do you head to the dining hall first, I'll follow along ter once I've found Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Then I want to help out as well." ［Iris］

  "Hahaha. Thanks for w, Iris, but there's no need, and don't worry, I'm sure Yuna's just around somewhere, it won't take too long." ［Grey］

  That was a lie, and a big o that.

  Even when Grey used his "Heaven's Eye", he could not find a sirace of Yuna anywhere hem, and it was most likely that she wasn't in Erdea either. Though, there was o tell Iris that and make her needlessly worried.

  If anything, Grey was just worried what Yuna to. Though he trusts that she won't do anything reckless, he still couldn't calm himself down from w about her. He simply hopes she hasn't gotten herself in trouble.

  "Well then, see you at the dining hall ter...?" ［Grey］

  "... Okay... I'll see you at the dining hall ter then, Elder Brrey..." ［Iris］

  Relut as she was, Iris has no other choice but to accept Grey's terms. She soon headed towards the Dining Hall by herself, leaving Grey behind by the main hall. Silence quickly swallowed the pce as her figure faded away.

  As frey, he quickly headed upstairs and bato their room. He now pondered by himself, thinking where Yuna could have been and what she could be up to, a little bit more nervous as the sands of time tio trickle down the sandgss.

  'No good, huh...' ［Grey］

  Worry which was only worsened when even his telepathic calls weren't answered by Yuna. It wasn't that she didn't receive it, but more like she was ign it. It was the first time such a thing had happened so it was quite a shock.

  Now, Grey at least khat Yuna was in no sort of danger. A sense of relief flooded his heart, but at the same time, there was also dread. The very fact that Yuna didn't want to answer him made his heart ache, a stinging pain gnawing on it. Yuna was obviously ign him.

  He was still unsure about it, but he could feel that he did something to elicit such a rea from her. However, he still did not know what he did wrong nor how many times he did it. He was a little disappointed in himself.

  'Right... There's that, isn't there?' ［Grey］

  Fortunately enough, his wits have yet to leave him. With no other choices left, Grey quickly activated his "Eyes of Destiny" to see the "past" which had unfolded in the room, watg the things unfold as if he was watg a video on reverse.

  Soon, he finally saw Yuna, her figure clearly reflected in his eyes. But rather than feel happiness, what Grey felt was even more shod regret as he watched the se unfold, uo utter a single word.

  The Yuna he saw was not the one he knew, not a trace of her always bright smile blooming on her face. If anything, there were only tears trig down on her face as she held onto a siem, holding it dear as if she was afraid of losing it.

  That item tinum neckce with an emerald greeone embedded on it. It was her than the very first gift Grey made for Yuna when they just started going out. The other pair was still in his possession.

  "Hic... Grey... Hic..." ［Yuna］

  She cried ahe neckce, repeating a single name every time she opened her mouth. Grey didn't know how long she had been g for, but with how red her eyes were, he could only imagine.

  He has been so caught up with his own problems and flig emotions that he had pletely fotten to sider what Yu. He was her boyfrie he had been ing her despite knowing how easily Yus lonely.

  Seeing her cry and call out his name again and again, Grey could only ch his fist and grit his teeth in anger and disappoi. Disappoi on himself for being such a pathetid sorry excuse of a boyfriend. Fet proposing, he couldn't even take care of her.

  He o see anymore and ended sc throughout the past. He sat himself down on the bed, soon heaving a lengthy sigh as he looked out into the distahinking where it all went wrong.

  Poris, I'm pathetic, aren't I? ［Grey］

  Grey asked but there was not a single ao be heard. Poris doesn't want Grey to depreciate himself, but with how things are, it was a bit of a wake up call and he o pull himself back together again.

  BAANNNGGGGG

  Suddenly, Grey punched himself to the face, a loud boom eg throughout the room as it ected perfectly. And no, he hasn't gone crazy, not just yet. Rather, there was a sharp glow in his eyes after receiving such a punch.

  "This is no time to be sulking. I should go find Yuna first. This is all my fault anyway, it's only right that I fix this myself." ［Grey］

  A single pund his thoughts were set straight. Though it left a bruise behind, it was nothing mupared to how irresponsible he was being. If anything, it was a light and simple punishment. Nothing to fret about,

  Poris, let's go get Yuna. ［Grey］

  Uood. Then, I shall be guidingー ［Poris］

  There's no need. sidering I 't summon Sirius, I think I know where she is already... I'm her boyfriend, after all. ［Grey］

  Said Grey, his tone oozing with fidence, but deep inside, his heart pounded madly with ay and nervousness. Even then, he didn't let it stop him and he immediately opened a gate with a wave of his hand, stepping in soon after.

  They were still some ways away from being a perfect couple, but seeing the burniermination in his Master's eyes, Poris couldn't help but curl his jaws to a smile, satisfa and relief flooding his heart. A slow and steady progress.

  ...

  The night was long and the wind was cold. Darkness has swallowed the world and only the moon and stars above illumihe world, their gentle light refleg over the trig streams, making them shine like jewels.

  In such a dense forest, a lone figure could be seen sitting uhe tree's shade, her eyes, blue as sapphire, wandering over yonder as her silver air fluttered in the cold, nightly breeze, the symphony of the night bringing music to her pointy ears.

  She sighed and looked at the stars before her, reag her hands out as if trying to grab them. Yet no matter how much she tried, it was impossible. They looked close yet far at the same time. A lonely smile bloomed on her face like a flower in the dark.

  CHAPTER 281 END