"Too slow! You have to try harder than that, Vin!" ［Bella］
"No fair, Bell! You're too fast!" ［Galvin］
"Teehee! That's because I run everyday!" ［Bella］
Giggles and cackles drifted afloat the air, the sound of nimble footsteps ringing hand in hand as little legs pedaled along the grassy park, two figures chasing playfully after one another, having the best times of their lives.
The sky was still bright and blue, and the sun has yet to reach its zenith. With every grain of sand that fell down the hourglass, more and more people poured into the plaza, all wearing enchanted faces as they were greeted by such a graceful view.
First, it was just Grey, Yuna, and Bell, but soon, Cedric and the children came, and a couple more followed soon after. The skypark and playground only got livelier by the minute, even adults enjoying their leisure by the swings.
"I wonder if I can make one of these at home for Bella..." ［Ross］
"Hmm... That sounds great, but... Aren't you still busy with the orders, Dear? Do you even have time to make one?" ［Marriane］
"I guess you're right... That would be difficult..." ［Ross］
Well, what else would you expect from craftsmen and the like. Though the concept was simple, swings may be a fun experience for children and adults alike. It was relaxing, exciting, and simple. There is nothing more to wish from it.
It wasn't just the swings. The monkey bars, slides, see-saws, spring riders, spinners, climbers, sandbox, and many more. While they aren't really revolutionary, they would be great for places where kids may gather.
Ross is also learning about smithing for a while now, so it would be perfect for him. Especially since most of the playground equipment can easily be made with simple rods, plates, and springs. It was perfect for learning.
"But, well... Hmm... I'm sure everything here would be popular with kids. I should ask Grey and Yuna later if we can make thesー Mmph?!" ［Ross］
"Geez, Dear! We're on a break right now! No more thinking of work!" ［Marriane］
"I-I know, butー" ［Ross］
"No buts! Today is our outing! I don't want to hear anything related to work coming out of your mouth again for today! That's final!" ［Marriane］
Unfortunately for Ross, it seems his Missus is against the ideaー for today, at least. She simply wants to enjoy her day off with her husband and her daughter, and not worry about anything else. A simple wish Ross couldn't help but grant.
Other than Ross and Marriane, there are also quite a few figures clearly enjoying their time in the playground. There was Tilda, Bartolos, Dale and his family, the Guildmasters and various acquaintances, and many more...
But amongst the many people playing around in the skypark and the playground, one stood out in particular amongst the rest... The most eye-catching of them all...
"Ohh～! What a nice castle, if I'd say so myself! Truly spectacular!" ［Lydia］
... It was none other than the Guildmaster of the Enchanters' Guild. She already has the stature and facial features of a child, and it didn't help that she was playing ever so cheerfully in the sandbox, looking like she was just a tad older than the others.
In fact, if one were to put Guildmaster Lydia together with the kids, strangers would absolutely think they are friends of the same age group. Especially with her playful, and sometimes temperamental tendencies... She was no different to a child...
"Hm? Is something wrong, Grey, Yuna?" ［Lydia］
"Umm... Nothing... We were just admiring your sand castle, Guildmaster." ［Grey］
"Un! It looks really great! A masterpiece!" ［Yuna］
"Huhuhu! I knew you would understand my skills! Now then, how about I teach you the art and techniques of making sand castles, and you teach me some enchanting tips, Grey? A fair trade, no?" ［Lydia］
Well, no matter how she looks, she's still the Guildmaster of the Enchanters' Guild. It has been several months since Grey declined her application as his apprentice, yet it seems like she still has to give up.... What a persistent and temperamental child...
Jokes aside, everything went on smoothly and several more minutes passed. As the sun continued to draw closer to its peak, more people discovered the skypark, and the atmosphere of the place only became livelier.
Grey and Yuna also brought out some games and picnic blankets so they could play over the grass and have some fun time together, all sorts of emotions brewing in the air as people won and lost their games time and time again.
"Ohh～! So there's also a place like this, huh?" ［Helen］
"It looks like everyone's already here... Even Master, too..." ［Owen］
"Oi, brat! What's with that disappointed tone?! Do you want a beating?!" ［Lydia］
Before long, the person Grey had been waiting for finally arrived,eyes still sparkling with curiosity and excitement. It may as well be useless now after all the times he's warned her, but this time, she's crossed the line...
"Waah～! What an amazing place～! It's like a secret paradise～!" ［Helen］
It was none other than Helen, and Grey's a lot more than one word to say to her. The young lady wanted to go around and do all sorts of fun things with Owen, but before she even had the chance to, something made her halt her steps.
The young lady looked back, and before she even noticed, Grey had already grabbed her by the shoulder, a scary smile blooming on his face. Helen was only able to let out a short "Eh?" before she understood what would come after.
"Owen, sorry about this, but can I borrow your girlfriend for a moment?" ［Grey］
"Uh... I... I see... Sure. A short chat won't hurt. Have fun, Helen." ［Owen］
"N-No! Don't leave me! Owen, where are you going?! Owen?! Owe～n?!" ［Helen］
Try as she might, Helen's voice never reached Owenー or at least, he was ignoring her. It wasn't the first time Helen has caused trouble for Grey, and Owen had already gotten used to Grey's frequent scolding of Helen. It's become a routine.
Of course, the incident this time around was Helen's influence on Bella. She may be telling her innocent and dream-like fairy tales for now, but with Helen's devious mind as it is, there is no telling when she'll become a bad influence to the young child.
After all, Grey already saw its effects first hand, his once pure and innocent Yuna now turned into a young lady who actively reads "interesting" novels in her leisure time. It was still too early for Bella to enter that world.
Grey's scolding proceeded, and as usual, Helen was kneeling to the ground, forced to listen to Grey's lengthy lecture. If only she learned her lesson, she could have already been enjoying the skypark... Well... Helen is Helen, after all...
With that, time continued to pass, and with little breaks from time to time, everyone continued to enjoy their time together. Before long, the sun finally peaked on the sky, and noon came. The bells rang all throughout the city.
""""Happy Birthday～!!!""""
And along with the advent of noon, came the celebration of Grey's birthday on the food court. Everyone greeted him at the same time, clapping and smiling as they wished him good health and fortune for the years to come.
On the tables, there were also several dishes prepared by Yuna, the workers of the mall, and the birthday boy himself. They were mostly Filipino-style cuisines which are often prepared during good celebrations such as fiestas and birthdays.
Of course, there were still other dishes from different cuisines as well, ranging from some simple sweets to hot and spicy stews from hell. It was much grander than the birthdays Grey had back on Earth, but it sure brought back some memories.
"Hey, birthday boy, do you have a speech for us?" ［kris］
"A speech... Hahaha. I've got nothing of the sort. That's embarrassing." ［Grey］
"Boo～! That's no fun! Even just a couple words is fine." ［Kris］
"Hahaha. You never really change, Mister Kris... Then, I'll just say this... Thank you for accepting the invitation, everyone. I know everyone's busy, and I couldn't be any happier to see you spare us some of your time.
Well... I'm not really good at speeches, so let's just end it right there... Everyone, I hope you have a wonderful and plentiful meal. Cheers!" ［Grey］
"""Cheers!!""" """Yeah～!!""" """Whooo～!!"""
Short and simple, such was Grey's speech. After a couple of words from him, people then grabbed plates, spoons, and forks for themselves and got themselves some nice and neat dishes, eyes wandering around curiously.
Though many of the dishes were already familiar to them, many were also still foreign to their eyes. All were made with familiar ingredients but it was their first time seeing them cooked in such a manner, piquing everyone's interest.
"Mmn～! So crunchy! It's salty and savory, and really aromatic! You can even taste the juices even though it's just the skin!" ［Helen］
"Oi! Grey! Yuna! What the hell are these things?! These is good stuff!" ［Kris］
"Waah～! It's so delicious! Mom, I want to eat more!" ［Bella］
"Ohh～! So this is what the cooking of the heroes tastes like! You aren't just good in battle, but in the kitchen as well! Grey, Yuna, can I take some home?" ［Lydia］
Though, no matter what they are, since it was Grey and Yuna that cooked them, it was sure to turn out delicious. They have made some adjustments to the original recipes and made sure it suited everyone's tongue.
After all, everyone's taste buds are attuned depending on what people ate growing up. Suddenly introducing foreign palates will surely be a recipe for trouble, and so, the two carefully selected herbs and spices which could help ease the transition.
Thankfully, Merusia has a lot of wonderful herbs and spices which could do all sorts of magical things. While they altered the tastes and experience a little bit, they still made sure to keep the essence of the dish, making sure everyone enjoys it.
"This is great, Eldest Sister! I want to eat more!" ［Hadar］
"Me as well, Eldest Sister. Your cooking really is delightful." ［Altair］
"Hey! Why is Eldest Sister the only one getting all the praises?! I also helped cook, you know?!" ［Vega］
"Hahaha! Do you mean those burnt or undercooked dishes?" ［Canopus］
"I'm still learning! And for your information, I cooked one dish perfectly!" ［Vega］
Well, it wasn't just Grey and Yuna and the mall workers who cooked the dishes. The familiars also helped out in cooking. As one would expect from the ever so reliable Sirius, she had skills only worthy to be admired. Her cooking was exquisite.
As for Grey and Yuna, well, there is nothing left to be said. They simply took a table of their own and got an impressive amount of food for themselves as usual. Everyone was already used to it, but it's still an impressive sight.
"Mmn～! Mango floats sure are great. We should make them more often." ［Yuna］
"Haah... You're eating desserts first? That's cold and acidic, you know?" ［Grey］
"It's fine～! It's not like we'll get an upset stomach, anyway. And it's your birthday, so isn't it fine to indulge every once in a while?" ［Yuna］
"Except that you always indulge every single day... Haah... Forget it. As long as you're enjoying yourself, then that's enough for me." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I sure have a doting and loving fiancé, don't I?" ［Yuna］
They were the ones enjoying themselves in the celebration, happily dining together as they whispered subtle yet sweet things to one another. There was soft giggles and gentle laughter, smiles blooming all over the place.
Well, their little experience was soon over thanks to the children. It may have been because they were used to doing it, but the kids suddenly decided to eat at the same table as Grey and Yuna, Galvin and Bella clearly eager and enthusiastic.
The two wanted some time with one another, but eating with the children wasn't a bad thing either. After all, they always eat together at home anyway, switching it up from time to time was sure to spice things up.
Time passed some more, and the clock continued to tick. With some makeshift fun and games, everyone had the best meal of the year with lots of enjoyment such as singing, dancing, poetry, and some fun battles. It was unplanned but extremely fun.
Soon enough, with lunch finally over, everyone once again split up and headed their own ways to explore the mall. Some simply rested by the benches, some played a little more in the arcade, some went shopping, and some just wandering around.
"Kris, which one should we buy for the bedroom?" ［Aria］
"Don't we already have a lot of blankets?" ［Kris］
"Having more doesn't hurt. And we can also pick some sleeping bags while we're at it. You can take and use them outside whenever we have a fight." ［Aria］
"That's harsh, Aria... Don't say such scary things so casually..." ［Kris］
"That's because you never learn your lesson." ［Aria］
It was a strange scene that Grey and Yuna walked into, and they couldn't help but be puzzled. They weren't bickering yet, but it seems like Aria is already preparing some things for the inevitable time that they do.
After all, Kris says and does some pretty idiotic and thoughtless things. It wasn't just once or twice that he got kicked out of the house, but multiple times. It was so many times that it was practically a regular routine by now. Everyone was used to it.
"Hmm... How do I say this... Miss Aria sure is amazing, huh..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's Miss Aria for you... Though, I never thought I'd hear a conversation like this during my birthday either." ［Grey］
"At least, it's a unique experience." ［Yuna］
"Well, I guess you could say that... Too unique, actually..." ［Grey］
Other than Kris and Aria's strange conversation, everything went pretty smoothly in the mall. If there was anything to nitpick, it's that quite a few of the refugees were quite nervous when dealing with customers on their first run.
Fortunately enough, with others guiding and encouraging them, they were able to calm and collect themselves. It was slow, but progress was still progress. By the time that the mall opens, everything should go much smoother than now.
Grey and Yuna even had fun with the security guards to see how they will respond if people suddenly wreak havoc or cause trouble in the mall. There are already a ton of security features in place, but being too careful doesn't hurt.
Actually, they had too much fun, the children started to follow them and also caused some troubles along the mall. Time passed by just like that, and soon the sun was finally sinking over the horizon, the sky slowly turning amber.
"Grey, where's Yuna at? There's something I wanna show her." ［Helen］
"It's not any strange book again, is it?" ［Grey］
"Whaa...? Just what do you think of me? I've already learned my lesson." ［Helen］
"You also said that last time, and yet, here we are." ［Grey］
For some reason, Helen was looking for Yuna, but unluckily for her, the young lady was nowhere to be found. She could only tilt her head in confusion, finding it strange that Grey was by his lonesome self. They're fools for each other, after all.
"Oi, Helen. You just thought of something rude, didn't you?" ［Grey］
"I don't know what you mean. I'm completely innocent." ［Helen］
"Yeah, sure you are... Anyway, Yuna already went home ahead of me. She said she had something to do there. It's probably a surprise of some sort." ［Grey］
"Ohh～! A surprise～! I wonder if Yuna will use that technique I taught her last time～! You should look forward to it, Grey～! I'm sure it will be exciting～!" ［Helen］
"You vile devil... Just what did you teach Yuna again..." ［Grey］
Grey asked, but Helen just kept on teasing him rather than providing an answer. They already know each other for almost 2 years now, and she really hasn't changed one bit. If anything, she's only become more mischievous and meddlesome.
There was no point thinking about it. With everyone finally having their share of fun, and the kids falling asleep on the way home, Grey soon heard the reports from the different shops and checked on the workers as well.
When everything was finished, Grey finally headed back home, stretching his hands to the starry sky. Night has long fallen and the stars are already dancing in the sky, the rustles of the wind and the chirping of crickets and critters ringing in his ears.
The breeze was cold and the nightly ambience was serene. Grey could clearly hear the sound of his footsteps with every step he took, a subtle symphony playing under the night sky. Soon, the scent of flowers and candles tickled his nose.
"Hmm? Rose petals and... Candles...?" ［Grey］
The very moment Grey arrived at the gates, a path of light guided him towards the doors. There were candles and rose petals on the ground, dancing along the wind and illuminating the house engulfed by darkness.
Grey soon opened the door, and a series of clicks and clacks echoed in the air. The path of candles and petals continued to tread on, leading towards the center of the living room, a young lady standing in the middle of it, eyes bluer than the ocean.
"Ahh! You weren't supposed to come yet! J-Just give me 30 minutes!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It's already too late for that, My Dear... Anyway, Hahaha, what are you doing? Is this supposed to be a romantic candlelit dinner?" ［Grey］
"Mou... I was trying my best, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Then, should we finish it together? I know you've been preparing hard, but I can't just sit here and do nothing while my fiancée is working hard now, can I?" ［Grey］
"Mou... Dummy... It was supposed to be a surprise..." ［Yuna］
The young lady mumbled and the young man could only chuckle. With Yuna already done with most of the preparations, it didn't take too long before everything was done and dusted. The smile didn't disappear on Grey's face for a single moment.
Seeing Yuna work so hard for the sake of something as silly as wanting to have the best birthday and mall date, Grey couldn't help but feel happy. Living every single day with her is already a blessing in itself, and now he's blessed even more.
Also, Grey was thankful that she isn't doing anything strange as Helen suggested. It was just a simple candlelit dinner with just the two of them. They soon wore their best attires to set the mood, making it look like they were attending a ball.
"Fufufu! I knew I prepared this, but my heart is still racing! This feels really exciting and nerve wracking, doesn't it, Grey?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I don't know, but it sure feels like a fancy dinner." ［Grey］
"Right～? It's like we're in a high-class restaurant!... Well, I did try my best cooking our meal and making desserts, so it shouldn't be too different," ［Yuna］
"My, how confident. Looks like I have to look forward to it then." ［Grey］
Like a gentleman and a lady sitting in a restaurant on the higher floors of high-class skyscrapers, Grey and Yuna sat down at their lovely table, a small white candle lit in the center, its dim flames only bright enough to illuminate their faces.
Well... Almost like a high-class restaurant experience. Rather than just a few "high-class" dishes, there were a lot of tasty treats waiting on the kitchen table like a grand banquet, and rather than a view of the city, only familiar walls can be seen.
Even then, the food Yuna made could certainly stand on par with the dishes from a Royal Kitchen, each bite was filled with flavors, playful and bursting pops exploding in their mouths like fireworks, the dining table filled with smiles.
Of course, it wasn't just the dishes which were wonderful, their silly and sometimes nonsensical chats were also a treat to listen to. They talked about all sorts of things, bickering and arguing from time to time, only to be followed by silly laughter.
Soon after, they finally turned on the lights and danced while holding one another's hands. There was music in the air and the ambience of the night. They soon retired for the day and lazed around the couch, now in their comfy clothes. Such bliss.
"Oh? Tilda said that?" ［Grey］
"Un! She said there will be an event coming around sooner or later. That it's a lot of fun. Should we participate sometime too?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... That sounds interesting... Why not?" ［Grey］
"Great! It's decided then!" ［Yuna］
Squealed Yuna as she raised her arms up towards the sky, a cheerful expression blooming on her face. From a prim and elegant young lady, Yuna has returned to her bright and cheerful usual self. The high-class date was but a silly whim.
If anything, their little home date was nothing more than their everyday dinner. The only difference was that the rooms were lit dimly and there was a mess of petals and candles on the floor. Still, it was a hell lot of fun.
"Hmm... Grey, can I ask something?" ［Yuna］
"Sure, go ahead." ［Grey］
"Umm... This date... How was it? Is it better than your previous mall date?" ［Yuna］
Well, despite all that. Yuna has been thinking of one thing throughout the whole day. Her expressions were firm and serious, looking at Grey with expectant eyes as she awaits for an answer, feeling a little nervous as she played with her fingers.
It may be but a petty reason, but for the young lady, it was extremely important. It was the most fun she had, but it may not hold the same for Grey. She wanted to hear it directly from her beloved, the words she wants to hear the most.
"No, not really, not at all." ［Grey］
"Eh?! It's not?!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... After all, it's not just better, it's the best date I've ever had, and I'm sure it will only get better here. It was perfect, My Love." ［Grey］
After a little bit of a scare, Yuna could finally feel relief flood inside her heart, followed by happiness soon after and excitement after a while. She didn't even mind that Grey teased her a little. That's just how happy she was.
Well, the answer was already decided from the beginning. Even if it was a day full of trouble and problems, as long as he was having fun with Yuna, it would be the best day of his life. Everyday in his daily life with Yuna are the best days of his life. A once in a lifetime experience he wouldn't exchange for anything.
"Yuna..." ［Grey］
There was nothing left to be said. With a blissful heart pumping in his chest, Grey leaned closer to Yuna, and the young lady closed her eyes in anticipation. Their lips were sealed once more, their hearts beating in harmony.
"I love you, My Dear." ［Grey］
"... I love you more, Dummy..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I wonder～." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 465 END