"Lisa, we already talked about this..." ［Ar］

  "But, Father! I'm already grown up! I protect myself now!" ［Lisandra］

  "No still means no. Not until you prove yourself." ［Ar］

  It was a sudden situation, awkwardness looming in the air as the King and the young dy argued with one ahe once merry group of knights were now silent as one be, trying to ighe argumeweewo.

  Of course, such awkwardness also applied to Grey and Yuna who now doesn't know what to do. They just had a long day, and they really don't want to be involved in su argument. Let the family's matter be the family's matter.

  "Father! I'm already a Mid-Ranker! And I am at the top of my peers! I assure you that I will not disgrace the name of the Royal Family!" ［Lisandra］

  "This is not about the family's honor, it's about your safety. You know how fierce the petition is. You're still far too inexperienced." ［Ar］

  "The me participate so I gain experience!" ［Lisandra］

  "A you be in harm's way? That's the st thing I would do." ［Ar］

  The King was stubborn and so was the young dy. It wasn't the first time su argument occurred between them and it won't be the st either. her of them wao back down, fierce words boung here and there.

  The young dy arguing with the King was her than the Sed Princess of the Kingdom, Lisandra myr Lantre Graystone, a tomboyish princess whose love for swords was just as strong as the knights of Avalon.

  When Grey and Yu her back at Erdea, she was dressed iiful and silky garments, carrying herself primly and properly like a proper princess. But now, she was the plete opposite, even wielding a sword which could easily cut trees in half.

  It wasn't just that. The Sed Princess, much like Julius and Amelia, was a genius when it came to magic. She is now the top student of her css, being an E-ra su age. She was already outstanding.

  "I've said it before and I'll say it again... You still haven't proven yourself." ［Ar］

  Yet no matter how outstanding she was, she was still not enough to her father's eyes, or rather, he was simply too overprotective of her. His words snared her heart, grit her teeth as she ched her fists tightly.

  Well, it was only natural. After all, the ival of Swords is a petition where many swordsmen from all over the ti. It was not a petition where children who barely knew how to fly could participate. An injury or two could be due if something wroo happen.

  Of course, as it was a petition to test one's skills, there would be a myriad of high level barriers all over the pit one's strength. Even then, it is still dangerous to participate since experts would surely reign supreme in the petition.

  "Then, what I do to prove myself..." ［Lisandra］

  "... It's simple... You just o nd a hit on me. If you could, no matter how weak, I will let you participate." ［Ar］

  It was no different from telling the Prio give up. The gap in strength between a B-Ranker and E-Ranker was like heaven ah. No matter how much they try, the gap is simply too wide to be pensated by skills of items. It was impossible.

  She may be a genius, but the King was even more. By the time she was the same age as she was, he was already a D-ranker, beating even his seniors in the academy and his adventurers panions. He was simply too domineering.

  The King knew well how hard he was being to his daughter, but if it's for her safety, he could be hated by her. He just doesn't want anything happening to her. It was his duty as a Father to keep her safe.

  "And, Lisandra... Aren't you fetting to greet uests?" ［Ar］

  "Guests...?" ［Lisandra］

  The King's eyes warey and Yuna's dire and the Princess' eyes followed soon after. There, she saw two familiar figures, now looking at them with awkward eyes, waving their hands slowly in silence.

  "A-Ah! L-Lrey and L-Lady Y-Yuna... G-Good to see you again." ［Lisandra］

  "Fufufu! Good to see you again, Princess Lisandra. It's been quite some time.mHow have you been?" ［Yuna］

  "I-I have been well, thank you... A-And... S-Sorry for showing you such a sight... Please fet what just happened..." ［Lisandra］

  The once feisty princess was now meek and flustered like a little mb. No matter how rowdy and tomboyish she was, she was still a princess, and a princess o maintain her dignity. Now, she was as red as one be.

  Princess Lisandra already khat Grey and Yuna would be ing, but she didn't think she would meet them at the training grounds. Moreover, she also admired them like the others, it was especially embarrassing to let them see such a side of her.

  First, it was Iris, and now, Lisandra. It sure was iing to see the different sides of the princesses when they are not in the public's eyes. It was like they were totally different people, personalities trasting like day and night.

  "Don't worry, Princess Lisandra. We didn't see anything at all." ［Grey］

  "Yes... Thank you for your uanding..." ［Lisandra］

  They probably won't fet her as anytime soon, but the least they could do ease her. It's not like they're the type to gossip about others anyway. Her secret was safe with the two of them, locked deep in their hearts.

  "Then, since our business is finished here, shall we take our leave, Lrey? Lady Yuna? I would like to take you around the castle." ［Ar］

  "Wait! Father! We're stillー" ［Lisandra］

  "Lisandra myr Lantre Graystohe decision is already final! You will not be participating in the ival of Swords!" ［Ar］

  The King's loud voied all throughout the training field and the princess was stopped oracks. She could only lower her head in silend resignation, her ched fists now trembling ever slightly, not meeting her father in the eyes.

  It was yet another fail. Lisandra had already tried tless times to vince her father, but all her efforts haven goo fruitio. She could only give up for now, a feeling of guilt brewing deep ihe King's heart.

  "Lisa, please uand. This is for your own good." ［Ar］

  "Yes, Father..." ［Lisandra］

  "Then, we will be taking our leave. Take your rest and have something to eat i. Don't tire yourself too much." ［Ar］

  "Yes..." ［Lisandra］

  She was being respo there was barely any life in her void eyes. The King couldn't help but worry, however, he must let her be for her own growth. After all, he won't always be by her side. She o learn how to be indepe.

  "Then, Lrey, Lady Yuna, shall we go around the castle? I will make sure you have the best memories of Graystone." ［Ar］

  "We're looking forward to it, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  The King leading them, Grey and Yuna soon headed out of the training grounds and into the main castle grounds, leaving Lisandra and the Royal Guards behind, the tter tinuing their training regime whilst the former heading out soon after.

  Grey and Yuna already received a tour from Gahad when they headed out of the training grounds, but it was not as ih as the King did. Not only the way to the training grounds, but all the important pces as well. He did not miss a single one.

  The gardens, the greenhouses, the library, the kit, the main hall, the parlors, the offices, the special training grounds, the many halls and corridors, the throne room, their soon-to-be quarters, and many more. Aeour was what it was.

  They already expected it, but the amount of decoration swords in the castle was really something. Every room practically had one, and eve had a rapier for some reason. It was one whily made them more fused if anything.

  They even had a "Garden of Glory", which as one would have guessed, was full of all sorts of swords, ing in different shapes and sizes. It ractically a museum of swords, with replicas of the swords used by the heroes of the past. The real ones were stored in the Royal Treasury.

  "What do you think of this sword, Lrey, Lady Yuna?" ［Ar］

  "I think it's beautiful... Though... I don't think the spikes are that practical..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's right. This sword is actually just here for intimidation. It does look quite frightening, doesn't it?" ［Ar］

  "That it is, Your Majesty..." ［Grey］

  Of course, there were also swords which were just for jokes. They looked quite scary but are really useless in real bat, just like the ically massive sword whily High-Rankers could swing with ease, not that anyone would pick it out seriously.

  But perhaps the most beautiful one was the sword wielded by the First King. Grey only salica, but he could tell the real one was a Mythical-Grade sword. Quite the invaluable object. A national treasure, indeed.

  "Your Majesty..."

  "Hm? Is it time already?" ［Ar］

  "Yes. The Ministers have already arrived. It is time for the meeting to ence."

  Just as they were about to finish the tour, an attendant suddenly reyed the o the King. Apparently, the tter still had a meeting to attend to and he was the only ohe others were waiting for, all the important figures of the try had gathered.

  The attendant whispered and the King listened ardently. Before long, he was briefed of the meeting agendas and the requests of the ministers. It didn't take him too long to get a firm grasp of the situation. pared to Ernes, Ar was actually reliable.

  "I apologize, Lrey, Lady Yuna, but it seems this is as far as I guide you. Should I ask someoo ti taking you around or would you rather explore by yourselves?" ［Ar］

  "Hmm... I think we'd prefer the tter, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  "Un! It's more fun that way!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I see... Then, I will be seeing you again at dinner. I hope you two enjoy the rest of your day." ［Ar］

  "Un. Well wishes to your meeting, Your Majesty." ［Ar］

  The King turned around and waved one of his hands, his footsteps soon echoed in the hall, disappearing from view after a few moments. Grey and Yuna were left behind, silening over them as they turheir heads left and right.

  "Hmm... Where should we go now, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Beats me. It's not like we're familiar with the pce. I was thinking of using my eyes, but.l. should we just go around aimlessly? What do you think?" ［Grey］

  "U's do that! That would be fun!" ［Yuna］

  There was no pn nor were there any decisions. Grey and Yuna simply let fate do its work, heading where their foot took them. They have already explored most of the castle, all that's left are the little nooks and ies that they missed.

  They headed ihe smaller greenhouses, the empty halls, the detached paces, the ponds, the subsidiary buildings and many more. There were a lot of iing sights to see, people greeting them politely as they passed.

  And just as they explored, they once again arrived oraining grounds. Not the ohe knights and soldiers use, but the smaller and more private ones whiany people use uhey receive special permission from the Royal Family.

  "Haap! Haap! Haap! Hyaap!" ［Lisandra］

  And in that training ground, a certain princess was thrusting and sshing her swainst a dummy. She was already drenched i, obviously practig for more than a couple hours already, an ardent glow gleaming in her eyes.

  ??Double Cross!?? ［Lisandra］

  Lisandra brandished her sword at breakneck speeds and two bdes of mana formed soon after, verging into one and hitting the dummy with enough force to feel trees in an instant, clouds of dust scattering in its wake.

  The cloud of dust soon cleared and the dummy, albeit still intact, was now lying on the ground. Seeing the devastation she caused, Lisandra lifted up her sword and looked at it. Yet, there was no satisfa on her face, only disappoi as she ched her sword tightly.

  "No... This is still not enough..." ［Lisandra］

  "Mmn? But I think you're already doihough, Princess Lisandra?" ［Yuna］

  "Fweeh?! L-Lady Yuna?! And Lrey too!" ［Lisandra］

  Just like a kitten who shed with water. Hearing Yuna's words suddenly ring inside her ears, Lisandra quickly jolted as if her soul had left her body. She then looked at the two with a flustered expression, face beet red as one be.

  "W-When did you two arrive...?" ［Lisandra］

  "We arrived just now. And I also think that attack was amazing. o devalue yourself too much, Princess Lisandra." ［Grey］

  "Ah... So you heard that, huh..." ［Lisandra］

  She was trying to look calm and collected, but she couldn't hide the crestfallen tone in her voice. She then swung her sword one more time before tug it inside her scabbard, soon heading uhe shade to rest with Grey and Yuna.

  It was already afternoon and the sun was beating down on the ground. As Graystone was a more tropical try than Alfrione, a rest uhe shade felt very refreshing, even more so with a cup of cold water,

  "Fuahh～! That feels much better." ［Lisandra］

  "Do you feel much better now, Princess Lisandra?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, thank you, and please call me Lisa, just Lisa." ［Lisandra］

  "Fufufu! In that case, please refer to us casually as well, Lisa." ［Yuna］

  They had already met in Erdea before so talking to aing fortable with each other was not as much of an arduous task than usual. They quickly got along as they ehe fresh and cool breeze together, passing through the training grounds.

  "About before... I'm sorry that you had to withat. I've been asking Father about it ever since I was you he had never given me permission to attend the ival of Swords." ［Lisandra］

  The ival of Swords, a petition held every year in the Grand Colosseum. A where sword experts from all over the ti and beyond showcase their swordsmanship against one another, a round of fierce cshes oer another.

  Everyone could participate iour, but with so many experts participating, getting through the preliminaries ractically impossible unless one is at least at k, with High-Rankers always reigning supreme.

  It ractically impossible for the princess who is still at E-rank. She would surely be eliminated without mercy. And that's what the King is afraid of. He's afraid she'll be crushed and shaken by such overwhelmi. It's a world where the strong prey on the weak, after all.

  "Father always said I'm still inexperienced... I couldn't everoy the training dummy. Maybe I should just give it up..." ［Lisandra］

  "Lisa, you're just overthinking it. You're already strong as you are." ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu. Thanks, Yuna..." ［Lisandra］

  Or so she said, gentle ughter dang in the air. However, there was not a shred of joy inside her eyes, only deje and insecurity as she doubted herself. She was close by, but her thoughts were far, far away, gloomy as one be,

  They only knew a little about each other, but Grey and Yuna khey couldn't just leave her like that. It may be because Kris' personality has brushed on them, but they have started to get nosy about other people's situations. Oh, how troublesome it was.

  "Hey, Lisa, I borrow a little bit of space here?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Sure... Are you going to train, Grey?" ［Lisandra］

  "No, I'll be making something sweet. Please look forward to it." ［Grey］

  Or course, what better way to cheer up someohan a sweet and tasty delight? Grey quickly got into a and took out a kit set to Lisandra's surprise, then id a handful of ingredients atop the kit table.

  There was butter, sugar, salt, eggs, flour, varacts, peanuts, and of course, chocote, ing in both solid and powdered cocoa forms. As for the tools, Grey only needed some cake pan, foil, a dle, a whisk, a sau, and a couple bowls,

  "Yuna, what is Grey doing?" ［Lisandra］

  "Fufufu! Let's just sit and watch. We'll see soon enough," ［Yuna］

  After preheating the oven, Grey limed the cake pan with foil, letting it drape over the edges. He then lightly buttered the foil, making sure it wasn't too dry nreasy for the brownie mix to be put in ter.

  With the preparations done, Grey heated a sau aed some butter and chocote over low heat, stirring from time to time before removing it from the heat. He then wished them until a smooth sistency was reached.

  Cocoa powder, sugar, eggs, a few drops of varact, and flour were then added to the mix, whisked thhly until the batter was finally fihen poured it into the buttered cake pan, a sprinkle of salt and crushed peanuts soon after.

  With that, all that's left was to bake the brownies. What would usually take more than half an hour only took a couple of minutes with Grey trolling the heat in the oven with fire magic, soon taking it out to let it cool down.

  "Yuna, why don't you make some juice for us?" ［Grey］

  "Un～." ［Yuna］

  Yuna making some fruit juice, Grey then cooled down the brownies with the use of ice magic, turning the once soft cake into firm sweets. The foil was soon disposed of and Grey cut the brownies into hand-sized regur pieces.

  The brownies were done and so was the juice. It was a much less extravagant snack than usual but it was still magnifit heless. Yuna was humming to herself as she prepared some gsses from them, excited to take a munch.

  As for the Princess, she couldn't help but stare and wonder just what the dark browion was in front of her. Though, from the appetite-arousing fragrance alone, she could already tell it was a delectable treat.

  "Go ahead and take some, Lisa." ［Grey］

  "O-Oh... Then, I will be intruding on your kindness..." ［Lisandra］

  Driven by curiosity, aation as well, Lisandra didn't hesitate any longer and got a brownie for herself. She was still unsure what the treat was, but the more she held onto it, the more she wao have a taste. It was simply too tempting.

  "Thank you for the food." ［Lisandra］

  The Princess soon took a bite, an unfamiliar burst of fvor rushing inside her mouth. It was sweet, but there were also hints of saltiness and bitterness as well, perfectly blending in harmony to create a delicious delight.

  The ess of the peanuts also added a good trast to the soft texture of the brownies, a fudge running deep ihe ter of the treat. It was still the first time she had them yet she was already in love. They were just too good!

  "Mmn～! So tasty! I could eat these all day!" ［Lisandra］

  "Right～? Grey always makes the best sweets!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's too much praise, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It's true though. It really is delectable!" ［Lisandra］

  The princess was now smiling, cheerfully taking a bite of the browime and time again. pared to before, such a face suited her more. She looked much better smiling that sulking, beautiful as the sky above,

  "Do you feel much better now, Lisa?" ［Grey］

  "... Yes, thank you for cheering me up... I feel more refreshed now." ［Lisandra］

  "That's good to hear... While it's good to work hard, you shouldn't push yourself too hard. Doing so will just drive you into a er like before. Taking little breaks like this is important too. Just take a deep deep breath and rex." ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he advised Lisandra, Yuna nodding beside him. Evehey were ba the forest, he and Yuna also took some time off from training and eheir hobbies for a bit more variety.

  While it slows down their progress and just wastes their time, it is also important to release all the stress and fatigue they've accumuted, and allow them to sit bad see things in different perspectives. A time for rest and reevaluation.

  "I see... I'll keep that in mind... However, I think that's enough rest for now. I feel much better already so I think I'll keep on going. That much is fine, right?" ［Lisandra］

  "Yeah, go ahead. We'll be right here if you need more brownies." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Thank you!" ［Lisandra］

  It was only a short break, but for some reason, Lisandra felt as if all the weight on her shoulders were suddenly taken off, heart and body feeling much lighter than before, a sense of pead calm bing her mind.

  She soon uhed her sword, brandishing it once more. She performed the same movements yet it somehow felt different before, a sense of enjoyment aement rushing inside her heart, a smile blooming on her face.

  "Phew～! Looks like everythi well." ［Grey］

  "Un! These brownies are very well made!" ［Yuna］

  "Haah... Yuna, you... Haah..." ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 303 END