Pointy ears, long, straight hair, slender figures, beautiful faces, and eyes which shone like the trig streams uhe gentle sunlight. A number of figures stood proudly in the garden, looking perfed picturesque with the fl garden behind them.

  One figure in particur stood out amongst the rest, his ash-colored hair waving in the air as her lime eyes gleamed beautifully. Even when he was simply standing there, he exuded an aura of grad dignity one couldn't find elsewhere.

  "Elrich, Lisania, it's been quite some time." ［Ernes］

  "Quite some time indeed, Ernes. And as it seems, your children really have grown quite a lot, haven't they?" ［Elrich］

  "Well, it has been years, after all. I even have a granddaughter now." ［Ernes］

  Chatting like long time friends, both the King and the elvelemaed each other with warm smiles. And along them, the Queen also greeted the dy besides the gentleman, waving their hands the moment they noticed each other.

  "You aren't here to cause any troubles again, are you?" ［Elrich］

  "e on now, Elrich, people grow from their mistakes. Don't expect me to be as naive and mischievous as before." ［Ernes］

  "Dear, you really shouldn't be lying like that. There are children listening." ［Tilia］

  And along their friendly chat, the two men also recalled the past, making fun of each other as they recalled all the mischief and misfortuhey have been through. The Ki especially attacked as everyone ganged up on him, recalling all the troubles he created the st time.

  Even the Queen was oher party's side, not even trying to act merciful to her own husband. The King tried to defend himself, but against three oppos, it was simply futile. He was simply digging his own grave.

  "Guh... You really haven't ged, Elrich." ［Ernes］

  "Hahaha. I could say the same thing about you, Ernes... It's good to see you again, my dear friend." ［Elrich］

  "The feeling is mutual." ［Ernes］

  Yet despite all the teasing and mainst each other, their versation ended with a friendly handshake, soft ale smiles floating about their faces. Well, not only them but everyone else was the same.

  After his short exge with the King, the elvelemaurned his attention trey and Yuna. The smile on his face grew even brighter as he drew closer towards their dire, his beautiful eyes gleaming magnifitly with every stride.

  He has yet to introduce himself, but Grey could already know who he was. To be able to verse with a King in such a casual to could either mean that they were close enough or that they were of the same status. In this case, it was the tter.

  "You must be Lrey and Lady Yuna, I presume?" ［Elrich］

  "That is correct. And... It is a great honor to finally meet you, Your Majesty, King Elrich of Ingrasia." ［Grey］

  He was a King as well, and pared to King Ernes, he was a much more dignified figure, not just outwardly but inwardly as well. The way he carries himself was more prim and proper for a King, not a traischief to be seen.

  Hearing Grey's words, Yuna also followed suit and greeted the King of Ingrasia with a light nod. They were still an "Archduke" and "Archduchess", after all. There was o kneel like they did before, establishing an impression in their first meeting.

  "Oh? I did not think I would be this popur. To think eveeemed heroes know of myself. I feel honored." ［Elrich］

  "Please, you humor us too much, Your Majesty. There is no one who does not know of the wise and kind King of Ingrasia." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. That's good to hear, but Lrey, Lady Yuna... There's o force yourself to act so stiffly and formally. Please speak fortably as you wish. Ernes had already told quite a bit about yourselves." ［Elrich］

  It was quite a bit of a surprise, not only because King Elriew of their preference for casual versations, but because of the disturbing fact that King Ernes was going about and telling other Kings informatioaining to them.

  They looked in his dire, and the moment they did, King Ernes quickly turned his eyes away from them. Surely enough, he was guilty about it. With all the mischief he had caused, one could only imagine how much he's spilled. Oh, privacy be damned.

  And like a coward, King Ernes quickly lifted up the Little Princess, using her ess as a shield to save himself. They have yet to hear his side, but ohing was sure. Someone won't be getting dessert this dinnerー no, for a whole month.

  "Don't be too upset about Ernes. We only talked about trivial things, nothing which could harm yourselves. I swear on Ingrasia's honor." ［Elrich］

  "I see... We'll take up on your word then, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  Thankfully, as it seems, they only talked about things which aren't really of that great of an importance. Grey had already checked it with his eyes so he khat King Elrich wasn't lying in the slightest.

  Rather, he was quite an admirable and honorable person, amongst the ki from the ones Grey met. So kind, in fact, that it makes one wonder why he was so different from King Ernes despite the fact that they're both Kings. So mysterious, indeed. Grey once again looked at King Ernes.

  Well, if it's just an invasion of privae is talking about, Grey wouldn't be safe either. As someone raises everyone he has met, he would only be a hypocrite if he dehe fact. The most guilty of them all.

  "Well, this is already long overdue but we should at least introduce ourselves. I am Elrich fol Neril Ingrasia, the reigning King of the Kingdom of Ingrasia." ［Elrich］

  "And I am Lisania fol Ingraisa, Queen of Ingrasia. It's my greatest honor to finally meet the esteemed heroes." ［Lisania］

  After the King and Queen, the prihe princesses, and everyone else introduced themselves oer another, smiles blooming on their faces as they bowed their heads. Some even had their eyes sparkling iement as they greeted the two.

  But perhaps the one who stood out the most was their escort, a young man who had remained silent ever since. He was both a Lt. General of the Kingdom and at the same time, a High-Ra the peak of B-rank. A formidable bodyguard.

  "The pleasure is ours. I am Grey of 'Aster', and this is my partner, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "It's a delight to finally meet the Royal Family of Ingrasia." ［Yuna］

  Of course, Grey and Yuna also introduced themselves soon after, reciprog their greetings with smiles and courteously bowing all the while. With how geous they were, it immediately left a deep impression on everyone.

  This was especially true to one of the princes of the Kingdom. The moment he id his eyes on Yuna, his heart started to pound like a rag stallion in the green and open meadows, his cheeks flushed red as he looked at her.

  He was the third prince of the kingdom, Alistair, who was known for his purity and gracefulness. Despite being the same age as Grey and Yuna, and a member of royalty at that, he is yet to be engaged. A handsome prince who just experienced love for the first time.

  "Hm? Is something wrong, Prince Alistair?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, n-no there isn't..." ［Alistair］

  Or so he says, but it was obviously a lie. His suddenly flustered expressions and his flushed face were more than enough to tell he had fallen is of love, his heart even pounding more fervently than before.

  "N-No, actually! La-Lady Yuna, w-would you please be my bride?!" ［Alistair］

  "Yes...?" ［Yuna］

  What a bold prince he was! It has only been a couple moments sihey met and he was already down on his knees, wishing for Yuna's hand in marriage. A sudden development which led to fuse not just Yuna, but everyone else as well.

  His eyes were sparkling so ily as well like a pure maiden in love, wishing for Yuna's hand early and sincerely as one be. His hands were even trembling in nervousness, hopelessly waiting for Yuna's response.

  "Sorry, Prince Alistair, but I'm afraid we 't have that." ［Grey］

  Unfortunately for the pri was Yuna that he fell in love at first sight with. Grey just couldn't leave things be, stepping in without wasting any time, standiween the lovestruck prind his beloved Yuna.

  "Huh...?" ［Alistair］

  "As you see... Yuna's already off the market." ［Grey］

  Said Grey, ending his statement with a sweet smile as he raised both his and Yuna's hands, revealing the matg rings in their fingers, He was as merciless as one be, crushing every bit of hope the prince had.

  "Oh dear..." ［Lisania］

  The prince was a good person, but if Grey didn't do what he just did, it would only turn to trouble ter on. He had no other choice but to defuse the situation as quickly as he could. If wasn't that he was being possessive, no, not at all,

  Though, because of his as, the once sparkling prince was now withering away, the sound of his shattered heart eg in the air. He just had his first love yet it was crushed on the very same day. Oh, what bitter and terrible fate.

  "Hahaha. I knew I reized those voices from somewhere." ［Richter］

  And just as the situation was resolved, anure ehe se, his calm and familiar voice ringing in the air. It was the Azure Sword Emperor, and behind him was the Imperial Family of Valliarta, the current Emperor by his side.

  "So it seems you finally tied the knot, Lrey, Lady Yuna. May your future be filled with love, fortune, and happiness." ［Richter］

  "Thank you, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］

  Grey and Yuna both lowered their heads as they expressed their gratitude to Ricter's regards. Though they barely khe former Emperor, it was still a wonderful thing, hearing someone gratute them on their e.

  "Greetings, Emperors of Valliarta." ［Elrich］

  "It's good to see you again, Emperor Richter, Emperor Reinhardt." ［Ernes］

  "I could say the same to you, King Elrich, King Ernes." ［Reinhardt］

  "Hahaha. It seems like yesterday when you two were just little children. Now, you're both amazing Kings. Time really flies, doesn't it?" ［Richter］

  After greeting Grey and Yuna, the monarchs theed one another, expressing their delight after a long time of not seeing them. Richter was especially happy, a smile on his face as he recalled the times when the great sns before him were but little children.

  As one would expect, it wasn't just the Kings and Emperors, each member of the Imperial and Royal Families gave a greeting on their own. Even the brokeed Prince Alistair still did his best, ag courteously to be expected of a prince.

  However, out of all the greetings given, only oood out the most amongst the rest, showing off how cute and adorable she was with the little smile on her face...

  "Hewwo～! Nalia, 2 years!" ［Natalia］

  Of course, it was her thatle Princess, who, other than her name which she still 't pronounce quite properly yet, also added her age along her short and adorable introdu, striking the hearts of many.

  It had just been a couple moments sihey met yet everyone already fell in love with the adorable little girl, warmly fawning over her. And for some strange reason, King Ernes looked so smug as if he had just won a petition. Truly a doting idiot.

  But the whole se only proved one point, it was how peaceful the ti was. Though it had been ravaged by a terrible war turies ago, now, it is only calm and flourishing, tries having friendly retions with one another.

  In fact, amongst the five tis, Oiros is the most peaceful of all. Though there have been civil wars from time to time, there hasn't been aorial wars sihe warring era over two turies ago.

  Even the aforementioned civil wars were resolved with help from their neighb tries, creating an alliance which had been withheld for turies. It truly was a great pce to be in, full of exg adventures.

  "Pardon the rowdiness of my desdants, Lrey, Lady Yuna. I hope you aren't too bothered by it." ［Richter］

  "No, not at all. Rather, it's quite nice seeing everyo along so well." ［Grey］

  "Un! Even though they're royalty, it simply looks like a rge gathering of friends and families. It's very heartwarming!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. They truly are." ［Richter］

  Since he was no lohe Emperor, Richter simply slipped away as soon as he was doh the greetings a everything else in the hands of his desdants. He was already retired, and so, he wanted some pea mind.

  And by peaind, he meant watg Grey and Yuna tiheir cooking. It reminds him of his te wife who had always tried her best in cooking even though the result always came out terrible. Oh, such happy memories.

  "e to think of it, it seems like you two have gotten much stroha time I've seen you. Especially you, Lrey, it seems you've broken through that wall. This is quite the achievement." ［Richter］

  The Azure Sword Emperor was sharp as expected. Just like Kris, the very moment he id his eyes upon Grey, he immediately noticed the different atmosphere about him. It was quite the surprise.

  "You're praisioo much, Your Majesty. And... I would like to ask you a favor... you keep it a secret from everyone else?" ［Grey］

  "Is it because it would be troublesome if others find out?" ［Richter］

  "Well, yeah..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. There's o worry about that. This old man will keep his mouth shut. I swear that upon my name." ［Richter］

  Not only was he strong, he was siderate as well. After all, he was an adventurer before he was an Emperor. He knew full well the struggles of getting dragged around by the power struggle between nobles and royals. It ain in the ass.

  Instead, he quickly turned his towards the hot pans and pots where oil was sizzling merrily. There, a couple of iing foods caught his eye, especially the fried wings Grey just coated with some iing looking sauce.

  "This is a dish called 'Buffalo Wings', Your Majesty. Would you like to try?" ［Grey］

  "Then, I shall kindly partake in your kindness." ［Richter］

  "Here's also some sweet and spicy hot sauce if you want some." ［Yuna］

  There was no trace of hesitation in his eyes. As soon as Grey offered some, Richter then picked one for himself and had a bite of the iing dish before him. As soon as he did, a novel burst of fvor rushed inside his mouth.

  It was tangy and spicy but not overwhelming to the taste. Crispy oside nut jui the inside, pag quite a bit of zest as he tasted it. Dipping it into the sauce, the fvors burst forth even more, filling his mouth with happiness.

  He hasn't tasted such a thing like it before, and though he reviously reminded of his wife when he saw them cooking, the gap in skill was heaven ah. If he had eaten it ba his adventurer days, he would surely be over the moon.

  "How is it, Your Majesty?" ［Yuna］

  "It's scrumptious, as one would say. Could I have some more?" ［Richter］

  "Fufufu! Please help yourself, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］

  "And Your Majesty, we also have some rice here if you want." ［Grey］

  "Oh. Yet another iing food." ［Richter］

  Dwelling in his own world, Richter got himself a bowl of rice, some buffalo wings, and a serving of saul. He then proceeded to sear himself by the roses, happily having his meal. A simple yet delieal he's been missing for a long time.

  "Then, I would also like to... add... Great, Great Grandfather...?" ［Reinhardt］

  Well, such peace didn't st too long. As he turned his head, the current Emperor quickly spotted him dining on his own. And like falling dominoes, after him, the others also turheir heads his way, w what he was eating.

  It also didn't help that Alfrione's Royal Family was very mujoying themselves with the food, the Little Princess happily even holding a drumstick from God-knows-where. Before long, everyone was filled with curiosity.

  "We were just having lunch. Would you like to join us, everyone?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes!" "It would be our pleasure." "Yes, please." "Thank you for the invitation."

  There were a variety of responses, but in general, everyone agreed to join them for lunch, Grey taking out several more seats and tables for everyoo be fortable in. As for their reas...

  """Delicious～!!""" "I've asted anything like this!" "This is amazing!"

  ... There was o say any more. Though it varied from person to person, they thhly loved the food, bright smiles blooming on their faces as they eheir meals with everyone, chatting and ughing merrily. Even the heartbroken priniled from ear to ear.

  Time soon passed and the merriness tinued, and for some reasons, the number of people in the garden only increased as more Royal Families arrived time and time again, filling the whole garden as if there arty going about.

  So much so, that with hoeople there are, the manor's chefs and cooks now helped Grey and Yuna out in preparing the food. It has bee a lively orchestra, the flowers bloomiifully in the background.

  "Yhness, how should we proceed with these pork chops?"

  "Ah, that... You'll just have to..." ［Grey］

  They didn't even uand what just happened. What was supposed to be a little event to celebrate the familiars' birthday had now bee a full-blown party, eae of the partits a part of a royal family.

  And for some reason, not just onor twice, Grey and Yuna received all kinds of offers from status to proposals. Fortunately, Richter was there to help them out. Still, it was quite tiring to deal with them.

  Though, it wasn't all bad things. They have beeing many people, establishing es with them, and created amicable retions. Even the most tiring work, the cooking, was left to the chefs, only instrug them from time to time.

  "Fufufu! It sure became lively, didn't it?" ［Yuna］

  "Haah... You say that again..." ［Grey］

  Grey's sigh drifted in the air and the merriness tinued. Before long, the sky had finally turned amber and the sun had sunk down the horizon, the day ending before their very eyes as everyoarted heading their own mansions.

  Well, there was also a grand dinner, but it simply went the same as the party before it, a tinuation so to say. After which, it was finally time to retire for the day, eae heading to their own rooms to enjoy the rest of the night.

  Of course, Grey and Yuna also returo their room, wanting to rest after quite the long day. Dealing with a single royal family was already quite taxing, but dealing with several more was even more so. It was fun and exhausting at the same time.

  "Oh, bed... How I missed you..." ［Yuna］

  And as one would expect, Yuna quickly headed to bed as soon as she arrived. Only this time, she took off her casual clothes and boots, ging to her cute and fluffy pajamas. She has bee oh the bed.

  "Grey～ Lay down here～" ［Yuna］

  "My, you're quite aggressive tonight, Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Mou... Stop teasing me. I just want to cuddle." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, alright, in a sed." ［Grey］

  Having ed his clothes with magid hung it on the closet, Grey then quickly ged to a more fortable set of clothes. He then headed towards bed and lied down fortablyー or so he wao.

  However, Grey couldn't eveo bed properly. The moment he was in range, his ever so pyful fiahen grabbed him by the wrist and dragged him towards the bed, embrag him as soon as she could.

  "Fufufu! I captured a wild Grey～!" ［Yuna］

  Decred Yuna with a bright and mischievous smile on her face. She then proceeded to snuggle close to him, then cuddling and ging to Grey with a naught of care in the world. The spoiled and gy Yuna had e out once again.

  "Yuna... Ag all cute like that... You're really asking to be attacked." ［Grey］

  "Mou... You always say stuff like that, but no matter what I do, you always attack me all the same." ［Yuna］

  "That's because my fiancée is always cute no matter what." ［Grey］

  "Sure, sure, but that also means Grey is always the coolest!" ［Yuna］

  Grey patted Yuna's head, and the tter reciprocated with a smile. They were already sickly sweet out in the open, but now that no one is around, calling them sweet would be an uatement. An idiot couple, indeed.

  "Fufufu! I'm looking forward to the festival tomorrow! I 't wait to see what kinds of hings are there! There's also the food and all that!" ［Yuna］

  "Hey, now, calm your horses, we won't be able to sleep at this rate." ［Grey］

  "But...! I'm just so curious! I mean, what about..." ［Yuna］

  Like a little child excited for their field trip, Yuna rambled on and on about what she's expeg of the Festival of Hearts and Grey, like a doting parent, listeo her ever so attentively, letting her rest in his arms.

  The winds blew cold and darkness had engulfed the world. Yet despite all that, there was only warmth and happio be seen, two figures chatting the night away. They ughed and they giggled, notes of joy eg in the nightly breeze.

  Oh, the night was still long.

  CHAPTER 285 END