Crystal deliers, golden dlelight, fancy dresses, aiful silverwares. All shone brightly as the darkness of the night loomed over the world. The sound of ughter and chattering drifted along the cold nightly breeze.

  The night of the sed day on everyone, and to end the ever so festive and wonderful Festival of Hearts, they held a grand and grandiose ball for everyoo enjoy, ughing and socializing to their hearts' tent.

  With so many nobility and royalty around, it was the most extravagant ball in all of the ti. Not only were the aesthetics fancy, the food served, the music pyed, and the service provided were also over the top, costing millions upon millions of kiels.

  "Hm? Yuna, have you beeing less as of te? You feel... thinner...?" ［Grey］

  "Grey... That's not a topic to talk about while we're dang..." ［Yuna］

  "Why not? Is it wrong to be ed for my fiancée's health?" ［Grey］

  "Mou... You're just teasing me again, aren't you?" ［Yuna］

  Of course, Grey and Yuna also attehe ball, now adorned with beautiful and trasting garments as they took the floor. They were picture perfect, their beauty illuminated by the gentle light from the deliers above, adorned by many.

  Yuna's bck dress resembled the night sky, her silver hair which fluttered in the wind shining like the stars, and her blue eyes like sapphire uhe moonlight. The dress not only enhanced her beauty, but also atuated her voluptuous figure. A jaw-dropping sight to behold.

  As frey, he was just as stunning with his hair doo the side and his body now adorned in white princely garments. Though he was already handsome in his casual and advetire, but now that he was in formal attire, he became even more attractive, stealing the hearts of the young dies.

  "Lrey... He looks seous. I want to talk to him..."

  "Not only His Highness, Lady Yuna as well. How I wish I was as fair as her..."

  "They look so perfect for each other!"

  They aren't evears of the night, yet they have already stolen the spotlight, the eyes of many tg towards them. With every turn and twist they took, the sounds of awe and excim rang out in the air, people admiring them deeply.

  But perhaps the one having the most fun was themselves. Smiles bloomed on their faces as their fingers interlocked, each of their steps guided by the music, their hearts thumpily yet loudly as they held one another dearly.

  "Yuna, you look stunning, My Dear." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Why are you saying that all of the sudden?" ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Nothing really... I just wao say it." ［Grey］

  Or so he says, but in truth, Grey was simply ag possessive. Seeing the eyes of many you to Yuna, he couldn't help but feel ahough Yuna already accepted his faults, there were still some things he wao keep to himself.

  And so, the musitio py, keys, strings, and notes drifting in the air. It was a gentle night, footsteps fluttering all over. As they tio dahere was a certain harmony in the air one couldn't help but simply fall in love with.

  Before long, the musially reached its clusion, the dancers halting their steps soon after. As the piece finished, everyone bowed their heads to their partners and headed off for others to take their pce.

  "Boss! Lady Boss! Would you like some wine?" ［Garret］

  And just as Grey and Yuired, Garret approached them, now wearing formal clothes as beautiful as Grey's. For the first time ever since, he actually looked like a proper nobleman, his well-built figure fully showcased.

  "Thanks for the arret, but we'll have to dee. We don't really drink wihat much, so that's a little..." ［Grey］

  "Oh? I get you something else then?" ［Garret］

  "Water would be much appreciated." ［Grey］

  "For me, fruit juice would be fine. I want it to be iceless though." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, water and e juice it is." ［Garret］

  The young lord raised one his hands and signaled one of the servants from afar. Soon enough, a waiter came forward towards them, bringing them an assortment of drinks and a gss of water.

  Of course, as usual, Yuna was the oo put the amount of i her drinks. Though she made some to chill it, she made sure it was not cold enough that she got a brain freeze. She couldn't handle something too cold, after all.

  "I already expected it, but still... The Boss and Lady Boss really are something. You even stand out more than royalty." ［Garret］

  "Fufufu! You're praising us too much, Garret." ［Yuna］

  "No! That's not true at all! Boss and Lady Boss are simply too amazing! Not even princes and princesses could pare to you two. You've even nabbed everyone's hearts in just a single dance! You're the best!" ［Garret］

  He was quite overzealous, alright, singing praises of Grey and Yuna every ce he could. He had been admiring them for so long, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he's one of their biggest fans. They were his idols.

  A bit more fanboying from Garret and a couple more pliments ter, the sound of ughs and giggles resounded in the air. There really wasn't much to think about, they simply chatted with whatever topic which came to mind.

  "Then, I'll be going around now, Boss, Lady Boss. Please let me know if you ever need something." ［Garret］

  "Fufufu! Thank you, Garret." ［Yuna］

  Having chatted with them for minutes already, Garret finally took his leave. Though he wao chat more, being the son of the host and the lord of Erdea, he also o eain some people and form es with them.

  And speaking of es, such was f all over the pce. Even now, Julius and Iris are surrounded by people of the same age wanting to create bonds with the Kingdom of Alfriohe Princess Royal was now in formal mode once again.

  Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna couldn't rete to what's happening with them, quite a number of people were still eyeing them evehey were standing still, with eyes like that of a predator's. It made them recall a se just a while ago.

  "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Yhnesses, I am..."

  "Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna, you're just as beautiful as I've heard..."

  "I have heard of yht for so long. To think I would meet such Heroes..."

  "You really are as geous as the rumors say, Yhnesses!"

  It was a headache, a long line of nobles, royals, and important people trying to form es with them. Though it was tiring, they still o eaio not sour the mood of the party. It was very taxing.

  And because of their match against Richter just the other day, people became even more ied in them. Especially the knights and escorts. Many of them wao spar with them evehey knew full well how powerful they were.

  "Mngg... I really don't want to deal with them..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Then, should we take a little break?" ［Grey］

  Said Grey, his eyes then shifting towards the open baly just a couple dozen steps away. There were no other people around, only the night lights of the city to be seen as far as the eyes see, a sea of colorful lights from afar.

  "Shall we, Midy?" ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! I'll be in your care, Sir Grey." ［Grey］

  Grey extended his hands out and Yuna accepted with grace. Esg from the busy world of aristocracy, Grey and Yuna then took their leave, heading towards the lonely baly for a breath of fresh air, chilly winds weling them warmly.

  The view from the baly was magnifit, gentle light seeping through the rge windows, velvet curtains hanging dowly, and the people ughing merrily. The refreshing breeze blowing from outside was a remedy to revitalize the soul.

  It had just been a couple moments sihey stepped out yet Grey and Yuna already felt much better. They could even close the curtains and not a single soul would mind them. They felt like birds who just regaiheir wings.

  "Haah... The wind feels so amazing..." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she felt the wind run throughout the night, caressing her skin with light ale touch as she spread her arms openly. A sight whily served to make Grey chuckle, once again thinking how adorable his fiancée was.

  "Hahaha. You look so silly right now." ［Grey］

  "Mou... You don't have to rebuke me every siime, you know..." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? But I'm just admiring how cute and lovely my fiancée is though? Is there something wrong with that?" ［Grey］

  "No, nothing... It just feels like you're making fun of me again... You always make me blush as if it's no one's business... Is it really that fun teasing me?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... Who knows... Maybe, maybe not..." ［Grey］

  Softly, sighed Grey as he bent over, resting his arms atop the baly balustrade as his eyes gazed towards his beloved. The gentle moonlight had once illuminated her figure, reminding him of the time he realized his for her.

  It has been almost four years sihey first met, and though it wasn't the best way to meet someo was also when their fates iwined. He still couldn't believe the girl she once saved was now his fiancée. He couldn't help but feel happy.

  "Grey, you're smiling..." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, am I?" ［Grey］

  "Un, you are. You're thinking of something mean again, aren't you?" ［Yuna］

  Well, no matter how beautiful the past was, the present before him was even more so. It was a life he wouldn't exge for anything else. Even if he had to challehe whole world for it, he would happily do so.

  The winds tio blow and the leaves tio rustle. As the night went on, so did the ball. Yuna soon leaned her head on Grey's wide shoulder, her hand now holding Grey's tightly as they ehe wonderful sery together.

  "My, my, what a lovely couple we have here," ［Richter］

  And just as they enjoyed each other's pany, a familiar gentle voice rang out from behindー or rather from above. The Azure Sword Emperor then desded from the rooftops, nding whilst barely making a sound.

  "It seems you're also taking a break, Lrey, Lord Yuna." ［Richter］

  "Yes, we are. How about Your Majesty?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. I was just enjoying the view from the rooftop, and just happeo find a lovely pair who were resting together... I'm not intruding on you, am I?" ［Richter］

  "Not at all, Your Majesty. We were just taking a breather." ［Yuna］

  "A breather, huh..." ［Richter］

  Richter's words echoed in the air, a tinge of loneliness and longing to be traced as his eyes drifted towards the distance. Longing which twisted his heart with stinging pairangely enough, relief at the same time.

  It wasn't like he couldn't uand them. Though it has been a very long time, he was also an adventurer who lives for thrill aement. He knew full well just how suffog it was in the world of nobility, your freedom ed down to the ground.

  Yet despite that fact, he couldn't e to hate the ball. Rather, he could only smile as he remembered a certain figure now only lingering in his memories. The way she shone uhe delier was a sight to behold, making his heart race even now.

  "Lrey, Lady Yuna, did you know? I have attehe Festival of Hearts more than a dozen times now." ［Richter］

  It was all too sudden, a farfetched topic out of the blue. As the olden Emperor said his piece, his eyes swam towards the city before them, admiring how beautiful it became over the years as he reminisced about the past.

  "During this time, the people dance, drink, sing, and py to their hearts' tent. It's one of the gra and merriest celebrations there is. Though, it's such a pity it only happens once every nine years..." ［Richter］

  "Well, it is quite costly, after all." ［Grey］

  "That's true... The st time I attended, it cost about a couple dozen million kiels just tahe ball. For the whole festival, I would estimate... A couple... No, it would at least be a few hundred million at the very least," ［Richter］

  Grey and Yuna's hearts dropped at Richter's suddeion. They already k was expensive, but to think it would be to such a degree, they couldn't say they weren't surprised. On the trary, they were quite fbbergasted.

  Yet despite that, Richter remained calm as if it was nothing big. Though he also acted the same at first, after several years of being an Emperor, he's finally gotteo it. He chuckled to himself as he looked at Grey and Yuna's rea.

  "Well, it's also the time that everyone would be most PREOCCUPIED. No one even noticed that I'm GONE from the hall anymore." ［Richler］

  Said Richter, carefully emphasizing the words "preoccupied" and "gone" as if he was hinting onto something. It was then that some suspis arose in Grey and Yuna's minds, their ears perking up as they tio listen.

  "The town is also busy right now. If I remember correctly, there should be a DAN the TRAL PLAZA right now. Everyone is wele so some young nobles often SNEAK OUT to have fun. Quite iing, isn't it?" ［Richter］

  There he goes again, emphasizing a couple more words as talked to Grey and Yuna. With such btant hints id out before them, they couldn't be so deo uand what Richter was trying to get at, now smiling at them.

  It was already a distant past, but every time there was a ball, Richter would always take the opportunity and sneak out with his wife to have their little adve was one of his bear memories, eae precious as one be.

  He may now be a part of the Imperial Family, but as their senior in adventurering, Richter also wanted Grey and Yuna to experience such wonderful adventures for themselves. That's what they're made for, after all.

  "Oh my, it seems like I have to be going now. I apologize for taking your time. An old man's rambling must have been b, wasn't it?" ［Richter］

  "A-Ah, no, not at all! Rather, it was fun, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I'm delighted to hear that." ［Richter］

  Richter's gentle ughter once again drifted along the cold nightly breeze. He took one more look towards the bustling city before turning around and heading towards the ball once more. The sound of light footsteps fluttered in the air.

  "Thank you very much, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Did I do something to be thankful for?" ［Richter］

  A smile on his face, Richter finally went inside, leaving Grey and Yuna to themselves. Silence again swallowed the baly yet it was not as lonely as it was before. There was only warmth and fort as Grey and Yuna smiled at one another.

  "Yuna, I just thought of something fun. Would you like to join me for a little adventure?" ［Grey］

  "My, what a ce. I was just also thinking of the same thing." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. A deed... Shall we?" ［Grey］

  There was o say any further. With bright smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna then quickly leaped off the baly, then nding on the soft green grass. As the sweet and refreshing fragrance of the garden wafted all over the pce, they leaped over the wallsー or so they wao.

  "Ah... We should probably get ged first..." ［Yuna］

  "Right... These costs quite a sum, after all..." ［Grey］

  It was then that they once again realized they were still in formal and fancy garments. If they were to join the danow, they would surely stand out. Not to mention they'll also ruin their clothing. Grey then opehe sanctuary with a wave of his hand.

  When they reappeared in the garden, their outfits were now ged, now in casual attire. They felt cozy and fortable in their clothing, easy to move as one be. Casual clothing really does fit them the most.

  Walls, roofs, and eys alike. Grey and Yuna leaped from pce to pce as they rushed out of the manor. As soon as they leaped over the massive walls, a pleasant sight greeted them, colorful lights and merry people all over the pce.

  Uhe ball's harmonid sophisticated music, the ones pyed iy were more lively and rowdy, total chaos looming all over the pce as a pandemonium of noises cm all throughout the tral pza. Yet, it was strangely elegant.

  Everyone was dang their hearts out, some dang to the tune of the music, while some moving to the beat of their own drum. Some danced alone, some danced with their partners, and some danced as a group. There was a variety of dances, all just as merry as the other.

  "Fufufu! Grey, let's dah them!" ［Yuna］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as they arrived in the tral pza, Yuna then grabbed Grey by the wrist and danced with him as if there was no tomorrow, giggling to herself as they turwisted, and twirled.

  They were doing the same steps and the same moves yet strangely enough, it felt very different. Though the pce was loud aless, they ehemselves there much more thahey were in the ball where people's eyes were on them.

  They were free as on be, not a single rule bounding them. After one song was over, they only o take a couple steps and join anroup. Their music was all unique, but they ehem all the same.

  "Looks like someone here's having so much fun." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Of course, I'm dang with my wonderful and beloved fiancé, after all. How could I not be happy in such a situation?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh? Are you really sure you want to start that now? You do know you have zero defenses in that regard, don't you?" ［Grey］

  "My～! Whatever do you mean～!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, as one would expect, there was also quite a lot of fruiting involved. Yuna was the oo make the first move, trying to set Grey's heart aflutter. Unfortunately for her, her fiancé was quite the stubborn one. He wouldn't immediately lose.

  After all, Grey's heart had already been rag ever since. If he didn't know how to keep his facial expressions in check, he would be blushing all the time. Though, the same couldn't really be said for Yuna.

  "Yuna, I love you." ［Grey］

  Whispered Grey, giving a slight pe her cheeks in the end, and it was as simple as that. That was all Grey o do, and now, his beloved was flushed red all the way to the tip of her ears, heart pounding madly like thunder.

  She was the oo start it, yet all it took was a siad she was already down for the t. She was so flustered, she couldn't help herself from smiling, uo utter even a single word as she buried her fa Grey's chest.

  "Grey, that's unfair... Kissing is unfair... I still haven't prepared myself..." ［Yuna］

  "But that wasn't a kiss, though? Should we try one now?" ［Grey］

  "Grey! You dummy! Dummy! Dummy!" ［Yuna］

  And she's still w while Grey likes teasing her when, even though a year had passed sihey started dating, her reas were still as cute as ever, still easily flustered as one be like a meek little sheep.

  Even now, as she pounded on Grey's shoulders and puffing her cheeks, Grey just wao poke more fun at her, wanting to keep her ess for himself. If they were ba their house, only God knows how far Grey's "teasing" would have gone.

  And so, with Yuna red as one be, they tio dand py around in the tral pza. Well, they not only dahey sang, pyed games, ate snacks, and so much more. They ehe night while it sted.

  "Gwey! Twy rish wam! Ish sho dewishoush! (Grey! Try this o's so delicious!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, don't talk when your mouth is full. How many times have I told you that already? Geez..." ［Grey］

  Of course, as one would expect, the part Yuna liked the most was wheried out the different foods the night stalls had to offer. They already had some in the m and they were just as delicious, with a hint of merriness.

  And as usual, Grey had also bee Yuna's babysitter, ag like a father once again. They may be engaged now, but their retionship hasn't ged. Grey still spoiled Yuna like there was no tomorrow, g as one ask for.

  DONNGGGG DONNGGGG DONNGGGG

  As the night deepehe st bell of the day finally rang, marking the 9th hour after noon. And just as the city bells rang, Grey looked up towards the sky, remembering something important. One he prepared with the Mayor.

  'Anytime now...' ［Grey］

  Grey thought, watg the night sky once more. There were the stars, the clouds, and the moon watg them from above. There was nothing out of the ordinaryー or, so it was. A whistling sound soon echoed from afar.

  "Yuna, look up." ［Grey］

  "Hm? What doー" ［Yuna］

  BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG

  A series of explosions boomed over the city, but rather than running away from fear, they instead stood still as if they were frozen, eyes all fixed on the sky, mouths wide open in agape as they watched such a beautiful sight unfold.

  An explosion of light and colors boomed throughout the ever so expansive skies, ing in different shapes and sizes, blooming like flowers at the advent of spring. Everyone could only admire such a se, their hearts beating along the sounds of fireworks expl oer another.

  It wasn't the first time Yuna had seen them, but looking at them again, she once again realized how beautiful they were like jewels exploding into starlight. She grasped her hands over her chest, simply standing in awe. A memory sure to be remembered...

  "So beautiful..." ［Yuna］

  The Festival of Hearts had finally cluded.

  CHAPTER 290 END