The wind was silent and so was the fields, only subtle whistles to be heard. A lone figure stood in the middle of a charred wastend, a light shower of gold and crystals raining down upon him, silent thuds resounding as they hit the ground.

  Like a fleeting shadow, there was no sound to be heard, anure arriving at the se. Her hair was silver and her eyes were blue, not making a single h the steps she took, now smiling ever so happily like a little child.

  "Well, someone's in a good mood." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! That's because I was able to let some steam out!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, and you also froze the field while you were at it, didn't you?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah... That's because I got a little carried away..." ［Yuna］

  There was no denying it. Though she tried to hold herself back, she was simply too excited to mind the little details. She already figured out Grey would cover the city with a barrier so there was no need for holding back. She simply wreaked havoc.

  Well, it's not like she made much of a differenyway. The pins were are already charred and cratered from the familiars' merciless barrage. Freezing a small portion of it wouldn't matter in the grand scale of things.

  What's most important was that the threat has now been elimihough it may be difficult oh, rest the terrain in Merusia is a little different. With Grey, Yuna, and the familiars there, it would be a piece of cake.

  "It's alright. I'm not scolding you. We just restore it anyway." ［Grey］

  "U-Un! That's right! We could just use magic!" ［Yuna］

  "Master, Mistress, should we help you out?!" ［Vega］

  And just as their versation was about to reach its clusion, the familiars finally came back, triumphant looks on their faces. It's been some time sihey had to battle against so many oppos. It was good to warm their bodies up.

  Though... The same couldn't be said for Pro and Arar. Being the you and weakest in the family, the others, albeit oppressively, fed them all the corruption which leaked out after defeating their enemies. Especially Vega, she was simply on another level.

  Even Rigel, who was just a few minutes older than them, was on board with feeding them. He graciously thahe heavens above that he was summoned an S-rank. Otherwise, he would also be subject to the other's "pampering".

  "Hmm... Not yet. But it would be really helpful if you could collect the drops for us. Could we ask you of that, everyone?" ［Grey］

  "Un! And you separate any materials I could use for alchemy, please?" ［Yuna］

  "Your will is our and, Master, Mistress." ［Sirius］

  "Yeah! We'll make sure to tidy this pce up!" ［opus］

  "Please rest assured, Master, Mistress. We will make sure to not leave even a siem behind." ［Arcturus］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey and Yuna issued their requests, the familiars then moved quickly and started gathering. Of course, as their massive true forms would be a bother, they all opted for a smaller one like those of wolves.

  It wasn't just normal gathering tel used a rge bubble of water to gather them whilst Vega used vines and Aar used the shadows. They all used magic to do every little thing, trying to be as effit as possible.

  "Fufufu! Everyone sure is eic." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. Though... Some are just a little too eic, aren't they?" ［Grey］

  They were just like dogs whose leashes have been taken off, running around the pd pig up all sorts of things. Especially now that they're in their adult wolf forms, they looked even more like dogs. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but ugh to themselves, watg them warmly.

  "An S-rank party... Aster... Galderia... You must be Yhnesses, Archduke Grey and Archduchess Yuna, I presume?" ［Lt. ander］

  Just as they watched them, the sound of footsteps echoed nearby. They had already noticed them drawing near, but they hought they would be so direct, marg towards them with fidend dignity.

  One of them was an old man in his fifties, a rge scar in one of his eyes and a sword by his side. The other was a woman who, even with her retively small height, held a massive greatsword by her side, lifting it no problem.

  "Yeah, that's correct." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! To think we'll meet the revered heroes when we've resolved ourselves to die. The name's Ay, Ay Narson. This branch's Guildmaster." ［Ay］

  "And my name is Roderick Harpen, a Lt. ander and the Head of the Knights of the Elsnare Marquisate. It's a great pleasure to be in your presence." ［Roderick］

  The two soon bowed their heads and greeted Grey and Yuna. Even now, when they were still standing there, they couldn't help but feel their hearts tremble at the presence of such beings, still in awe of the prowess they just showed.

  "Please raise your heads. And it's also a pleasure to meet you two." ［Grey］

  "Un. It's o meet you too, Sir Roderick, Miss Ay." ［Yuna］

  Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna only looked at them curiously, Grey appraising them and sharing the information to Yuna soon after. They have already gotteo such a sight, not feeling as unfortable as before.

  They soon shook one another's hands, Roderid Ay feeling a sense of relief that the two were just as good of a person as they've heard. Rumors sometimes be twisted, after all.

  "This may be te, However, I would like to express my gratitude. If it weren't for Yhhe city could have crumbled down in an hour or two." ［Roderick］

  "o be so formal. We only performed as we were requested. This is our job as adventurers. This is what we're meant to do." ［Grey］

  "Grey's right. If anything, you're much more honorable for putting your lives on the line. You're the real heroesー" ［Yuna］

  Yuna stopped talking, both her and Grey fling. They were so engrossed by the quest, they have pletely fotten about ohing. And not just anything, it was something which could very well mean trouble for the two of them... Being heroes...

  The first time, when they destroyed Iblis, the sed, wheopped the monster flood orvis, and the third when they participated against the flood in Kosalvier against the army of undead. They already received three Medals of Honor in total.

  Now, they're at risk of receivi another medal. They have pletely fotten about how generous the monarchs were. They might be able to avoid an awarding ceremony, but not the spreading of their names any further. So troublesome.

  Grey... We messed up, didn't we? ［Yuna］

  Yeah... That we did... ［Grey］

  There was no use regretting it. Even if their names spread even further, it would only really affect them if they decided to show themselves in the open. Only ohing's for sure. King Ernes would surely ask them of the details again. Trouble is up ahead.

  "Yhnesses... Is something the matter...?" ［Roderick］

  "No... We were just thinking of something... And, right. How do we go about the signing of the pletion of the quest?" ［Grey］

  "There is o worry about that, Yhnesses. As you have pleted it, His Majesty will only o send a message to the Guild. Lt. ander Roderid I will stand as your witnesses." ［Ay］

  Normally, they would need a mana signature from the requester to make sure the quest was plete, but si was an emergency quest posted by the King, his words would suffice as proof as soon as news reached him.

  The City of Farlyle may not have a Gate (ged from teleportation gate), but they still have unication orbs which send messages to long distances. As soon as the message is reyed to the capital, the pletion of the requests would also be approved as well.

  In fact, even as they speak, Roderick had already tasked one of the soldiers to inform the Lord that the crisis had beeed. It wouldn't even be surprising if the Lord is already tag at the moment.

  "I see... That's a relief thenー" ［Grey］

  "Master, we have already gathered everything." ［Sirius］

  "Oh, good jobー Ah, it's alright if we take the loht?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. That much is obvious. You were the ones who did all the work, after all, Yhnesses." ［Roderick］

  They have simply swooped down and taken all the honor, but her Roderior Ay mi. They were only thankful that they were able to live to see yet another day. Who khey would experience such a roller coaster of emotions.

  Meanwhile, Grey reached out his hands to store the items in his "Iory". And as requested, the familiars also separated the alchemy ingredients Yuna could use ter on. She then happily stored it up ie ring, the familiars melting back to their shadows.

  "Then, since we still have some things to do, we'll be taking our leave now." ［Grey］

  "Take care of yourselves, everyone. Until ime." ［Yuna］

  "Much appreciated and safe travels, Yhnesses." ［Roderick］

  Grey and Yuna then turned around and rode on Sirius' backー or so they were about to, when they once again remembered something important, their eyes lingering on the ruined wastends which were bd brown all over.

  "Right... We almost fot..." ［Grey］

  ?? ??Nature's Grace?? ?? ［Grey and Yuna］

  Their words riding along the winds, Grey and Yueheir arms and a fresh wind blew all over the fields. With Vega and Cappel's help from the shadows, the broken and cratered ground started to tremble, the winds dang along it.

  The once shattered grounds quaked once more, fixing itself as shelves of rock rose and sunk, recreating a mostly ft and leveled terrain much like the oched on Grey's memories, boulders, little pebbles popping out here and there.

  Soon after, the grasses started to grow, dev the pins whole like a surging wave which couldn't be stopped, a tsunami of green grasses spreading like wildfire. The st of grass soon danced in the air, its bdes dang by the fresh breeze.

  The sheets of ice were thawed and the scars and burns from the battle were healed. It was just like the advent of spring, only more beautiful and more magical, weeds and bushes sprouting from the ground as their lives bloomed.

  "This is an apology for destroying the pins. We did some renovations here and there. We Hope you like it." ［Grey］

  Grey and Yuna didn't simply recreate the pce, they also added a bit of a touch from Erdea, flowers of all crowing here and there. The once grassy pins were now turned into somewhat of a fl meadow, life blooming everywhere.

  Roderid Ay weren't experts on pnt magior do they know one. All they knew was that what was unfolding them was something not just everyone could do. They stood there in awe, mesmerized by such beautiful and magical sery.

  "It's beautiful, Yhnesses..." ［Roderick］

  "Yes. I didn't think I would see such a wonderful sight near Farlyle. It seems like I'll have to visit every so often." ［Ay］

  "Hahaha. That's good to hear." ［Grey］

  The couple simply wao fix what they've broken, but they hought they'd get such reas out of it. Though, it wasn't a bad thing. If anything, it was great. They are now even more excited to create their own meadow.

  "Then... Until ime!" ［Grey］

  As suddenly as they appeared, they vanished soon after. As Sirius fpped her wings, strong gusts enveloped the fields, the flowers swaying as leaves and pollen danced in the air. A ptinum shine glimmered once again as Sirius soared in the sky

  It would have been much faster if they simply used "Gate", but sihey were in a hurry before, they didn't get a ce to observe the wonderful sery. As per Yuna's request, they then flew in the air, watg the world unfold.

  Just like that time passed, and after another couple hours, the city of Galderia loomed over the horizon. They soon nded and dashed straight ahead. They simply passed through the line, heading towards the guild soon after.

  Surprisingly, evehey were already nearby, there was no cacophony of noises from the adventurers and staff panig. If anything, there was only merry ughter, not a single word of worry to be heard.

  "We're back." ［Grey］

  Laughter which soon quelled as soon as Grey and Yuna made their entrance. All eyes were suddenly ohe Guildmaster waiting up front. Though, uhe time of the Orc Horde subjugatio, he wasn't even nervous.

  "I've already heard from the headquarters. It seems like an S-rank quest is no big deal to you two, huh?" ［Gaston］

  "Hahaha! Of course! They're the heroes, after all!"

  "The stro in Galderia! That's the Grim Reaper and the Phantom for ya!"

  Apparently, the message has already arrived in the guild and their quest has mostly been processed. All that's left is frey and Yuna to hand in their guild cards. With it, the pletion of their first official, S-rank quest would be plete.

  Grey and Yuna soon headed towards the ter and handed over their guild cards to Tilda, and with her quick fingers, she quickly got to work. Though, all the time... They couldn't help but notice the Guildmaster's stare.

  "Umm... Is there something you need from us, Guildmaster?" ［Grey］

  "Haah... It's really nothing much, but if it isn't too much trouble, could I ask you how much time it took you to elimihe entire horde?" ［Gaston］

  "Eh...? How long...?" ［Yuna］

  "That's right... I'm just curious..." ［Gaston］

  It was a strange request, but there was nothing wrong about telling him. It would have been hard to take note for other people, but with Grey's memory, it was no trouble at all. He just closed his eyes and ted, opening his mouth soon after.

  "About six minutes, I guess?" ［Grey］

  "Ooh!! I won, you bastards! Now, give me all your money!"

  "F*ck! Dammit! I was so close! I knew I should have choseer!"

  "Argh! Why are the two of you so fast?! At least finish it after ten minutes are over!"

  Grey said his pied a loud cmor shook the guild, different expressions unfolding soon after. Some were smiling from war to ear, some were fused, and some were bawling their eyes out whilst greeting their teeth. It was chaos.

  "Haah... I'm sorry you have to see this..." ［Gaston］

  Apparently, after Grey and Yu, a couple adveried betting whether they could elimihe horde within ten minutes or not... Well, there were only a couple at first, but it soon got out of hand, now almost everyone in the guild is betting over it.

  Iy, Grey and Yuna would have gotten a much faster time if they were a little bit more serious. If Grey so wa, he could have e in an instant with a single full power strike. Not that he could say that now... Everyone was far too excited...

  They don't know whether they should be ughing, g, or be angry over bei on without their knowledge, but seeing how merry and rowdy everyone was, there was only so much they could do. They could only sigh in exasperation.

  "Right, Grey, Yuna, did the boss drop something?" ［Larren］

  At Larren's words, all eyes shifted back to them, sparkles of excitement glimmering deep ihey were really such a rowdy and troublesome bunch. Even the Guildmaster has given up on them, shaking his head ever so subtly.

  "Yeah... You look at it if you want." ［Grey］

  "Ohh!! This must be the 'Beast King's Fangs' I heard so much about!"

  "Right! I heard it costs over 200 million kiels!"

  "That's crazy! Isn't this super good then?!"

  Everybody crowded towards the fang-like gaus Grey brought out. It was a High-Tier Superirade on which every S-rank brawlers would pine for. Even those who aren't brawlers would look at it with such delight in their eyes.

  Of course, that wasn't the only drop from the Apex Werebeast. It along the mana crystal, there was also the "Beast King's Heart" which costs well over a billion kiels. One which they already have a couple of after diving iwo Labyrinths already. Something troublesome to take out.

  Though, thankfully, because they took it out, the attention of the adventurers were now shifted away from Grey and Yuna, allowing them to move freely. It's not like people could steal it from S-rank adventurers anyway.

  "Right, I almost fot. A message just arrived after you left. It's quite important so I suggest you open it right now." ［Gaston］

  They just couldn't catch a break. After dealing with the Werebeast horde and the adventurers, Grey and Yuna now had to deal with another matter. The Guildmaster handed over a letter whilst returning their guild cards.

  To make things worse, there was a very particur crest oter's seal. It was ohey couldn't simply ignore like the others as it would be more troublesome otherwise. It was from the Graystone Royal Family.

  ...

  To Archduke Grey and Archduchess Yuna,

  It has been a while since we parted ways in Erdea, Lrey, Lady Yuna, and I could proudly say I enjoyed my time there with my family. Even though weeks have passed, I still couldn't fet the prowess you have shown against the Azure Sword Emperor. My heart quakes in trill every time I remember such a sight.

  Well, I know you two hate formalities, so I would simply get straight to the point. I would like to invite you two over for a masquerade ball at our castle during the night of the 5th of Rubinus in celebration of the ival of Swords following it a week after. It would be the gra celebration in the Kingdom.

  It would be a great pleasure to have such honorable guests in our hall. I look forward to hearing from the both of you.

  Sincerely,

  Ar myr Lantre Graystone

  ...

  It was an invitation from the King himself. Though he was being polite, it would spark some tension if they were to refuse the letter without any reasonable cause. With it, it ractically decided that they will be joining the ball.

  Graystone... A kingdom located in the southernmost tip of the ti, bordered by Lindnart in the northwest, Ingrasia in the North, Caldel in the northeast, and the o all over it, often called the "Tail of Oiros".

  Graystone is a kingdom which is not only known for its fishing industries but also its rich ore deposits. It has a very expansive influenetals and jewelry nor just i outside the ti as well. A Kingdom which is even older than Alfrione.

  "An invitation, huh... Great... We're going to a ball again..." ［Yuna］

  "Well, not that we have much of a choiyway." ［Grey］

  "That's just how the political world is. You better get used to it." ［Gaston］

  The Guildmaster was right. With their names spreading all over the ti, there would only be a few people who wouldn't know of them. And with the ret event, it would tio spread some more. They o be prepared.

  Well, it wasn't just all bad news. With King Ar's invitation, Grey's gears started to grind once again. They also have an important busio attend to at the kingdom. Having a ball before it was no big deal.

  Yuna, would you like to go on another adventure? ［Grey］

  An adventure? ［Yuna］

  Yeah... It just so happens that the Labyrinth of Star at Graystone Kingdom is going to open soon. Do you wanna go? ［Grey］

  There was o say more. Just looking at the sparkles gleaming out of her eyes, one could easily tell how thrilled Yuna was, barely able to hold it in, blood pumping and rushing with excitement ahusiasm.

  Yuna has been stu a bottleneck of S-rank for months already and it's just about time she moves forward. A few strong monsters would be plenty helpful, and where could they find such other than a Labyrinth?

  Well, it wasn't just Yuna. Other than training themselves, Grey also had a few things to ask God of. Though it may be difficult to face the Boss, he will now have Yuna by his side to work with. It was the perfect opportunity!

  U's do that! Let's go! Let's go ［Yuna］

  She was only talking telepathically yet her mouth curved into a smile in the most obvious of ways, ears fpping up and down with excitement. If they weren't in the public's eyes, she would have hopped up and down already

  Hahaha. How cute. ［Grey］

  Fuehh?! Why so suddenly?! ［Yuna］

  Grey just couldn't help it. With how adorable his fiancée was, he just wao keep her to himself, wanting to spoil and pamper her if there was no tomorrow, a bright smile blooming on his face to which the Guildmaster could only tilt his head to.

  "Then, Guildmaster, we'll be taking our leave now. We still have a ball to prepare for." ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 299 END