The winds whistled and the pine needles fell after arees, bushes, and grass alike swaying ever so gently as they greeted the sun above. It was a chilly and fresh m, the smell of the earth riding adrift the forest breeze.

  Inside su open forest, a certain color stood out like a sore thumb. A beautiful silver swayed and fluttered, trasting the beautiful and viridest forest in the background. Only silened in the air, the young elf softly closing her eyes as she put her hands together.

  It has been a couple of days since Kris and Aria's dispute, and just as they replied to the King's invitation, they were now on the way to the Graystone Kingdom, stopping by the Haltea Great Forest to visit everyone's graves and offer them some prayers.

  "Oh, and Mom, please don't worry. Although I'm engaged now, the marriage is still far away. I don't think I'm ready to be a wife yet. I'm still nothing like you." ［Yuna］

  Of course, as they were having a visit, Yuna also gave updates about the important happenings in her life, the events in Ti, the Festival of Hearts, and of course, her e with Grey. There was a light blush on her cheeks.

  As frey, he was simply standing a couple distance away, letting Yuna have her time and space with her parents. He had already given his greetings and respects, pig flowers now to put beside their gravestones.

  "Sirius, aren't you tired?" ［Grey］

  "Not at all, Master. If anything, it is much more enjoyable spending time with the Master and Mistress. I'm sure everyone feels the same." ［Sirius］

  "Hahaha.Then I guess we have to let you out moreー Hm?" ［Grey］

  And just as he and Sirius were finished pig the flowers, Yuna waved one of her hands towards his dire, calling him over. And for some reason, her face was much redder than before, ears fppiedly.

  "Guess that's my cue..." ［Grey］

  All sorts of wild flowers in his hands, Grey headed to Yuna's dire a Sirius on her own. The Ptinum Dragon simply watched her masters from afar, a warm and soft pair of eyes looking at them as she id down the green grass.

  Grey sooo the ground and joined Yuna oalk with her parentsー or so he nning to, when suddenly, Yuna grabbed his hands by surprise then holding it tightly with both hands, eyes sparkling with aed sheen.

  "And look, Grey made these rings himself! Aren't they beautiful?! I was so surprised when he proposed to me back then!" ［Yuna］

  Apparently, she just wao show her parents the e rings Grey made after weeks upon weeks of preparations. They have already worn it for more than a month already yet it was only then that Grey felt a little embarrassed.

  "And! And! Grey also made a lot of trial rings before these! Grey, we show them to my parents, please?" ［Yuna］

  "Alright.... Just give me a moment." ［Grey］

  "I'm sure you'll love them, Mom, Dad. They're really beautiful!" ［Yuna］

  She's already pretty childish when they're aloogether, but being in front of her parents, she felt even more like a child again. She happily showed all the rings and things Grey made in preparation for the e ring.

  Not only the rings, Yuna then showed the bouquet of nine crey preseo her. The legend of nine colors, the meaning behind the colors, the hidden message when all of them are gathered. She told them everything with a bright smile.

  "... I wish you could also attend our wedding..." ［Yuna］

  Even then, it wasn't all just happy ses. She was talking to them excitedly, but she knew full well that they were no longer a part of the world. A crestfallen look befell on her face, trying to hold herself back from bawling her eyes out.

  Yuna had long already accepted the fact that her parents had passed away, yet she still longs for their warmth and love. No amount of money nor fame could ever be exged for something so trivial yet invaluable.

  "It's alright, Yuna... I'm sure they'll be watg over us." ［Grey］

  "Un... You're right..." ［Yuna］

  All Grey could do was fort his beloved, letting her head rest on his shoulders as he held her hands even tighter. Before long, he also joined in on the versation, telling all sorts of stories in their daily lives, including Yuna's daily shenanigans, making the tter flustered.

  Just like that, time slowly passed and the sun climbed higher on the sky. Grey once again checked on the barrier surrounding the pce, making sure there was nothing wrong with it and everyone could rest in peace.

  The familiars also gave their greetings to everyone, bowing their heads respectfully. Even the usually eid short-tempered Pro was being well behaved, uncharacteristically quiet like Aar and Capel. Such a serene se it was.

  "Mom, Dad, everyo's time for us to go. I don't know when I visit you again, I'll try to drop by whenever I ." ［Yuna］

  "Don't worry, Mister Folsen, Missus Ristelle, like before, I'll make sure to take care of your daughter. I'll always be there for her." ［Grey］

  "Hear that, Mom, Dad? It seems you have nothing to worry about, and don't worry, your daughter is already plenty strong by herself. I protect myself!" ［Yuna］

  "That's right. She could probably annihite an army or two if she ever wanted. I don't think there's anyone who'd willingly pick a fight with her. Haha." ［Grey］

  Time was running low and it was almost time to go. Unlike before, the mood was now much lighter, Grey and Yuna joking around as they said their farewells. A subtle smile was afloat on Yuna's pretty face, her eyes gentle as be.

  "Then, goodbye～! See you ter～!" ［Yuna］

  The winds howled once more and the fallen leaves danced in the air. A glimmering streak of ptinum darted towards the sky as Sirius fpped her wings. The clouds were once again parted, flying freely, unbound by any s.

  Since Grey had been all over the ti in his hunt before, the journey became much shorter. They used a gate to the location from their destination, flying the remaining dista breakneck speeds even lightning couldn't pare to,

  They soon crossed the borders, an even more tropical se greeting them. The grass was much lighter, a shade of olive painted all over the pins. The forests were taller too, brand new varieties of fauna and flora as far as the eyes see.

  It wasn't just the sery, the wind was quite weling too. It retty much like the humid and temperate air Grey was ever so familiar ba his previous life. One which brought about memories of his tropical, summer days.

  Soon enough, as they tio fly in the air, a staggering city came into view, walls higher than any tree and a castle shining like a gem. It was no less beautiful than Alfrione's Royal Castle, only differing in styles of architecture.

  There was also o nd in a forest like usual. Grey and Yuna had already informed the King about their way of transport, and to their surprise, the King said it would be alright to nd with a dragon. He himself was a fan of them and would very much like to see one for himself.

  "Sirius, desd slowly." ［Grey］

  "Uood." ［Sirius］

  Evehere was no harm in being careful. Sirius was still a massive beast, after all. Even if the King had allowed them, the on folk would surely be surprisedー or so they thought, but as it seems, the people only looked at them with awe.

  They soon nded he gates, the people's eyes on them as they desded, looking at Sirius' magnifit form. Soon, a group of knights headed their way, a grandiose carriage approag behind them.

  "Greetings, Yhnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna. We have already met before, but let me reintroduce myself... I am Lt. General Gahad myr Granum. I have been given the honor to escort you today." ［Gahad］

  They were as grand as ever. With such galnt knights greeting and kneeling before them, the people only got even more curious as they peeked trey and Yuna. With such a reception, they would surely be not just any normal people.

  As the Lt. General said, Grey and Yuna had already met him back at the Festival of Hearts as he was the Graystone Royal Family escort back then. It was then that they got acquainted with one another.

  "Everyone, please rise. And thank you for esc us." ［Grey］

  "It's reatest pleasure, Yhnesses, and I must say... You really did e in style, riding su elegant dragon." ［Gahad］

  "That may be so. But Sir Gahad, we're surprised the people didn't have much of a rea to them... Rather, they look curious, don't they?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That's because they're already pretty used to it." ［Gahad］

  "Used to it...?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes. Like Yhhe Royal Family also has many a handful of familiars in their person. It wasn't just once or twice that we used them to fly." ［Gahad］

  Gahad wasn't exaggerating. With it's long and rich histraystone Kingdom had summoned quite a lot of familiars and they have been passed down from geion to geion, eae a valuable asset to the Kingdom.

  Familiars, though bound to their masters, usually outlive them. In such cases, either by the will of their departed master or itself, they usually search for a new master who would be worthy of them. Such has happened in Graystone over the turies.

  Much like Alfriooday, such familiars have been assigo the higher ups of the army. The General is now the master of an S-rank familiar who has been around sihe founding of the Kingdom. And even Gahad has one of his own.

  "Such a beautiful familiar you have..." ［Gahad］

  "Thank you for your kind words, Sir Gahad." ［Sirius］

  "Oho, I was simply telling the truth. o be so humble." ［Gahad］

  It wasn't just Gahad, even the knights behind him were i the beauty of the ptinum figure before them. They had seen dragons in books before, but seeing one in real life was just a pletely different experie was jaw-dropping.

  "Ah! Five me for wasting such precious time... If it's fih you, shall we escort you ihe city now, Yhnesses?" ［Gahad］

  "Please do... It seems like we're getting quite the bit of attention out here." ［Grey］

  "By your will." ［Gahad］

  "Fufufu! We'll be in your care, everyone." ［Grey］

  Like a gentleman, Gahad opehe doors of the Royal Carriage a Grey and Yuna in, a luxurious chamber greeting them. As soon as they were inside, Sirius then vanished into thin air, melding bato their shadows.

  The knights mounting such wonderful stallions by their side, the carriage soon moved and they paraded uhe gates. The moment they passed through, yet anrand and elegant sery greeted them, liveliness springing in the air.

  Much like the cities in Alfrione and Valliarta, the main streets were poputed by all sorts of shops and stalls, stables aing pces appearing here and there, busy people passing by, increasing the traffi the area.

  There were establishments of various sizes, people from different races, adventurers, merts, soldiers, and civilians going about their daily lives, and children pying around by the side of the streets, eyes wandering everywhere.

  As the Royal Carriage passed through the gates, all eyes befell on it. With such a grarah a number of knights esc it, it was only natural, the children stopping their steps to admire such a wonderful se unfold.

  Thankfully, unlike befrey and Yuna were pretty much familiar with such a se before. They have already half given up on their dream of staying out from the eyes of the publid simply accepted the things the way they are. Thinking too much about it will just make their heads hurt.

  "What do you think of Avalon, Yhnesses?" ［Gahad］

  "It's wonderful... Though we've seen simir sights before, it never ceases to amaze me how lively Royal Capitals are." ［Grey］

  "Un. It's so nice seeing things peaceful and lively like this." ［Yuna］

  "That's because of our wise King. His Majesty has been putting all the effort he could to make sure everyardless of status enjoys a good life. He's the inspiration of many in the kingdom." ［Gahad］

  There were only praises for the King, Gahad's eyes filled with pride as he talked about it. Rather than an aide, he was like a fan who has been admiring his idol for quite a long stretch of time, happy to serve under him.

  It wasn't just him, the other escort knights were also the same, proud of their great and wise King. One who, unlike a certain King which shall not be named, was actually a dependable figure to the masses. A source of strength.

  "Speaking of inspiration, It has been a long time since I saw it, but I still couldn't get my mind off your match with the Azure Sword Emperor. You were really amazing back then, Yhnesses!" ［Gahad］

  "Fufufu! It's only because His Majesty was going easy on us." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah... Otherwise, we wouldn't have sted a couple minutes..." ［Grey］

  "No, that's not it! Even if that were true, you still demonstrated a level of skill no other could pare. Especially your teamwork, it was exceptional!" ［Gahad］

  And speaking of idolization, it seems that a certain someone was still in awe from the battle between them and Richter. He just couldn't stop singing praises for them, like a bard in taverhusiastic as one be,

  Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna could only get embarrassed at su open dispy of admiration. It would have been alright if they were children, but if it was a middle-aged man in his te thirties... It was just a little unfortable..

  The tour tinued...

  The city was beautiful as one be, but it wasn't just simply known as the Royal Capital of Graysto was also called the "City of Swords" which was founded by the first King who happeo be an excellent swordsman.

  As one would expect from such a moniker, most of the ons shops they saw sold only swords and there were swordsmen all over the pce. Even all the knights that were esc them were swordsmen, swords tucked iheir scabbards.

  And just as the carriage tio trot dowreets, a massive statue of a sword slowly started to appear before them, stig out like a sore thumb from. It stood more than teers tall, intricate carvings all over it. It was a masterpiece.

  "What an amazing statue..." ［Grey］

  "This is the 'Sword of Valor', one of the four swords of the Kingdom." ［Gahad］

  "Four...?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes. In each of the cardinal dires of the city, there is a statue of a legendary sword King Parsifal used in battle." ［Gahad］

  King Parsifal, the First King of Graysto was said that he had fought tless wars in order to protect their pead fouhe kingdom soon after. He was a Camity-Css figure who was known to be a great hero.

  In his honor, ohe previous Kied four statues all over the city resembling his swords. There was the "Sword of Valor" in the north, "Might" in the east, "Calm" in the west, and "Judgement" in the south, all representing King Parsifal's values.

  "Four swords... I want to see the other three too..." ［Yuna］

  "Haha. I'm afraid that will have to wait, Yhness. We still have to greet His Majesty to let them know you have arrived safely." ［Gahad］

  "Then, it would be our pleasure if you could escort us when the day es." ［Yuna］

  "That might be difficult with my schedule, but it would be an honー" ［Gahad］

  WOOHOOOO!! WOOAAAHHH!! OOOHHHHHHHH!!

  Gahad couldn't even finish his words, when suddenly, a loud cacophony of cheers echoed by the distance. Screams of ecstasy, excitement, ahusiasm danced in the air, people ting ever so eagerly.

  peared in front of them was a massive colosseum stretg out hundreds of meters wide, fully encased with tough materials and a barrier to protect the whole pce, able to house more than a huhousand people. A true giant.

  "Waah～! So massive... What is that thing..." ［Yuna］

  "Oh? Is this perhaps your first time seeing a colosseum, Yhness?" ［Gahad］

  "A colosseum...?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes. In simpler terms, a massive arena... It is a pce where warriors and mages fight with their best until one is uo tinue or surrender, and also a pce for people to see sutetles unfold." ［Gahad］

  To Gahad's words, Yuna was even more surprised. She had seen all sorts of arenas and training grounds before, but never a colosseum. Even Grey who had seen them online couldn't help but be amazed by such a marvel.

  There wasn't just one. Located he ter and each of the city's quadrants was a colosseum, making a grand total of five colosseums. Though not as massive as the Grand Colosseum in front of them, the others were still rge and popur. They were all a sight to behold.

  It is also because of these colosseums that Avalon is poputed with swordsmen. The fights in such arenas are what inspired the younger geions to wield a sword and improve their skills, watg the fights to gain some reference.

  Because of such popurity, swordsmen from all over the ti also started to gather in order to learn and improve themselves, fighting other swordsmen while they were at it, creating a domino effect which has been in effect for turies already.

  "How we fight in the colosseums?" ［Yuna］

  "For that, you only ister as a 'Gdiator' in any of the colosseums. The process shouldn't take too long." ［Gahad］

  "I see... Then I guess we'll give it a try." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I 't wait to see you in a again, Yourー Ah..." ［Gahad］

  A sudden realization soon came to Gahad as he spoke his words, making him abruptly cut his own words. He wao tell Grey and Yuna, but doesn't have the heart to, a troubled look looming over his face.

  "Is something wrong, Sir Gahad?" ［Yuna］

  "No, it's not really... Well, the problem is... The colosseums only accepts swordsmen. An assassin and a brawler would most likely be rejected..." ［Gahad］

  It was troublesome indeed. It was already to be expected from the City of Swords, but to think even their colosseums are only limited to swordsmen. If Grey and Yuna didn't know about it beforehand, they would have surely gotten in trouble.

  Fortunately, Grey and Yuna were also well versed in swordsmanship, possessing at least "High" level of mastery. Even more fortunate was the fact that not only do they have the "Divine Sword" in their possession, but "Vul's Wrath" as well, two Divine-Grade swords which suits them perfectly.

  They don't know whether it was fate or just a ce, but with it, they were sure they could participate in the fun ahemselves loose. Swordsmanship may not be their front, but they could still learn a thing or two about it.

  "o worry, Sir Gahad, we know a thing or two about swordsmanship so we should be alright." ［Grey］

  "Un. It may not be our stro cards, but I'm sure we'll make do somehow. We'll try our best not to disappoint you too much." ［Yuna］

  "Oho! Then, I am looking forward to your matches, Yhnesses." ［Gahad］

  Such things out of the way, the carriage tio trot and before long, they finally arrived at the Royal Castle, massive golden gates opening before them, letting them pass through as beautiful sery greeted them.

  Not only were there gardens, there were also statues of important people erected all over the pce. Eae held swords in their person, looking like galnt figures of the past. Heroes who engraved their names in history.

  As soon as they came down the carriage, ead every servant they met lowered their heads to greet them politely, the knights saluting to Gahad before bowing their heads towards them. Such a wele reception.

  "Where is His Majesty right now?" ［Gahad］

  "He's sparring with the Captain of the Royal Guards again. I think it would still take an hour before His Majesty es back."

  And as it seems, the King was not ihrone room nor was he in his office. Rather, he was oraining grounds with the knights, not to spectate, but join them iraining, crossing swords with them to better his swordsmanship.

  "It seems like we'll have to walk a little more ways. Would that be alright with you, Yhnesses." ［Gahad］

  "Yeah, no problems here." ［Grey］

  "Un. We could use a little bit of a walk." ［Yuna］

  "Great. Then I shall lead the way." ［Gahad］

  There were no tradis on Grey and Yuna's side. As Gahad took the two to where the King was, he also gave them a tour of the Royal Castle while he was at it, showing all the important pces and also introdug them to important figures.

  The Ministers, the Army Officers, the Head Chef i, and many mrey and Yuna got to meet all sorts of wonderful people throughout their little tour, the Head Chef even giving them treats as they passed by.

  Before long, the sounds of swords g echoed in their ears, clouds of dust brewing in the near fields. They have arrived at the training grounds, greeted by a fierce csh between two men, a familiar figure amongst them.

  "Hahaha! You're finished, Eliazar!" ［Ar］

  CHAPTER 301 END