"Bba～! Bbu～! Bubbu～! Buu...!" ［Uldred］
"Hm? Are you hungry already? No... That doesn't seem to be the case... Is it your diapers... Also not that... Hmm... Really now, what is it..." ［Grey］
"Bba! Uuu! Waah! Waah～! Bbu～!" ［Uldred］
"I thought you were the silent type, but you're actually quite lively, aren't you, Ul? I guess you'll grow up like Zeke someday..." ［Grey］
A young man and a little baby in his hands. One was mumbling unintelligible words and the other listened with attentively, acting as if he understood the words of the baby, when the baby itself doesn't even understand what it was doing or saying,
The little child grabbed ahold of Grey's fingers and played with it, grabbing it with all the strength his little hands could muster and also smacking it from time to time. The latter could only chuckle, more than happy to entertain his little guest,
"You can do it, Chief! Show them how it's done!"
"Captain! Don't you dare lose! I put all my money on you!"
"Aria, you can do it～! We believe in you～!"
Meanwhile, the surroundings couldn't be any more noisy than ever. Everyone was cheering and screaming, happy shouting the names of their favorites. They waved their hands and screamed some more, eyes sparkling with excitement.
A few hours have passed since morning has elapsed, and after having a wonderful and lively lunch break, everyone is now back on playing some games and events. It was a mixture of solo, pair, and team games, enjoyable as can be.
Of course, Grey also participated in those games. While he may not be able to go all out in most of them, the ones done in pairs were especially fun. He has been laughing all the time as he spent his sweet time together with his beloved.
And speaking of his beloved, she was now amongst the participants of the current game, stretching her arms to the sky and twisting her waist as she warmed her body up. Even more so than the spectators, she was most excited.
"Look there, Ul. That's your Big Sis Yuna. She's really pretty, isn't she?" ［Grey］
"Bubba...?" ［Uldred］
"Right? I knew you'd understand. You may be 2 months old, and you're already this smart and calm. You really are a genius, Ul." ［Grey］
"Bba! Bba! Bbu～!" ［Uldred］
At Grey's question, Uldred nodded his head enthusiasticallyー as if... The little baby didn't even understand a single word Grey said, simply uttering some nonsensical sounds like any other baby would. Grey is just too much of a fool for Yuna.
Grey's idiotic love aside, the current game they're playing is called "Sunset Bell". It is a game played just before sunset by the most athletic and most powerful people in the village, lasting until the setting of the sun.
The goal of the game is simple. There will be one golden bell hung on top of a pole, and the participants must take ahold of it. Whoever is holding the bell until the sun sets is the winner and will receive the grand prize throughout the whole festival.
Other rules include not getting out of the game's boundary, not getting knocked out, not using any magic, not using any equipment, and things of related note. Once one breaks a rule, they will immediately be disqualified, no questions.
As for the participants, there were mostly members of the guards, a few hunters, a number of ex-members from the previous groups, Falroe, Eldhart, Valka, Zeke, Aria, Kris, Yuna, and those who were at least E-rank.
"Oi, Grey. Just where did you get these things...?" ［Kris］
"Oh, I made those myself. Pretty neat, right?" ［Grey］
"You can say that again... These things are something else. I can barely move with these things attached to me." ［Kris］
"Hahaha. That's the point of those braces, after all." ［Grey］
Of course, they can't just be having overpowered participants join the game, else, the game would be less fun. In order to do so, Grey brought out the weighted braces he often uses when training in order to make things harder for them.
They are all Peak-Tier Superior Grade items which could dramatically change their weights depending on the amount of mana initially poured into them, continuing to do so by sucking mana from the wearer until they run out of mana or turn them off.
For Aria, she had a combined total of about a few tons. Kris has a couple more than Aria. Lastly, Yuna wore braces totaling up to a couple hundred tons. Combine it with Canopus' curse magic, and they have been heavily debuffed.
Moreover, the other participants were also buffed by Kentaurus, aiding them strength which they have never experienced before. All of them are now roughly at the ranges of C-rank to low B-rank. It was a somewhat fair game.
"Is it really heavy, Aria?" ［Falroe］
"Well, yes... You could say that... It feels like I'm carrying an elephant." ［Aria］
"Oh, dear... That really is heavy..." ［Valka］
And since most of Aria's family is participating, and Reina stood up as the host of the final event, Grey has been tasked with taking care of Uldred. Surprisingly, they have a very good affinity with one another, looking very close and comfortable.
With everyone now done with their stretches, Grey didn't waste any more time and erected a barrier all throughout the whole venue. After all, everyone inside is now at superhuman levels. The spectator's safety was still the utmost priority.
Before long, a little ceremony started and Reina placed the golden bell on top of a little pole. She was still meek and timid, but she seemed to have gathered a little bit of courage for the ceremony, soon heading back to the stage.
"Th-Then! L-Let the competition b-begin!" ［Reina］
She took a deep breath and her voice soon echoed all throughout the village center. A flood of cheers and yells soon followed, large clouds of dust brewing up one after another as the participants sprinted towards the bell.
It was about a hundred meters from the starting point, but it only took a few moments to bridge it. And darting out of the turbulent cloud of dust, a large hand reaching out to the bell, a couple sweet and soft chimes ringing soon after.
"Haha! The bell is mine! I'll be taking home the grand prize!"
"Hahaha! Look again! The bell's over here, you know?"
A man thought he was the one who grabbed the bell, but he couldn't have been any further from the truth. Before he even had the chance to grab it, yet another hand reached out to it and took it, replacing it with a stone.
As soon as he got the bell, he immediately jumped up the boulders and leaped from one place to another like a lively grasshopper. A grasshopper which didn't have much longer to live as a fearsome and familiar figure appeared before him.
"Huhuhu! Then, I'll be taking this then." ［Falroe］
He was quick and nimble, blocking the escaping man's path and tripped him over. As soon as the latter let go of the bell, he then took it for himself before grabbing the fool by the collar and threw him out of bounds, disqualified from the competition.
It has only been a couple moments yet the competition already escalated in a serious manner, one participant eliminated after another as they tried to take the bell away from Falroe, only to be thrown out with his swift and graceful techniques.
"Corner the Chief! He won't be able to escape so many of us!"
"That's right! We can't let the chief win again this year!"
"Huhuhu! Are you sure about that? I'm quite nimble, youー" ［Falroe］
"But also just as careless... Right, Dear?" ［Valka］
A mob of guards and hunters rushed towards Falroe and he was able to fend them off without much difficulty. However, it was because he was so focused on them that he didn't even notice his lovely wife approaching from behind.
He was too stunned to realize, and the moment he snapped back to reality, the bell was already gone from his hands. It was now in his wife's handsー or at least, it was for a couple seconds before it was stolen away by the Captain of the Guards.
The Captain of the Guards, Kris, Aria, Eldhart, Zeke, Falroe, Valka, and several more people were passing the bell back and forth, some able to defend for a whole minute whilst some only able to hold out a couple seconds.
It was a fierce event, testing everyone's awareness or lack thereof about their vicinity, and how they can utilize their abilities to the fullest in a free-for-all situation. The soft and subtle chimes of the bell continued to ring all over the place.
"Ul, your parents sure are amazing, huh... Nom rather than that..." ［Grey］
『Yuna... What are you doing, My Dear?』 ［Grey］
And while such a competition was going on, a certain young lady was simply standing by and watched the whole thing happen. The only ones shifting left and right were her eyes, watching all the plays before her unfold as her eyes sparkled brightly.
『I'm gathering information! If I have to beat them, then I must first know a lot about them! After all, this is a completely serious matter!』 ［Yuna］
『Really? Your eyes are saying otherwise though... What fun...』 ［Grey］
『Teehee! You got me!』 ［Yuna］
Grey really didn't understand what was going on inside the pretty little mind of his dearest beloved, but he knew she was up to something. Grey just doesn't know what kind of schemes she was cooking up, but he'll see sooner rather than later.
The competition continued and more participants were eliminated as everyone tried to grab the bell for their own. Now, only about a dozen were left, most of which had the most experience in practical situations like the one before them.
If there was anything surprising, it would be that Kris was not only quite nimble, but also extremely flexible. Grey has known him for almost 2 years already, yet he never knew he possessed such amazing talent.
He was able to use such flexibility and agility to his advantage, dodging the enemies' futile attempts with ease and minimal movements, looking as if he was dancing ever so gracefully like a sparrow soaring in the sky. There was only one problem...
"Kris, hand the bell over here." ［Aria］
"Sure, here you go... Ah..." ［Kris］
... And that was, much like Grey, he was also a sucker for his dear wife. The moment Aria called out to him, he instinctively moved his hands and threw the bell towards her, only realizing his mistake when it was already done and dusted.
Kris couldn't even comprehend what just happened. As soon as she got the bell off Kris' hands, Aria immediately hopped away and maneuvered her way through the pack of opportunistic wolves aiming for the bell in her hands.
"Wow... Ul... You're brother-in-law sure is an idiot, huh..." ［Grey］
"Babba...? Bbu...!" ［Uldred］
"That's right. Don't ever follow his footsteps. You'll become an idiot too." ［Grey］
"Oi, Grey! I can hear you! Just you wait once the game is over!" ［Kris］
Or so he says, but his words were far from threatening. After all, Kris may be an S-rank, but Grey is on a whole nother league compared to him. He didn't mind Kris' words and simply continued to play with baby Uldred.
Time passed by quickly, and the sun slowly climbed down on the horizon. The clouds are now the color of amber and gold, its radiant corona now touching the mountains as it made its descent, only a couple more minutes left on the clock.
As for the game, it was only getting more and more intense, everyone swearing ever so profusely as they poured their all into getting the bell and protecting it. As just as one would expect from a fantasy world, everyone was far from being tired.
The current holder of the bell is Aria. It has been passed around a couple times, but she managed to get it back, using her sharp eyes to observe the surroundings and make the necessary actions whenever she needs them.
"Aha! I got you now, Big Sisー Ehh?" ［Zeke］
"Surprised attacks are supposed to be quiet, Zeke." ［Aria］
"Eh?! Eh-Eh-Eh?! Wait, Big Sis Aria, waー !!" ［Zeke］
There was no need for mercy. Before Zeke could even hope to touch the bell, Aria already grabbed him by the collar and poured a little bit of strength in her hands. She then flung her hands and threw her younger brother off the boundary.
Zeke was powerless against his older sister, and was immediately disqualified as soon as he touched the ground. His bottom didn't hurt from getting thrown, but his dignity as a warrior sure took quite the heavy toll.
"Ugh... I thought I could already beat Big Sis Aria..." ［Zeke］
"Fufufu! Don't worry too much, Zeke! Aria is just too strong～!" ［Valka］
"That's right. And you're still young and dandy. There is more than plenty of time to catch up and get even stronger." ［Falroe］
"... That's right! I should train even harder!" ［Zeke］
Well, it wasn't just Zeke who was thrown away before. There was also his mother and father, and basically everyone else. Now, they can only watch the final moments of the competition unfold, watching eagerly as the sun sinks over the horizon.
Only 3 people remained inside the boundary. There was the nimble elf, Aria, who was currently holding the golden bell in her hands, and her idiotic yet strangely sharp and observant husband, Kris, trying to take the bell away from her.
The braces shackled them quite a bit before, but after getting used to it, moving has become much easier. They have now ascertained where their center of gravity is and mastered the new weights, using it to their very advantage.
"Kris, can't you give up just this once? Please?" ［Aria］
"Haha. I won't fall for such tricks again this time." ［Kris］
Aria tried to appeal, but it seems like Kris has built a little bit of a resistance over it. Despite his lovely wife's pleas, he continued to chase her, maneuvering his way through the venue and closing in on her with the passing of time.
Just when only a few seconds remained on the clock, and the last rays of twilight shone upon the world. His hands finally reached out towards his beloved, getting ahold of the bell and grabbing it tightly soon after.
Aria tried to stop him, but he already anticipated so, grabbing her arms and preventing her from moving. Their speeds may have been lowered down, but that doesn't remove the fact that Ravagers are physically stronger than archers.
"Hahaha! I got it again! Looks like this is my win, Arー" ［Kris］
"Fufufu! Nice one, Mister Kris!" ［Yuna］
It was all too sudden. Before either Kris and Aria noticed it, Yuna already appeared before them and her delicate hands already grabbed the bell. A little bit of strength later, she was then able to take it off Kris' hand. A smile bloomed on his face.
It was the first time she moved ever since the game started, and she has been so still, standing by the edge of the boundary that everyone practically forgot she was still inside the game, completely throwing them off.
Yuan didn't even have to use her abilities. Kris and Aria were so focused against one another, they didn't even notice Yuna approaching. The moment they did, the bell had already been stolen and the final rays of twilight had vanished.
"Fufufu! Looks like it's my win～! That was a good game!" ［Yuna］
Said the young lady as she beamed a bright smile on her face, shining even brighter than the lampposts shining light on the village center. What followed soon after was a cacophony of cheers and applause, many laughing and clapping in disbelief.
It was a fair game, and there was nothing to nitpick about it. Had Kris and Aria not become too complacent, they could have noticed Yuna's approach and prevented such from happening. It was their total loss.
"Haah... Dammit... I was so close." ［Kris］
"We can always try again next year. And next time, we won't be losing." ［Aria］
"Fufufu! You're more than welcome to try, Miss Aria! Anytime!" ［Yuna］
With the conclusion of the Sunset Bell, the games and competitions were finally over, and Yuna received a grand prize consisting of rare and delicious fresh fruits, wines, handicrafts, accessories, and all sorts of items gathered by the villagers.
What followed after was a grand celebration, the lively and merry voices of the elves accompanying the lovely symphony of the night and the subtle crackles of the flames by the campfire. Everyone was dancing and chatting.
Of course, what feast would be complete without food?
Not just a table or two, but whole rows and columns tables were filled to the top with delicious food, everyone cooking their specialty dishes and treating everyone with a lovely feast, aromatic scents drifting afloat in the air.
Grey and Yuna also helped out in the preparations, teaching everyone a couple more new recipes and also learning from them in exchange. The product was several lanes of wonderful and appetite-arousing dishes, delicious as can be.
"Bba! Bbu! Bubbu!" ［Uldred］
"No, you can't Ul. You're still 2 months old. Food like this isn't for you." ［Valka］
"Mom! Can I feed Ul when he reaches 6 months? I wanna be the first to feed him! I'll treat him to some great and smoky skewers!" ［Zeke］
"Fufufu! I appreciate the thought, Zeke, but babies shouldn't eat meat during their first meal. Maybe after a couple more months, okay?" ［Valka］
It wasn't just Grey and Yuna enjoying the great food, but everyone else as well. Even Kris who was initially bitter about his loss is now happily munching down on the plate of tasty dishes he made, all the while sharing with Aria.
It has already been more than a year since they got married, but it seems like they are still newlyweds. It would really be interesting to see how they'll fare after a few more years of being together. They'll surely be a sickeningly sweet couple...
"Grey～! Come over here! I just tried something super tasty!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Isn't this... Horned rabbit stew?" ［Grey］
"Un! The meat is super tender and juicy too! The vegetables are also sweet and tasty! Here, I'm going to feed you, so open wide～!" ［Yuna］
... Not that Grey has any right to judge them. They were even much sweeter than the two before them, savoring their sweet and young love under the light of the moon and a billion stars. There was love and happiness adrift in the air.
The celebration continued and everyone was full of joy. They sang their hearts out, danced around the blissful campfire, told all sorts of stories, and filled their stomachs until they were full. It was grand and merry, memories made one after another.
The night soon reached its zenith, the hooting of the owls and the soft rustles of the leaves drifting in the air. The wind was cold but the heart of the people was warm, smiles and laughter still filling the place even when the night was old.
"Hm? Where are you going, Grey, Yuna?" ［Kris］
"We just have something else to do. We'll be back a little later." ［Grey］
Said Grey as he walked away with Yuna. There was a basket in his hand, and the other was holding his beloved's. The young lady was quiet, a certain shade of deep longing painted in her eyes and she took her steps.
There was silence, a bit of ambience ringing all throughout the village. Grey reached out his hands and a gate appeared before them. They didn't waste any moment and took a step inside, cool and gentle light swallowing them whole.
The light cleared up and a familiar scenery greeted them. The scent of the sleeping forest brewed all over the surroundings, filling Yuna's mind with nostalgic memories, a bittersweet smile blooming on her face as she knelt to the ground.
"It's been quite some time, Mom, Dad, everyone." ［Yuna］
"A wonderful night, Missus Ristelle, Mister Folsen." ［Grey］
They are now in the graveyard in the middle of the forest, the very same place Yuna's once thriving home village stood on. It was a place filled with memories, both good and bad, and a place which Yuna treasures ever so dearly.
Grey had promised to visit the graveyard with Yuna once the festival was over, and he kept his words. Not only did they bring a basket of food with them, but also a large bouquet of fragrant and colorful flowers and also a couple of crafts.
"You know, Mom, Dad, I just came back from a festival today... There's this elven village in another forest, and everyone there is really friendly. You know, it reminded me of our festivals here... Just not as grand... Fufufu..." ［Yuna］
Yuna didn't waste any time and started talking to her parents about what happened throughout their day and their recent adventures, all the while sweeping away the dust that gathered on top of their tombstones, gentle as ever.
Grey also joined in on the conversation, talking happily about his beloved and all the shenanigans she made. It was as if he was snitching on her, a subtle chuckle drifting in the air whilst the young lady's face turned red.
It was a time of peace and serenity, both happiness and sadness dwelling inside the young lady's heart. All Grey could do was console her and hold her hand, happily accompanying her as she talked to her parents.
"And unー Ah! Look at the time! It's already so late!" ［Yuna］
"Well, it's been a couple hours, after all." ［Grey］
Yuna was enjoying her time talking about all her adventures so much that Yuna had completely forgotten about anything else. Before she knew it it was already midnight. She wanted to talk more, but she also didn't want to be selfish...
"Don't make that face now. We can always visit your parents anytime you want. Just tell me, and I'll make it happen." ［Grey］
... Not that Grey really minded a little bit of selfishness. He already spoils Yuna so much, so a bit more wouldn't hurt. Rather than seeing such a crestfallen expression on her face, he'd rather see her smiling.
Hearing Grey's words, Yuna couldn't help but break a smile on her lips, her heart now racing quietly as she leaned her head on his chest, whispering him a subtle "thank you"... It was no wonder she fell in love with him.
"Then! Mom, Dad, I'll see you in a bit!" ［Yuna］
"Good night, Mister Folsen, Missus Ristelle. Until next time." ［Grey］
Footsteps resounded in the air and light shone gently. Soon, silence loomed over the forest, only the gentle rustling of the leaves and the chirping of the little critters to be heard, moonlight shining ever so beautifully on the starry sky.
Atop the tombs sat a bouquet of beautiful flowers, a small basket filled with delicious dishes, seeming like an offering, and some handicrafts won as prizes. It may sound a little silly, but Grey and Yuna wanted them to enjoy the festival as well.
The moon is beautiful tonight as well,
CHAPTER 451 END