"Are you sure you haven't forgotten anything? Food? Clothes? Items? Accessories? Really nothing at all?" ［Valka］
"Geez, Mom... You've asked more than a dozen times already. We're really fine. We're not kids anymore, remember?" ［Aria］
"But I'm just worried... You were always so clumsy and forgetful when you were little. Are you sure you really haven't forgotten anything? Really, really?" ［Valka］
"Mom... That was already more than 15 years ago..." ［Aria］
It was a beautiful morning, one filled with a peaceful harmony from the forest playing along the soft and resonant chirps and orchestras of the forest fowls. The wind was chilly and the air was fresh, perfect to calm one's excited heart.
On such a beautiful day, frowns and worry were afloat all over the place, a certain elf making a worried expression as she saw her lovely daughter off. She may already be married, but she is always a little child in her mother's eyes.
As for the father... Well... There is nothing more left to be said. He is bawling his eyes out once more, shedding tears as if the world was crumbling down to pieces. It isn't even the first time they saw Aria off, yet he was very emotional. So overdramatic.
"Aria...! My baby...! Just stay with Dad and Mom, okay?! We'll always protect you! You should live here together with us!" ［Flaroe］
"Geez, Dad! I'm already married! It's normal to move out, and we already bought a house in Galderia! I've already settled down!" ［Aria］
"But what if some burglars rob your house?! Who would protect you?!" ［Falroe］
"Dad, I'm an A-ranker! I can protect myself!" ［Aria］
He wasn't just worried and protective, he was over the top in his overprotectiveness, feeling like his daughter is being taken away from him again. It was no wonder why Aria doesn't want to be seen off. Her parents are... Well... Quite interesting...
After all, it was a completely pointless worry as not only is Aria an A-ranker, there is also Kris, Grey, Yuna, and the familiars going along with them. In the first place, they will be using "Gate" as usual. There really was no point in worrying.
There was also not a need to worry about the village itself as not only is it protected by Leif's amazing ability, there are also now 4 A-rank familiars guarding the village. Only fools would dare try and bring any harm to the village.
『Home, huh... Hahaha! I can't wait! It must be an amazing place!』 ［Hadar］
『Be more proper, Hadar! Stop uttering such crude remarks!』 ［Altair］
『Fufufu! How lively! This is fun!』 ［Vega］
And speaking of familiars, the recently summoned familiars have now adapted quite well along with the others. They may have different mannerisms and characteristics, but they are all High Dragons bound to the same Masters.
Grey and Yuna have also taken note of their individual personalities. First off, there is Betelgeuse who, even more than a cat, loves lazing and sleeping around. Then there is Hadar who is cheerful and gluttonous. There is also Acrux... He is normally silent, but rampages once he snaps. Lastly, there is Alfair... A prim and proper lady...
It was quite worrying since the new ones had extreme personalities, but thankfully, they all listened to their "older siblings". Altair was especially easy as she behaved extremely properly, now looking up to Sirius as her idol.
They have yet to return to Galderia yet they could already tell that their home is going to be much livelier than before. One can only hope they don't cause much problems. Procyon's regular outburst is already more than enough.
"Then, Big Sis Aria, we'll see you later next time! I'll show you how much stronger I'll be by then! You too, Big Bro Kris!" ［Zeke］
"Goodbye, Big Sister, Big Brother. Make sure to take care of yourselves." ［Reina］
"Fufufu! Don't worry too much. Who do you think you're talking to? I'm your Big Sister, remember? I won't fall sick or get hurt so easily. And... For you... Make sure to grow up healthy, okay, Ul?" ［Aria］
"Babba...?" ［Uldred］
"Fufufu! That's right. This is goodbye for now." ［Aria］
A couple more goodbyes later, Kris and Aria finally said everything that is needed to be said. It was a pain dealing with Falroe, but he gave up after some time, only giving his daughter one tight embrace before sending her off.
Soon, the sound of footsteps echoed, and Grey opened a Gate with a simple snap of his fingers. They waved their hands goodbye one more time, soon stepping into the light with bittersweet smiles blooming on their faces.
Like usual, their eyes soon regained their radiance and a lush and bountiful scenery greeted them as soon as the light faded away. They don't know where exactly they are, but the refreshing air and the earthy scent was a familiar one.
Off in the horizon were walls built high and mighty, a long line of people and carriages streaking along the highway, entering one after another. Guards patrolled the vicinity and people chatted merrily under the blue sky. It was home.
"Ahh～! It's been a long time, hasn't it?" ［Kris］
"Well, it's been 3 months, after all. We've been gone for quite a long time." ［Aria］
"And it's time to work our asses off again... Man, I just wanna enjoy life with my wife... Should we just quit being adventurers, Aria?" ［Kris］
"Stop making jokes. It's our responsibility as High-Rankers to partake in these quests. I know you're an idiot, but is the man I married really that weak-willed?" ［Aria］
"You're too harsh, Aria..." ［Kris］
It hasn't even been a minute since they returned, and Aria is already scolding Kris. It has been quite some time since Grey and Yuna see the two banter, and it reminds them of the first time they met them. Now, it really does feel that they're really back.
"You know, Aria, you really need to take a joke sometimesー" ［Kris］
"A joke...? Really...? Last time you 'joked' like that, you skipped adventuring and went around pubs and inns causing trouble. Do you know how troublesome it was to clean up after your mess? Do you?" ［Aria］
"A... Are you still mad about that?" ［Kris］
"Oh my, not at all～. I was just reminded of how 'responsible' my husband was. They were quite fond and memorable experiences, you see." ［Aria］
"Aria... You're scaring me right now..." ［Kris］
And it seems like Kris, as usual, was once again thoughtless with his words, striking an unforgettable and regrettable memory on Aria's part. It has already been a couple years since then, yet Aria has yet to forget. A dark smile bloomed on her face.
Kris tried to ask for help from Grey and Yuna, but the two simply shifted their eyes away before they even met Kris'. Marital disputes should be settled by the married couple themselves. Outsiders have no say in such matters... Yeah, right...
A little bit of scolding later and Kris' winning his wife's favor again, everyone finally took their steps and headed towards the gates. They talked about a couple random things, wasting their time away as they walked.
"Then, last time, there was alsoー Hm?" ［Kris］
Just a bit before they reached the gates, a couple familiar figures entered their sight. One was a guard Grey and Yuna had met since the first day, the other was the large and burly aged man, and the last one was an honorable knight.
It was Dale, Guildmaster Gaston, and Ragnar. It seems like the latter two are talking about official matters and Dale was there to guard, simply asked a couple opinions along with his colleagues about the topic. It took them some time to spot everyone.
"Ohh, look who's back... So, did you enjoy your vacation, you rascals?" ［Gaston］
"Hahaha. You could say that again, or well... That's part of it... We came across some circumstances, you see." ［Grey］
"Yeah, I already heard about it. Not that it's something new anyway..." ［Gaston］
"Guildmaster... We don't just go around causing trouble, you know?" ［Grey］
"That's right! They just keep coming for us!" ［Yuna］
And as it seems, the first welcome they received was a little bit of teasing from the Guildmaster. It looks like Cedric had already informed them about the matters about the victims and refugees now residing in Galderia.
It has been about a week since Grey saw them off using Gates, and from the look on the Guildmaster's face, it seems like they have yet to settle down in the city. It hasn't even been an hour since their return, and problems are already looming over them.
Other than that, everything seems to be fine and dandy. The other party soon gave their greetings to them, and they all reciprocated in kind. It has already been almost 3 months, and they were all as friendly as ever.
"Still... Your familiars really were of great help to the city. It was my first time seeing familiars clear quests on their own. It was surprising, to say the least," ［Gaston］
"The knights and I were also quite surprised. I did not think you would have such powerful familiars... Truly incredible, I must say." ［Ragnar］
"Even then... Why didn't you two tell us that your familiars can take Salferine forms. Do you know how surprised we were when we learnt of it?" ［Gaston］
The Guildmaster asked, and all Grey and Yuna could do was smile wryly. After all, they also did not know they possessed such abilities just before leaving Galderia. If anything, it was more of a grand and curious surprise for them.
But it was also because of their Salferine forms that it was easy to take care of the quests. The requesters of the quest did not have to be wary pr scared of them and they were able to perform their tasks smoothly, eliminating all enemies.
"By the way, Guildmaster, did any of them cause any trouble?" ［Grey］
"Trouble... Hahaha! If anything, they are the ones resolving all troubles. I already lost count on how many times they've saved the guild!" ［Gaston］
"Really? That's a relief to hear then!" ［Yuna］
"Oh! But there is one thing! Actually..." ［Gaston］
And maybe it's because they look a lot like Grey and Yuna that some sort of rumor is already spreading around the Guild about who they were. Some say they were Grey and Yuna's siblings, some say their clones, and all sorts of weird theories.
There are already all sorts of rumors about how Grey and Yuna are so strong despite being so young, like how they are secretly demons or how they are secret disciples of the Azure Sword Emperor and such. And now, there is another one. Such fun it was.
"Hahaha... Just how many rumors are spreading now..." ［Grey］
"Well, it is part of being famous." ［Dale］
"Anyway... How about you Kris? You didn't cause trouble to your in-laws, didn't you? That would be troublesome if that's the case." ［Gaston］
"Oi, why do you people always think I only cause trouble. I have better things to do, and I'm not untactful enough to cause my in-laws trouble." ［Kris］
Answered Kris, a slightly annoyed expression on his face, firmly denying Gaston's claims. However, the latter was far from believing him, soon turning to the former's lovely wife, eyes still filled with suspicion.
"Is that true, Aria?" ［Gaston］
"Strange as it may sound, yes... He has been unusually behaved in front of my family. Well... 'behaved' in his standards, that is." ［Aria］
"Hey! Aria, that's not nice! Just whose side are you on?!" ［Kris］
"I see... It must have been tough." ［Gaston］
"Fufufu! Don't worry, I'm already used to it." ［Aria］
"Oi! Don't just blatantly ignore me!" ［Kris］
Kris shouted at the top of his lungs, but his wife and the Guildmaster continued to ignore him. After all, much to Aria, Kris was just a troublemaker in the Guildmaster's eyes, one always causing him problems. Yep... They really are home.
It was a fun time, everyone chatting merrily towards one another. Grey and company told everyone a couple stories during their long leave, everyone's eyes sparkling even so brightly as they listened. They all looked like excited children listening to fairy tales.
Before long, the quick and sweet chats were soon over, and everyone headed inside the gates. A familiar and homey sight greeted them as soon as they did, a couple of familiar faces of merchants and such happily greeting them.
The streets were lively and everyone was full of energy, the children running around and playing ever so cheerfully. Some vendors also offered some tasty treats, smiles blooming brightly. The walk continued and soon enough, it was finally time to part.
"Then, I guess this is it. Catch you later, Grey, Yuna." ［Kris］
"Until next time, Grey, Yuna. Goodbye～." ［Aria］
"Un! See you later, Mister Kris! Miss Aria! Bye～!" ［Yuna］
They waved their hands and soon parted ways, each going to the direction of their houses and talking to each of their own. Grey and Yuna, as one would expect, were sweet as honey, holding one another's hands as gigglers fluttered in the air.
It wasn't too long before they arrived at their house, a click and clack ringing as the keys were inserted on the gate. A familiar garden greeted them, blooming as prettily as before, only a bit more overgrown. Some trimming needs to be done.
As for the interior... Well, it was the same as before, not a single bit of dust to be found after Grey installed some cleaning and preservation runes all over the place. Even the glass windows are pristine as ever, clear as crystals.
"Mmn～! We're finally home! I missed our sofa～!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, take off your boots before laying down the sofa." ［Grey］
"Okay～!" ［Yuna］
As usual, Yuna drove straight towards the sofa as soon as they got in, simply taking off her boots before she did so. She then embraced a pillow, melting ever so slowly in the warmth and comfort of their own home. A smile bloomed on his face.
Well, it wasn't just Yuna. As soon as they arrived, Grey also summoned the familiars and spirits and let them play around the house. They all roamed around cheerfully, looking unrestrained in the little space they call home.
"Oh dear... So this is the Master and Mistress' abode... How fascinating..." ［Altair］
"Yup! This place looks fun and exciting! Second Brother! Second Sister! I want a tour, please!" ［Hadar］
"Hahaha! On it! I'll show you the most interesting places!" ［Canopus］
"Fufufu! We'll make sure to turn the place upside-down!" ［Vega］
In just a single instant, the whole house was immediately filled with life and energy, the familiars running around and the spirits bobbing up and down. Some went to the garden, some towards the second floor, some to the terrace, and many more.
They were all excited... Well, almost all of them were... After all, Betelgeuse was a manー no, a dragon of focus and determination. His eyes were only set on the soft and fluffy sofa, hopping in, and relishing in its comfort. He fell asleep immediately.
As for Altair, she went around following Sirius like a little duckling following its mother closely. It seems like she is really attached to her, Acrux following closely behind her. He has nothing better to do, after all.
"Ohh～! This is an amazing place! What is this called again?!" ［Hadar］
"This is the pantry! One might say it's the greatest place on earth!" ［Canopus］
"I couldn't agree more, Second Brother! This place is immaculate!" ［Hadar］
CLANG CLANG CLACK CLANG THUD
Before long, some troublemakers already started causing some trouble. Canopus and Vega had guided the gluttonous Hadar into the pantry, his eyes sparkling with stars as soon as he saw all sorts of ingredients hidden inside.
Not only the pantry, they also started opening the cabinets one after another, looking at what sort of things were present. Hadar may not know what most of them are, but he knows which ones are edible and which ones are not, sniffing from time to time.
"Canopus, Vega, Hadar, make sure to clean up the kitchen later, alright? Don't cause any trouble like you did last time." ［Grey］
"""Yeah～!"""
The three responded with bright smiles and affirmative nods, but somehow, Grey just couldn't get off the feeling that something would go wrong. After all, whenever Canopus and Vega are involved, ruckus and trouble follows soon after.
Now, they even have a new comrade-in-arms for their shenanigans. They look like a pair of older brother and older sister leading their new younger brother into a stray path. One could only imagine how much trouble they'd make sooner or later.
"Agh! Let go of me! Why do you always keep picking on me!" ［Procyon］
"P-Procyon! Wait for me! I'll save you!" ［Achernar］
And things only got even more lively and rambunctious when Vega started dragging the poor Procyon into their shenanigans. Achernar tried to save her, but all she did was end up getting captured as well. Even Capella was there for some reason.
Grey and Yuna have yet to marry and have kids, and yet their house was already a circus of fun and merriness, everyone doing all sorts of things and causing all sorts of strange phenomena to occur. Grey could only chuckle.
"Hey, Yuna, it's still early but would you like to haveー Hm? Yuna?" ［Grey］
The young man asked, but not a single word was uttered in response, only silence. Head filled with curiosity and slightly tilting in confusion, he then headed towards the sofa to see how the young lady was doing.
Surely enough, Yuna had already fallen asleep on the sofa, her subtle snores adrift in the air. She was snuggling with the soft pillow and her chest heaved up and down in regular intervals, facial expressions changing from time to time.
After all, with all the games they played yesterday, then sleeping already way past midnight, and waking up early to prepare for their departure. She was extremely exhausted, unable to resist the invitation to sleep as soon as she lay down the sofa.
"Haah... Really... What am I gonna do with you..." ［Grey］
Mumbled Grey, then heaving a lengthy sigh and crouching down, eyes gazing gently towards his beloved. He then moved his fingers and bopped her nose with his index finger, making the young lady change expressions a little bit.
"Really... You're so cute, My Dear." ［Grey］
A sweet smile bloomed on the young man's face and he soon stood up. He waved his hands and the winds danced to his tune. She lifted Yuna gently and carefully with magic, and had her be carried into his arms soon after.
The sofa was already comfortable enough, but the bed was still a better choice. He soon carried Yuna towards the second floor, still admiring her lovely and adorable sleeping face, just wanting to give her a little peck.
"Sirius, I'll be going upstairs. Watch the others for me, alright?" ［Grey］
"Understood, Master." ［Sirius］
Leaving everything to the ever so responsible Sirius, Grey then headed upstairs and into their bedroom. It was still in perfect condition, not a single thing changed when they left, the atmosphere feeling warm and cozy, their things plastered everywhere.
Grey soon lay Yuna down on the bed and covered her with a blanket. It was still early in the day, so he also brought down the blind and dimmed the room quite a bit, then turning on the ceiling fan and making the room cooler, also adding a bit of ambience.
But now that he's done all those things and there is a comfortable bed just waiting for him, Grey is also now feeling a little bit sleepy. He is in the same hoar as Yuna, his exhaustion finally catching up to him as he stretched his arms.
"Well, I suppose a quick nap wouldn't hurt." ［Grey］
There was no need to talk too much. As he yawned and his eyes felt a little bit heavy, Grey then headed towards the bed and flipped open the blanket on the other side and slept beside Yuna, savoring the comfort of the bed.
It was as if he was swallowed by a large pillow, warmth and softness spreading all throughout his body. He thought they've already relaxed more than enough after a tiring chain of events, but it seems like there was still some hidden exhaustion. It didn't take too long before he got groggy and sleepy.
"Yep... Home really is... the... best..." ［Grey］
He mumbled, gaps widening every time. Before long, he had already fallen asleep and his snores resounded in the air. His vision had completely turned pitch black, mind and thoughts slowly drifting towards dreamland.
Just like that, time passed by peacefully and the sun continued to climb up the sky. Grey and Yuna slept like logs, their snores dancing in harmony with the whirrs of the fan and serenity looming over the place, barely any light passing through the blinds.
A couple hours passed, and what was supposed to be a quick nap had become a full-on sleep. Yuna was the first one to wake up, yawning ever so adorably, then getting up with her eyes still half-open, mind as foggy as the misty seas.
"Hm...? Who...? What...? Huh...? Eh...?" ［Yuna］
All sorts of random questions popped inside her mind as soon as she realized she was already in their bedroom, looking as confused as she was sleepy. Her sleepy mind couldn't comprehend what just happened, laggy as can be.
"It's Grey... Hehehe... It's Grey～! Hehehe～!" ［Yuna］
And as soon as she saw her beloved laying down beside her, she had completely stopped thinking, smiling like a complete idiot from ear to ear. Her mind is still filled with butterflies, but there was no way she wouldn't recognize Grey.
There was no need for further thinking. Yuna simply laid back down on the bed and opened up one of Grey's arms. She was strangely enthusiastic for someone sleepy, then smiling with great satisfaction as soon as she was successful.
With a sweet smile on her face, she then laid her head on one of Grey's arms and snuggled close to him. She was practically embracing him at that point, acting very happy like a little child, happily listening to the sound of Grey's heartbeats.
"Mmn... Grey... I... I love you... Grey... Mmng... Mmn..." ［Yuna］
It hasn't been a minute and the young lady had fallen to slumber once again, happily enjoying the warmth of her beloved more than the comfort of the bed, listening to his heartbeats like a gentle lullaby lulling her to sleep.
No one knows what exactly the young lady is dreaming of, but with such a bright smile on her face, one could only imagine how sweet it is...
Oh, such bliss...
CHAPTER 452 END