Chapter 446: Wonderful News
"Haaahhhhh...." ［Grey］
A long and lengthy sigh, a figure crouching defeatedly in a room once filled with gold and silver. There was only exhaustion on his face, a little bit crestfallen and quite a bit disappointed by the actions of a certain someone.
Beside him was a young lady, eyes sparkly as can be and a little bit worried yet also fascinated about her beloved. He just screamed his heart out a couple moments ago, and now is on the ground, sulking heavily like a child. It was a rare sight to behold,
"You sure are having fun, Yuna... Lucky you..." ［Grey］
"Hm? What are you talking about? I'm perfectly normal～." ［Yuna］
"Yeah... Sure... You look so～ convincing with that smile on your face." ［Grey］
"Teehee～!" ［Yuna］
Normally, it would be Yuna who's pouting and sulking like a child, and Grey would console her by her side. But now, the situation has been wholly reversed, the young lady having a lot of fun, enjoying Grey's rare expressions to the fullest.
Grey wanted to beat the hell out of the idiotic God, but with the latter being in another dimension and all, there's only so much he could do. His first impression of him was so great and dignified, but now, not even a speck of such is left. He's just an idiot.
It was pointless dwelling any longer about such a thing. With nothing else to do, Grey then approached the grand pedestal and placed his hands atop like he usually does, his heart pulsing clearly as he activated the device.
"Fufufu! I'll really never get used to this scene." ［Yuna］
"Right? It's so magical." ［Grey］
Like usual, runes started to appear all over the room, gleaming like jewels soon after, brilliant yet gentle light dwelling inside them. Mana then followed and swirled around, the earth slowly starting to rumble as the winds danced with joy.
RUMMBBBLLLEEEEEEE WHOOSH WHOOSH WHOOSH
The tremors intensified and started coursing through the whole Labyrinth. mana and aether pulsing hand in hand, creating a wonderful and resonant tempo with the sky and the earth dancing to its tunes.
Such waves of pure energy swept through the vast world, reaching every nook and cranny without leaving a single spot behind. Be it the deepest trenches, the densest forests, the most hidden of caves... Everything was touched...
It wasn't just the world, Grey's body also changed subtly once more. An indescribable warmth surged throughout his whole body and gently caressed his soul. He doesn't know exactly what was happening, but it felt nourishing.
CLING CLING CLING TWING FLING DING RING
Of course, how could one forget about the spirits?
The masses of mana which swept across the world, slowly gathered into small and dense masses, some simply floating in the air, whilst some gaining sentience and lingered here and there. They were spirits.
"Ohh～! Look at them, Grey! Don't they look a little different?" ［Yuna］
"A little... Hmm... I think it's better to say that there are more higher variants than before... It's my first time seeing this." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! But they're still cute, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
Unlike before, it wasn't just Spirit Particles and Floating Spirits. Now, there are also Leaser Spirits in the mix. They may be few in numbers, but it only meant that God's plan was progressing quite smoothly. The 3rd device has been activated.
The Spirits were very lovely as well, seemingly attached to them like usual and filled with joy as they went around them. They were twirling and hopping along so joyously, it looked like they were disco lights during a party,
They may just seem like masses of colorful and glowing fog, but they are the key to maintaining balance in the world. Keys which are so cute that Yuna couldn't just help but giggle like a child, her sweet voice drifting in the air.
"What cute little guys～! I'd love to keep you if I can～!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, they aren't pets, you know?" ［Grey］
"I know, I know, it's just that they're so cute～!" ［Yuna］
Unfortunately, no matter how cute they were, Grey and Yuna can't keep more than they already have. It was good that they can easily make a contract with spirits, but the fact that it costs their spiritual energy to drop was a bit troubling.
After all, spiritual energy is directly related to mana capacity. If the former falls, so will the latter, and their combat power would then be next. It was difficult to make a few more contracts when their combat power was at stake.
"So cute～! I wanna gobble you guys up～!" ［Yuna］
And speaking of cute things, there was one really cute creature in front of Grey. She was an elf with silver hair and blue eyes, her pointy ears flapping up and down as she played with the spirits, a sweet smile blooming on her lovely face.
Grey approached the cute creature, inching ever so subtly before leaning close to her ears. There was a mischievous smile on his face, a teasing color painted on his eyes as he whispered a couple words to his lovely beloved.
"Me too... You're so cute, I just wanna gobble you up, My Love." ［Grey］
It was all too sudden , the young man's soft breath touching Yuna's ears and his soft voice echoing in her mind soon after. The young lady couldn't even prepare herself, filching like a vulnerable fawn, eyes filled with disbelief as she stared at Grey.
She is now red as can be, face looking feverish as her heart raced like great stallions galloping in the open plains. She was so confused by what just happened, her eyes were practically spinning, trying to process Grey's words.
It wasn't the first time Grey said such things to her, but when he does such things without any warning, she could only get flustered. As for Grey, he was just smiling like usual, happily enjoying the sight his flustered beloved has to offer.
"Alright, let's go back outside. Everyone must be waiting." ［Grey］
"W-Wait a minute! What was that for?! What do you mean?!" ［Yuna］
"Hm? I meant exactly what I said. Nothing more, nothing less." ［Grey］
"You...! You're just teasing me again, aren't you?!" ［Yuna］
"That's for you to figure out, My Dear." ［Grey］
Grey didn't linger on the topic any longer. Before Yuna could even ask any further, he opened a gate and took a step inside. Yuna was filled with questions, but with Grey escaping so smoothly, all she could do was follow behind. She was still flustered.
A couple moments passed, and before long, Grey and Yuna were already out of the Boss Room. A couple more moments later and they have already gathered with the familiars and spirits, all of them greeting them warmly.
Like Grey instructed, everyone has been hard at work at raiding the treasure rooms and have collected lots of treasures as a result. There were still some of them left around, but they're so few, they could be counted in ten fingers.
"Ohh～! Have they gotten stronger again? Is it because of the device?" ［Yuna］
"Probably so... They look much better than before..." ［Grey］
"Right～? They look both cool and pretty! Really pretty!" ［Yuna］
They already expected some change, but it was still more than what they expected. The spirits have gotten stronger once again, leaping from the higher end of B-rank straight to A-rank in an instant, their subrank changing from "Knight" to "Elite Knight".
-----------------------------------
[Spirit]
[Name]Alpheratz
[Age]0
[Sex]Female
[Rank]Greater Spirit (Elite Knight)
[Status]Healthy, Happy
[Mana Capacity]9,830 [Mana Quality]A
[Combat Power]3,091 [Threat Level]A
[Gems]55
[Attribute]Plant, Water
-----------------------------------
[Spirit]
[Name]Algenib
[Age]0
[Sex]Female
[Rank]Greater Spirit (Elite Knight)
[Status]Healthy, Elated
[Mana Capacity]9,867 [Mana Quality]A
[Combat Power]3,104 [Threat Level]A
[Gems]55
[Attribute]Ice, Wind
-----------------------------------
[Spirit]
[Name]Scheat
[Age]0
[Sex]Female
[Rank]Greater Spirit (Elite Knight)
[Status]Healthy, Happy, Excited
[Mana Capacity]9,821 [Mana Quality]A
[Combat Power]3,086 [Threat Level]A
[Gems]55
[Attribute]Fire, Lightning
-----------------------------------
[Spirit]
[Name]Markab
[Age]0
[Sex]Male
[Rank]Greater Spirit (Elite Knight)
[Status]Healthy, Happy, Calm
[Mana Capacity]9,852 [Mana Quality]A
[Combat Power]3,097 [Threat Level]A
[Gems]55
[Attribute]Earth, Null
-----------------------------------
Their appearance has also changed quite a bit. They all have individual changes, but for the most part, they look more salferine now, their bodies slowly nearing with their elemental properties slowly getting more subtle with time.
And as one would expect, they were all breathtakingly gorgeous. Not only their faces, but also their bodies were beautiful, sculptures made from the finest of marbles. If one were to say they were celebrities, it would be nothing short of believable.
Seeing them change so much, one could only wonder how much they'll look once they reach Calamity-Class. It was an important milestone, after all. It wouldn't be surprising if they look like angels which came down from heaven.
"Well, enough about that... There's only a few hours remaining before the Labyrinth closes. Let's make use of what we have left." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Then does that mean you're up for a little game, Grey? Wanna see who gets to raid more treasure rooms?" ［Yuna］
"Is that perhaps a challenge, Milady?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! What do you think?" ［Yuna］
There was nothing left more to be said. With smiles painted on their faces, Grey, Yuna, and everyone else quickly prepared themselves for a little bit of fun. They planted their feet firmly on the ground, leaving craters behind as they bolted away.
Floor after floor, after floor. Everyone ascended up the stairs and raided every single treasure room they could find, fighting a lot of monsters along the way, all the while encountering traps they had yet to set off from before.
Of course, it was also worth mentioning that they got a mountain-load of items and treasures from all their raids, numbering in the thousands, maybe even reaching tens of thousands, a few Legendary-Grades here and there.
Sand continued to trickle down the hourglass and the remaining time soon elapsed. The Labyrinth torchstones dimmed and dimmed until they became dark, silence and eeriness swallowed the whole place, not a single sound to be heard.
As for Grey and Yuna... Well, there was no need for worry. As soon as the Labyrinth of Thunder became inactive, he immediately opened a Gate to the top floors and went up from there. Soft and gentle sunlight greeted them warmly.
"It's the surface～! Fufufu! It's been quite some time～!" ［Yuna］
"Finally, a breath of fresh air... How delightful..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! You sound like an old man, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"Then that would make you an old man's fiancée, wouldn't it?" ［Grey］
The scene was lively and full of joy, many adventurers laughing their hearts out as they celebrated their return to the surface and merchants wearing huge smiles as they faked in the profits from buying and selling items.
Even those which only dwelled on the 1st floor got quite a hefty amount of items, some even earning thousands as they sold the treasures they got in the treasure rooms, bronze and silver sparkling ever so clearly.
Of course, there was also foodstuff displayed here and there, sweet, spicy, sour, and savory scents drifting in the air. Grey and Yuna bought some for themselves and had a blast eating some outside food after quite a while.
A few more minutes later and the sun was halfway down the horizon. It was already the middle of the afternoon and with nothing else to do, Grey and Yuna decided to head back to Veltofar and spend the rest of the day in each other's company,
"Your Highnesses, can you please follow me to the Lord's mansion?"
"Yes...?" ［Grey］
... Or so they thought, but rather than a lively welcome, what greeted them by the gate was a surprise they'd never expected. It seems that the Lord wanted to talk with themー No, it was even weirder for them that there was a new Lord.
Moreover, it seems like all the knights already knew of Grey and Yuna's identities beforehand, all acting stiff and polite to the two. There was a puzzled look on their faces, but even more so for Grey and Yuna.
"Umm... The Lord...? Can we postpone it for tomorrow?" ［Grey］
"I'm afraid not, Your Highness. His Lordship had already mentioned that it was an urgent topic, and that if needs to be passed along as soon as possible,"
"Not even a couple hours...?" ［Yuna］
"... Please forgive me, Your Highnesses..."
Grey and Yuna tried to bargain, but it was futile. The knights were determined to have them meet the Lord, otherwise, they would be the ones in great trouble. There was no other choice left, but to just go with the flow.
"Haah... Fine, please take us there..." ［Grey］
"Understood!"
There was no use lamenting it. With hesitant and exhausted expressions on their faces, Grey and Yuna followed the knights, soon riding aboard the carriage and straight towards the Lord's mansion without a hitch.
On the way there, they watched the streets be lively and be rowdy, everyone looking satisfied and happy, the sound of chuckles and giggles adrift in the air. There are also the merry adventurers, heaving towards the pubs to celebrate their success.
Grey and Yuna still don't know who the new Lord of Veltofar is, but seeing how well the people are doing and how the new knights and soldiers who get along well with them, their impression of them was much higher than the pig from before.
The Hameln family have also been stripped of their status and title, so there was no way Shurtem would have been able to inherit the title. The new Lord was a mystery.
"We have arrived, Your Highnesses."
Before long, the two of them finally arrived at the mansion. It was the same mansion as before, but the mood and the atmosphere was much better than before with new decorations placed all over the place. It wasn't as suffocating as before.
After their arrival, they were soon guided towards the drawing room, a handful of servants asked to prepare snacks and refreshments for them whilst they enjoyed the view from the window and the peaceful silence opposite of the Labyrinth.
CLICK CLICK CLACK CREAAAKKKKK
The wait was soon over and the doors opened. A man in his early thirties entered the room, and greeted Grey and Yuna with a bow. He was a man of good character, far different from the previous Lord who was the worst piece of trash.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highnesses. My name is Timothy til Saffodil, a Viscount. I have the pleasure of serving as the new Lord of Veltofar." ［Timothy］
"Ah, yes... It's also a pleasure to meet you. We want to introduce ourselves, but... It seems you already know quite a bit about us." ［Grey］
"But of course. Who still hasn't heard about the glorious heroes who saved the Capital? Your stories are already widespread all over the kingdom!" ［Timothy］
"Widespread... Does that include Veltofar...?" ［Yuna］
"Well, news had just arrived a few days ago, but your achievements were quite the hot topic. There wasn't a newspaper company which hasn't written a story about you! It was the talk of the town!" ［Timothy］
"I see... So it's become like this, after all..." ［Grey］
In their absence, it also seems that their feat at the Royal Capital has spread all the way to Veltofar and even further reaches. They have already expected it, but now they have to face the troublesome reality of being too famous.
Whilst Grey and Yuna were still pondering over how troublesome the next few days will be, the Viscount has invited himself over the table and sat himself comfortably, his eyes sparkling brightly. They've already met a fan.
"Umm, so... The urgent news, what is it about?" ［Grey］
"Oh, right! I almost forgot! Please pardon me, Your Highnesses!" ［Timothy］
Thankfully, Grey was able to switch the topics before the new Lord could even have the chance to ask for an autograph of some sorts. They have met a lot of fans before and they knew full well just what those sparkly eyes of his meant.
It was then that Timothy opened his mouth and started talking about the updates on the situation of the Kingdom and how things are going for the people. As the ones who made the most contributions, it was only right that they know.
For the most part, it was all good news. The city has almost been completely rebuilt, all the people who have lost someone or someone precious have been compensated, the remaining messes have been cleaned up, and many more.
There were still some remnants of the evil organizations the evil Duke ran, but they had all been cleaned up until there was not a trace of their existence that remained. Only a rightful few were spared from their families.
"Hm? What's this list?" ［Yuna］
"That's the list of countries who are willing to take victims from refugees, Your Highness. Fortunately, we are able to secure 11 of them." ［Timothy］
"11? Not just Alfrione?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. It seems like they have taken sympathy for the victims and wished to take in some victims... Though, politically, you could say it's some sort of alliance between their nations and Aldengard." ［Timothy］
"I see..." ［Grey］
The victim situation has also been resolved. Though many of the victims were fine with remaining in Aldengard, there are also quite a lot who wished to depart from the country, and to their surprise, many countries have volunteered to take them in.
Some were simply allies of Aldengard, whilst some were countries who took pity on their own kin, especially the elves and therianthropes. There are also some who are only there for political gains, wishing to get even a small favor from Aldengard.
Of course, the one with the most refugees to take in was Alfrione, taking more than a third of the total. And of those victims, most wanted to stay in Galderia where Grey and Yuna reside. Many of them, wanting to repay their saviors.
"Oh, and right, Your Highnesses, we have also handed over your present for the boy named Neil, and also the orphanages." ［Timothy］
"Hmm... I wonder if he liked it..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I'm sure he did, Your Highness. Here, he also gave a letter in kind. His Majesty had asked me to hand it to you." ［Timothy］
Other than the victims, Yuna's large donations also helped out many people in the Royal Capital who were victims of war and crimes, making sure that everyone can cope with their hardships and provide them with a brighter future.
They focused especially on the orphanages. Even as a child, Neil, their tour guide before, was already working hard to get by everyday. It was hard seeing him try so hard, and so they decided to lend him and the other children a hand.
A new school, a couple of workshops, some training centers, selected instructors, and many more. Grey and Yuna requested the King to make such things happen, and the latter happily obliged without a single question.
Adults may be able to fend and feed themselves, but the same couldn't be said for such young children. They will have to learn to survive sooner or later, but for now, they want to provide a sanctuary for them.
"Oh, and about the Awarding Ceremonyー" ［Timothy］
"Urgh!!" ［Grey］ "Urk!!" ［Yuna］
Well, it wasn't all good news. There were also terrible ones. Grey and Yuna had been in the Labyrinth for so long, they had completely forgotten that there was something troublesome awaiting them. An annoying and tiresome ceremony.
With that, Grey and Yuan heard more from the Viscount about a couple more news stories, most of which, a delight to the ears. They also discussed a couple of topics regarding their rewards and what to do with them.
Time passed some more and the sun had started to set. The sky was now colored the color of honey, only subtle noises adrift in the air. The discussion was soon over, two figures heading back to the inn, soft smiles abloom on their faces.
"Mhm～♪ I can't wait for tonight～♪" ［Grey］
"Right～? I also want to sleep in a soft bed～! It's been quite some time!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's not what I meant at all, Yuna." ［Grey］
"Eh? It's not?" ［Yuna］
And on the way there, before they could even exit the mansion, some shenanigans were afoot. Grey leaned his head closest to Yuna's head, a teasing smile on his face. The gorgeous young man then whispered...
"Didn't I tell you already?... I wanna gobble you up." ［Grey］
... Such sweet and seductive words to the young lady's pointy ears. He looked like he was playing, but he was completely serious, his violet eyes gleaming ever so clearly as Yuna's face turned beet red and her heartbeats raged like a storm.
"Please prepare yourself, My Love." ［Grey］
Finished the young man, gently grabbing a lock of Yuna's silver hair and kissing it softly. He was deliberately making Yuna flustered, turning her even redder than humanlyー err... Elvenly possible...
"Grey... You dummy... I hate you..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I love you too, My Dear." ［Grey］
"Uuu... You bully..." ［Yuna］
... The day was still long...
CHAPTER 446 END