"Hey, I heard your wife just gave birth. How was it?"
"Hahaha! It's been very lively ever since. Rissa really likes her little sister."
"Oh, Rissa? I thought she hated getting a younger sibling?"
"We thought so too, but it seems like she fell in love with Marin the moment she laid her eyes on her. She's been watching over her cradle ever since."
Two loud voices echoed ever so clearly, a pair of figures standing before the gates, sheathed swords by their sides and spears of steel by their hands. They stood guard before the mansion, chatting boisterously to waste their time away.
It was a new day and everything was fine and dandy. There was not a patch of dark clouds in the sky and the breeze was cool as the winds in the forest. The streets were peaceful and quiet, only a couple of carriages passing by.
The guards continued to chat about all sorts of topics, a couple others joining them for a short while before returning to their posts. They were all laughing and chuckling until a pair of familiar figures slowly appeared from the horizon.
"Hm? Aren't those... Ohh! Your Highnesses! It's good to see the two of you again! Are you here to visit our Young Lady?"
"Fufufu! That's right～! We are planning on paying a visit to everyone before heading towards the Hunting Competition. What about you guys?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! We'll be staying guard here as usual."
"Ahh～! I wanted to watch the Hunting Competition too."
"Quit dreaming. Even big merchants can't attend so easily."
It has been over a year since Grey and Yuna went in and out of the Fliastra mansion that the guards are already familiar with them. Compared to how nervous they were during the first time, everyone was now calm and comfortable.
And much like Yuna has said, today is the day of the Hunting Competition, everyone from students to the King, greatly excited to watch such a beautiful event unfold. It is now Solis as well, meaning Grey and Yuna are free from work.
It was the day Grey and Yuna had been waiting for a long time, and after all the hard work they poured, they could finally watch a wonderful event unfold and cheer for their friends and students, anticipating fare in the wilderness they will be trekking on.
Of course, as they have promised, Grey and Yuna have also prepared the extra prize they promised the Headmaster. It was approved by the King without a second doubt, obviously curious about just what manner of item the two of them made.
"Anyway. Who do you think will win, Your Highnesses? I heard that the Class A of the 4th and 5th years of this batch are pretty powerful."
"Hahaha! That's only natural! After all, it was Their Highnesses themselves who trained them. I'm sure they'll be the ones winning this year."
"Fufufu! You're giving us too much credit. We just taught them a couple of pointers. Everything else was because of their hard work." ［Yuna］
"Well, not that it really matters, does it? Hunting is not all about brute strength, speed. and acuity. If they're unlucky, they could get their preys stolen." ［Grey］
"Whoa... You sure are harsh to your students, Lord Grey..."
"I heard His Highness, Prince Julius, is participating too."
Of course, like any good competition, there was also betting and speculation on who will be winning the competitions and as it seems like right now, the favor is shifted to the classes Grey and Yuna once taught in their time at the Royal Academy.
If the common folk are betting and speculating, the nobility has a different way of having funー or rather, competing with one another. They will be observing and speculating who does well throughout the whole competition, eyes peered wide.
It will be then that they will decide whether they will be building connections or giving their support to the Cadets they see have potential, and all sorts of whatnot. After all, the world of elites is made of connections. It would be a fierce competition.
Well, not that Grey and Yuna are interested in such things anyway. They just want to witness something fun like enthusiastic sports fans watching the grand finals of their favorite sports, eager to cheer for their favorite players.
"Then, we'll be taking our leave now, everyone. We'll see you again later." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Bye, everyoneー Ah, right! We brought a little something for everyone to enjoy. Share these between yourselves, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Ouhhh!! Sweet! Thank you so much, Your Highnesses!"
"Yeah! We're starting good today! Their Highnesses' cooking is the best!"
"Everyone, Their Highnesses brought us the good stuff again!"
They were really lively and rowdy, ruckus afoot in the air as everyone enjoyed the bread and cookies Grey and Yuna bought for them. They are the ones they baked yesterday evening with the children, the extras the children couldn't finish eating.
Chuckles and giggles in the air, Grey and Yuna then proceeded heading towards the mansion, greeted by a few familiar servants along the way and waving their hands quietly in response. It didn't take long before they arrived inside.
"Ohh! Grey, Yuna, you visited! Are you heading to the venue now?" ［Vanessa］
"Yeah. We just thought we'd drop by and give everyone a quick visit. We also brought some treats with us. We hope you enjoy them." ［Grey］
As usual, the first one to notice their presence was none other than Vanessa, her red lips breaking into a smile as she waved her left hand ever so excitedly towards the two. Ranzel, Kurt, and Antoinette were also present there with her.
But perhaps what Vanessa was more excited about was the sweets and treats Grey and Yuna brought this time around. They were the treats and candies they made the day before, hoping to get some feedback from them as well.
It wasn't just them who greeted them with delight. The Little Angel also extended her arms towards them, opening and closing them repeatedly and adorably as if trying to get their attention. Yuna happily received her, carrying the Little Angel in her arms.
"Oh, Dear... Anne... You're going to hurt mommy if you just go to Yuna like that. Do you not love Mommy anymore, Dear?" ［Vanessa］
"Bba... Ma! Mama! Bba!" ［Antoinette］
"Fufufu! That's right! Mommy is the best, after all～!" ［Vanessa］
Giggled Vanessa as she softly pinched her daughter's chubby cheeks. She doesn't really know what Antoinette was talking about, but she has full trust on her instincts as a mother, smiling like a fool as she doted on them.
Meanwhile, Grey also gave the Little Angel some soft and gentle pats. Grey isn't really sure if the Little Angel loves it, but she always smiles when he does so, so it must be the case. He could only guess as he continued to caress her head.
Whilst they were doing so, Kurt already went ahead and took the liberty of tasting the treats Grey and Yuna brought. Other than a select few, he had never seen or heard of any of them before, a glint of curiosity in his eyes.
POP POP POP POP POP
"W-Whoa! Wh-What are these things?!" ［Kurt］
It seems like the first candy he tried was the pop rocks, and much to his surprise, they all started popping and bursting the moment he put some in his mouth, making him jolt quite a bit as his eyes opened wide in shock.
His little yelp managed to get everyone's attention perfectly, everyone soon turning towards him with curious eyes. Yuna could only chuckle as she remembered just how surprised she was yesterday, looking at Kurt with delightful eyes.
"Were so surprised, Kurt?" ［Grey］
"Quite so... It's sweet like what you would expect of a candy, but the popping is what makes it special. What do you call these?" ［Kurt］
"These are pop rocks. One of the new products we're currently testing." ［Grey］
"Pop rocks... I see... These will surely be popular with children." ［Kurt］
It was still the first response they got for the day, but they are already off to a good start. Though Kurt is not as fond of sweet things as Vanessa, he could appreciate the novelty of the idea, munching on some once more.
Grey and Yuna already got great feedback from the children yesterday, but it didn't hurt to get more. It would be especially reassuring to get them from the nobility who might very well be their next business partners as they tread the ways.
"Is it really that good? Let me try too!" ［Vanessa］
"I would like to try as well." ［Ranzel］
Lured in by curiosity, it didn't take long before Vanessa and Ranzel tried tasting the pop rocks Kurt just reviewed, taking different flavors and experiencing the same joy and excitement Kurt did, smiles of glee and surprise painted on their faces.
It wasn't just the pop rocks. The whistle candies, the egg candies, the fruit jellies, the bubble gum, the candy canes, the gummy bears and worms, and many more. Each of them were amazing in their own ways.
There was nothing more to say that they were all exceptional candies. Grey and Yuna have yet to consult Cedric with them, but they could already tell they will be selling like hotcakes. They'll need to hire more managers again.
"Bba! Ma! Ma! Bba... Ma! Bba..." ［Antoinette］
And as one would expect from a baby whose parents both have sweet tooths, the Little Angel was also quite fond of sweets, and treats in general. She reached out her tiny hands towards everyone, wanting to have a taste of whatever they were eating.
"Ehh～. Looks like Anne wants some too. What color do you want, Anne?" ［Yuna］
"Eh?! Is it alright for Anne to have them?" ［Vanessa］
"Yeah, it's totally fine... They're just lumps of sugar with a pop of color and a punch of fruit extracts, after all. Here you go Anne. Open wide～!" ［Grey］
Said Grey as he crushed one pop rock and made sure it was small enough for even a baby to chew on. He then fed the Little Angel a strawberry-flavored piece, the latter happily opening her mouth when Grey told her to.
There was a burst of sweetness and fruity goodness, and soon after, the popping finally started. The pieces of pop rock in Antoinette's mouth popped like fireworks, bursting one after another as they flooded the Little Angel's mouth with flavor.
They aren't as intense as the ones the adults experienced, but it was still enough to give the Little Angel a shock. She jolted after the first pop, froze in silence as she felt the rest, and pondered a little bit before making a beaming face.
"Bbabba! Ma! Mama! Ta! Bbaba!" ［Antoinette］
"I'm not your Mama, you know?" ［Grey］
It seems like the Little Angel really liked the popping sensation in her mouth and the sweet and fruity flavor the pop rocks offered. She reached out her hands once again, mumbling all sorts of inconceivable words only a baby could mutter.
Of course, Grey fed the Little Angel more pieces of pop rocks, making sure not to give her too much and cause her teeth cavities. Though, seeing just how sweetly the Little Angel smiles, he might just decide to give her all the pieces.
Grey resisting Antoinette's pleas aside, everyone continued to enjoy the treats and candies the two bought, soon inviting them inside the drawing room and asking the maids to serve them a nice serving of snacks and refreshments.
Of course, what better way was there to enjoy such delights than some nice and long talks about some interesting topics drifting about the world. There wasn't just some fun and interesting gossip, but also some news which could very well change the world.
"Two people? Didn't the Chief Paladin of the Church just become one last year? That's awfully fast, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"You can say that again... From what I know, one of them is the Vice-Chief Paladin of the Church, and the other is the General of Ostfort Kingdom." ［Vanessa］
"That means there are now 2 Calamity-Class Rankers within the Church's ranks... I'm sure the neighboring country must be getting cautious." ［Grey］
"We can't say for sure. After all, they are from other continents. It might take some time before we can feel the effect of their presence." ［Ranzel］
Amongst the interesting topics they discussed was the birth of 2 new Calamity-Class powerhouses in the Holy Church of the Central Continent, Noiren, and the Kingdom of Ostfort, also of the Central Continent.
It wasn't just Calamity-Class Rankers. Grey and Yuna have been noticing the recent rise of High-Rankers within the Guild's information lately, increasing even more with every passing year as if a ripple of change has impacted the world.
Grey doesn't know if it was related to him or their activation of the devices in the Labyrinths, but one thing was for sure... It was that no matter what happens, such drastic changes are bound to happen all over the world.
"Bba! Babba! Da! Ta...! Bba! Bba! Bba!" ［Antoinette］
"Hm? Did you finish it already?" ［Grey］
Of course, as serious discussion was unfolding, the Little Angel still continued on enjoying her pop rocks, Grey feeding her very small pieces and making sure she doesn't indulge on them a little bit too much.
"Thankfully, we are diplomatic allies with the Kingdom of Ostfort. They're one of our maritime trade partners, after all." ［Kurt］
"Right! Isn't Her Highness the current Queen of Ostfort right now?" ［Vanessa］
"Her Highness...?" ［Yuna］
"His Majesty's younger sister, Princess Angeliqueー No, I guess it would be more appropriate to call her Queen Angelique of Ostfort." ［Ranzel］
"Ahh～! Her Highness, huh? It's been so long since I've last seen her. She's always been like a big sister to us... I miss her..." ［Vanessa］
Well, it seems like from Alfrione's standpoint, the birth of the new Calamity-Class Rankers was a good thing. They already have a good relation with the Kingdom of Ostfort, and they plan to continue doing so.
As for the Holy Church, there wasn't much to worry about them. They are a politically neutral nation which provides aid equally to those in need. While there are quite a few countries that consider them a threat, they could do nothing about it.
Even if the Church does not have any Calamity-Class Rankers, their influence and authority is still the highest in the world. After all, they aren't just called one of the 5 Major Powers for nothing. They are more than qualified
"Still, 2 Calamity-Class Rankers, huh... I heard they are capable of erasing cities with a flick of their fingers... That's quite scary, isn't it?" ［Ranzel］
"What do you think, Kurt? Are they really that strong?" ［Vanessa］
"I have read articles which detailed accounts on how powerful they are. There are differences, but one thing is for sure. They are a force to be reckoned with." ［Kurt］
"Do you think you can beat them? Grey? Yuna?" ［Vanessa］
"Hahaha. That would probably be difficult." ［Grey］
That was a lie... Not that they have any other choice anyway. The world is already in turmoil just from the news of the birth of 2 new Calamity-Class Rankers, how much more if they were Disaster-Class Rankers? It would be chaos.
Only a handful of people knew exactly of their true powers, and they have no plans of increasing the number anytime soon. Even the King of Alfrione only knows that Grey reached Calamity-Class, and they plan to keep it that way.
As for when exactly they would be revealing that to the world, only time could tell. As much as possible, they only want to spend their time quietly and peacefully. Though, not that things always go as planned... They just have to go with the flow.
"Grey, Anne's been asking for more pop rocks. You're spacing out again." ［Yuna］
"Ah, sorry... Did I make you wait, Anne?" ［Grey］
"Bba! Bba! Mma! Bbuuu!" ［Antoinette］
"Alright. Then as an apology, Big Bro will give you a big piece this time." ［Grey］
Well, no matter, it was all just simple gossip with nothing much to do with Grey and Yuna. While it was fun to learn new things and catch up to the recent happenings of the world, they are nothing but fun trivia for the moment.
What was more important was feeding the Little Angel. Grey already knows it, but it seems like Antoinette really likes the pop rocks. She hasn't even looked at the other candies yet, only asking Grey for more when she finished what's in her mouth.
Just like that, time passed by and everything went by smoothly, continuing their little chit-chat which jumped from topic. There was important news and also just some silly chatter, a brilliant mix of both. If there was anything truly worth noting...
CLING CLING CLING CLING
『Does it want to eat pop rocks too?』 ［Yuna］
『Maybe...? I don't know... It doesn't even have a mouth...』 ［Grey］
... It was that Antoinette's little spirit friend had arrived soon enough. It has now grown bigger than before and has ranked up from being a "Wanderer" to an "Explorer", a pair of gems condensed in its core instead of a lonesome one.
It may just be following Antoinette's lead, but as the Little Angel asked for a pop rock, so did the wind spirit. It didn't really eat it or anything, just playing around with it and juggling it around. It was veiled in illusion magic so others couldn't see.
They spent a few more minutes in the mansion, and after finishing their snacks and refreshments, Grey and Yuna then waved their hands, giving Antoinette a final peck on her chubby cheeks before heading out and away.
After the Filastra Mansion, Grey and Yuna then visited a couple other mansions, namely, the Geldoria, Landevar, and Aldridge estates. Of course, the last thing they visited was the Royal Castle, the Little Princess greeting them ever so brightly.
"Seriously... She never makes such a happy face when she's with me anymore. Don't steal my granddaughter from me anymore, you two." ［Ernes］
"Have you been, Little Princess? Have you been a good girl?" ［Yuna］
"Um! Nalia brush teeth this morning! See!" ［Natalia］
"Waah～! What clean teeth our Princess has～! Good girl～!" ［Yuna］
"Oi, don't just ignore me." ［Ernes］
Just right on time, the Royal Family was just on their way to the venue of the Hunting Competition, all dressing for the occasion with lavish but easy to move fabrics, all of them making sure that they can traverse the plains freely.
Well, all of them except one. Julius was now in the Royal Academy's ceremonial uniform, made to look like a knight's uniform and only used during important and formal events such as the Hunting Competition.
In his was also his trusty spear, his eyes gliding around its figure as he checked on its condition, swinging it a little bit to test out his control. Normally, it would be inside his storage ring, but such things are banned from the competition to prevent cheating.
"Oi, Grey, Yuna. I heard you made an additional prize for the winner. What sort of absurdity did you make this time round?" ［Julius］
"Hey, that's rude! We poured all our hearts and souls into it, you know?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. It's a pretty sweet piece. I'm sure the winner will like it." ［Grey］
"Oh? I'm taking it for myself then." ［Julius］
"That's some confidence you got there, bastard." ［Grey］
It wasn't just a normal price, it was an item which would drastically increase one's rate of survival as long as they use it right. It could be used for battle, for daily life, and for difficult tasks. It may even save one's life in times of need.
Yuna was the one who synthesized the product's materials using alchemy, Grey then forging it into a useful item and granting it extraordinary abilities with enchanting, a beautiful glint gleaming from it as soon as they were finished.
Needless to say, it was a Legendary-Grade item Grey and Yuna made together. It is their greatest masterpiece yet, and also a work of art which was as beautiful as it was useful. They can't wait to see the reaction on everyone's faces.
Just like that, with the Little Princess resting on Grey's shoulders, everyone then headed towards the venue. There were two Royal Carriages, the horses trotting on the streets and embarking on a brief but sweet journey.
"We didn't know you had a younger sister, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］
"Well, that's because you didn't ask. And don't let that rascal's name fool you. Rather than an angel, it would be better to say she's a demoness." ［Ernes］
"Eh? Is her personality terrible?" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! Not at all～! Or well, rather, she resembles Ernes very much with how playful and mischievous she is. She's also the reason Vanessa grew up that way. You could say she's her idol and model figure." ［Talia］
"Big Sis Vanessa's idol... Somehow, it sounds terrifying..." ［Grey］
On the way there, they also engaged in some small conversations, talking about the King's younger sister and reminiscing about the past when she was still in Alfrione. It seems like she's yet another lively and rowdy person.
As for the Little Princess, she just continued sitting on Yuna's lap, munching on the gummy bears they brought and playing around with the whistle candies with a sweet and playful smile on her face, eyes twinkling with excitement.
It didn't take too long before they arrived at the venue, just a couple kilometers away from the city where the plains and the forest meet, the fresh forest breeze greeting them as soon as they came, the scent of the earth and greenery in the air.
"Hey, make sure to carry those carefully! Those have fragile things inside!"
"Ahh... This is nerve-wracking... I didn't think so many people would come..."
"Hahaha! How about we compete to see who has the biggest catch?!"
"You're on! Don't go crying later, alright, you prick!"
It was the Hunting Grounds!
CHAPTER 494 END