Chirp Chirp Chirp

  The sweet melody of chirps and rustles danced around the air, the gentle sunshiing grag the verdant gardens as the harmonious fragrance of flowers wafted through the air. It was yet another wonderful m.

  It was a familiar se and harmo also felt very distant, one Grey had almost fotten after staying in the Labyrinth for a whole month. He could only strete of his hands towards the ceiling, grasping it slowly, his eyes staring ever so ily.

  Well, it wasn't the only one he missed. Sleeping soundly beside him was his cute aiful girlfriend, her soft and pretty face basking by the sunlight. Seeing her face, his heart couldn't stop beating wildly, warmth flooding his ey as he nded her a gentle kiss on the forehead.

  "Looks like she's really tired, huh..." ［Grey］

  It wasn't the first time Grey had kissed her yet Yuna's eyes still didn't even twitch a little, only tinuing to sleep in the warmth and fort of the bed, tired from the days they spent in fiery depths of hell.

  Slowly, Grey got up from the bed and fixed himself with a little bit of magic. He then took a ge of clothes for himself and prepared himself for the day. It has been a long time since he cooked generously, so he was looking forward to using the Royal Kit once again.

  "Hmm... What should I cook for today... Beef... Pork... No, I should use some rare meats and herbs... How about the Garuda meat from before..." ［Grey］

  Mumbles and whispers echoed in the air as Grey took a look at the ingredients they had avaible. Keeping in mind the sleeping Yuna's favorite dishes, Grey phe perfect meal, full of dishes, drinks, and desserts which suits his beloved's taste.

  'Right... There's still these, huh...' ［Grey］

  It was also then that he realized that he has yet tahe things they got from the Labyrinth of Fmes. Just seeing how many there were, he could already taste the difficulties ahead of him. He was starting tret h all that he saw.

  Of course, there was also the fact that they have yet to give Amelia and Julius their rewards. He was thinking of giving them Legendary-Grade ons each, an absurd idea only he and Yuna would think of so lightly.

  Most of all, he has also yet to give Yuna the Ste Ring he found in the boss' treasure room. Not only was it useful, it was also beautiful as well. Its cold, ptinum color along with the small, yet intricate gems and patterns engraved on it. It was something which could only be called a masterpiece.

  "Mmng... Gwey... Hmm... Grey...?" ［Yuna］

  Just in time, the sleepiy had started to awake, turning her head left and right as she searched frey with her sleepy eyes. It was hard to imagine she was the same girl who could massacre monsters with ease. Rather, she only looked like a clumsy and silly little girl.

  Yuna tinued bobbing her head up and down, and swayi and right, her grogginess getting the better of her. Still half asleep, she kept on mumbling Grey's uo find him even when he was in front of her.

  "Grey... Huh...? Where... Grey...? Grey...?" ［Yuna］

  Cute as ever, Yuna soon locked trey's dire. But since all she saw was a hazy blob, she only tilted her head as she stared at him with fusion, all the while instinctively holding the b over her bare body. Su aly served to make Grey chuckle lightly.

  "Yeah, yeah, it's me. Are you hungry?" ［Grey］

  "Mmn... No, not hungry...." ［Yuna］

  Answered Yuna as she rubbed her eyes like a little kitten, soon mumbling intangible words not even herself uood, yawning softly from time to time. Soon enough, Yuna then patted he bedside, signaling Grey to sit beside her.

  It has been far too long sihey spent so much time together, and as one would expect, her giness started repsing on her. Now, she doesn't even want Grey to be separated from her for a single moment, only wanting to g on him all day.

  "Grey... Hug me... Cuddle..." ［Yuna］

  "Eh? Don't you want to get dressed first?" ［Grey］

  "No... Don't care... Cuddle... Quick..." ［Yuna］

  Reasoning with her was useless, the giness was at an all time high. The dy who would usually be meek after such a passionate night was now bolder than ever. Grey had no choice but to ply with her wishes.

  For the several mio e, Yuna g to Grey tightly, her soft body gently pressing oer. It was a situation Grey could only described as Heaven and Hell, taking it all he could just to retain his sanity.

  "Hmm? Grey, you're blushing... Is there something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, that's... Look down..." ［Grey］

  "Look down? What do... you.., meanー Kyaaa!!" ［Yuna］

  Well, it wasn't long before Yuna finally regained her senses. As soon as she did, she then quickly pushed Grey off the bedside and covered her bare body with the b as much as she could, flustered as one be.

  "Grey! Close your eyes! Quick!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, ma'am." ［Grey］

  Her face turni red from embarrassment and Grey chug to himself, Yuna then quickly grabbed a couple clothes from her Ste Ring and draped herself with casual clothing, her eyes showing swirls as she panicked ever so cutely.

  "Geez, Grey! You should have warned me!" ［Yuna］

  "But I did though, but you said it so clearly, 'No... Don't care... Cuddle... Quick...'. You were so cute that I couldn't resist." ［Grey］

  "Fwaaah?! I-I did?!" ［Yuna］

  Laughs and squeals drifting in the air, Grey and Yuna spent their sweet time ever so meaningfullyー or rather, Grey just tieasing Yuna all the while chug to himself, making the young dy more flustered than before.

  He may not see her expressions with his eyes closed, but Grey could clearly tell what she looked like. Her blushing cheeks, red ears, and feverish plexion as her body trembled from panic. Just thinking of how adorable she was only made Grey fall even harder for her.

  After their shenanigans, Grey and Yuna then proceeded to fix the room and up after their mess. After which, they then headed towards the Royal Kit, smiles across their faces as they looked forward to cooking together once again.

  Truthfully, they were supposed to have breakfast with the Royal Family, but having woken up te as it is, they missed their ce. It was also worth noting that it was the start of a new school year so Julius was now at the Royal Academy. Now, Grey and Yuna have all the time for themselves.

  "Move it! Move it! We still have a lot to do!" ［Carlton］

  "Head Chef! I'm doh the braised beef!"

  "Good! Help out those making the side dishes!" ［Carlton］

  It was as lively as ever. They have yet to ehe kit yet they could already overhear the busy noises of the chefs as they made dish after dish, preparing for lunch a couple hours away.

  Of course, along with the noise was the various, appetizing st wafting here and there. Sts whily served to make Grey and Yuna hungrier as they stepped foot ihe kit. It was a tempting wele.

  "How are the lobstersー Oh! Lrey, Lady Yuna! Good m!" ［Carlton］

  "Good m, Mister Carlton!" ［Yuna］

  "M. we borrow the kit for a bit?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! You do so anytime!" ［Carlton］

  "Hahaha, thanks. Then we'll be intruding on you again." ［Grey］

  The chefs' eyes on them, Grey and Yuna headed to a er of the kit and started unloading ingredient after ingredient, filling the ter to the brim. From meat, vegetables, spices, and dairy. There was nothing g.

  Of course, they didn't just bring out normal ingredients. It has been a long time sihey cooked together, and so, they decided to splurge for once. And when they want to splurge, they really do go all out.

  The meats were from rare animals and high-rankis, some of the herbs were magits, and the spices were all of the highest quality. If oo know what ingredients they were using, their eyes would surely pop out of their sockets.

  Chop Chop Chop Fwish Fwish Fwish Fwoosh Fwoosh Fwoosh

  The sound of boiling and spluttering, the sound of knives chopping, and the sound of fmes scorg harmonized in the air like a sweet orchestra by the kit tools and appliances as the chefs danced around the pce.

  Grey and Yuna soon joihe aew melodies and fragrances joining the kit orchestra. Their hands moved quicker than lightning, meat aables chopped in the speed of light, perfectly aifully.

  Time passed and the hours epsed. Oer another, dishes were pleted, dispyed atop the tables and trays, eae not losing out to the chefs' dishes in both dispy and fvor. Such dishes piled up oer another, soon f a rge mountain of dishes.

  "Oho... That's quite a lot, Lrey, Lady Yuna..." ［Carlton］

  "Fufufu! It's been a long time since we've cooked together, after all. Plus, we also want everyoo have a taste." ［Yuna］

  "That's right, though I thi a little carried away..." ［Grey］

  Or so he said, but it was in no way just a "little". The number of dishes supposed to be served in lunch literally multiplied more than double. Evehere were a lot of chefs, Grey and Yuna mao outperform them with the effective use of magic. It was quite a sight to see

  "Ah, right! Mister Carlton, would you like to try some?" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, may I?" ［Carlton］

  "Un! We made a lot for everyone, after all!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! If you insist, then I'll be indulging yenerosity." ［Carlton］

  Excitement on his face, Carlton quickly got a fork who-knows-where and pierced a pieeat with it. There was ahe fork smoothy went through the tender meat, meaty juices flowing out soon after.

  Blowing a couple of times, he then delivered the meat to mouth. As soon as he did, fvors of sweetness, sourness, and spiess exploded in his mouth like fireworks. Though they were different, they all blended harmoniously with one another.

  Carlton moved his mouth and chewed the meat soon after, juices overflowing, soon flooding his mou with delieaty goodness. The natural sweetness of the meat, along with the mild strength of spices it was marinated in, caressed his tongue ever so gently. It was so delicious, it was enough to make him cry.

  Not only were the ingredients of the best qualities, with the use of magic, Grey and Yuna were also able to trol the heat, blend sistently, and remove unneeded substances perfectly. Their skills brought out the ingredients' potential to their fullest.

  "This... This is... This is a masterpieo! It's a grand masterpiece!" ［Carlton］

  A loud decration echoed all throughout the kit as Carlton ched his fist and raised it to the air, tears of amazement trig down his face as he savored the taste of the dish before him.

  Strangely enough, none of the chefs were surprised with Carlton's as. After all, it wasn't the first time he did such things. Rather, it was quite a on occurrence whenever he tasted something which moved his heart.

  "Lrey, Lady Yuna, my mind is clear now. Thanks to you, my eyes are now open. I've been too ceited... I'm still far away from the level of a true master chef... Thank you very much. " ［Carlton］

  Dramatic as usual, Carlton uttered praise after praise as he evaluated the dishes, not a single chef batting an eye on his antics. They were far too used to it that they had built a resistao being surprised.

  "Then, everyone, we'll be heading out now～! We'll leave the dishes and desserts in your care!" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, and right, there's some separate trays on the right. Please have a taste as well. I hope you enjoy it." ［Grey］

  As soon as Grey mentioned such words, all eyes then shifted to the dire Grey ointing to. The dishes they thought were only for the Royal Family were actually for them. They were all moved.

  "Thank you, Yhnesses!"

  "Cheers for Their Highnesses!"

  "Yhnesses are the best!"

  It was as if they were like Carlton. As Grey and Yuhe kit, the happy aed voices of the chefs rang clearly iheir ears, making them chuckle and giggle as they headed away.

  After cooking i, Grey and Yuna the on their separate ways to fix themselves and bathe i baths, ging into more formal attire and making themselves more proper and presentable before heading towards the dining hall.

  "Wah～! Big Bwo! Big Sish!" ［Natalia］

  "Oh my! Natalia, don't run too fast." ［Talia］

  "Oh? Grey, Yuna, good mー or should I say good noon, now?" ［Ernes］

  The very first oo greet them as soon as they arrived was her thatle Princess who happily embraced them. After her, the King, Queen, and everyone else also gave them their warm greetings.

  Except for Julius who was attending the Royal Academy, every member of the Royal Family resent, all chatting and rexing fortably as they patiently waited for lunch to be served. It was just as peaceful as before.

  "Fufufu! Our Little Princess really is the cutest, aren't you? Have you been a good girl?" ［Yuna］

  "Um! Nalia, gud girl!" ［Natalia］

  "Fufufu! Then it seems that I have to reward our Little Prihen," ［Yuna］

  Of course, there was also ohing which had ged. For instahe little pronunciation and articution has improved over the almost two months they were gone. She now stumbles less often and speak much longer sentences.

  Happily aedly, the little princess held Yuna's hand, leading the tter to her seat with her small hands. After Yuna sat down, she then climbed on her, sitting on her p ever so fortably with a smile on her face.

  After her, Grey then sat down beside Yuna, sitting adjat to the Prind Princess and opposite to the Queen and Princess Royal. It wasn't long before they tinued chatting and sharing stories with one another.

  "Right, you two, I didn't have the time to ask yesterday. But about that thierday, it's your ability, isn't it?" ［Ernes］

  Of course, it also meant that the interrogation the King wasn't able to do the day before was initiated. It took quite a lot of time to ahem, but they were able to get through by making up some stuff about it being from a Mythical-Grade item.

  There were also quite a number of follow-up questions after that, but they were all easily answered by just telling the truth. It was fortuhat Julius still hasn't shared some stories with how busy he was. They were all able to pass things off lightly.

  "Haah... Seriously, you really do some absurd things from time to time... I even heard you became heroes of Valliarta... Really, you two..." ［Ernes］

  Said the King as he massaged his forehead, his head slightly ag as he thought of the things Grey and Yuna did. It wasn't the first time su things happened, but he was still exhausted heless.

  Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna chose to run into troublesome situations, rather, it was the opposite, the troublesome situations just kept running towards them. Now, they have even started to get used to such things.

  "Oh my! Grey and Yuna became heroes again? How wonderful!" ［Talia］

  "You two really are something, aren't you?" ［Galleus］

  "gratutions, Elder Brrey, Elder Sister Yuna!" ［Iris］

  "Big Bwo! Big Sish! Hewoes! Hewoes!" ［Natalia］

  Surprisingly, the King was the only oh such a surprised and troubled face. The other members of the Royal Family simply praised them. Such was especially true for the Little Princess, cheering even when she didn't uand the situation.

  "Haah... Less about it... I heard you cooked something i again today, is that true?" ［Ernes］

  "Ah, yeah... It's been some time, after all. Figured we start cooking again. It was quite the fun experience." ［Grey］

  "Un! We've made a lot of food! I'm sure everyone will enjoy it!" ［Yuna］

  "Ohoho～? Then it seems I should be looking forward to lunch then." ［Ernes］

  It was as easy as that. As soon as they started talking about food and simir stuff, the cheerful atmosphere quickly returo the room as everyone chatted about much simpler and rexing topics, catg up to one another.

  "Then, then, Nalia go fwoom! Then bam!" ［Natalia］

  "Fufufu! Did the Little Princess catch the rabbit then?" ［Yuna］

  "Um! Rabbit, castch!" ［Natalia］

  But of course, the most enjoyable story was the one which was told by the Little Princess. Though they could barely uand her words and the flow of the story, they still listeo her attentively, enjoying every bit and sed of it.

  Two people in particur were very happy and proud as they told their stories. They were her than the King and the Prince. A doting grandfather and a doting father who kept nodding and smiling and they listeo Natalia's stories with such glee in their faces.

  Knooock

  Time passed very quickly with the little princess' story telling and soon enough, a couple knocks came resounding from the door. There was o guess, they were the dishes that would be served for lunch.

  "Your Majesty, lunch is ready." ［Carlton］

  "Oh, e in." ［Ernes］

  The King's permission at hand, the food trolleys entered oer another and soon. Well, rather than a of food trolleys, it would be more appropriate to say that it was a train of food trolleys. There was just so much food.

  "A-Amazing... That's quite a lot, isn't it..." ［Galleus］

  "My, it seems like we'll be having quite a fulfilling lunch. Fufufu!" ［Talia］

  "Oi, you two, what the hell is this?" ［Ernes］

  Various reas came from everyone as the food parade ehe dining hall. Some were of surprise, some of excitement, and some of disbelief. All in all, everyone showed positive responses, one way or another.

  The dishes were then dispyed atop the dining table slowly but surely, appetizing sts dang in the air as the lids were lifted off. Soon, the dining table was filled to the brimー or rather, there was so much food, some couldn't even be dispyed.

  Ead every one of the dishes were top css. Be it the ones Grey and Yuna cooked, or the ones from the royal chefs. If a gourmet were to see such a splendid array of dishes, they would, without a doubt, call such a sight "paradise".

  """Thank you for the meal!!"""

  There was no time to waste. As soon as the dishes were dispyed, with smiles on their faces, everyone quickly dug in the meal in front of them, everyoaking their favorite dishes and dining ever so happily.

  "Oh, my! What meat is this? It's so tender and juicy!" ［Talia］

  "You're right, Mother. It has a sweet aftertaste, too!" ［Natasha］

  "Mmn! Yummy! Yummy!" ［Natalia］

  Positive responses came left and right from the Queen and the princesses as they tasted the sweet-gzed Garuda Grey and Yuna prepared. The Little Princess in particur liked the sweetness of the dish very much.

  "Oh! This is spicy, but not too spicy! How splendid!" ［Ernes］

  "Hmm... I think it's still a little mild... Though the sourness is just right." ［Galleus］

  As for the gentlemen, they tried the more extreme dishes which were spicier and sourer. After which, they then started sampling each dish, smiles emanating from their faces as they eheir lunch together.

  "Oh, Grey? What's this one?" ［Ernes］

  "Ah, that's spicy gzed chi." ［Grey］

  "Oh, spicy, eh? Let's have a taste then." ［Ernes］

  Enthusiasm all over his face, the King quickly got himself a serving of the spicy gzed chi and pced it on his pte. Following him, the Prince, Grey, Yuna, and the others also had their fill of it.

  The only ones who abstained were the Princess and the Little Princess who were both not good with sweets. Well, it was only uandable. After all, Grey made sure to make it worthy of the "spicy" in its name.

  "Hooh... This one's really spicy, isn't it?" ［Galleus］

  "You said it well, Son. I'm sure Edward will like this." ［Ernes］

  "I think it's too spie, too..." ［Talia］

  The King and Prince who were just eating the spicy foods with ease before were now sweating bullets from the heat. Even the Queen who only ate a little bit easily backed off, only Grey and Yuna enjoying it to the fullest,

  Well, it wasn't actually just Grey and Yuna. Other thahere was another one whijoyed the spicy gzed chi very happily, unfazed by the heat. And it was her than...

  "Hm? This is spicy?" ［Iris］

  It was Iris. The Princess Royal, Iris. The sweet and i dy who looked very delicate was the one unfazed by the spiess not even her father and brother could ehe most ued one of them all.

  "Fufufu! It seems like our Iris really is amazing." ［Talia］

  "Hahaha! You really are my daughter! That's how it should be!" ［Ernes］

  "Hoo... To think the day will y little sister will beat me in a test of spiess... Hahaha! What a surprise!" ［Galleus］

  Smiles and ughter soon filled the air as everyone looked at Iris with warm eyes, the tter still puzzled about the current situation. Though they all felt defeated, the feeling of surprise and happiness was even more overwhelming.

  The hearty and jolly lunch tinued and more smiles tio bloom. Stories were shared and silly jokes were made. It was a time full of happiness, a memory sure to be remembered.

  CHAPTER 198 END