"I have a final request!" ［Eliza］

  Eliza's loud voice, mismatg with her little stature, echoed throughout the dining hall as she announced her words. She successfully garnered everyone's attention with her sudden statement.

  trary to Grey and Yuna's expectations, Eliza didn't cry over the thought of them leaving, rather, she boldly asked the two of them to fulfill a request of hers with eyes full of determination.

  After breakfast, Grey, Yuna, and Eliza headed out of the mansion and the straight out of Moterno as they headed to a nearby forest in order to fulfill Eliza's request whieither Grey nor Yuna had any knowledge about.

  The both of them tried to ask Eliza about it, but the tter was adamant on keeping it a secret until they arrived at their destination. They were especially worried when she brought her on with her.

  "We're here." ［Eliza］

  A familiar sery greeted Grey and Yuna as they arrived at the location. It was the same pce where they would train Eliza and where she experienced a real fight for the very first time.

  Looking around the pce, one could easily notice the cracks and sshes created from Eliza's training. It was as if her training was just yesterday, although iy, it has been more than a month already.

  There were also more sshes and damage than what Grey remembered. The most ret looking ones looked as if they were just made a few days ago. Needless to say, they were much deeper and rger than the ones Grey remembered.

  During the past month, Eliza would train in the forest from time to time and she would be escorted by a couple of knights. The first time the knights escorted her, they couldn't believe their eyes when they saw Eliza taking down a group of goblins by herself with ease. She was no lohe delicate young dy they onew.

  "So, what is your request?" ［Grey］

  Upon hearing Grey's question, Eliza became quiet for a little while. She then took a deep breath and when she voiced her request, he and Yuna heard something they didn't quite expect.

  "Please let me have a match with you!" ［Eliza］

  It was pletely out of the blue. her Yuna nrey thought that that would be the tents of Eliza's request. At best, they thought that she would ask them to train her o time.

  "Hey, Liz, what are you talking about? You shouldn't joke likー" ［Yuna］

  "Elder Sister Yuna, I'm serious! I want to know how strong I have bee, and so, I want to have a match before the two of you leave. I know Father wouldn't permit it if I asked this during breakfast, that's why I wao get here before telling you. Please, this is my final request!" ［Eliza］

  Eliza's determination did not waver with Yuna's words. Upon hearing her reasoning, it finally made seo the two of them why Eliza acted the way she did. It was as if she already p long ago.

  Although they uood Eliza's reasoning, they were troubled whether they should fulfill it. They didn't know what to feel about fighting a ten-year-old girl. Especially one which they sider their little sister.

  Grey in particur was troubled with how to ha. He wao refuse, but upon seeing Eliza's eyes, somehow, he couldn't bring himself to. She was wearing such strong eyes not eveeran adventurers Grey had met possessed.

  "Liz, please think of this proー" ［Yuna］

  "Who do you want to fight against?" ［Grey］

  "Grey, what are you talking about!?" ［Yuna］

  A sudden outburst of Yuna's voice resounded in the peaceful forest as she couldn't believe what her ears had heard. Unlike her who tried to make Eliza resider, Grey suddenly approved of her request.

  "If that's her final request, then we should grant it. It would just be rude to dee her request after she mustered all that ce to ask us. This could also be sidered a part of her training." ［Grey］

  "I know that, butー" ［Yuna］

  "Don't worry, it will be firust me." ［Grey］

  There were still traces of hesitation inside Yuna's heart, but she eventually gave up and decided to put her trust in both Grey and Eliza.

  "So, Liz, will you be fighting?" ［Grey］

  "The one I want to fight is you, Elder Brrey! Even though I know I'm going to lose, I want to see how well I fare against the stro person I know!" ［Eliza］

  "The Stro"... Eliza's words resounded loud and clear in Grey's heart and mind. Even though Grey khat he was still far from getting a grasp on that title, he felt happy that Eliza held him in such high regards.

  Although it was reckless of Eliza to request such a thing, it was a good opportunity to teach her how to be humble as it will n her any good if she doesn't realize that there are others who are above her.

  Even frey and Yuna who are amongst the top 25 most powerful people in the world, they still did not let their strength get to their heads. There are still many people, not to mentios and monsters which are way above their league.

  After deg the match up, Eliza and Grey went to their positions while Yuna stayed away and just watched them from a distance away as a spectator. She will also serve as a barrier against outside interference.

  "Grey! If something bad happens to Liz, I'm never going tive you!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna warned Grey as she sat on top of a boulder nearby. Even when she had already agreed to the fight and she trusted Grey very much, she couldn't help but worry about Eliza's safety.

  Well, it was needless worry. There was no way Grey would bring harm to Eliza. Even if they didn't know each other, no one in their right mind would hurt a ten-year-old girl just because in a sparring match. Only crazy idiots would.

  "Elder Brrey, are you ready?" ［Eliza］

  In respoo Eliza's question, Grey nodded his head quietly, thus signaling the start of the match.

  Without wasting any time, Eliza uhed her sword and lunged herself trey. It was a good strategy to have initiated the first move, too bad for her, Grey's reflexes were even faster.

  Oer another, Eliza unched an attack straight trey, aiming for his chest, head, fnks, and legs. But every time she attacked, Grey would just simply block it perfectly with his gaus, preventing her from nding a hit.

  Seeing that her normal attacks didn't have any effe Grey, Eliza backed off a few steps bad then once again pouowards him. She then swiftly raised her sword and...

  "??Heavy Sー" ［Eliza］

  Thinking that Eliza was about to nd an attack from above, Grey raised his arms in order to block it, but trary to his expectations, it was just a feint. Eliza's patterns have ged from simple tic.

  Eliza quickly reabsorbed the mana from her art and hastily threw her sword upwards. She then docked as Grey's vision was covered by his gaus, and with all her strength, she then unched a punch trey's sides.

  Unlucky for her, Grey was able to dodge it by simply jumping backwards, but Eliza did not give up. Before her sword dropped to the ground, she mao catch it and perform atack.

  ??S Edge!?? ［Eliza］

  A bde made out of mana materialized in front of Eliza and flew straight trey's face when he was still midair from his jump. Luckily, because of his quick reflexes, he was able to utilize wind magid ge its trajectory.

  The bde oher hand tinued flying in the dire it was fired off and cut off a tree's branch, just some distance away.

  'Phew... That was close.' ［Grey］

  Even if it wouldn't have hurt him, that attack was something that could easily hurt any adventurer below F-rank. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call Eliza one of the best amongst the G-rankers after seeing her performance so far.

  When Grey nded from his jump, Eliza didn't let him off the hook and once again started a barrage of attacks towards me. All of which, Grey dodged just barely by a hair's breadth.

  "??Heavy Ssー" ［Eliza］

  Eliza once again tried to fire an art, but before she could even plete it, Grey hit the bottom of her hands with his palm, inflig a slight pain and making Eliza lose grip of her sword.

  But Eliza didn't stop attag just because she lost her on. With her other hand, she gathered the mana from the surroundings preparing to unch a spell at point bnk range.

  ??Geyser!?? ［Eliza］

  As a high-pressure stream of water raced trey like a famished beast, Grey quickly stepped back a couple of meters. Seeing that, Eliza quickly grabbed her sword from the ground and chased after him.

  She sshed, and sshed, and sshed some more. It was a relentless barrage of attacks performed by Eliza. Something no one from the same rank would be able to survive unscathed.

  "Elder Brrey! Please take me seriously!" ［Eliza］

  Unsatisfied about Grey's performance, Eliza voiced out her pint with a serious tone and eyes raging with determination. She had long noticed that the dispy Grey showed was far worse thaime he fought the knights.

  While Grey has not used even a fra of his real power, he had already adjusted his strength and as to match that of an F-ranker. Even if he was not using his abilities, it was still amazing that Eliza could keep up with him.

  Seeing how much stronger Eliza has bee, Grey couldn't help but reminisce about the time when he and Yuna first trained her. Even when he was in the middle of battle, he couldn't help but admire the strength of the young dy before him.

  'Well, If that's what you want... then I'll take you with everything I've got!' ［Grey］

  Grey quickly broke all the limits he pced upon himself, and when he did, he immediately disappeared from Eliza's view. She kept looking for him, but it was futile. heless, Eliza didn't drop her guard down.

  "There!" ［Eliza］

  When Eliza detected something, she quickly lunged her sword towards that dire. But too bad for her, it was just a leaf decoy Grey created with the use of pnt magic. Grey was actually behind her.

  Taking that ce, Grey quickly thrusted his fist towards Eliza's body. The tter tried to block it but she was a moment too te. Just a few milliseds before his fist could hit Liz, Grey quickly halted it, and then casted his attack.

  ??Sleep?? ［Grey］

  As a burst of wind gushed from the vacuum Grey's punch created, Eliza's sciousness started to fade into darkness as Grey's spell started to take effect. She tried to fight against it, but it was futile, she still succumbed to it.

  "That was a good fight. You did well, Liz." ［Grey］

  After the fight finished, Yuna came rushing towards the two of them and checked up on Eliza's dition. But since Grey didn't even try to hurt her, she erfectly fine, only exhausted.

  With Eliza's request fulfilled, they then headed back to the mansion to let Eliza rest. Grey also casted holy magi her so that her body wouldn't hurt from rapid mana exhaustion when she wakes up.

  It was already evening when Eliza woke up, but during the time she was asleep, Yuna and Grey stayed by her side because they were worried about her. They didn't leave the bedside even for a sed.

  "Huh? Where am I..." ［Eliza］

  "You're in your room, Liz. We brought you here after you fell unscious from the match." ［Yuna］

  "Un... scious...? Ah... So it's over already..." ［Eliza］

  Hearing that the match had cluded, Eliza became dejected. Her eyes became crestfallen as a slightly pained expression was casted on her face.

  "Liz..." ［Yuna］

  "Ah! You don't o worry about me, Elder Sister Yuuna. I knew full well how strong Elder Brrey even before I challenged him, so I khat I would lose no matter what I dー" ［Eliza］

  "You feel lonely, don't you?" ［Yuna］

  Yuna said as she gently grasped Eliza into her embrace, cutting the tter's words short. Soon after, tears started to form in Eliza's eyes and she started bawling just like how she did before.

  Eliza wasn't dejected because she lost the match, rather, she was just saddened by the fact that Grey and Yuna were going to depart tomorrow. Evech was just an excuse so that she could spend more time with them.

  She cried and cried until her tears dried as Yuna soled her in her embrace. Grey wao help out, but it wasly easy for him to join in on their situation. All he could do repare a gss of water after Eliza stopped g.

  "Are you alright now, Liz?" ［Yuna］

  "Un... Sorry f too much..." ［Eliza］

  "Don't worry about it. You cry however much you want. Your Elder Sister will be here for you to lean on." ［Yuna］

  Yuna said to Eliza as she gently patted her head. While she was doing so, Yuna could remember the times Grey also forted her. It has been a long time sihe first time Grey soled her yet she could still clearly remember it. It reemory.

  Grey looked at the two of them warmly. He was also reminisg about the past as he watched Yuna fort Eliza. It was strahat the two of them were thinking of the same thing without opening their mouths. Was it just a ce? Only fate knows.

  There was only ohing which was b him. It ould protect Eliza whewo of them were go wasn't that he doesn't trust Fritz's capabilities, but that he wants more reassurance if somethio ever happen.

  'I guess there's only one way, huh...' ［Grey］

  No matter how hard Grey tried to think, only one solution came to mind, and he decided to a it. He also notified the other party involved in his pn, who happily obliged to do so.

  "Liz, e here." ［Grey］

  Grey called out to Eliza as he opened his "Sanctuary". Not only Eliza, but also Yuna was surprised by his as. Yuna was surprised why Grey suddenly decided to show one of his abilities to Eliza.

  "Elder Brrey, that is..." ［Eliza］

  "Ah, it's my ability. Here, hold my hand." ［Grey］

  "U... Un..." ［Eliza］

  Although she was a little hesitant, Eliza still grabbed Grey's hands and followed him ihe "Sanctuary". Yuna also tagged along, but was not even a bit cautious as she had already seen it many times before.

  Uporahe first thing that greeted Eliza was a cold wind as it gently caressed her cheeks. It was as if she was suddenly transported in a pce far away as the stars above greeted her.

  Well, if it was still daytime, a wholly different sery and atmosphere would have greeted her. Because it was already dark, Eliza did not notice the crops Grey was growing. After all, Grey was utilizing that ability for farming.

  The only thing which allowed Eliza to see was the light from the stars above and from the "Illuminate" spell had just casted.

  "Waahー Huh...?" ［Eliza］

  Eliza's amazed gasp was stopped midway as she noticed a familiar little figure wagging its tail eically and looking at her with i eyes. It was one of the "wolf pups" she pyed with just this m.

  "Puppy...?" ［Eliza］

  "Liz, I'm about to show you one of mine and Yuna's secrets. Promise me to not be too surprised, okay?" ［Grey］

  "U-Un!" ［Eliza］

  Eliza really did not uand what Grey was unto, but she still o his words. Meanwhile, Yuna held her hands just in case she got scared.

  "Alright, Poris, turn bato your true form." ［Grey］

  With Grey's words, mist filled the surroundings and the little furball that was once present was now o be found. Soon after, in the midst of all the mist, a rge silhouette suddenly appeared.

  It didn't take long for the mist to clear up. And with the light shining from Grey's spell, a magnifit and domineering creature was revealed with its eyes sparkling like a river illuminated by the moonlight.

  "I believe this is the first time I'm formally introdug myself. I am Master Grey and Mistress Yuna's first familiar, Poris. It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eliza." ［Poris］

  A ge clear voice resouhroughout the night sky as Poris introduced himself. And although she was a little surprised, after hearing that he was Grey and Yuna's familiar, Eliza immediately loosened up a her guard down.

  "N-o m-meet you, too. I'm E-Eliza von Lande-devar! Th-Thank you for taking c-care of m-me this m!" ［Eliza］

  "There's o be formal, Lady Eliza. I'm just but a humble familiar," ［Poris］

  "A-Ah, Un!" ［Eliza］

  With Poris' words, the tension in Eliza's body has fully been released and she immediately opened up her heart to him. Having pyed with him once, Eliza knew he was not an evil creature.

  "As you see, Poris is not just any normal familiar. Along with the others, he could ge his form to suit his needs. He's also almost as powerful as me so he's really reliable, and... starting today, he will be proteg you in our pce." ［Grey］

  As she heard Grey's words, Eliza's eyes looked up to meet Poris'. While she couldn't see clearly in the night, she could very well tell that he was some sort on. In short, there was no doubt that he was very powerful.

  No matter how hard she tried, Eliza couldn't uand why Grey would give her such a precious escort. Not even royalty could enjoy such luxury. All she could think of was that Grey greatly cared about her. It made her really happy.

  "I'll be in your care... Poris..." ［Eliza］

  With a smile on her fad happiness filling her heart, Eliza gratefully accepted Grey's proposal. Although Yuna was not informed beforehand, she immediately uood Grey's iions as soon as she saw Poris. Eliza's safety was also something she wished for.

  Although Poris will be staying with Eliza from now on, there were no disadvantages frey and Yuna in this deal. After all, they could still summon him if they ever needed something, and if they could also get live updates to Eliza's situation with the use of telepathy.

  After introdug Poris and Eliza to one ahey went back to Eliza's room and then had dinner afterwards. Of course, Grey and Yuna made sure to mention to Eliza to keep things secret even to Fritz, which she gdly agreed to.

  With the night getting deeper, everyone headed to their own rooms to retire for the night. And with Eliza cuddling with Poris, Yuna didn't o sleep with her and could stay together with Grey.

  "Hnngg... It's finally time for bedtime..." ［Yuna］

  "Yuna, could you close your eyes for a minute?" ［Grey］

  "Hm...? Sure." ［Yuna］

  Whilst she was stretg her arms, Grey suddenly requested her to close her eyes without any expnations. heless, she still granted his request and closed her eyes without asking any questions.

  Although she couldn't see, she could still hear and feel what Grey was doing. She heard a clig sound along with Grey's footsteps, and soon after she could feel something touch her neck. She was slightly embarrassed but didn't voice out any words.

  "You open your eyes now." ［Grey］

  When Yuna opened her eyes, the first thing to greet her was a beautiful neckce hanging on her neck. Its s were made of paldium and an emerald greeone was embedded in its charm.

  "Is this..." ［Yuna］

  "That's right. It's a 'Seed of Vitality'. I remembered that you wa, so I made an accessory with it yesterday. Also... I made one for myself so we have matg accessories... Do you like it?" ［Grey］

  Embarrassed, Grey showed the neckce he had beehily wearing all this time to Yuna. It was made from a spare "Seed of Vitality" they got during the whole month they were in the byrinth.

  Yuna's eyes locked towards the neckce Grey was wearing for a short moment before she looked at the one she was wearing once again as she gently touched it. A small smile sprouted on Yuna's face.

  "Un, I love it." ［Yuna］

  Yuna nodded her head slightly to Grey's question, and ehe statement with a bright smile on her face. Seeing her smile, Grey felt like every single ounce of effort he poured into making them was worth it. He was very satisfied.

  In the depth of the night and the ess of the breeze, Grey and Yuna lips lio one another as they shared a kiss illuminated by the moonlight seeping from the baly window.

  CHAPTER 65 END