"What is the meaning of this!?" ［???］

  A rge and deep voied throughout the vast training ground, successfully garnering the attention of everyone present. Even the soldiers who were sprawling with pain in the ground didn't have any choice but stand up abruptly with traces of sho their faces.

  Just as the practice match between Grey and Yuna against the Knights under Kurt and Vanessa's and ended, a rge rough-looking and musan, along with two other men arrived at the training grounds.

  The old man's looks were enough to scare the living daylights out of anyone, not to mention how intimidating his voice was. And when one looks at his uniform, one could easily notice a General's insignia decorated on it.

  As for the men apanying him, they both held the rank of "Lt. General", making them on the same level as Vanessa. Although one of the men was about the same age as the general, the other retty young, just in his mid-twenties.

  ??Appraisal?? ［Grey］

  -----------------------------------

  [Salferine]

  [Name] Edward von Sallerta

  [Race] Human

  [Sex] Male

  [Age] 52

  [Status] Healthy

  [Mana Capacity] 1,904 [Mana Quality] B

  [bat Power] 3,274 [Threat Level] A

  [Attribute] Wind    [Magic Proficy] High (68%)

  [Css] Lancer     [on Proficy] High (68%)

  [Physical Enha] 71%

  [Ability] Sound trol (3☆)

  -----------------------------------

  [Salferine]

  [Name] Albert von Keene

  [Race] Human

  [Age] 49

  [Status] Healthy

  [Mana Capacity] 1,491 [Mana Quality] C

  [bat Power] 2,097 [Threat Level] B

  [Attribute] Ice     [Magic Proficy] High (60%)

  [Css] Ravager    [on Proficy] High (58%)

  [Physical Enha] 63%

  [Ability] Hellfrost (3☆)

  -----------------------------------

  [Salferine]

  [Name] Ranzel von Fistra

  [Race] Human

  [Sex] Male

  [Age] 25

  [Status] Healthy

  [Mana Capacity] 1,453 [Mana Quality] C

  [bat Power] 1,993 [Threat Level] B

  [Attribute] Lightning   [Magic Proficy] High (57%)

  [Css] Swordsman   [on Proficy] High (59%)

  [Physical Enha] 62%

  [Ability] Steel Guard (3☆)

  -----------------------------------

  It was a terrifying trio. If they were to join forces with Kurt and Vanessa, no one below S-rank would be able to e out unscathed. Their strength alone are the pilrs of the military's strength.

  "What happeo the knights!?" ［Edward］

  The General yelled loudly, and Vanessa hearing those words, her eyes immediately went swimming in the dire away from him. Needless to say, She looked insanely guilty and wao escape somehow.

  "Dear, you're responsible for this, aren't you?" ［Ranzel］

  When no one answered the general's question, the young Lt. General took the initiative and approached Vanessa. As he approached, Vanessa tried her best to not look at his eyes.

  Grey thought it was just his imagination, but after a closer look, he had cluded that Vanessa was indeed more terrified of the man before him, rather than the scary-looking General who was yelling just a few moments ago.

  "Dear...?" ［Yuna］

  "He's Elder Sister's husband." ［Kurt］

  "Eh? Big Sis Vanessa is married?!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. They married st year." ［Kurt］

  Kurt nontly answered, leaving Grey and Yuna a little dumbfounded. Grey already had doubts when he saw the man's surname, but hearing it from Kurt still made him a little shocked.

  Well, if anything, he was more shocked that Vanessa's husband was just as strong as her, and also a Lt. General, heless. Though, he 't really say much sidering he and Yuna are both S-rankers.

  Ranzel, like Vanessa and Kurt, art of the "Golden Triangle" back when they were still in the academy. And being geniuses of the same level, they spent a lot of time with one ahis leading to developing romantic feelings for one another, aually, marriage.

  Another fasating thing Grey noticed was Vanessa's current expressions and as. It was his first time seeing Vanessa so shaken to the point she couldn't even look directly at her husband's eyes.

  "I... I don't know what you're talking about..." ［Vanessa］

  "Then why 't you look me in the eyes?" ［Ranzel］

  "No... No reason at all... I just want to admire the sery... " ［Vanessa］

  Vanessa responded, still not able to make eye tact with her husband. It was very obvious that she was the one responsible for what just happened, yet she tried to deny it as much as she could.

  "Haah... Seriously, you should really stop causing troubles every time you . You'll get scolded a lot by the General because of it and that's not good for the baby's health, you know?" ［Ranzel］

  "S... Sorry..." ［Vanessa］

  "As long as you uand. Anyway, I'll go expin things to the General. Promise me to not do something like this again." ［Ranzel］

  "Alright..." ［Vanessa］

  "That's good to hear." ［Ranzel］

  Hearing Vanessa's promise, Ranzel gave her a light kiss on the forehead and then headed to where the General was to expin what just happened. Gustav went along with him as a witness.

  The usually mischievous and eiessa has bee a timid and quiet kitten in front of her husband. It was something which gave Grey and Yuna a great shock to the point they bee petrified.

  Though there was ohing which greatly bothered them, undoing their petrified state in just a matter of seds. It was because of a sisy-bitsy word which Ranzel had mentioned.

  Grey and Yuna's eyes locked to Kurt in search for an ahey didn't eveo say anything, the moment Kurt saw their eyes full of shod curiosity, he already knew what they wao ask.

  "Ah, right... We fot to mention, Elder Sister has been pregnant with their first child for about two weeks now." ［Kurt］

  ""Ehhhh?!"" ［Grey and Yuna］

  While they had somewhat expected the answer, after hearing the firmation directly from Kurt's mouth, so much shock surged to their minds that Yuna and Grey untrolbly screamed their voices of disbelief throughout the whole castle.

  After the situation about what happeo the knights was expio the general, everyone calmed down and Vanessa got scolded a little bit. After that, the present parties properly introduced themselves to one another.

  As for the knights, they were ordered by the General to tih their training. Eveheir bodies were still ag, they did not voice out any pints and just trained diligently.

  "I'm terribly sorry for what my wife did, it must have caused quite a lot of trouble for the both of you." ［Ranzel］

  "It's fine, we weren't hurt anyways." ［Grey］

  "Un. Actually, we're more ed about the knights." ［Yuna］

  "Don't worry about them. They're traio ehat. Rather, it would be more troubling if they 't ehat much." ［Edward］

  "Haha... ha..." ［Grey］

  To the General's words, all Grey could do was ugh dryly. Yuna was also in a simirly awkward state. After all, If they didn't hold baot just enduring it, the knights would have surely died from their blows.

  "Still... To think that such youths were the ones who helped Lt. General Vanessa and ander Kurt raid Iblis' hideout. The word amazing would simply just be an uatement." ［Albert］

  "Their achievement really is something to look up to..." ［Ranzel］

  "Yep, Yuna and Grey are really amazing!" ［Vanessa］

  It was the third time Grey and Yuna had heard such praises sihey arrived at the capital. First from Veronic, then Velzier, and now with the highest-ranking officers of the military. At this point, they're already tired of it.

  Hearing their praises Grey asked to himself why he and Yuna 't just live normal lives. The answer shortly came to his mind. It was because they were S-rankers. That's why.

  'Haah... Give me a break...' ［Grey］

  All he could do was heave a lengthy sign on the back of his mind. It wasn't like the other parties wao do it with the iion to annoy them. The best solution for them was just to accept it a used to it.

  "ht. Vanessa, His Majesty has approved to have an audieh you." ［Edward］

  "Ah, I pletely fot! Grey, Yuna, e with me for a moment, we still have to meet His Majesty!" ［Vanessa］

  "Everyone, please excuse us. We'll be taking our leave," ［Kurt］

  Befrey and Yuna's minds could even process what was happening, Vanessa had already gone ahead and grabbed both of them by the wrist towards the throne room located at the castle's heart.

  The previously timid Vanessa was now back to her usual self, and since her husband wasn't around, she had bee a little overbearing again, dragging people along with her sudden whims.

  On the way to the throne room, whehey met servants, the tter would always bow their heads to Vanessa and Kurt. It just showed how much respect they have for them. And of course, every time other people are around, Vanessa quickly switches intraceful self.

  After walking for a couple mihey finally arrived in front of two massive doors. Although the size of the door was amazing, what was eye-catg was the crest of the royal family carved upon it.

  "Good afternoon, Lady Vanessa, Lord Kurt, His Majesty has been waiting for you."

  The knights greeted with a bow and then opehe two massive doors slowly but steadily. When they did, what greeted Grey and Yuna was a rge room with knights standing guard on both the left and right sides of the room.

  But what garheir attention the most wasn't the knights nor the faness of the room. It was the throne wherein a man in his forties sat with dignity and majesty. It was the king of Alfrione.

  Besides him were two other men. One resembled him but was much younger who was the kingdom's Prince, while the other one was someone of the same age as the king, the Prime Minister.

  Without saying anything, Vanessa and Kurt walked towards the King and when they were a certain distance from him, they both ko the ground and bowed their heads. Of course, Yuna and Grey followed suit after them.

  "Greetings, Your Majesty. We have returned with the news of pleting the task you have bestowed upon us." ［Vanessa］

  "I'm delighted to hear that. But first of all, I would like to learn the identities of the guests you have brought before me." ［King］

  "Umm... Your Majesty, they are..." ［Vanessa］

  Vanessa wao ahe King's question but there were too many people in the room. Her eyes kept looking at the knights left and right, then towards the king. She was being cautious.

  "I uand.... Knights, take your leave." ［King］

  Thankfully, the king uood what she was trying to imply and ordered the knights to give them privacy. The knights receiving the order, saluted to the king first before leaving in an orderly manner.

  When the knights were finally gone, a deafening silence swallowed the throne room. It was then that Grey and Yuna witnessed a se which they didn't quite expect to happen in front of them.

  "Agh... It's s to act that stiffly..." ［King］

  "I wholeheartedly agree, Father." ［ Prince］

  "Your Majesty, Yhness, I have to remind you that we still have gー" ［Prime Minister］

  "Galleus, did you hear something?" ［King］

  "It might have just been the wind, Father." ［Galleus］

  "Your Majesty, Yhness, please take this more seriously!" ［Prime Minister］

  "Anderson, you're just too serious. Rex a little bit, will you? Also, Vanessa, Kurt, and guests, you stand now." ［King］

  As carefree as one be, the King just simply waved his hand as he rey and pany to loosen up. Along his carefree as, the Prince was also stretg his body as if he was doing some sort of exercise.

  Far from Grey and Yuna's expectations, The King and Prince was just as rexed as Vanessa was. It shortly made them think that there was something wrong with the Kingdom's higher ups.

  For a couple of mihe edy bit between the Prime Mihe Kinh, and the Prince tinued as if there were no other people around. It wasn't until when Kurt faked a cough that they stopped.

  "Your Majesty, Yhness, Your Honor, we still have an important busio deal with if you wouldn't mind." ［Kurt］

  "Ah, right..." ［King］

  "Thank you, ander Kurt. Your intervention is as helpful as usual." ［Anderson］

  "It's my pleasure." ［Kurt］

  With Kurt's intervention, the three stopped with whatever they were doing and order came back to the throne room. From an outsider's point of view, Kurt seemed like a parent scolding his children.

  Not only that, as how it hrased by the Prime Minister, it wasn't just this time that it happehere have been tless instances in the past where Kurt had to help out just to return order betweehree.

  "So, Vanessa, who are these young guests of ain?" ［King］

  "Your Majesty, these are Grey and Yuna! The ones I told you who helped us out in subduing Iblis a couple of months ago!" ［Vanessa］

  "Ohh～! They're just like what you said, they really are young!" ［King］

  "They're even youhan I am..." ［Galleus］

  The King and Prinented as they scrutinized Grey and Yuna from the throhout even blinking o was really unfortable for the ones subjected to it, but they couldn't really act rudely towards royalty.

  Thankfully, they weren't staring at certain parts of Yuna's body. Otherwise, something ugly might have happened ihrone room. It didn't matter to Grey what their positions may be. If they look at Yuna with ill manners and iions, he will surely give them a good beating.

  'Ah, crap! I'm letting my thoughts run wildly again...' ［Grey］

  Grey had just noticed a few weeks ago, but after they became a couple, not only was he overprotective, he had also bee a little bit possessive of Yuna. Thankfully, he wasn't as impulsive as before and could duct himself properly.

  "Your Majesty, Yhness, and Your Honor. I am called Grey, it's reat pleasure to be in your presence." ［Grey］

  "And I am called Yuna, I am of the same party as Grey. I offer you my si greetings from the bottom of my heart." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, how rude of us. I am Ernes von Helvor Alfriohe King of the kingdom of Alfrione. I'm grateful for your help in the raid." ［Ernes］

  "I feel the same as my father. I am Galleus von Helvor Alfrio's o meet you, Sir Grey, Lady Yuna." ［Galleus］

  "Pardon my te introduy name is Anderson von Elbourhe kingdom's current Prime Minister. It's a great pleasure to finally meet the heroes of the kingdom." ［Anderson］

  Except Kurt and Vanessa who already knew all of the people present, oer ahey gave their own introdus and greeted one ahough it seemed simple, the people involved were all iial.

  As one would expect from being greeted casually by important figures, both Grey and Yu really nervous while doing so. After all, the people in front of them were those who had the authority to move aire kingdom.

  Yuna was especially nervous as she grew up in the aristocratic world of Merusia. While she already had the rank of "tess" after being a B-ranker, it has yet to settle in. For her, she was still a oner, and as a oner, it was burdening to the mind to greet such important figures.

  "I heard that you were able to take dopo as strong as a lesser dragon. Is that true?" ［Ernes］

  "It is, Your Majesty, but it was just due to mere luck that I mao do it." ［Grey］

  "Luck, eh... I see, I see.... But you don't o act so stiffly, you know. You be more casual towards us." ［Ernes］

  "Father's right. We already have enough serious people here. We don't need some more. It's quite tiring." ［Galleus］

  The Prince grumbled as his eyes shifted bad forth from Anderson to Kurt and then back to Grey and Yuna, obviously implying that the people he was referring to were the two of them.

  "That's right, Grey, Yuna. You act more casually in front of His Majesty and His Highness. They really won't mind." ［Vanessa］

  And of course, Vanessa didn't let herself have no say iopic. She really loved stig her o things, and she especially loved pitg i eople she cares about who were involved.

  But even though they said those words, Grey and Yuna couldn't just adapt as quickly as Vanessa could. But hearing them out did lessen the mental burden oh of them quite signifitly.

  "Then we'll do just that, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, now that's more like it!" ［Ernes］

  The King ughed heartily as soon as he saw Grey and Yuna loosen up. Rather than a King, he acted more like an uhat they had just met. Both Yuna and Grey were thankful that he was someone whom they could easily get along with.

  "Ah, right. Grey, Yuna, how would you like to be rewarded for your efforts? Would you like money, ae, a title? Just , I'll grant it if it is reasonable." ［Ernes］

  As if he just remembered, the King nontly dropped an important topic to the discussion table. The two they'll have to discuss it sooner or ter, but they didn't expect it to be brought up so suddenly.

  "Umm... Actually, Your Majesty, me and Yuna had our own personal reasons why we participated in the raid. We don't really need any rewards." ［Grey］

  "Grey's right. We only participated for our own satisfa. We really aren't heroes who should be celebrated." ［Yuna］

  Grey and Yuna's words eg throughout the throne room, the atmosphere and mood suddenly ged into a gloomy and awkward one. Su atmosphere was only brokehe King opened his mouth.

  "Revenge, guilt, eai, or whatever the reason may be, it is still a fact that the two of you participated in the raid aroyed Iblis. You may not realize it but your tributions were something which saved hundreds upon thousands of lives. No matter how you deny it, in my eyes, the both of you are heroes." ［Ernes］

  To the King's words, everyone else in the room heir heads in agreement. After all, if it weren't for the two of them participating, the raid would have been impossible. Thousands of knights and soldiers would have lost their lives.

  Grey and Yuna had always felt a little guilty for receiving credits when all they did was fulfill their own goals, but after hearing the King's words, they felt a little pride blooming iheir hearts. Pride for the things that they have done.

  "Also, we'll be losing face if you don't accept any rewards, you know. You should at least take the mohat'll be the best for all of us." ［Ernes］

  Though, such a warm moment was quickly destroyed after Ernes tinued with his statement. Well, Grey and Yuna could tell he was half-joking with it. They weren't in any way offended or insulted.

  After Grey and Yuna accepted the King's offer, a few minutes were spent thinking what kind of reward will be grao them. It was then decided that Grey and Yuna would only be taking a moary reward, like the King had previously suggested.

  They were offered the ranks of "Vist" and "Vistess", along with the territories which went along with the titles, but they refused it adamantly. The st thing Grey and Yuna wanted was to be tied to the kingdom.

  Of course, the King tried his best to vihe two, but it was futile. All it led to was his own disappoi. Though no one could really tell if he really was disappointed since he didn't even sound serious when he was doing so.

  "Is this everything we o sign, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］

  "Yeah, yeah, that's all there is to it. Though it really is a shame that I 't have you two as my vassals. Really, what a shame it is." ［Ernes］

  Even after everything was settled, the King still mentioned his previous offer in an attempt to make Grey and Yuna feel a little guilty. Well, he was already just teasing them at that point, with no shred of seriousness.

  "Ah, right. Vanessa, you said you've pleted the task I've given yht?" ［Ernes］

  As if it was as simple as breathing, the King ged the topic without much thought and shifted it to what Vanessa had been talking about earlier. Something Grey and Yuna still have no idea about.

  "I did, Your Majesty." ［Vanessa］

  "So, whehey going to start?" ［Ernes］

  "I really haven't gotten their sents yet, but you could ask them yourselves, Your Majesty." ［Vanessa］

  Vanessa responded as her eyes shifted towards Yuna and Grey. It was a sign that firmed that the two of them were going to receive a direct order from the King himself.

  Following Vanessa's eyes, the King's focus was shifted into Grey and Yuna. It took him a few seds but it immediately clicked the mome an inkling of what Vanessa was trying to say.

  "I see... They are really more than perfect for the job... So, Grey, Yuna, what do you say about being instructors for the Royal Academy's alpha csses?" ［Ernes］

  CHAPTER 73 END