Donggggg Donggggg Donggggg

  A deep resonant sound echoed throughout the whole academy and into the vast blue sky. The noises have settled down and the students have started to disperse.mIt was already te iernoon, and the time to go home has arrived.

  "Alright, that will be all for today. Any questions?" ［Grey］

  "None～" "None!" "Nothing."

  Answering Grey's question, the voices of the students overpped with one another's. The way they expressed their answers were varying but they were simir in essence. All were evidently excited to go home.

  Even though Grey put them through the wringer in the m, the students just got along with him during the afternoon. His teag style aheories were something which captured the students' attention.

  The students also learnt about spiritual energy, which other than Grey and Yuna, Eliza was the only other person to know. Linking the retionship of spiritual energy and mana to that of mags, the students were able to get a tighter grasp on mana than they previously had.

  "Then you're all dismissed. See you again tomorrow." ［Grey］

  "Bye, Instructor～" "See you tomorrow, Instructor." "Bye～!"

  Upon being dismissed, everyone in the stood up a eically with smiles blooming on their faces. Well everyone except Julius and Amelia aiting frey to up.

  The three have gotten closer after the lunch they had together. Julius and Amelia had also stopped addressing Grey and Yuna as "Instructor" when they were not in css. The same went for Elise and Eine.

  It was also revealed during their lunch that Julius and Amelia were actually eo one another. Amelia came from the Redlocke Ducal household so it wasn't strahat they have that sort of retionship.

  Thriving in an aristocratic society, political marriage between nobles isn't unon in Merusia. But even though they were tied into a political marriage at first, Julius and Amelia are lovers through and through, just as intimate as Grey and Yuna whewo of them are aloogether.

  "Grey, wanna go home with us?" ［Julius］

  "I'd like to but I still have reports to make. Also... wouldn't you hate it when other people tag along on your way home together with your fiancée?" ［Grey］

  "Hey! I'm not that petty!" ［Julius］

  Julius shed out on Grey with a flustered face. As for Amelia, she was bright red and was as ag shy as Yuna when she was also embarrassed, not being able to deny Grey's words.

  "Sure, sure, you aren't. Anyway, like I said, I really 't do that right now. I still have to meet with the Headmaster a about today's events." ［Grey］

  "Haaah... Such a shame... Then, we'll be going first. Bye～." ［Julius］

  "See you tomorrow, Grey." ［Amelia］

  "Yeah, take care." ［Grey］

  After bidding their farewells, Julius and Amelia slowly exited the room and headed to wherever they were going to head, leaving Grey aloo check the dots and make sure everything was ated for.

  As for Julius and Amelia, they were actually going to head home at first, but after Grey deed their offers, they then decided to head to the ival to have some fun. It was, of course, Julius' idea, but that's a story for another day.

  After closing up the , Grey then headed to Yuna's assigned css to get her. There, he saw her chatting friendly with Elise and Eine, as if they were in their own world. A girl's world that is.

  "Yuna." ［Grey］

  "Oh, Grey, you're here!" ［Yuna］

  "Hello, Grey." ［Elise］

  "Hello～" ［Eine］

  Yuna on the lead, the three dies greeted Grey with a wave of their hands the moment they saw him. In response, Grey also waved his hand accly as he approached them slowly.

  The way Yuna ied with Elise and Eine, one would think that they have been friends for a long time already. Although they have only known each other for less than a day, they were already addressing each other with great familiarity.

  "Are we going to the headmaster now?" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. I came to get you." ［Grey］

  "Elise, Eine, see you tomorrow～!" ［Yuna］

  "Bye, Yuna～!" ［Elise］

  "See you tomorrow～." ［Eine］

  With sweet smiles pstered on their faces, both Elise and Eine waved their hands goodbye to Yuna as they saw her ing trey. They then slowly vanished in the long hallway.

  A surge of warmth bloomed inside Grey's heart as he warmly watched the iioweehree. Yuna has mao get more friends during the first day. He felt like a proud father rather than a boyfriend.

  "Grey, is there something on your mind?" ［Yuna］

  "No, nothing. Nothing at all." ［Grey］

  Grey said as he patted Yuna's head gently, and as the person subjected to it, Yuna became a little puzzled from Grey's suddeure. But well, it was something she enjoyed Grey doing.

  "By the way, Yuna, what were you talking about with Elise and Eine before I came? You seem to be having fun." ［Grey］

  "Oh, it was about food, desserts, and some other stuff..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna answered as she ted with her fingers, recalling the topics she talked about with Elise and Eine. Yuna's eyes were sparkling brightly as she talked about it like a little child telling her mother what happe school.

  Though they all started with Eliza, whom they all kheir topics slowly shifted to other things as they got closer. And since Yuna was involved, those topics soon turo that reted to food.

  "I see... Oh, speaking of food, what would you like for dionight? Let's celebrate our first day as instructors a little." ［Grey］

  "Really?! The's have curry. hamburg steak, omelette, beef stew, fried rice, roast pork, andー" ［Yuna］

  "Wait, wait, wait! Yuna, aren't there too many?!" ［Grey］

  "Don't worry, we finish it all! Please, Grey, please～!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna pleaded with eyes full of innoce. It was something simir to Galvin and Eliza's pleas, something Grey couldn't stand against. Well, even if she didn't, Grey would still have granted her request anyway.

  Well, there was also the fact that they really could finish all of them, and si was still about 4 o'clo the afternoon, they will have all the time they o prepare and cook them. There weren't any problems.

  "Haah... Alright, I'll cook all of them, but you also have to help me out." ［Grey］

  "Yaa～ay!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna jumped for joy as soon as she heard Grey's words. If it weren't for the fact that they were still in public grounds, she would have hugged him out of pure happiness. Thankfully, she mao restrain herself.

  As frey, he was refleg on himself if he oiling Yuna too much. There weren't that many people he could pare himself to so he really wasn't sure, though he does have a feeling that he really oiling Yuna.

  After that short exge of theirs, the two of them headed to the Headmaster's office where they withe Headmaster dealing with a mountain load of paperwork on top of his desk. A familiar situation frey.

  "Sorry for the mess. I hope it doesn't bother you two too much. There's just too much work to do." ［Arnelius］

  "Don't worry, we uand your circumstances. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un. But... are you always this busy, Headmaster?" ［Yuna］

  "Not really. It's because of the terrorist attack a few weeks ago. Because of it, the paperwork that the injured instructors were supposed to finish was left to me to take care of. It's been like this ever since." ［Arnelius］

  The Headmaster said as he gently massaged his temples, a look of exhaustion evident on his haggard face. It has been weeks since he started yet there was no end in sight, only a mountain load of paperwork.

  Other than Guildmaster Althea's situation, it reminds Grey of the project he had ba Earth when he was a college student. It made him sleep deprived for days. It made him sympathize with the headmaster in his situation.

  "So... how was your first day at the academy?" ［Arnelius］

  "It was fun! The students were very obedient and attentive. I really enjoyed being an instructor today!" ［Yuna］

  "It was the same for me. Although it felt a bit weird at first, the more time passed, the more I e. It was a good experience for the both of us." ［Grey］

  "I see... I'm gd to hear that. That's the best news I've heard today." ［Arnelius］

  The headmaster still mao pull off a smile although the exhaustion on his face was evident. He was trying his best to eain Grey and Yuna, even though he looked like he might colpse at any moment.

  If it was any other instructor, the Headmaster wouldn't have done so much. Grey and Yuna ecial case, not only because they were S-rankers, but because they were assigned by the King himself. He o mind his manners with them although the two iion were fih him being casual.

  "Recuperate" ［Grey］

  Just as he did with Althea and Fritz befrey extended his hand out to the Headmaster's dire and casted recovery magic towards him, produg a warm ale light in the process.

  Mana particles exited Grey's palm and warm blobs of light formed before them. As if they were just illusions, they melted into the Headmaster's body gently, healing his tired and ag body.

  "What was tー huh...? Somehow, my body feels much lighter than before..." ［Arnelius］

  ehe Headmaster as he checked out his body by rotating his shoulders and twisting his torso left and right. He looked much more eic than before, even his facial expressions brightened up.

  "Instructrey, did you do this?" ［Arnelius］

  "Yeah, I hope it helped you out even a little." ［Grey］

  "A little? There is more than a little! Thanks to you, I am feeling much better now! It was as if my fatigue just melted away from my body." ［Arnelius］

  The Headmaster tio check out his body as he puhe air time and time again in quick succession. Of course, Grey and Yuna reminded him to not overexert himself too much.

  "I'm gd to hear that, but please don't overwork yourself just because you feel better. It would be a problem if you colpsed suddenly." ［Grey］

  "Un. Headmaster, please take care of your body." ［Yuna］

  "Hahahaha, you worry too much, you two. Don't worry, I know my body's limits better than anyone else. I'll rest whenever I have the time for it." ［Arnelius］

  The Headmaster reassured Grey and Yuna as he took his seat and temporarily set aside the paperwork on top of his table. He then invited Grey and Yuna to have a seat so that they could start their short meeting.

  For a few mihe Headmaster, Yuna, and Grey talked about some things which had occurred during their first day. The Headmaster then dismissed the two so that he could tih his work.

  "Yuna～! Grey～!" ［Elise］

  Grey and Yuna were about to head out of the Royal Academy when two familiar figures waved to them by the academy's front gates. They were Elise and Eine who looked like they were waiting for some time already.

  "I thought you two went home already." ［Grey］

  "Well, it's still some time from nightfall so we thought we'd wait for the two of you to finish and head home together. Right, Eine?" ［Elise］

  "Yes. We also wao tinue our chat with Yuna." ［Eine］

  Elise and Eine expihemselves as they approached Yuna with excited faces, obviously wanting to tiheir chat even when Grey resent. It made Grey feel a little left out.

  "Is it really okay to tinue your talk though? I'll be able to hear it if you do." ［Grey］

  "It's alright, Grey. It isn't anythi anyways." ［Elise］

  "Like I told you before, we were only talking about food and desserts. You could even join us if you want." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, that would be great!" ［Eine］

  Grey felt a little overwhelmed hearing the three dies' statements. It was so different from when Yuna chatted with Helen which was usually about romance irly things. He felt a little flicted.

  Even when Grey was still ba Earth, most of the girl talks he actally overheard were about romance ossip. It was especially true iereotypes he saw in dramas and fial works. If there was one whivolved food, it would usually be about retly famous sweets.

  Grey thought a little about it, but after remembering Yuna art of them, he immediately gave up on thinking too much about it. If there was something Grey could sider his rival for Yuna's love, it would be food. A very strong oppo.

  "Alright, I'll join you." ［Grey］

  "Great!" ［Elise］

  After agreeing to join in on their little talk, the four of them then started heading back towards the noble's district, all while chatting merrily about various topics, mostly enpassing food.

  Throughout the whole time, Grey felt a little flicted about what to feel towards Yuna's love for food. Though he k was so petty of him, he just couldn't stop feeling a little envious after seeing hht Yuna's smiles were.

  "Grey, you were the one who made the pudding, right?" ［Elise］

  "Yeah, why?" ［Grey］

  Elise's question mao pull Grey bato reality. He answered Elise's question with another question, one full of curiosity why Elise would bring up such a topic.

  "Nothing really... I'm just thinking how lucky Yuna is, being able to eat it anytime she wants..." ［Elise］

  "Right...? Uuu... I'm so jealous..." ［Eine］

  "It must have been o have a boyfriend like Grey. Right, Yuna?" ［Elise］

  "Eh, why so sudden?" ［Yuna］

  Out of nowhere, the topic shifted from something food-reted to something romaed. Although both topics had a lot of fvors, there was a signifit differeweewo.

  Hearing their words, Grey felt a little proud being plimented for his good cooking. Though he also felt a little flicted once again when a sudden thought entered his mind. A thought that his cooking was what made Yuna fall for him.

  "Yuna... You're such a beauty. It must have been easy, huh..." ［Elise］

  "Instructor! Please teach us your ways!" ［Eine］

  Eine and Elise said as they each g to Yuna's arms, making Yuna embarrassed sihey were still out in the open. And it was safe to say that they became really spicuous with their dispy.

  "Eh?! ait, please stop! It's embarrassing!" ［Yuna］

  "No, we're not letting go until you tell us!" ［Elise］

  "Y-Yeah!" ［Eine］

  Both said boldly even though it was evident in their faces that they were also pretty embarrassed. They just kept drawing more and more attention as they walked ireets with such loud voices.

  As frey, he just stayed quiet, not wanting to be involved with the girls. Having been under Vanessa's whims, he knew full well how terrifying girls could be. Unfortunately for him, his wish wasn't fulfilled.

  "By the way, Grey, how did you fess to Yuna?"［Elise］

  After interrogating Yuna, Elise and Eine focused their attention on Grey who has been keeping quiet the eime. Their eyes looked like that of predators ready to poun their prey.

  As for Yuna who was the target of their interrogation, she looked extremely worn out by what the cousins did to her. She was grasping for her breath, all while struggling to remain standing.

  "I heard you fessed in the Labyrinth of Gale." ［Elise］

  "Grey, please tell us in full detail!" ［Eine］

  Whilst asking such questions, the two of them closed in on Grey from both sides, ensuring that he wouldn't be able escape no matter where he tried to go. A temosphere came b down trey.

  "U... Umm... Please go easy on me..." ［Grey］

  Grey became powerless in front of the two. Although it just sted for less than 20 minutes, it felt like he was in hell for a long time. It made him feel tired, more exhausted than fighting in the byrinth for a whole day.

  Grey was almost colpsed to the ground when they finished. As for Elise and Eihey looked really satisfied after it. It made Grue realize how much girls loved talks and gossip. Girls were frightening in their own ways.

  "Waah～ fessing in the byrinth～ While it isn't the the most ideal pce, Yuna must have been so happy." ［Elise］

  "Aww... I also want to be fessed to, and I want a passionate one if possible! I want to experience love as well!" ［Eine］

  "I wonder how it would feel... I also want to receive one... A fession, that is... I wonder how dating feels too..." ［Elise］

  The cousins got lost in their own world as they imagined a romantic sario where they would be fessed to. Thankfully, they were already in the noble's district so there weren't that many people around.

  Seeing their as and expression, a suddeion floated above Grey's mind. It was something he had wohe moment Elise and Eierrogated Yuna, and solidified after seeing their current state.

  "Hm? Don't you have fiancés, Elise, Eine?" ［Grey］

  The moment Grey's questi inside Elise and Eine's ears, the two immediately froze as if they were statues and their eyes ged into a different color as some tears formed. Grey had stepped on a ndmine.

  While nobles usually get e an early age, not all noble households follow this culture. The Geldoria and Landevar households were a good example of this. They were families who usually married ter than their peers.

  Elise and Eine's parents wahem to marry someohey love, which is good for them. But in exge, they weren't allowed to date until they finish with their studies and graduate.

  To two teenage girls who were dreaming of romance, such a ditioed in them being siheir whole lives. Evehey were very beautiful, it was no use sihey weren't even allowed to date.

  Of course, there were boys who fell for them, but being the prideful hat they were, they didn't have any ce to fess to them. The reason was simple, it was because Elise and Eine were at the top of their years. They couldn't reach them no matter how hard they tried.

  While Elise and Eihink it's unfair to them, there was nothing they could do other thaheir parents and work hard. Though because of them w hard, the gap between them and the boys chasing after them only became rger. It was an endless cycle.

  Grey received the brunt of Elise and Eine's frustration as tears trickled down the faces of the two dies. Grey had brought up something he shouldn't have, and suffered because of it.

  "Grey, there are things you shouldn't bring up so carelessly. A maiden's heart is very fragile, you know?" ［Elise］

  "That's right, Grey! You shouldn't bring up such topics so easily!" ［Eine］

  "S... Sorry..." ［Grey］

  For several minutes, Grey was scolded by Elise and Eihout break. And while he was being subjected to that, Yuna only remained quiet in the background as she too uood where Eine and Elise were ing from.

  It was on this day that Grey learnt how he should be careful with his words, especially around girls. He once agai how terrifying women be in ways more than one.

  CHAPTER 81 END