Cg Creak

  North, east, south,west. The sound of a bustling m echoed throughout the city with the rise of a new day. Stores have opened up and ers have poured in. It was going to be yet another busy day.

  Different from the chirping of the birds or the fpping of curtains what they would usually hear when he was ba the Aldridge mansion, what greeted Grey now was much more chaotic, yet strangely enough, it was calming to listen to.

  As Grey looked outside the window, rather than a rge, luxurious garden, what he saw was a busy street full of people and carriages passing by. It was much livelier thareets outside the noble's district of the royal capital.

  "Mmm,.. Grey..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, the sound of the busy city was not the only thing which weled Grey in the m. A more adorable sound, or so to say, Yuna's adorable m voice called out to him as he stood by the window.

  As Grey turned around, what he saw was a sleepy Yuna who could barely open her eyes, stretg her arms open towards him. Surprisingly, even when she was still sleepy, her arms were straight and firm.

  "Hug... Give me a hug..." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, yeah, ing." ［Grey］

  As per Yuna's request, Grey approached her slowly, sat on the bed and gave her a tight hug, or rather, Yuna was the one who gave him a tight hug. Yuna embraced Grey while leaning her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeats.

  Yuna was once again in her spoiled child mode. Since Grey and her usually helped out i back at the Aldridge mansion, she couldn't really do such a thing so often. She is catg up to all the times she missed hehe increase in her giness and neediness.

  "Grey... Cuddle..." ［Yuna］

  "No, Yuna... We still have to get up..." ［Grey］

  "No! Cuddle with me!" ［Yuna］

  There was no escape. Grey wao start the day already but Yuna had other pns. Her embraly became tighter, not wanting to let go of him. Her sleepy face was gone. All that was left outing one.

  "Haah... Alright, but only for a couple of minutes, okay?" ［Grey］

  And as one would suspect, Grey didn't even put up a fight. As soon as he saw Yuna's adorable pouting face, he k was going to be a losing battle. He didn't retaliate any more ang gave in to Yuna's demands.

  A smile quickly bloomed afloat Yuna's face as she y back down on the bed, Grey in her embrace. She was like a spoiled kindergartner who didn't want to let go of their stuffed toy even for a single sed.

  It took a few minutes before Yuna became satisfied with cuddling a go of Grey. After their sweet time together, they both ed themselves with magid readied themselves for the day

  If there was ohing Grey and Yuna missed in living inside mansions, it was that they had their own private baths. To both of them, while ing with magic was very effective, it was also really unsatisfactory.

  "Right, Yuna... What would you like for breakfast?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Didn't we pay for our stay with breakfast included?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah..." ［Grey］

  It was only then that Grey once again realized they were back at the Rabbit's Den. He had grown aced to cooking their own breakfast back at the royal capital that he instinctively asked Yuna without much thought.

  "Sorry, I pletely fot." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, why are you apologizing, silly?" ［Yuna］

  "You're having fun teasing me, aren't you?" ［Grey］

  "Hehehe!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna smiling ever shtly, Grey and Yuna headed downstairs towards the dining hall. There, they were greeted by the familiar sight of ers having their breakfast with their panions, with Helen serving them their meals.

  Of course, Gerd and Selia were o be seen. They were back at the kit, cooking everybody's breakfast. It has only been more than a month since Grey and Yuna have gone away yet they couldn't help but feel nostalgic by the sight.

  "Oh, Grey, Yuna! Are you going to eat breakfast now?" ［Helen］

  "Yeah... we have three servings each?" ［Grey］

  "Three? Looks like your appetites haven't decreased during your time in the capital, huh..." ［Helen］

  "Hey, e on now. We just missed the breakfast here." ［Grey］

  "Un! I feel like I could eat a dozen meals!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna said happily, reinf Grey's statement. Although what she said was just an expression, ing from her, it really didn't sound like one. If she tries, she would most likely be able to pull it off.

  "Fttery won't get the two of you anywhere, you know? You still have to pay for the extra meals." ［Helen］

  "Yeah, yeah, we already get it, so you get our breakfast now. We're getting kind of hungry." ［Grey］

  "Alright, six sets of breakfast ing up!" ［Helen］

  As fast as ever, Heleo the kit to get breakfast frey and Yuna. In just a couple of minutes, a piping hot breakfast was served at their table. It was a sight which was sure to arouse anyone's appetite.

  ""Thank you for the meal!"" ［Grey and Yuna］

  Excitedly, Grey and Yuna took a bite of the meal in front of them. A bite leads to another and another o didn't take long befrey and Yuna fiheir meals. Both were wearing satisfied faces as they eheir meal.

  After breakfast in the "Rabbit's Den", Grey and Yuna the outside and headed to yet another familiar pce. It was the Adventurers' Guild which was already very busy even though it was still early in the m.

  As soon as Grey and Yuered, a familiar sight greeted them. Although it was a lot less smaller and grand than the guild back at the royal capital, it was much more fortable, well, it was somewhat fortable.

  The eyes of many adventurers and staff members quickly swam trey and Yuna's dire the moment they entered. Some quickly turned away their eyes, while some bore holes through them as they stared at them curiously. The tter being the new faces who just arrived at Galderia.

  If there were people happy to see them, there were only two. One was Tilda who was at the reception desks as usual, and the other was the chief dismantler, Bartolos, who was strangely also at the reception desks, and talking to Tilda heless.

  "Oh, Lad, Lass! When did the two of you return?" ［Bartolos］

  "Good m. We just arrived yesterday." ［Grey］

  "Good m, Tilda, Mister Bartolos. Long time no see!" ［Yuna］

  "o see you again, too! So, how was the royal capital?!" ［Tilda］

  Immediately, the topic shifted trey and Yuna's stay at the royal capital. Like they did with Helen, they expiheir experiehat is of course, leaving out the troublesome parts like the awarding ceremony and such.

  If there was ohing Grey and Yuna were amazed about, it was that Tilda was just chatting with them while processing the adventurers' quests. She was able to ugh and chat merrily while not making a single mistake. She was a true professional. A master of her crafts.

  "Anyway, Mister Bartolos, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be at the cold ste at this time?" ［Grey］

  "Well, there was a certain dot I wao ask Tilda regarding today's items. I was about to head back when I saw the two of you e in, and well, you already know the rest." ［Bartolos］

  "Ah, sorry for holding back." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, no worries, Lad. Then, I'm heading baow. I'm looking forward to the materials you'll bring. There haven't been any good ones since you lot, along with Kris and Aria, left the capital." ［Bartolos］

  Mumbling in a barely audible voice, Bartolos turned around and headed back to the cold ste like what he was supposed to do, leaving behind Grey, Yuna, and Tilda to their own devices.

  "Ah, right. Are you two taking any quests today?" ［Tilda］

  Asked Tilda as she looked at the two curiously. She had finished up processing the adventurers' quests and had bee free at the moment. Well, she would have free time if Grey and Yuna don't have any work for her.

  "Hmm... We just meant to say hello, but now that we're here... Should we take a few quests? What do you think, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Ughh... I don't want to... I think we've experienough excitement back at the royal capital," ［Yuna］

  Yuna protested with her face ging at the memories they had. Her rea was something only Grey uood. After all, fighting against criminals and flocks of beasts in a single day bring enough adrenaline rush to st for a lifetime.

  "Well... Seems like we won't be having any for today." ［Grey］

  "I see... But will you be taking quests tomorrow? iled up quite the amount of high-ranking quests, you see..." ［Tilda］

  Following Tilda's fingers, Grey and Yuna's eyes shifted towards the quest boards. Just like Tilda said, there were quite a number of quests D-rank and above. While not as much as the time they returned from Moterno, it was still quite a lot.

  With "Aster" and "Bck Silver" gohe rate of pletion of high-rank quests fell by a rge margin. The only ones which had been pleted were the urgent ones, and of course, it was done by her than the Guildmaster who was the stro in Galderia after the high-rankers.

  The reason why Galderia's guild had a much higher number of high-rank quests than other cities and towns was her than the presence of high-rahemselves. It was also because of it that the number of high-rank quests piles up whehey aren't present.

  The number of quests D-rank and above have reached more than 40, with k quests numbering at 5. There was even a B-rank quest whiot even the Guildmaster could clear. Thankfully, it wasn't an urgent one which could cause the loss of any lives.

  "That's... quite amazing, isn't it. The amount, I mean..." ［Grey］

  "You could say that again. Anyway, when will the two of you be taking up os again?" ［Tilda］

  "Hmm... Tomorrow, I guess...? Is that fih you too, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un. No problem." ［Yuna］

  Or so Yuna says, but her expression begged to differ. She wao spend more time rexing with Grey, but couldn't prioritize her desires. After all, they o clear the quests before they became a problem.

  Well, she quickly brightened up and looked rather excited. Rather than thinking about not being able to rex with Grey, she just thought about the amount of time she could spend with Grey adventuring and experieng hings. All Yuna needed ositive thinking.

  "Then, we'll be going now. you say hello to the Guildmaster for us?" ［Grey］

  "Okay, I'll be sure to tell him. See you tomorrow～!" ［Tilda］

  "Bye～!" ［Yuna］

  Just as suddenly as they entered, Grey and Yuhe guild without doing much. While they missed the Adventurers' Guild, the same couldn't be said for taking quests. They both decided to take a rest for the day.

  With nothing to do in mind, Grey and Yuna just wandered around the streets buying sweets from stalls from time to time. They had a date they didn't even pn to have. Evehey e heless.

  "Right... Yuna, do you want to go to the market?" ［Grey］

  "Oh? Are we buying something?" ［Yuna］

  "Not really. I just figured we'd look around. Maybe we'll find something iing. We could also buy food on the way." ［Grey］

  "Grey, you're just baitih food, aren't you?" ［Yuna］

  Yuna asked as she stared intensely at Grey's eyes. She already knew Grey for long enough to know that he uses food to lure her into somepce he wants to go to. Well, it wasn't just pces, Grey also uses it to motivate her from time to time.

  Unfortunately for Yuna, this time, Grey really just wao invite her out to the marketps attached. He just wao enjoy the day with Yuna and have as much fun with her.

  "Nope, I wasn't... Well, we could just head there and not buy any food if you want to. I'm not really hungry or anything." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... That's..." ［Yuna］

  A troubled faed over Yuna as she tried to find the right answer. While Grey didn't io tease her at first, seeing how cute her reas were, it made him rethink his decisions.

  "Hahaha, you're too serious. Just say what you want and we'll do it." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Okay... I want to eat some snacks..." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, that's more like it... My girlfriend really is cute, aren't you!" ［Grey］

  "Hey, Grey! Stop that, it's embarrassing!" ［Yuna］

  A beet red color ainted all over Yuna's ears as Grey patted her head like he would to a child. While Yuna doesn't mind such acts, she was a little embarrassed sihey were out in public.

  Fish, fruits, meat, aables. There was a lot to be seen in the market. No matter where one looked, one would find iing things. After the "Rabbit's Den" and the guild, it was Grey and Yuna's favourite pce to be in.

  Back when they were still at the capital, every time Grey and Yuna o go to the market, they would always wear cloaks to prevent them from being known. Now that they didn't hem anymore, they felt much freer and fortable. They seemed like birds who had regaiheir wings.

  Stall after stall, Grey and Yuna explored the marketpd bought the things they hey also greeted some of the vendors they knew, of which, some had given them free food just because. Something Grey and Yuna accepted happily.

  The happy expression on Grey and Yuna's faces didn't fade away as they tiheir shopping spree. The market was se that eve had already been half an hour, they still weren't able to visit every stall they wanted.

  "Yuna. What would you like for lunch?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Why so suddenly?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, we're already here at the market. Might as well buy the ingredients for lunch. It would be troublesome to head back if we fot something, after all." ［Grey］

  "You're right.... Then... Umm..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna tried to think of a dish she wanted but there was just too much that she wahat she couldn't decide immediately. From soups to fried food and even barbecue, the number of dishes that popped inside of Yuna's mind was astonishing.

  "Umm... Rice!" ［Yuna］

  "Rice...?" ［Grey］

  A puzzled expression stered on Grey's face as he looked at Yuna, who had bee red after realizing what she just said. After all, rice was already a staple on their meals. It was just pin strao request it.

  "No... That's not it... I meant steamed rice... Steamed..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna's expression only became redder as she expined herself to Grey, c her face with both of her hands as she tried to hide her flustered face like an embarrassed pure maiden that she was.

  Meanwhile, Grey only looked at her with a gentle smile on his face. His heart has taken a quite the signifit amount of damage from Yuna's ess. If it wasn't for the fact they were in public, he would have hugged her there and then.

  "Alright, steamed rice it is." ［Grey］

  Grey said as he patted Yuna's head. The tter didn't pin a little bit even whereated her again like a child. After all, if she removed her hands to stop Grey, her flustered face would be revealed. Though it was actually useless since her red ears were betraying her.

  After a couple of minutes, Grey and Yuna tiheir shopping in the market, arriving back at the "Rabbit's Den" just a few minutes past eleven. It was the perfect time to cook lunch.

  "Helen, is the kit full at the moment?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... There should still be some space. Are you going to cook again?" ［Helen］

  "Well, that and one more thing. I want to see Mister Gerd cook once again. It's been some time, after all." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, then just ask Mom or Dad for permission. And make sure to leave some for me, okay?!" ［Helen］

  "Sure thing!" ［Grey］

  Heading to the kit, Grey and Yuna noticed the ers waiting at the dining hall for lunch to be served. There were more than they could remember, signifying the inn's prosperity and growth.

  "Are you here to cook again, Grey, Yuna?" ［Gerd］

  Of course, the first oo notice Grey and Yuna's arrival was Gerd who was currently in the middle of tasting the stew he made. Following him, Selia also greeted the two with a smile blooming on her face.

  "Un! We're going to cook steamed rice!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna said enthusiastically as she raised her closed fist to the air. Her words successfully caught Gerd and Selia's attention.

  "Oh, that's the first time I've heard of it. Care to show us how it's made?" ［Gerd］

  "No problem. Then... Umm... we borrow the kit for a moment?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, o ask so timidly. Just find yourselves some spad make yourselves at home. It's not like this is the first time you've used it." ［Gerd］

  "Thank you, Mister Gerd, Missus Selia." ［Grey］

  With Gerd and Selia's permission, Grey and Yuna quickly got to work and started preparing the ingredients. There were garlic, shallots, eggs, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, starch, sugar, pepper powder, pork, beef, and of course, rice!

  First, Grey made the marih the several spices and ents. When all is mixed and dohe pork and beef were diced into small biteable pieces which was then mixed with the marinate, left to sit for about 20 minutes.

  While Grey was busy with the marinate and the meats, Yuna prepared the garlic fried rice. Like Grey, the meats she used were pork and beef. After several minutes of cooking, a golden brow fluffy fried rice was made with a rich aromatic fragrance.

  As the meat was done marinating, Grey then added oil to a cooking pan, turned on the fmes and started sautéing the shallots and garlic before adding water and the marinated pork and beef until the mixture reached a rich brown color.

  After which, a bit of soy saud sugar were added. The lid was then covered ao boil and simmer until the meat became tehe process ed up with magic as it takes almost an hour normally.

  Starch was then added when the pork and beef became teo make a gravy, only tuning down the heat when the gravy reached a thick sistency. All that was left to do was served the garlic fried rice, pce the meat stew on top, and everything was finished.

  A fragrant st filled the kit as soon as Grey and Yuna were done cooking. It has been a while sihey cooked themselves some fried rid gd that they did. Just the look of the steamed rice was enough to make one salivate.

  "Ohh～ So this is what you call fried rice..." ［Gerd］

  "It smells fantastic!" ［Selia］

  By the time Grey and Yuna had finished, Gerd and Selia also finished with their tasks and the ers in the dining hall had started to eat their lunch happily. Everyone was free now.

  "Waah～! Are we eating now?!" ［Helen］

  Of course, it also meant that Helen was now on a lunch break. As soon as she ehe kit, her eyes quickly fixated oeamed rice. Thankfully, her mother was there to scold her of her overexcitement.

  With the steamed rice done, everyone quickly ed up the kit table. While there were a lot of spaces at the dining hall, everyone unanimously agreed to eat ihe kit where it was much quieter and they could enjoy their privacy.

  """"Thank you for the meal!!"""

  Everyone's voices rang in unison as they all dug their spoons on their bowls of steamed rice. After a sie, everyone's faces bloomed brightly as they eheir meals.

  "Mmm～! This ish sho good!" ［Helen］

  "Helen, mind your manners!" ［Selia］

  "But ish just sho good! I 'sh helph it!" ［Helen］

  "Un! Un!" ［Yuna］

  The most excited ones over lunch were Yuna and Helen who couldn't help but talk eveheir mouths were full. It went without saying that they both received a scolding from Selia.

  Fun stories, warm smiles, and happy faces. Just like in their meals back at the royal capital, Grey and Yuna's meals were filled with joy. If there was ohing they wouldn't exge for anything, it was the joy of eating with others. It has bee a part of their daily lives. A life full of happiness and warmth.

  CHAPTER 114 END