Cafes, stores, eateries, stalls, pubs, residences... A myriad of buildings with different purposes and personalities are lined up ly along the streets. No matter where one looks, it would always be full of color. Such was the city of Galderia.

  Across such a rge city, there was a certain inn, its signboard engraved with a little rabbit's figure. Inside, merry chatters and ughter echoed as the people ied with one another, smiles blooming on their faces.

  It was already evening, and as such, the time for dinner had arrived. People occupied the seats and filled the dining hall. Along with their panions, they eheir dinner whilst having a hearty chat. It was a very lively sery.

  Creeakkkk

  The door opened aered was a man wearing a brown jacket and a hat c his bald head. He was a little oubby side with a rge mustache on his face, humming to himself cheerfully as he headed to the ter.

  The man was a mert who was from aown, arriving at Galderia on his way back from the royal capital. After arriving te iernoon, he immediately headed to the "Rabbit's Den", the pce he always stays at on such travels.

  "Good evening, how maー Oh, Mister Bekim! It's been some time! Are you staying for the night again?" ［Helen］

  "Ohohoho! A long time it was, and looks like our little Helen has grown up prettier again." ［Bekim］

  "Hehe, it's been almost a year, after all. Should I call Dad over?" ［Helen］

  "Hohoho, there's no here's no need. I'm sure he's still busy cooking right now. Instead, could I get the usual room again, and oh! I'll also have dinner and breakfast along it." ［Bekim］

  "Yeah, got it!" ［Helen］

  With his name written on the register, Bekim paid the cost upfront before heading to the dining hall. A smile was afloat his face as he did so, pg his jacket and hat on top of the table as he sat on his chair.

  Bekim was an old friend of Gerd back when they were still ieenage years, and even though they barely have any taymore, they still remained in one anood graces and chatted when they could. It was also the reason why Helen was familiar with him. He was like an uo her.

  It didn't take too long before dinner was served. One could easily ihat it had just been cooked from the steam ing out of it. It was the "Rabbit's Den's" specially, the "Gold-spotted Boar Stew" which all ers love and enjoy.

  "Ohohoho! It's been a long time since I've tasted this!" ［Bekim］

  "Oi, Bekim, aren't you fetting something." ［Gerd］

  ented Gerd as he brought over the meal to Bekim. An arched brow could be seen on his face as he asked such a question, clearly trying to intimidate Bekim a little bit.

  "Hohoho, gd to see you again, Gerd. Looks like you've grown ain. How have you been, my friend." ［Bekim］

  "Ha, speak for yourself! Haven't you gotten fatter again? And I've been well, thanks for asking." ［Gerd］

  "Well, well, it's a product of living a good life. By the way, how are things going for the inn? It seems like it has bee livelier than before." ［Bekim］

  "Fortunately, yeah. Business has been goiely. ers have been ing here and there and we are earning quite a good amount." ［Gerd］

  Gerd responded as he pulled the chair parallel to Bekim, seating himself on it. He was already done cooking i and it was time for him to rest before eating dinner with his family.

  "Anyway, how was the royal capital? I heard things went crazy this year." ［Gerd］

  "Hohoho, crazy it was. There were a lot of ued things that happened. So far, it was the most iing time of my life." ［Bekim］

  "Iing, you say... I heard there was a terrorist attad you could still smile like that, huh... Really, what a crazy guy you are." ［Gerd］

  "Well, we do need excitement from time to time. And it wasn't really that dangerous. With the heroes present, the eood no ce at all! Hohoho!" ［Bekim］

  Bekim tinued soft ay ughter as he took another bite of his dinner. Meanwhile, Gerd was in serious thought about what Bekim said, trying to uand what the former was trying to vey.

  For the past week, Gerd has heard tless rumarding what happe the royal capital. From an ued awarding ceremony, to a terrorist attack, a beasts horde, and much more. So many things happened over such a short amount of time that he found it hard to believe it all.

  Perhaps what was most surprising was that even with how severe the attacks were, there was not a single person who died. It was nothing short of a miracle which just couldn't be expined with the presence of some heroes.

  "Hey, Bekim, these... uhh... heroes... Have you met them?" ［Gerd］

  "Hohoho, what are you talking about? They are like stars in the sky! While you watch them from afar, it's nigh impossible to approach them." ［Bekim］

  "Then, what do you know about them?" ［Gerd］

  "Hmm... Let's see..." ［Bekim］

  Short and simple, Bekim told Gerd about the publiformation about the heroes. While he was doing some he looked very enthusiastid cheerful just like a fanboy talking about his idols.

  First, he described two of Alfrione's highest-ranking military officers. It was Vanessa and Kurt who were well-known high-rankers despite their young age. They were already famous in the kingdom and became even more so after the i.

  was another pair. It was the adventurers Kris and Aria who were based at the city of Galderia. Being in the same city as them, Gerd was easily ied in them as he had also seen them before.

  "Ohh... Lord Kris and Lady Aria, huh... It does seem possible when you think about it. To think Galderia is now home to two of those heroes... It feels a little strange..." ［Gerd］

  "Well, well, I could say the same. I was actually hoping to meet them today, but sadly, I've arrived too te, I probably won't have another ce." ［Bekim］

  "That's true... Hm? Wait, wasn't there supposed to be six heroes? Who are the st two?" ［Gerd］

  A rge smile quickly appeared on Bekim's round face, spannio ear as Gerd asked the question. He looked even happier than wheold stories about the other four. He couldn't even stop himself from ughing softly.

  "Hey, what's with that annoying ugh?" ［Gerd］

  "Hohoho, you wouldn't uand my friend. You see... I had the honor of seeing the two of them up close! They were like pieces of art I couldn't help but admire. To top it all off, they were S-rankers as well! They were truly figures of beauty and power! True masterpieces!" ［Bekim］

  An excessive praise came running out of Bekim's mouth as he described what he saw of the two remaining heroes. Rather than heroes, it was obvious that he was revering them heavily. A true fanboy!

  Gerd couldn't help but feel flicted about his friend's current as. While he was happy for him that he found people to admire, he couldn't help but feel the sed hand embarrassment as he sang praises for them. He was garnering the attention of everyone in the dining hall.

  "And one more thing, my friend! I heard they are residing in Galderia as well!" ［Bekim］

  "Oh! Really?!" ［Gerd］

  "Yes, yes, from what I know, their names wereー" ［Bekim］

  "Mister Gerd, we're back." ［Grey］

  Bekim was about to reveal the names of the heroes when suddenly, Grey and Yuna suddenly stepped foot into the dining hall. Seeing their faces, Bekim couldn't help but be frozen in pce. He etrified.

  As frey and Yuna, both were looking a little tired. They had just e back from their respective guilds after delivering the orders they took and were wanting to have a warm and delieal.

  It has been a few days since Grey and Yuered as a bcksmith and alchemist respectively, and in the past few days, they have pleted quite the hefty amount of orders. They have already started to build reputations in their guilds.

  Of course, they also took up adventurer quests and spent time with one another every time possible. In fact, sihe requests are usually quiake, Grey and Yuna had been having lots of piiside the "Sanctuary". They have spent their times with them being lovey-dovey with each other.

  "Oh, wele back, you two. Are you having dinner now?" ［Gerd］

  "Un! We'd love to!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright... Just wait a little moment. We'd also be joining you." ［Gerd］

  "Then, we'll also help take out the meals." ［Grey］

  "Oh, thanks." ［Gerd］

  Leaving behind the frozen Bekim, Gerd, along with Grey and Yuna, headed to the kit to retrieve quite a number of dishes. As Grey and Yuna were known big eaters, there were a lot of ptes present, full of delicious dishes.

  Amongst the bowls present, the most eye-catg one was the one taining rice. Havien together for months already, it has already bee a habit to eat with it. No meal was plete without it.

  Sadly, there wasn't enough rice to serve it on the menu. Only Gerd and his family had the pleasure to eat ri a daily basis. Although the other ers were also curious about it, they didn't ask any questions.

  "Hey, Bekim, we'll be joining you oable. Is that alright with you?" ［Gerd］

  "Ah, ye-yesー No, wait! That isn't it!" ［Bekim］

  All of a sudden, Bekim smmed his hands oable and quickly stood up without warning. His sudden outburst shocked Gerd and pany, as well as gathered the attention of the other ers.

  Following his outburst, with heavy steps, he approached Grey and Yuna, making the two more than fused about what was happening. Shortly after, he bowed his head in a 90 degree position as if he ologizing to someone.

  "I-It's a pleasure to finally meet you up close, Yhnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna. I am called Bekim. P-Please let me have the pleasure of shaking your hands!" ［Bekim］

  Yelled Bekim as he extended one of his hands to the two youths in front of him. It was only then that Grey and Yuna uood what was happening. They then started sweating as they both felt a bad premonition.

  Meanwhile, Gerd and his family, along with the other ers, fell into fusion with what was happening. All the ers' have stopped eating their dinner as their eyes were fixated to the three.

  "N... No... You got the wrong people..." ［Grey］

  "There is no way I would've gotten it wrong! I could still remember Their Highnesses' figure aiding people on the ival as clear as day! The heroes of Alfriohere is no way I could fet!" ［Bekim］

  "N... No... That... That could have been anyone. Bck hair isn't unon, after all..." ［Grey］

  "That may be so, but I wouldn't fet the glint in your amethyst-colored eyes! The way they gleamed as you looked at the horizon, they are even brighter than jewels themselves!" ［Bekim］

  Grey tried to deny Bekim's cims, but Bekim was too stubborn. Yuna even helped out but it only made things worse. Every time they tried to deny things, Bekim always had a eback.

  "Grey, Yuna... Don't tell me... The reason why you went to the royal capital... Was it for the awarding ceremony...?" ［Gerd］

  To Gerd's questioher Grey nor Yuna could aheir eyes only swam in different dires as they tried to escape Gerd's pierg gaze. It only made the two of them look even muilty.

  "Wait! Are you really the heroes Bekim has been talking about?!" ［Gerd］

  "Hohoho, I've told you my friend, my eyes are never wrong!" ［Bekim］

  "Grey, Yuna, we need expnations!" ［Helen］

  Chaos quickly desded in the dining hall as Bekim's cims were proven true. As people matched Grey and Yuna's description to rumors they have heard, they only became more vinced.

  In the end, Grey and Yuna were interrogated a lot by Gerd and pany, squeezing them dry of every siail. They once again tried to deny some things but they were easily caught. There was no esg.

  Bekim also mao get himself a handshake and autographs from Grey and Yuna. Following him, the other ers also politely asked about the same thing from them. Needless to say, it was a very tiring day. They were very tired; they didn't even ge clothes when they went to bed.

  ...

  Donggg Donggg Donggg

  The first bell's resonant sound has once again covered the ey. A new m has arrived and with it, the busy days of the city folk have started once again. It was yet another lovely day.

  Chatter Chatter Chatter

  Rather than the bustling sound of a busy city, what greeted Grey and Yuna in the m was the indistinct chattering of people. Although it was still very early in the m, the loud noises were already loud enough to pare to the market at its busy hours.

  "Hm? What's happening?" ［Grey］

  Curious about the cause of such a otion, Grey slowly stood up ahe bed, not even stretg his hands out. Yuna was still half asleep, also woken up by the same noise just like Grey was.

  Slowly, Grey approached the window to see where the noise was ing from. The very moment he moved away the curtains and watched outside, a surprising se greeted him, surprising enough to wake him up.

  Hundreds of people crowded the streets outside, waiting for the "Rabbits's Den's" opening. While Grey didn't want to admit it, he already had a hunch what happened. It was something he didn't want to think about.

  "Hm...? Grey, whash happeningh..." ［Yuna］

  Yuna, still half-asleep, followed behind Grey and then hugged the tter from behind. Shortly after, she peeked outside the window, her head barely visible from outside, and just like Grey, she was quickly surprised by the otion.

  "G-Grey... Don't tell me..." ［Yuna］

  "Nah, there's no wayー" ［Grey］

  "Ah! It's Their Highnesses!"

  "Huh?! Where?! Where?!"

  "Look! There they are!"

  Grey couldn't even finish his words. The moment a person spotted them peeking from the window, the others quickly followed and called out to them. With it, their suspis were firmed. They quickly closed the curtains in reflex.

  After yesterday night's otion, rumors have quickly spread throughout the city, and with Grey and Yuna being known high-rankers in the Adventurers' Guild, the people became ined to believe it.

  It was like a wildfire. In just a single night, thousands upon thousands of people have already heard word of it. Thousands more are also hearing the rumors which are spreading faster and faster, hehe current situation.

  Knooock

  While they were still baffled about the current situation, a sudden knog came resounding from the door. When Grey ope, Bekim greeted them with a troubled expression on his face.

  "Yhnesses... I'm really sorry about what happened yesterday! Because of my carelessness, rumors have already spread throughout the city! Truly, I'm really, really sorry!" ［Bekim］

  Just like how he bowed to greet Grey and Yuna the day before, now, Bekim once again bowed his head in a 90 degree position. But rather thaing, this time, it was for an apology over his blunder.

  All there was was siy when Bekim spoke his words. He really didn't mean any harm to befall Grey and Yuna. He had already reflected on his as and knew where he went wrong.

  "No, it's alright, Mister Bekim. Please raise your head." ［Grey］

  "B-But... Because of meー" ［Bekim］

  "Mister Bekim, we don't bme you. This was bound to happen anyway. It's just that it was earlier than we had expected." ［Grey］

  Grey reassured Bekim as he once again looked at the window. Even when he had already closed the curtains, he could still hear the loud chattering of the curious people. In fact, it seemed to have gotten louder.

  "Hm? Mister Bekim, are you leaving already?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, yes... Though it's a shame, I o take my leave today. I would have loved it if I could spend more time here though." ［Bekim］

  A lonely smile was about Bekim's face as he said those words. It wasn't only Grey and Yuna, he also wao spend more time with Gerd and his family. Unfortunately, he doesn't have the luxury to.

  "Ah, right. Mister Bekim, when you head down, you tell Mister Gerd that we won't be having breakfast for today. And also, please tell him we're sorry for causing a otion so early in the m." ［Grey］

  "Oh, that would be very simple. But how about Yhnesses, won't you be having a hard time?" ［Bekim］

  "Don't worry, we'll figure something out. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un! It will be a piece of cake!" ［Yuna］

  Seeing the smile of reassuran Yuna's face, Bekim felt forted and more fident they would be able to get through it. After all, they were heroes who could crush a very rge horde of beasts in an instant. There was nothing they couldn't do.

  "Hohoho, then I'll be heading out now, Yhness. Please have a wonderful day." ［Bekim］

  "Yeah, we sure will." ［Grey］

  "Un! Bye～!" ［Yuna］

  Waving his hand goodbye, Bekim slowly walked away and desded dowairs. Grey and Yuna were left behind their own room to figure things out.

  "Grey, what should we do?" ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... I don't kher. Well, it'll probably die down in a few days or so... Why don't we have breakfast first before we worry about it?" ［Grey］

  "Un! Sure!" ［Yuna］

  With nothing else to do, Grey took out a number of dishes from his "Iory" for him and Yuna to eat. Meanwhile, Yuna utilized pnt magic to create a simple table and chairs for them to dine on.

  Unfortunately frey, his predis were far from true. A few days have already passed yet the crowd of people outside showed no signs of dying down, rather, they even increased in numbers.

  Grey and Yuna had tried sneaking out into the market once, with their cloaks on, but it only caused a otion one of the vendors noticed their identities. With hoeople there were, it would just be an uatement to say they were swarmed, they were swallowed by a flood of people.

  Of course, some soldiers and knights tried to stop the otion, but after finding out Grey and Yuhere, they also joined in, making things more chaotic. Ever siheher Grey nor Yuna had e out of the inn.

  Even ihe "Rabbit's Den", people were waiting for them. Some people were even looking at the stairs, waiting frey and Yuna to e down. It has e to the point that it affected the nearby establishments.

  Thankfully, Gerd was siderate enough to not let any new ers rent the inn. After all, from the people eating alohey were already busy enough and also earned a lot of money.

  "Grey, how does it look?" ［Yuna］

  "No luck at all. They're still there, waiting." ［Grey］

  "I see..." ［Yuna］

  Following his previous mistake of opening the curtains, Grey has been using his "Divine Eyes" to peek outside the window. Just like the days before, there were still tons upon tons of people waiting outside.

  "Haah... I feel sorry for Mister Gerd and everyone..." ［Grey］

  "Un... If only we could take their attention somewhere else..." ［Yuna］

  "Right, if only weー" ［Grey］

  Grey fell into deep thought upon realizing Yuna's words. A sudden idea popped inside his head. An idea which might not resolve the problem, but will at least lessen the burden on the affected people.

  Sooner or ter, it was already meant to happen. It was only now that Grey realized how important su asset was. Endless ideas flooded Grey's mind as he thought of the things he could do with it.

  He could have his own kit, a rger bedroom, a rexing living room, and even a bathtub. There were endless possibilities. More importantly, he could act more lovey-dovey with Yuna! There was er option.

  "Yuna... Why don't we buy a house?" ［Grey］

  ".... Eh?" ［Yuna］

  CHAPTER 119 END