The market was lively and noisy, various ers and merts haggling over the prices and some buying in bulk. The shimmer of s glimmered all over the pce as the exges were made, bronze, silver, gold, and many more.

  In the er of the market, the fresh ahy st of herbs wafted through the air. Various leaves, sprouts, fruits, roots, and flowers be seen everywhere, all ing in different shapes and sizes, sts calming and refreshing.

  It was a wonderful haven for alchemists and herbalists, many of them going around the pd pig out the herbs they needed. Some were even fighting over the rare ones and are peting to see who offer a higher price. It was a lively pce.

  "Do you really have no more Heller Sprouts, Mister?" ［Yuna］

  "I'm sorry, Yhness, but the stock has been low on herbs retly. Especially the ones which had to be imported from ions."

  "Then what about Jabra or Mikumiku?" ［Yuna］

  "I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid it's also difficult to acquire them at the moment. Even if you go to aall, it would be the same, Yhness."

  Yet one figure stood out the most among them, now wearing a troubled expression on her face as she tried searg for the herbs she needed. It was already the 13th stall, but her efforts have yet to bear fruit.

  "Haah... There's nothing we do about it if that's the case... I'll be buying these ohen. you package them for me?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course! It's always a pleasure doing business with you, Yhness!"

  The stall owner on cloud nine, his mustache springing up as he smiled. He then packaged the herbs Yuna picked aly stacked them on top of one another whilst humming as if he just wotery.

  It has been a couple of days sinain protagonists took the Haunted Forest iigation, and during those days, a couple things happened. For once, Yuna's products were now out in the market, and ahing, she has reached Tier-5 in enting. It py feat.

  Aside from those events, things have been normal as usual... Well, it was normal until Yuna realized that she was g some herbs ao panic. Her panicked scream even echoed all over the empty neighborhood.

  Though Yuna has an abundance of ingredients ie ring from her h during their quests, there are still some which she could only get her hand off in the market. The ones which grow only in specifiviros.

  Specialty products of a region are especially annoying to get as most of them take a few to several days to be restocked. It was an obstacle whily hindered Yuna's pursuit of alchemy. It was truly a hassle, that's for sure.

  "Here you go, Yhness."

  "Un, thank you. I'll be back again." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she received he purchased items from the vendor and headed out soon enough. She then waved her hand and stored the tents to her ste ring before heading to aall to search for the aforementioned ingredients.

  One... Two... Three... Four... And many more. Yuna headed from stall to stall and asked around for the same ingredients, but the result was always the same. Ead every stall she went to didn't have them as if there was some sort of she.

  What's even more troubling was that those ingredients are the main ingredients to make the detoxification potions she was trying to coct. And they also don't have any alternative ingredients, making things even more troubling for her.

  "Oh, Grey! Did you find anything?" ［Yuna］

  "Sorry... I tried to ask as many people as possible, but... There's just nothing more of the ingredients you listed. I only found the more on ones." ［Grey］

  The young man could only shake his head from his beloved's question. He had also been searg for the materials and ingredients Yuna listed but just couldn't seem to find them like the tter. Both their trips were unfortunate.

  "No, it's okay. I also asked the other merts and they said they're having a she of imported herbs right now." ［Yuna］

  "Yeah. It seems like there's some sort of problem with the northern routes so items and products are moving slower than usual. They said it might take a couple weeks before the problem could be resolved." ［Grey］

  "A couple weeks, huh... That's too long..." ［Yuna］

  "I know, but we 't really predict things like these would happen nor we help out when we don't even know what's happening. We're just unlucky." ［Grey］

  "Uuu.... But my alchemy..." ［Yuna］

  The young elf's ears drooped down as she said such words, looking like a dejected puppy. After all, other than her daily life with Grey, adventuring, and cooking, it was the thing she looked forward to the most. It wasn't just a hobby, but a lifestyle.

  Well, it's nor like Grey couldn't uand her. After all, if he suddenly gets less ores and materials for his bcksmithing, he would be bummed out too. Fortunately, he still has enough supply from the od gave him during his reination.

  "Now, now, don't be too sad. Why don't we head to the Alchemists' Guild? Maybe they have some herbs there for sale." ［Grey］

  "But I already did... And they have none as well..." ［Yuna］

  "Hmm... Then how about we ask the Guildmaster? Maybe she has some in her personal iory. We might be able to borrow some." ［Grey］

  "... You're right! There's also that, isn't there?! You're a genius, Grey!" ［Yuna］

  It took a little while to load, but when Yuna finally uood Grey's words her eyes immediately brightened up and her ears perked up at the same time. She was ed as be, a bright smile blooming on her lovely face.

  "What are you waiting frey?! e o's go!" ［Yuna］

  Enthusiastic as be, Yuna then grabbed Grey by the wrist and headed towards the Alchemists' Guild whilst she skipped her steps. Each of her steps resounded like a tune pying in the wind, a cheerful melody dang in the air.

  It wasn't long before they arrived at their destination, a cacophony of noises greeting them as the alchemists wandered all over the pce. There were also the timely and smoky explosions resounding from the boratories, result of failed experiments.

  There was a long line in front of them, all reception desks filled with busy alchemists and ers, people buzzing about as they went on their requests, both big and small, and the receptionists hahem with bright smiles on their faces.

  "Waah～! There sure are a lot more people than usual... Is this also because of the she, I wonder?" ［Yuna］

  "Probably... Though I didn't think there would be so many of them..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It has nothing to do with us, though!" ［Yuna］

  Fortunately, Grey and Yuna didn't o fall in line and wait. With Yuna's reputation not only as a hero, and also a Tier-8 alchemist, she could directly request a meeting with the Guildmaster. The perks of the upper ranks.

  All they o do was show their guild cards, and the employee immediately let them ihe office spaces. It wasn't the first time they headed there so Grey and Yuna already knew where to go, their footsteps eg in the empty hallways.

  Clop Clop Clop... Knooock

  "Guildmaster, it's Yuna. we e in?" ［Yuna］

  They arrived at the innermost door and the footsteps soon stopped before it. What followed after it was a series of knocks as Yuna knocked on the door, still wearing ahusiastic smile, her soft voice eg soon after.

  "Oh! Yuna! Sure, e inside! Is Grey also with you?" ［Rina］

  "Un! We decided to drop by since we wao ask you something." ［Yuna］

  Click Cck Creaaakkkkkk

  Yuna opehe doors and the two of them went ihe Guildmaster's office. It was all and tidy, only a few decorations along the walls and her desk. And far back was the Guildmaster, taking a break from cheg the dots.

  Well, rather than taking breaks, it was more like she was zing around again, leaving most of the work to the Vice Guildmaster. pared to her father, who was very much a hard worker, she was quite the free spirit, sg around whenever she could.

  "Oh my, you have a question for me? That's rare..." ［Rina］

  "There's just something we were curious about... Do you perhaps have some spare Heller sprouts lying around, Guildmaster?" ［Yuna］

  "Heller sprouts... I see... So that's what this is all about..." ［Rina］

  It didn't take too long before the Guildmaster caught up with what Yuna was about and nodded her head along with her words. She then made a troubled expression, trying to figure out how to best respond to Yuna's question.

  After all, she was the Alchemists' Guild's Guildmaster. She was the one who knew best the ey of alchemy produot only in Galderia, but the whole territory as well. She knew full well about the she of herbs which was affeg not only the alchemists but the ers as well.

  Sihe g herbs are used mostly in higher rank alchemy, the situation wasn't so dire that it would cause an emergency. However, it was a bother to many of the higher ranked alchemists, especially her and Yuna.

  "I do have some Heller Sprouts..." ［Rina］

  "Really?!" ［Yuna］

  "Well, yes... But... I hem for a request a t made, so I don't really have a leeway to spare some... Sorry, Yuna..." ［Rina］

  "Ah, no... It's okay, Guildmaster. I uand." ［Yuna］

  Yuna's short burst of happiness aement was quickly extinguished when the Guildmaster finished her words. She also asked about different herbs, but the result remaihe same, with some not even the Guildmaster has access to.

  If there was any good news, it was that the Guildmaster was able to give them aimate as to how long it would take before everything would return back to normal. Fortunately, it would only take a little over a week at most.

  "Ah! But if you're in a hurry, since you're S-rankers, why don't you sprint towards the Royal Capital instead? That wouldn't be a problem, wouldn't it?" ［Rina］

  "The Royal Capital...? 't we just go to a nearby town?" ［Yuna］

  "Well, you could, but the Royal Capital is much different. You see, all trade routes in the try pass through there so there would be a high ce that they have these herbs there. You might even be able to find more as well!" ［Rina］

  The Royal Capital, the heart of the Kingdom. Not only is it located geographically he ter of the Kingdom, it is also the biggest city due to the fact that all main trade routes verge there, ing far and wide.

  Be it marine products, ones from a forest, food and crops, luxury items, and even merdise from fn nations, they all head there eventually ale down there for quite some time. It wasn't a capital for no reason, after all.

  The only problem here was if the route towards the capital was also affected by the current crisis. If that's the case then going there would only be a waste of time.

  "Okay! Thank you for the suggestion, Guildmaster!" ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! You're more than wele. You ask me for adviytime." ［Rina］

  Well, not that it matters to Grey and Yuna anyway. With "Gate" at their disposal, what would normally take 2 weeks to travel would easily be bridged in an instant. What's more, they were also pnning to visit the Little Princess so it was just perfect,

  Yuna's mood bounced back to a happy one, a smile blooming ba her face. She and Grey thahe Guildmaster once again, before heading out of the officeー or so they were about to. When suddenly, the Guildmaster stopped them.

  "Now that I think about it... Yuna, you never mentioned what yoing to make with those ingredients, didn't you?" ［Rina］

  "U... Un,,,? Is something the matter, Guildmaster?" ［Yuna］

  "Fufufu! No, no, nothing at all～! I'm just curious, you see～!" ［Rina］

  Or so she says, but the smile on her face tells otherwise. She was exuding a cheerful aura, but Grey and Yuna could only feel danger from that beautiful smile or hers. It was a smile they have already seen tless times. It was danger.

  "I-I see... Then, we'll be taking our leave now, Guildmasterー Eh?" ［Yuna］

  Yuna tried to escape as soon as she sensed suinous premonition, but it was already far too te. The moment Yuna tried to open the door, it wouldn't even budge as if there was some sort of entment applied to it.

  It didn't take them long to realize that the door was remotely locked with the use of a magic tool. It wasn't evehe st time they visited, and the Guildmaster doesn't really need a real reason to install o was all for this one moment.

  "Now, now, why are you in a hurry? Let's talk for a little bit, shall we?" ［Rina］

  It was already over before it even started. With no way out without exposing their abilities or destroying the drey and Yuna could only (forcibly) ply with the Guildmaster's wishes, taking their seat as the tter served them tea.

  The teapot and teacups suddenly appeared out of nowhere, piping hot steam ing from the tea as the Guildmaster poured them. She also prepared some cookies which she pulled from God-knows-where, a brilliant smile on her face.

  Of course, as one would expect, what the Guildmaster described as a "little bit" was actually one which spanned several hours, her eyes sparkling a dangerous glint as seen in madmen as she asked Grey and Yuna several questions about alchemy.

  "Guildmaster, may I ask what you're doing...?" ［Aldean］

  "A-Ah! Aldean! Th-This is a misuanding! I-I was doing my work, you know?! I promise I wasn't skipping out!" ［Rina］

  "Hahaha. Is that so...? Then why are there still unsigned dots on your table? you please expin this to me, Guildmaster?" ［Aldean］

  If it wasn't for the Vice Guildmaster intervening, they would have been in the offiuch lohe Guildmaster tried to reason out, but Aldean was firm on his point, not budging even a si after all her pleas and excuses.

  Moreover, Aldean was also extremely angry that the Guildmaster skipped wain, his heart boiling with rage and irritation all ain for the 4th time this week. And it was still the 2nd day... The world really is filled with crazy people...

  "You might see something unsightly, Yhnesses, so I plead that you leave the office right now. This is all for your own good." ［Aldean］

  "A-Ah, yeah... Thanks, Mister Aldean..." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Anytime, Yhnesses. Anytime..." ［Aldean］

  There was a bright ale smile on his face, but the look in his eyes only begged to differ. As soon as they closed the door, the wails of the Guildmaster echoed all over the Guild, everyone hearing jt loud and clear. It was age.

  Just like that, Grey and Yuna's day ended and they headed bae with empty hands. her of the two wao remember the se that just transpired before them, burying suightmares with a delicious dinner made with love,

  The day quickly arrived, and the trepared themselves. It was now time to visit the capital again, not only to py with the Little Princess, but also to check out the market in the Royal Capital. Yuna was especially excited.

  "Fufufu! Brown hair also suits you, huh, Grey? You look so handsome!" ［Yuna］

  "Thanks. You look beautiful as well, Midy." ［Grey］

  Of course, as they were going to the Capital, Grey and Yuna had already disguised themselves with illusion magic. Yuna's eyes were now red and her hair was bck. Meanwhile, Grey has chestnut colored hair and green eyes. Still the two looked as geous as they usually are.

  They also veiled their faces with illusion magiake it hard to remember them, and also made sure to ge their voices as well. It was the perfect disguise with every yer of security they hey could go all out and free as be!

  "Then, shall we head out now, Midy?" ［Grey］

  "Un! I'll be in your care again, Sir Grey." ［Yuna］

  Pying around a little bit, Grey theended his arms and opened yet anate before them. The two stepped i the same time and light swallowed their sight. The voices soon faded away, and there was only silence left,

  The two opeheir eyes and ay alleyway greeted the two of them. It didn't look particurly beautiful or remarkable, but the bustling noises outside the alleyways was unmistakably the bustling noises of the capital. They have arrived.

  "Grey! Let's go! Let's go buy some herbs!" ［Yuna］

  "W-Woah! Yuna, calm down a little bit." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Sorry, I just got a little too carried away!" ［Yuna］

  Excitement blooming radiantly on her face, Yuna then headed out the alleyway and Grey followed after her. The gentle sunlight and the lively noises of the crowd greeted them as they went out, a busy and buzzing market served before them.

  Yuna didn't waste any more time and turned her head left and right, only stopping as soon as she spotted some stalls which sold herbs. She grabbed Grey by the wrist once again and dashed excitedly like a puppy let loose in a park.

  "Mister, do you sell Heller Sprouts here?!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! What a lively young ss! And yes, you're in luck, we do sell Heller Sprouts here! How much do you want, Miss?"

  "Waah～! Th-Then I'll be taking all of them!" ［Yuna］

  "Ohh～!! Looks like we have ahusiastic alchemist over here! Then, please wait a little while, I'll make sure to package your items shortly."

  They struck the gold pretty quickly, able to get some Heller Sprouts on the first stall. The stall owner quickly got a paper bag and put inside all the Heller Spouts he had, and weighed them all, a priamed soon after.

  The price was on the higher side, but sidering the market, it was uandable. The stall owner wasn't trying to fool them either as proved by Grey's "Judgement". A couple bronze s ked as Yuna handed over the payment.

  "Ah, right! Do you also have Jabra, Mikumiku, Koleras' fern, artail?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah... About them, I'm afraid you won't get any around these parts, Miss. They say there's some problem irade routes so we're low on stock. Sorry."

  Unfortunately. Heller Sprouts were the only one which was in stock. Yuna's bright and cheerful smile quickly whitened as soon as she heard the news, her soul leaving her body from the shock, both frozen and speechless.

  They went around the other stalls, and got themselves some more herbs, however, what they got was far from enough for what Yuna needs in her experiments. They were barely a tenth of what she needed, some they only got a couple pieces of.

  They tried to head out to different districts of the Royal Capital and eveered theA

  Alchemists' Guild, but their situation only improved by so much. As it seems, the route towards the Royal Capital was heavily affected as well.

  "Uuu... This is the worst... I didn't eveo buy so much..." ［Yuna］

  "Now, now, don't be too crestfallen. Here, have some dies to cheer yourself up. It seems like they're having a special occasion today so there's a dist." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Thanks... Sorry fing into all this trouble..." ［Yuna］

  As expected, the silverー no, the bck-haired elf was now crestfallen after going through all those troubles for nothing. It was as if fate was teasing her, making her run around in circles only to find out she was being pyed.

  The two of them now sat on a nearby bend rested themselves. Grey mao buy some limited edition dy so Yuna cheered up a little bit after eating them. A pat on the head and the young dy calmed down even more,

  "Hm? Aren't those..." ［???］

  And just as they were having their moment, a familiar figure spotted them from afar. Her golden hair flowed like gold as it fluttered in the wind and her eyes a fierce red color like the fmes of a burning fe, a longsword by her side.

  A pyful smile soon bloomed on her fad mischievous footsteps resounded in the air and she sprung trey and Yuna with a proud expression on her face. Before they eve, the two were already embraced in her arms, her bountiful bosom softly toug their cheeks.

  "Hehe. I found you two～!" ［???］

  ""B-Big Sis Vanessa?!"" ［Grey and Yuna］

  It was her than the pyful and mischievous Vanessa.

  Vanessa was just on her way home and happeo spot the two youths by the capital. It didn't even take her a moment to realize who they were, quickly poung on them as if it was the most natural way to greet someone.

  "I really missed you so much, Yuー Pomf! Hmph! Pmh?" ［Vanessa］

  She was about to greet them with their names, but thankfully, Grey and Yuna were able to stop her, c her chattery mouth as soon as she ope. The worst actuation has been defused, but the perpetrator was still with them.

  "Fufufu! Did I surprise you?" ［Vanessa］

  "Y-Yeah, we're really surprised... No, rather, how did you even find out ere? We were using illusion magic, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? What do you mean...? Isn't it natural for a Big Sister to find her younger siblings? That's just on sense." ［Vanessa］

  No, it wasn't on se all... Was what Grey and Yuhinking, but they stopped themselves from blurting it out. Arguing with Vanessa was nothing short of fighting a losing battle. After all, no amount of on sense works with her.

  The two could only sigh at how uable and unfathomable Vanessa was. They evehe best illusion magic yet the tter still mao find them using some mysterious way. They really were no match for her.

  "Well! Let's not worry about that much! e on, you two! Let's go to our mansion! There's something I want to show you! Hurry! Hurry?" ［Vanessa］

  And before they could even process what just happened, and causally dragged Grey and Yuna towards the dire of their mansion. She really does march to the beat of her own drum, not a single sense iding her.

  It isn't pnned but it seems we'll be visiting Anne now. ［Grey］

  Fufufu! We really are powerless, aren't we? ［Yuna］

  Yeah... After all, Big Sis Vanessa will always be Big Sis Vanessa... ［Grey］

  CHAPTER 349 END