FLAP FLAP WHOOSH WHOOSH

  A ptinum figure made her dest, the winds howling at her whims as her scales glimmered uhe afternoon sun. Her cws graced the ground, the winds calming down as she folded her wings, soon l her body even more.

  Two figures hopped off from her bad towards the ground, nding softly without making evei of sounds. They arrived yet again at another forest, veiled by the dense and thick trees, a fresh ahy breeze greeting them merrily.

  "Fuu～! That was a good ride～! Thank you, Sirius!" ［Yuna］

  "It was my pleasure, Mistress... Then, I shall be taking my leave now. I hope you have a wonderful time together." ［Sirius］

  "Un! We'll see you ter!" ［Yuna］

  Sirius bowed her head and vanished into thin air as she returo the shadows, leaving the gaping winds behind. Pead silence has swallowed the pce mrey and Yuna remaining still in the wonderful forest.

  It has been a couple hours since Grey and Yuna entered the unpleasant man back at the market, and after a short stop, they then tiheir journey, finally arriving at Xeros' viity in the early afternoon, the sun sinking down the horizon.

  Like they have heard, the forest really was denser in Foltriesse, trees equipped with thick trunks and dense vegetation growing around the pce. There were all sorts of pnts to be seen, all growing abundantly in the lush and vibrant forest.

  "The's also head out, Grey! To Xeros!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna punched her hands to the air, a bright smile blooming on her face. She grabbed Grey by the hand and headed out towards the forest's exit, her heart pumping with so much excitement, she could barely tain herself.

  They took their steps and the sery pyed out before them. After running along for a short while, the trees finally thinned out and the opies soon cleared, revealing the high and sturdy walls every city had, one easily exceeding 20 meters fall.

  Other than the fact that it was surrounded by a forest and cliffs in all dires, Xeros didn't look that much different from the other citiesー or so it would seem at first, but one wouldn't be any more wrong in making su assumption.

  "Hm? That's iing..." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, they sure are diligent ones... I wonder how much they spent here..." ［Grey］

  'It must have been a lot. Though these aren't that hard to make, to cover this much distance... I don't think it's an easy feat..." ［Yuna］

  That's right, there was something special with the walls... Or rather, the grouhe walls. They were all doused with chemicals which would repel most beasts from approag the city, all enpassing the outer city walls.

  Though the chemical itself isn't harmful to pnts or people, it tained something that mas steer away from. The moment they smell the chemicals, they would easily run away and head bato the forest without a sed thought.

  Not only does it make the city safe, it also makes sure that the beasts stay in their respective habitats to make the ecosystem fun like normal. It was like a magic spell, except that it was not. Still it was just as effective.

  "Grey, could we take a sample of the soil? I want to try something ter." ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... Haah... Go ahead... It's not like I stop you, anyway." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! Thank you, Grey～! I promise I'll make it quick!" ［Yuna］

  And off she goes... As soon as Yuna got permissirey, she then whipped out a trowel and a sack out of nowhere and started digging for "some" samples, all the while smiling and humming like a fool. She looked like a child pying with dirt no matter how you look at it.

  After which, they then toured around the walls ame finally found the gates after a few minutes of walking. They lined up after everyone else and haheir cards when it was their turn, still using their alternate identities.

  It didn't take them long to process their entry, not a sich to be seen. Grey and Yuna then passed uhe gates, a certain young dy wearing bright and sparkly eyes, looking forward to the adventures she'll face from now onwards.

  "Waah～!" ［Yuna］

  A single word escaped her mouth, her steps stopping at the sight. It has already been tless times since Grey and Yuered a own or city, yet her expressions remain the same. She was just as adorable as she was during her first time.

  "Hahaha. This reminds me of the old times..." ［Grey］

  "Ah... Hm? Did you say something, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "No, nothing... I was just reminisg about something..." ［Grey］

  The houses were massive yet pact, all sorts of gradients prese and right. The houses and buildings were mostly made of wood and stone, barely any cy, crete, steel or metals to be seen decorating the pce.

  Just like the city of Alia they visited just this m, the architecture was more on the rustic side of things, with buildings a little more bulky. They were made with stones pacted into bricks, intricately id out to make a strong foundation.

  The roofs were also mostly made of wood, pnks spread all over the pce. But they weren't just any wood. They were ones who were much tougher and more resilient than any other, able to withstand several decades without deteriorating.

  And while the architecture may look simple at a ghere were also fine and intricate details like arches, ns, carvings, sills, and many more. Sure, it was different from the other cities they visited before, but it was just as beautiful.

  "Grey! Do you think their guilds are also built like this?" ［Yuna］

  "That's hard to imagine... But even if it is, I'm sure it would be just as grand as the others. Maybe it's even more beautiful?" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm even more excited after hearing that! Let's go expl now, Grey! Let's explore the whole city!" ［Yuna］

  The young dy was excitedー no, calling her just that wouldn't do her any justice. She is so excited, the words were clearly painted on her face, the symphony of her heart ringing in Grey's ears. She was just too eic for own good.

  "Haah... Let's do that ter. We still have to che on an inn. Well.., if you want to stay in the Sanctuary, we could also do that." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, no! Since we're here, we should also experience what it's like to live here! The Sanctuary doesn't t at all!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. I knew you'd say that. My fiancée really is adorable." ［Grey］

  "Mou... What are you saying all of a sudden..." ［Yuna］

  The fools drifted along their own world once again, they then tiheir steps and looked around for a pce to stay at. Thankfully, Grey had already checked out the pce with his eyes, finding a couple inhem.

  It didn't take them too long before they reached their destination, a massive building greeting them as soon as they stopped. Carved on the signboard ure white camellia with a butterfly perg on top of it.

  g g g g

  Grey and Yuna soon stepped inside, and the soft chimes pyed like usual. It may be because it was already the afternoon, but there were barely any o be heard. It seems that the people had just fiheir lunch, some still heading out.

  As for the interior of the building... It was surprisingly normal like the previous inns they have been to before, wooden furnishing present everywhere, with the lower halves of the walls covered with wooden pnks for a ouch of asymmetry.

  "Good afternoon, and wele to the 'Camellia Valley'. How may I help you today, Young Man, Young Lady?" ［???］

  And uhe previous receptions they received before, the one on the reception desk was not a young, beautiful woman. Rather it was a middle-aged man who was on the leaner side of the spectrum. To be ho, he was actually quite nky.

  Despite that, he wore the same friendly and weling smile as the other receptionist they met before. It was actually a breath of fresh air so Grey and Yuna didn't mind it that much, soon heading towards the reception.

  "That... We'd like to che for the time being, and right, we'd love a double room please. How much would that be?" ［Grey］

  "A double... That would be 130 kiels a day, meals not included." ［???］

  Grey and Yuna were expeg quite a big differen the price of their stay, but surprisingly, it was about the same as the cost of staying at the Rabbit's Den. There weren't any problems even if they stayed there for a very long time.

  "Then, we'd like to stay for a week for now, and... Regarding the meals, could we also borrow the kit from time to time? We're quite the big eaters, you see." ［Grey］

  "The kit, well... As long as you pay up for the materials and ingredients you use and don't break anything then I think it's fine." ［???］

  Hearing the man's words, Grey and Yuna breathed out sighs of relief whilst smiles bloomed on their faces. They were thinking up of cooking in the Sanctuary if they weren't allowed, but thankfully, that wasn't a case

  "Ah, but, we only let you use the kit when we don't have work or we're busy. Is that fih the both of you?" ［???］

  "No, that's more than enough. We'll be taking that then, and we'll pay separately for breakfast. We might also be staying longer if thing's go to pn." ［Grey］

  "Uood. Then that will be 910 kiels in total. Please hand in your ID cards so I list you down the reception list." ［???］

  "Ah, right... Thank you." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. As soon as Grey and the receptionist cluded their deal, they theo signing up the list and paying the cost, Grey handing a silver as payment and receiving nine nickel s iurn.

  The man also wrote down a couple more things in the log book, opening the et aing a pque from inside. He then haheir room number pque and the keys trey and Yuna, greeting them with a smile once again.

  "ht, I fot to introduce myself. My name is Pascal, the owner of this inn. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Shin, Miss Elena." ［Pascal］

  "It's a pleasure to meet you too, Mister Pascal." ［Grey］

  "We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］

  "Then, if you ever need something, I will be down here in the lobby. Please don't hesitate to call whenever you're in troubleー Oh! Wele to....." ［Pascal］

  Just as Grey and Yuna finished cheg in in the Camellia Valley, they then headed upstairs and towards the 3rd floor. The pce retty quiet, with rooms still empty as the lodgers were still out and about iy.

  It didn't take too long befrey and Yuna reached their room, a series of clicks, ccks, and creaks eg in the air as they ied the key and opehe door before them, a pretty normal and standard se greeting them.

  There was a wooden floor, walls with simple apers, a rge bed, some ets and drawers, and some switches for the light. There was a toilet room by the side, and also some tables and chairs for dining in. It wasn't a very bug room, but it was cozy enough for them to enjoy their stay.

  "Oh? You aren't jumping on the bed this time round, Yuna? Don't you usually do that wheer an inn?" ［Grey］

  "Hmph! I'm not that childish, you know!" ［Yuna］

  Or so she says, but there was no way Grey would believe her in any way. After all, she was the type to hop in bed as soon as she sees one, with a bright smile at that. She must have eaten something weird this m.

  "And! We still have to explore the city! There's no time to py!" ［Yuna］

  "Ah... So that's the real reason..." ［Grey］

  That, or she may just be so excited, she couldn't sit still and roll around the bed. With an abundance of herbs waiting for them outside and the exg sights they have yet to experiehere's no way she could waste such precious time just zing around.

  After all, even if they do waste the whole day outside, she could still cuddle with Grey when they get back. It was the perfe with nothing standing on her way to the path of alchemy aement. She was raring to go.

  "Haah... It's fihat you're excited, but let's get our things sorted first. It'll be a pain if we do it te on whe too tired." ［Grey］

  "U's do it!" ［Yuna］

  Excitement ahusiasm in the air, Grey and Yuna then arraheir things into the right pces and made sure it was as ve as it could for them. They will be staying for quite some time, after all, so they 't have a messy room.

  It didn't take them too long at all to sort things out, barely taking them a few minutes with the aid of magic. It couldn't even be called a stretch, the young dy full of vigor ahusiasm as she made the curtains dan the wind.

  After finishing up their task, Grey and Yuna then headed out of the room and out into the open streets, the busy and bustling sery greeting them, people w and the children pying arou and right.

  But of course, what Yuna was most ied ihe alchemy-reted things scattered all throughout the whole of Xeros. Her heart was already pumping and rag iement just thinking about everything she'll experience. Most of all, she'll also be experieng it with Grey.

  'Haah... Looks like this is gonna be one hell of a day for me...' ［Grey］

  Meanwhile, Grey felt like an exhausted father taking her eic daughter to the park to py. They haven't even started and he already k was going to be an exhausting day where he'll get dragged around by Yuna here and there.

  Well, it's not like Grey doesn't uand where Yuna is ing from. He may not be as good as Yuna, but he was also an alchemist, and a Tier-5 at that. He also wao further his skills and reach greater heights with the ce presented before him.

  "Ah! Grey, look! There's a big store! Let's head inside!" ［Yuna］

  "Wait, Yuna, there's still a crowd soー" ［Grey］

  "There's no time to waste! Quick! Quick!" ［Yuna］

  It was just as he expected. Grey couldn't even finish his words when he was suddenly dragged along by his excited fiancée, plunging themselves towards the crowd of people before them and swimming through the sea of mobs.

  Surprisingly, they weren't caught up by the rush, and safely crossed to the other side of the street. Grey didn't know whether it was luck or it was skill, but all he knew was that he couldn't bear to stop his beloved when she's already so excited.

  "Hm? Grey, what were you saying again?" ［Yuna］

  "Nothing, really. I was just w what kinds of things they are selling inside here. I'm also a little curious." ［Grey］

  "Un! I knew you'd get it! You're the best Grey!" ［Yuna］

  "Haah... Yeah, yeah,... Sure, I am..." ［Grey］

  Grey stopped thinking anymore and finally went along with the uable flow of Yuna. He wao go ahead and search for a couple things first, but there wasn't much he could do. He was simply powerless in the face of love.

  The fool that he was, Grey then headed ihe store, following Yuna in front of him. They were greeted by all sorts of magic stool in varying shapes and sizes, all serving different purposes, uo one another,

  And no, it wasn't just any magic tool shop... It was a magic tool shop specially tailored to alchemists and their brewing needs! All tools present were for precise making of cos and aiding the alchemist to beore effit.

  From simple measuring fsks and tubes, to plex tools and maery which be used for trifugation ara, there were all sorts of things present. It ractically a hardware shop which all alchemists dream of.

  "Waah～! There's so many fancy things! What are these? Oh, there's some strange fsks as well! Oh, I wonder what these are used for!" ［Yuna］

  And as one would expect, Yuna was especially excited at the sight, her ears fpping up and down as she zoomed from pce to pce. The pletely opposite of Grey who was actually anxious that she might break something due to her excitement.

  She couldn't stay still from her spot and poi things here and there, staring at them with great glee in her eyes. And unsurprisingly, she caught the eyes of many, the people looking at her like she was aed child.

  Of course, Yuna's "Divine Alchemist's Toolset" Yuna was still much more useful than anything in the shop, with each tool fulfilling the purpose of many. Still, that doesn't mean that the magic tools were worthless. They were just as iing.

  "Excuse me, Miss, is there something you are looking for...?"

  "Ah..." ［Yuna］

  Soon enough, a shop clerk approached Yuna and offered his assistah a bright smile pstered on his face. He didn't mind Yuna's age and treated her fairly as one of their ers, reag his hand out to her.

  "Oh, sorry for surprising you, Miss. It's just.... You seem to be having trouble, so I wao offer my help. Was I just being meddlesome?"

  "Ah, no, no, not at all. I'm just looking around for iing magic tools." ［Yuna］

  "I see... Is there a magic tool you are looking for in particur? Maybe some mixing paraphernalia or would you like to see light maery instead?"

  Well, no matter how excited you are, one would still behave after getting fronted by a shop clerk. Yuna quickly fixed herself and reined in her excitement, trying to act like a proper adult for once. Grey couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.

  Though now that someone else was watg Yuna, Grey could finally rex a little bit and explore on his own. There were also some things he was curious about, and he'd like to have a closer look at themー or at least he was going to...

  "That's correct! I'd like to buy everything here!" ［Yuna］

  "P-Pardon...? Everything...?"

  "Un! I'd like to buy everyー Hmpshph! Pmmhf! Mmpnh!" ［Yuna］

  Grey really couldn't leave her be even for a single sed with another person, the young dy nearly everything in the shop without a speck of hesitation in her eyes, much to the clerk's surprise. Everyone would reacted the same.

  It was only for a moment, but Grey had nearly fotten how much of an alchemy maniaa was. He had thought her impulsive behavior only applied to herbs, but oh h he was. As long as it had something to do with alchemy, she wouldn't spare a single penny to buy them.

  Thankfully, Grey mao cover Yuna's mouth before she could say anything they might regretー no, they surely would have regretted it if Yuna really bought everything in the shop. They don't even have use for any of them.

  "Umm... Sorry about that, please ignore what this girl is saying. Though, we might be buying some magic tools after we take a look around." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, I see... Then, please don't hesitate to ask me if you have any queries."

  "Yeah. We'll make sure to do so. Sorry for the disturbance." ［Grey］

  A quick talk te and Grey mao steer clear from the worst case sario. The shop clerk headed back to his post and tinued assisting the other ers he could, leaving Grey and Yuna to their own devices.

  Now that trouble was gone, Grey could finally take a breath of fresh air. Oher hand, Yuna's eyes were now swimming away from him, not wanting to meet his eyes. She was clearly aware of what she almost just did and was guilty of it.

  "Yuna... Do you have anything to say, Dear?" ［Grey］

  "Sorry..." ［Yuna］

  Such a word was all she could say, trying to look as apologetic as be. Though... Grey wasn't really mad at him, and it's not like buying everything iore will dent their financial power. There was still more to spare.

  "Haah... Just be more careful ime." ［Grey］

  Said the young man as he patted Yuly on the head, trying to vey that he wasn't scolding her. He knows full well that he won't be able to ge Yuna's love for alchemy, so he just o look out for her... It was a tough road ahead of him.

  Troubles and shenanigans aside, Grey and Yuna tiheir tour ihe shop and bought things they took a fancy too. They really weren't useful, per se, but they were iing enough to rouse their curiosity. It was worth the purchase.

  Time passed some more, and after buying a few things, their total came to several thousand kiels. A smile of satisfa sprung up the young elf's face as they headed towards the busy streets. She was the happiest elf in town.

  "Mmn～! That was a good warm up! Should we start our date now, Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Eh...? That... That was still a warm up?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! That's just the first shop! There's still many more to go!" ［Yuna］

  Excimed Yuna with pride and fidence, a strariumphant expression on her lovely face. She was boung up and down, her ears as lively as she was whilst her eyes sparkled brighter thaars on a starry midnight sky.

  Of course, the young dy meant everything she just said. After all, her excitement was still far from depleted, her blood boiling even more eagerly as she dreamed and looked forward to what the other shops had to offer.

  "Haah... Fine... Let's raid all the shops, shall we?" ［Grey］

  "U's go all out!" ［Yuna］

  The adventure was still far from over.

  CHAPTER 356 END