SLUUUUURRRPPPPP～～

  A long sip rang out in the air, the taste of chocote caressing oongue and the warmth of the drink warming up the stomach. A smile bloomed in the air and a few munches and ches following it as cookies were eateer another.

  The sun had risen once again, and the sky ainted blue, darkness erased by the warm ale sunlight. Sunlight just as warm as the breakfast the young dy was enjoying ever so happily, humming to herself as the birds chirped outside the window.

  The young dy gnced outside the window, still sipping her hot chocote as she watched the city folks be merry and the children be rowdy. Xeros is now full of life, energy, and ughter, lively as be.

  "Yuna, haven't you eaten enough cookies already...?" ［Grey］

  "Hmph! And whose fault is that? Thanks to a certain someone, I didn't get to eat sweets yesterday. I wonder who was it."［Yuna］

  "... Are you still mad about that...? It was only for a day, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Hmph! I don't care! You bully me too much!" ［Yuna］

  But perhaps even livelier was Grey and Yuna's daily m banter regarding the time Grey banned Yuna from eating sweets. Though it was only for a day rather than a week, the young dy was still devastated, almost brought to tears.

  What made it feel worse was that Grey was only doing it for some petty reason, arrows of quilt striking his heart as he watched his fiancée mope all day around, ag as if her whole life was over. Sugar addi was horrifying.

  As pensation, Grey then baked her a lot of cookies in the m, making sure they are sweeter and tastier than usual. Fortunately enough, it was able to appease her, her smile stretg from ear to ear as she filled her need far.

  "Hmm... Should I stop teasing you then?" ［Grey］

  "... No... Even though it's annoying, I like it when Grey has fun with me..." ［Yuna］

  Though, even whes teased everyday, Yuna knows it was just one of Grey's ways to show affe. She has already gotteo it, falling in love with his teasing and mean side as well. She was just as hopeless as the tter.

  "That's right, even though it's really, really annoying!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright, alright, I get it already. You didn't have to say it twice." ［Grey］

  "Hmph! I should at least be able to say it that much!" ［Yuna］

  It didn't even take the two half an hour before making up, the young dy now snuggling closely and fortably in her fiancé's warm embraow, she is being warmed up from the outside too. It was heaven.

  The two eheir early m together, chatting their time away and w about the most random of topics from cepts in alchemy, to whether dragons drink magma or not. It was a load of nonsense, but nonsense which they enjoyed.

  Just like that, time passed like a blur and the clock struck 7. The streets were now filled with people and carriages, going about their daily lives and chattering merrily amongst themselves. It was yet another usual and bustling day.

  "But aren't dragons immuo most attacks? Do you think I would be able to beat them with just one hand?" ［Yuna］

  "A single hand, huh... I'm not sure. Maybe True Dragons, but if we're talking about Elder Dragons, that might be impossible. They're really strong." ［Grey］

  "Ehh～! I want to see one... I wonder where we could findー" ［Yuna］

  KNOOOOCK

  And just as they were talking nonsense, a sudden series of knocks came from the other side of the door, easily cutting their versation off. The two then looked at the door with curious looks, w if the time had e.

  "Big Brother Shin, Big Sister Elena, there's a letter for you." ［Wena］

  Came, it did. What Grey and Yuna have been waiting for has finally e, expressions of delight painted on their faces. They hurriedly stood up, heading towards the door as their footsteps rang out in the air, clicks and ccks following soon after.

  Yuna opehe door and what was revealed was a little dy who held a shabby-lookier by her hand. She was as adorable as before, her bright eyes greeting the two as they opehe door. A happy sight.

  "Fufufu! Thank you for delivering it here, Wena." ［Yuna］

  "No problem! It's my job, after all!" ［Wena］

  "Hahaha. What a hardw girl... Here, have some cookies before you get down, and make sure to share them with Chris, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Yes～! Thanks for the cookies, Big Brother, Big Sister!" ［Wena］

  And off she goes...

  Having received the letter, Grey and Yuna then headed baside and closed the door. They then locked the door aed a sound-proofing and sight-obstrug barrier all throughout their room, even veiling it with a yer of illusion magic.

  After all, though the letter looked shabby, it couldn't be any more important. It was also ced with illusion magid after dispelling it, surely enough, it bore the crest of the Foltriesse Royal Family, handwritten by the very King himself.

  As for why they received such a letter, it was because Grey sent them one as well the day they went to the Herb Market. They already knew each other back at the Festival of Hearts at Erdea. He was the you of the Kings and Emperathered.

  And the tent of the letter... It tained a number of questioing to a way to ehe Darius Academy without breaking any ws or causing a ruckus. In other words... It was all for Yuna's little wish.

  "Waahhh.... His Majesty sure wrote a lot..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, you say that again..." ［Grey］

  There wasn't just one, not two, but 7 whole pages filled to the brim with letters and numbers. They don't know whether the King was just serious or was a chatty writer. Just seeing the amount of letters was enough to make their eyes spin,

  Relud excitement flig in their hearts, Grey and Yuna the ahead ahe loer. Grey read it in an instant with his abilities, whilst Yuna's eyes zoomed all throughout the pages, only taking moments to read.

  The King happily replied to their queries, his positivity leaking out in his writing. Most of the paper wasn't even relevant, only him boasting about his wife and his daughters like a doting husband and father. There was only a single paragraph as his reply.

  ...

  Right, about the questions, just e to the Royal Castle so we talk fortably. It's quite a hassle talking via letters, so It is much appreciated if we get to chat ame of chess. I'll make sure to prepare a ptter of delicious snacks to enjoy as well. How does this afternoon sound?

  Yours Truly,

  er ro Gallen Foltriesse

  ...

  In no part of the letter did he look like a King at all, seeming more like an old friend who was greeting his friend who he hasn't seen in a while. They don't know whether to call him unique, or just overly enthusiastievertheless, he was an iing fellow,

  But the most important was that the King gave them a positive response, and with how excited he sounded iter, it was as good as a done deal. es really are the best, especially when it was the King himself!

  "Then, should we get dressed now, Midy?" ［Grey］

  "U's go! We do this!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna's spirit was in cloud nine, pung her hands as she looked forward to the meeting. She quickly finished all her cookies, and ed up after herself. A bit of magid she looked like she was just fresh out of the bath.

  Grey also did the same, making himself look and formal. They then switched from casual clothes to more formal ones. Yuna wore yet another elegant dress, a touake-up to pretty herself up, whilst Grey wore a princely attire of bd silver to match his beloved.

  It only took them no more than a few mio dress up, but the difference was heaven ah, the two looking meous than they were before. Though, there really wasn't mu the ways of surprise as they were already beautiful.

  "You look stunning as usual, Midy." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! You're not too bad yourself, Sir Grey." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. Then, may I have the pleasure of holding your hand?" ［Grey］

  "The pleasure is mine." ［Yuna］

  Fooling around a little, Grey and Yuna then headed out aowards the Royal Castle. But of course, they 't be seen going out in such garments as it would be no different than exposing themselves. They once agaiheir trusty "Gate".

  Grey reached out one of his hands to create the gate, and the other held the hand of his beloved. He acted like a gentleman, esc the young dy towards the gate, the sound of their footsteps soon disappearing throughout the room.

  The two popped out i another alley, Yuna's nihility veiling the two of them. They arrived just a few meters away from the noble's district, yet anh wall greeting the two of them, yet another massive gate guarded by soldiers.

  Normally, it would have been difficult for people to get in, but once again, Grey and Yuna weren't normal. All they o do was show the Royal Permit to the guards, and they were easily let in, walking without worries towards the Royal Castle.

  Thankfully enough, the King didn't mention their real identities in the Royal Permit he issued, and only referred to them as "Royal Guests". It is because of this fact that they proceed with their walk smoothly, not a single cmor in the air

  "I have firmed your identities. You may pass."

  Another check before the Royal Castle's walls and they were finally inside, another castle greeting them yet again. The only difference was that this one ainted with a darker tohe city's architecture improved to the highest level.

  There weren't just ns and arches, but very fiails engraved all over the pce from stone murals all the way to life-like statues scattered around the pce. There weren't just one or two, but a whole lot of them.

  There were also the not-so-usual garden of medial herbs, the plentiful gazebos with vines ing around the supports, the castle towers which extended a few dozeers, the grandiose and vish halls, and much, much more.

  "We have arrived, My Lord, My Lady."

  And just as they admired the pce, they finally arrived at their destination. From a knight to a butler, they were taken towards the parlor room where the King awaited, the fragrant smell of tea already wafting from the inside.

  "Then, I shall be taking my leave."

  "Yes. Thank you for your service." ［Grey］

  The butler bowed his head and soon took his leave, vanishing in the long corridors. Only Grey and Yuna were left behind, still staring at the big doors before them which were just as vish as the Royal Castle itself, a familiar figure behind them.

  KNOOOCK

  Grey breathed out a deep breath and pced the back of his hand in front of the door, a series of knocks eg and the back of his fingers hit the door repeatedly. Soon, a reply came, a familiar voice eg in the air.

  "Oh, you arrived soohan expected. e in, e in." ［er］

  CLICK CLACK CREAAAAKKKK

  They held the handles, and twisted the knobs, a series of clicks, ccks, and creaks dang merrily in the air. They soon opehe doors, wide and free, theed by a man by the window, admiring the sery of his beautiful garden.

  His hair was the color of mint, flowing smoothly like the creeks down the mountain sides. His eyes red as rubies, refleg a fierce yet gentle glow as his eyes gazed afar. And a body her too musor too lean, perfe proportions.

  He was simply standing by the window, but he exuded a dignity which Grey and Yuna had seen in every King and Emperor they met. His calm and soft gaze was like that of a pcid ke. It was a sight to behold, that's for sure.

  "It's been a long time, hasn't it? Lrey, Lady Yuna?" ［er］

  "It has been a long time, indeed, Your Majesty. It's good to see you well." ［Yuna］

  "I hope you had a wonderful day, Your Majesty. And... I apologize for the suddeer we wrote the other day. It must have troubled you." ［Grey］

  "Oh no, not at all. Rather, it was because of the letter that I could take a breather. Work has been kind of hectic tely, you see." ［er］

  Though, the moment he opened his mouth, just like in his letter before, rather than a King, he sounded more like an old friend. He was ag very fortably, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the room.

  Of course, unlike a certain King who shall not be named, er was quite diligent in his work and barely rests with how busy he is. He is the reliable type who takes his work very seriously. In fact, if it wasn't for the letter, he would still be w today.

  "Now, now, don't just stand there. Why don't you take your seats first? I already made sure to prepare some tea and snacks." ［er］

  "Oh! Sweets! I have some, Your Majesty?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course! Go help yourself." ［er］

  And help herself, she did. With the King leading them, everyone soon took their seats and indulged in some sugary sweetness. The tea was also still hot, perfect to go with the snacks, a refreshing and rexing st tig their noses.

  There weren't just sweets and tea, but a sele of light snacks and fruits as well. A chess board was also present atop the table, some other card and bames to be seen oher tables, and a King before them who was mildly excited.

  There were also flowers by the table vase, red roses bloomiifully, and stly, a ti if ever they needed something. Everything erfect, everything thhly prepared by the King before he evehe reply.

  "So, we're here to talk about Darius Academy, am I correct?" ［er］

  And the King didn't dilly-dally even a single sed, immediately getting straight to the point. He had already read the tent of Grey's letter and uood most of it, but there were still some things he wao crify on.

  "That's right, Your Majesty. We'd like to find a way inside Darius Academy." ［Grey］

  "Hmm... I did hear that Lady Yuna is an alchemist, so it's only uandable that she's curious about the academy. Well, all of them are." ［er］

  "Yeah, that's part of the reason, but actually, we just want to see what it's like inside. We just want to finish our tour of Xeros, or something like that." ［Grey］

  "A tour, huh... Hahaha. That sounds fasating." ［er］

  Fasating indeed, as no one would have ever guessed that the letter addressed to the tained something as trivial as a tour. The King could only chuckle, evidently fond of Grey and Yuna's way of thinking. They really were something.

  Though, the King really doesn't mind it. After all, he had already received plenty of games and recipes for sweets which the two gave out ba the Festival of Hearts. It was now his turn to pay them bad do a favor for them.

  "So, how long will you be staying here at Xeros? A few days? A week?" ［er］

  "We've checked in for a whole week in the inn we're staying at, but since we're already here, we may be staying for a while. Maybe for about a month...?" ［Grey］

  "Oh～! That'a lohan I expected... In that case... How about this..." ［er］

  Said the King as he whipped out a piece of paper out of nowhere, and a magi along with it. He then started writing a letter to be addressed towards an unfamiliar individual, whom Grey and Yuna are going to meet ter on.

  Grey and Yuna had a peek, and surely enough, it was for the Headmaster of Darius Academy. He was a close aide to the King, and was also a good friend. With a letter from him, Grey and Yuna wouldn't have any problems gettiry.

  No, with the power of theKing behind them, even if they do get in trouble, they now have some sort of assurahat they won't be punished severely. At most, they'll probably be reprimanded. It was leagues better than a free pass.

  "Hm? Is this really okay, Your Majesty? Your reputation might be jeopardized if we cause trouble in the Academy, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. My reputation isn't something that will be tarnished so easily, and I trust that you won't go out of your way and cause trouble. Not that I have the power to stop you if you really decide to. Hahaha." ［er］

  He was a jolly one, ughing even while knowing full well that his Kingdom may be in danger if Grey and Yuo decide and cause trouble out of the blue. They don't know whether to call him trusting or just carefree, always smiling.

  "Also... I already talked about this to the Headmaster yesterday, so there's really o worry so much." ［er］

  "Oh? Yesterday?" ［Grey］

  "Well, it was about time he reported this month's activities. I just happeo get a good ce when I received your letter." ［er］

  "What did the Headmaster think, Your Majesty?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. That Gramps was all up for it! Actually, he was even more eager than I was. After all, who wouldn't want to meet the genius alchemist who reached Tier-8 at the tender age of 17?" ［er］

  Said the King as he looked at Yuna straight in the eyes, once again pting about how amazing she was. Not only was she hailed as a Heroine who saved many tries from ruin, but also a genius who's eveer than the Headmaster.

  As a King, it was only right to form an amicable retionship with her, but even more so as an individual, he was curious to see how much the young dy before her will grow. Perhaps he was already looking at the future Divine Alchemist.

  "And one more thing... The Headmaster suggested something iing. Not just for Lady Yuna, but for Lrey as well. Are you ied in Listening?" ［er］

  "A suggestion? Do we o do him a favor?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... I guess you could say that... Actually, the Headmaster asked me if you could enter Darius Academy. Not as guests, but as students." ［er］

  It came out of nowhere, shog both Grey and Yuna. Their eyes both widened in shod fusion. They thought they were just hearing things, but seeing the smile on the King's face. It was obviously not the case.

  "P-Pardon?! As students?!" ［Grey］

  "Well, you don't really have to if you don't want to. The Headmaster was just curious about how you would evaluate the other students. That's all." ［er］

  "I see... But we're gonna be exge students, huh..." ［Grey］

  Studying... A wrey had heard almost everyday when he was still ba Earth. He could still recall the days where he went on sleepless nights just so he could pass the exams the day after. A not so pretty memory in his noggin.

  Thankfully, he now possessed both "Divine Mind" and "Divine Eyes" so learning has never been easier. He wasn't particurly keen with the idea, but there was nothing wrong with trying it out. He has been an Instructor before, and now a student again.

  "Exge students... Darius Academy... Alchemy... Headmaster...," ［Yuna］

  Of course, what mattered the most was not his own opinion, but rather, the thoughts of the young dy beside her. She has been muttering intangible words for a while now, clearly thinking seriously about it, a stern expression on her face.

  She has drifted into her own world yet again, and it was only when Grey pced his hand atop her head that she snapped back to reality, then tilting her head as she looked at Grey with question marks in her mind. She was adorable as ever.

  "What do you think? Do you want to go?" ［Grey］

  Grey asked the young dy, but deep inside he already khe ahe tter simply smiled back at him, her eyes sparkling iement as she gave her reply.

  "Un! I want to enter as a student!" ［Yuna］

  "Great! It's decided then! I'll inform the Headmaster shortly!" ［er］

  "Thanks, Your Majesty. And sorry for troubling you." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Don't worry about it. pared to the unreasonable demands of the his much is nothing! Rather, it's actually refreshing!" ［er］

  The decision was finalized, and the King finished writing the letter to be sent to the Headmaster. He folded the paper and took out an envelope from God-knows-where and then ending everything with a stamp of their crest.

  The King then rang the handbell from earlier and the doors opened shortly. A servaered the room and received the letter from him, then bowing his head before he excused himself and headed out to fulfill the King's order.

  "Now then, with that out of the way... Should we get to the main course? A game of chess, that is." ［er］

  Procimed the King with his eyes shining brighter than ever, all the while opening the chess board and pg the pieces over the board. It was the real reason he invited Grey and Yuna, clearly excited to py with them again.

  "Chess, huh... It's been a while, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! I'm pretty sure I defeated Your Majesty with a score of 10 to 0 st time. That was a lot of fun." ［Yuna］

  "o rub salt in my wounds now. But let me just remind you, I'm not the same person I was before. I've improved by leaps and bounds!" ［er］

  "Ohh～? The's see whether that's true or not." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! Bring it on!" ［er］

  There was an unfound vigor burning fiercely in the King's eyes. He may have lost ooo many times before, but he has honed his skills ever sihen, pying tless times against his wife, his prime minister, and some nobles. He was much better,

  The battle of chess progressed, and pieces of bd white moved turn after turn, swallowing up the oppos in a fierce battle between mindsー or so how the King hoped it would turn out, but he was mercilessly crushed by the two monsters.

  He still has a long way to go.

  CHAPTER 360 END