A peaceful forest sprawled as far as the eyes could see, large trees standing proud and their branches swaying in the air as the leaves painted the scenery green. The scent of the earth, fruits, and flowers dancing in the air.
Clang Clang Clang
And along such a harmonious fragrance echoed the sound of heavy metals clanging as heavy maces and sharp daggers clashed, sparks flying out everywhere and loud shockwaves accompanying them soon after.
A silver-haired figure danced in the air, dodging heavy strikes by a hair's breadth with her light footsteps and flexible body. And as soon as she was in the clear, she made her daggers spin and dance wildly, carving hundreds of wounds in a single second.
"Haap!" ［Yuna］
The same figure reached her hands out and a sharp flew past like a lightning bolt, the forest grounds painted red as blood spilled all over. But it did not stop there. As soon as the dagger returned, another deep wound was created, spilling more blood.
BUHIIIIKKKKKK
A loud scream echoed, one full of pain and hatred as more and more drops of blood spilled. Soon, heavy thuds and crashes echoed as the heavy maces were swung once again, felling trees and cratering the ground.
As such a scene played out between the silver figure and her foe, another figure sat on the one of the tree branches observing ever so attentively and observantly as he ate potato chips, carefree as one can be.
"Hmm... Did I put too much salt?" ［Grey］
Of course, the two figures were none other than Grey and Yuna who were once again on a quest. It has been some time since they did one, and so, they decided to take a C-rank quest which tasked them to eliminate an Orc General and a number of High Orcs and Orcs under it.
The two have already defeated all the lower variants and that's left is the Orc General Yuna is currently engaging in combat against, lowering her strength to match that of the enemy's. Another one of the risky training methods only they are crazy enough to attempt.
To add more to her handicap, Yuna is not using magic and her abilities, only relying on physical strength alone, wielding her daggers with skills and grace as laid waste to the enemy who was now riddled in wounds and drenched in its own blood.
Huff Huff Huff Huff
Before long, after enduring hundreds of Yuna's strikes, the enemy finally started to slow down, grasping for breath as it tried to wield its heavy mace. Its eyes were filled with boiling anger and burning hatred, refusing to go down.
BUHHIIIIKKKKKK
Mustering every last bit of its strength, the Orc General gripped its mace tight and charged head first towards Yuna, heavy thuds echoing in the air as its footsteps made the ground tremble in fear.
Once, twice, thrice... The Orc General swung and swung with all its might, breaking every obstacle in sight. Yet no matter how many swings it made, not a single one landed, only spraying blood all over the forest floor as its blood trickled down its body.
"You're wide open!" ［Yuna］
Yuna's daggers danced for the final time and a cascade of wounds appeared all over the Orc General's body. Light flashed before its eyes and the world spun around as its head flew in the air, soon rolling on the ground as its body fell helplessly.
A loud thud echoed in the air and fragments of light shined ever so gently. The Orc General's body turned back into mana, leaving not a single trace behind. Only a single mana crystal and a few items remained as proof of its existence.
Clap Clap Clap
The battle was finally over and a series of claps echoed in the air. Grey came down from where he was sitting from and applauded his girlfriend, proud as one can be as he still munched on his potato chips.
"Grey... You sure are carefree, aren'tー Mph?!" ［Yuna］
Crunch Crunch Crunch
Yuna couldn't even finish her words when he suddenly decided to feed her with potato chips. And though the latter was surprised, she still enjoyed the treat, tilting her head ever so cutely as she savored its taste.
"Hmm... It's a little too salty... Just how much salt did you use?" ［Yuna］
"Hey, now, it's just a little more than usual." ［Grey］
"Well, it doesn't taste too bad... I want to eat more. Ahh～!" ［Yuna］
"Alright, alright, open well, Milady." ［Grey］
Well, she might have complained, but it was still delicious nonetheless. Grey took a couple chips on his hands and fed it to Yuna once again. A happy smile bloomed in the verdant forest as Yuna's face beamed with happiness.
"Mmn... Do you have something sweet, too? Like a dessert? Oh! I would like some milkshakes and ice cream, please～!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, really... You really are something..." ［Grey］
Of course, as one would expect from our heroine, the chips alone weren't enough and Grey had to bring out more snacks and sweets for them to enjoy. They didn't plan it, but the two had yet another picnic in the forest, enjoying their time merrily.
As they spent their time together, they made plans for the free time they'll be having in the afternoon. And as usual, they decided to go on a date and shop for various ingredients they are low on.
Before long, Grey and Yuna cleaned up the place and collected all the drops from the enemies. It was quite a lot and would fetch them quite the hefty amount, adding to their already absurd and astronomical pile of riches.
'Hm? Isn't it about time already?' ［Grey］
And just as Grey finished tidying up the place, a sudden memory popped up in his mind, making him stop and ponder. Excitement and eagerness soon welled up in his heart, eyes burning brightly with passion. A sudden transformation.
"Yuna, let's take a little detour, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Hm?" ［Yuna］
Yuna tilted her head and Grey smiled brightly. Before long, the two traveled not in the direction of Galderia but a just little distance away, it didn't take too long before Yuna understood where they were heading, to a village they both know and love.
A few minutes of traveling later, and a village gate was in sight, a number of wagons and carriages lined along the village fences. Well, not just people, but a number of people too, loading gold on them as their voices echoed in the air.
Well, it wasn't exactly gold. Though the colors were similar, it was not a metal, nor was it any sort of precious stone. It was an olive-colored grass with grains of gold running along its stalks. A crop Grey and Yuna loves so much.... It was rice!
"Hm? Those are..." ［Barse］
And just as they approached the place, a certain figure's eyes landed upon them, staring intently as he tried to figure out who they were. As soon as he did, his lips arched into a smile as his face beamed brightly.
"Your Highnesses, over here～! Over here～!" ［Barse］
"Eh? Their Highnesses are here?!"
"Ah! Look, Their Highnesses are heading over here!"
"What are we waiting for? Hey, let's welcome them!"
Well, it wasn't just the Chief. As soon as everyone saw them, they quickly left their work behind and rushed merrily towards Grey and Yuna like a crowd of fans crowding towards their idols. Grey and Yuna were trapped in a jail of people once again.
"Your Highnesses! Please have some apples!"
"Oh! Have some pears too!"
"Ah! You must be tired! Please wait a moment, we'll get some water for you!"
It was even more overwhelming than when they were at the Royal Capital. Though they were happy that the people admired them and welcomed them warmly, it was still a little too overwhelming. Especially when their smiles were shining so brightly, it made it especially hard to reject them.
And amongst the people crowding around them, one of them was chuckling silently to himself. It was none other than the Chief who was the very reason for all the riot. He was enjoying himself very much.
"Now, now, don't trouble Their Highnesses too much. Give them some space. I'm sure they're tired from their journey." ［Barse］
"A-Ah, right... We got too excited."
"We apologize, Your Highnesses. Please tell us if you ever need anything."
"Yeah, we'll make sure to do so. Thank you." ［Grey］
And though he was a tad bit late, Grey and Yuna were still thankful that the Chief calmed the people down. Just a couple statements from her and the crowd quickly gave the two some space to breathe and some consideration.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, you should have told us you were coming. That way, we could have prepared a grand feast for you." ［Barse］
"Hahaha. Please, there's no need to go that far. We just dropped by to see the progress on the production of rice, and by the looks of it... It seems that we arrived just on time." ［Grey］
Grey's eyes swam towards the direction of the wagons and carriages, and the others' followed suit. The view of the freshly harvested rice being loaded into the wagons was a beautiful sight to see. A product of months of hard work.
"Hahaha! It's all thanks to Your Highnesses that we could harvest rice!" ［Barse］
Or so the Chief says, but Grey and Yuna couldn't agree any less. All they did was give them the seeds and taught them how to plant and nurture them. The bountiful harvest was all a result of all their hard work and determination. They deserve all the praise and credits.
Well, even so, Grey and Yuna didn't say their thoughts out loud. Knowing how the villagers are, they know full well they would just deny their praise and turn it around towards them. It was better to stay quiet, admiring them in their hearts.
"Oh, right! You arrived just in time, Your Highnesses! We're still in the middle of harvest. Would you like to take a look?" ［Barse］
"Oh? Would that be fine?" ［Yuna］
"Of course! Isn't that right, everyone?!" ［Barse］
There wasn't even a single opposition. As soon as the Chief asked the question, everyone quickly voiced out their agreement in unison. They were all full of energy and enthusiasm, eyes sparkling brightly with excitement.
"Alright. We'll take you up on your offer then." ［Grey］
"Hahaha! We'll make sure you won't regret it!" ［Barse］
A smile plastered on his face, the Chief led Grey and Yuna towards the fields and the others continued their work. They were a bit hesitant, but when Grey and Yuna asked them to do their best, they quickly complied, not a single complaint in the air.
As soon as the fields were in sight, a beautiful and wonderful scene welcomed them. The place which was once a wet and wild marsh was now a field of olive and gold, expanding as far as the eyes could see, shimmering brightly as sunlight reflected on the water's surface.
Not just the fields, there were also a number of people in the fields, hard at work and cutting the stalks one after another. Though it was hard and tiring work, not a single one was frowning. All were smiling and excited on their first harvest.
And along the field banks were a number of wagons ready to be loaded with freshly harvested rice and be brought near the village entrance. Everyone was working hard, not wasting a single time as they moved their sickles time and time again.
"Oh, Chiefー"
One of the villagers called out to the Chief, but stopped midway. His eyes were now focused on the two figures with the latter, staring in silence as he froze. Grey and Yuna don't even need to guess. They already know what's coming towards them.
"I-It's Their Highnesses! Everyone, Their Highnesses are here!"
"Really?! Where?! Where?!"
"Ah! They're with the Chief! Let's go greet them!"
It was just like they had expected. For the second time today, a mob of enthusiastic admirers rushed towards them. Enthusiasm that was enough to scare the living hell out of Grey and Yuna who had battled countless beasts and monsters,
And for the second time today, the Chief chuckled to himself as he watched the two get surrounded by the crowd of enthusiastic villagers. Even when the villagers have been working on the fields for hours, not one showed a sign of exhaustion as they welcomed Grey and Yuna.
Thankfully, the villagers calmed down much more quickly than the ones before them. Though it still didn't stop them from giving Grey and Yuna a mountain of gifts. Gifts not even God knows where they pulled it from. It was a surprise, alright.
"Haah... That was quite tiring..." ［Yuna］
"You can say that again... And Chief, next time, please calm down everyone faster. I don't think we can handle any more than this..." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I'll try, I'll try." ［Barse］
Or so the Chief says, but such probably won't happen anytime soon. After all, what can a single man do against a mob of excited admirers? All they could do is prepare themselves for the next time... And the times after it.
Well, apart from the warm and overwhelming welcome of the villagers, both Grey and Yuna are happy to see the rice fields progress so far. It may only be a village for now, but sooner or later, they hope to expand it to other villages as well. They could only imagine how different the world would be.
"Right, Chief, how long would it take you to complete the harvest?" ［Grey］
"Hmm... We already harvested about 60% of the fields, so... I suppose in two or three days. I think we'll be finished by then." ［Barse］
"That long, huh..." ［Grey］
Grey pondered as he watched the fields again. No matter where one looked at it, it was a very vast expanse of rice fields and if done without machinery, it was only sensible that it would take a whole week for harvest.
Grey had never really considered it, but harvesting crops really is strenuous without the aid of magic. Something that would take him not less than an hour would take a whole village a whole week. He once again realized how fortunate he was.
『Grey, I know that look on your face.』 ［Yuna］
『What look?』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! No need to hide it... You want to help them, don't you?』 ［Yuna］
At Yuna's words, Grey was immediately frozen, locking eyes with her who was now smiling silently, still cute as ever. Before long, he heaved a lengthy sigh, giving up trying to dissuade his beloved.
『Haah... I really am no match against you, huh?』 ［Grey］
『Fufufu! I'm your girlfriend, after all! If there's anyone who knows you best, that would be me!』 ［Yuna］
Proudly declared Yuna as she puffed her chest and held Grey's hands in silence. The latter couldn't even deny her words. After all, they have been together for almost four years now. They know each other like the back of their hands.
And Yuna was right. The only problem was that they had already promised to have a date with one another, and if they were to help, things wouldn't surely just end in harvesting, they would be celebrating as well. It was a no can do. After all, it was only meant to be a little detour.
『Then, should we help out then?』 ［Yuna］
『But if we did, then we wouldn't our date be compromised? I know how much you look forward to these things.』 ［Grey］
『Well, that's true... But! Who said we can only have a shopping date?! We can just push that back tomorrow and help out today! It's a rice harvesting date!』 ［Yuna］
Or so the young lady said, but never in his few lives had Grey heard the words "Rice Harvesting Date". If anything, he was sure there isn't such a thing, be it now or in the future. He could only chuckle to himself as he watched his beloved.
His beloved, on the other hand, was now brimming with excitement. Though she had helped out Grey before in harvesting some crops, it was never to the degree of the fields before her. She is raring to see how fun it would be to mow down such a wide field in a single strike.
『Haah... You really are something, Yuna.』 ［Grey］
『Hm? Did you say something, Grey?』 ［Yuna］
『No... Nothing at all...』 ［Grey］
Seeing a smile on Yuna's face, Grey couldn't help but smile as well, his heart pounding proudly as he fell deeper and deeper into the abyss called "love". At such a point, he didn't even know if there was still turning back... Not that he needed it, anyway.
"Chief, about harvesting rice... Could we help out a little?" ［Grey］
"E-Eh?! B-But Your Highness, we couldn't possibly..." ［Barse］
"Fufufu! It's fine, isn't it? We have a lot of free time in our hands, you see? Wouldn't it be better if we put it to good use?" ［Yuna］
The Chief was troubled. Though he appreciates the offer from Grey and Yuna, just thinking of making their benefactors work weighed down on his conscience. On the other hand, he also can't deny their offer as it would just be rude. He is in a dilemma.
"Uhh... I guess it's alright. Whatever makes Your Highnesses, happy." ［Barse］
"Hahaha. Thank you, Chief." ［Grey］
"No, it should be me who's thankful. Thank you, Your Highnesses" ［Barse］
However, in the end, it was Grey and Yuna's offer which won the argument. Though the Chief felt guilty, al, he could was accept. And in return, he would be preparing a feast for their honor and to celebrate the bountiful harvest. The grandest feast the village had ever seen.
And oblivious to such a plan, Grey and Yuna excitedly headed down the slopes and into the fields, water wetting their boots as they plunged to the paddies. All eyes were on them as they walked along the watery fields.
Every step they took, a combo of squelching and splashing sound echoed in the air. Soon after, they finally arrived at the further regions of the fields which no one has touched yet. A field of gold and olive surrounded them.
"Grey, can I start harvesting now?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, it's all clear." ［Grey］
And after checking with "Heaven's Eye" that there were no other people in the vicinity, the two finally started their harvestー or so what they think they're doing. But in the eyes of other people, all they could see is absurdity.
Yuna had whipped out her trusty daggers and sliced through the stalks, collecting them in her storage ring at the same time. As she ran around the place, ares upon area of the field was cleared of rice, only leaving the lower portion of the stem and roots behind. As for Grey...
"Then... I guess I'll use this one...." ［Grey］
... He casually pulled out the "Divine Scythe" from his "Inventory" and started mowing down the rice as if he was using an ordinary sickle. Be it him or Yuna, both of them were insane to use Divine-Grade equipment for harvesting rice. Simply insane.
But no matter how insane they may be, they were very efficient. It would have been better if they could use magic, but they'll be blowing away the whole field if they did. Using divine weapons, though absurd, was their best option.
"Oh... What a strange harvesting technique... I wonder where it's from..."
"This is also the first time I've seen it, but is it really fine to use weapons?"
"But it's very effective, isn't it? As expected of Their Highnesses!"
And as they were up to their strange antics, a number of misunderstandings popped up one after another. Though they question their method, their admiration of the two only grew bigger and bigger.
"Their Highnesses are helping us! Let's also do our best!"
"Ohhh!! Let's show them how reliable we are!"
To top it all off, they also motivated the already excited group of villagers, speeding up on their work with lightning fast hands which cut stalk after stalk as if they were nothing. Not even modern machinery can match up to them now.
"Ohh～! Everyone sure is fired up! Let's also do our best, Grey!" ［Yuna］
"How about a competition, then? Loser will have to cook dinner." ［Grey］
"Oh! You're on! I won't be losing this time around!" ［Yuna］
"Well, let's see about that." ［Grey］
Grey and Yuna's enthusiasm was through the sky and as they brandished their trusty weapons, thousands upon thousands of stalks time and time again. They may be partners and lovers, but they won't be backing down. A competition is a completion, after all.
Yet little did they know, the little competition they had going with them was completely pointless. After all, with the incoming feast the Chief is preparing, neither of them will be cooking dinner tonight. They are in for a surprise, but that's a story for another day.
CHAPTER 251 END