There was no movement, only the gentle sunlight seeping through the windows. The room lavishly decorated by grandiose wallpapers and luxurious furniture was still and quiet, a peaceful atmosphere enveloping the whole place.
The birds chirped and sang from the trees outside, a soft chime carried by the playful wind. Two figures lay down motionlessly on the bed, their bodies covered by a white blanket, soft and subtle snores drifting in the wind.
"Hngg... Urghh..." ［Grey］
But such tranquility was soon broken and silent movements were born. One of the figures slowly rose from the bed, his well-built body revealed as the blanket slowly slipped away. His eyes were still hazy, mind still a little sleepy.
Well, who wouldn't be? After the long and passionate night filled with bliss that he shared with his beloved, it was only natural that he was a tad bit exhausted. They were so fierce and passionate that time flew away before they noticed it.
"Hm?" ［Grey］
Grey looked to his right, and what he found was a sleeping Yuna. Her hair was still disheveled but she was still the most beautiful woman in the world to his eyes. Even when she was sleeping, she was so adorable, Grey just couldn't help but smile.
"Haha. So defenseless..." ［Grey］
The smile that bloomed on his face shone even brighter. He soon leaned in towards his beloved to give her a morning kiss on the cheeks, when suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. The smile was no more, only a face of horror left behind.
Yesterday's memories came flooding in, and not only happiness and embarrassment, a feeling of guilt also brewed inside his heart. He still remembered vividly the way he acted like a staved and savage beast, eating Yuna whole.
If it weren't for the fact that he erected a barrier all over the room, their voices full of intense love and passion would have rang throughout the whole mansion. Now, not only guilt, but shame has swallowed his conscience.
'What have I done...?!' ［Grey］
And to top it all off, he still isn't satisfied after everything they did the night before. His appetite is yet to be sated, and he simply wanted more from Yuna. His desire kept on overflowing that he thinks he's going crazy.
It also didn't help that Yuna's sleeping face looked so pure and innocent. Along with his growing desires, the number of arrows filled with guilt stabbing his hearts also increased. A tug of war between his conscience and desires.
'Haah... Just what am I doing...' ［Grey］
Flap Flap Flap
He soon retracted his hands and hot off the bed, acting carefully as to not wake up the sleeping beauty. He quickly got himself a change of clothes and swiftly draped in unto himself, a little bit of cleaning with magic.
Yuna was still asleep, and the day was still long ahead of him. As much as he wants to spend time with her, he also doesn't want his desires to go out of hand. After all, the last thing he wants is for her to get disillusioned with him. It would be a nightmare.
"Right! There's also that, isn't there?" ［Grey］
Thankfully, he also had many things to do in his mental checklist. If he wants to clear his mind and get rid of all the impurities, what better way is there to hammer it all out with the use of smithing?!
In addition, he also wants to forge many rings and try out many designs for the big day he is planning to do. He could progress with his plans and also was away from all the dirty thoughts. It was killing two birds with one stone.
"Alright! It's decided! Let's do some smithingー" ［Grey］
Knock Knock Knock
"Elder Brother Grey, Elder Sister Yuna, are you awake already?" ［Iris］
And just when everything had been decided a series of knocks came echoing from the other side of the door. The one doing all the knocking was none other than Iris who seemed to have woken up earlier than usual.
"Just a minute." ［Grey］
With a flick of his fingers, Grey quickly closed the curtains on the bed and fixed all there is to be fixed. They can't have such a mess greet Iris' eyes, after all. She's still too young to learn of such scenes.
Click Clack Creak
A series of sounds echoed one after another and the door was soon opened. A pretty princess whose hair was still disheveled. She may act prim and proper most of the time, but it's in times like such that Grey's reminded she's still a child.
With a white towel on her person, it is easy to know what she came there for. She wanted to take a bath together with her again, wanting to be pampered like a little sister which she couldn't ask from his older brothers. She's so adorable.
"Morning, Iris. Do you want to bathe with Yuna again today?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, good morning as well Elder Brother Grey, and yes... I would very much like that if possible. Is Elder Sister Yuna around?" ［Iris］
"Well... Unfortunately, she's still asleep." ［Grey］
Following Grey's lead, Iris' eyes soon shifted towards the bed when she saw the silhouette of a sleeping Yuna. Her face soon drooped down, disappointment traced on her face, sulking a little bit.
"Hahaha, there's no need to be so down. You still have a lot of chances to do that later on. We still have a month, after all." ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes! Sorry for worrying you!" ［Iris］
"Don't be. Just make sure to be careful in the bath, alright? You can get hurt if you slip. You shouldn't act recklessly." ［Grey］
And like usual, Grey's overprotective side had sprung up once again. Although Iris is already 11 years old, and a well-behaved one at that, he still treated her like a little child and gave her warnings. He was very serious as well.
"Yes. I'll make sure to do so." ［Iris］
"Alright, that's a good girl." ［Grey］
Thankfully, Iris really didn't mind it, or rather, she was happy that Grey worried for her. Happiness which soon bloomed brighter as Grey patted her head gently, a gentle smile sprouting on her face, cheeks dyed a rosy tint.
"Oh, right. Before I forget, could you tell Yuna I wouldn't be with you all for the most of the day. I'd like to work on my smithing work." ［Grey］
"Hm? Are you forging something again, Elder Brother Grey?" ［Iris］
"Yeah. It's quite an important task, so it would take some time..." ［Grey］
Not just important, it is one of the most important tasks in both of his lives! He never had a girlfriend before Yuna, so it was only natural that he feels the most nervous he has ever been, not knowing whether to just go for it or wait a little bit.
As for what ring he's going to forge, he's still debating on what to choose. He got a lot of useful information from yesterday's tour, but he still couldn't settle on which to use. All he knows he needs to do his best. He'll surely pour his heart and soul in this one.
"Anyway, can I count on you to relay that to Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Yes. You can rest assured." ［Iris］
"Hahaha. That's a relief to hear.... Well then, I'll be seeing you later. I hope you have a wonderful day, Iris." ［Grey］
"Yes. I wish you the same as well. Good luck!" ［Iris］
Hands were waved and farewells were exchanged. After Grey said goodbye to Iris, he quickly entered the "Sanctuary" and proceeded to take out the ever so reliable "Divine Blacksmith's Toolset", a whole forge appearing from thin air.
Silver, gold, jade, amethyst, opal, tanzanite, and a whole ton of precious metals and gemstones were dished out one after another, glimmering ever so brightly just like the determination burning fiercely in Grey's eyes.
"Alright! Let's do this!" ［Grey］
Passion burning in his heart and the hammer by his hand, Grey soon lit the forge ablaze, a loud roar echoing in the fields. The furnace burned fierce and hot as the ingots were laid heated to extreme temperatures, soon turning a fiery red color.
The hammer soon struck the ingots and a resounding sound boomed throughout the fields. And then another, and another once more. The sound of the hammer striking the metals reverberated throughout the fields as the flames continued to dance.
...
Dongggg Dongggg Dongggg
The curtains flapped and fluttered as they danced in the air. The sun had climbed higher into the horizon and the city had grown busier once more. The time was nine and the second bell echoed throughout the city.
"Mnghhh..." ［Yuna］
And just as the city bells rang, a low groan soon echoed in a certain room. A certain silver-haired elf wiggled on the bed, soon getting up and rubbing her eyes as she greeted the day with a yawn, extending her arms towards the ceiling.
"Owww....." ［Yuna］
But it wasn't just a soft yawn which echoed in the air. Following it was a low cry of pain as her back and legs ached all over. Every time she moves, they simply sting, sending subtle shivers down her spine.
Of course, the cause was none other than the long and passionate night she spent with Grey. It was so wild and rough than usual that she even suffers from soreness. Even now, she could still remember Grey's fierce and passionate eyes.
"Grey... You really don't know how to hold back..." ［Yuna］
Just remembering all the things they did was enough for her cheeks to feel feverish, flustered as one can be. She might have experienced a little soreness, but it wasn't like she hated it. She simply loves Grey too much.
《Heal》《Recuperate》 ［Yuna］
Well, even if she does love him, love won't simply heal her soreness. She still needs to use holy magic to relieve her pain. She never thought she'd use it in such a way, but here she is. Oh, what a strange turn of fate.
All jokes aside, Yuna quickly changed into some casual clothing and fixed the room with a little bit of magic. Soon after, she then grabbed herself a towel and headed to the bath with a big, bright smile blooming on her face.
"Waah～! This is bliss!" ［Yuna］
She took a bath, and had the most wonderful time there is. She may have relieved all her soreness already, but it was still best to melt away in the goodness of hot baths. The moment she finished, she was fully refreshed and raring to go.
Iris had also already told her about Grey, and though she was a little crestfallen, there was not much she could do about it. She'll simply savor all the time they could spend together, of course, with caution. She already learnt her lesson. Her heart isn't ready for such intense nights again.
"Mmn～! So good! The food here is so delicious!" ［Yuna］
Of course, what came after the bath was a warm and delicious breakfast. The others already had their fill, and though she was late, she didn't forget to enjoy it to the fullest, a smile extending from ear to ear painted on her face.
"Her Highness really is enjoying herself." ［Violet］
"Yes. Elder Sister Yuna makes the food look good." ［Iris］
"Well, that's because they really are delicious!" ［Yuna］
Well, it wasn't that she was alone. Breakfast may have already been over, but they could still hang out with each other. Since they have nothing else to do, the girls decided to spend their leisure time with one another, chatting ever so happily.
Garret also wanted to join in on the fun, but before he could even have the chance, he was immediately dragged away by the Mayor to help fix the documents he once trashed. A scream of agony echoed throughout the mansion.
"That's true... But I still think the foods Elder Sister Yuna and Elder Brother Grey cook are still the best." ［Iris］
"Fufufu! Thank you Iris! I'm very happy to hear that!" ［Yuna］
"Eh? Your Highness knows how to cook...?" ［Violet］
The warm and fluffy atmosphere which just started to bloom was quickly broken by violet who was now tilting her head slightly to the right. Her eyes were filled with shock and surprise as she looked at the other two before her.
"Fufu! Do I perhaps look like a terrible cook?" ［Yuna］
"A-Ah, n-no! Not at all! It's just... Your Highness is so strong even when you're so young so I thought you've always been training... I just didn't think Your Highnesses would have the time to cook as well." ［Violet］
"We're just like anyone else, you know? Me and Grey also have a lot of hobbies, and cooking is simply one of them." ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Your Highness is so amazing! Can I be like you someday too?" ［Violet］
"Fufufu! That depends on all your hard work." ［Yuna］
Yuna ended her statement with a beaming smile and Violet's eyes sparkled with joy and excitement. Her nor just her, even Iris, was also filled with determination after hearing Yuna's words. Such adorable children.
"Oh, right! Since we're on the topic already, why don't I make you something sweet to enjoy? A dessert, so to say." ［Yuna］
"W-Would that be alright?!" ［Violet］
"Of course! I've also been dying to have some, myself." ［Yuna］
"Waah～!" ［Violet］
Not just Violet, Iris' eyes also lit up with Yuna's declaration. As soon as Yuna finished her breakfast, they quickly got permission from the Mayor then quickly headed to the kitchen in the Alfrione mansion. They had the whole place for themselves.
And as they were in the city of colors, Yuna just had the perfect dessert in mind. She had always cooked it with Grey whenever they liked, but it was her first time with the others. She was super excited, very much looking forward to it.
"Are you both ready?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes! I'm ready!" ［Iris］
"Me too! I await your instructions, Your Highness." ［Violet］
Well, it isn't just Yuna who'll be making the treat. Since they'll be sharing it with one another, why not make it together as well. That way, they can have much more fun, using their time the best they could.
There was flour, eggs,salt, sugar, vegetable oil, food coloring, butter, frosting, and of course, fruits and berries, sweet as one can be, both sliced and freeze-dried for later use. Of course, what they're going to make is a rainbow fruit cake!
"Iris, preheat the oven, please." ［Yuna］
"Yes!" ［Iris］
First and foremost, Yuna made the cake with the help of the girls, mixing flour, sugar, salt, eggs, and oil to make a batter. They then put them in cake pans already greased in butter and dusted with flour.
Of course, each batter was different. They were all mixed with ground freeze-dried fruits to flavor, namely, strawberry, banana, mango, kiwi, blueberry, and blackberry, making six colors for their rainbow delight. Food coloring was also a must.
Thankfully, both Iris and Violet were already experienced with baking so it didn't take too long for them to understand Yuna's instructions. They both made batters of their own, soon slicing the fresh and chilled fruits with large smiles on their faces.
"Is that everything, Your Highness?" ［Violet］
"Yup, that should be all. All we need is to bake them." ［Yuna］
And bake them they did. One after another, the pans were placed inside the oven and heat soon overtook the kitchen. With the passing of time, the batter expanded and a sweet and wonderful aroma filled the air.
Of course, they weren't just simply waiting as the cakes baked. With such plentiful ingredients at hand, they made more cake and filled the kitchen with life and colors. Laughs and giggles were adrift in the air as they enjoyed their time together.
When the cakes were fully baked, soft and fluffy, they then took them out of the oven and cooled them for a little while. The cake has yet to be assembled but everyone's eyes were already sparkling as they wondered what it would taste like.
"Then, let's finish this, shall we?" ［Yuna］
""Yes!"" ［Violet and Iris］
One after another, the cake was stacked layer by layer. First came the blackberry cake then placed an adequate amount of frosting on top. The steps were repeated with the blueberry, kiwi, mango, banana, and strawberry cakes. Then frosting the top and sides to complete the look.
Of course, what cake would be complete without toppings? They put the chilled fruits they previously sliced on top, along with some edible flowers to complete the look. A quick slice revealed a beautiful rainbow color just as beautiful as the real thing.
"Waah～! Your Highness, it's so beautiful!" ［Violet］
"Elder Sister Yuna, let's take a picture!" ［Iris］
"Fufufu! That's already a given, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
A snap here and a snap there, Yuna took a few wonderful pictures from her personal camera Grey made her not too long ago. And now, she could happily snap beautiful photos of the foods she loves all to her heart's content.
But as the photos were snapped, a certain pair of eyes couldn't get her attention away from the sweet delight before her. Her eyes were sparkling so brightly, it was blinding. Of course, it was Violet who loves all things beautiful.
"Fufufu! Let's have a taste, shall we?" ［Yuna］
"Y-Yes!" ［Violet］
There was no time to waste. Yuna quickly grabbed a cake knife and cut the cake into seven more pieces in addition to a previous slice. Each one was filled with colors, a sweet and appetizing fragrance emanating from them.
"""Thank you for the food!"""
The spoons cut through the cake and a rainbow was in their grasp. The very moment they munched down on such a delight, a burst of sweetness with a hint of creaminess and acidity exploded in their mouths.
Though there were a multitude of fruits used, the taste did not contradict each other, but rather, complemented. Especially the fresh fruits used as topping, it was the icing on the cake, completing the already delightful rainbow cake.
"W-What is this?! It's so delicious!" ［Violet］
"Elder Sister Yuna, can I have some more later?" ［Iris］
"Of course! Have as much as you want." ［Yuna］
The flavor of fruits and berries caressing their tongue, a blend of sweetness from the fruit juices Yuna just made, and the fruity aroma floating in the air. The kitchen had become a sweet paradise filled with smiles and laughter.
They baked more and more, a myriad of cakes piling up on the table. Of course, they also tried using different fruits, creating tons of combinations, but each one was very delicious nonetheless. They were little children and the kitchen was their playground.
"Oh?" ［Grey］
And just as the cakes formed a mountain, a certain figure entered the kitchen, lured by the fragrance of the cakes. He had just taken a bath to rid himself of all the swear and grime from his blacksmithing, mind cleared and refreshed.
As one would expect, as he went straight to the "Sanctuary" without having breakfast, his stomach was now grumbling, only the thought of food drifting in his mind. It was the perfect time to indulge in some sweets and treats.
"Ah! Grey, you're back! How did work go?" ［Yuna］
"It's going well. I still need to do some tweaking, but all that's left are some final touches. I should finish just in time." ［Grey］
"Oh? That's great! Show me later what you're working on, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Of course." ［Grey］
Well, he'll be proposing to her, so of course, she'll be the first to see it. Not that there is any need to mention that now. For now, he's just happy that he's finally progressing with his plan, excited for the day that's about to come.
"By the way, what dessert did you make this time?" ［Grey］
"Ah! We decided to make some rainbow fruit cakes! Iris and Violet helped me out in making them. They're really delicious!" ［Yuna］
"Oh? Can I have some then?" ［Grey］
"Of course! There's more than enough for everyone!" ［Yuna］
With his stomach hungry and grumbling, Grey didn't waste anymore time. He quickly snatched a plate and a fork from God-knows-where and had a slice, experiencing the same delight the others did.
"Oh! These are really good!" ［Grey］
"Right～? We also made different combinations. Here, have a taste." ［Yuna］
Said the young elf as she fed Grey with a bright smile on her face. It was a surprise attack, striking Grey straight to the heart. He just cleared his mind after a hard day's work, and now his heart is racing wildly once again. His girlfriend was just too much.
Soon, they headed to the central mansion for lunch and they served the rainbow cakes for everyone to enjoy. And as one would expect, they all loved it with a big thumbs up of approval, smiles of satisfaction dancing in the air. A day full of sweets and happiness.
CHAPTER 268 END