Crystal chandeliers, golden candlelight, fancy dresses, and beautiful silverwares. All shone brightly as the darkness of the night loomed over the world. The sound of laughter and chattering drifted along the cold nightly breeze.
The night of the second day was upon everyone, and to end the ever so festive and wonderful Festival of Hearts, they held a grand and grandiose ball for everyone to enjoy, laughing and socializing to their hearts' content.
With so many nobility and royalty around, it was the most extravagant ball in all of the continent. Not only were the aesthetics fancy, the food served, the music played, and the service provided were also over the top, costing millions upon millions of kiels.
"Hm? Yuna, have you been eating less as of late? You feel... thinner...?" ［Grey］
"Grey... That's not a topic to talk about while we're dancing..." ［Yuna］
"Why not? Is it wrong to be concerned for my fiancée's health?" ［Grey］
"Mou... You're just teasing me again, aren't you?" ［Yuna］
Of course, Grey and Yuna also attended the ball, now adorned with beautiful and contrasting garments as they took the floor. They were picture perfect, their beauty illuminated by the gentle light from the chandeliers above, adorned by many.
Yuna's black dress resembled the night sky, her silver hair which fluttered in the wind shining like the stars, and her blue eyes like sapphire under the moonlight. The dress not only enhanced her beauty, but also accentuated her voluptuous figure. A jaw-dropping sight to behold.
As for Grey, he was just as stunning with his hair done to the side and his body now adorned in white princely garments. Though he was already handsome in his casual and adventurer attire, but now that he was in formal attire, he became even more attractive, stealing the hearts of the young ladies.
"Lord Grey... He looks so gorgeous. I want to talk to him..."
"Not only His Highness, Lady Yuna as well. How I wish I was as fair as her..."
"They look so perfect for each other!"
They aren't even the stars of the night, yet they have already stolen the spotlight, the eyes of many latching towards them. With every turn and twist they took, the sounds of awe and exclaim rang out in the air, people admiring them deeply.
But perhaps the one having the most fun was themselves. Smiles bloomed on their faces as their fingers interlocked, each of their steps guided by the music, their hearts thumping gently yet loudly as they held one another dearly.
"Yuna, you look stunning, My Dear." ［Grey］
"Hm? Why are you saying that all of the sudden?" ［Yuna］
"Hm? Nothing really... I just wanted to say it." ［Grey］
Or so he says, but in truth, Grey was simply acting possessive. Seeing the eyes of many young men latch on to Yuna, he couldn't help but feel annoyed. Though Yuna already accepted his faults, there were still some things he wanted to keep to himself.
And so, the music continued to play, keys, strings, and notes drifting in the air. It was a gentle night, footsteps fluttering all over. As they continued to dance, there was a certain harmony in the air one couldn't help but simply fall in love with.
Before long, the music finally reached its conclusion, the dancers halting their steps soon after. As the piece finished, everyone bowed their heads to their partners and headed off for others to take their place.
"Boss! Lady Boss! Would you like some wine?" ［Garret］
And just as Grey and Yuna retired, Garret approached them, now wearing formal clothes as beautiful as Grey's. For the first time ever since, he actually looked like a proper nobleman, his well-built figure fully showcased.
"Thanks for the offer, Garret, but we'll have to decline. We don't really drink wine that much, so that's a little..." ［Grey］
"Oh? Can I get you something else then?" ［Garret］
"Water would be much appreciated." ［Grey］
"For me, fruit juice would be fine. I want it to be iceless though." ［Yuna］
"Alright, water and orange juice it is." ［Garret］
The young lord raised one his hands and signaled one of the servants from afar. Soon enough, a waiter came forward towards them, bringing them an assortment of drinks and a glass of water.
Of course, as usual, Yuna was the one to put the amount of ice in her drinks. Though she made some to chill it, she made sure it was not cold enough that she got a brain freeze. She couldn't handle something too cold, after all.
"I already expected it, but still... The Boss and Lady Boss really are something. You even stand out more than royalty." ［Garret］
"Fufufu! You're praising us too much, Garret." ［Yuna］
"No! That's not true at all! Boss and Lady Boss are simply too amazing! Not even princes and princesses could compare to you two. You've even nabbed everyone's hearts in just a single dance! You're the best!" ［Garret］
He was quite overzealous, alright, singing praises of Grey and Yuna every chance he could. He had been admiring them for so long, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he's one of their biggest fans. They were his idols.
A bit more fanboying from Garret and a couple more compliments later, the sound of laughs and giggles resounded in the air. There really wasn't much to think about, they simply chatted with whatever topic which came to mind.
"Then, I'll be going around now, Boss, Lady Boss. Please let me know if you ever need something." ［Garret］
"Fufufu! Thank you, Garret." ［Yuna］
Having chatted with them for minutes already, Garret finally took his leave. Though he wanted to chat more, being the son of the host and the next lord of Erdea, he also needed to entertain some people and form connections with them.
And speaking of connections, such was forming all over the place. Even now, Julius and Iris are surrounded by people of the same age wanting to create bonds with the Kingdom of Alfrione. The Princess Royal was now in formal mode once again.
Well, it's not like Grey and Yuna couldn't relate to what's happening with them, quite a number of people were still eyeing them even when they were standing still, with eyes like that of a predator's. It made them recall a scene just a while ago.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Highnesses, I am......"
"Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna, you're just as beautiful as I've heard......"
"I have heard of your might for so long. To think I would meet such Heroes......"
"You really are as gorgeous as the rumors say, Your Highnesses!"
It was a headache, a long line of nobles, royals, and important people trying to form connections with them. Though it was tiring, they still needed to entertain them to not sour the mood of the party. It was very taxing.
And because of their match against Richter just the other day, people became even more interested in them. Especially the knights and escorts. Many of them wanted to spar with them even when they knew full well how powerful they were.
"Mngg... I really don't want to deal with them..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Then, should we take a little break?" ［Grey］
Said Grey, his eyes then shifting towards the open balcony just a couple dozen steps away. There were no other people around, only the night lights of the city to be seen as far as the eyes can see, a sea of colorful lights from afar.
"Shall we, Milady?" ［Yuna］
"Fufufu! I'll be in your care, Sir Grey." ［Grey］
Grey extended his hands out and Yuna accepted with grace. Escaping from the busy world of aristocracy, Grey and Yuna then took their leave, heading towards the lonely balcony for a breath of fresh air, chilly winds welcoming them warmly.
The view from the balcony was magnificent, gentle light seeping through the large windows, velvet curtains hanging down gently, and the people laughing merrily. The refreshing breeze blowing from outside was a remedy to revitalize the soul.
It had just been a couple moments since they stepped out yet Grey and Yuna already felt much better. They could even close the curtains and not a single soul would mind them. They felt like birds who just regained their wings.
"Haah... The wind feels so amazing..." ［Yuna］
Said Yuna as she felt the wind run throughout the night, caressing her skin with light and gentle touch as she spread her arms openly. A sight which only served to make Grey chuckle, once again thinking how adorable his fiancée was.
"Hahaha. You look so silly right now." ［Grey］
"Mou... You don't have to rebuke me every single time, you know..." ［Yuna］
"Hm? But I'm just admiring how cute and lovely my fiancée is though? Is there something wrong with that?" ［Grey］
"No, nothing... It just feels like you're making fun of me again... You always make me blush as if it's no one's business... Is it really that fun teasing me?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Who knows... Maybe, maybe not..." ［Grey］
Softly, sighed Grey as he bent over, resting his arms atop the balcony balustrade as his eyes gazed towards his beloved. The gentle moonlight had once illuminated her figure, reminding him of the time he realized his for her.
It has been almost four years since they first met, and though it wasn't the best way to meet someone, it was also when their fates intertwined. He still couldn't believe the girl she once saved was now his fiancée. He couldn't help but feel happy.
"Grey, you're smiling..." ［Yuna］
"Oh, am I?" ［Grey］
"Un, you are. You're thinking of something mean again, aren't you?" ［Yuna］
Well, no matter how beautiful the past was, the present before him was even more so. It was a life he wouldn't exchange for anything else. Even if he had to challenge the whole world for it, he would happily do so.
The winds continued to blow and the leaves continued to rustle. As the night went on, so did the ball. Yuna soon leaned her head on Grey's wide shoulder, her hand now holding Grey's tightly as they enjoyed the wonderful scenery together.
"My, my, what a lovely couple we have here," ［Richter］
And just as they enjoyed each other's company, a familiar gentle voice rang out from behindー or rather from above. The Azure Sword Emperor then descended from the rooftops, landing whilst barely making a sound.
"It seems you're also taking a break, Lord Grey, Lord Yuna." ［Richter］
"Yes, we are. How about Your Majesty?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I was just enjoying the view from the rooftop, and just happened to find a lovely pair who were resting together... I'm not intruding on you, am I?" ［Richter］
"Not at all, Your Majesty. We were just taking a breather." ［Yuna］
"A breather, huh..." ［Richter］
Richter's words echoed in the air, a tinge of loneliness and longing to be traced as his eyes drifted towards the distance. Longing which twisted his heart with stinging pain, yet strangely enough, relief at the same time.
It wasn't like he couldn't understand them. Though it has been a very long time, he was also an adventurer who lives for thrill and excitement. He knew full well just how suffocating it was in the world of nobility, your freedom chained down to the ground.
Yet despite that fact, he couldn't come to hate the ball. Rather, he could only smile as he remembered a certain figure now only lingering in his memories. The way she shone under the chandelier was a sight to behold, making his heart race even now.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, did you know? I have attended the Festival of Hearts more than a dozen times now." ［Richter］
It was all too sudden, a farfetched topic out of the blue. As the olden Emperor said his piece, his eyes swam towards the city before them, admiring how beautiful it became over the years as he reminisced about the past.
"During this time, the people dance, drink, sing, and play to their hearts' content. It's one of the grandest and merriest celebrations there is. Though, it's such a pity it only happens once every nine years..." ［Richter］
"Well, it is quite costly, after all." ［Grey］
"That's true... The last time I attended, it cost about a couple dozen million kiels just to organize the ball. For the whole festival, I would estimate... A couple... No, it would at least be a few hundred million at the very least," ［Richter］
Grey and Yuna's hearts dropped at Richter's sudden revelation. They already knew it was expensive, but to think it would be to such a degree, they couldn't say they weren't surprised. On the contrary, they were quite flabbergasted.
Yet despite that, Richter remained calm as if it was nothing big. Though he also acted the same at first, after several years of being an Emperor, he's finally gotten used to it. He chuckled to himself as he looked at Grey and Yuna's reaction.
"Well, it's also the time that everyone would be most PREOCCUPIED. No one even noticed that I'm GONE from the hall anymore." ［Richler］
Said Richter, carefully emphasizing the words "preoccupied" and "gone" as if he was hinting onto something. It was then that some suspicions arose in Grey and Yuna's minds, their ears perking up as they continued to listen.
"The town is also busy right now. If I remember correctly, there should be a DANCE in the CENTRAL PLAZA right now. Everyone is welcome so some young nobles often SNEAK OUT to have fun. Quite interesting, isn't it?" ［Richter］
There he goes again, emphasizing a couple more words as talked to Grey and Yuna. With such blatant hints laid out before them, they couldn't be so dense to understand what Richter was trying to get at, now smiling at them.
It was already a distant past, but every time there was a ball, Richter would always take the opportunity and sneak out with his wife to have their little adventure. It was one of his bear memories, each one precious as one can be.
He may now be a part of the Imperial Family, but as their senior in adventurering, Richter also wanted Grey and Yuna to experience such wonderful adventures for themselves. That's what they're made for, after all.
"Oh my, it seems like I have to be going now. I apologize for taking your time. An old man's rambling must have been boring, wasn't it?" ［Richter］
"A-Ah, no, not at all! Rather, it was fun, Your Majesty." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I'm delighted to hear that." ［Richter］
Richter's gentle laughter once again drifted along the cold nightly breeze. He took one more look towards the bustling city before turning around and heading towards the ball once more. The sound of light footsteps fluttered in the air.
"Thank you very much, Your Majesty." ［Grey］
"Hm? Did I do something to be thankful for?" ［Richter］
A smile on his face, Richter finally went inside, leaving Grey and Yuna to themselves. Silence once again swallowed the balcony yet it was not as lonely as it was before. There was only warmth and comfort as Grey and Yuna smiled at one another.
"Yuna, I just thought of something fun. Would you like to join me for a little adventure?" ［Grey］
"My, what a coincidence. I was just also thinking of the same thing." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. A coincidence indeed... Shall we?" ［Grey］
There was no need to say any further. With bright smiles on their faces, Grey and Yuna then quickly leaped off the balcony, then landing on the soft green grass. As the sweet and refreshing fragrance of the garden wafted all over the place, they leaped over the wallsー or so they wanted to.
"Ah... We should probably get changed first..." ［Yuna］
"Right... These costs quite a sum, after all..." ［Grey］
It was then that they once again realized they were still in formal and fancy garments. If they were to join the dance now, they would surely stand out. Not to mention they'll also ruin their clothing. Grey then opened the sanctuary with a wave of his hand.
When they reappeared in the garden, their outfits were now changed, now in casual attire. They felt cozy and comfortable in their clothing, easy to move as one can be. Casual clothing really does fit them the most.
Walls, roofs, and chimneys alike. Grey and Yuna leaped from place to place as they rushed out of the manor. As soon as they leaped over the massive walls, a pleasant sight greeted them, colorful lights and merry people all over the place.
Unlike the ball's harmonic and sophisticated music, the ones played in the city were more lively and rowdy, total chaos looming all over the place as a pandemonium of noises clamoring all throughout the central plaza. Yet, it was strangely elegant.
Everyone was dancing their hearts out, some dancing to the tune of the music, while some moving to the beat of their own drum. Some danced alone, some danced with their partners, and some danced as a group. There was a variety of dances, all just as merry as the other.
"Fufufu! Grey, let's dance with them!" ［Yuna］
There was no time to waste. As soon as they arrived in the central plaza, Yuna then grabbed Grey by the wrist and danced with him as if there was no tomorrow, giggling to herself as they turned, twisted, and twirled.
They were doing the same steps and the same moves yet strangely enough, it felt very different. Though the place was loud and restless, they enjoyed themselves there much more than when they were in the ball where people's eyes were on them.
They were free as on can be, not a single rule bounding them. After one song was over, they only needed to take a couple steps and join another group. Their music was all unique, but they enjoyed them all the same.
"Looks like someone here's having so much fun." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Of course, I'm dancing with my wonderful and beloved fiancé, after all. How could I not be happy in such a situation?" ［Yuna］
"Oh? Are you really sure you want to start that now? You do know you have zero defenses in that regard, don't you?" ［Grey］
"My～! Whatever do you mean～!" ［Yuna］
Of course, as one would expect, there was also quite a lot of fruiting involved. Yuna was the one to make the first move, trying to set Grey's heart aflutter. Unfortunately for her, her fiancé was quite the stubborn one. He wouldn't immediately lose.
After all, Grey's heart had already been racing ever since. If he didn't know how to keep his facial expressions in check, he would be blushing all the time. Though, the same couldn't really be said for Yuna.
"Yuna, I love you." ［Grey］
Whispered Grey, giving a slight peck on her cheeks in the end, and it was as simple as that. That was all Grey needed to do, and now, his beloved was flushed red all the way to the tip of her ears, heart pounding madly like thunder.
She was the one to start it, yet all it took was a single attack and she was already down for the count. She was so flustered, she couldn't help herself from smiling, unable to utter even a single word as she buried her face in Grey's chest.
"Grey, that's unfair... Kissing is unfair... I still haven't prepared myself..." ［Yuna］
"But that wasn't a kiss, though? Should we try one now?" ［Grey］
"Grey! You dummy! Dummy! Dummy!" ［Yuna］
And she's still wondering while Grey likes teasing her when, even though a year had passed since they started dating, her reactions were still as cute as ever, still easily flustered as one can be like a meek little sheep.
Even now, as she pounded on Grey's shoulders and puffing her cheeks, Grey just wanted to poke more fun at her, wanting to keep her cuteness for himself. If they were back in their house, only God knows how far Grey's "teasing" would have gone.
And so, with Yuna red as one can be, they continued to dance and play around in the central plaza. Well, they not only danced, they sang, played games, ate snacks, and so much more. They enjoyed the night while it lasted.
"Gwey! Twy rish wam! Ish sho dewishoush! (Grey! Try this one! It's so delicious!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna, don't talk when your mouth is full. How many times have I told you that already? Geez..." ［Grey］
Of course, as one would expect, the part Yuna liked the most was when they tried out the different foods the night stalls had to offer. They already had some in the morning and they were just as delicious, with a hint of merriness.
And as usual, Grey had also become Yuna's babysitter, acting like a father once again. They may be engaged now, but their relationship hasn't changed. Grey still spoiled Yuna like there was no tomorrow, caring as one can ask for.
DONNGGGG DONNGGGG DONNGGGG
As the night deepened, the last bell of the day finally rang, marking the 9th hour after noon. And just as the city bells rang, Grey looked up towards the sky, remembering something important. One he prepared with the Mayor.
'Anytime now...' ［Grey］
Grey thought, watching the night sky once more. There were the stars, the clouds, and the moon watching them from above. There was nothing out of the ordinaryー or, so it was. A whistling sound soon echoed from afar.
"Yuna, look up." ［Grey］
"Hm? What doー" ［Yuna］
BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG
A series of explosions boomed over the city, but rather than running away from fear, they instead stood still as if they were frozen, eyes all fixed on the sky, mouths wide open in agape as they watched such a beautiful sight unfold.
An explosion of light and colors boomed throughout the ever so expansive skies, coming in different shapes and sizes, blooming like flowers at the advent of spring. Everyone could only admire such a scene, their hearts beating along the sounds of fireworks exploring one after another.
It wasn't the first time Yuna had seen them, but looking at them again, she once again realized how beautiful they were like jewels exploding into starlight. She grasped her hands over her chest, simply standing in awe. A memory sure to be remembered...
"So beautiful..." ［Yuna］
The Festival of Hearts had finally concluded.
CHAPTER 290 END