Clink Clink Clink
The bottle was shaken and stirred, the sound of glass ringing echoing in the air. Blue and green liquids were mixed in, bubbles frothing upon contact. The glass was stirred yet again and the solution turned into a shade of cyan, turning gold as a few drops were added soon after.
The room was silent as a cemetery, only the silent whistling and whispering of the cold winds to be heard, ghastly echoes as monotonous symphonies played in the background. Blue orbs peered into the glass, clear like the vast seas.
Of course, those blue orbs belonged to none other than Yuna, the elf who was now performing alchemy. She's been making potions since the sun rose over the horizon, and already created countless of them, taking notes all the while.
Blub Fwissshhhhh Blub Blub Blub...
Yuna dropped a few golden pieces in yet it only fizzled for a while, disappearing soon after after turning the solution red. There was clearly a reaction, but not a single smile could be seen, Yuna sighing soon after.
"Another failure, huh..." ［Yuna］
The golden pieces Yuna just dropped on the solution was none other than parts of the Divine Fruit of Miracles they received a while back from Leif. Grey had said it was very potent so she has been experimenting on it, all to no avail.
Yuna was already a Tier-8 "Grandmaster" Alchemist, amongst the best in all of Merusia, yet despite that, she could barely make progress on the project she was working on. It was even more difficult than she had imagined.
She had already tried using different reagents, changed the ratios, played around with different temperatures, used different ingredients and techniques, yet no matter what she did, it just didn't work. She was stuck.
Grey had already told her one needed to be a "Divine Alchemist" in order to process the fruit, but she still wanted to try it. She had learnt quite a number of things from her experiments, but she still couldn't advance to a higher tier. Oh, bittersweet efforts.
Click Clack Creak
And just as she mulled over her failure, the doors suddenly opened and a familiar figure presented himself, bringing along a tray of snacks. There were rabbit-shaped apples, cookies, and a pitcher of fruit juice, greeting Yuna with a kiss to the forehead.
"How's my beloved fiancée doing?" ［Grey］
"Mmn... Not good... I still haven't made any significant progress in my work. It was another failure again..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Don't worry too much about it. I'm sure you'll get it one day," ［Grey］
"Uuu... But that someday may be very far away..." ［Yuna］
"Don't be too negative now. That's very much unlike you... Here, have some of these apples to cheer yourself up." ［Grey］
Grey said as he forked a rabbit-shaped apple and fed it to his crestfallen fiancée. She was a little slow at first, but after tasting the sweetness and juiciness of the apple, her eyes quickly lit up and she kept munching like a little rabbit.
It wasn't just the apples. The cookies too weren't safe from her vigor. She ate them quickly with lightning speed hands, letting Grey feed and spoil her from time to time. Before long, Yuna was back to her usual self.
"Mmn～! That was good!" ［Yuna］
The young lady stood up and stretched her arms towards the ceiling. Her eyes were now sparkling brightly and cheerfully as usual. It was a bummer that things didn't go as planned, but there was no need to hasten things. There was still plenty of time.
"It's good that you're back to your usual self. How do you feel?" ［Grey］
"I feel great! It's all because of Grey's efforts and love! You're the bestest of the best in the whole world!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You're gonna make me blush." ［Grey］
Or so he says, but his facial expressions barely changed, only hints of red popping up here and there. Though, deep inside, it was totally different. His happiness only grew as he watched his adorable fiancée simply act like herself.
Of course, they weren't just flirting. After all, there was still a total mess of alchemy apparatus and ingredients before their eyes. They couldn't simply let them be. They needed to dispose properly, and so they did.
"Whew... There sure were a lot of them, huh?" ［Grey］
"Sorry... Before I noticed them, they just started piling up. Moreover, most of them were useless too... I couldn't even make a single potー" ［Yuna］
"Now, now, what did I say? No more gloominess, alright?" ［Grey］
Yuna couldn't even finish his words when Grey suddenly cut her off and pressed one of his fingers against her lips. He knew full well how hard working Yuna was. There was no need to drag herself down so much.
Instead, like the children from the orphanage from a couple days ago, what Yuna needed was a break from her usual routine. She has been cooped up in her little laboratory that she's been so sulky as of late. A little bit of air is all she needs.
"Tell you what, why don't we have lunch at the Rabbit's Den today? Let's eat some warm stew, shall we?" ［Grey］
"Un! Let's do that! It's been some time as well!" ［Yuna］
"Some time... It's only been a few days, you know? Hahaha." ［Grey］
"Eh? Really? It felt much longer than that..." ［Yuna］
Chuckling to himself and Yuna tilting her head in the most adorable way there is, the couple soon headed out of their home and into the open fields. The third bell is just about to ring, and so, lunch was also drawing near.
Their footsteps reasoning as they hit the ground, the two headed towards the more populated areas of Galderia, traversing the ever so familiar and lively streets as the people greeted them like usual.
Cling Cling Cling
Before ling, they arrived at the Rabbit's Den, the sound of chimes playing in the air as soon as they opened the doors. Not just Helen nor her family, but another familiar face greeted them inside, having a lovely lunch of his own. It was Dale!
"Oh! Grey, Yuna, over here! Sit with me!" ［Dale］
"Good morning, Mister Dale! Good morning, Helen!" ［Yuna］
"Morning... It's almost noon already, you know?" ［Helen］
With Dale's invitation, Grey and Yuna then seated themselves beside him, by the counters. And like usual, many of the regular customers greeted them, Gerd and Selia's voice echoing from the kitchen as they welcomed them.
"You'll be having the usual again, right?" ［Helen］
"Not today... Can we have the menu, please? We'll order quite a few things and splurge for a bit. We need to cheer a certain someone up." ［Grey］
"Hey... I wasn't that sulking..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah, sure you aren't. You were just frowning all morning long." ［Grey］
Commented Grey, patting Yuna's head soon after and treating her like a little child yet again. They soon ordered the dishes that they liked, asking for large meal sets as if it wasn't anybody's business, a few of them at that.
Soon enough, Helen brought out their meal, faces of delight blooming over their faces as they dug in such delicious dishes. They have eaten them many times before yet they were still as tasty as usual, not getting tired of the warm and hearty meal.
Of course, they didn't simply just eat, they also chatted along with Dale and Helen, a few folks pitching in on the merriness as they enjoyed lunch together. Dining on their own was fine, but eating with a large crowd was also enjoyable from time to time.
"Phew... That was a good meal! Sure blew all my fatigue away!" ［Dale］
"Has work been tough lately, Mister Dale?" ［Yuna］
"Tough... Well, I guess you could say that... No, actually, it's been quite bothersome as of late. There's been an annoying case lately." ［Dale］
Though, not all of their topics were enjoyable. As soon as he heard Yuna's question, Dale's eyebrows quickly furrowed and a dark expression was dyed on his face. Just remembering about what has been happening with work lately was enough to make him very exhausted.
"I don't know if you've heard about it, but there's been a case of burglary going 'round the town. They've already stolen from four houses so we're quire on edge." ［Dale］
"Hm? But wasn't your duty that of a gate guard, Mister Dale? How come you have to deal with those cases?" ［Yuna］
"Well, a gate guard is still a soldier, after all. We change duties sometimes." ［Dale］
As a soldier, Dale's main purpose was to make sure everyone in Galderia was safe. Though his usual duty was to guard the gates and inspect those who come inside, there are also times they join in in such cases.
The ones doing the investigation would be a detective or a knight, and they just tag along in case there was a need to apprehend or subdue someone. They can also give out opinions to help out, whilst gaining experience for the future.
It was all tiring work, but with the pay as high as it is, and Dale having a little talent in fighting, it was the perfect job for him. He may just be a G-ranker, but he was much more powerful than any normal person. It was a respectable position.
"Have they not been caught yet, Mister Dale..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah. Those bastards are quite slippery. They somehow always manage to steal from unsuspecting victims and run away without making a noise. It's already too late when we arrive at the scene." ［Dale］
"How about their identities? Have you figured them out already?" ［Grey］
"Haah... That's the worst part. They always strike at night when everybody's asleep so no one has seen them. It's really a hassle." ［Dale］
It was only natural. After all, even with all the magic Merusia possessed, their skills and technology were far lower compared to Earth's. Fingerprint technology, security cameras, and extensive records. Such things were unavailable.
Even if the victims did see the thieves invading their homes, they wouldn't be able to call for help immediately with no telephones around. It would only cause a ruckus the moment they shout for help, to which the thieves could quickly flee.
If there was something, it was that they had figured out the thieves were new to the city. They have left some traces behind, and some were something which couldn't be found in Galderia. They are now tightening the security in case someone suspicious were to be reported.
"On the bright side, no one's been harmed yet, though... They've already stolen a few dozen thousand kiels worth of things." ［Dale］
"That's quite a lot..." ［Grey］
"They've been targeting well-looking houses, after all. You two should also be careful since theyー no, actually, never mind that." ［Dale］
Dale was about to warn them, but as soon as he remembered the two's identities, he immediately cut off his words and shut his mouth. They were Grey and Yuna, after all. It was the thieves who'll need to be careful.
Their house was quite large, after all. It was a jewel which thieves wouldn't be able to resist, thinking of all the bounty to be had. Though, even if they did, it would only be stupid of them. They would be walking straight into their doom.
"Haah... In any case, it's been so exhausting at work lately, I feel like I'm starting to lose hair with all the stress." ［Dale］
"Stress, huh..." ［Helen］
Now, Helen was the one who wore a worried expression. She then sat across Grey and Yuna, crossing her arms across the countertop and resting her head over it. She then heaved a lengthy and exasperated sigh.
"Is something wrong, Helen?" ［Yuna］
"No, it's just... There's been so many customers lately, I haven't been able to take care of myself. Look, isn't my skin drier and rougher than usual?" ［Helen］
"Mmn... Let's see..." ［Yuna］
Helen stretched out her arms and Yuna touched it soon after. The difference was subtle, but for a woman, it was something they'll be worried about. Helen's face continued to frown the more she dwelled on the problem.
Well, not only her skin, but her lips and cheeks as well. They weren't as plump and bouncy as they used to. Her hair was also starting to get damaged after days of not taking care of it because of the rush at work. It has been quite hectic.
To make things worse, because she has been stressed out about these things, it only made her complexion less healthier which in turn, made her even more stressed, it was an endless loop of pain and suffering.
"Haah... I'm going to get wrinkles at this rate..." ［Helen］
"A-Ah! But don't worry, Helen! You're cute and beautiful so I'm sure it will be okay! I'm sure Owen won't mind as well!" ［Yuna］
"That's not the point... As a woman, don't you just want to get a little bit prettier? Not just for your man, but for yourself as well. It's our nature to seek beauty!" ［Helen］
"I guess you're right. Though I don't really mind it that much..." ［Yuna］
"Eh? You must be joking, Yuna. I'm sure there's a thing or two you're dissatisfied about. You can ask Greyー" ［Helen］
Much like Dale before, Helen quickly cut off her words. She once again reevaluated her words, staring at the two with lifeless eyes. She had almost forgotten how out of the norm Grey and Yuna were. There wasn't just a single problem.
First of all, Yuna was the most beautiful girl she knows, barely wearing makeup yet still remaining radiant as the sun. Even the day she consulted with them about her problems with Grey, she still looked very beautiful. A distressed yet attractive beauty,
On the other hand, there was Grey, a fool who is head over heels over his fiancée. No matter how Yuna looked or what she wore, he would always fawn and dote over her as per usual. The two were pretty hopeless in a sense.
Both men and women are already in admiration of her beauty. If Yuna were to start taking care of herself as extensively as other ladies do, one could only imagine how beautiful she'll become. It will be the descent of a goddess.
"No, never mind... In any case, I still want to take care of myself and pretty myself up. I'm still a woman, after all." ［Helen］
"Hmm... If that's the case, why don't you ask Yuna to make you some cosmetics then? She could probably whip up something with alchemy." ［Grey］
"Eh?! Really, Yuna?! You can do that?!" ［Helen］
"I'm not really focused on cosmetics so I'm not sure... However, it sounds really interesting so I'll give it a try!" ［Yuna］
"Yaay～! Thank you, Yuna! You're the best!" ［Helen］
Grey did not suggest just it for Helen, but for Yuna as well. With her stuck on her alchemy, it would be a good thing to focus on another project and make her shift her focus to something else for a change of pace.
In that regard, he could also help her out and spend some more time with her. He was not really knowledgeable in the field, but he knows a thing or two about them from Earth and also knows what herbs produce what effect. It would surely be a nice collaborative project for them.
The only problem was that if it ever became very effective, other women and soon enough, the Merchants' Guild would surely notice it. It would be yet another tiring day of signing contracts and documents.
"Good for you, Helen. You got your problem solved." ［Dale］
"Don't be like that, Mister Dale. I'm sure you'll crack the case soon enough." ［Grey］
"Haah... I surely hope so..." ［Dale］
Everyone continued chatting and they talked about a lot more topics. Before they noticed it, a lot of time had already passed and the afternoon had long arrived. Dale's break was soon over and he then left to get back on his post.
"Then, see you around next time, Helen." ［Grey］
"Bye, Helen～!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, goodbye～! I'm looking forward to the products～!" ［Helen］
Grey and Yuna soon followed suit and left the inn whilst waving their hands goodbye, soft chimes once again ringing as they opened the doors. The sound of footsteps soon echoed, walking down the streets and heading back home.
Compared to before, Yuna was now much more cheerful, thinking and mumbling to herself about what kinds of things she'll be using and what she wants to achieve for her products. She was excited as one can be, her pointy ears flapping up and down.
Before lying, they finally arrived at their house, beautiful and vibrant murals greeting them as they headed inside the gates. It's been a few days since they painted it with the children yet they still couldn't get over how beautiful it was.
"Then, Grey, I'll be heading towards my lab now. Catch up later, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, I'll be quick... Oh, and right. What snacks would you like to eat? I'll make some white I'm at it. I'll make you anything you want." ［Grey］
"Then, anything will do. Everything Grey makes is delicious, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Oh my, that's quite the high expectation." ［Grey］
A smile blooming on her face, Yuna then headed towards her laboratory and Grey headed to his workshop and finished some things up. He made sure there was nothing to disturb him whilst he spends time with Yuna.
He had taken a quest from the Enchanters' Guild just recently, but thankfully, it was an easy one to make, almost finished as well. With a few small touches, he finished all his business and delivered it to the guild soon after.
And as promised, Grey also headed to the kitchen and made some quick snacks. There were some fried bread, cookies, sandwiches, fruits, and of course, another pitcher full of chilled fruit juice. Perfect for them to enjoy.
Grey then headed inside, bringing another tray of snacks with him, to which Yuna welcomed with a warm smile. It hasn't even been an hour since she started, yet she was already up for snacks, eyes sparkling brightly and gleefully.
"Hmm... Why does it feel like you're more happy to see the snacks than me... Should I just leave then?" ［Grey］
"Ehh?! N-No! I-I was just hungry! Th-That's all there is!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. I was just kidding. No need to act all panicky." ［Grey］
"Mou... Why are you always so mean for no reason..." ［Yuna］
Or so she says, but there was not a single frown to be seen, only a bright smile as she munched down some snacks. Grey soon sat by her side, looking at the progress she was making and identifying the solutions and reagents with his appraisal.
What Yuna was currently making scented shampoo and conditioner, hair volumizer, sprays, and all sorts of hair products. Soon, she'll be making some cleansers, lotions, and some supplements as well. All of which were ideas from Grey's previous life.
"Oh, this smells quite nice... Are you using vanilla extracts? Oh, there's lavenders and mints as well." ［Grey］
"Un! I'd thought of doing the fragrances first. I was going for some mild scents." ［Yuna］
"Mild scents... Then I'd suggest something citrusy. They smell quite nice." ［Grey］
Grey soon pitched in on the process and gave some opinions for Yuna to use. He wasn't really an expert in cosmetics, but having encountered countless noble ladies and princesses, he knows what scents are the best.
Of course, as one would expect, Grey was thinking of the fragrances and how they would fit Yuna. And just as he thought, gentle herbal and floral scents really do suit her. Not only was she an elf, she was an alchemist as well. It was perfect.
"How about we mix some essences, Grey? Would that work?" ［Yuna］
"It would, but getting the ratios and combinations right might be a little tricky. We also need to consider the side effects as well. What's most important is taking care of the hair, after all. And, we'll need Helen's opinion for that." ［Grey］
"I see... We'll hold off on that for that then." ［Yuna］
"Oh, right. Have you asked Helen if she has any allergies or preferences? Her nose might get irritated by some of these." ［Grey］
"Mmn... I'll ask her tomorrow then..." ［Yuna］
The clock continued to tick and the sun sank down more and more with every minute passing. Grey and Yuna progressed on their little project, soon moving to the testing phase after they made a few samples with alchemy,
Normally, it would take them a long time to create such things. However, with the use of magic and alchemy, they could speed up the process by many folds. It wasn't long before their house was filled with a cacophony of fragrances, like a fancy garden.
The sun soon sunk down on the horizon, the leaves rolling in the wind as the moon and stars took the limelight in the night sky. The cold nightly breeze blew over the lonely fields, blades of grass dancing to its tunes.
Grey and Yuna had also paused their project for the time being, retiring for the day like the rest of the town, and turning the lights off. The night was still and peaceful other than... three masked figures...?
'Hm? Are those...' ［Grey］
Those figures didn't escape Grey's eyes. He simply used his "Heaven's Eyes" to check the surroundings yet never in his wildest imagination did he think such an opportunity would chance upon them.
"Grey, is something wrong?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Nothing really... Though, Yuna, would you like to have some fun?" ［Grey］
"Hm?" ［Yuna］
There was
not a trace of worry on his face, rather, there was only a bright smile as he looked forward to the interesting night before them. Three masked, uninvited guests had closed in on their house, unsuspecting of the dangers before them.
A night of fun is about to unfold.
CHAPTER 295 END