Crackle Crackle Drizzle Drizzle

  The sun is o be seen, only dark and ominous clouds drifting slowly in the sky, quick fshes of blue and white streaming towards the ground, loud thunders following soon after. The day was gloomy,

  The rain graced down the ground, the sound of trickles and drizzles to be heard. It was a heavy downpour, only a few people walking on the road. The sight was obscured by the mist brought by rain, not much visibility as the rain tio pour.

  A lone, big house, standing lonely in a grassy area, only a couple houses neighb it and a sih leading towards it. The roofs, garden, windows, and balies, all were wet and slippery. The mood only getting gloomier by the sed.

  In such a big house, a certain elf looked over the window, staring ever so curiously, hints of deje to be seen. She tio stare outside and the rain tinued on p. All she could do was heave a sigh nation.

  "Hmm... Looks like the rain won't be going anytime soon..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, that elf was her than Yuna. It has been a couple days sihey helped out Helen, and now, they are stu the house, uo do anything. They were pnning to go on a quest too. Such a shame that the weather has other pns.

  Yuna sat back down the couch, a sulking expression painted on her face. The day she so looked forward to was now ruined, only boredom remaining in her heart. Her eyes drifted away towards the kit where another youth was, mixing and stirring a couple ingredients and tasting them soon after.

  She wao hug him tightly but was also too zy to move away from the couch. A certaiion of ziness routing in her heart as she tinued looking at her beloved, heart torn apart by love and ziness. Laziness brought about by gloom and the heavy rain.

  'Should I py some games? Maybe I should cook... No.., what if...' ［Yuna］

  Staring at the ceiling, Yuna thought of ways to relieve herself of boredom. Be it pying games or simply cuddling with the familiars, there were many she could think of. Yet no matter how much she thought of it, she barely had the energy to do them.

  Well, she wasn't the only ohe familiars which would usually also be pying around were now resting on the floor and couches, huddling with one another, also not having enough energy to py around.

  Ring Ring Ring

  But just when all seemed hopeless over, the phoarted ringing. High pitched bells and chimes drifted in the air, waking up the some sleeping furballs and drawing Yuna's attention, her eyes painted with ziness drifting towards it.

  "Arcturus... The phone please..." ［Yuna］

  "Yes, Mistress." ［Arcturus］

  Well, even if it aroused Yuna's i, she was still too zy to move from the couch. Thankfully, the familiars were there to assist her. It wasn't long before Arcturus got the phone and ha over to her.

  "Hello... Yuna here..." ［Yuna］

  「Ah! Elder Sister Yuna! Good m!」 ［Eliza］

  Even then... Eve was raining so hard you'd just want to sck off, Eliza's energy was still through the roof. Yuna couldn't see her face, but judging from her voice alo was clear that she was smiling brightly from ear to ear, excitement flooding her heart.

  "Mmn... M, Liz... How's your day going?" ［Yuna］

  「It's been going well! I just finished my m studies and got a perfect score! Father said he'll buy me something as a reward!」 ［Eliza］

  "Fufu... That's good to hear." ［Yuna］

  Just like that, Yuna and Eliza chatted their time away. They talked about a lot of things from their daily lives all the way to some absurd experiehey wao share. Of course, goofy stories were also mixed in from time to time.

  Unfortunately, Yuna could only hear Eliza's voi the other side. School already started more than a week ago and Elise is now back at the Royal Capital to attend the Royal Academy, now as a year 3 student. She is ba her busy days.

  Well, even if it's only Eliza, Yuna is already more than satisfied. Though she and Grey receive daily reports from Poris, hearing her void experiences from her own mouth just hits differently. Yuna was satisfied.

  "ht. By the way, Liz, where's Fritz? Is he busy?" ［Yuna］

  「Father? Un, he's been busy nowadays. He always receives a lot of paperwork and couldn't even sleep properly. I'm worried.」 ［Eliza］

  "Hm? Did something happen?" ［Yuna］

  「I don't know. But from what I heard, he's been helping the nearby provihat's why he's been busy. Father said it would tinue for a few more days.」 ［Eliza］

  Territory ma, it was somethiher Grey nor Yuna had experienor extensive knowledge about. The only thing they knew was that it was hard aroublesome which would require a lot of time and effort.

  It was fortuhat Grey and Yuna didn't receive aories from the King. Not only will they bee vassals, their time would also be cut down by a signifit margin. It truly was the right decision to just settle down with money. A decision they will never regret.

  Time passed once more and the call only became longer. Soon, Poris and the other familiars joiheir talks and things became much livelier. Though Eliza isn't really acquainted with Vega and Capel, they still mao get along quite well.

  「Ah! It seems I'll have to go now, Elder Sister Yuna. Sebastian's calling.」 ［Eliza］

  "Fufufu. It's okay, we talk agaiime." ［Yuna］

  「Un! We'll talk lots and lots more!」 ［Eliza］

  Eliza said with such a big aed voice, silence following afterwards. But Eliza didhe call, rather, she only stayed quiet. It wasn't the awkward nor eerie kind of silence, but just pin sile was clear that Eliza still wao say more.

  "Hmm... Is something wrong, Liz?" ［Yuna］

  「No... Umm... There is but... I don't want to sound selfish...」 ［Eliza］

  There were traces of hesitation in her voice, clearly trying to restrain herself. Having known Eliza for several months already, Yuna could already take a guess about what she was thinking. Still, she wao hear it directly from her mouth,

  "Fufufu! It's fio be selfish. You're still a child, after all! e now. Let this Elder Sister of yours hear your worries." ［Yuna］

  「Uh... Umm... When are you going to visit again...?」 ［Eliza］

  And Yuna was right. Be it her family or friends, Eliza has always been quiiss those she cares about. Though she tries her best to keep strong, there are just times where she wants to feel the warmth of those she deemed precious to her.

  It was only natural. After all, with both her mother and older sister away in the capital, and her father busy with work, a child like her would easily feel lonely. Especially when she's a noble whom not many people approach so casually.

  Though the servants always cheers her up, there's still a little bit of an invisible wall between her and them she has yet to pletely break down. She couldn't fide with them like she does to her family and friends. She only wants to feel their warmth and fort once again.

  「A-Ah, sorry, Elder Sister Yuna! I-I'm really fihere's nothing toー」 ［Eliza］

  "Okay. Would week be fih you? I promise we'll visit as soon as we . I'll talk to Grey ter." ［Yuna］

  Eliza couldn't even finish her words, when Yuna suddenly decides on the answer. Silence soon loomed over both sides of the phone as the former tried to process the tter's ahe silence was broken as soon as she realized.

  「R-Really?! You'll visit?!」 ［Eliza］

  "Un! Of course! Anything for our cute Liz!" ［Yuna］

  「Promise?!」 ［Eliza］

  "Un! Promise! Look forward to it, okay?" ［Yuna］

  It was as easy as that. Eliza's mood i proved by leaps and bounds as soon as she heard Yuna's answer. It was clear from her voice that she couldn't trol her overflowiement, obviously smiling from ear to ear.

  Eliza filled with happiness and Yuna smiling warmly, the call tinued for a couple more seds before it ehe st thing Yuna heard was the excitement-filled voice of Eliza, a giggle resounding clearly in the air.

  "Hnng... What should I do now?" ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna as she stretched her hands and arms towards the ceiling. The boredom and ziness Yuna once felt was now goer talking with Eliza, seemingly ied by the little girl's enthusiasm. She is now as eic as usual.

  Well, it's not like she had many choices to begin with. With the familiars resting and Gray cooking, there were only a handful of things she could do. And amongst them was making a "few" treats for herself to enjoy, happily heading towards the kit.

  "Hmm～ Hmmn～ Mmn～ Hmm～!" ［Yuna］

  Humming to herself, Yuna opehe shelves and ets one by one and got a couple ingredients from them. She also went ahead to the refrigerator and freezer to get a couple fruits for herself. Soon, the color of rainbow filled the table as fruits and ingredients filled it to the brim.

  Of course, what sweet treat would be plete without any sugar. That was the st one Yuna took, but rather than a smile, there was only sho her face as she opehe et far.

  "Eh?" ［Yuna］

  The cold wind blew and Yuna froze. There were no bags of sugar to be seen. In fact, the et was very empty, just like a barren wastend. A little touch of cobwebs and dead is everything would have been perfect like those in cartoon shows.

  "Grey, where's the sugar?" ［Yuna］

  "There's none. We're out of sugar." ［Grey］

  "Liar! I just saw you use some a few minutes ago!" ［Yuna］

  "That was the st bag and it will be used for our meals only. We won't be having any desserts until we buy more." ［Grey］

  That was the st nail. After Grey said those words, all life and colors faded from Yuna's eyes and expression. She was in so much shock that she was frozen. It was as if her mind was sent to space, lost in oblivion.

  "Grey... Just a cup please... I want to eat sweets..." ［Yuna］

  "No, and that's final. I won't ge my mind even if you beg." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Grey, you meanie..." ［Yuna］

  An iron wall has beeed. No matter how much Yuna tried to use her charms and i eyes, it was useless. Grey was resolute to not give Yuna the st bag. It was everything they got left, after all.

  It has been more than a month since Yuna's sugar ban was lifted, but sihey've been in the Labyrinth most of the time, it is still in effect. It was also the reason why their sugar supply is always dwindling at a rapid rate. Grey is now seeing the sequences of his promises.

  With Grey not budging, Yuna could only use the natural sweetness of the fruits to satisfy her cravings, cheering up quickly as soon as she took a bite of the strawberry. She was like a little chipmunk stuffing fruits in her mouth.

  "Grey, try this strawberry! It's really sweet!" ［Yuna］

  "Really? I'll be having a taste then." ［Grey］

  "Un! It's really good! Here, ahh～!" ［Yuna］

  It was as if nothing even happened. Grey and Yuna quickly got ba friendly terms only after a couple moments, even flirting openly as Yuna spoofed Grey, and Grey doing the same soon afterwards. Just like a stupid couple.

  It was hard to tell if their retionship is harmonious or they are just stupidly head over heels for one another. But Grey and Yuna rarely have any arguments, and even if they do, it is quickly resolved, not even a couple mier. Such a happy couple.

  The clock tiig and so did the downpour. The cold winds wafted through the city, howling ever so gently and dang ever so gracefully. There was also the occasional croaking s and the drizzle of the rain, making a peaceful lulby.

  As such ess tinued, steami came from the kit as Grey and Yuna cooked with each other, making plenty of dishes as usual. Be it grilled, fried, braised, or stewed, they made a plethora of stuff to fulfill their gluttonous desires.

  "Oh, Grey? Are you cooking some sagna again?" ［Yuna］

  "Yep, and I'm puttira cream and cheese this time. Is there anything more you want? Any toppings or fillings?" ［Grey］

  "Ah! The's increase the number of yers! More and more!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, to make up for Yuna's ck of treats, Grey made sure to prioritize what she wanted and made sure to deliver. If oo see how extreme and exaggerated the dishes they made, their eyes would surely pop out of their sockets.

  Well, it wasn't in a bad way. One should think of it like those modifications one wants in their favorite dishes. It wasn't long before the course was plete, the table was filled to the brim with the most mouth-watering dishes one could think of. It was the very definition of heaven.

  ""Thank you for the meal!!""

  And what else follows after cooking? Of course, it was time to eat! Without any wait, Grey and Yuna quickly took slices and servings of the dishes and pced them atop their ptes, wolfing them down quickly afterwards.

  "Mmn～!! Grey, this is the best!" ［Yuna］

  "Of course, we spent a lot of ingredients in it, after all. Here, try this ooo. I'm sure you'll like it." ［Grey］

  "Un! Sure!" ［Yuna］

  Well, rather than just eating, they were also flirting ever so fidently. There was the regur spoon feeding, the wiping of lips, and the teasing smiles. It was so sweet that if oo eat with them, they would feel sid awkward. It was as if they were the only ones in the world.

  Everything would have been perfect if there were sweet desserts to go along with them, but all the refreshments they could afford to make were some fruit juices made of pure fruit extracts. Still, they were already satisfied.

  "Ahh... That was delicious..." ［Yuna］

  With their lunch finished, Grey and Yuna were set to do their own tasks. It was Grey's turn with the dishes so she stayed i and ed up after. As for Yuna, she is once again zing around on the couch, a smile full of satisfa painted over her face.

  "Yuna, don't y down just yet. We just finished eating." ［Grey］

  "Mou... Just this once please～!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... Really... What am I gonna do with you..." ［Grey］

  "Teehee!" ［Yuna］

  A naughty giggle dang in the air, Yuna tio ze and sck off atop the couow cuddling with the familiar. With the cold wind blowing, their warmth erfeake one feel fortable.

  It was all well and perfect up until she remembered an important was her promise towards Eliza which she hasn't told Grey yet. She was so happy she almost fot to tell him about it. It was almost silly.

  "Ah, right, Grey." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? What's the matter?" ［Grey］

  "Actually... I made a promise with Liz just now. I said we'll visit her week... Sorry, I just decided on my own." ［Yuna］

  Her voice was smaller than usual, shying away from Grey as the tter tinued washing the dishes. There wasn't too much to think about. He simply raised his head, arriving at a clear answer soon afterwards.

  "Hm? Isn't that alright? I also think it's fio visit every on a while. We could also buy that Kiria dy from before." ［Grey］

  "Really?! No takesy-backsies, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Of course. What use is there lying to you?" ［Grey］

  There was no more need fotiations. Grey simply accepted Yuna's proposition. Not only does he want to see Eliza and taste some Moterno treats again, he also has something to ask Fritz.

  What does Grey want to ask? He simply wants to get some seling regarding his idea to publicize cellphones, cameras, and the likes. He didn't want to make reckless decisions, after all. He doesn't want any disastrous outes.

  The afternoon tinued and even when several hours had already passed, the rain still tinued falling, not looking any lighter than before. Rather, it seemed like it only came down harder, the symphony of the raiing louder.

  And what better way is there to spend the afternoon than pying games? Grey and Yuna spent their time pying various games, winning and losing almost evenly, and just spending their time having fun.

  "Yaay～! I won again!" ［Yuna］

  "That makes it four to four, doesn't it? Only one mame left." ［Grey］

  "Hehe! And I'll win the game! You ow call me a master!" ［Yuna］

  Full of fidence, Yuna puffed her chest proudly and made such a decration. She was no lohe Yuna who always loses. She was now a master of many games, not losing out to Grey's skills.

  With the game finished, as the lrey once again shuffled the ded cut the cards, looking like an experienced gambler and hands moving at inhumane speeds. But he couldn't even distribute the cards, when Yuna suddenly opened her mouth.

  "Wait, Grey... Couldn't we just use gates to go to Moterno today?" ［Yuna］

  It was a very obvious questio one Grey failed to sider. He has been rexed so much that he hasn't really thought of using it anytime soon. It was only when Yuna asked him that he remembered, feeling a little stumped as silened over the room.

  "Ah, well... Should we do that then?" ［Grey］

  "U's do that!" ［Yuna］

  Not dwelling on his embarrassment, Grey quickly stood up and opened up a gate before them. Its destination was her than a forest nearby Moterno. It would just be pin stupid they suddenly popped up out of nowhere, after all.

  "Then, I'll be going on first." ［Grey］

  Said Grey he ehe gate, making sure that there was no danger. Well, rather than danger from monsters, he was watg out for the off-ce that there will be people where they pop out. The gate wasn't transparent, after all.

  Of course, as extra precaution, Yuna casted her "Nihility" on both Grey and the gate, c many of the problems with ease. And so, Grey appeared oher side of the gate, a green forest weling him warmly. There was just one slight problem….

  Thuhunder Drizzle

  it was that the Landevar territory was neighb the Aldridge territory. Meaning, if it was raining in Galderia, there was a very good ce that it would also be raining near Moterno. Unfortunately frey, that good ce happeo happen at that moment.

  As soon as Grey exited the gate, he was quickly drenched by the rain, thunder and gales resounding all over. It was a situation he could have avoided if he only used his "Eyes of Destiny". Such a shame he didn't.

  Grey, is everything fine over there? ［Yuna］

  What's worse, Yuna's question came ringing inside his head as soon as he was drenched. He just couldn't be bothered anymore, only enjoying the heavy downpour as he looked up to the sky littered with dark clouds.

  Grey...? ［Yuna］

  Ah, no... Everything's alright. ［Grey］

  Okay. I'm heading out then. ［Yuna］

  A mischievous smile showing on his face, Grey didn't even stop Yuna as she stepped foot ihe gate. As one would expect...

  "I'm here!ー" ［Yuna］

  ... Yuna got drenched as soon as she went out. The excitement on her face quickly faded as soon as she felt the cold from the rain. Now, there was only shod fusion as she processed what just happened.

  "Haha. Sorry, I just wao py a little prank on you." ［Grey］

  Well, with Grey fessing to his crimes, it wasn't hard figuring things out. Yuna then looked at Grey, not angry nor disappointed only, just puzzled. An expression which didn't st long as Grey leaned over to her, whispering softly to her ears.

  "Well, even if you're drenched, my Yuna is still the cutest in the world." ［Grey］

  It was super effective. What took over was a flustered expression as her heart raced wildly. Evehe rain and wind was cold, she could only feel warmth, her face turni red in just a couple seds.

  "G-Grey! What are you saying?!" ［Yuna］

  "Well, it's just you're so cute, I couldn't help teasing you." ［Grey］

  "Grey!" ［Yuna］

  Voices of excitement and embarrassment echoed in the air along with the howling of the wind and crag of thuwo people danced in the rain, pletely drenched yet happy, smiles floating on their faces.

  The rain soon ended and when Grey and Yuuro their seheir outfits were already in a state which is in no resentable, mud and rain water all over them. And so, they decided to dey the visit. Yet another memorable experience.

  CHAPTER 202 END