Woof Woof Woof

  Barks and whiwirled and danced in the air, three pairs of furballs running and boung about. Apanying them were two children, ages 8 and 6, hair painted with a different shade of gray, running around so freely.

  "Hey, Galvin, that's unfair!" ［Elnart］

  "Hehe! Big Sis and Big Bro said it's allowed!" ［Galvin］

  "Ehh～?! That's unreasonable!" ［Elnart］

  The children were her than Elnart and Galvin who are once again pying with the familiars, dashing and darting as if they owhe whole garden. Of course, they weren't the only ones in the garden. Three ures were also with them.

  It has been a few days since Grey and Yuo the Royal Capital, and now, they are ba Galderia. Currently, they are in the Aldridge mansion, pying football with the kids like they usually do in their free time, all while Cedric watched over them.

  "Here, Galvin, pass the ball!" ［Yuna］

  "Um!" ［Galvin］

  Stopping ever so abruptly, Galvin then firmly pnted one of his feet towards the ground, and without an ounce of hesitation, he gave it his all and kicked the ball towards Yuna's dire. It was a good passー or so it should have been...

  "Oh, no, you don't." ［Grey］

  The ball couldn't even go halfway towards Yuna, when a swift leg blocked the ball with much precision. It didn't take much effort to stop the ball at all. Of course, the owner of the leg was her than Grey who was in Elnart's team.

  Relief and disappoi. Two pletely differeions swirled in two people's hearts as they witnessed Grey's a. The relieved one was Elnart, and the other was Galvin. As frey and Yuna, they only watched them warmly.

  "Big Bro... That's unfair... You're too good..." ［Galvin］

  "Haha, that's not true. It's because Galvin always shoots straight that it's easy to catch the ball. You should learn to curve your shots." ［Grey］

  "Uuu... Okay..." ［Galvin］

  His face was sulking but Galvin didn't say any malvin simply accepted Grey's expnation and backed down. Though he was petitive, he was also very uanding for his age. Grey and Yuna were gd he was a kind child.

  "Then, how about we take a break for a little while? We still have some refreshments ba the table." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! Then I'll be partaking on your offer～." ［Yuna］

  "Hey, Yuna... I'm talking to the kids, you know?" ［Grey］

  "My I'm afraid I don't know what you mean～. I'm just talking to myself, after all～. Un! I'm just talking to myself." ［Yuna］

  She really was a mischievous girl, humming to herself as she ignrey's words. Elnart in one hand and Galvin oher, she then headed to the garden table, a big and bright smile floating on her beautiful face.

  Grey could only heave a dry ahy sigh nation from Yuna's as. Soon after, he also followed after them, the familiars following him closely behind. It was like a silly little march, with the ever so smiley and cheerful Yuna on the lead.

  "Oh? Are you done pying already?" ［Cedric］

  "Nuh-uh, we're just taking a break. Would you like to join us, Cedric?" ［Yuna］

  "Sorry, but I'll have to pass on that. I've been cooped up in my office these past few days. I just want to breathe in some fresh air. I really appreciate you pying with the children. Thank you." ［Cedric］

  "Fufufu! No worries!" ［Yuna］

  Calmly, replied Cedric. He was sitting carefreely on his chair, reading a couple books by his side and enjoying a few refreshments, it was one of the rare times he was free and so, he vowed to enjoy it to the fullest.

  And it wasn't just Cedric. Fritz, the Prime Mihe General, and many people of high positions rarely had breaks. Grey and Yuna fully uood how precious such days were and were happy to help out to eain the children.

  Hmm... Yuna, Haven't we been taking care of too many children tely? I feel like we've bee babysitters... I feel a little flicted... ［Grey］

  Fufufu! That's true, but it's fun anyway, so it's perfectly fine! ［Yuna］

  Haha, I guess that's true. ［Grey］

  It may look troublesome to many people, and it may be tiring to spend hours upon hours looking after them, especially without any pay, but Grey and Yuna really enjoy spending time with the children they have met.

  To Grey and Yuna's eyes, taking care of the children was simply another form of an adventure. As adventurers, it retty much what they're made for. It may deviate from what many sider an adventure, but an adventure was still an adventure heless. They both love it.

  "Anyway, less about me... You sure do have a lot of iing things up your sleeves, don't you, Grey?" ［Cedric］

  "Hm? What do you mean?" ［Grey］

  "I mean... Last time you made some fun games, then there were the strange magic tools yht the other time, and now this... Umm... Football, was it? By now, I won't even be surprised if you whip out some Diviems. Hahahaha!" ［Cedric］

  Cedric was ughing cheerfully, but Grey's as couldn't be any more different. After all, the very rings they were wearing were Divine-Grade. Not that there was ao mention it. Grey could only ugh wryly.

  Iy, other than wanting to py something new with the children, the reason why Grey introduew games was so that he could take note of what games Yuna liked the most and what she would likely think of them.

  After all, Grey was still pnning to take her to the beach, and give her a big surprise ohey arrived there. Yuna is still in the dark about everything and he'd like to keep it that way. It would only ruin the essence of a surprise, otherwise. He wants to give it his all as her boyfriend.

  "W-Well, I think it's a nice way to ge the pace. That way, we do more things without getting bored." ［Grey］

  "Un! Grey's right! The games he makes are the best, after all!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha! It seems like we have one proud girlfriend over here... Though I appreciate you taking care of the children, please keep the flirting to a minimum, alright? Elnart and Galviill too young for that." ［Cedric］

  "W-We're not f-flirting! A-At least not that much!" ［Yuna］

  A ion and an affirmation. Two tradig statements came out of Yuna's mouth as her face slowly started turning red, all the while Cedric chuckled to himself, remembering his teenage years with Veronica.

  "Big Sis... What's flirting...?" ［Galvin］

  "U-Umm... That is... L-Let's talk about when you grow up, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Ehh～? Why...?" ［Galvin］

  "Umm... Well... It's still too early for you..." ［Yuna］

  To top it all off, Galvin overheard his father's words and got curious, pressing Yuna for answers and making her bluish even more furiously. It was ohing when it was someone like Helen or Amelia, but when it was an i child, it really was embarrassing beyond words.

  Yuna looked over at Grey's dire, asking for help but no help came to her rescue. The tter simply looked in their dire, smiling happily and brightly, his bck hair fluttering in the air as he sneakily snapped a picture of an embarrassed, yet still cute and adorable, Yuna.

  'Sorry, Yuna... I love you, but I 't miss out on this opportunity. I promise to accept and receive any punishment ter.' ［Grey］

  Such thought was what ran throughout Grey's mind as he sneaked a couple more shots. He was hiding it skillfully with illusion magic so no one barely noticed it. It was another one for the Yuna colle.

  As for Elnart, he already knew what such words meant. He decided to not dwell on it, simply drinking his fruit jui silence, also a little embarrassed. He was in a sensitive age, after all. It was only natural.

  "Galvi's not trouble Yuna anymore, alright? How about we talk about some other things? I'll tell you cool stories ter." ［Grey］

  "Really?! You promise?!" ［Galvin］

  "Yeah, I promise." ［Grey］

  "Okay!" ［Galvin］

  It was as easy as that. As soon as Grey gave his walvin quickly backed off and headed to the garden table to get a drink of his own, soon snag on the cookies with aremely delighted face.

  "Are you alright, Midy?" ［Grey］

  Grey asked but there no answers came ringing to his ears. Yuna simply looked at him with her cheeks puffed, clearly pouting. Her face was still flushed, almost teary-eyed from too much embarrassment as she gred at Grey ever so ily.

  "You sure were having fun, weren't you?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, sorry... It's because my girlfriend is so cute, I 't help it." ［Grey］

  "Mou... Grey, you meanie..." ［Yuna］

  A soft mumbling drifted in the air as Yuna expressed her slight dissatisfa. She was even more dissatisfied when her heart raced just by hearing Grey's words. She 't believe herself for being pcated easily by mere sweet whispers.

  Well, even though they were whispering softly and their voices were barely audible, one figure couldn't help but look at them with expressionless eyes. He 't believe they were already flirting though it has only been a couple minutes since he remihem. A wry smile was on his face.

  'Haah... The Heroes of Alfrione, huh...' ［Cedric］

  It wasn't like he couldn't uand his as and way of showing affe. Though they're often glorified as heroes, to his eyes, they were also a pair of youngsters. He decided to let them do as they please for the meantime.

  Time passed by quickly, and after several minutes of resting, it was finally time for everyoo py the games again. Though, sihey just ate some snacks, it was decided that they'll only be pying card games for a while before pying out in the garden once again.

  "Ugh... I lost again..." ［Galvin］

  "Me too... Older Sister Yuna and Older Brother are just too amazing..." ［Elnart］

  "Fufufu! o be so down. We just py aname!" ［Yuna］

  Well, even if they were to py, the childrehe ones who often lost. The gap between the skill levels was just too big. They have pyed a lot of games, and the results were mostly the same. Not that it stopped the children from having fun.

  The familiars also joined from time to time, and even Cedric puts down his book to join their little game. The more people joihe merrier the games became. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but think how fun it would be with everyone pying, thinking how great it would be if they became friends.

  'Hm? Should I just introduce them to each other, then?' ［Grey］

  Well, there was o think much about it. Though it was a little difficult for them to meet at a sudden notice, there was still a person in Galderia they could get in touch with retive ease. It erfect.

  "Hey, Cedric, say... I want to invite a child to be Elnart and Galvin's pymate... Are you alright with that?" ［Grey］

  "A pymate, huh... I'm not against it. As long as they're well-behaved, I am more than gd to wele them." ［Cedric］

  "Even if they're of in?" ［Grey］

  "Hey, just what do you think of me? I'm not oo discrimiween nobles and oners. You should know that by now." ［Cedric］

  Cedric was right. Grey already khe answer, but he still wao hear the answer from the man's mouth himself. A little smile bloomed on his face as soon as he heard Cedric's answer, grateful that such a man was Galderia's Lord.

  "Alright, that's settled then..." ［Grey］

  With everythiled nicely, Grey simply stood up from his seat, stretg his arms towards the vast blue sky. He then tapped his boots on the ground a couple of times before turning around, his feet itg to wander around.

  "Grey, where are you going?" ［Yuna］

  "Just a little distance away, but don't worry, I'll be back before you know it. Please tinue pying with the children in the meantime, alright?" ［Grey］

  "Mmn... Un. Okay, and take care～." ［Yuna］

  There was no need for worries. As soon as Yuna waved her hands goodbyes, Grey headed straight out of the gate where he was seen off by the guards. It wasn't long before he was out of the mansion, the fresh air greeting him.

  Grey didn't dilly-dally any longer, he quickly looked ahead in a certain dire and simply marched ahead without any stops. A lot of people greeted him on the way and he smiled back at them. It was a very wonderful m.

  A few minutes of walking and a couple thousand steps ter, Grey finally arrived at his destination. It was a humble house, various beautiful crafts and merdise to be seen through the window. It was little Bel's home.

  Knooock

  "Missus Marianne, Mister Ross, it's me Grey, I e in?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, Mister Grey! Sure, sure, please e in!" ［Ross］

  It was a quick reception. As soon as they heard Grey's voice, a response came ringing soon after. A couple steps followed after it, a cd creak soon resounding as a little girl opehe door, a smile blooming on her face.

  "Big Bro! Hello～!" ［Bel］

  "Yeah, hello too, Bel." ［Grey］

  The little girl was, of course, Bel. As soon as Grey ehe house, she quickly and cheerfully guided him to where her parents were, skippieps ever so excitedly. She was a ball of energy just like Galvin.

  Along the way, Grey saw not just one or two, but several dozen items on dispy. There were stuffed toys, statuettes, wooden toys, dresses, furniture, and many more. It was obvious that Ross and Marianne had been busy throughout the days.

  "So, what brings our beor here? Is it about the products? If so, I'm afraid it will take much longー" ［Ross］

  "Ah, no, it's not about that. We aren't in a rush or anything, not at all. I'm here for airely different reason." ［Grey］

  "Oh, and that is?" ［Ross］

  "Ah, I'm here to borrow your daughter." ［Grey］

  A straight decration, silence following soon after. Marianne's face was pletely shocked as she looked at Grey, meanwhile, Ross was pletely frozen, speechless and brain uo profess a sihing. Ross.exe has stopped responding.

  "Umm... Mister Grey, while I'm gd you fancy our daughter... Bel is still too young. you wait a few more years, pleaseー" ［Marianne］

  "Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! I didn't mean it like that! And I already have Yuna! I'm not that kind of person!" ［Grey］

  "Oh, really?" ［Marianne］

  "Yes, really! How did you even think of that?!" ［Grey］

  It was just too absurd. Both parents were a little loose in the noggin. Grey didn't even know how they both ended up in the same clusion. He was fbbergasted beyond words, his head ag from thinking about it.

  To make it worse, even when he already expressed his thoughts, there were still some doubts and suspis in Ross and Marianne's eyes. It took Grey several minutes of expining for the two to finally uand his iions.

  "I see... So you just wao invite Bel to py games..." ［Ross］

  "Well, if that's the case, then please, by all means. I'm sure Bel would also love to py with friends. Right, Bel?" ［Marianne］

  "Yes! I'd love to!" ［Bel］

  Thankfully, the getting permission part was quite easy. As soon as Grey expined everything, they quickly agreed, not a single ounce of worry on their faces. They really were some carefree parents. A perfect pair.

  "Alright, then shall we go ahere now? I'm sure they'll be extremely happy to see you." ［Grey］

  "Okay! I also want to py with them!" ［Bel］

  "Hahaha. That's good to hear." ［Grey］

  There was only siy in Bel's face as she looked forward to meeting the kids Grey mentiohe tter hasn't eveioned who exactly they were, and her eyes were already sparkling. There was oement painted on her face.

  After saying goodbye to Ross and Marianne, Grey ahen quickly headed towards the mansion, Grey carrying the little girl in a shoulder carry to ease her burden and qui the pace. It was a fun journey.

  "Alright, we're here." ［Grey］

  Well, it was fun until Bel finally saw the mansion. She was now stiff as s statue, petrified and speechless. She really resembled her father not long ago. Actually, she was so frozen, it was a little w.

  It was only natural. After all, even if she is only a child, she knew full well of the differences between nobles and oners. Being a normal citizeing frozen stiff after knowing they are going to meet a noble was a normal response.

  To make things worse, there weren't just one or two stories about evil and corrupt nobles from story books. Though she knows from her parents that Galderia's Lord was a good person, she still couldn't help but feel nervous. It was very unlike her.

  "Hahaha, o be so stiff, Bel. Just act like you usually do, okay?" ［Grey］

  "B... But..." ［Bel］

  "o worry. I'll be sure to protect you if the need arises." ［Grey］

  It was a simple reassurance, but Bel greatly calmed down after hearing Grey's words. The nervousness and uneasiness inside Bel's heart was easily quelled. Soon, a determined smile bloomed in her face.

  Grey aheered the gates, the former still sitting on Grey's shoulder. As soon as they were in, her head quickly started turni and right as she admired the beautiful sery, giving Grey a slight chuckle. It wasn't long before they arrived at where Cedrid the others were.

  The moment she saw them, Bel's body immediately started quivering, her ay resurfag. Though as soon as Grey patted her gently, she quickly calmed dowurning to her normal self.

  "Oh, what a grarance. Is this the child you were talking about?" ［Cedric］

  "Yeah, this is Bel. Bel, introduce yourself." ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he grabbed her by the waistline and plopped her back to the ground. Well, Grey still held her shaky little hands for reassurance, greatly helping her be calm even when she was visibly trembling before Cedric.

  "I... I greet His E-Excellency. I-I'm Bel. P-Pleased to m-meet you!" ［Bel］

  Stiff like stone, such was Bel's greeting. Though she was stuttering and trembling, she still tried her best and mao greet Cedrially. Seeiry so hard, the adults couldn't help but think how cute she was.

  "Hahaha. What an adorable child. Though... There's o act so stiffly. Just treat me like a neighborhood uhat would make me happy." ［Cedric］

  "An uncle...?" ［Bel］

  "Yes. Just an uncle, alright?" ［Cedric］

  "Okay..." ［Bel］

  Cedric's words were like a soothing melody. As soon as Bel heard it, she quickly calmed down, body stopping from trembling as she sighed a sigh of relief. Grey and Yuna couldn't help but smile at her.

  "Hi～! You're Bel, right? I'm Galvin! o meet you!" ［Galvin］

  "And I'm Elnart. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Elnart］

  "Y-Yes... o meet you too." ［Bel］

  After their father, Elnart and Galvin then came down from their seats and took turns greetio the tter's surprise. Though thanks to Cedric's words, she was much better than before, evidently less nervous.

  "e o's py cards! I'll teach you!" ［Galvin］

  " I...?" ［Bel］

  "Of course. You're our friend now, after all." ［Elnart］

  "Friend"... Such a simple and on word. Yet such a word caused a great stir inside Bel's heart. The nervousness she once felt is now pletely gone, only repced by happiness as her energy burst forth into a bright smile.

  "Okay! Let's py!" ［Bel］

  "Yaay～!" ［Galvin］

  "Hey, Galvim, calm down!" ［Elnart］

  The ever so eic Galvin on the lead, the children then headed towards the table where a pile of cards could be found. As soon as they took their seats, Galviarted teag Bel enthusiastically, the tter nodding from time to time. The adults couldn't help but smile as they watched them with warm eyes.

  Happiness, excitement, warmth, and many more. Such beautiful emotions swirled around the pce, creating a lovely atmosphere. Time passed some more and rhe games tinued. Yet another fun and rexing day.

  CHAPTER 211 END