"Yhnesses!" ［???］

  A loud voied and cmored, garnering the attention of many. A man nearing his forties, body chiseled like a statue and might be like that of a lion's. He approached a certain group of four with an intimidating aura about him.

  The man was her than Gustav who just happeo patrol the area whilst Grey and the others were passing by. Evehey were uhe veil of illusion magic, they did not escape Gustav's sharp eyes. He was like a bird of prey, eyeing his prey from afar.

  "U-Umm... I-I don't know who you're talking about... Perhaps you've mistaken us for other people?" ［Julius］

  "Sorry, but, umm... Sir Knight, isn't this the first time we've seen each other? I don't have any recolle of meeting you before." ［Grey］

  Surprise and nervousness ran rampant throughout everyone's hearts as soon as they saw Gustav. The Julius who was so eic before was now trembling a little, trying to find an excuse to escape the situation.

  Thankfully, Grey was there, calm as one be and pretending with formal gestures he wouldn't normally doー or so what one might think at first gnce, but deep inside, he was so nervous, it felt like his heart was about to jump from his chest. His inner self is sweating profusely.

  Hearing their words, Gustav tilted his head left and right a little, looking at the four before him like he was scrutinizing the goods a mert was selling. He remained unfazed, his thoughts unging. And soon, he opened his mouth.

  "Hahahaha! Isn't that a little too cold, Lrey? Don't tell me you've fotten my face already? It's me, Gustav!" ［Gustav］

  Unfortunately for them, their tricks didn't work on him. Worst of all, Grey's name has beeioned. If nothio be dohings could take a turn for the worst and their whole day could be ruined. It was a matter where chaos could eh just a single mistake.

  "No, Sir, you must be mistaー" ［Grey］

  "Oh! It's also been a while, Lady Yuna. And to Yhness, Prince Julius, and my dy, Lady Amelia, I also bid you my warmest greetings." ［Gustav］

  Grey couldn't even do so much as to think up an excuse. His words were cut before he even had the ce to finish it. And now, things have taken a turn for the worst. All of their names have beeioned. It was over, everything was.

  The four khat Gustav didn't mean them any harm, and rather, was just greeting them politely. The only problem was that they were still in public. There was only o they could think of with so many people around.

  "Huh? Did he say 'Lrey'?"

  "I heard that too! And Lady Yuna's name was also mentioned!"

  "Huh?! But doesn't Lrey have bck hair?"

  Following Gustav's careless statements, chatters and gossips spread like wildfire amongst the spectators. The people previously watg the py, the store owners, and even those who were just passing by. Everyone nearby heard of the words.

  The silver lining was that they were currently still on their disguises. Normal people as they are, they have no way of knowing that a spell was casted on the four, even high-rankers would have a hard time. Gustav was just abnormally perceptive.

  Dong Dong Dong

  The sun reached its zenith and the 3rd bell rang. It was now 12 o'clod so, the time for lunch had arrived. Still, the people did not disperse and tio gather around the four of them. It was a grand spectacle.

  "Ah, crap..." ［Julius］

  And with the ring of the bell, the time limit for Julius and Amelia's illusion magic was just about to be over. Like all magic, a spell wouldn't run without mana, and it just so happens that the fuel for the spell casted on Julius and Amelia was about to run out.

  With their rge mana reserves, it wasn't much of a problem frey and Yuna to maintain their disguises for a long time. But the same couldn't be said for the other two. With each passing sed, the fuel for the spell only dried out faster and faster.

  Si was casted by a court magi, and not by themselves, the mana is of course from that magi, too. They were supposed to have it recasted at lunch, but now that they were trapped in the middle of a crowd, they didn't have the ce to, it was the worst timing of all.

  "Grey, Yuna, run as fast as you as soon as I t to three." ［Julius］

  "Oi, you bastard... What do you mean by that...?" ［Grey］

  "Three!" ［Julius］

  There wasn't a proper response. All Julius did was t under his breath, shouti whispering at the same time, a nervous smile on his face as a drop of sweat trickled down from his forehead. Amelia was just as nervous.

  "Two!" ［Julius］

  The number dropped and so did their hearts, rag more and more wildly with the passing of each sed. Meanwhile, Gustav was still fused as to why the four before him were ag in such a way, still not figuring out what he did wrong.

  "One!" ［Julius］

  The st number before they start running. Their muscles have started to gather strength and are ready to push it towards the ground at any given moment. Still, her Grey nor Yuna uood why Julius was even ting down.

  Well, it wasn't too long before they uood. Slowly but surely, Julius' and Amelia's hair colors started to turn back to their inal, their eyes shining like different jewels as the effects of the spell faded away. The time was finally up.

  "Huh?! Isn't that His Highness, Prince Julius?!"

  "Wait, then that means...!"

  "They're really here! The heroes are here!"

  "Run!" ［Julius］

  Bursts of wind shed out ireets as Grey and Yuna jumped towards the rooves with retive ease. And while the crowd was distracted by them, Julius and Amelia took the opportunity to find an opening and leave at insane speeds, giving it their all.

  It was so sudden that those who were left behind were just frozen in shock, but only a couple seds ter, some of the more enthusiastic people started moving, chasing their idols with much vigor, excitement, and happiness on their faces.

  "Lrey, Lady Yuna, please look over here!"

  "Please sign my shirt!"

  "Heroes, we love you～!"

  Even though they khey couldn't keep up with Grey and Yuna who were jumping from roof to roof, the fans still chased after them like a horde of hungry zombies. It was even worse than what it was back at Galderia. They have been chased after before, but not at such a rge scale.

  Meanwhile, left behind by the excited crowd and not eveing a proper response, Gustav stood alone frozen in the middle of the streets. He had a bnk expression on his face, his mind filled with question marks. He was fused, very fused.

  "Eh? Were they inito today?" ［Gustav］

  It was only after the worst had occurred that Gustav realized his mistake. He was by no means a dull person, it's just that his enthusiasm and energy usually gets the better of him. He was the type to act mostly on impulses.

  Roof after roof after roof, Grey and Yuna parkoured at the rooftops with light steps, making sure they do too much ford destroy their footings. They were also keeping in track of Julius and Amelia running oreets without rest.

  Their destination was her than the castle, a ply nobles and important people enter freely. If it was there, they could quickly lose the flood of fans which were chasing after them. It was a do or die situation.

  "Oh, Yhness, you're quick to returnー Ehh?!!"

  The guard greeted Julius with a rge smile on his face, bur such a happy face was soon painted with terror as he saw the rge number of people chasing after him and Amelia. The uards were also in a simir state of shock.

  "Please take care of them." ［Julius］

  There wasn't even a bit of expnation. All Julius did was give them a bright smile with a face saying "I'll leave it all to you" as he ehe castle with much haste, Amelia just following shortly behind him with an apologetic face.

  After the two ewo figures suddenly appeared before them, ing from the skyー or so how it would seem in their eyes. Those figures were her than Grey and Yuna who had just desded from the rooftops, giving the guards the surprise of a lifetime.

  "Here's our cards, we'll be going in now." ［Grey］

  "Please tihe good work!" ［Yuna］

  Just like a passing strey and Yuna quickly passed through the castle gates after undoing their disguise and showing their guild cards to the guards, only giving them enough time to firm that it was indeed authentic.

  The chasing crowd roared even louder as soon as they saw Grey and Yuna uheir true selves. They chased even harder, but luckily, the gate guards were able to stop them. Though it did take quite a lot of effort. They even had to shut the gates.

  "Huff... Huff... Huff... We... We made it... Huff... Huff..." ［Julius］

  Not only Julius, Amelia was also out of breath from sprinting all of a sudden. They were both drenched i and their breathings were rugged. Rather than a prind a dy, they just looked like very exhausted athletes who were traio the death by their coaches.

  The plete opposite of them, Grey and Yuna didn't even break a single sweat. They were still in their peak dition, only a little mentally exhausted from dealing with su ued situation.

  "Amelia, here, have a drink." ［Yuna］

  "Th... Thank you..." ［Amelia］

  Well, in fairo the two, evehey were like wet chicks, they still looked geous. Especially Amelia, Julius couldn't take his eyes off her. The regur Amelia was amazing, but something about her post-workout look that made her appeal show even more. Something has awakened inside of him.

  No one could really bme him, especially not Grey who was beside him. After all, he also loves it when Yuna was just fresh out of the bath. Inside his mind, he was giving Julius a big thumbs up. Men are simple beings, after all.

  Thankfully, none of the two were caught with their devious thoughts. Otherwise, they would have been in a world of hurt, a lot of hurt at that. No matter how powerful they are, they are still no match for their beloved.

  "Oi, you bastard prince. You should have told me your illusion magic was about to run out. I could've recasted it." ［Grey］

  " you really bme me? It ressuring situation, I anig. Also... stop calling a bastard, you bastard." ［Julius］

  "Hah! Right back at you!" ［Grey］

  Shifting their focus away from the two dies hem, Grey and Julius started bickering once again. Even though the tter was still exhausted, he still had the energy to spare and argue against the former. Just a couple of idiots.

  With a little bit of magic, Julius and Amelia's clothes were quickly ed and dried. After which, they enjoyed a little snack break whilst resting at a nearby garden, Julius greatly impressed by the mochi like an ignorant fool. It was hard to see at a gnce where his princely qualities have gone.

  The sweet and harmonious st of flowers, the fresh greenness of leaves and grass, and the spshing of the water fountain. Uhe noon sky, it was the perfect pce to rex and have a piic. Their fatigues were easily healed.

  "Ah! I finally found you, Yhnesses!"

  Just as they were rexing by the garden, an exhausted knight called out to them with a booming voice. His face was dripping with sweat and his breathing rougher than sandpaper, it was obvious he had been running for quite some time.

  "Hm? Do you need something from us?" ［Julius］

  "A-Ah, yes! His Majesty is calling for Yhness at the meeting room!"

  "Hahaha, good luck, Julius～! Looks like yetting a scolding." ［Grey］

  "Ugh, shut up!" ［Julius］

  Of course, Grey didn't let the ce simply slip by and he quickly made fun and teased Julius. They had just finished an argument and now, it seems like another one is on the way. The girls could only sigh in resignatioo their idiocy.

  "A-Ah, no... Yhnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna, and my dy, Lady Amelia are also being called."

  "Eh?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha! Sucks, doesn't it?" ［Julius］

  The tables were quickly turned as other names were called. It hasn't eveen minutes sihey ehe castle, and the news already reached the King's ears. The castle's informatiowork sure was terrifying.

  An irritating smirk on Julius' face, the four were led to the meeting room by the knight. It was quite a ways from the throne room and was retively small pared to it. Grey and Yuna have never been to the meeting room so they were quite excited.

  Creak

  The doors creaked subtly and the meeting room ened slowly. Ihere were four familiar faces remainied oable, chatting so friendly with one ahe highest of the high in the kingdom's hierarchy.

  There was Erhe King, Anderson, the Prime Minister, Edward, the General and also the Minister of Security and Defense, and stly, there was Alfred von Redlocke, the Minister of Finand erce who also happens to be Amelia's Father.

  During the Royal Back during the eve of the foundiival, Grey and Yuna had a quid friendly chat with Alfred. While they don't know much about each other, they were at least acquainted. It's a good start.

  "Oh, you really are back, Grey, Yuna. You should have told me first. That way, I could at least prepare something for our dear Heroes." ［Ernes］

  "That's too much, Your Majesty. We were just going to pass by, after all. We won't be staying here for too long." ［Grey］

  "Hmm... That's unfortunate... Anyway, do you have some sweets over there? I'm also fih snacks if you have some." ［Ernes］

  "Your Majesty..." ［Anderson］

  They really were father and son. No matter how much Grey thought about it, he never expected that the King would ask him for some food as if he were some kind of food dispehe Prime Minister could only grumble in silence.

  "Father, we were just eating this thing called mochi a while ago. It's good, I'm sure you'll like it!" ［Julius］

  "Mochi, huh... Another unfamiliar name... Do you still have some left?" ［Ernes］

  "Haah... We do..." ［Grey］

  Heaving a deep and resigning sigh, Grey had no other choice but t out the mochis they were eating earlier. They were supposed to be his and Yuna's snacks on their journey, but now, they have simply bee a present to the King.

  Grey could easily refuse the request si wasn't an order, but with the King's mischievous personality, doing so would only spell trouble. It wouldn't eve of the question that he sends knights to Galderia just to learn the recipe. He was like a troublemaking child rather than a dignified king.

  "Oh～! So these bun-looking things are called mochi, huh... Iing..." ［Ernes］

  "What a soft and fluffy texture..." ［Edward］

  "Papa, please try some! They're very delectable!" ［Amelia］

  "Well, if you insist..." ［Alfred］

  Oer ahe four men took a mochi from the pte Grey took out, each of different colors. But despite being palm-sized, the mochi looked very small in the General's rge hands. He only used two fio get one as if he ig up a potato chip.

  With them, Grey and the others also took one for themselves, bright and happy smiles blooming in their faces. The mochis were of different fillings but everyone wore the same rea after getting a taste of it.

  "Ohh～! This is amazing!" ［Ernes］

  "Hmm... Sweet, but very good. I'd see why kids would like it." ［Edward］

  "I agree with the General. You've made another exquisite dish, Yhnesses. You never cease to amaze me." ［Anderson］

  Positive responses came from everyone's mouths as they had a taste of the mochi served before them. Julius in particur looked so smug as if he was the one who made them. He really was his father's son.

  Tasting mochis of different fillings, the King screamed the word "delicious" every siime. His royal and humbling dignity was no more. All that was left was a foodie who was having the time of his life with the mochi in front of him.

  "Right, I almost fot... By the way, Your Majesty, what was the reason for you calling us here?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? There isn't one in particur." ［Ernes］

  "Eh?" ［Grey］

  "Like I said, there's none. I just did it on a whim." ［Ernes］

  Grey's eyes were locked on the King, his face losing all emotions and color as he tio stare at the man who was supposed to be at the highest seat in the kingdom with lifeless eyes. His expression is as empty as one be.

  He looked like an idiot, a big idiot, he couldn't believe himself expeg a proper response from the man who happeo be Julius' father. It would have beeer if he asked Anderson or literally anyone else present in the room. He would have gotten a better response.

  "Ah, right... Grey, Yuna, what the hell were you doing at Ingrasia? You've done some iing things again." ［Ernes］

  "Stop it with that look, Your Majesty. We were just there to attend Mister Kris and Miss Aria's wedding. Everything else was just a ce." ［Grey］

  "Un! We didn't expect the flood. We were just there at the right time and right pce! Trouble just keeps ing to us!" ［Yuna］

  "And you've got yet aitle as 'Heroes of Ingrasia' with such ces. It's a pretty impressive feat, I'd say." ［Ernes］

  It was just like Gaston had said befrey and Yuna's luck was just impressive in both ways, be it fortune of misfortuhough it was a lucky thing for the Kingdom of Ingrasia as they were saved by such a ce.

  "Well, I couldn't really bme you with that Monster Flood... Actually, they've beeing more and more frequely. It's quite w, actually." ［Ernes］

  "Hm? What do you mean, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］

  "It's just like I said. For some reason, the number of dungeon breaks are getting more and more frequent. You've stopped the Orc Horde I, haven't you? That one's also a part of it." ［Ernes］

  Bewilderment. Both Grey and Yuna were beyond shocked at the King's words. Such shock was especially evident in Grey's face who was the most knowledgeable when it came to the nature of dungeons and the like.

  While dungeons are appearing more frequently with the amount of corruptio, such ges still don't ge the time limit of dungeons. Not to mention that the kingdoms are also actively taking care of them. It's a good source of resources and riches, After all.

  If the frequency of breaks were to rise, it would still be a couple more decades by Grey's simple calcutions, it might even take turies before then. Such a situation was nothing sort of natural. It was straight up just strange.

  Grey, what do you think? It seems too unnatural. ［Yuna］

  Yeah, I think so too. If my guts are right, it's probably man-made. ［Grey］

  Wait, then than means! ［Yuna］

  No, it's still too early to make clusions. Let's just observe for now. ［Grey］

  ... Un... ［Yuna］

  Remembering the situation with Iblis, it wasn't toe to think that sunatural situations were done forcefully. The problem was that there was too little proof and it was only a mere specution. They couldn't just carelessly reveal it without any evidence behind it.

  For the sake of maintaining rey and Yuna decided to keep their theories to themselves and just keep a calm facade in front of the others. Recklessness would just cause needless worries, after all.

  "Anyway, you said you were just passing by, right, Grey, Yuna? So, where are the two actually heading? I assume you won't be causing any more trouble, right?" ［Ernes］

  "No, we won't. We'll just be participating in the Labyrinth of Fmes. If we're going to get in trouble, then I'll provide you with a couple of recipes, then." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha, quite the generous one, aren't you?" ［Ernes］

  "Not generous, it's just for reassurance, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

  Grey said whilst Yuna was nodding aggressively beside him. They were words he is going tret at a ter date, careless words which would only bring in trouble, but that's a story for another day.

  Meanwhile, the others were ihought at Grey's words. After all, the Labyrinth of Fmes was quite far from the royal capital. It wouldn't be se to think that they'll be arriving te.

  "Must be nice, huh... I wish I also have su eventful break..." ［Julius］

  Julius mumbled as he pared his break pns to Grey and Yuna's uping journey. He's mostly been staying in the capital so he doesn't know much of the outside world. It ity his break would be sー or so he thought.

  "Hm? Then why don't Julius and Amelia join us?" ［Yuna］

  "Eh?" ［Julius］

  But in a sudden turn of events, he and Amelia got an invitation out of nowhere. They were both frozen, faces painted with fusion, still not able to process what Yuna had just said. But when they did...

  ""Eh?!"" ［Julius and Amelia］

  ... loud screams echoed in the meeting room.

  CHAPTER 165 END