""Eh?!"" ［Amelia and Julius］

  Loud and resonant screams echoed clearly across the whole castle as expressions of surprise were painted all over Julius and Amelia's face. One was simply shocked, c her shyly, while the other had his hanging wide open.

  It wasn't only the two. Although not as much, traces of surprise could be seen on the men's faces. But the lips of a certain someone amongst them quickly curled into a smile as soon as he regained his posure. That someone was her than the mischievous King himself.

  He has not yet said a single word but the Prime Minister could already feel an ominous premonition brooding over his mind. After all, whehe King showed such a smile, it was always because he to no good.

  "Wait, wait, wait, wait! What do you mean joining you? That's a Labyrinth, you know? A Labyrinth!" ［Julius］

  "Hm? But weren't you the one who said you wanted a more eventful school break? Is there anything more eventful than going to a Labyrinth?" ［Yuna］

  "I know, but that's... It's a Labyrinth, you know?" ［Julius］

  Julius, who was just pining not long ago, was not in plete disbelief. While he did say those words, he didn't mean it to be that eventful. Even for knights and trained personnels, Labyrinths are dangerous, after all.

  But oher hand, he might not get the ce to do it ever again. Not to mention he'll be with Grey and Yuna, meaning he'll be able to feast upon a lot of delicious dishes. He could also spend a lot of time with Amelia which was always a plus. There were just too many bes.

  Whilst the prince was flicted over Yuna's suggestion, the other people in the room remained silent. her Grey nor the others were particurly against it. Actually, there was a certain man who was strictly in agreement with the suggestion. It was the same man earing a w smile.

  "Why don't you go, Julius? I think it will serve as a good experience for you and Amelia. You aren't against this, are you, Alfred?" ［Ernes］

  "Well, if it were other people, I would be worried about sending my daughter in such a dangerous pce, but si's Their Highhey are with, I rest easy. I also agree with His Majesty." ［Aflred］

  "See?! What are you shying away for? Hahahaha!" ［Ernes］

  "Father..." ［Julius］

  A boisterous ughter, a shaky voice, and a depressed sigh. Such things echoed in the room at the same time. The most tter being from the Prime Minister as he resigned himself from correg the King.

  Meanwhile, Julius was ihought about Yuna's suggestion. He also asked for Amelia's opinion, thinking things thhly before they start regretting things. It wasn't too long before they reached an agreement.

  "Haah... Alright, we'll be joining you." ［Julius］

  "We'll be in your care again, Grey, Yuna." ［Amelia］

  "Yaay～!" ［Yuna］

  A bright smile ster over Yuna's face, extending from ear to ear. And while Grey was a little disappoihat he won't be able to be aloh Yuna as much, he was also delighted that they'll have more panions over the trip.

  If there roblem, it would be that school would be starting just about the same time the Labyrinth ends. He doesn't know if they'll arrive ba time even if they were to go full speed. But oh well, it's a problem they decided to cross ohey get to it.

  "Then... Sihe Labyrinth of Fmes would be opening up soon, why don't you take the teleportation gates?" ［Ernes］

  "Your Majesty, I think that's a little too improper..." ［Anderson］

  "You worry too much, Anderson. I'm sure everything will be alright! I'm the King, after all! Hahahaha!" ［Ernes］

  "Your Majesty..." ［Anderson］

  Teleportation gates, like what its name suggests are rge devices which could allow people to transfer from one pce to another in an instant. They are devices whily high-ranking nobles, royalty, and iional anizations such as the guilds.

  In the whole of Alfriohere are only three teleportation gates present. One in the royal castle, one in the Elbourne Dukedom, the Prime Minister's territory, and one in the Redlocke Dukedom, further proving their rarity.

  "I'm gd for your offer, Your Majesty, but I think we'll have to dee." ［Grey］

  "Are you sure?" ［Ernes］

  "Yes. I think our ways of travel are far more effective." ［Grey］

  But it didn't matter how generous the King was, Grey still decided to dee the offer. After all, teleportation does not e without a cost. They were unbelievable things which would only be wasted if they used it willy-nilly.

  There was the orthodox way which is using copious amounts of mana crystals as fuel, costing millions upon of kiels in a siivation. While it could transport a couple dozen people at o's still a waste of resources. It was the main reason why teleportation gates are only used in times of emergency.

  And then there was the unorthodox method whilis used during the foundiival assault. They used sacrifices to do the act, disregarding the value of life. They really were trash which deserved to be eliminated from the surface of the world.

  But well, no matter which method one uses, there are bound to be rge costs. Not to mention that if they were to teleport to the Valliarta Empire, they'll he sent of their Emperor. It was just a needless hassle.

  "An effective method of transportation, you say... Is it alright to hear about it? Just out of curiosity, that's all." ［Ernes］

  "I would also like to indulge iopic. The safety of my daughter rests in this method of transportation, after all." ［Alfred］

  "Well, actually... It's not much of a secret. We're just going to ride one of our familiars and fly over there." ［Grey］

  "Wait! By familiars, you meant those dragons from before?! I'll go! I'll definitely go! I won't be missing this!" ［Julius］

  The previous traces of hesitation were now gone from Julius' heart. As soon as he heard they'll be riding one of Grey and Yuna's familiars, it was quickly repced with excitement. Not to mention they'll be flying. It portunity not many people could enter.

  Amelia was also excited over the thought of flying in the sky. While she was also a little scared, her curiosity won out in the end. She was also looking forward to their sudden and urip towards the Labyrinth.

  "Grey, you say fast, but how fast are we talking about? Eighty kilometers an hour? Or maybe a hundred?" ［Ernes］

  "I haven't really measured it, but... If we don't take any stops, we should arrive there in two days' time. Ah! But don't worry, I'll set up a barrier so that Julius and Amelia would be safe from the wind." ［Grey］

  "Hahahaha, I see... That's good to hear... So it's two days, huh... Huh?" ［Ernes］

  A sudden realization came to the King as he looked around the room, his eyes full of disbelief, still not yet fully uanding the weight of Grey's word. He thought there was something wrong with hearing at first, but such was not the case.

  "Grey, by these two days you mentioned... You meant arriving at the Empire's borders, right?" ［Ernes］

  "No, I meant the whole journey. It'd be two days from here towards the Labyrinth of Fmes. Actually, it might be evehan that." ［Grey］

  "Un! Sirius is very fast! We just arrived from Galderia after traveling sihis m! She's really fast!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, I see... I see... Is that really how you thought I would react?! Two days?! What do you mean by two days?! And what do you mean that you've arrived here from Galderia just in a single m?! This is just pin absurd!" ［Ernes］

  The King finally lost it after hearing that what he thought was a misuanding, was actually, in fact, the truth. Not only him, everyone else in the room was also in disbelief at Grey and Yuna's words.

  Well, who wouldn't be? For a journey which usually takes a month or two with a carriage to only be pleted in two days, it was just pin crazy. If it wasn't Grey and Yuna who were telling them it, they probably wouldn't have believed them.

  "Haah... Seriously, you two... Fine, you travel with that method. Just make sure to prioritize your safety first. And you should stay a couple of days in the royal capital while you're at it." ［Ernes］

  "Eh? Why?" ［Yuna］

  "Why? That's because we o send the Empire a message first before you go. Since you're with a prind a dy of high-noble blood, it's a must. It could cause a problem with diplomacy, otherwise." ［Ernes］

  It was the one of the few times that Ernes acted like a true King. He was actually thinking ahead of things responsibly rather than throwing it all to the Prime Mihere sure are times where you get the ued.

  "Then, since we're done here weー" ［Ernes］

  Grolllll

  The King was interrupted, and by a growl, no less. It was the growl of a certain stomach which was searg for something to eat. The source was her than the dy whose face was now as red as her hair. It was Amelia.

  While they have just eaten a couple of snacks, she still hasn't had a satisfying and proper lunch. Especially when they just wasted a lot of energy running away from the crowd, it was iable that she would go hungry. She was so embarrassed that she just wao hide herself away.

  "Uh... Umm... That was me..." ［Julius］

  In an attempt to lessen Amelia's embarrassment, Julius easily admitted to an act he did not it. It was embarrassing, but if it's for his lovely fiahere wasn't anything he wouldn't do. He just earned himself some love points from Amelia.

  "Well, si's e to this, let's have lunch first, shall we?" ［Ernes］

  "Yaay～! Lunch～!" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna..." ［Grey］

  Thankfully, the King knew how to read the mood. He also didn't want to embarrass his future daughter-in-w, after all. Though he was impressed with his son's ce. He roud of him as a father.

  Excitement looming over Yuna's fad Grey's expression full of for the former, the group headed towards the dining hall where they'll be having a gra as the King had ordered from the servants and royal chefs beforehand.

  Unfortunately, not everyone could e. The Prime Miill had some duties, the General o oversee the knights' training, and Alfred, being the Minister of Finand erce, also o review some dots. In the end, all that were left were the King and the four youths.

  As soon as they arrived at the dining hall, only silence greeted them. Sihe Ling had a meeting and Julius was also just back from the guild, the other members of the royal family already went ahead and had their fill, hehe deafening silence.

  "Alright, just take a seat anywhere. The food will arrive soon." ［Ernes］

  And arrive it did. Shortly after they ehe room, a rge number of servants and chefs entered with rge ptes at hand, bringing over dozens of high-css dishes until the whole table was filled to the brim.

  The servants were also excited at the sight of Grey and Yuna. While they have seen them from afar, it was the first time they've seen the you heroes so up close. All of them were satisfied, their eyes filled with admiration.

  "Waah～! There's so many! we really have this?!" ［Yuna］

  "Hahahaha, sure, sure, go ahead! Eat until your stomachs are full!" ［Ernes］

  "Un! I will!" ［Yuna］

  A straermination burning in her heart and her eyes burning with passion, Yuna quickly added a dish onto her pte, oer another. And sihey were in the royal castle, she didn't fet to observe the table etiquette. She may be a little bit of a glutton, but she still has manners.

  Seeing Yuna with just happiness, the others also followed suit and had their fill of the meal before them. It didn't take long before the dishes started to disappear one by oh the passing of time.

  While Greg may be eating slowly, he didn't lose out to Yuna in terms of the quantity eaten. In fact, he may even have a bigger appetite thaer. Seeing them eat so happily was truly a sight to behold.

  "A... Amazing..." ［Ernes］

  The King in surprise, lunch tio ensue and it wasn't too long before all the dishes were gone from the dining table. Food which could serve about twenty people was finished with just five, or rather, because Grey and Yuhere. It was aful and iing lunch.

  "Hahahaha, you really are good eaters! Julius should be like you! It's the reason why he doesn't have much muscles in him." ［Ernes］

  "What do you mean, Father? It's called being lean. And please don't pare me to those two. I'm sure that even with all that, they're still not full." ［Julius］

  "Oi, Julius, you're crossing the line." ［Grey］

  "Huh? And am I wrong about it?" ［Julius］

  "Are you pig a fight?" ［Grey］

  The atmosphere about dining room quickly heated up with Grey and Julius starti anument. Evehey're in front of the King, it doesn't stop them from bickering. Yuna and Amelia could only heave a heavy sigh as they watched the two.

  Well, the King himself didn't really mind it that much. He also experienced such kinds of ruckus over the dining table when he was younger. He was Julius' father, after all. It was also as he remihat a certain idea entered his mischievous mind.

  "Agh～ It sure would be nice if there are some sweets for dessert～" ［Ernes］

  Such words came out of the King's mouth out of nowhere, his eyes looking at Grey and Yuna's dire. The two could only feel nothing but a bad premonition from it, especially after his lips curled up into a smile.

  "Grey, Yuna, you don't happen to have some new desserts, do you?" ［Ernes］

  And as one would expect, there really was nothing good behind the King's smile. As soon as Grey and Yuna saw it, they already expected such a statement sooner or ter. Though they had hoped it would have been ter rather than sooner.

  Grey in particur wao refuse the King's words, but knowing his personality, there was no way of such a thing happening. He gave up even before he even had the ce to speak up. It was an unfortuuation.

  An annoying smirk pstered over the King's face, everyone headed towards the kit where Grey and Yuna will be making desserts for everyohey might have just eaten, but there is always room for dessert.

  "Carlton, we're using the kit." ［］

  "As you wish, Yourー Ah! Lrey! Lady Yuna! You're here!" ［Carlton］

  "o meet you again, Mister Carlton." ［Yuna］

  "It's been a long time, Mister Carlton." ［Grey］

  "A long time, indeed! I did hear that Lrey and Lady Yuna have returo the castle, but to think you're really here, it's still unbelievable." ［Carlton］

  Brushing past the King himself, Carton quickly rushed rey and Yuna and gave them the warmest wele. Thankfully, the man himself didn't really care mud just simply sat by a nearby table, anticipating what kind of dessert Grey and Yuna were going to make.

  "Are you here to make a new dish again, Yhnesses?" ［Carlton］

  "Well, rather than a dish, we're going to make a dessert." ［Grey］

  "Un! We're making cream puffs!" ［Yuna］

  "Ohh～! Cream puffs! Yet another unfamiliar yet sophisticated name! I'm looking forward to it, Yhnesses!" ［Carlton］

  Carlton full of excitement, Grey quickly headed to the kit table along with Yuna, taking out a rge number of things from his "Iory". There was sugar, flgs, butter, salt, cream, varact, and all things one would o make pastry.

  First, Yuna had the ove, pg baking sheets over it. While she was doing so, Grey took the opportunity to mix the water, butter, and salt in a sau, heating it until the butter had melted, and bringing to a rolling boil.

  Grey then removed the sau from the heat, and added flour to the mix, still tinuing to mix the mixture until a perfed smooth sistency was achieved, all the while making sure the mixture doesn't get burnt.

  After which, he let the mixture cool down for several minutes until it was cold enough for him to not get burnt, transferring it over a mixing bowl aing eggs with it until it became smooth again.

  While Grey was doing the pastry, Yuna made the filling. She carefully poured the cream into a mixing bowl, whipping it at inhumane speeds until it looked smooth, adding varact for an appetizing st. After which, she also made two more creams, one was chocote, and the other lemon.

  With the three creams done, Yuna quickly transferred them over a pastry bag for ter use. Now, all that was left for her was to wait frey to finish, which didn't take too long. He was also near pletion.

  Grey quickly shaped the dough into round pieces, and when he finished, he thehem into the oven, pced just enough distance apart for the dough to expand and bake into a golden brown pastry.

  "Alright, all that's left is to waitー Huh?!" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu, there's o be too surprised, Grey." ［Talia］

  Surprise. That was all there is, not only on Grey's, but Yuna's face as well. As soon as they turned around to tell the good news, they were greeted by a couple of familiar and unfamiliar figures before them.

  There was the Queen, Talia, the Prince, Galleus, the Princess Royale, Iris. With them, there was also another woman who was about the same age as Julius and a child who was about two or three years old.

  "I believe this is the first time we've met, Yhnesses, Lrey, Lady Yuna. I am Natasha von Alfriohe kingdom's Princess and also Galleus' wife. It's a pleasure to meet you." ［Natasha］

  "A-Ah, yes... The pleasure is ours." ［Grey］

  "It's good to see you." ［Yuna］

  Elegant and graceful, those were the things one would think of if they were to look at the Princess. Unlike her husband, Galleus, she was a very prim and proper dy just like Amelia and Iris. It would seem only women in the royal family still have their dignities intact.

  "And this is mine and Galleus' daughter, Natalia." ［Natasha］

  "She got her name from Mother's and Natasha's names. She's still two years old, but she's already this cute, isn't she? Natalia, say hello." ［Galleus］

  "He-Hewwo～!" ［Natalia］

  Cute. No, very cute. The little princess was the cutest thing in the world. And as one would expect from a two-year old child, her pronunciation is still underdeveloped, though it only added to her ess.

  But the one who fawned over the little prihe most was her than Galleus and Julius. Both the father and the uncle were doting on her, smiling like idiots, and very proud of her even though she stumbled on her words.

  During the foundiival, Natalia was sid so she and her mother weren't able to attend. Galleus also wao stay with them, but as the Pri was his duty to appear before the citizens. Though he did leave the party early and came rushing to his sick daughter's side.

  But now that Natalia was free of any illness, she was as lively and as cute as ever. Grey and Yuna were fortunate enough to witness her ess. It really was the best decision to go on a trip.

  "Hello, princess. Do you want to py with Big Sis over here?" ［Yuna］

  "Yesh!" ［Natalia］

  A critical hit. As Natalia smiled brightly at Yuna's invitation, she shone brighter than the sun, cuter than anything else, and more precious than ahey have been blinded, but there were smiles pstered over their faces.

  Yuna on the lead, everyone pyed with the little princess. Of course, they made sure to only stay where there weren't any sud dangerous objects. Such a se sted until a certain, sweet and appetizing aroma wafted through the kit.

  All eyes on him, Grey quickly stood up from his seat and headed towards the oven, slitting the pastries and filling them with all sorts of cream and sprihem with powdered sugar. With his hands moving at breakneck speed, it didn't even take a mio finish.

  "Here you go, little princess. Please have a bite." ［Grey］

  And the very first oo have the pleasure of tasting the cream puffs were her than the small and cute princess. Grey made sure to cool dowreat before handing it to the little dy.

  With her small mouth and still inplete set of teeth, the little princess quickly bit down on the cream puff, her eyes sparkling in silence as soon as she had a taste of it. She was so cute that Grey was having a hard time stopping himself from ping her cheeks.

  Not saying a word, the little princess, like a chipmuing her fruits, bit down on the cream puff time after time. And when she finished hers, she then looked at her empty hands with a little sadness, then looking towards the tray of cream puffs Grey was holding onto.

  "Hahaha, was it tasty?" ［Grey］

  "Yesh! Tashty!" ［Natalia］

  Well, with how soft Grey's heart is towards kids, he didn't let the little princess wait for too long and gave her ahe others then also took one for themselves, enjoying it as much as the little princess does, watg over her warmly.

  Warmth and joy over the kit, everyone had a happy time together as they chatted and ughed merrily. There was a little bit of mischief with the King, but with the Quee, it was easily resolved. It was a joyous occasion.

  CHAPTER 166 END