The su down the world with warm ale sunlight, grag the world a nice, golden afternoon uhe blue sky. The refreshing breeze cruising freely through the city, cooling down the ground in the face of heat. It was a lovely day.

  On such a lovely day, there was er way to spend it in the simirly lovely and grand royal castle. The silence of the wind and the sweet fragrance of flowers drifting with it, apanied by the echoes of footsteps. Oh, what an atmosphere.

  "Uuu..." ［Natalia］

  A new sound mixed with the current melody, the grumbling noise of the little princess. She suddenly stopped walking and was now squatting on the ground, looking at the others before her with adorable puppy eyes.

  "Is something wrong, Princess?" ［Yuna］

  "Uuu... Pwiiwed..." ［Natalia］

  Such was an adorable reason. It was only to be expected that she gets tired with the meager stamina of a two-year-old. Actually, it was even more surprising that she sted so long without pining. She really was a hard-w little princess.

  With how tired she was, she didn't want to move anymore. But on another hand, she wants to tinue expl with the others. The little princess' heart was torn apart by two difficult choices. She mulled over as much as a little princess .

  "Hmm... If the Little Princess is tired, should we rest or... Would the Little Princess like to ride Big Bro's shoulder here?" ［Grey］

  "Showder?" ［Natalia］

  "Yes. A shoulder carry. Would you like to try?" ［Grey］

  "... Um!" ［Natalia］

  There was a little pause as the little princess stared at Grey's face, thinking about his offer with her i little mind. Not long after, she then agreed happily with such a bright smile on her face, opening her arms up frey to take her.

  Giggling to himself, Grey the down to the ground, held the little princess by the upper torso, aly had her sit on his broad shoulders. The little princess, getting such a treatment was very happy aed, her head turning around from time to time as she watched the ge in altitude.

  "Waah～ Nalia! Tawl!" ［Natalia］

  "Hahaha. Now, now, don't move too much, Little Princess. We don't want to get hurt now, do we?" ［Grey］

  "Um! Behayv!" ［Natalia］

  The others could only look at the little princess warmly as she enjoyed herself riding on Grey's shoulders. It was the first time she had experienced shoulder carry, hence her excitement as if she just got a oy.

  Of course, her father, the Prince, had tried to carry her on his shoulders from before, but with how reckless he was, the Princess never allowed him to. It was a shame but it was better than having the little princess get hurt.

  Well, other thatle princess, there was another princess whose eyes were on Grey and the little princess, g her hand in front of her chest. She was wearing expet eyes which was really out of character for her.

  "Hm? Does Iris also want a shoulder carry?" ［Grey］

  "Aunshie, cawwy?" ［Natalia］

  "A-Ah, n-no! I... I was just looking at how Natalia is enjoying herself. Th-That's all! N-Nothing else!" ［Iris］

  A certain degree of redness bloomed on Iris' face as she denied Grey's question. It was obvious that she also wao experience such, but was just too embarrassed to admit. She is still the Princess Royal, after all. She has her dignity to protect.

  She was in the same situation as Natalia. She also hasn't had a shoulder carry. After all, her father was her than the mischievous King, just on par, maybe even more reckless than the Prince. For some reason, all men in the royal family are numbnuts who only know how to cause trouble.

  Well, Iris is already 11 years old. It was normal for her to be embarrassed in doiain as. Grey decided to not pursue it any further and just patted her head before starting to walk once again.

  "Alright, then how about we headー" ［Vanessa］

  "Lt. General Vanessa!" ［???］

  A husky voice suddenly boomed from behind, calling out to Vanessa of all people. As they turned around, they were greeted by a well-built middle-aged man with a cross-shaped scar on his face, his uniform a bit different from the other knights. It was oh more clothing than armor.

  Each stride full of fidend grace, the man approached them like a predator unfazed by the raging winds. His eyes were fixated on Vanessa as he drew closer, seeming to bear a certain responsibility on his shoulders.

  ??Appraisal?? ［Grey］

  -----------------------------------

  [Salferine]

  [Name] Faust von Farke

  [Race] Human

  [Sex] Male

  [Age] 37

  [Status] Healthy

  [Mana Capacity] 1,794 [Mana Quality] C

  [bat Power] 2,464 [Threat Level] B

  [Attribute] Darkness  [Magic Proficy] High (54%)

  [Css] Berserker   [on Proficy] High (61%)

  [Physical Enha] 63%

  [Ability] Heavy Impact (3☆)

  -----------------------------------

  He was strong. He may not be able to pare to Grey and Yuna, but in the eyes of the general popuce, he was already very strong. Only sed to the General in the whole of Alfrione's armed forces.

  There was only sho Grey's mind as she thought of where such a strong person was when Iblis attacked months ago. They were lucky that Grey and the others were there, but if they weren't, his help would have beely appreciated at the time.

  "Hm? Faust? Do you need something from me?" ［Vanessa］

  "No, it's not me. The General has called for you. You did something 'amazing' again, didn't you?" ［Faust］

  "I... I don't know what you're talking about... I've only been esc Their Highhis eime, you know?" ［Vanessa］

  Or so she says but her eyes were swimming away in another dire as she said her answer. Grey and Yuna had known her for long enough to know that she definitely did something as soon as her eyes went swimming.

  Meanwhile, Faust only looked at who Vanessa apahere was the Princess Royal and the Little Princess whom he gave his respects to by bowing his head politely, but as soon as he saw Grey and Yuna, his eyes shook in quake as soon as he realized their identities.

  "Five me for my te greetings, Yhnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna. I am Faust von Farke, Captain of the Royal Guards. It is my greatest pleasure to finally meet the great heroes of Alfrione!" ［Faust］

  A loud thud resounded in the air as Faust pnted his ko the ground. What followed after was a very polite greeting and introdu showing his utmost respect to the two youths before him. It was so sudden, Grey and Yuna didn't know how to respond properly.

  Worst of all, he also introduced himself as the Captain of the Royal Guards. His position is that which does not lose to the General himself. He is amongst one of the biggest bigshots in the whole kingdom. And that very bigshot was kneeling very respectfully to Grey and Yuna.

  "Uh... Umm,.. Sir Faust, was it? Please raise your head now. It would only cause a misuanding if people were to see us like this." ［Grey］

  "Un. The princesses are also watg. It might affect them if this tinues for too long. Especially Princess Natalia, she might start following you." ［Yuna］

  "Nalia! Fo!" ［Natalia］

  It was just like Yuna had said. She didn't even mean for such a thing to happen but the little princess started imitating her words, only further proving her point. It was very adorable, but it was not time to dwell on her ess.

  Worst case sario, the little princess might go around kneeling down when she greets people, imitating knights. And she might hurt her soft and delicate knees in the process. It was something Grey and Yuna wao avoid at all cost.

  "Oh, I apologize for my thoughtless as. I was just so gd I finally met you that my legs moved on their own. I've heard quite a lot of iing stories about you two, you see." ［Faust］

  trary to his scarred and scary appearance, Faust was quite the nice guy. He was ag gentle enough so that the children won't be scared of him. But there was just ohing which bothered the two. It was the st part of his statement.

  Grey and Yuna have heard about a simir statement before from Gustav, and they couldn't say they were very pleased about it. There were a lot of exaggerated stories and cims, and the cause was her than the lovely Vanessa beside them.

  "Umm... About these stories, just what kind have Sir Faust heard about?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, I've heard many kinds. There is one where you defeated a pair arudas, stories about how you saved the kingdom, and the fact that you have a handful of powerful familiars." ［Faust］

  So far, so good. Everything Faust talked about was all true, but even theher Grey nor Yuheir guards down. After all, the same thing happened with Gustav. While it was normal at first, it became weirder on the sed part.

  "Oh, there were also stories about you massag a horde ons, blowing off mountains in a sirike, aing all the knights in a single sed. I was holy doubtful at first, but after hearing it firsthand from His Majesty, my doubts were all cleared.

  Even now, I am still in awe of yreat achievements. Even though you are still so young, you have aplished something not many people could. I'm sure your names will be forever engraved in the kingdomー no, the world's history." ［Faust］

  It was like listening to a hardcore fan praising their celebrity idols. Faust gave them non stop praises even though they have just met for the first time. Needless to say, it was quite the first impression.

  Also, it was just like what Grey and Yuna had expected. There really were weird and exaggerated stories mixed in the bunch. They have already expected it, but it didn't make it any less embarrassing. It really was troublesome being so famous.

  "Sir Faust, umm... These stories, would you please, pray tell, enlighten us where did you hear them?" ［Grey］

  "Un. I'm also curious, Sir Faust. Who did you hear them from?" ［Yuna］

  "Well.... I've heard them from many people, mostly from the knights themselves. Ah, but the tter part, I've heard it from Vanessa. She was very proud ahusiastic while telling those stories." ［Faust］

  "I see... Big Sis Vanessa, huh..." ［Grey］

  The culprit was, once again, Vanessa whose eyes were drifting away to the gardens, avoiding Grey and Yuna's judging stares with all her might. Well, rather than mad, the two were just simply baffled. They really don't know how to deal with her.

  They wao reprimand her, but with Vanessa's personality, she would probably be evading the topics as swiftly as she . It would only be a waste of time and energy scolding a person who never really learns. It would have been different if her husband or the Queehere.

  "Anyway, where are Yhnesses going? Are you heading to the throne room? Or maybe the royal quarters?" ［Faust］

  "Ah, that... We were going to head to the training grounds and watch the knights train. Big Sis Vanessa suggested it to us." ［Grey］

  "Oh! The training grounds! Perfect timing! The Royal Guards would also be training today. I would love it if Yhnesses could join us." ［Faust］

  There was a hard to dee smile pstered on Faust's face as she requested Grey and Yuna of such. While it was Vanessa who ractically dragging them along the whole day, since she was still ag like a scolded child, it to them to decide.

  "Hmm... I'm fih it." ［Grey］

  "Uoo. What about the princesses?" ［Yuna］

  "I would love to see the Royal Guard's training routine. I think it would be a good learning experience." ［Iris］

  "Wuv! See! Wearn! Esh... Esh... Esheynce!" ［Natalia］

  Everyone quickly agreed to Faust's suggestion without much deep thoughts. The little princess in particur was very excited, imitating bits and pieces of Iris' words. Though the st one was just a tad bit off.

  "Experience" was turo "Esheynce" which sounded more like "Essence" if anything. Well, it was quite a hard word for a two-year-old to pronouill, it was cute awarming seeiry her best. She was really adorable.

  "Hahahaha! I'm honored you accepted my invitatiohen, allow me the pleasure of leading you to the training grounds." ［Faust］

  Faust on the lead, everyohen headed to the training grounds which was not too far off the gardens. Grey and Yuna have seen it many times already, but even then, it doesn't fail to amaze them every siime.

  The training grounds were very wide and spacious, evehan the ones in the Royal Academy. Near it were a number of racks taining training ons and recovery items. There were alse number of dummies on the fields for them to train their attacks against. It was the best one could ask.

  "Hm? Aren't those..."

  "I-It's Lrey and Lady Yuna!"

  "Really?! The heroes are here?!"

  It was a warm reception. As soon as the knights saw the group enter and realize ith Vanessa and Faust, words quickly spread like wildfire. It wasn't long until everyone khat Grey and Yuna had arrived at the training ground.

  Everyone halted their swings and spars as they looked at the two youths before them. All eyes were on them, just like when two celebrities enter a mall. The only difference was that it was not a mall and they had no bodyguards. They are their bodyguards themselves.

  "Royal Guards, Fall in!" ［Faust］

  Faust's voied throughout the training ground, and soon after a group of about 30 or 40 knights, uniforms different from the rest, fell in formation and lined up ly before Faust. Such as only took a couple seds to initiate.

  "Atten～tion!" ［Faust］

  At the and, the Royal Guards stood upright in the correct posture. Their s up, chests out, shoulders back, and stomachs in. Such as were done swiftly and gracefully. As expected of the kingdom's most elite units.

  The Royal Guards, as the name suggests, are the seleights who serve as bodyguards to the royal family. They may be few in numbers, but their strengths don't lose out to anyone. Everyohere was k at the very least.

  While the Captain, Faust, was out on a mission during the foundiival, the other members of the Royal Guards are doing their duties, proteg the other members of the royal family as per the King's request.

  Why were there no Royal Guards with the King at the time, one might ask? The answer is very simple. It was because the General, along with the h-rankers were with him at the time. There were er escorts.

  "Listen up! Today, Their Highnesses are going to personally oversee our training! Let's show them how things are doh the Royal Guards! Let's show them what we're made of!" ［Faust］

  """Ohhh!!"""

  There was no more formal nguage left in Faust. As soon as he opened his mouth, all that was left were crude but sincere words of motivation as he raised up the Royal Guards' morale. It was very effective as loud shouts echoed in the air.

  Well, Faust wasn't the only one who held a high rank iraining grounds. There was also a certain pregnant woman who was now giggling to herself before walking forwards, an imposing aura befalling upoher knights.

  "Alright, everyone～. You've heard Faust, haven't you? Now, let's show Grey and Yuna your spirits! We won't be losing to the Royal Guards!" ［Vanessa］

  """Ohhh!!"""

  An even louder, more resonant cacophony of shouts echoed throughout the whole castle as Vanessa also raised the spirits of knights though the sky. Their eyes were now filled with determination as they picked up their ons and started swinging.

  Since Grey and Yuna, not to mention the princesses, were watg them, there was no way the knights would embarrass themselves in front of them. They tried their hardest, pushing themselves over their limits.

  It was quite the spectacle. Grey and Yuna khat they had some influen the kingdom because of their status, but they didn't know it would be that much. Rather, they felt bad that the knights respected them more than the princesses.

  "No, no, your swings are too wide. You'd leave gaps for the eo strike if you tihis... Do it like... this!" ［Grey］

  "I know muscles are important, but they'll only restriovements if they get too big. You should also focus on flexibility aerity..." ［Yuna］

  Time passed and the training of the knights progressed. Sihey were already there, Grey and Yuna decided to teach the knights some tips and tricks which are useful in battle. A session the knights thhly enjoyed.

  In fact, there are even times the knights would purposely fail just so that they could get a lessrey and Yuna. Well, even with that, they still learnt a lot of things from them. It was a very fruitful experience.

  "Soord! Shwing! Shwing!" ［Natalia］

  And while the knights traihe little princess also had her own fun. She took a stick she picked up from the ground and swung it happily in the air. Well, rather than brandishing it like the knights, she was simply waving it left and right.

  Time passed some more and the sun started to set. When the sky turned amber, the training ended and everyone was dismissed. And by everyo really meant everyohere wasn't a single perso iraining grounds anymore.

  The knights have returo their dorms and homes, Faust returo the Farke mansion, and Vanessa icked up by Ranzel so that they could have dinner. Well, she icked up only after getting a scolding from the General. It was a really iing sight.

  As frey, Yuna, and the princesses, they headed to their respective baths to themselves first. After which, they then headed to the dining hall where all the other members of the royal family were already present.

  "Iris, Natalia, how was your day? Did you enjoy it?" ［Ernes］

  "Yes. I've had a lot of fun, Father. I've also learnt a number of things thanks to Elder Brrey and Elder Sister Yuna. I think Natalia also feels the same." ［Iris］

  "Um! Sheym!" ［Natalia］

  "Hahaha, that's good to hear! Really good!" ［Ernes］

  A hearty ugh echoed i as the King indulged iories of her one and only daughter and granddaughter. He really was like a doting fool on them. Well, not only him. The Prind Sed Prince were also the same.

  Such a light and warm atmosphere tio unfold over the dining hall as dinner tinued. Many stories were told and many ughter echoed across the dining table as everyone shared their experiences for the day. It tinued until dinner was over.

  "Ah, right... Your Majesty, everyone, I have something to give you." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Is it sweets?" ［Ernes］

  "Well... Yeah, it's sweets." ［Grey］

  Following his words, Grey quickly took out a couple of things from his "Iory". There were cream puffs, cupcakes, and a bunch of varied flowers. They were the things both Iris and the little princess worked hard for.

  "Oh! Cream puffs! I've been wanting to eat these again." ［Ernes］

  Grey hasn't even given an ok signal yet, but the King already invited himself to the treats and fed himself some. Following him the others also had a taste of it. Some took cream puffs while others took cupcakes. It was banced.

  Thanks to Grey's ability, they were still warm and so, they were much more delicious. Everyone greatly ehe desserts, with bright smiles on their faces. There was only one who had a different expression, feeling a little nervous.

  "Hmm,... Grey, Yuna, I don't know how to tell you this, but... Somehow, it tastes different..." ［Ernes］

  "Hahaha. Well, that's because Princess Iris made it herself." ［Grey］

  "Un! Iris worked quite hard for it, you know." ［Yuna］

  "Hm? Iris did?" ［Ernes］

  The one who was nervous was her than Iris. While she knew how good Grey and Vanessa's skills were, she was still nervous if she messed something up. It was just the simple ay of cooking for the first time.

  "Is... Is it terrible...?" ［Iris］

  "Terrible...? There's no way it's terrible! It's the best dessertー no, the best food I've ever had! This is a national treasure!" ［Ernes］

  "Fufufu, it's very delicious, Iris, my Dear. I'm proud of you." ［Talia］

  The ay was now gone. A surge of happiness filled Iris' heart as a little smile finally bloomed on her face. She then ehe sweets she made herself and experiehe same deliciousness everyoasted.

  But the surprises didn't stop there. Standing without making any noises, Grey headed towards the little princess and removed her from her seat. He then put her down on the flivihe flowers she picked in the m.

  A smile blooming otle princess' faatalia walked towards where her mother and father were. Once she was in range, she tugged on the Princess' dress with a tiny, little hand and meager strength.

  "Mama! Papal! Fowers!" ［Natalia］

  She was too, too cute! Both the Prind Princess' hearts fluttered from the ess of their daughter. They didn't even accept the flowers and just hugged her directly. After them, the other family members were also given flowers by the little princess.

  "Galleus... Today, I've received personally baked sweets from our sweet Iris. Not only that, I also received flowers from cute Natalia. Don't you think we should make this a national holiday?!" ［Ernes］

  "I totally agree with you, Father! There is no greatest occasion!" ［Galleus］

  A sudden spark of motivatioered two idiotids, and disregarding any possible sequehey just decided to create a sudden holiday, only being more and more troublesome as they added more things to it.

  "Dear, should we talk for a little bit?" ［Talia］

  "Galleus, my love, let's head outside, shall we?" ［Natasha］

  Thankfully, there were two other iial figures in the dining room who could equal them. They were the lovely wives who are the only ones who could actually think properly within the royal family.

  The four walked out the room, the dies wearing frightening smiles on their faces. Soon enough, a number or words fired like mae guns as they scolded their husbands. Meanwhile, the princess only ate more sweets with Grey and Yuna.

  "Here, Princess, have some ice cream." ［Yuna］

  "Um!" ［Natalia］

  CHAPTER 169 END