"Haap!" ［Yuna］
A silver glimmer amidst the verdant forest, a beautiful flash streaking through the cold hard wood, not a single resistance to be felt as the dagger swam through the trunk of a monstrous tree, its body falling apart soon after.
There was a series of resonant thuds that echoed in the air, the massive tree falling down the ground with a loud crash. And as loud as it was, a young elf's footsteps were silent as the dead, his eyes peering through the monster as it vanished into thin light.
"Hm? Are you done subjugating the Elder Treant already?" ［Grey］
"Un! It was pretty tough, but it's too stupid. It just kept on rushing towards me even though it saw its branches getting cut all the time." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It's a monster, after all. They don't have the brightest of minds." ［Grey］
"Uuu... I know... I want to fight another strong monster... Grey, when is the next Labyrinth opening up? I want to fight a Boss." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. You'll have to wait a white. There's still a couple months left." ［Grey］
It has been a few days since Grey and Yuna subjugated the Wyverns in Ortega, and since then, the two have taken on a couple of Wyvern extermination quests all over the continent, and took down hundreds of wyverns quest after quest.
In fact, they have taken down so many Wyverns, it has become the most numerous High-Rank beast inside Grey's Inventory. Even if they eat Wyverns all the time, it would take them a few years to finish them off at the very least.
And now, Grey and Yuna are taking yet another Quest by the border of the Aldridge territory and the Haltea Great Forest. Yuna took down the Elder Treant whilst Grey foraged for some herbs and fruits... He lost in rock, paper, scissors.
"Grey, let's switch. You pick up the logs, and I'll forage." ［Yuna］
"Haah... Just how much do you love foraging? Haah... I should have fought against the Elder Treant, after all." ［Grey］
"No way! I won fair and square!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah, I know... Just make sure to not go too far, alrightー Ahh..." ［Grey］
Grey's warning was far too late. Before he could even finish his words, Yuna had already disappeared from his sight and started her rampage in the forest, foraging for everything she could find and zooming to her heart's content.
There is barely anyone who goes deep inside the Haltea Great Forest, after all. That means there are a lot of materials waiting to be harvested and Yuna was all for it. Grey sometimes wonders if he'll be marrying an excited child.
"Haah... That girl... She really drives me crazy..." ［Grey］
Not worrying can do anything about it. Grey simply did his job and collected all the drops of the Elder Treant, organizing them carefully and soon chasing after his beloved, only to be dragged by her hobbies and join her in foraging.
An hour passed in the blink of an eye and after rampaging throughout the forest, and Grey having a hard time stopping Yuna from going any further, the two finally decided to head back to the city and report their Quest completion for the day.
All in all, Grey and Yuna gathered some pretty rare and useful items and even found themselves some rare materials. Not just magic plants, but some hard materials that even Grey could use in his smithing works. It was a great day.
"Grey, can we stop by the bookstore before going home? I wanna see if there are some new books on sale." ［Yuna］
"Books... They aren't anything strange, are they?" ［Grey］
"No, it's different this time. I thought of giving Bella some fun stories to read at home. It seems like that girl really likes reading." ［Yuna］
"Hmm... If it's for Bella, I guess that's fine. Let's buy some books for Galvin and Elnart too while we're at it. I heard the bookstore in the mall has something new." ［Grey］
"Ohh! Great idea! That makes things easier!" ［Yuna］
The day was peaceful and the weather was sunny with small patches of white clouds in the vast everblue sky. Grey and Yuna leisurely walked along the highway as they headed towards the city, chatting about all sorts of things that came to mind.
CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP CLOP
Somewhere along the way, the sound of horses' footsteps echoed in the air, getting louder and louder with time, the ground starting to rumbling soon after as clouds of dust brewed over the distance, successfully catching the eyes of the two.
There were no carriages nor any wagons in sight, just horses and some fine people riding on them. They weren't just any horse either but special breeds which are bred for speed and are all glamorous in their own ways.
The horses have silky manes, shiny bodies, well-toned muscles, sharp and alert eyes, fine horseshoes, distinct patterns on their hides, and so many more. Grey and Yuna don't know much about them, but they knew that they were valuable steeds.
"Waah～! What pretty horses～!" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... I think they are racehorses... They're really fast, aren't they?" ［Grey］
"Un! I think they could outrun all the horses in the city!" ［Yuna］
Commented the two as they continued to walk down the highway. The closer the horses got, the more defined they became in their eyes. One glance and anyone could tell that they're worth more than your average house.
Though... Grey and Yuna aren't really big fans of them. They have only ridden on horseback once, and it wasn't really a good experience for the both of them. Just thinking about how bad it was was enough to make them feel nauseous.
"Excuse me, can we ask something for a quick minute?"
And just when Grey and Yuna were thinking of their previous experience, one of the horse riders came up to them, prompting the others to slow down. Now that they were up close, Grey and Yuna could tell they were from well-off families.
"Yeah, sure, go ahead." ［Grey］
"Actually, we're heading to the city of Galderia. We are just wondering just how far it is from here. It's our first time traveling there, you see." ［???］
"Hmm... So that's the case... You just need to continue down this highway, about 30, maybe 40 more kilometers to go. It shouldn't take you an hour." ［Grey］
"Ohh! We're closer than I thought! Did you hear that, guys?!" ［???］
"Yeahh!! We can finally take our rest!"
"Hahaha! I'm gonna down a cold glass of beer as soon as we arrive!"
Just as they looked, every single one of the riders was loud, lively, and merry. They cheered and shouted as they celebrated, smiling from ear to ear as they revealed their plans as soon as they reached the city of Galderia.
Some wanted to rest, some wanted to go sightseeing, some wanted to taste some dishes, and some wanted to drink a cold pint of beer. Needless to say, everyone was excited, laughing amongst themselves as if Grey and Yuna weren't there.
"Ah, sorry about that. We've been riding for a few days already so we're just excited to hear some good news. Hope we didn't offend you." ［???］
"No, it's fine. We can understand your worries. We're adventures, so we also travel from time to time. We know how hard it is to stay outside." ［Grey］
"Ah! If you arrive in the city, we could recommend you to an inn. It's called the 'Rabbit's Den'! The food and bed there is the best!" ［Yuna］
"Ohh! You heard that guys?! It seems like we can rest right away!" ［???］
Once again, the riders cheered at Yuna's words. They were planning to go find a good inn first after arriving in Galderia, but with Yuna going out of her way to give them a good recommendation, there was no need to do so.
And so, Grey and Yuna took their time and gave the riders some directions on how to get to the Rabbits' Den and also gave some directions about some landmarks they are looking for. They were especially rowdy after hearing about the bars and taverns.
Grey and Yuna haven't really been to one before, but they have heard a few things from each other. Kris and the other adventurers were especially reliable, knowing all the knowhow about alcoholic beverages throughout the city.
"Hahaha! Looks like we met with some good people. Thank you for your help. If you ever need something, just head to the inn and look for Berns!" ［Berns］
"See you later, you two! Let's have a drink later! My treat!"
"Thanks for everything! Berns is rich, so just ask him anything!"
"Oi! What does that mean, you bastard?!" ［Berns］
Before long, the riders finally waved their goodbyes, and even then, they were as rowdy as ever, laughing their asses off as they set off towards the horizon. Grey and Yuna were left on their own, still a little bit amused.
"They sure are a lively bunch, aren't they?" ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Do you think they'll become our customers?" ［Yuna］
"Well, I guess they'll like the instant foods we have in the mall, at the very least. They may be a bit surprised by it first though." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I wonder what their reactions will be." ［Yuna］
With everything done and dusted, Grey and Yuna continued with their walk, and before long, they finally arrived in the city. And throughout the journey, they once again met with a group of riders heading towards Galderia.
Some asked them questions and some just headed straight ahead. There were all sorts of people ranging from people in their early teens all the way to even above 50, men and women alike. They all looked so gallant like knights on their great stallions.
The very first thing Grey and Yuna did as soon as they arrived in the city was headed towards the Adventurers' Guild and had their quest processed. It was almost lunch and so, there weren't many people in line. It only took them a quick second.
Of course, their receptionist was none other than the ever so reliable fox girl, Tilda. She is already used to dealing with Grey and Yuna's absurd quests and antics, not even surprised when they told they hunted some "extra" monsters on the way.
"Kobold Lord... Orc General... Centaur Commander... Greater Golem... You sure bring some absurd monsters from time to time..." ［Tilda］
"Fufufu! They're just C-rank and B-rank monsters." ［Yuna］
"Just...? Haah... Sure... Whatever you say..." ［Tilda］
"Tilda, is the Guild gonna buy the materials again? We also found some medicinal herbs on the way, so I think we could sell some." ［Grey］
"Oh, that would be really useful. We were just about to post a quest." ［Tilda］
Actually, because of Grey and Yuna alone and their extreme clearing speeds, the Guild even had to make a new storage facility and expand the dismantling area. It was specifically made to dismantle high-rank beasts they bring in casually.
Of course, this also meant that the Guild profited a lot from Grey and Yuna's spoils. Not only were they able to improve their facilities, they are also now able to make new detached buildings for Guild purposes. Kris and Aria also helped a lot.
Most of all, because of the four's reputation as Heroes, many aspiring adventurers and merchants have also gathered in Galderia. In fact, there has been so much increase that if the trend continues, they'll only be second to the Capital's Guilds.
"Oh, right. Will you also be selling the Elder Treant wood you got today? There are some prospective buyers already after we posted the request so it would be great if you could spare some," ［Tilda］
"That's understandable... Elder Treant wood is great, after all." ［Yuna］
"It's light, durable, and smooth so many craftsmen like it. There shouldn't be any problem selling them all." ［Grey］
"All of them? I thought you would save some for yourself." ［Tilda］
"Well, we already have a lot of these Elder Treant Wood from our Labyrinth dives, and we also have some slightly better wood. It's just wood, after all." ［Grey］
"Un! It's just wood!" ［Yuna］
Or so they say, but the two were actually talking about woods which not even Royal and Imperial families have easy access to. Actually, they have so much of Calamity-Class Sequoian Treant wood, they used some as firewood just for fun.
Tilda was curious and wanted to ask, but knowing Grey and Yuna, it was probably better not to know what they are calling "slightly better wood". They already had her common sense destroyed by them, and she doesn't want to risk more.
All jokes aside, Tilda quickly processed Grey and Yuna's materials and had Bartolos appraise most of them for her. He was still busy dismantling Wyverns, but he was still able to give them a quick and fair prize.
Soon enough, Grey and Yuna's quest has finally been processed and in the end, they were rewarded about a million kiels as initial deposit. The rest, about 8 digits worth, was deposited to their Guild Card balance.
"Oh right, come to think of it. We saw quite a lot of racehorses heading to Galderia on the way here. Is there an event going on?" ［Yuna］
"Racehorses...? Ah! It must be about the horse racing competition!" ［Tilda］
"Horse racing competition...? There's such a thing?" ［Yuna］
"Yes. You probably don't know this, but..." ［Tilda］
Answering Yuna's question, Tilda quickly started explaining about the horse racing competition she was talking about. It is an annual competition which is held in the Barten region in which both Aldridge and Landevar territory is a part of.
The competition is held in different cities every year, and now, the city of Galeria is the venue of the event with the Lord, Cedric, as the host. It is an event which will happen about a week from now and can be joined by anyone and everyone.
Of course, there will be a qualifier in which only the top 14 horses will be chosen. It is an event which many horse racing enthusiasts join, hoping to win the champion's crown and show off how beautiful their racehorses are.
And as one would expect from a fantasy world, hybrids between horses and equine beasts like unicorns and bicorns are allowed. As long as the beasts can't use magic, can't fly, or any magical items are used, everyone can join.
"Amazing... So there can also be beast hybrids too..." ［Yuna］
"Yes. Bicorn and Battlehorse hybrids are really popular. They are fast, strong, and sturdy. They make a great racehorse" ［Tilda］
"How about Tricorns and Sleipnirs then?" ［Grey］
"Grey... Those are C-rank and B-rank beasts... Other than you two, no one is probably crazy enough to try something like that." ［Tilda］
Of course, the horse breeders also have their limitations. It is already hard to catch and domesticate E-rank and D-rank beasts like Bicorns and Battlehorses, much less those of higher ranks. It was impossible.
Grey wanted to see a race between some really powerful hybrids, but it seems like they are nothing but faraway dreams. Watching a horse race between some 8-legged Sleipnirs would have been interesting... Such a shame...
"Well, if you want to ask more details, why don't you ask the host?" ［Tilda］
"The host... You mean..." ［Grey］
"Yes! His Excellency!" ［Tilda］
With nothing much to do and a lot of spare time in their hands, Grey and Yuna then headed towards the Lord's mansion, the guards letting them in as if it was the most natural thing to do, greeting them politely all the while.
It seems like Cedric wasn't as busy right now and was spending time with the children in the garden, playing chess with Elnart whilst Galvin played with Bella. The young girl had already become accustomed to playing with the Lord's children.
"Oh, Grey, Yuna... I didn't think you'd visit me today." ［Cedric］
It didn't take long before Cedric noticed the two, and as soon as he did, the children also gave their warm greetings to them. Elnart waved hello at them whilst Bella and Galvin gave them a tight hug with big, bright smiles on their faces.
Audette quickly gave the two some seats and also brewed them some warm tea and snacks to enjoyー or at least they were going to. But with the children begging them to play, they didn't even have the time to take a seat.
"So, what brings you here today? Is there a problem with Esperanza?" ［Cedric］
"No, not really... We were just curious about something..." ［Grey］
"Hm? Is it about the horse race?" ［Cedric］
"Eh?! How did you know?!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Well, it's the only notable event happening right now, so I figured that was it, and it seems that I hit the nail right on the head." ［Cedric］
Laughed Cedric as he drank a sip of his tea and munched on some chocolate chip cookies. He then moved one of his pieces across the board, successfully capturing Elnart's Queen, much to the latter's surprise.
As for Grey and Yuna, they soon started asking Cedric about the horse racing event, and he pretty much had the same answer as Tilda, only providing them with a more detailed explanation about the specifics of the race.
It seems like not only horse breeders and racers will be participating in the competition but some nobles from the neighboring territory. Some would be staying in the Lord's mansion while some would stay in their residences in Galderia.
Needless to say, it was going to be a busy week for the city and a lot of connections could be formed over the race. Grey and Yuna are also excited as it seemed like Fritz and Eliza would be participating as spectators.
"I was going to talk about this to you later, but I guess it's better to do it now... I want to use the parking area in Esperanza to accommodate the horses." ［Cedric］
"The parking area...? Is it really that busy?" ［Grey］
"Haah... Don't even mention it... There will be so many racers and spectators that all stables will practically become full throughout the week. With how expansive the parking area is, I thought we could use it as an alternative." ［Cedric］
"Hmm... That's not all, is it?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Of course, we can also use it as an opportunity to promote Esperanza and our products! It's killing 2 birds with one stone!" ［Cedric］
"Waah... As expected of a Lord." ［Yuna］
Of course, it was also the best time to promote the newly opened shopping mall they worked so hard on. With so many nobles, merchants, and gentil families going in and out of the city, it was the best time to capture some loyal customers.
If things go well, they would be able to sign some deals and expand their operations. There would be more work because of it, but it was their chance to make Esperanza a buzz in the world. It was a chance they couldn't miss.
The production and promotion of instant goods was especially crucial. With so many travelers arriving in Galderia, all of them will soon realize how good the products and services offered in Esperanza are. It would be a massive economic boom.
"Moreover, there will be a lot more people participating this year." ［Cedric］
"Hm? Did something happen?" ［Yuna］
"Well, more like some heroes happened to settle in the city. Their reputation has been growing so much, it's attracting all sorts of people to the city." ［Cedric］
"Heroes, huh... As expected of Miss Aria and Mister Kris..." ［Grey］
"They sure are popular, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
Cedric commented on a serious note, and Grey and Yuna simply answered them with uninterested eyes, acting dumb as if they weren't involved with what Cedric was talking about in any way. They don't want to accept it at all.
About the parking area, there wasn't any problem with it either. There are still a lot of empty parking spots left and they could still accommodate over a hundred horses, and if push comes to shove, they can just make some makeshift parking areas.
Finally, there was some discussion about the stocks of the mall and some of the suggestions Cedric gathered from the customers. There wasn't much to modify, just some little tweaks to make the shopping experience much better.
"Nng～! That's all isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Umm... Older Brother Grey... Older Sister Yuna... About the horse racing competition, will you also be joining?" ［Elnart］
"E... Ehh...? All of a suddー" ［Yuna］
"Waah～! Are Big Brother Grey and Big Sister Yuna joining the horse race?! I wanna see! I wanna seeー No! I want to ride with you!" ［Galvin］
"No fair! I also want to ride with Big Sis and Big Bro!" ［Bella］
It was a sudden question from Elnart, and before Yuna could even finish her words, an excited Galvin rushed towards them, a similarly excited Bella followed soon after. Their eyes were sparkling and their smiles were blinding.
Before they could even answer, Galvin and Bella are already deciding by themselves what they want to do when Grey and Yuna enter horseback riding, pitching in some pretty surreal ideas like the kids they are. Grey and Yuna needed to stop them.
"Big Bro! Big Sis! When are we going to ride horses?" ［Bella］
"I wanna go first! I want to ride with Big Brother Grey!" ［Galvin］
"Umm... Bella, Galvin, that's a little..." ［Grey］
SPARKLE SPARKLE SPARKLE
"Actually Big Sis and Big Bro are..." ［Yuna］
SPARKLE SPARKLE SPARKLE
"Umm... Uhh... Mmm... Well... That's..." ［Yuna］
SPARKLE SPARKLE SPARKLE
They wanted to decline and explain things to the kids, but with how sparkly and expectant their eyes are, they couldn't bear to reject their idea. Just thinking of how dejected the kids will be, they already felt guilty.
"Well... Shall we start riding tomorrow?" ［Grey］
"Yaay～!" ［Bella］ "Yeah～!" ［Galvin］
They made a decision they will soon come to regret...
"Good luck, you two..." ［Cedric］
"Yeah... Thanks..." ［Grey］
CHAPTER 479 END