Cck Cck Cck

  One monotonous sound echoed throughout the house. There were no words to be heard, only the g of spoon and fork as they hit the ptes. The usual smiles were o be seen. It ressing atmosphere.

  After yesterday's events, the atmosphere in the vilge became heavier and darker. People have beore anxious and worried about their tomorrows, unsure whether the Tree of Life would still stand another day. All were worried if the vilge they call home would still exist,

  The mood was especially heavy for the Chief's household. Ever since yesterday, her one of them has shown a single smile. Especially Aria, she didn't even utter a single word, only nodding and shaking her head when someoalks to her. Eve was Kris, the treatment was still the same.

  The wedding she has been looking forward to for months was now at risk of being celed. Of course, any bride who was in her position would feel dejected. It was already admirable that she didn't even cry. She was keeping everything to herself.

  "Here, Zeke, eat some more. You won't grow if you ohat little." ［Falroe］

  "Yes..." ［Zeke］

  "Dear, you pass me the water?" ［Valka］

  "Oh, sure..." ［Falroe］

  Even the versations at the dining table were dry. So dry that one might need a few gsses of water to quench the dryness. It was so depressing that even the food didn't taste of anything. It was as if they were just mung on air, fvorless and uizing as one could be.

  The one who was in the worst position was her thaimid Reina. Even when she wasn't present at the se nor was she the one whose wedding was getting celed, she still felt like g. The atmosphere was just too heavy for her to bear.

  k Creak

  The utensils jumped as Kris lightly smmed his hand, abruptly standing all of a sudden. What followed was the sound of a chair sliding as he moved away from the table, his eyes closed, clearly not wanting to look at Aria for a moment.

  "Please excuse me, there's somewhere I o go to." ［Kris］

  "Kris, where are you going?" ［Aria］

  Finally, words came out of Aria's mouth. While Kris was a little delighted that she had finally talked again, his heart was still ag a little at the crestfallen expression painted on the beautiful face of his fiancée.

  "Don't worry, I'll be back soon." ［Kris］

  Receiving Kris' answer, Aria stared at him for a little bit before looking back at her food, pying with it using her for. The dark expression on her face still remained. Even she was uain of her owions.

  The door creaked and Kris came out of the house. He looked at the sky, one of his hands providing shade for his face from the light from the sun. Now that he was out of the house, his heart felt light, free from the burden of the heavy atmosphere.

  Feeling the fresh air for a couple of seds, Kris then started walking once again. His destination was not too far away, just a couple minutes of walk, to a house which is normally unoccupied throughout the year. It was the very house Grey and Yuna were staying at.

  Knooock

  After the knog, there was silence. Soon after, the sound of footsteps filled the air, getting louder and louder as its owner came closer and closer to the door. Soon, a creak followed as the door ened.

  "Oh! Good m, Mister Kris!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, good m. Uhh... Is Grey here?" ［Kris］

  "Un! He's currently at the dining room, serving breakfastー Ah, how silly of me! Please e in, Mister Kris." ［Yuna］

  "Ah, thanks..." ［Kris］

  Being weled to Grey and Yuna's temporary home, Kris politely headed ihe very momeepped foot, there was a certain feeling he felt which was much different from the Chief's reside was especially evident in the dining room.

  The atmosphere was much lighter, one filled with weling warmth and fort. It was one where one could easily feel the charm of a home. Kris felt much more at ease in such a house. He never kwo dining rooms could be so different.

  "Oh, Mister Kris, what brings you here? No, actually, before that, have you already had breakfast." ［Grey］

  "Breakfast, huh... Well, it's a little plicated. To tell you the truth, I couldn't really taste anything back there. The mood was just too heavy." ［Kris］

  "I see... So everyone's still affected by yesterday's events, huh..." ［Grey］

  "That's right. Especially Aria. She's barely even talking. Frankly, I'm getting a little worried about her." ［Kris］

  Said Kris as he scratched his head. He was trying to py it cool, but deep ihe word "worry" couldn't even begin to describe what he feels for Aria. The he felt was enough to beat her family's worry many times over. After all, when it es to her, he was a worrywart.

  Even back when they were at the dining table, Kris could barely keep his calm and stop himself from talking to her. He wao fort Aria over and ain but mao hold himself back just barely. After all, there are times when someone o be alone.

  "That does sound problematic... Ah! Why don't you have a seat first and join us for breakfast? ［Grey］

  "Are you sure about that? I already feel terrible intruding so early. You just be frank if you feel fortable." ［Kris］

  "No, not at all. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un! There's a lot of food for everyohe more the merrier!" ［Yuna］

  For the first time today, a genuine smile finally sprouted on Kris' face as he took his seat. It wasn't only because he khe food was going to be delicious, but because of a much deeper reason, something only he knew of.

  Following him, Grey and Yuna also took their seats and breakfast immediately enced, smiles sprouting on each of their faces as they chatted lightly aily with one another just like how a loving family would.

  'I wonder if Aria would like these?' ［Kris］

  Such a thought entered Kris' mind as he fed himself. The more dishes he ate, the more he wao share them with Aria, anticipating what reas she would give whes a taste of them and w if such dishes would cheer her up. She was all there is in his thoughts.

  Breakfast tinued and soon the food atop the table disappeared oer another. For a short while, Kris fot what he was worried about and mingled genuinely with the two youths before him. It wasn't too long before breakfast finished.

  "Then, I'll do the dishes." ［Yuna］

  "Ah, no, let me do itー" ［Kris］

  "No do! We 't have uests do that now, we? Also, don't you still have something to talk about with Grey?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, right... Thank you..." ［Kris］

  Yuna simply smiled in respoo Kris' gratitude as she turned around and headed to the sink. Soon, the sound of water streaming down and spshing filled the kit, apanied by Yuna's hums.

  "So, Mister Kris, why brought you here?" ［Grey］

  "Grey, I'll get straight to the point... I want you to summon familiars for me." ［Kris］

  Silence soon swallowed the room as Grey and Kris looked one another in the eyes. While Grey was a little shocked, he quickly recovered his calm in an instant as a certain thought entered his mind, one which didn't really matter but bothered him.

  Grey titled his head left and right but he couldn't find any answer. He searched his memory all ain and again but he couldn't remember a sihing. It only made him more puzzled as time passed.

  "Hmm... Mister Kris, did I tell you that I know summoning?" ［Grey］

  Such a trivial thought was b Grey. He just couldn't remember talking about such a topic with either him or Aria. While it would be found out sooner or ter siheir familiars weren't a secret, Yuna could have been the one who did the summoning. He found it strahat Kris immediately went to look for him.

  "Ah, that... I heard Vanessa talking about it back when we were still at the capital. She was talking very proudly about it, too." ［Kris］

  "Big Sis Vanessa..." ［Grey］

  Well, it wasn't too long before his question was answered. The reason was her than the ever so eid mischievous Vanessa. The same person who wao have a brawl with Yue her being pregnant and the same person who spread exaggerated fears about Grey and Yuna. That Vanessa.

  Grey had already predicted either Kris, Aria, or Falroe would ask him and Yuna for their help, but he didn't expect it to be the way Kris asks him of. He wasn't against it, but he was still surprised heless.

  "Srey. I know I'm being overbearing and unreasonable. But with the way things are going right now, it might really affect the wedding. Don't worry, I'll pensate you as much as I ." ［Kris］

  Or so Kris said, but Grey knew full well that the wedding wasn't his top priority. He didn't say anything about her, but it was obvious that he was doing it for the sake of Aria's happiness. After all, he was just another fool in love.

  "Mister Kris, There's o worry about the payment. Also... you're surprisingly soft when it es to Miss Aira, aren't you?" ［Grey］

  "Shut up, I don't want to hear that from you," ［Kris］

  Well, Grey could rete very well with what Kris felt. He was also one who would do anything for the sake of his most precious person. His gaze falling towards a certain elf who was currently washing the dishes whilst humming happily.

  "Grey, I'm doh the dishes!" ［Yuna］

  "Oh, just in time!" ［Grey］

  Yuna drying her hands with a towel, approag the two of them, Grey slowly stood up from his seat as he readied himself a little, stretg his arms and hands towards the ceiling just how he greets his m.

  "Then, how about the three of us head out a little? I feel like expl the vilge a little bit." ［Grey］

  With Grey in the lead, the three of them headed outside of the house. While Grey phrased his words like that, what he really meant was to head towards the Chief's residence, feeling the fresh air and the gentle sunlight on the way there.

  A few minutes of walkihe three of them finally arrived at the house. It was as silent as the dead, barely any sound to be heard. It was just like how it was when Kris left it. There was still a depressing atmosphere about it.

  "Yo everyone, I'm back! And I've brought some guests!" ［Kris］

  Still, Kris didn't let the moody atmosphere bother him anymore. He just simply waltzed in as if he owhe house with a cheerful smile on his face. Such as quickly gathered the attention of everyone.

  Such was especially true for Aria. On her face the very phrase "What are you doing?" was written. There were no words o be said, her expressions made her thoughts as clear as day. After all, she was the one who knew Kris the most. She wouldn't be surprised if it was another one of Kris' shenanigans.

  "Good m Miss Aria, we've e to get you." ［Grey］

  Aria was more than shocked after hearing Grey's words. She didn't say anything, only pointing her index fiowards herself with a bewildered face, as if ascertaining whether Grey really was talking about her.

  "Oh, and Mister Falroe, too. We'll be needing the both of you." ［Grey］

  Grey's smile only widened as he tinued his statement. Oher hand, Falroe and Aria whose names were mentioned only became more puzzled. No matter how much they worked their brains, they couldn't figure out what was going on in Grey's mind, or the three of them for that matter.

  Still full of fusion, Aria and Falroe, led by the three, headed towards a certain dire. They were heading towards the location of the Tree of Life, passing a lot of guards and vilgers on the way.

  As for the beast crystals to be used, it was inside Kris and Aria's shared ste ring. They bought one just a couple of months ago and it has been useful ever sinow, everything was set and ready.

  "Alright, this pce should be perfect." ［Grey］

  As soon as they arrived, all eyes were on them. Just like Falroe and Aria, the guards' faces were full of worry as they tiheir duty. The memory of the night before was still fresh in their mind, most notably the pain they felt during such a fierce battle.

  Evehe guards tiheir duties. They have already experienced many difficulties in their lives as guards. An injury or two isn't enough for them to give up on their duties. They still have their pride and dignity as warriors.

  "Grey, Yuna, Kris, what are we doing here?" ［Falroe］

  "Well, for that, you'll have to wait and see." ［Grey］

  Grey didn't say any more expnations and simply started what he ought to do. Soon enough, Inprehensible words came out of Grey's mouth, mana gathering from the surroundings and trating in front of him as if a vortex was sug them.

  What followed after was a mystical se. Slowly but surely, the surroundings started to shine, a magic circle f from thin air and gathering more and more mana as time passed like a whale with a voracious appetite.

  The ting tinued and runes soon revealed themselves to everyone present, gathering the attention of more and more people as more and more of them were engraved in the magic circle whily grew bigger with the passing of time.

  Just like the times Grey did summoning before, the outer yers of the magic circle started turning oer ahe more mana was sucked in, the more circles turned until only the innermost yers were left. The magic circle was pleted.

  "Then, Mister Kris, Miss Aria, if you would do me the pleasure." ［Grey］

  "H-Huh? What are you talking about? someone please expiuation first? I'm still fused as to what is happening." ［Aria］

  "Ah, right... I suppose I do owe you an expnation, huh..." ［Grey］

  It was only when Aria started chattering in her fusion that Grey realized he had still not said anything to her and Falroe. He was too caught up with pying mysterious that he pletely fot. It was a silly mistake.

  "Umm... Simply put, we're doing a little bit of summoning. I've already briefed Mister Kris about it, so Miss Aria, all you have to do is follow his lead." ［Grey］

  "Don't worry too much about it, just put your trust in us, kay?" ［Kris］

  There were still traces of hesitation in Aria's eyes, but fortunately, her trust in Kris and the others was much stronger. Such hesitation was soon repced with determination as she followed Kris' lead, her hands linking with his as they approached the magic circle befrey.

  On their way towards the Chief's residence, Grey had already talked with Kris about what kinds of summoning were possible. What the tter picked was simir to Grey and Yuna's in where he and Aria would be the masters of the familiars.

  While there was a risk of patibility and such, with Kris and Aria being a couple, and an engaged o that, there was bound to be little to no problems. After all, they have already bee one in both heart and body more times thaheir e with one another should be a rather strong one.

  "Mister Kris, you still remember the t, right?" ［Grey］

  "Yeah. Who do you think I am?" ［Kris］

  A smile on his face, Kris stepped forward on the magic circle and pced a beast crystal at the ter of the summoning circle. It was the same kind of crystal Grey and Yuna used. One which would summon a B-ra at the very least.

  Quickly after he pced the beast crystal in the middle, Kris carefully backed off and headed back to where Aria was. He then took the lead and made a shallow cut on his finger, just enough for a few drops of blood to drop on the magic circle.

  As soon as Kris' blood touched the magic circle, the innermost yers started turning fast like a cog, rotating even faster when Aria followed suit and dropped her blood in the magic circle too. All that was left were the final touches.

  "Oh Great Beast who once walked the nds of Merusia, I hereby call you forth! Throughout the sky, the nds, and the seas, let your brilliance be known!" ［Kris］

  At Kris' words, the surrounding mana started to tremble violently as if a storm was ing. It was a se which shook everyone present, making their jaws hang wide open in agape. Everyo Grey and Yunaー or so how it should have been, but even Grey was shocked.

  It was faint, but Grey could clearly feel the Tree of Life was reag to the summoning. Whilst the crystal was breaking, it started proving some of its vitality towards the magic circle, drawing in more and more mana.

  It was out of expectations. The reason why he chose the Tree of Life's viity for a summoning was simply because it was a wide area. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagihe tree would have a special effe summoning. He was stunned.

  The storm of mana tinued and as more mana ulled in, the brighter the summoning became. The lights only started to dim as a figure started to form, one whose size and power ot be uimated. The summoning was pletel

  A serpentine body stretg almost a hundred meters long, four intricate horns dispyed atop its massive head, scales which shone brilliantly like jewels, and eyes which could peer deep into one's soul. Such a creature stood before everyone as soon as the lights dissipated.

  What Kris and Aria summoned was a Naga, a B-ra of the pnt-attribute whose power was equal to its marvelous size. But the one before them was even more special. It has broken the limits of its species and has reached A-rank. A truly magnifit creature.

  "Master, Mistress, this humble servant of yreets thine." ［???］

  Yet that magnifit creature lowered its head towards Kris and Aria with respect higher than any other. Its eyes were looking at its masters, full of admiration and ready to serve them at any given moment.

  "Y-Yeah... It's also a pleasure to meet you..." ［Kris］

  Even Kris, who was the one who requested Grey's aid, was stu such a dispy. He had expected that a powerful familiar would appear but he didn't think it would be one which would be on par with him.

  "Master, Mistress, if I may... I would like for thio grant this one a name." ［???］

  Well, Kris' surprise quickly turo panic as soon as the Naga asked them of such. Preparedness was not in his book this time around. In the first pce, he only sought out Grey's help on a whim. There wasn't much of a pn at all.

  Kris' eyes swam towards Aria for help but the tter also didn't know what to do. After all, she just retly learned about the summoning. She was even more clueless than him. And so, Kris was left on his own to think about the familiar's name.

  "Th-Then how about 'Dianthus'?" ［Kris］

  Silence fell on the viity as soon as Kris voiced out his statement. His eyes locked with the familiar's in a seemingly endless staring showdown. It was a name he picked simply because it sounded fancy.

  "Dianthus... I see... This one is hoo receive thy grace. From this moment forth, this one shall be called 'Dianthus'!" ［Dianthus］

  Thankfully, the familiar was very grateful at receiving such a raised its head proudly as it decred its hroughout the whole world, its heart welling up with happiness as it treasured its name.

  Following Dianthus, three more familiars were summoned with the weaker beast crystals. heless, they were still at the higher end of B-rank, all taking the forms of Nagas and all capable ing ruin if ordered to.

  In order the succeeding three beasts were grahe name of Primu, Armaryll, and Bellis. As for their mission, they were tasked to guard the Tree of Life if any danger was to befall on it.

  "Fret not, Master, Mistress. These ones shall devote our lives to our duties until our very st breath." ［Dianthus］

  The other familiars nodded in agreement at Dianthus' words. Now, everyone could rest assured that the Tree of Life would be safe. After all, there are only a few who are capable of going against a high-ra, much less four of them.

  "Then I guess the wedding proceed now, huh..." ［Grey］

  "Hm? What do you mean, Grey?" ［Aria］

  "Ah? Haven't I told you? Mister Kris asked for our help so that the wedding could tinue. He just couldn't bear seeing you sad, you see." ［Grey］

  At Grey's words, silence fell once again as different expressions aions bloomed here and there. There were some who were surprised, some who were feeling fluffy, and some who were embarrassed.

  "Oi, you brat! I don't remember ever saying that!" ［Kris］

  "You didn't, but it was written all over your face. Right, Yuna?" ［Grey］

  "Un! Mister Kris looked so sad back then!" ［Yuna］

  "You brats...! You're really getting it now!" ［Kris］

  Kris and Aria were especially affected. While the former was fuming in ahe other found her heart rag wildly as her cheeks started to turn red. Finally, a bright smile bloomed on her face.

  Kris, thank you. ［Aria］

  Utilizing their newfound e, Aria gave her gratitude to Kris. The tter, upon receiving such a sudden and dangerous attack, stumbled whilst chasing Grey and Yuna. It was safe to say that he was more than flustered.

  While it was embarrassing that he tripped ao the ground, standing up and showing his now beet red face would be even more embarrassing. He decided that it was better for him to y low.

  Aria, that was unfair of you... ［Kris］

  Fufufu! ［Aria］

  CHAPTER 145 END