The light shimmered and sparkled, dyeing the mountains, rivers, and forests with a golden hue. Such brilliance even overpowered the sun reigning above the vast blue sky, glimmering with warmth and fort.

  In the presence of such brilliant light, people, no matter what their status were, could only kneel in resped silenot daring to raise their heads any higher. Pead quiet reigned over the Great Hall, swallowing it whole.

  Two figures glimmered with the holy light, their faces only showing indifference as their eyes sparkled like jewels and their gazes peered through one's soul. There was dignity and nobility in their presenceー or so how it would seem. But deep ihoughts...

  Grey... How do I say this... Is this okay? I feel bad doing this... ［Yuna］

  I'm also not sure... I didn't think they would react like this... ［Grey］

  ... There was only guilt brewing in their hearts, their sces hammered time and time again as they watched the people ge before them. They couldn't even look them in the eye, not wanting them to see their guilty expressions.

  Though they have already accepted the roles of being "Emissaries of God", so that the talks could proceed smoothly, they didn't think things would go so far. They could only feel the burden of their as weighing down on their shoulders.

  Well, with Grey beio Merusia by God, such a role wasly wrong. And adding to that his purpose, it only made perfect seill, he couldn't say he was fortable using such legends to their venie felt like he was a scammer.

  Well, we've already started this... Let's just see this through until the end. I'm sure we'll find a way to resolve the misuanding one way or anrey］

  Hmm... Grey, I didn't think you'd be so carefree about this... This is a serious matter, you know? ［Yuna］

  Hey, now. It's not like I'm alone in this. You're also an aplice, my Dear Yuna. We're both in this together. ［Grey］

  Uuu... That's right, isn't it? ［Yuna］

  In the end, the two simply decided to not think too much about it, leaving whatever happens to the future to future them. They decided to cross the bridge ohey got into it. A casual and simple decision.

  "Everyone, raise your heads." ［Grey］

  "As you wish, Lrey." ［Manelo］

  Everyone's attitudes have pletely ged. The Great Chief who was once calm, calg, and wary had now pletely let down his guard, putting all his trust to the youths before him.

  It wasn't only the Great Chief either. Everyone else in the room also had their doubts cleared after witnessing such a mystical se. Even the most ical of them didn't dare tue any lohe power bance has pletely shifted.

  "Ah! What are you waiting for?! Hurry up ahe most fortable seats for Lrey and Lady Yuna!"

  "Get them the best food and drinks as well!"

  "Let's make a feast! We o celebrate this grand celebration!"

  In fact, the moment they realized that Grey and Yuna were still standing in the ter of the Great Hall, barely aodated properly, they quickly rushed and ordered the servants to prepare the beast they could, panig and hurrying.

  "Lrey, Lady Yuna, five our ck of reception. We'll makeー" ［Manelo］

  "No, it's alright. We won't be staying long for long anyway." ［Grey］

  "P-Pardon?" ［Manelo］

  At Grey's words, everyone immediately stopped oracks, petrified like statues. The cheerful atmosphere quickly vanished, everyone's hearts quickly downcast as they were thrown into a roller coaster of emotions.

  "Well, we still have a few other busio attend to after this. We have quite a busy schedule. I hope you uand." ［Grey］

  "I... I see... That's a shame..." ［Manelo］

  Or so how Grey expi. And though he was not strictly lying, the real reason was that they were just feeling too guilty to stay. Seeing such expet eyes from the people, they felt like their hearts and sce were being stabbed time and time again. It was simply too much.

  "Then, back to our proposal. We'll be defeating the Evil Beast for you. That's alright with you, isn't it?" ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, yes... We're more than grateful for that. But... How could we possibly ever repay you? I-Is there anything you need from us?" ［Manelo］

  "Payment, huh..." ［Grey］

  To the Great Chief's words, Grey was quickly made to ponder, his eyes shifting to Yuna's dire as he asked the same question. But no answer ever came, only silened over the great wall.

  It was to be expected. After all, Grey and Yuna's initial purpose for paying a visit to the Chiefdom was far from what they're currently talking abht now. Though they proposed a deal to take care of the Evil Beast, they still haven't thought about the pensation on their side.

  In the first pce, they weren't even 100% sure if they could defeat it. Though it won't be a problem if it is below Disaster-Css, if it was strohings could get more plicated. Things were still far from certain.

  "Well, let's not think too much about the payment for now. How about we decide about it ohe Evil Dealt has bee with. Is that alright?" ［Grey］

  "Yes. That's more than we could ask for." ［Manelo］

  In the end, Grey could only postpoheir decision for their side of the deal. With it, both him and Yuna could think of what to ask, but them being the way they are, it probably would be a simple request. They aren't oo ask for overbearing things.

  And at their words, everyone could finally heave a sigh of relief, a ray of hope finally shining down upon the Chiefdom. Though the problem hasn't been solved yet, they could only look forward to the future.

  As opposed to how they previously were when Grey and Yuna first ehe Great Hall, the elders could now be seen smiling as they exged words with one another, findier promise in their futures.

  "Then... That should be all, isn't it? We'll be going on our way now. We'll be back first thing tomorrow m." ［Grey］

  "A-Ah, wait! Lrey, Lady Yuna, wouldn't you stay even for a little while? We'll be preparing a feast shortly to wele you." ［Manelo］

  "A feasー" ［Yuna］

  "Ah! A feast, huh?! Sorry, but we'll really have to go now. Like I said, we're really busy. I hope you uand." ［Grey］

  It was a close call. The moment Yuna's ears picked up the word "feast", her ears quickly perked up and her eyes quickly sparkled. She was about to say something, but thankfully Grey mao cover her mouth with his hand.

  There was no need for telepathy. All Grey o do was watch Yuna's eyes and he could see the words "Grey, let's stay, I want to eat." and a lot more appeared in her eyes. A number of sentences could be read, eae taining her excitement.

  Grey... ［Yuna］

  No, we're leaving. And that's final. ［Grey］

  But Grey, it's a feast! A feast, you know?! ［Yuna］

  I know. But we're still leaving. I'll cook you a feast ter, alright? ［Grey］

  Like a father appeasing his child, Grey did his best to promise with Yuna's wants. It wasn't the first time such a thing happened, but Grey still couldn't say he was used to it. Yuna had beore and more childish with the passing of time.

  'Haah... I really should stop spoiling her...' ［Grey］

  Grey thought, reag only such a single clusion. He ut into deep thought as he looked at his girlfriend's sparkling eyes once again, w where the meek and reserved Yuna had goo. It truly was a mystery.

  Well, it wasn't only Yuna. The others also looked forward t them with a great feast, and the moment Grey replied with such words, their expressions were quickly crestfallen. Grey could only shake his head as he watched the se unfold.

  "Umm... Is something wrong, Lrey?" ［Manelo］

  "No... Nothing's wrong. About the feast... I'm sure everyoired today, so how about tomorrow? That should be for the best, no?" ［Grey］

  "O-Of course! We'll make sure to prepare the best feast for you!" ［Manelo］

  And a couple statements from Grey, their moods were quickly raised to cloud wasn't only to wele Grey and Yuna, but for everyoo have a break from their worries as well. Ead everyone of them really was a handful.

  A festive atmosphere bloomed and everyone quickly discussed what they should prepare for tomorrow's feast. It reminded Grey of the lively atmosphere ba his high school days when his css decided the theme of a. It was nostalgic.

  "Then, since everyone's busy right now, we'll be taking our leave. We'll e baorrow once we have settled everything." ［Grey］

  "Un! We're looking forward to the feast!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes! Leave everything to us, Lrey, Lady Yuna! We'll make sure not to disappoint. It will be the best feast Ti has ever seen!" ［Manelo］

  A proud decration. The Great Chief puffed his chest, pg his right hand over it as he reassured Grey and Yuna. With such a fident expression on his face, the two couldn't help but smile warmly.

  With everything done aled, it was finally time to leave. The Great Chief tried to attach escorts to them, but they simply refused. They don't eople finding out their abilities, after all. It would only be troublesome if they did.

  Minutes passed and after diving deep in the forest, the vilge was finally out of sight. There were only trees and various flora to be seen no matter how ourns their head. Soon, blue light illumihe verdant forest as a gate ened.

  "Grey, about dionight... I want to eat seafood dishes. Ah! And if possible, I want lots and lots of lobsters!" ［Yuna］

  "Alright, alright, lobsters it is. Anything else?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... Squid? I think squid would also be nice!" ［Yuna］

  There was only a silly versation to be heard in the quiet forest. With Grey's previous promise, Yuna didn't hold bay longer and asked for any dishes which came to her mind, passing through the gate as they tialking.

  White light fshed before their eyes, and the hings they khe viridest forest was o be seen. There was only a dark alley, the sound of the waves eg quite some distance away as they seagulls perched atop the roofs.

  It was fortuhat Grey and Yuna explored a lot of hidden and quiet pces the day before. They hought they'd use it to sneak in and out of Lista, but heless, it was still very useful. Now, they could sneak in and out without being spotted.

  "Oh! And Grey! I think we could also use the weird turtle from before! I want to see what it tastes like." ［Yuna］

  "A Pterygia, huh... It's going to be a challenge, but I'll do my best." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! You're the best!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, evehey were oher side gate already, they still tialking about what they'll be having for dinner. After all, Grey promised her a feast, and so a gra it would be.

  Talking ever so enthusiastically, Grey and Yuna slowly exited the alleyways and out into the open streets. As soon as they did, Yuna quickly stopped ging onto Grey and limited herself to handholding. The spoiled Yuna was a sight only frey to see.

  The town was still as lively as ever, oblivious to the troubles in the sea and simply going about their daily lives like they usually do. And Grey and Yuna wa to stay like such. They swore to protect such happiness.

  "Ah! Yhnesses, you've returned!"

  As soon as they arrived at the mansion's gates, the guards quickly greeted the two of them with weling and friendly smiles on their faces. There was o search for their identity cards. They were simply let inside.

  "Ah, right, has Missus Vilma returned yet?" ［Grey］

  "Oh, yes! Her Excellency has returned for some time now. She should be talking with His Excellency right now."

  "I see. Thanks, we'll be going now." ［Grey］

  "tihe good work～!" ［Yuna］

  Grey and Yuna soon waved their hands goodbye and the knights, receiving such gestures, smiled widely as they bowed their heads. They theurned back to their posts, more motivated than ever.

  As for the two, they simply headed ihe mansion and traversed the rge and spacious corridors. A lot of servants greeted them as usual and they greeted them back with a smile. Though it wasn't home, it was a very fortable pce.

  Knooock

  It wasn't too long befrey and Yuna arrived at Abraham's office, and like they thought, both him and Vilma were iheir inprehensible voices eg ever so quietly. Voices whily stopped the moment a couple knocks filled the air.

  "Mister Abraham, it's us. we get inside?" ［Grey］

  "Ah, Mister Grey, Miss Yuna, e in. We were just waiting for you." ［Abraham］

  Click Cck Creak

  A number of sounds echoed and soon the doors were opened. And just like before, the number of paperwork was no joke. They were on vacation, but the se couldn't be any further from the truth. Abraham was even busier than he was before.

  Seeing such a rge mountain of paperwrey and Yuna were very relieved they didn't accept the King's rewards back then. They would rather deal with monsters, beasts, and bandits than do such troublesome tasks. It was a relief indeed.

  "I heard from Vilma about what happehis m. It's a relief to see that you're both doing fine." ［Abraham］

  "Well, it was a really ii for sure. But thankfully, it was nothing too difficult to handle. Just a little bit troublesome" ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! That's right. Though it did serve as a good warm up." ［Yuna］

  "A good warm up, huh... As expected of our Heroes, you really are something." ［Abraham］

  Hearing Grey and Yuna's words, Abraham could only smile wryly. After all, not only was it a rge stampede, there were also a pair of B-ras involved. To dismiss it simply as an "ii".... It was surreal.

  Well, it was only to be expected. They were Grey and Yuna, after all. They weren't new in such matters and have already fought much stronger enemies. Rather, they were happy to get a lot of new ingredients to try out. A strange pair is what they are,

  "Speaking of which, are the fishermen alright, Missus Vilma?" ［Yuna］

  "Fortunately, yes, they're all fihough some were scared, they aren't oo falter by such things. I'm sure they'll be ba the sea in a week or two." ［Vilma］

  "I see... That's good to hear." ［Yuna］

  Though Grey and Yuna have already healed everyone's wounds and injuries, mental aional wounds were something out of their capabilities. It was a relief that not a single one was wouoo much even after such a hellish experience.

  Well, it's not like they haven't gohrough such hardships before. Be it violent storms, beast attacks, or problems in the ship itself, they have gohrough many rough times, and fear isn't enough to shake them. They were strong.

  "But, Mister Grey, Miss Yuna, where were you after the i? Your familiar had talked to us, but I still don't uand where you went. Did something happen?" ［Vilma］

  And there it was. The question they have been waiting for. Though Grey and Yuna wao be the oo opeopic to them, Vilma beat them to the punch. There was o waste any more time dilly-dallying.

  "Actually, about that... It's a long story..." ［Grey］

  They didn't waste a single sed. From when they fought against the beast up until the part where they made a deal with the Great Chief, Grey and Yuna didn't spare a siail and briefed Abraham and Vilma of the situation.

  If there was anything they skipped out on, it was the part where they simply idled their time away and explored the isnds, eating a couple fruits along the way and t the isnd like some sort of tourists. Other than that, the key parts were mentioned.

  Both the Marquess and Maress paid their utmost attention to Grey and Yuna's words, nodding their heads and p all the while. They also made sure to ask some questions while they were at it. It was quite a lengthy discussion.

  "Ti, huh... I 't believe there exists another civilizatiht under our noses... This is a lot to take in..." ［Abraham］

  "Abraham, I know you're surprised, but that's not the problem right now." ［Vilma］

  "I know, I know, it's the Evil Beast, right?" ［Abraham］

  There was no immediate ao Abraham's words. Vilma and the others simply nodded in silehe office's atmosphere turning serious in an instant, only the sound of the clock tig to be heard.

  "Mister Grey, you said the beast might be a Leviathan, right?" ［Abraham］

  "That's only an assumption, but yes. Not only does it match the people's description, it's also powerful enough to drive away ever Tartler Sharks and Pterygias." ［Grey］

  "That's true... If there is one which do it, it would surely be a Leviathan. The only problem is its age..." ［Abraham］

  An even heavier topic was brought into the table with Abraham's words, and silence again swallowed the whole office. After all, there is quite a rge differeween a "Lesser" and a "True" Leviathan, and even much worse if it turned out to be an "Elder" Leviathan.

  Though Grey could still defeat it, the Marquess and Maress still do not know of him reag Camity-Css. There was o reveal all their cards and be simply kept quiet.

  "Haah... If this goes on, this would surely affect the fishing industry, not only in Lista, but in other port towns and cities as well." ［Abraham］

  "I agree. And if worse es to worst, the Leviathan might wander around and arrive here at Lista. Abraham, we o do something about this." ［Vilma］

  "I know. But it's hard to move when we don't even know where our enemy is. On top of that, we're he sea. It's a disadvantage for us." ［Abraham］

  It was just like they feared. The lohe Leviathan is left, the more problems it will cause. Not just the Chiefdom of Ti, but everyone would be a victim of its rampage. It was like a tib time bomb.

  At first, it would only affect the ey and livelihood of the people, but if things worsen even more, lives could be lost from the stampedes. In the worst oute, the Leviathan could arrive he coast and wreak havoc. It was something they all wao avoid at all costs.

  It was a relief that Grey and Yuna happeo arrive at the isnd, otherwise, they would still be in the dark about what's happening. It would have already been far too te ohey found out what is going on.

  "Haah... This is quite problematic. It seems like we'll o inquire the help of the Adventurers' Guild. We'll most likely discuss this sooner or ter." ［Abraham］

  Abraham said, ping the middle of his brows, but his eyes were glued at trey and Yuna's dire. There was o say more, it was obvious what he wao ask even if he didn't open its mouth.

  "Don't worry, we'll also help. We already made a deal with the Chiefdom anyway, we'll see this through until the end." ［Grey］

  "Un! We'll make sure everyone's safe and sound. It's just a big, blue fish, anyway. No biggie." ［Yuna］

  It was quite a description for a Leviathan, but it was something Grey had expected from Yuna. And hearing such words, both Abraham and Vilma couldn't be any more relieved, finally able to heave a sigh of relief.

  Though they felt apologetic to ask Grey and Yuna to help when they were simply sightseeing in their domain, there was only so much they could do about it. Hence why they're very thankful that the two took the initiative and offered their hands. They came to respect them even more.

  "I'm really sorry about this, Mister Grey, Miss Yuna. Don't worry, I'll make sure to reward you handsomely." ［Abraham］

  "Yeah, we know, but first things first, Mister Abraham... Could we borrow the kit for a little bit?" ［Grey］

  "P... Pardon? The kit...?" ［Abraham］

  "Well, actually, we haven't had lunch yet, so we were thinking we'll cook up a little or something. Is that alright?" ［Grey］

  "Un! We promise we'll up after our mess!" ［Yuna］

  Two pletely ued answers, and one which was a far shot from what they were just talking about. Hearing Grey and Yuna's words, the tension in the air was quickly dampened, removing the dark and depressing atmosphere from before.

  To their words, Abraham and Vilma couldn't help but break a smile, a smile which soon turned into gentle ughter, dang merrily in the air. In just a single moment, they were suddenly relieved of their burdens.

  "Hahaha. Of course, of course, you use it however much you want. If there's anything you need, just please ask the chefs and servants. They would be more than willing to help." ［Abraham］

  "Alright, thank youー Ah, we'll also be serving these for dinner if possible. Would that be alright?" ［Grey］

  "Of course! You're more than wele to do so! I would also like to taste the famous cooking of our dear Heroes." ［Vilma］

  "Famous, huh... Fufufu! Then please look forward to it!" ［Yuna］

  The tension was now gone, and all there was left was a warm and light-hearted mood looming over the office. It wasn't long before the two exited the office, yet evehey left such light-heartedness and fort behind.

  For the first time in a while, the office felt rather cozy than burdening, the tension and pressure lighter than ever. Even with the problems at hand, they could face the future with a smile. It was very refreshing.

  'Dinner, huh... I'm looking forward to it.' ［Abraham］

  CHAPTER 228 END