"Your Highnesses!" ［???］

A loud voice boomed and clamored, garnering the attention of many. A man nearing his forties, body chiseled like a statue and might be like that of a lion's. He approached a certain group of four with an intimidating aura about him.

The man was none other than Gustav who just happened to patrol the area whilst Grey and the others were passing by. Even when they were under the veil of illusion magic, they did not escape Gustav's sharp eyes. He was like a bird of prey, eyeing his prey from afar.

"U-Umm... I-I don't know who you're talking about... Perhaps you've mistaken us for other people?" ［Julius］

"Sorry, but, umm... Sir Knight, isn't this the first time we've seen each other? I don't have any recollection of meeting you before." ［Grey］

Surprise and nervousness ran rampant throughout everyone's hearts as soon as they saw Gustav. The Julius who was so energetic before was now trembling a little, trying to find an excuse to escape the situation.

Thankfully, Grey was there, calm as one can be and pretending with formal gestures he wouldn't normally doー or so what one might think at first glance, but deep inside, he was so nervous, it felt like his heart was about to jump from his chest. His inner self is sweating profusely.

Hearing their words, Gustav tilted his head left and right a little, looking at the four before him like he was scrutinizing the goods a merchant was selling. He remained unfazed, his thoughts unchanging. And soon, he opened his mouth.

"Hahahaha! Isn't that a little too cold, Lord Grey? Don't tell me you've forgotten my face already? It's me, Gustav!" ［Gustav］

Unfortunately for them, their tricks didn't work on him. Worst of all, Grey's name has been mentioned. If nothing were to be done, things could take a turn for the worst and their whole day could be ruined. It was a matter where chaos could ensue with just a single mistake.

"No, Sir, you must be mistaー" ［Grey］

"Oh! It's also been a while, Lady Yuna. And to Your Highness, Prince Julius, and my lady, Lady Amelia, I also bid you my warmest greetings." ［Gustav］

Grey couldn't even do so much as to think up an excuse. His words were cut before he even had the chance to finish it. And now, things have taken a turn for the worst. All of their names have been mentioned. It was over, everything was.

The four knew that Gustav didn't mean them any harm, and rather, was just greeting them politely. The only problem was that they were still in public. There was only one result they could think of with so many people around.

"Huh? Did he say 'Lord Grey'?"

"I heard that too! And Lady Yuna's name was also mentioned!"

"Huh?! But doesn't Lord Grey have black hair?"

Following Gustav's careless statements, chatters and gossips spread like wildfire amongst the spectators. The people previously watching the play, the store owners, and even those who were just passing by. Everyone nearby heard of the words.

The silver lining was that they were currently still on their disguises. Normal people as they are, they have no way of knowing that a spell was casted on the four, even high-rankers would have a hard time. Gustav was just abnormally perceptive.

Dong Dong Dong

The sun reached its zenith and the 3rd bell rang. It was now 12 o'clock and so, the time for lunch had arrived. Still, the people did not disperse and continued to gather around the four of them. It was a grand spectacle.

"Ah, crap..." ［Julius］

And with the ring of the bell, the time limit for Julius and Amelia's illusion magic was just about to be over. Like all magic, a spell wouldn't run without mana, and it just so happens that the fuel for the spell casted on Julius and Amelia was about to run out.

With their large mana reserves, it wasn't much of a problem for Grey and Yuna to maintain their disguises for a long time. But the same couldn't be said for the other two. With each passing second, the fuel for the spell only dried out faster and faster.

Since it was casted by a court magician, and not by themselves, the mana is of course from that magician, too. They were supposed to have it recasted at lunch, but now that they were trapped in the middle of a crowd, they didn't have the chance to, it was the worst timing of all.

"Grey, Yuna, run as fast as you can as soon as I count to three." ［Julius］

"Oi, you bastard... What do you mean by that...?" ［Grey］

"Three!" ［Julius］

There wasn't a proper response. All Julius did was count under his breath, shouting yet whispering at the same time, a nervous smile on his face as a drop of sweat trickled down from his forehead. Amelia was just as nervous.

"Two!" ［Julius］

The number dropped and so did their hearts, racing more and more wildly with the passing of each second. Meanwhile, Gustav was still confused as to why the four before him were acting in such a way, still not figuring out what he did wrong.

"One!" ［Julius］

The last number before they start running. Their muscles have started to gather strength and are ready to push it towards the ground at any given moment. Still, neither Grey nor Yuna understood why Julius was even counting down.

Well, it wasn't too long before they understood. Slowly but surely, Julius' and Amelia's hair colors started to turn back to their original, their eyes shining like different jewels as the effects of the spell faded away. The time was finally up.

"Huh?! Isn't that His Highness, Prince Julius?!"

"Wait, then that means...!"

"They're really here! The heroes are here!"

"Run!" ［Julius］

Bursts of wind lashed out in the streets as Grey and Yuna jumped towards the rooves with relative ease. And while the crowd was distracted by them, Julius and Amelia took the opportunity to find an opening and leave at insane speeds, giving it their all.

It was so sudden that those who were left behind were just frozen in shock, but only a couple seconds later, some of the more enthusiastic people started moving, chasing their idols with much vigor, excitement, and happiness on their faces.

"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, please look over here!"

"Please sign my shirt!"

"Heroes, we love you～!"

Even though they knew they couldn't keep up with Grey and Yuna who were jumping from roof to roof, the fans still chased after them like a horde of hungry zombies. It was even worse than what it was back at Galderia. They have been chased after before, but not at such a large scale.

Meanwhile, left behind by the excited crowd and not even getting a proper response, Gustav stood alone frozen in the middle of the streets. He had a blank expression on his face, his mind filled with question marks. He was confused, very confused.

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"Eh? Were they incognito today?" ［Gustav］

It was only after the worst had occurred that Gustav realized his mistake. He was by no means a dull person, it's just that his enthusiasm and energy usually gets the better of him. He was the type to act mostly on impulses.

Roof after roof after roof, Grey and Yuna parkoured at the rooftops with light steps, making sure they don't exert too much force and destroy their footings. They were also keeping in track of Julius and Amelia running on the streets without rest.

Their destination was none other than the castle, a place only nobles and important people can enter freely. If it was there, they could quickly lose the flood of fans which were chasing after them. It was a do or die situation.

"Oh, Your Highness, you're quick to returnー Ehh?!!"

The guard greeted Julius with a large smile on his face, bur such a happy face was soon painted with terror as he saw the large number of people chasing after him and Amelia. The other guards were also in a similar state of shock.

"Please take care of them." ［Julius］

There wasn't even a bit of explanation. All Julius did was give them a bright smile with a face saying "I'll leave it all to you" as he entered the castle with much haste, Amelia just following shortly behind him with an apologetic face.

After the two entered, two figures suddenly appeared before them, coming from the skyー or so how it would seem in their eyes. Those figures were none other than Grey and Yuna who had just descended from the rooftops, giving the guards the surprise of a lifetime.

"Here's our cards, we'll be going in now." ［Grey］

"Please continue the good work!" ［Yuna］

Just like a passing storm, Grey and Yuna quickly passed through the castle gates after undoing their disguise and showing their guild cards to the guards, only giving them enough time to confirm that it was indeed authentic.

The chasing crowd roared even louder as soon as they saw Grey and Yuna unveil their true selves. They chased even harder, but luckily, the gate guards were able to stop them. Though it did take quite a lot of effort. They even had to shut the gates.

"Huff... Huff... Huff... We... We made it... Huff... Huff..." ［Julius］

Not only Julius, Amelia was also out of breath from sprinting all of a sudden. They were both drenched in sweat and their breathings were rugged. Rather than a prince and a lady, they just looked like very exhausted athletes who were trained to the death by their coaches.

The complete opposite of them, Grey and Yuna didn't even break a single sweat. They were still in their peak condition, only a little mentally exhausted from dealing with such an unexpected situation.

"Amelia, here, have a drink." ［Yuna］

"Th... Thank you..." ［Amelia］

Well, in fairness to the two, even when they were like wet chicks, they still looked gorgeous. Especially Amelia, Julius couldn't take his eyes off her. The regular Amelia was amazing, but something about her post-workout look that made her appeal show even more. Something has awakened inside of him.

No one could really blame him, especially not Grey who was beside him. After all, he also loves it when Yuna was just fresh out of the bath. Inside his mind, he was giving Julius a big thumbs up. Men are simple beings, after all.

Thankfully, none of the two were caught with their devious thoughts. Otherwise, they would have been in a world of hurt, a lot of hurt at that. No matter how powerful they are, they are still no match for their beloved.

"Oi, you bastard prince. You should have told me your illusion magic was about to run out. I could've recasted it." ［Grey］

"Can you really blame me? It was a pressuring situation, I was panicking. Also... stop calling a bastard, you bastard." ［Julius］

"Hah! Right back at you!" ［Grey］

Shifting their focus away from the two ladies near them, Grey and Julius started bickering once again. Even though the latter was still exhausted, he still had the energy to spare and argue against the former. Just a couple of idiots.

With a little bit of magic, Julius and Amelia's clothes were quickly cleaned and dried. After which, they enjoyed a little snack break whilst resting at a nearby garden, Julius greatly impressed by the mochi like an ignorant fool. It was hard to see at a glance where his princely qualities have gone.

The sweet and harmonious scent of flowers, the fresh greenness of leaves and grass, and the splashing of the water fountain. Under the noon sky, it was the perfect place to relax and have a picnic. Their fatigues were easily healed.

"Ah! I finally found you, Your Highnesses!"

Just as they were relaxing by the garden, an exhausted knight called out to them with a booming voice. His face was dripping with sweat and his breathing rougher than sandpaper, it was obvious he had been running for quite some time.

"Hm? Do you need something from us?" ［Julius］

"A-Ah, yes! His Majesty is calling for Your Highness at the meeting room!"

"Hahaha, good luck, Julius～! Looks like you're getting a scolding." ［Grey］

"Ugh, shut up!" ［Julius］

Of course, Grey didn't let the chance simply slip by and he quickly made fun and teased Julius. They had just finished an argument and now, it seems like another one is on the way. The girls could only sigh in resignation due to their idiocy.

"A-Ah, no... Your Highnesses, Archduke Grey, Archduchess Yuna, and my lady, Lady Amelia are also being called."

"Eh?" ［Grey］

"Hahaha! Sucks, doesn't it?" ［Julius］

The tables were quickly turned as other names were called. It hasn't even been ten minutes since they entered the castle, and the news already reached the King's ears. The castle's information network sure was terrifying.

An irritating smirk on Julius' face, the four were led to the meeting room by the knight. It was quite a ways from the throne room and was relatively small compared to it. Grey and Yuna have never been to the meeting room so they were quite excited.

Creak

The doors creaked subtly and the meeting room was opened slowly. Inside, there were four familiar faces remaining seated on the table, chatting so friendly with one another, the highest of the high in the kingdom's hierarchy.

There was Ernes, the King, Anderson, the Prime Minister, Edward, the General and also the Minister of Security and Defense, and lastly, there was Alfred von Redlocke, the Minister of Finance and Commerce who also happens to be Amelia's Father.

During the Royal Back during the eve of the founding festival, Grey and Yuna had a quick and friendly chat with Alfred. While they don't know much about each other, they were at least acquainted. It's a good start.

"Oh, you really are back, Grey, Yuna. You should have told me first. That way, I could at least prepare something for our dear Heroes." ［Ernes］

"That's too much, Your Majesty. We were just going to pass by, after all. We won't be staying here for too long." ［Grey］

"Hmm... That's unfortunate... Anyway, do you have some sweets over there? I'm also fine with snacks if you have some." ［Ernes］

"Your Majesty..." ［Anderson］

They really were father and son. No matter how much Grey thought about it, he never expected that the King would ask him for some food as if he were some kind of food dispenser. The Prime Minister could only grumble in silence.

"Father, we were just eating this thing called mochi a while ago. It's good, I'm sure you'll like it!" ［Julius］

"Mochi, huh... Another unfamiliar name... Do you still have some left?" ［Ernes］

"Haah... We do..." ［Grey］

Heaving a deep and resigning sigh, Grey had no other choice but to bring out the mochis they were eating earlier. They were supposed to be his and Yuna's snacks on their journey, but now, they have simply become a present to the King.

Grey could easily refuse the request since it wasn't an order, but with the King's mischievous personality, doing so would only spell trouble. It wouldn't even be out of the question that he sends knights to Galderia just to learn the recipe. He was like a troublemaking child rather than a dignified king.

"Oh～! So these bun-looking things are called mochi, huh... Interesting..." ［Ernes］

"What a soft and fluffy texture..." ［Edward］

"Papa, please try some! They're very delectable!" ［Amelia］

"Well, if you insist..." ［Alfred］

One after another, the four men took a mochi from the plate Grey took out, each of different colors. But despite being palm-sized, the mochi looked very small in the General's large hands. He only used two fingers to get one as if he was picking up a potato chip.

With them, Grey and the others also took one for themselves, bright and happy smiles blooming in their faces. The mochis were of different fillings but everyone wore the same reaction after getting a taste of it.

"Ohh～! This is amazing!" ［Ernes］

"Hmm... Sweet, but very good. I'd see why kids would like it." ［Edward］

"I agree with the General. You've made another exquisite dish, Your Highnesses. You never cease to amaze me." ［Anderson］

Positive responses came from everyone's mouths as they had a taste of the mochi served before them. Julius in particular looked so smug as if he was the one who made them. He really was his father's son.

Tasting mochis of different fillings, the King screamed the word "delicious" every single time. His royal and humbling dignity was no more. All that was left was a foodie who was having the time of his life with the mochi in front of him.

"Right, I almost forgot... By the way, Your Majesty, what was the reason for you calling us here?" ［Grey］

"Hm? There isn't one in particular." ［Ernes］

"Eh?" ［Grey］

"Like I said, there's none. I just did it on a whim." ［Ernes］

Grey's eyes were locked on the King, his face losing all emotions and color as he continued to stare at the man who was supposed to be at the highest seat in the kingdom with lifeless eyes. His expression is as empty as one can be.

He looked like an idiot, a big idiot, he couldn't believe himself expecting a proper response from the man who happened to be Julius' father. It would have been better if he asked Anderson or literally anyone else present in the room. He would have gotten a better response.

"Ah, right... Grey, Yuna, what the hell were you doing at Ingrasia? You've done some interesting things again." ［Ernes］

"Stop it with that look, Your Majesty. We were just there to attend Mister Kris and Miss Aria's wedding. Everything else was just a coincidence." ［Grey］

"Un! We didn't expect the flood. We were just there at the right time and right place! Trouble just keeps coming to us!" ［Yuna］

"And you've got yet another title as 'Heroes of Ingrasia' with such coincidences. It's a pretty impressive feat, I'd say." ［Ernes］

It was just like Gaston had said before. Grey and Yuna's luck was just impressive in both ways, be it fortune of misfortune. Though it was a lucky thing for the Kingdom of Ingrasia as they were saved by such a coincidence.

"Well, I couldn't really blame you with that Monster Flood... Actually, they've been getting more and more frequent recently. It's quite worrying, actually." ［Ernes］

"Hm? What do you mean, Your Majesty?" ［Grey］

"It's just like I said. For some reason, the number of dungeon breaks are getting more and more frequent. You've stopped the Orc Horde Incident, haven't you? That one's also a part of it." ［Ernes］

Bewilderment. Both Grey and Yuna were beyond shocked at the King's words. Such shock was especially evident in Grey's face who was the most knowledgeable when it came to the nature of dungeons and the like.

While dungeons are appearing more frequently with the amount of corruption present, such changes still don't change the time limit of dungeons. Not to mention that the kingdoms are also actively taking care of them. It's a good source of resources and riches, After all.

If the frequency of breaks were to rise, it would still be a couple more decades by Grey's simple calculations, it might even take centuries before then. Such a situation was nothing sort of natural. It was straight up just strange.

『Grey, what do you think? It seems too unnatural.』 ［Yuna］

『Yeah, I think so too. If my guts are right, it's probably man-made.』 ［Grey］

『Wait, then than means!』 ［Yuna］

『No, it's still too early to make conclusions. Let's just observe for now.』 ［Grey］

『... Un...』 ［Yuna］

Remembering the situation with Iblis, it wasn't too strange to think that such unnatural situations were done forcefully. The problem was that there was too little proof and it was only a mere speculation. They couldn't just carelessly reveal it without any evidence behind it.

For the sake of maintaining order, Grey and Yuna decided to keep their theories to themselves and just keep a calm facade in front of the others. Recklessness would just cause needless worries, after all.

"Anyway, you said you were just passing by, right, Grey, Yuna? So, where are the two actually heading? I assume you won't be causing any more trouble, right?" ［Ernes］

"No, we won't. We'll just be participating in the Labyrinth of Flames. If we're going to get in trouble, then I'll provide you with a couple of recipes, then." ［Grey］

"Hahaha, quite the generous one, aren't you?" ［Ernes］

"Not generous, it's just for reassurance, Your Majesty." ［Grey］

Grey said whilst Yuna was nodding aggressively beside him. They were words he is going to regret at a later date, careless words which would only bring in trouble, but that's a story for another day.

Meanwhile, the others were in deep thought at Grey's words. After all, the Labyrinth of Flames was quite far from the royal capital. It wouldn't be so strange to think that they'll be arriving late.

"Must be nice, huh... I wish I also have such an eventful break..." ［Julius］

Julius mumbled as he compared his break plans to Grey and Yuna's upcoming journey. He's mostly been staying in the capital so he doesn't know much of the outside world. It was a pity his break would be so boringー or so he thought.

"Hm? Then why don't Julius and Amelia join us?" ［Yuna］

"Eh?" ［Julius］

But in a sudden turn of events, he and Amelia got an invitation out of nowhere. They were both frozen, faces painted with confusion, still not able to process what Yuna had just said. But when they did...

""Eh?!"" ［Julius and Amelia］

... loud screams echoed in the meeting room.

CHAPTER 165 END