Six little furballs running around the living room, hopping, rolling, and tumbling about without much care in the world. They were too adorable that unless one possessed a heart of iron and ice, they would immediately fall in love with them.

  The furballs were her than the familiars whose numbers just grew by two the other day. While they don't lid yelp like normal pups do as it s their dignity as High Dragons, they were still adorable and fluffy heless.

  It has been two days since Vega and Capel joihe family, and after those two short days, they have fully adapted into their new lives. Of course, the other familiars also got along with them well... In fact, too well.

  "E-Eldest Sister, h-help me...!" ［Capel］

  "Vega, stop bullying Capel or... is it that you want another scolding?" ［Sirius］

  "Geez～! Eldest Sister, I'm just pying with her!" ［Vega］

  But being the you amongst the familiars, they are treated like babies by the others. Especially Vega, she was the runt of the litter. The only one who could keep up with her energy was Kentaurus who was just as eic.

  Nooris had gone back to Eliza, Sirius is now the eldest amongst the familiars, and so, she bore the responsibility of keeping them in cheeedless to say, it was quite an arduous task. Thankfully, the ever so thoughtful Arcturus was there to help her out.

  "Now, now, everybody please behave properly. Don't cause too much trouble for Sirius. Why don't you e here and cuddle with me?" ［Yuna］

  "Yes!" ［Vega］

  "I'll race you first, Vega!" ［Kentaurus］

  At Yuna's words, Vega aaurus quickly turned around and raised towards Yuna's embrace with their short legs. Unfortunately for them, the first oo arrive was opus. Despite beiively normal, he was the most petitive amongst them. He was one who would take on a challenge fearlessly.

  After opus, Kentaurus and Vega luhemselves on Yuna's body as they indulged in her warmth. After them was the timid Capel, followed by the protective Arturus, and finally, their Eldest Sister, Sirius.

  Seeing such a se, Grey could only smile warmly as he rexed himself on the couch parallel to where Yuna was. Though he also cuddles with the familiars, it isn't as often as Yuna. He could only chuckle to himself as he saw Yuna being drowned by fluffiness.

  With the wedding preparations done and finished and Zeke's training still iernoon, Grey and Yuna have a lot of time to waste on their hands. They rexed themselves away as they excitedly waited for the wedding which is bound tomorrow.

  Knooock

  Just as they rexed themselves on their own spots, a sudden knog came from the other side of the door. They weren't expeg any visitors so they were a little bit puzzled about someone knog.

  "I'll go get it." ［Grey］

  "Un. Thank you." ［Yuna］

  Leaving Yuna in the fort of the familiars, Grey headed towards the door. The moment he ope, he was greeted by a familiar figure. Bck hair and gold-colored eyes. It was tomorrow's groom-to-be, Kris.

  "Hm? Mister Kris, did you have a fight with Miss Aria again?" ［Grey］

  "Hey...! Just what do you think of me? I'm just here to invite you to a hunt." ［Kris］

  "A hunt? Why so suddenly?" ［Grey］

  Asked Grey as he tilted his head. While there was nothing odd of an invitation, there was something about Kris' expression which puzzled Grey. While he looked calm at first gnce, one would notice his ess was a little forced.

  Grey couldn't put his fio it, but there was surely something going on with Kris. He looked a little mencholic with a hint of ay and nervousness. There was only ohing Grey could think of. It was wedding blues.

  "Nothing much, I just felt like sweating a little today, and won't you need a lot of ingredients for tomorrow's reception? It's killing two birds with oone." ［Kris］

  "Well, I suppose that's true..." ［Grey］

  "So, what do you think? You in?" ［Kris］

  "Alright. I'll just tell Yuna first." ［Grey］

  A relieved smile appeared on Kris' face as soon as he heard Grey's answer. Now, it was obvious that there really was something going on. Grey headed back to the living room whilst bearing Kris' expression in mind.

  "Yuna, I'm going out for a bit. Mister Kris invited me to a hunt." ［Grey］

  "Hm? Sure... Then Grey, you gather some herbs for me while on the way? I think there's a lot I still haven't gotten my hands o." ［Yuna］

  "Haah... Alright. Then I'll also gather some fruits and nuts while I'm at it. There should be a lot you'll like." ［Grey］

  "Yaay～! Thank you so much!" ［Yuna］

  Happiness as simple as one be, Yuna's bright smile illumihe surroundings. Her smile was sht Grey might think he was already blinded. He could only smile gently as he thought of how adorable his girlfriend was.

  "Then, I'll be going now." ［Grey］

  "Un! Take care!" ［Yuna］

  "Good lu your journey, Master." ［Sirius］

  "See you ter, Master!" ［Vega］

  After Yuna, the familiars also cheered on Grey as he headed out of the living room. He didn't o prepare anything. All that he needed was already in his "Iory". He looked just like a d who was going out on a casual walk in the park.

  Well, it wasn't only Grey. Kris also looked like he was going out casually. There were no ons, no traps, no baits, and not even a backpack. Everything was in his ste ring, only taining a few snacks, water, and his trusty warhammer.

  "Mister Kris, I'm ready now." ［Grey］

  "Alright then, what are we waiting for? Let's go!" ［Kris］

  Their attire set and ready, Grey and Kris headed out into the open streets and towards the vilge gate. There, they were greeted by a couple of guards before they headed out into the deep and lush forest.

  The forest was just as green and dense as one would expect. From grasses growing on the ground, vines hanging in the branches, and trees standing proud and tall. All sorts of pnts aation could be found on every side and er.

  There were also the occasional small critters hopping and running about, jumping over the roots and grazing on the grasses. There were snakes slithering on the branches. And also the birds resting atop the opies. It eaceful forest.

  "So, Mister Kris, where are we going?" ［Grey］

  "Hmm... I don't really have any p mind. I was thinking of just l around and see where my feet takes me." ［Kris］

  "Well, I guess that's one way to go about it. There should still be a few wild boars and quails present here and thereー" ［Grey］

  Rustle Rustle Rustle

  Just as Grey finished his words, a couple rustling sounds reached their sharp ears. It reminded Grey of the time Yuna caught a couple pigmy wild boars and some turkeys. The rustling sound was just too simir.

  Just a couple dozeers away, there was a deer eating from the bushes, pig a few berries from the twigs aing them calmly. It wasn't even aware that Kris and Grey were watg it as if it tio eat without a care in the world.

  "Looks like we have our first prey already." ［Kris］

  "A white-spotted deer, huh... I heard their meat is quite delicious. We should be able to cook a couple of dishes with its venison." ［Grey］

  "Then it's settled... Let me show you how a hunt is done. Just watd learn from your senior!" ［Kris］

  Kris proudly decred as he took out his rge warhammer from his ste ring. The deer has still yet to notice them, but its fate was already sealed. It was ily chewing on the berries, unaware it was going to be its st meal.

  Stealthily, Kris approached the oblivious deer. He tried his best not to make a single sound, successfully approag the deer closer and closer with each passing sed. He was only a couple meters away when...

  Snap

  As soon as the twig Kris stepped in she deer was quickly alerted, its head raised to look around the surrounding area, ready to run at any moment. And when it saw Kris, oh, run it did, and quickly at that too.

  "Oh, no you don't!" ［Kris］

  The deer tried to run, but as soon as Kris' warhammer struck the ground, a short quake burst forth and soon, a high wall was erected in front of the deer. The deer couldn't stop itself immediately and crashed into the wall, receiving a cussion in the process.

  It stood up, but it was already too te. When it noticed, it was already surrounded by high walls in all dires. They were high enough that no matter how much the deer tried to jump, it wouldn't get over it. It was pletely trapped.

  "And... Haap!" ［Kris］

  Kris struck the ground again and another quake burst forth. The walls shook and turned bato soil, poung on the helpless deer like a hungry predator. It swallowed the deer whole, not leaving any gaps for escape.

  Time passed and soon, the sphere of soil and rocks dissolved. What was left behind was a motionless deer who was covered in a little bit of dirt and grime. It was already dead after suffering from intense suffocation. What a cruel fate it had.

  "So, how was it, my dear junior? Have you learned something?" ［Kris］

  "Well, it was certainly a unique way to hunt, but... Mister Kris, could you even call that hunting? You just strahe deer to death." ［Grey］

  "Hey, if it works, it works. That's all that matters, isn't it?" ［Kris］

  "Ughh... I guess you're right..." ［Grey］

  As soon as Kris stored his prize in his ste ring, the two of them tio wander aimlessly in the forest. For a couple of mihere weren't any animals present to hunt and so, they just chatted about a couple trivial matters.

  On the way, Grey also collected all and any fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and herbs he came across. And hearing his reasoning, Kris also joined him, pig a couple kinds of fruits Aria liked.

  Rustle Rustle Rustle

  The wait was over. As they were colleg some fruits, a louder rustling echoed in the air. Another prey was nearby, and this time, it was a rge boar rather than a deer. It was only a normal boar, but it was still better than nothing.

  "Then, I guess it's my turn, huh..." ［Grey］

  "Alright, show me what you got, Grey. You better not disappoint me." ［Kris］

  "I'll do my best." ［Grey］

  Grey calmly said as he shifted his attention to the boar andering the forest just as aimlessly as they did. It was searg for roots and mushrooms to eat, not even a tiny bit aware of the da was currently in.

  Just like what he did two weeks ago, Grey picked up a sizable stone from the forest ground, and with great precisiohrew the stoowards the unsuspeg boar, cruising in the wind at speeds which easily surpassed bullets.

  The sto the boar straight towards the head, b a hole in its skull. A short moment after, the boar fell helplessly to the ground, its fmes of life already extinguished. Everything happened in just a couple of short seds.

  "How was that, Mister Kris?" ［Grey］

  "I don't know but… It was something else. Great job, my junior!" ［Kris］

  "Mister Kris... you stop calling me your junior already?!" ［Grey］

  "What's wrong with calling you "junior", junior?" ［Kris］

  A vile and annoying smile appeared on Kris' face as he tieasing Grey. Still, the expression Grey noticed before was still present on his face. He was just stalling for time as they tio hunt.

  Grey quickly stored the dead boar on his "Iory" and ed up a little of the blood spttered on the surroundings. They then tiheir journeyー or so how it should have been, but there was just one pressing issue whieeded to be addressed immediately.

  "By the way, Mister Kris, why did you invite me to a hunt?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? Didn't I tell you already? I just wao sweat a littー" ［Kris］

  "I meant the real reason, Mister Kris." ［Grey］

  Kris froze at Grey's words. Now that Grey mentio, the subtle expressions on his face have now bee clearer. The mencholy, the ay, the nervousness, everything was now clear as day.

  "Looks like I've been found out, huh..." ［Kris］

  "Well, you should have seen your face. Anyone could tell." ［Grey］

  "I see... That's unfortunate..." ［Kris］

  Kris sighed yet again as he looked up to the sky for a quient. It reminded Grey of the time they were hunting fredients for the pizza when Kris gave him a couple pieces of advice. Only now, their roles have been reversed.

  "So, what is it? Is it about the wedding?" ［Grey］

  "Yeah... Ah, but don't get me wrong. I really do love Aria and I'm happy that I get to marry her. It's just that..." ［Kris］

  "It's just that...?" ［Grey］

  "Well, there's this uling feeling in my heart. Although I'm excited for tomorrow, I am also nervous and anxious at the same time. It feels like I'm being torn apart by sadness and happiness. It's somewhat annoying." ［Kris］

  Anh exited Kris' mouth, much heavier ahier than the ones before. Just like he said, his heart was in trouble as he thought of what was about to e the day after. The more he thought of the wedding, the more troubled he became.

  Of course, he was still head over heels for Aria, but somewhere deep inside his heart, he was troubled whether he chose the right choices. It was not that he is regretting proposing to Aria or anything of the sort, but rather, he was anxious whether he really is the oio make her happy.

  The marriage and everything whies after it, every unknown thing iure was giving him ay. He is willing to do the best he to make Aria live the best life possible and protect her lovely smile but he isn't fident whether his efforts would be enough.

  Grey tio listen to Kris' troubles and the more he listehe more ohing became apparent. While Kris really does feel troubled, there was also something about his expressions that he couldn't help but notice.

  "Mister Kris... I may be wrong, but... I don't think you're here to sort out your feelings, aren't you? I think you've already sorted it out," ［Grey］

  "What do you mean?" ［Kris］

  "Well, you might not notice but every time you talk about Miss Aria, your expressions bee brighter. Not to mention you were just pig fruits for her a couple minutes ago. I think you've already found your answer." ［Grey］

  Kris once again froze at Grey's words. He himself has not noticed it, but when he looked back at his as, he realized how determined he was to make her happy. It may only be small as, but it showed that he was always thinking of her.

  Now, all his troubles were cleared up like the sky after the storm. It was not that he hadn't found his answer, he just needed someoo talk to to make things clear. He was lucky that someourned out to be Grey.

  "Haah... You're right. I 't believe I've been brooding about something so obvious all this time. Now I feel a little stupid." ［Kris］

  "Hahaha, we do have those moments from time to time. So, how about we tinue our hunt? And how about a little petition to make things iing?" ［Grey］

  "Hahahaha! Alright, bet!" ［Kris］

  A boisterous ugh echoed throughout the forest as Kris' clouded heart was cleared of all his troubles. They tiheir hunt with extreme vigor, hunting as much as they could without endangering the ecosystem. It roductive day.

  ...

  Fluff, fluff, and fluff. All there was to feel was fluffiness. Yuna was indulging herself in such fluffiness as she cuddled with the familiars. Although they were warm, they weren't to the point one would start swearing. It was a fortable type of warmth.

  Now that Kris and Grey went hunting in the forest, she was left alone in the house. It was a little lohat Grey wasn't with her, but she knows she knows people heir own personal time too from time to time. Well, she was still lonely. She was quite a needy girlfriend, after all.

  Knooock

  As soon as a couple knocks echoed in the house, Yuna's ears perched quickly. She then abruptly stood up and headed to the door with great excitement. It has only been a couple of hours since Grey left and she was already in such a state.

  "Greyー!..." ［Yuna］

  But her heart was only filled with disappoi as she opehe door. Her voice was initially full of excitement, but it quickly died down until there wasn't a voice left to be heard. It wasn't Grey, but Aria.

  "Umm... Am I disturbing something...?" ［Aria］

  "A-Ah! No, not at all, Miss Aria! Why don't you e inside first?" ［Yuna］

  "Then, pardorusion." ［Aria］

  Yuna quickly invited Aria ihe house, takio the living room where the familiars were waiting with excited eyes. They were so fluffy and adorable that Aria was quickly infatuated with them. Her heart was captured by their ess.

  "Umm... Miss Aria, are you alright?" ［Yuna］

  "O-Oh, oh my, y-yea, yes I am." ［Aria］

  It was only until Yuna called out to her that she snapped back to reality and remembered what she was there for in the first pce. Still, she couldn't take her mind off the little furballs who looked at her with sparkly eyes.

  Yuna invited her to a seat before brewing some tea for them to enjoy. She also took out some sweets to apany them. There were cookies, cupcakes, macaroons, and some lemon cakes, perfect for a little tea party.

  "Miss Aria, please have some." ［Yuna］

  "Oh, thank you." ［Aria］

  The tea party started and Yuna and Aria ehemselves. The familiars also weren't left out. Whilst the two of them sat, they also sat on their ps, warming them and keeping the both of them pany. Aria couldn't be any happier at such a wele treatment.

  While she was happy with hers and Kris' familiars, she was a little envious that they couldn't shapeshift like Grey and Yuna's. If they could, there wouldn't be anythi she could ask for. Everything would be perfect.

  "By the way, Miss Aria, what brings you here?" ［Yuna］

  "ht..." ［Aria］

  But Aria's satisfied and joyous expression didn't st long. The very moment Yuna said those words, gloom loomed over her fad the atmosphere felt noticeably heavier. It was not suffog, but it was also not fortable. She was wearing a faencholy about her.

  "Umm... Kris... Did you see him this m?" ［Aria］

  "Ah, yes... Mister Kris invited Grey to a hunt. I believe they won't be back for some time. Why? Is there something wrong?" ［Yuna］

  "It isn't really a problem per se... It's just..." ［Aria］

  Aria was trembling a little as she said those words, only stopping when Yuna held her hands. Although her warmth wasn't like Kris' nor her family's, it was still a warmth whiforted and calmed her down as she fided in her.

  Acc to Aria, Kris has been ag weird as of te. It all started yesterday m whearted wearing a dark expression, but it only became worse with time. Just this m, he even started avoiding her altogether. It was the first time he started ag ever sihey started dating.

  Although Aria trusted Kris with all her heart, she couldn't help but feel anxious. She was anxious that Kris would back out, that he would abandohat he would despise her. Worries she never experienced as intensely as now, her hands trembling as she let her feelings out.

  "Miss Aria..." ［Yuna］

  It's not like Yuna couldn't uand how Aria felt. Being in a retionship with Grey, there are also times she felt such emotions brewing in her heart. Even when she loved Grey, she couldn't help but feel anxious. It was only a natural expression she feels from time to time.

  Thankfully, her trust and love frey was much stronger. After some time, those emotions just die down on their own, especially when she was with Grey. The warmth and fort she feels with him was the remedy to all her worries.

  "Miss Aria, this may be out of line for me to say this... But I'm sure all you need is a little chat with one another. Just talk it out for a quick minute. I'm sure everything will be alright." ［Yuna］

  "That's... Yes... Maybe you're right... Maybe I'm just thinking too much..." ［Aria］

  "Un! I'm sure you'll be alright! Mister Kris loves you after all!" ［Yuna］

  A soft smile formed on Aria's face as she tio listen to Yuna's words. She knows they aren't reted, but she couldn't be any happier. It felt like she had gained yet another younger sister.

  Knooock

  Just as they fialking, a familiar knog came resounding in their ears. There were only two figures they could think of who would be knog at such a timing. It was Kris and Grey.

  "Miss Aira, let's go!" ［Yuna］

  "Y-Yes!" ［Aria］

  Determination burning in her heart, Aria headed to the door with Yuna. She was resolved to solve whatever was the problem between her and Kris, but before she could even say something, a bouquet of flreeted her as soon as they opehe door.

  It wasn't just any normal flowers. They were Moonlit Lilies, flowers which are known to be very beautiful yet hard to find in the forest. A flower which symbolized undying and eversting love . Just finding one is already sidered lucky, yet there was a whole bouquet in front of them.

  "A-Ah! Th-this is for you..." ［Kris］

  Kris didn't know Aria was eveo begin with causing him to bee flustered. He nning to give the flowers to her when he went back to the Chief's residence, but now that she was in front of him, there was o dey things any longer.

  The ay and gloominess whice occupied Aria's heart was quickly washed away the moment he saw Kris and those flowers. A gentle smile appeared on her face as she tried to suppress her tears, tears of happiness and relief.

  "Thank you..." ［Aria］

  There weren't many words to be said. All it took was a simple gesture and their hearts which were once clouded were now burning with the fmes of passion and love once again. Problems were resolved without even trying.

  Grey and Yuna also felt their happiness as they looked at one another's eyes and liheir hands. Although they were still far from the stage Kris and Aria are now, one day, they'll one day share the same troubles. But they weren't worried. After all, they have each other to lean on.

  "Oh! Me and Miss Aria were just having a tea party, would you care to join?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, then it would be our pleasure!" ［Kris］

  "I guess we'll have to ore sweets, huh..." ［Grey］

  "Fufufufu!" ［Aria］

  CHAPTER 150 END