Flip Flip Flip Scritch Scritch Scritch

  Books, books, and more books. Words, numbers, and symbols were all over the pew characters appearing as ink cruised smoothly across the paper. A little dy, face full of seriousness, yet ever so adorable, writing them oer another.

  Letters became words, and words became senteheences soon became paragraphs. Not just one, but several dozen paragraphs were written aany pages, posing a long, long, long essay.

  "Teacher, I'm done." ［Eliza］

  "Hmm... Let's see..." ［Teacher］

  The little dy handed over her work to her teacher, the tter scrutinizing it carefully, not missing a single line as her eyes streaked from left tht. Awkward and nervous silence was enveloping the room as the teacher read the papers.

  "Hmm... This isn't perfect..." ［Teacher］

  "Oh..." ［Eliza］

  "But this is already excellent for ye. Good work, Lady Eliza." ［Teacher］

  The teacher beamed a smile, and Eliza's lips soon arched to follow suit. Relief flowed untrolbly in her heart, her expressions loosening a calming down. It was a long essay, after all. She didn't want to do a repeat.

  "Then that will be all for now. See you tomorrow, Lady Eliza." ［Teacher］

  "Un! See you tomorrow too, Teacher!" ［Eliza］

  The study session was finally over, and with her teacher walking dismissing her, she could finally head out the room, grasping a breath of fresh air as soon as she was out and about. A happy expression was on her face, skippieps eically.

  Eliza hummed herself a melodig as she looked outside the window, greeting the birds and flowers with a bright smile. The maids and servants greeted her as she passed by her in the corridors, returning a smile to her.

  Why was the young dy happy, one might ask? Was it because she was now doh her studies? Well, partly, but the real reason was that Yuna had promised her to visit this week. She didn't know what day specifically, but she was looking forward to it, really excitedly.

  "Lady Eliza, there's some people looking for you at theー" ［Sebastian］

  "Un! Thank you!" ［Eliza］

  "Oh?" ［Sebastian］

  Sebastian couldn't even finish his words. As soon as Eliza heard people were looking for her, she quickly dashed down the corridors, passing through Sebastian who was still puzzled, standing frozen and speechless, alone in the hallway.

  Rapid footsteps echoed in the air as Eliza tinued darting through the mansion, even jumping dowairs, tinuing to dash towards the doors as soon as she regained her footing. It was not only her, Poris also followed after her, running just as quickly as she was.

  A couple more seds of runnihe gate was in view. Not just the gate, but two familiar figures also came to sight. Their hair ay be different, but she could clearly tell it was them. It was Grey and Yuna.

  "Elder Sister Yuna! Elder Brrey! You're here!" ［Eliza］

  There was n. As soon as she was in range, she quickly pouowards Yuna, grabbing her waist and giving her a big embrace. Her as were so sudden, the guards couldn't help but be surprised as they saw her.

  "My, Liz, you should be more careful." ［Yuna］

  "Teehee! I just missed you both!" ［Eliza］

  "Fufufu! We missed you too." ［Yuna］

  Everyone was smiling and giggling, but if Yuna was any normal person, her bones would have broken from Eliza's sudden pounce. Well, what mattered was that everyone was happy. That's all that matters.

  Greetings, Master, Mistress. ［Poris］

  Yeah. Good to see you too, Poris. Would you like to meet with the ain? I'm sure they missed you too. ［Grey］

  I would love that, Master. ［Poris］

  Well, it wasn't only Eliza who missed them. There was also Poris. Though they just met less than a month ago, they barely spent time with one another besides training. It has been a while sihey spent time in a rexed atmosphere.

  Of course, the same went for the other familiars. After all, they treat Poris, the first familiar, as their eldest sibling. Even Vega and Capel, who barely knows Poris, respects him heavily and relies on him whenever he is around. They are all part of Grey and Yuna's previous family.

  It's good to see you again, Eldest Brother. ［Sirius］

  E... Eldest Brother... G-Good afternoon... ［Capel］

  Eldest Brother! 'Been a while! How are you doing?! ［Vega］

  As soon as Grey summohe familiars, they quickly gathered around Poris and gave them their greetings. Of course, as usual, Vega was the most eic. She quickly pounced on him as soon as she was released. Truly a menace.

  "Elder Brrey! Elder Sister Yuna! Everyone! Let's head inside!" ［Eliza］

  Aic smile on her face, Eliza invited Grey and Yuna over, holding both of their hands with great enthusiasm. She was like aed child dragging her parents along to show them a drawing she just made, very proudly at that.

  "And theerday, Rosa baked me a strawberry cake! It was very delicious! The strawberries were very sweet and tasty! It was cold too! The cream just melts in your mouth! They're like clouds!" ［Eliza］

  As if running hundreds of meters was not enough to run out of breath, she was now talking rapidly, words fired like a mae gun. She couldn't trol her excitement anymore, chatting with Grey and Yuna as if someone was chasing after her. She really was a little chatterbox.

  "Oh? Then should we make it sometimes then? A strawberry cake that is." ［Grey］

  "Really?! Strawberry cake?!" ［Yuna］

  "Yeah, we'll make one, but... Yuna, why are you the one answering? You do know I'm asking Liz right, right? And you've already had too many sweets tely." ［Grey］

  "It's okay! Strawberry cake is delicious, after all! Right, Liz?" ［Yuna］

  "Un! It's very delicious! I also want to eat some!" ［Eliza］

  It was like there were two Yunas in front of him, both as eic as the rey could only ugh wryly. Though they were both adorable, he couldn't help but wonder whely did Eliza start copying Yuna. It really was a mystery.

  "Ah! Should we go to the training grounds?! I want to show Elder Sister Yuna and Elder Brrey my progress." ［Eliza］

  "Alright, we'd also love toー No, actually, it wait a little bit?" ［Grey］

  "Eh? Why?" ［Eliza］

  Like the free wind, Eliza's expressions quickly ged as soon as she heard Grey's words. From aed smile, her emotions quickly drooped down to one full of gloom, obviously crestfallen. A disheartening sight.

  "Well, you see... I have something to ask Fritz. I want to sult him about something. Is he avaible right now?" ［Grey］

  "Father shouldn't be very busy, but..." ［Eliza］

  "But...?" ［Grey］

  "I thought I could finally py with you again... But instead, yoing to sult with Father... It's just unfair..." ［Eliza］

  Gloomy. Very gloomy. No matter whigle Grey would look at it, it would seem like he was a bad guy who is disheartening an adorable little child. He could feel guilt brew inside his heart as he tio loom at Eliza's dowed expression.

  Well, what was more w was the fact that the little dy was being more and more like Yuna every time they met. They weren't eveing and only talking over the phone most of the time, but not only Yuna's appetite and habits, her neediness had started to rub ooo.

  Yuna, a little help please. ［Grey］

  Fufufu! Then I'll be colleg my reward hugs ter. ［Yuna］

  W about Eliza's future, Grey's eyes swam towards Yuna's dire, asking for help, the tter accepting with a little silly dition. Grey could only hope deep in his heart Eliza wouldn't also get influenced by Yuna's giness and antics. He could only imagihe oute otherwise.

  "Now, now, don't be too sad, Liz. After we talk with Fritz, we'll py with you all you want. We'll be staying here for a couple days, after all!" ［Yuna］

  "R-Really?! You'll stay over?!" ［Eliza］

  "Un! But only if your Father allows it." ［Yuna］

  Said Yuna as she gently touched the tip of Eliza's nose. Just like that, Eliza's mood improved by leaps and bounds, her blinding smile illuminating the pce. Grey once realized how good Yuna really was at handling children.

  'She'll really bee a good mother one day... I wonder if our children will also get attached to her like Liz is...' ［Grey］

  Thought Grey as he watched the iioweewo, the st parts of his statements eg inside his head over and ain, his face turning red ead every time. A silent self-destru.

  Though he's gone quite far with Yuna already, having children was still out of the question. It wasn't that he didn't want to, it was just still too early for them. They aren't even married naged, children would still be a few years after. Grey could only anticipate what future awaits him.

  "Grey, your face is red. Are you not feeling well?" ［Yuna］

  "Ah, no... This is nothing. It's just a little hot." ［Grey］

  Dodging the topic ever so smoothly, Grey and Yuna then chatted with Eliza for a little while, leaving the familiars to py with her before they left for Fritz's office.

  It was not too far away so it only took them a couple minutes of walking, arriving before a familiar door. They haven't eveered yet they could already hear Fritz's mumbling and scribbling from the other side.

  Knooock

  The cssic triple knocks echoed in the hallway as Grey lightly tapped the door, immediately alerting Fritz who was oher side of the door, his eyes drifting towards the source as he wondered who was oher side.

  "Fritz, it's us." ［Grey］

  "Oh, Grey, Yuna, e in. I already heard from Sebastian, but to think you really did visit, I 't say I'm not surprised." ［Fritz］

  "Well, we promised Liz, after all." ［Grey］

  Along with Grey's words, a quiet cd creak resounded in the air as soon as the doors opened. What greeted the two as soon as they entered was a high mountain of dots. It was a familiar sight they have entered a couple times already.

  "Oh? Did you dye your hair? It looks good on you." ［Fritz］

  "Ah, right..." ［Grey］

  It was only when Fritz mentio that Grey and Yuna realized they were still in their disguises. As soon as they did, they quickly undid the illusion magid returo their normal appearances, hair turning bd silver respectively.

  They were then offered seats to rex, just parallel from where Fritz was sitting from. And tinuing the courtesy, Fritz also offered a couple shacks and tea for the two. It was just too ve, the two couldn't help but think he khey were ing.

  "Ahem! Anyway, are you free right now? We have something to sult with you about. But... if you're busy, we could e backー" ［Grey］

  "No. Now is fine. I'm just about to finish with my paperwork anyway. Although... It is rare that you ask me for sultation. Did something happen?" ［Fritz］

  "Rather than something happened... It would be more appropriate to say that something might happen." ［Grey］

  At Grey's words, Fritz could only tilt his head in fusion. Well, not just him. Even Yuna ith Grey. Though Grey already told Yuna that he had something to sult with Fritz, he never said what. She was only there to apany him.

  Thunk Cck Cck

  A series of ccks and thunks echoed in succession as a couple items were pced atop the desk. With ead every item added, Fritz's eyes followed quietly, curiosity and fusion brewing inside.

  "Hm? These are...?" ［Fritz］

  Now, Fritz was even more fused. All the things in front of him were fn to his eyes. Though he could guess what they might be, he was still in the dark about what they are used for. He only knew oem among them.

  What are the things Grey took out? They are the "iions" he brought to Merusia. There was the phohe camera, the board and card games, and a couple more things he made to make life easier like the blender from before. It was only then that Yuna uood what Grey was on about.

  "Well.., to put it simply, these are the magic tools and games I made over the years. There are still more, but these should be enough for now." ［Grey］

  "I see... There sure are a lot, huh... But what does this have to do with me?" ［Fritz］

  "That's... Actually..." ［Grey］

  Before heading straight to the problem, Grey first introduced the things he brought to the desk and expined what they do briefly. After which, he then tackled the problem, Fritz listening attentively, nodding his head from time to time.

  Though he wasn't worried about the bames and appliances spreading all over the world, it was not the same for the camera and the phone. After all, they aren't merely any magic tool. They were revolutionary iions which brought forth a lot of ge ih's history.

  Of course, Grey's iions in spreading them are only purely so that the people could enjoy the happiness he and Yuna are privileged with. Unfortunately, like everything else, suhings could also be used in malicious ways.

  Both the phone and camera could be used to improve unication, espionage, and intelligence of a military force. If used wrongly, it could bring more harm than good, something Grey would love to avoid at all cost.

  Not to mention that the materials used for those two are quite expehis means that only wealthy merts, nobles, and royalty would be able to buy them. It was far from Grey's desire for the on people to use them. There were just too many demerits for them.

  "I see... I see... I uand your point. It really would be a problem." ［Fritz］

  "Right? That's why I'm asking you for advice. I'm sure with your years of experience, you should know the answer." ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. You're overestimatioo much. But, how do I say this... Grey, aren't you just overthinking things too much?" ［Fritz］

  It was an ued answer. Now, the tables are turned and it was Grey who was fused with Fritz's words. The tter simply had a sip from his cup of tea, just like Yuna who was very mujoying herself with the treats.

  "Look, Grey, I know you ied these things, but you should know that even if you didn't, it would only be a matter of time before people mao make ohings would alrogress with time. You're simply speeding up the process." ［Fritz］

  "You're right... But wouldn't it be bad if some big figues try to misuse them? I'm sure there aren't just one or two of them." ［Grey］

  "I suppose that's true, but I think you're missing a little detail here, Grey... You're one of the 'Heroes of Alfrione'." ［Fritz］

  A simple decration, but it made such a huge impa Grey's thoughts. After all, it wasn't just a mere title, it was ohey earhrough their strength and efforts. It was one which carried authority backed by the Royal Family of Alfrione.

  Well, now, not only the Royal Family of Alfrione, but the Royal Family of Ingrasia and Imperial Family of Valliarta. They even have retions with the Azure Sword Emperor. No matter how one looks at it, they already have powerful es.

  Even without es, Grey and Yuna's strengths alone are enough. Just them and their familiars are enough to make ahink twice before doing anything against them. Even tries o tread carefully.

  "I know you don't like being treated as / noble and the like, but you should realize the authority you carry. Your name alone is enough to make people submit." ［Fritz］

  "Hey, don't talk as if I'm the devil or something." ［Grey］

  "Hm? But am I wrong?" ［Fritz］

  Grey could only remain silent as he faced Fritz's question. He couldn't find as nor rebuttal against him. All he could was heave a lengthy sigh, finally resigning from his views and acceptiy.

  "Haah... I give up. I'll just do what I want then." ［Grey］

  "Now that's more like it... Just make sure not to go overboard. These iions are already enough for now. Any more and it would be troublesome." ［Fritz］

  "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind." ［Grey］

  All of Grey's worries were now gohough it was only a short while, he could now breathe more fortably, his heart feeling much lighter. He couldn't believe he worried so much about something so simple.

  "By the way, what's the deal with this neerwork? There's even more tha time." ［Grey］

  "Haah... You could say that again..." ［Fritz］

  Fritz sighed, reting the hell he went through in the past couple months. It wasn't just managing the territory, he also helped out the neighb provinces, did work for the newly discovered mines, worked with diplomacy, fixed a number of problems, and many, many more.

  Long story short, Fritz was rewarded for his indispensable efforts and he received the rank of "t" and granted more provio expand their territory. And from now heh, they shall be known as the Landevar ital Household.

  "Ohh! gratutions, Fritz!" ［Yuna］

  "Then it seems you'll be addressed as 'Your Excellency' from now on, huh. gratutions." ［Grey］

  "Yeah, yeah, thanks a lot," ［Fritz］

  Fritz couldn't even smile about it. Though it is a good thing for the house, it was only hell for him. He o work with more dots in order to incorporate the new provinces into the Landevar territory. He has been w for days upon days to achieve that end.

  Well, it hasn't been made official yet, not without the formal bestowal which will take pext month in the Royal Capital. The only good thing was that he and Eliza could see Eleanora and Elise again. The reward for his hard work.

  "Right, Fritz, about the things we just talked about. Would you like to hahe marketing of the items again? I'm not really good at it, you see." ［Grey］

  Silence. All there was was silence as Fritz stared deep into Grey's eyes. It was as if he just heard something absurd, shaking his head afterwards, a look of disbelief and gloom pstered on his face.

  "Haah... And here I thought I could finally rest..." ［Fritz］

  "Haha, sorry..." ［Grey］

  "No, it's alright. This is for the good of the household anyway. I 't just let the opportunity pass by." ［Fritz］

  There was tiredness in his voice, but Fritz did not let it drag him down. He simply drank on his cup of tea again and accepted Grey's proposition. After all, there was still the reward he was looking forward to.

  Creaaakkkk

  Just as they fiheir discussion, a silent creak resounded in the door, the door opening ever so slightly. Soon, a pair of blue orbs peeked ihe office. It was Eliza who had just finished pying with the familiars.

  "Is something wrong, Liz?" ［Yuna］

  "No, umm... Are you finished with your discussion...?" ［Eliza］

  Meekly, the little dy asked. Though it was fun pying with the familiars, she still wao py with Grey and Yuna. But she didn't want to be selfish, hehe reason why she was only peeking shyly from the doors.

  "Fufufu! Un! We just finished. Do you want to py right now?" ［Yuna］

  There was no direswer from Eliza's side, her eyes simply sparkled brightly, her head nodding aggressively, showing hoy she was. Everyone could only look at her warmly, gentle smiles spread on their faces.

  "Well then, it seems we'll have to get going now. Thank you, Fritz." ［Grey］

  "Sure, anytime." ［Fritz］

  Everything done aled, Grey and Yuna thehe office. As soon as they were outside, it wasn't only Eliza's excited stares which greeted them. The familiars were also waitihusiastically, wagging their tails cutely.

  "Fufufu! Shall we get started then?" ［Yuna］

  "Un!" ［Eliza］

  CHAPTER 207 END