The green grass dancing along the winds, the sparse trees and boulders filling the monotonous scenery with life, the refreshing winds blowing all over the field, and the little critters hopping and crawling all over verdant scenery.
The plains, the forest behind it, and the mountains even further so. Everything was green and beautiful, a scenery filled with life and beauty, various sounds and different symphonies drifting in the air as the blue sky watched over the world.
It was the perfect day, Grey and Yuna enjoying such a beautiful sight by themselves and happily indulging in their leisure time. It was a time of bliss and innocence, two figures simply enjoying their time togetherー Or at least they would have liked to...
"You...! You atrocious devil! I will make you pay for all the sins you've committed!"
"Kukuku! You? Do you think you're qualified to do so?!"
"Qualified...? I may not be the most gracious person in the world... I may not be the most righteous... I may not be the strongest... But I assure you... Today will be the day you'll perish from this world... Laugh while you still can."
"Kuhahaha! Then let's see who'll make it out alive! Let's dance in the palm of life and death, foolish child!... Come! My great creation...! Daemon!"
ROOOAAAARRRRRRRRR
Vicious and feisty lines were exchanged, two figures standing on the battlefield with eyes burning full of determination. Following the maniacal laughter, a loud roar soon thundered across the plains, rocking the whole world.
Soon enough, a massive beast appeared from the air, its wings reaching a dozen meters in length and its body repulsive as can be, stitches to be found all over the place. It was a great demon beastー or so it would seem at first.
However, in reality... It was nothing more than a large costume and the two people arguing were none other than actors. They were so good with their jobs, it would be easy to believe that such a scene actually happened.
As of the current, they are playing the final battle scene where Grey battled against an S-rank Daemon in Iblis' hideout which happened a long time ago. As one would expect from professional actors, they were really good. There was just one problem...
"Fufufu! You're so cool, Grey～! I didn't know you can say those lines～!" ［Yuna］
"That's because I didn't... And, you don't have the right to say that... Do you want me to repeat their lines with you?" ［Grey］
"Urk... Please don't... I'm sorry..." ［Yuna］
"Yeah. That's what I thought." ［Grey］
... It was that each scene was heavily exaggerated. The two already told everyone mostly about what happened during the raid, but the director of the film decided to add a little bit of "flare", exaggerating things to make the story "better".
Ever since the partnership contract was signed and the movie-making project started, every single staff member of the theater has been hard at work to create the perfect story and movie about the raid which happened almost 2 years ago already.
Of course, Grey and Yuna also extended their hands for the sake of the project, not only lending them magic tools for cinematography, but also teaching them first hand how to use them and the techniques they could employ in making the movie better.
Grey even had to make a couple more cameras and magic tools to make things easier, but after teaching everyone everything he could, he could finally leave it to their reliable hands. It was a good thing that they learned quickly.
The first time Grey and Yuna showed the theater members about the video camera and the projector, they were extremely excited like curious and excited children. The owner of the theater was particularly so, totally gung-ho about the project.
"Cut! Cut! Cut! What are you guys doing?! Put more passion into your actions! Don't just swing your arms! Punch properly!" ［???］
"Sorry, Sir... I'm not really good with punches... I'm better with a sword."
"Tsk! Tsk! Tsk! An actor shouldn't make such excuses! I know this is hard for you, but you just need to concentrate! Do you want to shame His Highness' name?!" ［???］
"No, Sir!"
"Then let's improve ourselves and make sure we live up to his name! Let's make a movie everyone will remember for the rest of their lives!"
"""Ohhh!!"""
Speaking of the owner, he also happens to be the director of the movie and also the one who wrote the script. Now, he's out in the field, spouting all sorts of "inspirational" lines to boost everyone's morale, firing them up even more.
His name is "Wesley Kelbourne", one of Cedric's vassals and also a member of one of the oldest Landed Gentry in the territory. He also happens to be a big fan of Grey and Yuna, agreeing almost immediately as soon as the two gave him a deal.
It was a good thing that things became much easier because of the circumstances, but sometimesー no, oftentimes, he's just a little too enthusiastic. Grey and Yuna are already dying from cringe, but somehow, he's making it worse.
"Ohh! You're amazing, Sir! It really is better to punch this way!"
"Now, you just have to remember that sensation all the time! Also, make sure to mind your footwork! It is extremely important!" ［Wesley］
"Yes! I'll keep your words in mind!"
"Great! Then let's continue the shot! We still have a lot to film, so let's not wait any more time! Everyone, to your positions!" ［Wesley］
Make no mistake! While Grey and Yuna are both dying from embarrassment, to most of the public who has no knowledge exactly what took place during the raid, the script was extremely good. The two could only put up with it.
Still, Grey and Yuna couldn't help but cry in silence. After seeing such embarrassing lines every single day, they just want to crawl into a hole and bury their faces for all eternity. It was simply too much, feeling that their dignity is in shambles.
"Oh? Are you leaving already, Your Highnesses?" ［Wesley］
"Yeah. We still have some work to do regarding the mall, and we don't exactly have a lot of time, either. So...." ［Grey］
"I see... You really have a busy schedule, huh. I would have loved to not bother you everyday, but we really need your guidance. I truly am sorry." ［Wesley］
"It's alright. Everyone's working really hard, after all, and this project was also our idea in the first place. I'm just happy that it's all coming together." ［Grey］
"Un! I'm sure you'll make a great movie! I can't wait!" ［Yuna］
Yeah, Yuna can't wait... She can't wait to get out of the place and end her suffering. She already experienced enough embarrassment for the fay, and simply wants to take her leave. Grey also shared the same sentiment.
Be it the story, acting out the scenes, taking the best shots, carefully storing the films, editing the films together, and many more. The two already taught Wesley and the others everything they have to know. They aren't needed there anymore.
"Then, we'll take our leave, Mister Wesley." ［Grey］
"Yes... Please take care on the journey back, Your Highnesses." ［Wesley］
"Will do! See you next time, everyone～!" ［Yuna］
Soon enough, Grey and Yuna were finally able to leave the set, waving their hands goodbye as they took their steps. One couldn't describe the happiness the two felt, not wanting to deal with the movie anymore. It was bliss.
Speaking of which, it has already been over a week since Grey's little trip towards the Royal Capital, and Julius' birthday had already passed. As expected, Amelia gifted him the pairing locket, their photos stored in their respective lockets.
Other than Julius' birthday, they have also made a great step forward regarding the mall. For once, they have finally finished all the partnership contracts and all terms and conditions are mostly favorable for everyone involved.
Not only will there be various partner shops inside the mall, there will also be quite a number of people from the market which will be supplying them daily with all the resources they need. A mall heavily runs on them, after all.
To make everything run smoothly, Grey and Yuna had also been teaching everyone a number of things from simple recipes all the way to tricks using magic which would come in handy when performing their various jobs.
RING RING RING RING
And just when they were finally out of reach from the theater, a certain number had started calling Grey again. The young man then heaved a lengthy sight, immediately picked up the phone soon after, his eyes now in business mode.
「Good day, Your Highnesses. Can you hear me?」 ［???］
「Yes, we can hear you. Is there any problems, Mister Hasmian?」 ［Grey］
「Not really, per se... But I've finally gotten the list and also the estimated cost for all the products we need in producing the games. However... It seems like we'll be going over the budget quite a bit...」 ［Hasmian］
「I see... Is there really no way around it?」 ［Grey］
「I'm afraid there isn't, Your Highness. Actually, the price of many kinds of wood has increased over the past few days. It isn't really a huge increase, but when you buy a lot of them, like we do, you will start to notice the difference.」 ［Hasmian］
「Mmn... That's a little difficult, huh... Then what about....」 ［Grey］
Hasmian Weyl, the man who owns the relatively new and famous gaming center, and also now one of the partners of Grey and Yuna for the mall. He is a man famous for his easygoing nature, harboring a large interest in curious and interesting things.
After their deal, along with Wesley and a number of important partners, Grey and Yuna gave him a phone to call them whenever the need arises. After all, along with the theater, he manages 2 or 3 things on the 3rd floor. The item shop and the arcade.
He was a little hesitant at first, but after Grey and Yuna showed him all sorts of new games he could implement, he immediately decided to accept the offer and work hard with them to create the best experience in the 3rd floor.
Not only will he be facilitating the great arcade with all the new games planned to be installed, he will also be managing the shops which will sell all sorts of games, toys, and all sorts of fun items. It will be a haven for kids and those who are kids at heart.
「Ohh! That sounds like a great deal! If we grow the trees ourselves and use magic to prepare them, prices should be a lot cheaper!」 ［Hasmian］
「Un! We should be able to save a lot, right?」 ［Yuna］
「That's correct, but... Won't Your Highnesses be burdened?」 ［Hasmian］
「Fufufu! Not at all! We only have to cast some simple magic, right? And it's not like we will do everything ourselves. We'll also teach some of your people so that you can facilitate the process even without us.」 ［Yuna］
「Ohh! Your Highness truly is wise! Then, I will make sure to secure a deal with the merchants. I will make sure to buy as many saplings as we need. I will be taking my leave for now, Your Highnesses! Have a goo day!」 ［Hasmian］
As sudden as he came, he also left just as suddenly. The call was brief yet packed with details, Hasmian knowing exactly what to do after hearing out Yuna's opinion. He may be easygoing, but he was still wise and rich with experience.
Meanwhile, Grey and Yuna are now walking in silence once again. They were busy thinking about all sorts of things, but at the same time, were also free with so many reliable people aiding them. It was a strange situation.
"Would you like some cookies, Yuna?" ［Grey］
"Ah! Yes, please～!" ［Yuna］
"Which would you like? We have chocolate chips, raisins, and jam-filled biscuits as well. There's strawberries and grapes." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Anything's fine. They're both delicious anyway!" ［Yuna］
The two continued to walk and soon enough, they finally arrived at the city. It was as busy as ever, the people doing their own things and going about their daily lives, Grey and Yuna munching on their cookies to satiate their cravings.
As usual, the city folks greeted them like they usually do, waving their hands happily or bowing their heads politely. Of course, there were also those who offered them some tasty treats which the two happily obliged.
The two also bought some bread and pastry from the bakeries, some candies from the stalls selling sweets, and some fresh and tasty fruits from the stands. While they did so, a sudden question came ringing in their ears.
"Lord Grey, Lady Yuna, I heard you're going to construct a new building by the central market. Is that true?"
"So the news has already reached this far, huh..." ［Grey］
"Yes. It's been the talk of the city and everyone's curious what kind of building you'll be making. I heard that it's going to be large, but I'm also unsure."
"Yeah! I also heard the uncle from over there say it will be amazing! Will we be able to play there, Big Brother Grey, Big Sister Yuna?!"
As it seems, looks like news about the shopping mall they are planning to construct has all reached every corner of the city. Even children seem to know it already, now asking all sorts of questions with bright shimmers on their faces.
Normally, people don't really care much about new buildings being constructed all over the city. After all, construction happens all the time, and there are all sorts of repairs and renovations playing about in all corners of the city.
However, the new building is not like any other. It was one which was proposed by the fabled Heroes of Oiros, a project which they have never seen before. It is no wonder everyone is greatly curious about it.
Though, that's all the rumors amounted to. No one really knows what exactly will be constructed in the former place where the theater used to stand, making them even more curious and interested in what might pop out suddenly.
"Oh, that... We're making a shopping mall." ［Grey］
"A shopping mall...?"
"Yes. Umm... How do I put this..." ［Grey］
Grey didn't waste any time and started explaining to the people what a shopping mall is, starting from its main functions all the way to the general layout of the building. He made sure to make his voice loud and clear, everyone hearing him confidently.
After all, answering such questions and letting rumors spread about it in the next few days is a great way to promote their project and make everyone know about it. It was good publicity, Grey making sure to poke their curiosity.
Of course, Grey made sure to set their expectations to a reasonable level. And it may be because they were unfamiliar about what a mall is, but everyone's curiosity only filled up the more they heard about it, some even confused.
"Ohh! A place you can shop for all your needs! That sounds nice!"
"As expected of Your Highnesses! Only you could think of such a thing!"
"A skypark, huh? I don't know what that is, but it sounds exciting!"
It took quite a bit to explain, but the overall reaction was pretty good. Now, everyone is excited to see just what kind of thing a shopping mall is, greatly intrigued and curious by all the items and services they have to offer.
At the same time, as they mumbled their thoughts, Grey and Yuna were able to pick up some helpful ideas. It may sound a little chaotic, but hearing everyone so happy and excited about their project puts a smile on the two's faces.
"Oh! We almost forgot! For the first 3 days of the mall's opening, there will be a 50% discount off every item and service. Make sure to drop by, okay～?" ［Yuna］
"Ohh!! 50%! That sounds amazing!"
"Mama! Papa! Let's go to the shopping mall when it opens!"
"I'm definitely bringing my friends! I'm sure it will be fun!"
Grey ended the note with an exciting statement, hyping everyone and making them look forward even more about the opening of the mall. It may take them quite a bit of money with such a promise, but it's nothing Grey and Yuna couldn't handle.
Soon enough, after buying every little thing they needed and saying their goodbyes to everyone, Grey and Yuna then headed towards the inn where the refugees were, a cacophony of cheers and laughter greeting them as soon as they came inside.
All the children were enthusiastic, and filled with energy, running all around the place with such bright smiles blooming on their faces. The older ones are all studying and preparing for their apprenticeships, but the younger ones were simply having fun.
"Fufufu! We brought snacks for everyone, make sure to enjoy them, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Waah～! It's cake! Look, Big Sis Yuna and Big Bro Grey brought cakes!"
"Big Sis, I want to eat the sandwich! Please～!"
"Candy～! Candy～! Candy～! Candy～!"
Though, all it took were a couple of snacks and everyone finally settled down, and shared their tables with one another, happily eating snacks together. They may be rowdy children, but they know their manners. The adults taught them well.
Speaking of adults, there were a few looking over the children, making sure that each and every single of the children didn't cause Grey and Yuna any trouble. The two soon left the children to their care, heading towards the reception room.
Soon enough, Grey and Yuna arrived at the reception room, everything quiet as per usual with everyone serious with their work. There are still a lot of matters about the shopping mall which need to be addressed as soon as possible.
These matters include which dishes should be served in the shops, which staff will be working, what prices they should provide their products and services, the layout of the shopping mall, and all sorts of things down to the nitty-gritty details.
"How's everything going, Mister Melchor?" ［Grey］
"Hmm... Everything's going smoothly, Your Highness. We are almost finished dealing with the selection of items for the menu. Only a few shops remain." ［Melchor］
"Oh? May we see that for a moment?" ［Grey］
"Of course." ［Melchor］
Melchor soon stood up and gave Grey the detailed list of the menus for most of the shops and restaurants for the 4th floor. Not only that, it also contained some snack items for the movie theater and snack stalls for the 3rd floor.
After all, Melchor has been in charge of organizing meals before when he was still a butler, and with the help of Teresa, who has over 3 decades of experience in an inn, things were quickly settled. Barrion was there to give opinions.
Grey and Yuna presented them with a lot of data, but they can't really help out with the decisions. After all, there are a lot of things to work on other than the food shops. They also have other places to visit after the inn.
"Mmn... Doesn't this look good already? The meal sets are already balanced and the price seems reasonable. The extras are good too." ［Yuna］
"I agree. This is sufficient enough, but... Are you sure you aren't working yourselves too hard, everyone? You've been working all week." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. This is the least we could do to ever thank you, Your Highness. And... How could we rest knowing that you are also working hard yourselves?" ［Melchor］
"Right. I heard from His Excellency and the Guildmaster that you've been running all around the city and even visited other towns and the Royal Capital for us. Compared to yours, our work seems much easier." ［Barrion］
"That's right, Your Highnesses. We aren't that old yet, so no need to treat us as feeble and fragile vases. We can at least do this much. Fufufu!" ［Teresa］
Not only were they competent, they were also stubborn and workaholic as well. Their concern seems reasonable, but Grey and Yuna are Transcendents. Even if they work endlessly for a week, they would still be able to last if they will it. They are different.
Be that as it may, Grey and Yuna couldn't really deny their intentions either. They are really stubborn when it comes to repaying their debts, so scolding them would only lead to trouble. It was better to just leave them be.
"Haah... Fine... Do whatever you want. Just make sure to rest when you're tired. We don't want you collapsing now, do we?" ［Grey］
"Un! Just hold on, everyone! We already asked the Guildmaster to hire reliable people to help you! Just wait a couple days, please!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! Such generous treatment. We truly are blessed." ［Melchor］
"Don't tease them too much now, Sir Melchor." ［Teresa］
"Hahaha. Dear me, this old man is getting carried away." ［Melchor］
At first, they treated Grey and Yuna politely as great heroes and their saviors, but now, they are nothing more than hardworking children in their eyes. They have grown accustomed to each other's presence, now addressing each other casually.
Soon, Grey and Yuna took their seats and reviewed a couple more papers, making sure to correct if there ever was a mistake. Whilst they were doing so, Melchor came to remember an important reminder, asking Grey and Yuna soon enough.
"Right, Your Highnesses... I've been meaning to ask, but this shopping mall, have you already come up with a name for it?" ［Melchor］
Melchor asked, and all eyes fell to Grey and Yuna. They have been so busy with partnerships, building preparations, labor distribution, and all sorts of things that they completely forgot the most basic of things... The forefront of the Mall... Its name...
Normally, Grey would just choose any star-related name he could think of, but this time, he decided to break the tradition and choose something else. After all, it needs to be something meaningful for the people, not something chosen in a rush.
"A name, huh... I'll think of one later..." ［Grey］
"I see... Then please let us know when you have decided." ［Melchor］
"Sure... Then moving along, what aboutー" ［Grey］
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK
Leaving the matters of the name of the mall behind, Grey tried to initiate continuing the discussion, yet before he had the chance to do so, a series of knocks resounded from the other side of the door, a young man soon greeting them with a smile.
Grey and Yuna didn't know of him, but his uniform belonged to one of the partner companies they made a deal with. They are their supplier of many materials from rocks and stones, to woods, to iron and steel, and even some magical stones.
"Your Highnesses. The materials are ready."
Good news came knocking.
CHAPTER 458 END