"Waah～! So many stalls! Mom! Dad! I'll go buy some snacks." ［Zeke］
"Okay～! Just make sure to be careful～!" ［Valka］
"Yeah! I will～!" ［Zeke］
It was noon, the sun now reigning at its peak. People are abuzz with the place, wandering left and right as they walk along the stalls. Some stopped by for a look, some were enticed by the menu, and some were already taking big bites.
The plaza was filled with people, many folks lining up the stalls as they bought hot and steamy dishes, sweet or salty snacks, or cold and creamy desserts. Everyone picked whatever was to their liking, big smiles on their faces.
The appetite-arousing aroma of the meals from the stalls and the fragrant scent of flowers from the flower beds mixed in with harmony, riding along the playful winds whilst the symphony of the chirping birds and rippling waters echoed softly.
"Big Sis Aria! What's that?" ［Ruru］
"That... Oh, that's a carriage. You've never seen one before, haven't you?" ［Aria］
"No! Not yet! Can we ride one later?" ［Ruru］
"Fufu. Sure we can. But only after we have lunch, okay?" ［Aria］
"Yeah～!!" ［Ruru］
Amongst the crowd, some familiar figures walked slowly but surely, taking their steps with care as their eyes swam left and right, filled with curiosity like that of an innocent child's, bright smiles beaming bright like sun over the horizon.
One of the people Grey and Yuna have invited to the mall was Aria's family, every member hopping in immediately after the invitation was given, including Ruru and Eldhart as well. It was a group of 9 people, including Kris and Aria.
One thing to be noted was, other than Kris and Aria, it was everyone else's first time in Galderia. While Falroe and Valka had been outside the forest before, it was still the first time they have traveled so far, to another country no less.
Moreover, it wasn't just any place, it was a bustling city whose size was incomparably bigger than Malus Village. Once could only imagine the shock and excitement they felt after seeing such massive buildings and structures pop before their very eyes.
"A-Ah, Bis Sis... You said there are a lot of boutiques here, right...? C-Can we visit them later...? O-Only if you want to, of course! I-I won't forceー" ［Reina］
"Of course. We can visit them later as well. I know a good place." ［Aria］
"R-Really?! You promise?!" ［Reina］
"Yes, I promise. And... We can also buy you new clothes while we're at it. It's been a long time since I gave you a present, right?" ［Aria］
"Oh, in that case, I'll also buy you one, Reina. A present, that is." ［Kris］
"Y-Yes! Thank you so much, Big Sis! Big Brother Kris!" ［Reina］
Even now, everyone is still astonished by the various sights of the city. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that they were invited to tour around the mall, they would have gone around sightseeing already, finding all sorts of places they could.
All of them have heard a lot of things about what you can see in the city, so everyone is really excited to learn various things and experience various situations. It was their first venture, after all. They want to make it memorable.
Reina is interested in tailoring works so they'll be visiting a boutique, Zeke likes to see the Adventurers' Guild, Eldhart wants to look around equipment shops, and so on and so forth. But perhaps the most excited one of them all were...
"Ohhh!! What high buildings! Do you think we can climb those, Dear?" ［Falroe］
"It's very steep, but I don't see any problem. Maybe we can ring the bell?" ［Valka］
"Oh, that's a great idea! It's been a long time since I've heard one of those ring. It should be exciting to see it in action." ［Falroe］
"A city bell, huh... Our village bells couldn't even compare. Fufufu!" ［Valka］
... None other than the parents themselves. They are so taken in by the festive and merry atmosphere that they started talking about random and nonsensical thoughts. They even wanted to climb the clock towers like trees in the forest.
Of course, that wasn't the only idea they had in mind. They also want to do other crazy things like horse racing along the streets, buying a mountain-load of things in the market, tasting any and all the wine available in the city, and so much more.
"Huhuhu! That's settled thenー" ［Falroe］
"No, you won't! You're going to get yourselves arrested!" ［Aria］
"Not even for a short white?" ［Falroe］
"A crime is a crime, Dad! Please think things thoroughly." ［Aria］
Thankfully, Aria was there to stop whatever reckless thoughts they came up with. It was their first time in Galderia, and she doesn't want to see them behind bars during the first day, and make complicated and troublesome matters.
Aria knows that they are really excited, but sometimes, she just doesn't know what the hell is going on inside Falroe and Valka's minds. It was like watching over two grown-up children, only that they were her parents.
"You really need to loosen up, Aria. Maybe you've been too tired and stressed from work lately. Are you resting enough?" ［Valka］
"Mom... You're the ones causing me stress right now. It's already difficult with Kris alone, so please don't join in. You too, Dad... Please think of Ul..." ［Aria］
"Fufufu! We're just having a little bit of fun. Don't mind us too much," ［Valka］
"Hey, Aria, I heard that. What do you mean I'm difficult?" ［Kris］
"Hmph! Figure it out yourself!" ［Aria］
It was an endless loop of stress and anxiety, with her sanity on the line. It's already hard to deal with Kris' antics, and now, she had to think of her parents as well. It was fortunate that she had Reina and Eldhart to rely on.
The merriness continued and people moved along the lines time and time again. Zeke's turn soon came around, and before long, he was given his order, quite a few coins to spare. A smile was floating on his face as he came back.
He didn't just buy snacks for himself, but shares for everyone as well. There was no need to ask everyone what they wanted, he already knows them well enough to know what they'll like. He then gave it to them, everyone receiving them warmly.
"And here's yours, Big Sis Aria. I know you like iced milktea so I got you one. There's vanilla and chocolate, so you can have the other one, Big Bro Kris." ［Zeke］
"My～! What a reliable younger brother I have. I'll have chocolate then." ［Aria］
"Then I guess I'll get the vanillaー" ［Kris］
"Bba～! Bbah～! Oohhh～! Ggaa～!" ［Uldred］
"No can do, little guy. This isn't for you." ［Kris］
The little angel's hands reached out for the milktea cup, but before he could, Kris immediately stopped him, a cheerful expression on his face. He then patted the little guy on the head, his strokes gentle and warm as can be,
Kris may be an idiot and a troublemaker, but he was still a warm and caring person. Seeing such a sight, Aria couldn't help but heave a sigh and once again realize why she fell in love with him. Valka was also smiling, but for another reason...
"It feels nice to pet a baby, doesn't it?" ［Valka］
"Yeah. They're just so warm and adorable... I can't help but smile." ［Kris］
"Fufufu! That's right. They're just too cute!... Which brings me to my point... Kris, when are you going to give me a grandchild?" ［Valka］
It was a complete and utter curveball, but not entirely unexpected either. Valka has been asking for a grandchild all day, everyday when they were still in the village, and now that she had the chance, she might as well shoot her shot again.
Of course, such a sudden question only served to make Aria choke at her drink, and make her expressions change drastically. The happy and satisfied Aria after drinking milktea was now gone, only bewilderment left on her face.
While Aria could understand where her mother was coming from, it's not like there was any need to rush. In fact, if it weren't for the fact that Valka just gave birth, she and Kris might have tried to conceive... Things are just a little complicated...
"Haah... Mom... No... Let's not think about it anymore..." ［Aria］
"But I want my grandchild though..." ［Valka］
"And I'm saying we're still not ready. End of topic." ［Aria］
"Geez... You really are stubborn on the strangest things sometimes, Aria... I wonder who you got that from..." ［Valka］
Or so she says but her persistence on having a grandchild and Aria's stubbornness on not wanting one as of yet was entirely the same. Kris already noticed it, but said nothing, not wanting to complicate things... Really... Like mother, like daughter...
As for Falroe, well... He also wanted to speak his mind and take Valka's side, but with the conversation already over before he could join, there was only so much he could do about it. He doesn't want his daughter to hate him, after all...
Whilst such silly family drama was unfolding, the boisterous crowd was also creating some ruckus and racket of their own. It seems like a special dessert menu was just unveiled by a certain stall, making everyone go crazy in an instant.
"Ohh～! Looks like they have something interesting going on there!" ［Valka］
"That sounds wonderful, Dear! We should check it out!" ［Falroe］
"That's a great idea! What do you think, Ul?" ［Valka］
"Bba! Bba! Babba～! Gguu!" ［Uldred］
"Fufufu! I knew you'd understand mommy! Let's go, everyone!" ［Valka］
Just like that, as if nothing ever happened, Valks and Falroe's sight was then shifted towards the newly revealed menu, dragging everyone along them soon after. They were humming to themselves, clearly showing their excitement.
Aria couldn't even begin to describe the storm of emotions she was going through, not sure whether to laugh or cry because of her parents impulsiveness. Despite being their daughter, for some reason, her husband is even more similar to them.
"Haah... Mom... Dad... Really... Haah..." ［Aria］
Not once, but twice, Aria heaved a sighー or rather, all she could do was heave a sigh, holding Kris' hands and following soon after the others. They soon took their places and lined up, eating their snacks as they did so.
Before long, they were finally able to make their orders. As luck would have it, there was only enough of the special, limited-edition shortcake for everyone. All were happy, big, bright smiles painted on their lovely faces.
Speaking of happy smiling faces, just inside the shopping mall, on the second floor where all sorts of crafts can be found, another set of familiar figures were wandering around, eyes filled with curiosity as they eyed everything around them.
All of them were in the weapons section of the equipment shops, browsing through the different weapons present. There were shields, spears, bows, maces, warhammers, and all sorts of things. However... There was only one thing which interested them...
"What a good sword! It has good weight and is not too heavy. I like this." ［Archen］
"What do you think of this, Father? I think this is just as wonderful." ［Lisandra］
"Hmm... I think this will suit Lionel." ［Archen］
"Me...? Let's see..." ［Lionel］
Alfrione wasn't the only Royal Family Grey and Yuna had invited. There was also the Graystone Royal family who are crazy for swords and swordsmanship more than any other family in the world. The great rulers of Graystone Kingdom.
At first, they went around the other floors and stores available on Esperanza and explored every nook and cranny they saw. They also had a wonderful set of snacks from the food court, flavors popping in their mouths as they chewed.
However, as soon as they found the equipment shop located deeper than the other stores, they immediately and unanimously decided to take a look inside. There were a lot of security measures, but to see such good weapons, it was worth it.
"These ones already have enchantments too... Lightweight... Sharpness... Heavy Strike... Amplification... Penetration... These are neat ones..." ［Archen］
"Is there anything suitable for me, Dear? I think I could use one for training." ［Miranda］
"A training sword... Then how about this one? It's a High-Tier High-Grade Blue Silver Rapier with Armor Penetration and Swiftness enchantments." ［Archen］
"Oh my, that's a great combination." ［Miranda］
"Yeah. Whoever made this must be a Master." ［Archen］
They weren't really lacking in terms of swords, nor did they need substitutes just in case either. They just want to buy different swords either for aesthetic purposes or for a change of pace, wanting to try different styles using different enchantments.
The King was especially interested, his eyes lingering all over the place. While most equipment wouldn't be able to handle his power as a High-Ranker, there are quite a few aesthetically pleasing swords he could add to his collection.
There weren't just weapons, but armors and protective trinkets. There were all sorts of them scattered around the shop and some could even be worn as accessories. They were the real stars of the equipment store.
"Ohh! This feels great! It's slowly restoring my fatigue!"
"So light! I can practically run full speed with these!"
"Excuse me, can we ask for custom-made armor here?"
"4 thousand kiels?! Holy cow! That's really cheap!"
There were all kinds of people entering and exiting the shop, heading in and soon time and time again. From adventurers and soldiers, to knights of high rankings, and even simple travelers who simply want to feel safe. Every kind was present.
Especially since there was a 50% discount for the first 3 days, everyone looking for equipment was practically flocking in Esperanza. Some were able to save a couple hundred kiels, while some were already at tens of thousands.
It was practically a bargain sale for adventurers and knights alike, everyone picking their picks while they still can. Everything was of good quality too, so there was no need to worry how long the equipment could last.
"When can I expect to get my items back?"
"That would depend on the amount of damage, but I estimate it will take roughly 3 days. At most, it will be 5 days."
"Would the discount still apply by then?"
"Yes! As long as you ordered during the first 3 days, all discounts will apply."
The stores aren't just selling items and equipment either. There was also a repair service where one could leave their equipment and come back when they are done repairing. It was a neat service much cheaper than buying new gear.
There was also an ordering service where people can ask custom made items and equipment to be made, especially tailored to them. It's usually more costly, but with the 50% discount going on, it was basically the same as just purchasing. Everyone was ordering as quickly as they could.
To top it all off, there was also an enchanting section where one could buy all sorts of enchantments for the equipment. There are only 1☆ and 2☆ enchantments available but that's what most people could afford. It was satisfactory.
And with not just one, but multiple equipment stores present, one would be able to find equipment fit for them. There's even a shop specially selling ready-made items that are meant to be disposable. The 2nd floor truly was a one-stop destination.
"Lisa, come over here." ［Lionel］
"Hm?" ［Lisandra］
"What do you think of this one? Do you like it?" ［Lionel］
"A daggerー No, are these throwing knives?" ［Lisandra］
"That's right. They're small and light. I think these would fit you nicely." ［Lionel］
Said Lionel as he placed the knife on Lisandra's hand, and surely enough, it fit just perfectly. They were not really aesthetically pleasing, but they were really easy to handle. With enough training, one would be able to use them like a master.
They weren't just normal throwing knives either, but rather, manifestations of mana. The real equipment was a bracelet, and as long as you pour enough mana, you can make as many throwing knives as you can without limitations.
After all, the young princess is now taking part in quests in the Adventurers' Guild. Since she might meet some unexpected dangers, it was better to buy new kinds of items and expand the arsenal of how she can defend herself.
"Mmn... This feels great, but... I don't know how to use them." ［Lisandra］
"Don't worry about that. I might look like this, but your older brother is an expert in using throwing knives. I also have acquaintances you can ask." ［Lionel］
"Really?! That's a promise, okay?!" ［Lisandra］
"Sure. As long as you keep up on your studies. If you fail any subject, I'm going to stop teaching you immediately." ［Lionel］
"Yes! I'll do my best!" ［Lisandra］
Squealed the princess, heart filled with joy and eyes sparkling with excitement. It has been a long time since she received new weapons as a gift, and it was from her older brother she admires so much as well. She couldn't be any happier.
Meanwhile, the King and Queen had also decided which swords and items they would be buying. The Queen has settled on the Blue Silver Rapier the King had recommended to her, while the latter selected quite a few kinds of swords.
There was a greatsword, a cleaver, a longsword, a twin-bladed sword, a broad blade, a spiked sword, a hooked sword, a rapier, and all sorts of things. They were all of High-Grade Quality, with superb looks fit to be placed inside his collection.
But perhaps the greatest one was a pure white blade with light and subtle, golden lines running all over it. It was enchanted with "Clarity", "Sharpness, and "Swiftness", perfect for a quick and destructive battle.
"Oh? This one's got the crest of a star... I wonder who's the master who made this. I would like to meet them someday." ［Archen］
"Hmm... I think you already met them, Father." ［Lisandra］
"Hm? What do you mean..." ［Archen］
"That crest... It's Grey's. He probably made that." ［Lisandra］
As it turned out, it was one of Grey's creationー no, everything in the section they were browsing at was made by the same person. From the fantastic-looking swords all the way to protective sets of accessories. They were all made by Grey alone.
When the King asked where Lisandra got her new sword, she simply said she got it from Grey, so he initially thought they bought her a present... It was only now that the gears clicked and he finally understood what really happened.
Lisandra then quickly explained how she came to get a sword from Grey before, and what blacksmith rank Grey exactly possessed. And as one would expect, everyone was in utter disbelief at the fact Lisandra mentioned ever so casually.
"Hahaha! Tier-8, huh... That's a Grandmaster... I think we'll have to visit Grey later. I could use a good sword or two." ［Archen］
Declared the King, a large smile blooming on his face, stretching from ear to ear. It has been quite some time since his blood boiled because of a new sword, and the reason was very understandable. His next goal was decided...
"We cannot have that, Dear. Grey and Yuna are still very busy running the Mall. Let us not disturb them now, okay?" ［Miranda］
"Ah, right... I totally forgot..." ［Archen］
Unfortunately for the King, it seems like such a goal will have to wait. With the Grand Opening of Esperanza, Grey and Yuna barely have any room to breathe. Placing an order on such chaotic times was nothing short than harsh.
Moving on, the Graystones continued to browse along the equipment shop, soon finding novel and unique items displayed on the shelves, with all sorts of wondrous and interesting effects attached to them. Everyone was curious.
Just as curious as they were, another figure was strolling down the ground floor. His eyes swam left and right as he looked at the shops present before them, then trying them one after another with nothing but curiosity in his heart.
"A massage service... It's been a long time. Should I try it?" ［Arnelius］
It was none other than the Headmaster of the Royal Academy, Arnelius. It was his first time going out and having fun in a long while, so he had been really looking forward to Grey and Yuna's grand event.
And, oh boy, how his expectations were exceeded. He already knew it was going to be interesting, but it exceeded his expectations several folds. He has never seen anything like the mall, his eyes almost falling off its sockets the moment he saw it.
The excitement wasn't just quickly over either. Every time he entered a new shop, he was greeted with all sorts of things he had never seen before. Be it the foods or the goods, everything was top notch. Now, he is going to try the servicesー
"Haah... There's no use thinking about it... Let's just give it a tryー" ［Arnelius］
"Ohhhh! It's finally time!!"
"I've been waiting for this! Let's goooo!!"
... Or at least, he was going to. But before he could even do so much as head inside the massage and spa, a thundering cacophony rang inside his ears. It was so loud, everyone inside the mall was practically startled.
The Headmaster then turned his head around and took a few dozen steps towards the main entrance. Surely enough, hundreds of people gathered in the outer plaza, everyone filled with excitement and enthusiasm, their voices echoing to the skies.
While most of the people were adventurers, one would also be able to spot soldiers, knights, merchants, and civilians amongst them. There were all sorts of people, but they all had one goal in mine... Their hearts were beating fast...
"Wh... What the hell is going on...?" ［Arnelius］
It was a strange sight to behold...
CHAPTER 469 END