THUD THUD THUNK

  Heavy objects and slight ruffles filled the air with life. Bags were taken out and soon opened, several objects pced inside, arranged ever so ly. The clothes fpped and folded, pced inside o an.

  Brooms swept throughout the floor aher brushes ed the windowsills and the top of ets. Wet rugs and mops followed suit, ing the pce even more as the students bussed about the dormitories.

  Another beautiful day has arrived, and with the Final Exams behind them, the school days have finally ehe students are now ing their rooms and dormitories in order to prepare themselves to leave, everyone ear as be.

  "Whoa! That's a lot of dust! When did you st the room?"

  "Hey, help me up. I 't reach the ers."

  "By the way, how long will you be staying in the dorms? I'll be going home tomorrow."

  As per tradition, after the end of the school year, there would always be a long school break which would be about 2 and a half months long. It is a time where students visit their homes which they normally 't because of school.

  Everyone is also given a week to the dormitories and prepare themselves for their long leave. They o the dorms so that the year's students could use them properly. Iion will be doer down the line.

  Of course, as there are some who won't be able to head home with how far it is, they are also allowed to stay in the dormitories as long as they get permission from Darius Academy. A process which won't take too long.

  As for what they'll be eating over the couple months, they will either have to do some odd jobs for the Academy and be provided meals, or take jobs iy to earn some money. As Alchemists, it shouldn't be too hard of a job.

  "Hey, Edin, I'm taking out the trash, is there more left here?" ［Kale］

  "Ah, there's some in the et. Take those away as well." ［Edin］

  "Alright. Roger that." ［Kale］

  And as one would expect, Kale and Edin are also ing up their shared rooms with the other students. her of them had drunk alcohol yesterday so ing up didn't take too long. It only took them a few hours and several minutes.

  Their home vilge isn't too far away so the three of them, along with Alea, decided to go home for the duration of the break. It is going to be a orip from Xeros to their home vilge, and it will surely be a tiring one.

  Luckily enough, they have already prepared themselves for the trip. They already have enough travel expeo st them bad forth, and also have spare moo give their families ohey get home. It erfect.

  "By the way, did you buy something for Sally?" ［Kale］

  "Sally... She's your sister. Why should I be the one giving her a present? Just what kind of friend are you to extort your friend like this?" ［Edin］

  "You punk.... It's exactly because I'm a good friend that I'm telling you this. Sally's just too fond of you. Don't you remember what happe year when you didn't bring her a present?" ［Kale］

  "Ah, right..." ［Edin］

  A weak response came out of Edin's mouth. He doesn't just remember, he vividly recall it. The feeling of his right arm getting bitten by a wild beast, and her sharp teeth digging at his skin. It was so painful, not even potions could help him.

  He has been stung by many thorny pnts before and even got bitten by rodents as he harvested materials in the forest, but the young girl's bite was something else. It has already been so long, but Edin's arm was still throbbing and itg in pain.

  "Kale... resent should I get Sally? I don't want to get bitten again." ［Edin］

  "You've beeen a lot by Alea and still haven't learnt your lesson. But now that a kid's involved, you're shaking? Get a grip of yourself already." ［Kale］

  "Easy for you to say..." ［Edin］

  Nonsensical talks ensued and the up tinued. After ing the room of all dust, Kale, Edin, and their roommates then arrahe furniture ly, making sure that they were the same when they just arrived, looking all cozy.

  Time passed by just like that, and before long, the sun was already rising high up in the sky. Lunch had yet to arrive, but with how tired they were, everybody decided to have a quiack break and ate some bread ahey got from the cafeteria.

  The school days have already ended, but they could still get food until the weekends. After that, they are obliged to sustain and take care of themselves. Many students were already talking about their break pns, discussing things as they enjoyed snacks.

  "I see... So you'll be w under a Pharmacy this time around, huh." ［Kale］

  "Not like I have a choiyway. Besides, some of the people there know me. It's better than w with strangers."

  "Must be nice... I still haven't found a pce yet... Or more like, many people already applied for all sorts of pces, and no vacy yet... School breaks are such a pain..."

  "What about you, Kale, Edin? I know you're already pnning to go bae, but since you 't leave right away anyway, why don't you work with us for a while? I knoce which pays good wages."

  "Ohh, thanks a lot. We'll take you up on that offer then. Nothing wrong with earning a little more before heading bae, after all." ［Kale］

  "That's the spirit! We're just in need of some Tier-4 Alchemists!"

  They are now all doh the ing of the room and only a couple final touches are left. It was ued, but thanks to such a versation, Kale and Edin secured a way to earn some money for themselves.

  They already got a lot of things after the Final Exams, and some sponsors as well. But they quickly deed those who are aiming for quick profits. They'd rather have someone support and i into them for a long run. It was very troubling.

  Thankfully, their research has gaihe support of the judges. It may take a while, but sooner or ter, they will have a lot of sponsors p funds oo improve their research. It was only a matter of time.

  "ht. While we're at it, could you invite Alea as well?"

  "Why don't you just invite her yourself? She doesn't bite, you know?" ［Kale］

  "Yeah, she just puhat goril packs quite a lot ofー Urrkk!!" ［Edin］

  "Who are you calling a goril?!" ［Alea］

  Edin couldn't finish his careless words, when a young dy appeared out of nowhere and cut his words. She sent quite a heavy punch towards his stomach, sending him flying once again. He was beaten up once more.

  Though normally, girls aren't allowed ihe boys' dormitories, since school is already over, such a rule is basically ent. Everyone was rather tasked to cooperate and the dormitories as quickly as possible.

  Of course, it was a given that the Academy didn't expect that someone would beat up another in their own dormitories. Alea is a beautiful and proper dyー that is, if she closes her mouth and behaves herself. It was an iing show heless.

  It didn't take too long before Alea was doing up Edin, a number of punches carved into his body and engraved to his mind. She really doesn't bite, but she was one hell of a fighter. It's no wonder some of the boys are scared of her.

  "I heard you mentioned my name. What's this about?" ［Alea］

  "Nothing much. We were just talking about doing some work over the week. I thought you'd also like to join us for a while." ［Kale］

  "Oh, that's great! It would be o earn some s." ［Alea］

  There wasn't a lot of talk o vince Alea, and she was in a jiffy. She was also just thinking of ways to earn a couple more s before heading back to their home vilge and buying presents for her dear parents.

  With their skills as Tier-4 Alchemists, it wouldn't be hard for them to earn several hundred kiels over the course of a week, maybe even a couple thousand. Such money would be more than enough to buy a lot of good presents.

  "Right, Alea, why are you here?" ［Kale］

  "Isn't it obvious? We're ing the greenhouse. We got our previous oroyed, but the Headmaster provided a new one for us." ［Alea］

  "Oh? It's already here? That's fast." ［Kale］

  "Yeah, but the thing is... It's full of weeds and very rowill o the pce up and spread herbicide to stop them from growing. We trahe new pnts ter on when we're finished." ［Alea］

  As it seems, the matter with the greenhouse has already beeled. There have been several unused greenhouses in the Academy which have bee unused, and amongst them, the Headmaster selected oo hand over Alea and the others.

  Not just one greenhouse, but two of them. One was to repce the ruined greenhouse they had before and the other for the sole purpose of growing Frostburn dus. The tter was a much bigger and much advanced version.

  Of course, they were also provided with several herbs to start their greenhouse. They were pensated for the herbs they lost and also received some magits as a reward for their aplishment. They were also given new greenhouse equipment,

  "Alright, Kale, let's get going now. Carry Edin as well." ［Alea］

  "Huh...? Where are we going?" ［Edin］

  "Don't worry about it, you punk. Just follow along." ［Kale］

  It didn't take them long before heading out of the dormitories after bidding everyoheir goodbyes. They quickly headed towards their new greenhouse, Edin dragged around by Kale as he was still bd blue from Alea's beating.

  They weren't quiet at all as they headed towards the greenhouse, arguing about who will take charge of the new greenhouse and what they'll be doing to it. They were as rowdy as ever, Edin almost beaten again to a pulp.

  And just as they headed towards the greenhouse, a couple figures popped up inside her mind, her steps slowing down a little. They just had a rowdy celebration the day before, yet now, the air was much quieter than before.

  'I wonder how they're doing...' ［Alea］

  Those figures were her than Grey and Yuna. With the school days now over, there is only so much time they have left to spend with one aheir parting only drawing closer and closer with the quick passing of time.

  Though, rather than w or missing them, it was more like she was curious how things would turn out ter after they're gohings have been so iing with the two of them around, it might bee too full ohey part ways.

  After all, they were Grey and Yuna. If something importao happen to them, they would hear a rumor or two, maybe even more. There's really no telling with the two of them, and things would never be b.

  "Alea, hurry up. We'll get lost if you don't lead the way." ［Kale］

  "Ehh...?! You guys just walk too fast!" ［Alea］

  "It's not our fault you have short legs, Alea. Just walk faster." ［Edin］

  "Huh?! What did you just say, you dumbass?!" ［Alea］

  Well, even with all things that have ged, Edin still remaihe same. No matter what time or pce it was, he was still an idiot who doesn't know when to not say his thoughts. He struother sore spot and got beaten up again.

  Such a se tio unfold and the Academy was still abuzz. The students tio , and the graduates atteheir ceremonies, happily receiving their certificates. It was another busy day unlike any other.

  ...

  "No! 280 kiels is unreaso was just 190 the other day!" ［Yuna］

  "Miss, do you know how the market works? There's been a she of Kapulka ever since yesterday, so the supply's been low."

  "She? What she?! I know that the gover released several batches of Kapulka to mellow out the she! Even if the price rose, it wouldn't be more than 250 kiels! You're the one demanding an unreasonable price!" ［Yuna］

  "Urk! T-That's not true! 280 kiels is reasonable!"

  The sky was bright, the wind was cool, the market was bustling, and Yuna was once again bargaining with another market stall owner. She was raising her voice all the while l down her priot giving in to the vendor.

  It wasn't the first time she bargained fiercely, and now, she is up against a greedy vendor who is aiming for a quick profit. Even if he could only sell a few, he would still be able to earn a hefty sum and fill up his rge belly with tasty food.

  Of course, Yuna didn't just back down at sujustice. Grey doesn't know if it was because of her eics css, but she now gets fired up every time she arrives in the market, bargaining at every ce she gets as long as prig is reasonable.

  "Then 270! I won't go any lower than that!"

  "That's still too high! Just fet it already! I'll just go to aall!" ［Yuna］

  "Hah! Suit yourself. Let's see if you buy anything with how cheap you are!"

  Though, even if she learned quite a lot in her css, there are still times where her strategies don't work. This is especially true to stubborn and greedy merts who won't cut down to a reasonable priatter what.

  "Th-Then, how about you buy from me, Miss? I'm willing to sell Kapulka for 240 kiels as long as you buy at least a dozen of them."

  "Hah?! What's the point of making a deal like that?! This woman 't even buy a single one! Just fet about making a profit!"

  Thankfully enough, there are still some reasonable merts around. He may not be earning as much with a single sale, but by selling them by the dozen, he could still earn a huge sum of money a profit iurn.

  To make things eveer, the quality of Kapulka herbs were not any inferior to the former. In fact, there were even some bigger than the rest and looked a much healthier color. It would have been perfect if only the mean mert could shut up.

  "Deal! I'll buy all of them then!" ［Yuna］

  "R-Really, Miss?!"

  "Of course! Oh, and if you have any other Kapulkas left, I'll gdly buy them all as well. Just tell me how much you have, and I'll pay immediately." ［Yuna］

  "What?!"

  Though, it didn't take long before Karma struck the greedy vendor in the back, his eyes almost popping out of its sockets, and his mouth already hanging towards the ground. After all, it was going to be a lot of money.

  The greedy vendor thought it was all a joke, but after seeing the young dy take out a few cold s as if it was nothing, he was immediately vihat Yuna really nning to buy all the Kapulkas iall, dispyed or not.

  "U... Umm... Miss, about the Kapulka/... I'm also willing to see for 240 kielsー"

  "Oh! Looks like you have a lot of Silbaria fruits as well. I'd like to buy them all too. Please put them inside a different bag from the Kapulkas." ［Yuna］

  "M... Misss...? I also sell Sibaria Fruー"

  "What else did I need again.... Ah, right! Do you have any Bck-White River Daisies or Blood Green ferns? I would also like to buy in bulk and this time," ［Yuna］

  The greedy mert quickly ged his attitude towards the young dy and tried to appease Yuna, but it was hopeless. He was ignored all the time, her words not even reag Yuna's pointy ears. All he could do was ment i.

  Meanwhile, Grey could only smile and ugh wryly at the sight of his adorable and lovely fiancée, pletely crushing the greedy mert's pride as she spoke. She is now a responsible and fantastian who carry herself in the market.

  Actually, seeing how well she is doing, she was already better than Grey, had he not possessed his overpowered eye abilities. Yuna had grown so mu just a little over a month, but Grey still doesn't know whether he should be happy or worried.

  "Excuse me, Dear er. Whie will you be buying?"

  "Ahh, sorry about that... I would like this blue one, please. On, and I'd like some of the red and yellow ones as well. A dozen each of them." ［Grey］

  "Uood. Please wait a moment."

  Their departure is now set to tomorrow m, and with time passing by quickly, Grey and Yuna decided to take a st stroll iy and do some shopping while they're at it, buying all sorts of things they'll be needing,

  They have already bought souvenirs for everyone, and are now in the Alchemists' Square's Herb Market to buy some herbs before finally heading back. They already gave a lot, but with Yuna being Yuna, a lot is never enough.

  It has been a couple hours already sihey've wandered around the city, and they were still far from over. Yuna was still fired up, bargaining with the vendors, and Grey was buying a few things here and there for more souvenirs.

  "Thank you for the purchase. Please e again."

  "Yeah, thanks as well." ［Grey］

  Now, Grey had just purchased some seeds, shells, beads, strings, and yarns for the children to py with. They were parts and pieces which they could use to make their own neckces to py with. It was especially good for the Little Princess.

  Much like Yuna, Grey also tinued shopping and bought a couple things. It was a shame that the Herb Market didn't offer mu the way of snacks, only herbs and even more herbs to be seen, shops lined up oer another.

  "Hm? A flower shop?" ［Grey］

  And just as he explored, he came across a geous flower shop. It wasn't too big nor too small, but it was definitely fancy, the dispy flowers ly arranged and the store interiors exuding an atmosphere of pead liness.

  Befrey could even notice, he was already drawn into the shop and his hand had held the door handle. He opehe doors and the soft chimes rang as the bells dahe store receptionist greeted him with a big smile.

  "Good day, Dear er. How may I serve you?"

  "Ah, that... Do you sell bouquets here?" ［Grey］

  "Yes, we do. We also do flower arra services if you want. Over here is eneral choice of patterns and flowers you could ask for."

  Grey just asked randomly, but the receptionist gave him a full expnation of what things and services he buy in the shop. She early told Grey of what flowers were popur and what bouquets were wonderful to have in the season.

  Whilst she was expining so and Grey was nodding his head along, the young man's eyes swam around the shop and looked around for the sample flowers and bouquet designs, soon stopping as one flower caught his eyes.

  "Asters...?" ［Grey］

  It was her than the flower which their party name was inspired by. There were all sorts of colors, from big blue oo tiny yellow ones, and even pure white ones. All were very beautiful, all of them blooming ever so majestically.

  Well, it wasn't just the asters, all the other flowers in the shop were also wonderful and mystical, seemingly dang in the geune of the wind. Grey had seen flowers like such before, but he hought they'd be so beautiful in a bouquet.

  "Would you like to have a bouquet made with Asters, Dear er?"

  "Ah, yeah... And I would love a lot of blue ones. Oh, and please incorporate other flowers as well. Design it as you see fit." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! It seems like our Dear er trusts me a lot. I'll have to do my best then!"

  Without further ado, the receptionist then moved her hands aed a few kinds of flowers to be incorporated in the bouquet. She picked the asters, bines, lilies, daisies, clematis, flowers, orchids, and many more.

  Sihey were going for a less noisy design, the receptionist only picked colors which would make the blue asters pop. There were various shades of blue, pure white flowers, and flowers in the very light shades of pink and violet.

  It didn't take too long before the bouquet was done, a wonderful arra done which gave off an aura of gentleness and majesty. It was ed around pure white magic paper, a ribbon of deep blue bringing everything together.

  "What do you think, Dear er."

  "It's beautiful. I'm sure she'll love it." ［Grey］

  "Fufufu! That makes me happy theー"

  "Grey! Here you are! I've been looking everywhere for you!" ［Yuna］

  And just when the bouquet was all done and finished, our dear heroine showed up ever so vely, her face filled with a little bit of panic. She has been looking around frey, thinking that she had lost him in her eagerness for herbs.

  "You should have told me you were going somewhere! Do you knoorried I was?! You were trying to bully me again, weren't you?" ［Yuna］

  "Hey, I'm not that mean... And I wasn't just wandering around aimlessly. I was buying something important, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Hm? You bought something?" ［Yuna］

  Asked Yuna as she tilted her head ever so slightly, 3 question marks popping out of her head. It wasn't long before she noticed the bouquet behind Grey, her eyes quickly captured by how beautiful it was, mouth opening in agape.

  It was earlier than pnnedー no, actually, it wasn't p all. But with Yuna now seeing the bouquet, there was o hide it any longer. He gently rested it on his arms, closed the gap between him and the young dy, sooending his arms out.

  "For you, Midy. I hope you like it." ［Grey］

  It sprung up all of the sudden, Yuna still lost about what's happening. She had already accepted the beautiful bouquet, but her mind still 't process why Grey was giving her flowers. There was an adorably fused expression painted on her face.

  "Flowers... Are we celebrating something...?" ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha. You silly girl... Do I o have a reason to show my beloved fiancée how much I love her?" ［Grey］

  Said Grey, still chug at how fused and adorable Yuna was. She soon picked a blue aster and a bine from the bouquet, and parted Yuna's hair upwards. He pced them behind her right ear, the flowers blue as her eyes.

  "I k. It really does suit you... You look geous, My Love." ［Grey］

  It took a little while, but when Yuna's mind finally processed what was happening, her face quickly turned red and her heart raced like never before. She has already been dating Grey for more than a year, but surprise attacks like such always gets her,

  The young dy tried to hide her flustered face behind the bouquet, blue and white flowers c for her. But no matter how hard she tried, her pointy ears would always betray her. They were redder than red, fpping happily up and down.

  "Dummy..." ［Yuna］

  What a shy elf she was.

  CHAPTER 392 END