DRIP DRIP DRIP PLINK

  Gentle as the drifting clouds in the sky, water trickled down the pointy stactites and gathered by the tip, f little droplets which sooowards the shallow waters below, the subtle sound of spshes eg in the air.

  A single figure moved across the glowing ke, small waves f as he moved and a cacophony of ripples f by the waters' surface. Its eyes clear as the waters it was swimming in watched the two figures standing before it.

  Those two figures were youths he just met a couple days ago. One was a silver-haired young dy whilst the other was a bck-haired young mae its massive and intimidating appearahey didn't even fline bit.

  "Sorry, did I surprise you?" ［Asfara］

  "Ah, no, not at all... Rather, we should be the ones apologizing for suddenly barging into your pce. You're... Asfara, right?" ［Grey］

  "That is correct, My Lord. I'm hoo have you remember my names." ［Asfara］

  As it seems, the underground hidden cave system was actually the home of the Lord's familiar. It ce where it rested whe was finished with its duties and where it recuperates with a peaind.

  And no, it wasn't an artificial cave system, but rather, something the Tarlgan was lucky to have e across whilst he was surveying the rivers and eradig all the dangerous creatures and elements to the city, several decades ago.

  Thankfully, despite Grey and Yuna suddenly crashing into his pce, Asfara remained calm and collected, simply curious about how they got in with no iion of harming them. Rather, he was even polite, keeping his head down as he paid his respects.

  "But... My Lord, My Lady... How did you arrive here? I retty sure I didn't see aer the entrance. Did you get in using stealth?" ［Asfara］

  "Ahh... About that... Actually..." ［Grey］

  Grey and Yuna didn't spare any time and quickly expihe situation to Asfara to clear up any misuandings. From the time that they spotted a mutant Ragonea all the way to them expl the caves and arriving at the hidden ke.

  There was not a single roturned and they decided to tell the whole truth without aation. At the same time, Asfara listeo them early. There was a bit of shock from time to time, but he simply tinued nodding his head.

  "I see... So a part of the cave colpsed, huh..." ［Asfara］

  "Yeah, but don't worry. We already patched it up, so there shouldn't be any more problems. I've also reinforced some parts of the cavern while we're at it." ［Grey］

  "I see... That's a relief then..." ［Asfara］

  Fortunately, it didn't take long for Asfara to uand the situation. He was a calm and uanding individual, and after hearing their expnation, all the dots have finally ected and all questions have been answered.

  He was a bit worried that certain parts of the caves' ceilings are colpsing, but trusting Grey's words, he felt a sense of relief flood his heart. After all, it would be a disaster if people suddenly started falling to their deaths because of it.

  Actually, on the trary, it was a huge relief that it was Grey and Yuna who learned of the colpsing cave system. Not only would it be dangerous for others, there are also a couple things he o hide from the outside world.

  "No wonder I felt some low rumbles before... That must have been it..." ［Asfara］

  "Yeah... Sorry about that..." ［Grey］

  "No, on the trary. I am thankful. People might be hurt iure if not for your intervention. It's an act worthy of praise, My Lord." ［Asfara］

  "Hahaha. If you say so, then I'm relieved." ［Grey］

  It has been over a tury sihe founding of Arihal, and sihen, the cave system has remained hidden from the eyes of the people. Not even the Lord knew of its existence, only knowing that there was somepce where Asfara rested himself.

  And it wasn't just Asfara's home, it also served as a wonderful treasure trove where several magits grow in abundance, many minerals and crystals could be found, and all sorts of rare materials could be obtained.

  Monsters also spawn from time to time due to the abundanana, so albeit very ineffitly, one could also get mana crystals and drops i ce where one could gather all kinds of materials kept hidden from the eyes of the public.

  Had it been another person who discovered the caverns actally, Asfara wouldn't be able to guarahat they wouldn't tell the outside world about it. Rather, it would be more likely that rumors about it will spread like wildfire.

  "But My Lord, My Lady... If it isn't too much to ask, you have mentiohe harvesting of magits and minerals, am I correct?" ［Asfara］

  "Ah, yes, we did... Is it perhaps the territory's property?" ［Grey］

  "Yes, you could say that. Actually, you could say my first master left it untouched in case of emergencies. Our hidden reserve, you could say." ［Asfara］

  "I... I see... Sorry...." ［Grey］

  As for why it was hidden from the outside world, it was food measure. One of the previous lords and Asfara's first master deliberately hid all the good things from the sights of many for times of need where they would be of great help.

  While it was true that many of the magits around were native to the caves, a couple of them were introduced by the first master and grown with care so that his desdants could use them whehe need arises.

  Of course, the ores were also included. However, it is to be hat such ores aren't abundant like the usual ore deposits. The pockets of ores are much smaller pared to others and are not very abundant as it seems.

  The first master was a great person, knowledgeable in magic of all sorts. He had already determihat such a small pocket of ores would only st the territory a couple years at most, so it was best to save them for when dire situations arrive.

  Thankfully, such a situation has yet to e, and for the duration of the time Asfara has been around, Arihal has been prosperous and bustling. It was also the reason why the current Lord is still in the dark as there was not a need for him to know.

  "I see... Your first master sure is an amazing person, huh... But... Doesn't that mean that we were taking what was meant for the people?" ［Grey］

  "S-Sorry! We didn't really mean it! I-I'll returhing I tht now!" ［Yuna］

  And hearing of his strey and Yuna couldn't help but be flustered by them taking the hidden resources the first master reserved for the future geions. Arihal has yet to y their eyes upon them, but they've already taken them.

  Yuna was especially guilty, looking quite frantic with panid fusion brewing in her heart. The happiness she once felt whilst colleg the materials was now gone, only a guilty sce taking its pce.

  The young dy may love colleg materials and all sorts of things, but she actually has quite a strong sense of justice. She 't tolerate people being unfair to others and the same applies to herself. She just looked like a vilin in her own eyes,

  "There's no need, My Lady. You have them if you want." ［Asfara］

  "B-But! Aren't these for the people?! I-I'm not a thief, you know?!" ［Yuna］

  "That's not what I meant, My Lady. I simply want to give you a present. You sider it my gratitude for fixing the caves," ［Asfara］

  "R-Really?! I really won't give them back if you don't take back your words right now! Are you really sure about that?! Really, really sure?!" ［Yuna］

  "Yes, My Lady, I hope you like it." ［Asfara］

  "Y-Yaay～! Thank you so much, Asfara! I'll gdly accept it!" ［Yuna］

  It was a roller coaster of emotions the young dy just felt. From great excitement and happiness, to guilt and dread, and now, to ecstasy and gratitude. It hasn't been long sihey've met, but she already went through a lot.

  Asfara wasn't lyiher when he said Grey and Yuna could have the magits and ores they harvested, words filled with siy. However, Grey couldn't help but notiething a little bit off about the massive Tarlgan.

  "And? The real reason is?" ［Grey］

  "Hahaha. Wo you've noticed, My Lord." ［Asfara］

  "I hate to break it to you, but I actually have quite the sharp eyes." ［Grey］

  "I see... There's no use hiding it then..." ［Asfara］

  The real reason why Asfara easily hahem over to Grey and Yuna was her than popution trol. The magits have been growing unnoticed for far too long, and it has goo the point that it bees a hindrao the caves.

  If left unsupervised for a couple months, some of the pnts would tend to row and shift the ban the ecosystem of the cave system. There were even times when it reached the hidden ke and started b him.

  Of course, Asfara has been keeping an eye on them, and ing up some of the areas slowly by himself. It was a relief that most of the magits were edible, so he only o eat them to dispose of them, his side dish after the s.

  However, despite how much he s up, the magits and the flora always mao somehow row, so it has been causing a headache for him. It was actually a relief that Yuna ed the pce up with her h skills.

  "I see... So we're your little helpers, huh..." ［Grey］

  "I apologize if that sounds rude, My Lord, My Lady. But I'm really thankful that you helped me out. You sider the ores as a sign of gratitude." ［Asfara］

  "Hmm... Then would it be alright to drop by from time to time? You don't have to up the magits and I also get them easily! It's a win-win!" ［Yuna］

  "Ohh! That would be very much appreciated, My Lady. Though it may be bothersome for you, I'm more thaed if you could do so." ［Asfara］

  "Great! That's a deal, then!" ［Yuna］

  One way or anrey and Yuna also themselves a reasure trove of rare and precious resources they could harvest from every couple of months. Yuna was especially excited, eyes sparkling like the torchstones around them.

  Though Asfara doesly know how strong they were, he has been a little bit nervous around them even when he greeted them calmly. After all, they could bring ruin to Arihal at just the slightest slip of the tongue.

  Thankfully, such a thing didn't happen and rather, he found them to be quite humble and level-headed, not funting their ranks even ohroughout the whole time. He was greatly relieved, now able to heave a sigh of calm and serenity,

  "ht. I pletely fot. The name's Grey, and this adorable elf over here is my partner, Yuna. We're the party 'Aster'. It's a pleasure to meet you, Asfara." ［Grey］

  "Un! It's o meet you, Asfara. We'll be in your care." ［Yuna］

  "The feeling is mutual, Lrey, Lady Yuna. I'll be in your care as well." ［Asfara］

  The introdu was soon over, and with most of the major topiow fihe sound of waves started to echo once more. Asfara took a deep dive once again and swam out of the surface as if it just remembered something.

  It wasn't long before it returo the hidden ke, resurfag with a rge aquatic beast in its mouth. It measured about 7 meters ih and was bigger tha white sharks, its blood trig down the hidden ke along the water droplets.

  "I apologize for the wait." ［Asfara］

  Asfara soon dropped the beast in his mouth, a subtle thud resounding in the air as he pced it in front of Grey and Yuna. The closer they were, the bigger and gra seemed, looking especially impressive at very close distance.

  It was "Ditra", another k aquatic beast which resembles that of a massive, rown Bass. It was equipped with sharp teeth and tough scales, making it quite the dangerous enemy when inside bodies or water.

  Of course, much like the Vargdius from before, Ditra are also known to be quite delicious, many people from the on people all the way to the nobility enjoying its meat during special occasions and sav them with smiles on their faces.

  "Please sider this a weliure from me. I hope you like it." ［Asfara］

  "Like it... It would be more appropriate to say we're surprised. Are you really sure you want to give them to us? k beasts aren't cheap, you know?" ［Grey］

  "Un! With a size this big, it could go for more than a huhousand!" ［Yuna］

  "It's fine, Lrey, Lady Yuna. These things are iing the rivers, anyway. So one or two of them shouldn't be a problem. Or is it that you're dissatisfied with this? I catch bigger prey, if need be." ［Asfara］

  "No, no, this is more than enough..." ［Grey］

  Grey and Yuna were a little bit hesitant after receiving so many presents from Asfara, but whe it in such a way, there was no way they could refuse him. Else, he might deplete the river of its resources, trying to please them.

  It hasn't even been long sihey introduced one another, and Asfara was already eager to offer them some hospitality. With such a kiure like that, it was only natural that they respond in kind, smiles blooming on their faces.

  "Then... Shall we show you a good show, Asfara?" ［Grey］

  "A show...? All of the sudden...?" ［Asfara］

  "Yeah. As you said, you also sider this as our thanks. I'm sure you'll like it." ［Grey］

  There was no time to waste. With Asfara still lost in text, Grey quickly whipped out their ever so reliable portable kit and utensils, surprising the former making his eyes almost pop out of their sockets.

  What followed was a mountain of ingredients to go along with the Ditra from flgs, salt, ents, spices, and many more. They alsht out some of the seafood they caught a couple days ago, the Krakeaking the highlight.

  CHOP CHOP CHOP

  The knives ran through the Ditra, slig and dig the tender red meat until they were minced into small, beautiful portions. The meat was red and fresh, shining just as brightly as the glowing hidden ke before them.

  Salt and spices drizzled from above and caressed the thick strips of meat, spread fvorfully as to make sure all portioasty. A bit of lime and lemon into the mix, and the seasoning was dohe sound of sizzling oil eg soon after.

  It didn't take long before the sides turned golden brown, flipped ever so quickly and another sizzling session going on. The fish were soon raised from the pan, and pced atop some part paper, letting them rest for a while.

  The frying tinued and a mountain of fried Ditra formed in but a jiffy. Soon, the st piece ced, but the hands had yet to stop. Sauces were soon made, one sweet and spicy, the other sour and creamy, and stly, oh soy saud lime,

  "Grey, I'm doh the fried Ditra. I'll start with the other ones, okay?" ［Yuna］

  "Sure, go ahead. I'm just about finished on this side too." ［Grey］

  Whilst Yuna was cooking, so was Grey. He is now baking a giant cm over medium heat, making sure to distribute heat evenly with fire magic. A fragrant smell wafted in the air, the aromatic st of spices and savory smell of cms joining hand in hand.

  Of course, Grey didn't just start cooking the cms by themselves. To season it, there was garliions, parsley, lemon juice, and a bit of salt and spices. He mixed them in a mixture, then poured it over the cms along with cheese and butter.

  Steam rose from the cms, and a harmonious orchestra of warm and inviting sts danced in the air, a could of steam f as Grey removed the cms from heat and pg them over a rge bowl for everyoo enjoy.

  "Amazing... Just amazing... I didn't know Lrey and Lady Yuna were so capable of cooking such dishes... Not to mention, the ingredients used..." ［Asfara］

  "Our Master and Mistress are awesome, right?! They're the best!" ［opus］

  "That's only to be expected of our Master and Mistress. There were even times when they cooked Garudas ahan." ［Kentaurus］

  "L-Leviathan?! And Garuda too?! That's beyond amazing already!" ［Asfara］

  And whilst Grey and Yuna were cooking the remaining dishes, the familiars were all getting along with one ahey have summohem to apany Asfara, but why hought they go along so well with one another.

  Well, the same couldn't be said the first time Asfara saw them. The moment Grey and Yuna summohem, he was actually frightened and dumbfounded with just how powerful they were. They were all familiars, but they were in a totally different league.

  Thankfully, because of opus and Vega's eid friendly nature, they quickly got along and the other familiars joined in as well. Now they are all watg the two cook, the familiars boasting of how incredible Grey and Yuna were.

  "Fufufu! They sure are getting along well." ［Yuna］

  "Well, it's better than fighting, isn't it? It would have been troublesome then." ［Grey］

  "Don't wrey! Our familiars won't lose, you know?" ［Yuna］

  "Yuna... That's not the point, you know..." ［Grey］

  Grey and Yuna tio move their hands and hahe fmes, bubbling and running waters, sizzling and bubbling oil, g pans and utensils, and crag fmes. Su orchestra tinued, ringing to the beat of the wind.

  What followed after the cms were Garlic Butter lobster which Grey had done many times before already. They weren't just normal lobsters either, but giant E-rank Bck Lobsters, which is not only hard to catch but very delicious as well.

  Grey first prepared the lobster, washing it and soon putting it inside a cauldron, a bit of , salt, pepper, and a couple of spices mixed until it came to a boil. The tender lobsters were then cut in half, revealing the tender meat inside.

  The pan was readied and the spices were sautéed with butter. A bit more of garliions, scallions, and chives into the max, and the butter was soon added to heat, bathed in golden liquid, yet another fragrant smell wafting in the air.

  The lobsters were removed from heat and served into its ptes, a sprinkle of greens to finish the decorations and also a couple drops of soy saud grated cheese to spice things up a little. Meanwhile, Yuna...

  "Grey, you pass me the pepper, please." ［Yuna］

  "Alright, here you go, catch." ［Grey］

  "Un! Thanks!" ［Yuna］

  She is also tinuing to cook, now using the Krake from before to make some camares. She had already sliced up the meat and marihem in a mix of salt and spices, then dipping it towards a coating of flour and bread crumbs.

  SIZZLE SIZZLE SIZZLE

  The sound of sizzling and bubbling ing once more, and the strips of Kraken were put into the oil and fried. It formed a sea of bubbles, a sour and salty st drifting afloat in the air, c the floating strips of white meat.

  It wasn't long before the strips turned golden brown and they were taken out of the sizzling oil. After they pced atop some trays and part paper, another batch of Kraken strips were fried and the cycle tinued.

  Grey and Yuna tio cook, baking, grilling, frying, and steaming all seafood to perfe until they were all tasty and juicy. There were also grilled eels, crab stew, squid rolls, takoyaki (from Kraken), and many more. It was a fiesta.

  "Everyone, please help us out～!" ［Yuna］

  It wasn't long before everything was finally cooked, and the dining tableー or rather, the piiket was set, a whe of dishes lined up oer another and all sorts of colors filling the air, appetite-arousing fragrance drifting all over the pce.

  Asfara had seen all sorts of dishes before, but never one Grey and Yuna cooked. It was a shame that he couldn't shapeshift like Grey and Yuna's familiars, but the two were siderate enough to cook him extremely rge portions.

  """"Thank you for the meal!!""""

  There was no time to waste, and with their prayers sent above, everyone quickly dove into the botes before them, a rush of rid savory fvors flooding their mouths, a nid aromatic st apanying it ly.

  The Grilled Ditra was crispy and tasty, the Baked Cms were chewy and savory with a tinge of zest, the Garlic Butter Lobsters were juicy, a bit salty, and fvorful, the Kraken Camares were juicy, savory, and immacute. Eae was delicious!

  Asfara eechless at the taste of the dishes, uo utter a single word. He had tasted all sorts of s before, be it raw or cooked, but never as good as the ones Grey and Yuna cooked. It was a fantastic experience.

  "Fufufu! What do you think, Asfara? Do you like it?" ［Yuna］

  "These are incredible, Lady Yuna, Lrey! I've never had anything like these before! You really are great people! I'm in awe!" ［Asfara］

  "Fufufu! I'm gd you liked it!" ［Yuna］

  The meal tinued and there was only warmth and happiness in the air. Everyone had a bite of everything, filling their mouths with joy as they indulged in a hearty meal, full of chars, giggles, and ughter.

  "Hey! Sed Brother, that's mine!" ［Pro］

  "It's not my fault you're so slow～. Eat Faster～." ［opus］

  "Fufufu! It's okay, Pro. I still have some here. Let Big Sister feed you." ［Vega］

  "No! Get away from me!" ［Pro］

  Of course, there were also shenanigans where the familiars pyed around with one another, opus and Vega especially being naughty, and Pro raging about. It was a meal as lively as usual, Grey and Yuna smiling ever so warmly.

  "Yuna, here, open wide." ［Grey］

  "Ahh～!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, there was flirting as well.

  "Do you like it?" ［Grey］

  "Un! I love it!" ［Yuna］

  CHAPTER 410 END