Corridors cool and spacious, floors made of tiles painted various colors and laid out in various patterns, ceilings high above, supported by large pillars and arches, and a beautiful scenery of the gardens outside with flowers in full bloom.

Such beautiful scenes transpired with each step, soft and silent clacks echoing gently as soles hit the tiles. A few figures traversed the place, their gem-like eyes wandering freely, admiring the wonderful landscape. A treat of beauty and elegance.

"I have already heard from His Majesty, but I'm still a little surprised that Your Highnesses chose our humble estate over the other territories. Even now, it still feels quite unreal." ［Abraham］

"Well, when His Majesty asked, Marquess Beldon's words from before were the ones which stuck in my mind. And... There's no need to be so humble. The Marquisate is a lovely place to be in." ［Grey］

"Yes. Though it was short, from our little tour, we could only see smiling faces. We heard it was all because of the Marquess' efforts. Your subjects must be happy to have you as their Lord." ［Yuna］

"Hahaha. That's too much praise, Your Highnesses. I'm only doing what I ought to do. It's all because of my wonderful vassals." ［Abraham］

Stifling. Too stifling. Though it seemed like a normal conversation and everyone was smiling, the formality was still too much to bear. Even Yuna's casual "Uns" have become formal "Yeses". It was actually really burdensome.

In fact, before they had a stroll, the Marquess was showering Grey and Yuna endless praises and gratitude for curing his son and wife. It was too much, Grey and Yuna could barely remember half of what she said.

Though Grey and Yuna could still remember the Marquess being fine with casual language, today was different. They were attending a formal invitation, after all. They, as well, also needed to act just as formal.

"And Your Highnesses... Like I said before, there's no need to force yourselves to act formally. Please speak in the way you find the most comfortable." ［Abraham］

Well, it was actually them who thought it was necessary. The Marquess, on the other hand, doesn't really mind a casual way of speaking. Even though he himself speaks formally out of habit, he preferred it if the others spoke comfortably around him.

"Ah... We're we too obvious?" ［Grey］

"No, not at all. I just figured since I heard from His Majesty that you aren't exactly fond of such things." ［Abraham］

"Haah... His Majesty, huh... We'll be taking you up on that then." ［Grey］

"Please do so." ［Abraham］

It was a weight off their shoulders. And it wasn't just speaking. After the confirmation from the Marquess, they also relaxed their bodies, loosening up the tension. It was still more comfortable acting casually, after all.

"Then, shall we continue our tour of the mansion?" ［Abraham］

"Un. Please, and thank you." ［Yuna］

The stroll around the mansion continued, and a lot of sights were shown one after another. There was the central fountain, the main garden, the greenhouse, the training grounds, and many more. It took them several minutes just to do a single lap.

Throughout the whole stroll, Grey and Yuna couldn't help but notice something about one of their companions. It was the Marchioness. She has been very quiet the whole time, acting meek and only showing a gentle smile, anxiety and nervousness painted on her eyes.

Grey and Yuna have heard a couple rumors here and there about the Marchioness from their time in the capital. And compared to the vile and vicious she was described as, the one before them was simply shy and reserved like a prim and proper lady.

"And here we have theー" ［Abraham］

"Y-Your Excellency! W-We have some news from Lista!" ［Janus］

"Janus, didn't I tell you I will be guiding Their Highnesses today? If it isn't anything of great importance, just leave it by my office. I'll look into it later." ［Abraham］

"I apologize, Your Excellency, but it's an urgent matter..." ［Janus］

Tension was in the air, the Marquess torn whether he should prioritize his duties as a host. He looked between Grey and Yuna and back to Janus, unable to pick the right choice. It was a difficult dilemma.

"It's fine, Abraham. Please take care of the matter at hand. I'll take over touring Their Highnesses. Please leave it to me." ［Vilma］

For the first time since they arrived, the Marchioness finally opened her mouth. Her voice was like that of an angel's, sweet and soft, drifting slowly in the air and carrying the same dignity and authority as her husband.

"Would that be alright...? I know you've already recovered, butー" ［Abraham］

"Abraham, please rest assured. I am the Lady of the house. It's also my responsibility to accommodate our guests. I will do my utmost best as long as Their Highnesses are fine with me." ［Vilma］

Commented Vilma, her eyes soon swimming over Grey and Yuna's direction, asking for their approval. Well, there wasn't too much to think about. It wasn't long before Grey and Yuna gave their answers.

"I have no problem with it." ［Grey］

"Un. Me too. It's also fine with me." ［Yuna］

Grey and Yuna's approval at hand, there was only so much the Marquess could do. He once again looked at Janus whose eyes were full of urgency, heaving a lengthy sigh as he resigned himself.

"I apologize for my lack of courtesy, Your Highnesses. But you can rest assured with my wife. I'm sure she will give you the best tour around the mansion. I will see you all later at lunch." ［Abraham］

"Then, it seems like we have no choice but to look forward to it." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! I'm getting excited!" ［Yuna］

Smiles of reassurance on Grey and Yuna's faces, the Marquess could finally feel relief bloom in his heart. Soon enough, with Janus by his side, he then left for his office, slowly inquiring the latter of a brief summary.

The only ones left behind are the Marchioness, Grey, and Yuna, a silent atmosphere looming about them. Though Grey and Yuna had nothing against the Marchioness, the same couldn't be the same for the other. They were both a little worried about the mild expressions on her face.

"Then, Your Highnesses, is there anywhere you would like to go? I may not be the best, but I will serve you to the best of my abilities." ［Vilma］

The Marchioness asked, acting as if there were no problems. She was wearing a gentle smile on her face, expressions soft as once can be. Though Grey and Yuna were both curious about what was up, they didn't inquire any further.

"Well, if it's alright, we'd like to continue the tour of the mansion, please." ［Grey］

"Understood. If that's what Their Highnesses wishes." ［Vilma］

Curiosity still lingering in their minds, the tour of the mansion continued and a lot more places were visited. Be it the stables, the main hall, the kitchen, the gallery, or the many rooms in the mansion, they explored as much as they could, satisfying their interests and curiosity.

They weren't just simply looking at the places either, the Marchioness also gave them a brief explanation about the places and sections of the mansion. It reminded Greu of the school tours he once participated in. It was nostalgic.

"And that concludes our tour of the mansion. Is there any more you would like to see, Your Highnesses?" ［Vilma］

"No, it's more than enough. It's a very wonderful place. I could see why the Marquess would be proud of it. It really is like a gem." ［Grey］

"Un! Especially the greenhouses, they were very beautiful. Both the plants and the decorations. It seems like a nice place to relax." ［Yuna］

"Fufufu! I'm more than happy to hear that Your Highnesses enjoyed it. I'm sute Abraham would be delighted by your praises." ［Vilma］

Soft laughs echoed in the air, the Marchioness gently covering her mouth with her left hand, as if hiding her smile. Even then, she couldn't hide the worried expressions on her face. They were still clear as day.

"Ah, but I do have one question... Is that alright?" ［Grey］

"Of course. I'll do my best to answer your questions." ［Vilma］

"Then, umm... Marchioness Beldon, are you alright? You haven't been looking fine for a while now. Is something wrong?" ［Grey］

To Grey's question, the Marchioness froze in place, silence looming over the place. She thought she hid her expressions quite well, but she still couldn't escape the sharp and observant eyes of Grey and Yuna.

"Haha... It seems like I can't fool Your Highnesses' eyes." ［Vilma］

The Marchioness laughed, gloom noticeably present in her voice. The color in her eyes quickly faded as she looked towards the ground, a blue and anxious expression finally showing on her face as she tightly gripped her dress.

"Marchioness Beldon, if there's something wrー" ［Yuna］

"Your Highnesses, please forgive mine and my son's previous foolish actions! I know it is impertinent of me to ask of this, knowing Your Highnesses were also the ones who cured our conditions! I ask you this not as the Marchioness but as a person, please find it in your hearts to forgive us!" ［Vilma］

A sudden outburst. Such was what echoed in the air as the Marchioness bowed her head towards Grey and Yuna, sweating heavy bullets and cold shivers running down her spine. Her face was pale, body trembling ever so lightly.

It was only natural. After all, even though she heard from her husband that Grey and Yuna were pretty forgiving, she still couldn't rest without giving them a proper apology. She may be a Marchioness, but in her eyes, not only are the two of higher rank, they were also their benefactors. It was a must.

"P-Please raise your head, Marchioness!" ［Yuna］

"No, this is the least I can do to show my sincerity. I know it's unreasonable for me, but I hope you can accept my apology!" ［Vilma］

"U-Un, we understand that, but why are you apologizing in the first place?! I don't remember you ever offending us!" ［Yuna］

Though, a complete opposite of Vilma's train of thoughts, Grey and Yuna actually didn't really mind the previous incidents much. So much in fact that they had actually forgotten that it actually happened.

Vilma was stunned, frozen even. Her mind couldn't comprehend Yuna's words. After all, she has already braced herself for the worst, but who would have thought the people in question actually had no idea about it. She was flabbergasted.

"E-Eh? But... My son insulted you..." ［Vilma］

"Un. That did happen, but... It was understandable from his standpoint." ［Yuna］

"A-And I tried to have Her Highness expelled from the Royal Academy." ［Vilma］

"I did hear about it, but it's not like you did it while you were in your right mind. On top of that, nothing really happened." ［Yuna］

"B-But... I also didn't greet you at the afterparty." ［Vilma］

"That... We don't really hold grudges over that. And the Marchioness was still recovering back then. It couldn't be helped." ［Grey］

Three quick points, and all were shot down by Grey and Yuna. While they may be justifiable worries when done towards other nobles, especially the arrogant and petty ones, to Grey and Yuna, they were simple things they couldn't care much about.

Now, the Marchioness was even more confused. Her mind finally stopped working after all of her worries collapsed in under a minute. She couldn't even begin to explain the confusing swirl of emotions she was feeling.

"Umm, Marchioness Beldon... About the past, we don't really mind it. We know it's not your fault and we aren't blaming you for it either. I think it would be for the best that we forget about all of that." ［Grey］

"I agree. It would only cause you needless worries, after all. And if possible, we'd love it if you simply treat us as friends rather than Heroes." ［Yuna］

Hearing their words, the Marchioness finally felt a relief surge in her heart, feeling silly that she even worried over such things long ago. She was both thankful and happy at the same time.

"Then... Would it be fine if I address you as 'Mister Grey' and 'Miss Yuna'?" ［Vilma］

"Un! We'd love that!" ［Yuna］

"I'm fine with it, too." ［Grey］

Another smile blossomed on the Marchioness' face, but now, it was one only filled with sincerity. There was no more worry nor anxiety, just plain and simple happiness as all of her worries vanished into thin air, feeling like a free bird.

"Miss Yuna, Mister Grey, I know our tour of the mansion is already finished, but... Would you like to see the city as well?" ［Vilma］

"Oh? Would that be alright?" ［Grey］

"Or course! I will show you the best of Gilm you will never forget!" ［Vilma］

It was as if she was a completely different person. As soon as her worries were lifted, the meek and quiet Marchioness was no more. All that was left was a proud lady of the estate, a bright smile flashing on her face.

The Marchioness on the lead, Grey and Yuna were led out to the city. And though it was normal for the Marchioness to bring a couple guards along, with Grey and Yuna around, there was no need to.

"Your Excellency, good morning! Have you been well?"

"Good morning! I have been well, thank you for asking." ［Vilma］

"A fine day, Your Excellency! Would you like to try some apples?"

"Fufufu! Then just one, please." ［Vilma］

"Oh! Your Excellency, please try this too!"

"Your Excellency, have some of our pineapples!"

They haven't ventured out far but the number of people greeting the Marchioness only grows more and more with every step. Each of the city folk that greeted her only had bright and cheerful smiles on their faces, waving their hands hello.

If one were to see them without context, save for the elegant dress, it would seem like she was a simple neighborhood lady wandering around the city. It was easy to see that she was loved by their people.

"Missus Vilma sure is popular, huh..." ［Yuna］

"You can say that again... She's a kind and gentle lady, after all. It's only natural that people gather around her." ［Grey］

"I guess that's true..." ［Yuna］

Grey and Yuna commented as they walked behind the Marchioness. They only observed what was going on, and the more they saw, the more they were convinced of how good of a lady the Marchioness was.

And for such a lovely and kind lady to be turned into such a vile woman before, Grey and Yuna could only get angry at the one who poisoned her. It was fortunate that she quickly recovered, starting a fresh life anew.

"Your Highnesses, is there anywhere you'd like to go first?" ［Vilma］

"No... Anything's fine by me... What about you, Grey?" ［Yuna］

"Anything's also fine with me. I'm sure there are a lot of wonderful places to see here in Gilm." ［Grey］

"Fufufu! You can leave it to me, then. I'll make sure you have the best experience and memories here in Gilm." ［Vilma］

A confident smile on her face, the Marchioness then marched off into the distance and led Grey and Yuna to the best places there was in Gilm, starting from the ever so crowded market all the way to the quietest of museums and libraries.

Of course, as they walked around the city, the Marchioness were given a lot of stuff, time and time again. If it weren't for the storage ring she was using, God knows how big of a mountain she has already received from the city folk.

The morning continued and the sun climbed higher in the sky. Grey and Yuna saw more and more of the city, and their admiration of it only grew. Save for the stables they have somewhat of a bitter experience with, everything was wonderful.

"Oh? A handicrafts shop?" ［Grey］

"Are you curious about it, Mister Grey? If you want, we can get inside the store. I am a little acquainted with the shop owner, you see." ［Vilma］

"If it isn't too much of a bother, then please." ［Grey］

There was no time to waste. As soon as everything was decided, everyone then headed inside the handicrafts shop, the doors creaking as they were opened, accompanied by the usual, gentle chimes.

Inside, it was even more amazing than what can be seen from the glass windows. Handicrafts of all shapes, sizes, and colors could be seen all over the place. From hair combs, shell bracelets, vases, masks, hair pins, and many more. One could find all sorts of things.

If there was anything strange, it was that there were little to no people inside the store even with how beautiful the products were. The culprit was none other than the large number of handicraft stores present in Gilm.

"Hohoho, look who we have here. If it isn't Her Excellency?" ［???］

"Good day, Mister Rotto. How has business been doing?" ［Vilma］

"Well, as you can see... It's quite desolate, only a few customers here and there. Well, I still earn some profit, so it's alright," ［Rotto］

"I see. That's good to hear." ［Vilma］

Just like old neighbors, the Marchioness and the shop owner were conversing with each other in a very casual manner. Though Grey and Yuna already expected that they knew each other from what the Marchioness previously said, they didn't think they would be this close.

Well, it wasn't like it was a bad thing. Grey and Yuna only continued to look around the store for some beautiful items, admiring the beautiful art pieces and questioning the ones which were on the absurd side.

"Anyway, it seems like Her Excellency brought some guests along. Are they perhaps new customers?" ［Rotto］

"Ah, sorry for the late introduction. I'm Grey and this is Yuna. It's a pleasure to meet you, Mister Rotto." ［Grey］

"Nice to meet you." ［Yuna］

"And as you already know, the name's Rotto. Good to see you too." ［Rotto］

Casual as one can be, Rotto extended one of his hands towards Grey and Yuna as a greeting and in return, the two also extended theirs, shaking the former. It was quite refreshing, seeing how Grey and Yuna have been greeted as of recently.

"But Grey and Yuna, eh...? You sure have the same names as the Heroes. Especially with those silver and black hair of yours. They're... very... similar.." ［Rotto］

Rotto's voice slowly died down, finally halting to a stop. He then started rubbing his eyes, blinking rapidly in succession, and repeating the process a couple times. Even then, his eyes only showed the same thing in front of him. A silver-haired elven lady and black haired young man.

Bewildered, Rotto slowly turned his head towards the Marchioness, his eyes asking the obvious question. The latter, receiving such a question, didn't utter a single word, only nodding once in silence. It was then that he realized who they were.

"Y-Y-Your Highnesses?!" ［Rotto］

Well, so much for being refreshing, it was rather entertaining. As soon as Rotto realized who Grey and Yuna were, he quickly fell into panic and started sweating profusely, head turning left and right as if he was searching for something.

"P-Please wait a m-minute, Your H-Highnesses. I-I'll just get s-some tea. I'll b-be right b-back in a jiffyー" ［Rotto］

"No, Mister Rotto, it's alright. Just treat us as you would any other customers. We're just here to look around, after all." ［Grey］

"But Your Highness, that's..." ［Rotto］

"Fufufu! It's okay, really. Thanks to Muster Rotto, we got to see all kinds of wonderful things. Please speak to us comfortably." ［Yuna］

Just like that, Grey and Yuna's words immediately calmed down the panicking Rotto. He then heaved out a sigh of relief, returning back to his normal self, still unable to believe that the people he only heard about in rumors were now standing before him.

Other than that, Rotto was very happy to hear his merchandise being appreciated by such distinguished people. He couldn't help but feel proud of his handicrafts, now more confident of his skills. A smile appeared on his face.

"Then, Your Highnesses, if you won't mind it, I would like to give you a little tour of the store." ［Rotto］

"Oh, we'd really appreciate it. Thanks." ［Grey］

"Hohoho! The honor is mine!" ［Rotto］

Rotto on the lead, everyone walked left and right, exploring every nook and cranny of the store. From the simplest of accessories to the most intricate of decorations, they were given simple explanations, all listening attentively.

There was a light atmosphere about the store, colors and patterns shined brightly in everyone's eyes. The sound of coins clanging as they shimmered softly. Cases were closed and opened with the ticking of the clock.

The fun had just started.

CHAPTER 216 END