CLINK CLANK CLACK CLACK
The spoon moved along the fork, the knife dancing on the plate. A thick slab of meat was sliced, juices soon pouring out as its meaty red goodness was unveiled. It was tender and it was delicious, going well with a savory sip of soup.
The white rice was delicious as well, containing bits of sweetness and starchiness inside, melting into one's mouth and producing an appetizing explosion of flavor. Top it off with a bit of greens and it was a party of flavors inside the mouth.
The young man continued to eat and before him was a lovely young lady, looking at him warmly and watching how he eats his meal. She was smiling from ear to ear, also giggling to herself from time to time as she ate her share.
"So, how is it? Is it delicious?" ［Yuna］
"It's the best. I could eat these all day. Especially this meat... Did you add another spice? It feels different than usual." ［Grey］
"Right～? I added some herbs I happened to mix while doing alchemy some time back. I totally forgot because of all the happenings, but it's good, right?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah... It reminds me of liquid seasonings back on Earth." ［Grey］
"Liquid seasonings... Should I try making that here too?" ［Yuna］
Mumbled the young lady, a couple silly yet ingenious things running inside her mind. There are a handful of liquid seasonings in Merusia, but it's still far from comparable to the ones on Earth. She was excited to try out a new project.
Seasonings and alchemy aside, a day has passed since Grey and Yuna returned to Galderia, the two spending most of their time the day before just lazing around and spending some sweet and comfortable time with one another.
They also had Helen drop by yesterday, greeting them with a rant about Owen even though they just returned. Well, not that it lasted long anyway... As she soon started gushing about her boyfriend when she got the chance. She really was something.
Apart from a couple visits from some acquaintances, there really wasn't anything else noteworthy talking about. If there was, it would be the amount of food Hadar and the others cooked haphazardly just because they were too excited. It was quite the treat seeing pots explode, that's for sure.
"Grey, is there anything else on Earth I can make here with Alchemy? Something for foodstuff would be amazing." ［Yuna］
"Really now, we're already eating, and you're still thinking about food." ［Grey］
"Is there something wrong with that? And it's not just because I want to eat them, I also want to cook you even more tasty and delicious meals, you know? After all! Don't they say, a way into a man's heart is through his stomach?" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. If that's the case, I'm already more than full, My Dear." ［Grey］
"No! I want you to fall even deeper for me! Like really, really deep! It's a must! I only want you to think of me, and only me!" ［Yuna］
"Yuna... You... You've been reading those weird novels again, aren't you?" ［Grey］
Grey asked, but the young lady couldn't answer the question, her eyes shifting away from the former, then eating nonchalantly, trying to bury the topic as soon as she could. There's no debate about it... She was guilty, alright...
Grey wants Yuna to stop reading the books Helen recommends, but he also doesn't want to restrict his fiancée's freedom. He loves her as she is, but he can't help but be worried when she learns all sorts of strange things... Helen really is the root of all evil.
"A-Anyway! That doesn't matter! Just give me the ideas, and I'll make sure to make them! Just trust me, okay?" ［Yuna］
"Hmm... Haah... Alright... I'll try to think of something." ［Grey］
"Yaay～! Thanks, Grey! You're the best!" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, yeah... Can I have more servings of this, please?" ［Grey］
"Okay～! Another serving, coming up～!" ［Yuna］
It was still early in the morning and they were already sweet and sappy, hearts and flowers aflutter in the air. The two continued their breakfast together, happily chatting and laughing with all their silly talks and random topics.
Soon after, breakfast was already over and it was time to wash the dishes. Grey took it upon himself to do so, whilst Yuna cleaned the table and also cleaned up the house while she was at it. With just a little bit of magic, all was quickly done and dusted.
With nothing else to do and a long day ahead of them, Grey and Yuna soon sat down on the sofa and brought out the cards and boards, ready for a day filled with funー or so they wanted to. However... There was a pressing matter they needed to address.
"Grey... Do we really have to go to Cedric? Do we really need to?" ［Yuna］
"Unfortunately, yeah... It would have been good if all the problems were already solved, but since there are so many people involved, making progress is a little...." ［Grey］
"I see... How many refugees came to Galderia again?" ［Yuna］
"Well... If I remember correctly... It should be at least 300, maybe 400?" ［Grey］
"Waah... That's a lot of people..." ［Yuna］
That very problem has something to do in regards to the victims of the previous incident in Aldengard, a lot of refugees now pouring inside Galderia after the victims wished to stay there, feeling more secure wherever Grey and Yuna are.
They are people who have suffered a lot in their time in Aldengard, and would like to start anew in a new place. Not only do they want to start over in their lives, they also want to repay Grey and Yuna for the unforgettable grace they have given them.
The only problem is that it has only been about a week since everyone arrived in Galderia and they have yet to wholly adjust. Some were able to find themselves employment, but their numbers could only be counted in one hand.
Moreover, it seems like most of those who are staying in Galderia are children below the age of 15, some as young as 5 years old. They are one who lack the capability to care for themselves, lambs lost in a forest full of dangers.
"But His Majesty did send help, didn't he?" ［Yuna］
"Well, yeah... Both Kings of Alfrione and Aldengard have sent both financial and livelihood support. It's just that..." ［Grey］
"That they're just temporary measures, right?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah. It doesn't really solve anything." ［Grey］
It was a good thing that both countries are sending in support. However, unless they tackle the root of the problem and provide the refugees with a sustainable lifestyle, then it will be all for nothing. They would just be wasting money.
Thankfully, it seems like many of the adult refugees have already learnt some sort of skills and are good at using their hands, body, and brains. They could probably find a suitable job for them and train them to the best of their abilities.
Even if some aren't good at handiworks and the like, Grey and Yuna could also teach and refer them to the various guilds. Even if they start from the very bottom, they can slowly climb their way up. It was quite the simple problem.
Grey and Yuna already had some experience dealing with businesses and a little bit of job employment in the case of Ross and Marriance, so things shouldn't be as hard as before. All they need is a little bit of time and support.
"That's that for the adults... But the children... It's a big problem..." ［Grey］
"Because they can't work yet, right?" ［Yuna］
"There's that, but there's also the fact that not many establishments hire children below the legal age. It's a bit of a problem." ［Grey］
"How about apprenticeship then? That should work, right?" ［Yuna］
"I was also thinking of that... But we don't exactly know many people who are willing to take one. Especially when they don't know where they are from." ［Grey］
They solve one problem, and yet another one pops up. It was an endless chain of problems which just seems to stretch on forever. No matter how good they are at fighting, there is a limit to how much they can solve other problems.
If there was something to be thankful for, it would be their great reputations. It was quite a bit burdensome having it, but it was something which could come handy right now. Ifhey are lucky, they may be able to solve everything super quickly.
"Haah... It's no use thinking about it... Let's just give Cedric a visit." ［Grey］
"Un! We can also play with the children later!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. It may take some time before we can do that, you know? We have a full plate on our hands, after all." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! It's okay! I can wait!" ［Yuna］
There was no time to waste. Before another minute passed, Grey and Yuna stood up from their seats and headed straight towards the Aldridge mansion. They didn't just walk there, they used the Gate and teleported inside the mansion directly.
"Uwaah!" ［???］
It was also because they appeared all of the sudden that they ended up scaring one of the maids of the mansion. Thankfully, she wasn't carrying anything and she didn't fall down, simply scared and startled, eyes a little bit confused.
"Sorry about that, Miss Audette. Are you alright?" ［Grey］
"A-Ah, yes! I-I am fine, Your Highness!" ［Audette］
It was Audette, one of the maids in the mansion, in charge of serving snacks and refreshments for the young lords of the house. She also doubles as one of their nannies, looking after them whenever it is her turn.
It was because of her job that Grey and Yuna got to know her more than any other servant in the mansion. She was a capable and reliable maid, but for some reason, she is also clumsy and silly. She worries them from time to time.
Other than that, Audette is an excellent person who can do what she is told, and is also one of the candidates for being the next head maid or the house. If there was something to ask about, she was someone they could approach.
"Anyway, is Cedric busy at the moment?" ［Grey］
"Yes...? Do you have an appointment with him, Your Highness?" ［Audette］
"I already gave him a call yesterday, but we haven't settled on a specific time yet. Is he at his office right now?" ［Grey］
"No, not yet... His Excellency had just finished breakfast with the young lords. I don't think he's busy either since most of his schedule for this week and the next has been cleared up... Should I call for him, Your Highness." ［Audette］
"Yeah. Please do, and thank you, Miss Audette," ［Grey］
"Fufufu! It's my pleasure, Your Highness." ［Audette］
With such wonderful news landing on the palm of their hands, Grey and Yuna were then led by Audette towards the parlor, and asked some maids to serve them some refreshmentsー or so how it was supposed to.
However, on the way there, they met a pair of familiar figures coincidentally walking in the corridors. As soon as they saw them, they beamed bright smiles at them as if they had just seen their idols, rushing towards them soon after.
"Big Bro Grey! Bis Sis Yuna! You're back!" ［Galvin］
"Welcome back, Older Brother Grey, Older Sister Yuna. It's delightful to have you back. Are you here to see Father?" ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! That's right. We have some business to discuss, you see." ［Yuna］
It was none other than Elnart and Galvin, greeting them ever so warmly. It seems like they were just about to head to their studies and learn their lectures, but such was easily interrupted the moment they saw the two, studying kicked off their minds.
Their tutors wanted to stop them, but there was only so much they could do. After all, they can't be so rude when in front of Grey and Yuna. It wasn't the first time they saw them, but it seems like they still treat them as great and majestic heroes.
As for Audette, she simply bowed their heads and headed towards the Office. She may be a bit clumsy, but she knows how to read the mood, soon taking her leave before anyone could say a word. She really was reliable.
"Mou... Business? Again? You just came back and you're already talking about work! Let's just play! I want to play!" ［Galvin］
"Galvin, don't be too demanding. Older Sister Yuna and Older Brother Grey also have other matters to attend to. Don't be overbearing." ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! It's fine, it's fine. A little bit of time wouldn't hurt." ［Yuna］
"Really?! Then let's go play rightー" ［Galvin］
"But! Only after you finish your studies. Cedric hired tutors for you for a reason. Unless you finish studying, we won't be playing, okay?" ［Yuna］
Galvin was joyful at first, but such a smile soon turned into a frown as soon as Yuna mentioned his studies. He wasn't really bad at studying, but he prefers to move his body more than moving a pen, wanting to be adventurers just like Grey and Yuna.
As for Elnart, there was nothing left to be said. He has excellent grades in all of his subjects, even studying materials for people a few years older than him. As expected of the next head for the household. He is a genius.
"Uuu... Alright... I'll do my best..." ［Galvin］
"Fufufu! What a good child! That's our Galvin for you～!" ［Yuna］
"You too, Elnart, make sure to study and learn well. We'll treat you both with some nice treats once we return." ［Grey］
"Understood. I'll do my best." ［Elnart］
As energetic as he was, Galvin was also a well-behaved and obedient child. He didn't go against Yuna's words and headed back to where his tutor was, much to the latter's delight. They couldn't thank Grey and Yuna enough.
They waved their hands goodbye, and soon enough, they arrived at their studies. Just in time, Cedric also appeared by the end of the corridors, his subtle footsteps resounding in the air, and a refreshed expression painted on his face.
"It's been quite some time, Grey, Yuna. I assume you want to talk about the refugees, right? Or... Do you have another business to discuss?" ［Cedric］
"No, you're right... It's about the refugees." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. I see... Then, let's head to the parlor, shall we?" ［Cedric］
It was an urgent matter, one which the lives of many people depend on. There was not a single second to waste, everyone soon heading towards the parlor with Cedric in the lead. Snacks and refreshments were also served after them.
As soon as they took their seats, Cedric then snapped his fingers and a number of documents appeared before them. They weren't too many, but not too small of an amount either. They were thick enough to be considered serious matters.
They were none other than documents related to the Aldengardian refugees currently residing in Galderia, including their profiles, their backgrounds, their skill sets, the total budget the castle gave them, some rehabilitation plans, and many more.
"Hmm... How neat... Looks like you already made some plans..." ［Grey］
"You have His Majesty to thank for that. He was the one who organized some ideas and possible countermeasures about the issue. It's been quite some time since His Majesty sent them over, and His Majesty is still sending documents over." ［Cedric］
"His Majesty... You mean King Ernes..?" ［Grey］
"Yes... Is there a problem with that...?" ［Cedric］
"No, not really... It's just a little surprising, is all." ［Grey］
He is usually useless and lazy, but it seems like he can still do his job properly when time calls for it. Well, he probably got scolded a lot of times by the Prime Minister before actually doing something. Still, it was something.
As for the document themselves, they gave Grey and Yuna a quick overview of the situation. Apparently, there are a total of 387 refugees, of which 201 of them are children, ranging from ages 5 to 14. It was more than half.
And in that 387 individuals, only 8 of them managed to find a stable job whilst many are taking small jobs that they can pick. Even then, what they're earning is not even half of what they need to sustain themselves.
Fortunately enough, the Kingdom has released funds for the welfare of the refugees for the meantime. They sent quite a bit of money to resolve the issue, totaling several million kiels, costing the same as a large mansion.
"10 million kiels... That's quite a lot of money, isn't it?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah, enough for all the refugees to go by for the next three years... How did you gather this much so quickly?" ［Grey］
"Hahaha. It's all thanks to you two." ［Cedric］
"To us? We don't recall doing something that special, though..." ［Yuna］
"Well, actually..." ［Cedric］
Taking in refugees from a foreign country, not to mention one located far in another continent. No matter how much one thinks about it, it wasn't a sound idea where the kingdom could benefit from. Rather, they'd only be losing money.
Yet despite such a fact, Alfrione managed to gather such a hefty amount equivalent to about a third of the profit House Aldridge earns in a year. It was a huge amount which could build a few dozen decent houses for many people.
Frankly, the nobles weren't too interested before either. But after hearing that it was a request Grey and Yuna put forward, they immediately started pouring in the funds as if there was no tomorrow, hoping to gain the two's favor.
"I... I see... It seems like our reputation actually has some uses, huh..." ［Grey］
"Nobles are... They sure are interesting, aren't they?" ［Yuna］
It doesn't really feel great being preyed upon by nobles, but if they could use their reputation for the welfare of everyone, then that would be more than welcome. After all, they aren't obliged to pay them back. It was free, and free is good.
Not just that, this also proves that Grey and Yuna's names alone are just that much already. It was burdensome to have such expectations attached to their identities, but it was what they needed for now. If it is useful, then it is only right that they use them.
"Oh, right... I almost forgot to mention.... Actually, we already reached out to a few establishments about this issue, and we already have the approval of some of them. You can see the list on the last page." ［Cedric］
"This is a long list... Since when did you have time to convince them all?" ［Grey］
"Not that long ago, actually... It may not be as good and grand as yours, but I still have my authority and reputation as the Lord." ［Cedric］
"So you also used your name, huh... Looks like we're in the same boat..." ［Grey］
It seems like it wasn't just them whose names were used. Cedric also used his own name to attract some offers from many known establishments. With the latter also wishing to make him owe them a favor, it was easy to hook them all.
Now, Grey and Yuna are under the pressure to make a decision. The room may be quiet and peaceful, but Cedric was boring a hole through their heads with just his stares alone. They knew full well just what it is that he wants.
"Haah... Fine... We'll also lend our names. Just make sure to let it go through the Merchants' Guild first. It would be much safer that way." ［Grey］
"Hahaha. Who do you think you're talking to? I already know that much. Besides, I was already planning to do that since the beginning." ［Cedric］
"So we didn't really have a choice to begin with, huh..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! You got played, Grey." ［Yuna］
"Yuna... Your name is also at stake, you know?" ［Grey］
There was nothing more worth talking about. With their fates already sealed, all Grey and Yuna had to do was sign the documents before them. They read the papers once more, careful as can be, before signing with their mana signatures.
After which, Grey and Yuna read more documents and discussed with Cedric all the steps they have to take in order to sort out all the issues and problems regarding the matters with the refugees, making sure they voice out their thoughts.
There are already all sorts of ideas and measures proposed in the papers, but it didn't hurt that Grey and Yuna expressed their own opinions as well. Before long, they were able to come up with a couple more steps for a smoother execution.
After all, they aren't just going to leave their names and leave everything else to the others. Grey and Yuna also have to move their hands and do their share of work. It was also their responsibility as the ones who promised them a new life.
"Mnng～! That was tiring...." ［Yuna］
Soon enough, they were finally able to finish reading all the documents and making the most they could out of everything they have. Though it did take quite a bit of time, everyone's backs are now aching a little bit.
"Thank you for the hard work, Grey, Yuna. I know that was tiring, but I'm grateful you stuck until the very end." ［Cedric］
"It's not like we have a choice, anyway... " ［Grey］
"Un... We're just victims here..." ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. That's true..." ［Cedric］
It was exhausting, but at the same time, it was also quite gratifying. They may just be satisfying their own greed and personal sense of responsibility, but if it could help out people despite all that, they would be more than happy to extend their hands.
Cedric already knew of the two's nature, but they somehow always manage to give him a surprise every single time. They might not want to admit it themselves, but in his eyes, they are heroes who deserve more than just mere praise.
Well, it wasn't only Cedric who thinks of them as heroes, but a large number of the populace. They had just saved a certain number of people, and he is more than sure that they are forever grateful for them... An idea popped inside his mind.
"Grey, Yuna, this is a little sudden, but what do you say we pay them a visit... The refugees, that is." ［Cedric］
"Hm?" ［Grey］
CHAPTER 453 END