"Mmn～! So tasty and juicy! The sauce is just right, too! I knew it! Nothing really beats a meal after a good day's work!" ［Yuna］
"Ohh! This is amazing, Mistress! I could eat these all day, everyday!" ［Hadar］
"Fufufu! That makes me blush a little!" ［Yuna］
"Hey, you two, don't talk when your mouth is full." ［Grey］
Warm yet gentle sunlight, flowerbeds filled with blooming flowers of all colors, subtle drips and drizzles resounding from the fountain, and the sound of light laughter and sweet giggles drifting merrily in the air. The sky is blue and bright as can be.
The 3rd bell of the day had long rang, and noon was upon the city. The busy workers have come out of their workplaces to take a fresh breath of air and sate their rumbling stomachs with some tasty treats from the stalls.
Of course, Grey, Yuna, and their familiars and spirits are no different. They are now partaking in lunch in their newly built plaza, wonderful decorations finally completed and all sorts of little delights to be seen if you look hard enough.
It has been almost a week since Grey and Yuna started the grand-scale construction of the mall, and finally, they have now finished everything there is to the finish. From the interior designs, to the little sculpting details, and the mall as a whole.
Unsurprisingly, despite the mall being such a massive structure, it took them over 6 times the amount of time to finish the interior design and details compared to building the mall itself. The amount of work they placed was nothing short of insane.
"Mmn... I wonder when we can dine inside the mall... It would be really nice if we dined every once in a while, right?" ［Yuna］
"Sure, and then everyone will finally know how much of a glutton my Dearest Fiancée is. I'm sure they'll be surprised by how well you can eat." ［Grey］
"Hmph! I'm still a growing girl, after all! And I'm sure it would be a lot of fun! We can also play games once we're done eating! We can also go shopping! Ah! We can also go watch in a theater! Grey! Malls are amazing!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha! How many times have you said that already?" ［Grey］
"But, I mean! It's just so amazing! You must've had a lot of fun on Earth, huh... Going to malls and all those kinds of things!" ［Yuna］
Asked the young lady innocently and earnestly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation as she awaits Grey's answer. It was a question which made Grey think back to his previous life on Earth, memories lingering mostly from his high school days.
Like any normal high school boy, he had been to a mall several times. Be it hanging out with his friends, just buying out some things, simply cooling down from the heat of summer, and even some unpleasant memories he never wants to think back on.
Grey also experienced spring when he was still on Earth, and there was a single time he asked a girl out on a date in a mall. However, due to his nervousness, he pretty much screwed everything up, making the whole day a terrible mess.
It was the one of the many reasons why they never hit it off and also the reason why Greyー No, Matteo remained single throughout his entire life. It was a very dark and embarrassing memory, better buried down in the dark confines of the abyss.
"Grey... Is there something wrong...? You look horrible..." ［Yuna］
"No... Nothing... I just remembered something unpleasant..." ［Grey］
"Something unpleasant... Is it another woman?" ［Yuna］
The young lady asked another question, sending shivers down Grey's spine as hairs throughout his whole body stood from fear. There are times that Yuna is extremely sharp, but now was the worst time it could have possibly happened.
"Grey... Were you really thinking of another woman... While in my presence? It must have been quite a fond memory, huh?" ［Yuna］
She was smiling, however, her eyes begged to differ. There was an ominous aura emitting from Yuna, enough to make one shiver just by sensing it. It was the smile of a demoness, ready to pounce on her prey at the slightest mistake.
"N... Not really...? I don't actually remember much of what happened then... In fact, I don't even remember her face. All I know that it was a disasterー" ［Grey］
"Oh my? You...? With your ability...? You 'don't remember' anything? You aren't trying to fool me now, right, Grey? You aren't, right...?" ［Yuna］
"Haha... Hahaha... Right, my ability... Haha... My ability... Yes..." ［Grey］
It was no laughing matter, Grey's eyes shifting at high speeds as he tries his best to avoid Yuna's gaze. She really isn't the type to be overly jealous, but it may also have been because he has been teasing Yuna too much lately that she finally snapped.
Of course, in such a horrifying situation, there is only one thing a man can do. Grey quickly steeled his heart and prepared for what's before him, soon bowing his head and admitting his wrongsー or at least, he was going to. However...
"Pff... Pfft... Pffpff... Puha... Pff... Pfft..." ［Yuna］
... When he saw the face of the young lady, he finally realized what was going on. It was a face filled with joy and mischief, extremely elated that she got to get back on Grey after all his teasing. She wasn't even jealous in the first place.
"... Yuna... You... You were just toying with me, weren't you?" ［Grey］
"Pfft...! Puha! Puhahaha! Hahaha! Sorry, sorry, but it's just that it's rare that Grey gets so flustered. Since I had the chance, I might as well. Hahaha!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Dammit... And I was so nervous as well..." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I'm not so petty to be overly jealous of someone you liked in the past, you know? After all, the one beside you right now, is me, and that's all that matters! Though, it was a nice treat seeing you flustered. Fufufu!" ［Yuna］
As it turns out, Yuna was just using the opportunity prepared before her to get back on Grey for always teasing her. She was far from jealous, just mischievous. She almost gave Grey a heart, and yet there she was, giggling to herself.
Meanwhile, Grey couldn't even start to describe the fear he felt at such a moment, easily intimidated by Yuna's scary eyes. They weren't just eyes of someone acting, but eyes ready to kill. Was it real or not... Only Yuna knows the true answer.
"Haah... You almost gave me a heart attack... You got me good there." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! I got the idea from the book Helen lent me. It was really interesting and also had a lot of sweet things! Let's read it together sometime!" ［Yuna］
"So it was Helen's book again, huh..." ［Grey］
"Un～! It was Helen～!" ［Yuna］
Grey couldn't even laugh at the current situation, only a wry smile on his face as he emphasized the word "again" in his statement. He already lost count on how many times Helen had caused him a headache. She is such a handful of a friend.
Of course, Grey already had a thorough heart-to-heart talk with the said culprit, yet somehow, it just doesn't seem to work. By now, Grey had already given up on the thought of resisting, not even wanting to try. It was totally hopeless.
"But... It's not like I wasn't even a little bit jealous... I'm still your fiancée, after all. I'd be sad if you think of another woman like that." ［Yuna］
"Yeah, sorry... I'll make sure to make it up to you." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! It's decided then! In that case... Grey, didn't you say that your first mall date was disastrous?" ［Yuna］
"Haah... Don't even get me started about it. It was terrible from start to finish, and I didn't even have fun. What I'll give to forget such a memory." ［Grey］
"Fufufu! Then just keep remembering it, because when the time comes! I'll show you what a proper mall date is! I'll override that memory with a new one! I'll make it so that you'll only think of me and no one else!" ［Yuna］
A proud declaration echoed in the air, a bright and confident smile blooming on the young lady's face. She puffed her chest like a proud child, eyes burning with passion as she promised such words to her beloved. Grey could only chuckle.
From terrifying to sweet, the mood had shifted once again. It may be because the familiars are in their wolf pup forms and the spirits are wandering around the garden, they have completely forgotten there were others beside them in the plaza.
Meanwhile, the aforementioned others could only eat in silence. They have already gotten used to how spontaneously sweet and flirty their masters are, not wanting to deal with it, and only wanting to enjoy their meals.
"Hahaha! How bold!" ［Grey］
"Of course! I'm your fiancée, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. Right you are... I'm looking forward to it, My Dear." ［Grey］
"Un! Please do! I'll make it a day you'll never forget!" ［Yuna］
After such a bold declaration, Grey and Yuna then continued their lunch, enjoying their sweet time under the blue sky. It was as if they were having a picnic, yet not really at the same time. Regardless, it was a time filled with joy and laughter.
Soon enough, the afternoon finally came and everyone was finally done resting. At the same time, the walls of the construction site opened and many people started pouring in, everyone's eyes filled with curiosity and amazement.
The said people are amongst the many refugees Grey and Yuna brought to Galderia, numbering over 200, consisting of both adults and many of the older children. The remaining ones are back at the inn, watching over the younger children.
They are now here at the site for the assignment of the spots and helping out with all the finishing touches for their respective shops and spots. It was also the perfect time to familiarize themselves with the place and get used to handling people.
"What a fantastic sight... I have seen it a number of times already, but it never ceases to amaze me... Such a masterpiece..." ［Melchor］
"To think that it only took a week to construct such a massive building... Even the word 'Impressive' couldn't even begin to describe." ［Teresa］
"It truly is... I'm speechless..." ［Barrion］
As for everyone's reactions... Well, there was nothing more to say. Everyone was in awe and admiration as they tried to take in the unbelievable scenery before them. They have already seen it from afar, but up close was completely different.
Even the people who had seen it multiple times couldn't help but have their mouths hanging in agape, still unable to fathom how such a construction method was possible. They couldn't even discern whether it was a dream or not. It was too surreal.
"Then, Mister Melchor, Mister Barrion, Missus Teresa, we'll leave the assignment of workers to you. We already labeled the spots, so it should be quite easy." ［Grey］
"Un! Here's some instructions and manuals too! Please don't hesitate to call us if you ever need something or if you have any questions!" ［Yuna］
"Hahaha. We will surely do so, and you can leave it to us, Your Highnesses. We will make sure to never betray your expectations." ［Melchor］
"Fufufu! That's too far, Mister Melchor. Just your thanks is enough!" ［Yuna］
"Then we will make sure to thank you every day. We will forever be grateful for the grace you have shown us." ［Melchor］
Said the aged man as he bowed his head, Barrion and Teresa following soon after. After them, the others also bowed their heads with only gratitude beating inside their hearts, forever grateful for the kindness and benevolence the two had shown them.
Of course, everyone knew well how awkward Grey and Yuna were when receiving such overwhelming gratitude. They didn't bow their heads for long, and simply put smiles on their faces instead, eyes sparkling brightly.
"Then, everyone! Let's get started! Let's make Their Highnesses proud!" ［Melchor］
"Ohh!! For Their Highnesses!"
"Let's do this! Let's get moving!"
Though, as it seems, their eagerness and enthusiasm still has much to say. Everyone soon headed inside the mall with their hearts burning greatly with determination, then heading towards their respective spots and places.
They were already taught by Grey and Yuna what to do and how to make items to be sold, so all that's left was to familiarize themselves with the new equipment and the different environment. They are quick learners, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Grey and Yuna had also made sure to consider the sensitivity of the refugees when it came to other people. They made sure to place the ones still scared of other people in the back to make goods, and the others to deal with the customers.
It may take some time before they could finally move forward, but working in a place where they can see a lot of people, even in their break time only, was a useful step to prompt them. It was necessary for change.
"Lord Grey! Lady Yuna! We've arrived! Can we get to our spots now?"
"Ohh～! How fancy～! Are we really going to work in this place?"
"So this is the shopping mall, huh... It feels like a dream!"
Soon enough, after the refugees, many local shop owners soon arrived. They are amongst the partners Grey and Yuna had signed contracts with, people who will also be taking spots in the mall and paying up rent monthly.
Most of them are food shop owners, but there are also some services which would be perfect for the mall. They are chosen shops and stalls which wouldn't really impede the businesses of the many shops in the central market.
Like the refugees before them, the local shop owners soon headed towards their respective shops and took out their own equipment, designing their spots and filling everything with life and color, prettying everything up.
In just a little bit over an hour, the whole place was already bustling with life, many people already familiar with the place with only a few finishing touches to be done. In just a couple more days, the whole place would be good for a test run.
"Waah～! It's the mall! So pretty～!" ［Galvin］
"Galvin! Don't just run recklessly! You will trip yourself!" ［Elnart］
"It's okay! Big Bro Grey and Big Sis Yuna are here!" ［Galvin］
After the local shop owners, soon came Cedric and the children. They have decided to stop by and see how much progress has been made over the week, and they were not disappointed in the slightest, only amazement in their hearts.
The mall was bigー no, it was gargantuan. Even the Aldridge mansion which was already massive was nothing to the behemoth before them. Not only was it massive, it was also complete with details from the ground to the tip of the highest spires.
"I can't believe it... You really finished it in a week..." ［Cedric］
"Fufufu! Time is of the essence, after all!" ［Yuna］
"Haah... There's a fine limit to how much you can use that saying... Normally, this would take several years to make, but you did it in a week. Do you even know how absurd this looks right now?" ［Cedric］
"Then, you better get used to it. Who knows what we'll do in the future," ［Grey］
"Haah... Forget it... I don't even want to think about it..." ［Cedric］
There was no use thinking about it. Grey and Yuna are already outside the realm of common sense, so comparing them to normal standards would just cause a terrible headache. It was better to accept things as they are, no matter how terrible.
After a little bit of a chat, Grey and Yuna then took everyone for a tour around the shopping mall, touring them around from the outer plaza, to the outer stalls, and all the way to the main building, from the ground floor up.
The whole place was so massive, it took them several minutes to explore a floor despite it being relatively empty for now. One could only imagine how busy it would get once the mall is finally open and customers start flowing in.
"Waah～! The stairs are moving!" ［Galvin］
"Hey, Galvin, calm down! You'll fall at this rate!" ［Elnart］
"Fufufu! How fun～!" ［Yuna］
After the ground floor, they then moved up the 2nd floor using the escalators, a face full of excitement blooming on Galvin. There are already similar mechanisms to an elevator in Merusia, but an escalator was a strange sight. It was a furious thing.
Thankfully, Grey and Yuna already thought ahead and installed safety mechanisms around the escalator. Other than the medieval-style balustrade, they also installed an invisible barrier to prevent people from falling off.
Well, it wasn't only the stairs, but the open spaces between floors as well. They made sure to rig all places with safety mechanisms, making sure accidents never happen inside the mall. It would be disastrous and troublesome, after all.
Other than that, the whole mall is also equipped with all sorts of magic tools from air conditioning items, to adjustable lights, to a sprinkler system, and many more. It may be made in a jiffy, but it was not inferior to malls back on Earth.
"Ohh! Games! So many games!" ［Galvin］
"This is the arcade. Here, we can play all sorts of games and also win tickets which we can later exchange for prizes by the counter. It's still not fully operable yet, but some games are ready to be played." ［Grey］
"Ohh... Then can we give it a try?" ［Cedric］
"Sure, please go ahead." ［Grey］
They explored all throughout the 2nd floor and went to the 3rd floor soon after. There, they played a lot of games and enjoyed themselves the best they could. It didn't take Cedric and the kids to get the hang of the games, having a lot of fun soon after.
There weren't just the arcade and the theater on the 3rd floor, but also a game shop where one could buy all sorts of games and toys. There still wasn't a lot of display, but it would surely be popular to the younger population.
After a while, everyone then headed to the 4th floor and had some delicious snacks, and finally, they headed towards the rooftop. A sight full of life and colors greeted them ever so warmly, joy springing in their hearts.
"Kids, we have a playground over here～! Would you like to join me?" ［Yuna］
"Yeah! I want to play with Bis Sis Yuna!" ［Galvin］
"M-Me as well! Wait for me, Older Sister Yuna!" ［Elnart］
From the outside, it would look like a simple medieval european-style roof, but in reality, it was actually just reinforced glass enchanted with illusion magic. From the outside, it will look like a tiled roof, but from the inside, it will be clear glass.
It is a happy place located on the rooftop, a skypark consisting of the various and colorful flowerbeds, a large central fountain, a playground for children, a place for shooting pictures, benches and resting areas, and many more.
It hasn't even been open yet, but Grey was sure that it is going to be one of the most crowded places in the mall once they finally open. They might need some space-distortion enchantments to make the place a little bit bigger in the future.
'Space distortion... Looks like I have to work even harder, huh...' ［Grey］
Unfortunately, such high-level enchantments require one to be at least at the level of a Legendary Enchanter. It might take Grey some time, but it will be an investment worth looking into in the near future.
"The place is already complete, but that makes me wonder... Grey, have you already thought of a name for the mall?" ［Cedric］
Out of the blue, Cedric asked such an important question. It was one Melchor and the others had also asked Grey, and it has been several days since then. Of course, after some deliberate thinking, Grey finally came up with a name.
"Yeah... We're naming it 'Esperanza'..." ［Grey］
"Esperanza, you say... Quite the peculiar name..." ［Cedric］
"Hahaha. It's not a word you hear everyday, after all. But in an ancient language, it's a name which means 'Hope'... Isn't it quite fitting?" ［Grey］
Ancient language, he says... But in reality, what Grey was referring to was Spanish back in his previous life. Well, not that there's any need to mention that to Cedric, the young man simply happy to give the mall a name.
To many, the mall may just be an amazing piece of engineering and architecture, but to the refugees and the poor civilians who were given a second chance in life, it was a place which symbolizes hope... Hope for a better future...
At the same time, Esperanza also means "Expectations". It may take a while, but Grey and Yuna want the people to have expectations for themselves, goals they want to achieve. They want them to live not so that they can repay their favors, but for themselves. They want them to be free.
There was no better name Grey could think of.
"Hope, huh... Hahaha. It fits quite well. What a pretty name." ［Cedric］
"Hahaha. Thanks. It took me quite a while to think of it." ［Grey］
"Well, it's worth the effort. I'm sure it will be a name which will be etched into people's minds sooner or later. You should be proud of yourself." ［Cedric］
"Haha... If you put it like that, it's a little embarrassing..." ［Grey］
Said the young man as he scratched his cheeks. Yuna always says he loves Grey's naming sense, but when it comes to other people praising him, it feels just a little bit awkward. Though he doesn't dislike it, he still feels a little embarrassed.
With everything done and dusted, Grey and Cedric soon followed after Yuna and the children to play with them. It was a time filled with happiness, giggles and chuckles resounding in the airー Or so they would have loved to...
"E-Emergency! Y-Your Excellency, it's an emergency!"
... However, life is never that easy...
CHAPTER 460 END