The sky was blue and white, patches of bck to be seen as birds of all colors flew along the sky's vastness. The ground which would normally be brown and green was now all white, thick yers of snow to be seen all over the pce as the cold breeze howled relentlessly.

  Yet in such cold weather, hundreds upon hundreds of people huddled up, or rather, lined up, creating a slithering band which stretched a couple hundred meters. All the carriages, horses, and people waiting to get ihe city in front of them.

  "Wow... It could even rival the capital's..." ［Julius］

  "Not to mention the snow too... I must be difficult for them..." ［Amelia］

  ents came flyi and right from Julius and Amelia as they watched the long line before them. They had just exited a nearby forest and dismouhe familiars. Now, they would also be lining up along the people in front.

  "Alright, let's get going thー Waah!" ［Julius］

  Julius was about to head straight towards the city when a certain hand grabbed the colr of his coat from behind, making him slip and fall. The owner of the hand was her than Grey who was now looking at the former with pt in his eyes.

  "Oi, you bastard! What was that for?!" ［Julius］

  "I should be the one asking you that? What do you think you're doing when we agreed on using our alternate identities?" ［Grey］

  "Ah, right... I pletely fot..." ［Julius］

  A punch-worthy expression pstered on his face, Julius was basically asking to get hurt. The group had already reviewed their pns just retly and he already fot them. If it weren't for the fact that he rind they were friends, Grey would have given him a serious beating already.

  Like a robot perf its tasks, Julius simply stood up, patted away the snow on his clothes, and lined up property after everyone else. It was as if nothing just happened. He was pletely back to his thoughtless, easy-going self.

  The pn was simple. It was just to use their alternate identities to ehe city, not stand out, participate in the Labyrinth of Fmes, and go home. With those four things in mind, they lined up peacefully, chatting merrily amongst themselves.

  Time passed and more snow gathered in the viity. If it weren't for the workers sweeping the snow stantly, even the highway would have been buried in thick, white snow. Such ses tio pass as people moved along slowly.

  "Dammit... I really miss the royal carriage..." ［Julius］

  "Stop whining. You sound like a spoiled child." ［Grey］

  "Shut up..." ［Julius］

  Julius grumbling about the long liime tio flow and more and more people ehe city. Strangely enough, even when a lot of people have gone in, the length of the liill stayed the same. It really was worth being called the queen city of the north.

  "Your ID cards, please."

  After more than half an hour of waiting, it was finally their turn. It was nothing too plicated. They simply haheir cards, the guards ied it, and they were givery to the city.

  No matter how much they've seen it, it really was amazing. Not only do their alternate cards protect their identities, it also works iionally. They don't eveo have them reissued for ead every try, only one is enough. Magic is amazing!

  "Wele to the city of Kosalvier!"

  "Dear ers, would you like to buy some bread?"

  "We have hot coffee here! Hot coffee for cheap!

  The very moment they passed through the gates, a cacophony of noises weled them warmly, filling their ears with festivities they have never heard before. Sweets, fliers, crafts, and all sorts of things were sold left and right at the very entrance.

  A red, brown, yellow, or blue, all sorts of colored houses filled the streets left and right. Some made of wood, some made of stone, some with bricks, but all were topped with a roof filled with snow. A glorious sight was served before their eyes.

  The streets, despite receiving the same amount of snowfall, weren't as buried, only thin yers of snow to be seen. Not only do workers them up regurly, each stone brick was also ented with warmth to melt the cold, preventing the slipping and falling of the passersby.

  Street mps, pirees, street stalls, and children running all around. Despite the ess of the climate, the city was as lively as any before it. No matter where one looks, each side and er is full of life and happiness.

  "Waah～! Look, Grey, a snowman!" ［Yuna］

  "H-Hey, Yuna, be careful!" ［Grey］

  Of course, it was only proper to repay such a warm wele with a bright smile. Such was worn on Yuna's face as she went around the city, snowfkes falling on her head as she pranced around the pce, eyes filled to the brim with excitement.

  After her, Grey, Juliis, and Amelia also went ahead and explored the city with her. Without any real dire in mind, they just went where their feet took them aed with a variety of series served to them.

  The city founder's statue, the winter park, the tral pace, the cathedral, there were a lot to be seen. It was still early noon so they still had a lot of time to spare and look around. They arrived at the best time.

  "Oh, I heard they also have snow flardens here." ［Julius］

  "Really?! The's goー" ［Yuna］

  Grolllll

  Yuna punched her hands towards the sky, but rather than aed squeal, a low grumble was what resounded in the air. The source was her than the silver-haired elf's stomach, her faow slowly turning red from embarrassment.

  One couldn't really bme her. It was already noon, after all. They were all just too excited that they pletely fot they hadn't had lunch yet. Still, the timing of the growl was just too much. Who wouldn't be embarrassed?

  "Pfft.. Uhh, how about weー Pfft... Have lunch first? Pfft..." ［Grey］

  "Grey, stop ughing!" ［Yuna］

  "I'm not... Pft... Laughingー Pfft." ［Grey］

  "You clearly are! You meanie, I said stop ughing!" ［Yuna］

  Yuna pounding lightly on Grey's shoulder and Julius and Amelia looking at the two with warm eyes, everyone looked around the streets food restaurant to have their lunch. It didn't take them too long to search as there were quite a lot of wonderful restaurants to choose from.

  Through a process of voting, what everyone ended up choosing was a restaurant plete with a drink bar and a cafe by the side. It wasn't too crowded so they were able to pick a table for four quickly and had their seats. It was a lucky pick.

  Atop the table, there were a couple of menus dispyed at the table rack, and as one would expect from a high-eablishment, the number of dishes to pick from was mind-boggling. Just the number of pages alone was astounding.

  "Good day, dear ers. What would be your orders?" ［Waiter］

  It hasn't even been long sihey had their seats and a waiter already approached their table to serve them. He olite and attentive, greeting the four of them with a professional smile which wouldn't lose out to anyone.

  "Then, we'll be having..." ［Grey］

  Oer another, dishes came out of Grey's mouth. After him, Julius, Amelia, and Yuna also had their picks. While they'd like to sample every single dish they haven't tasted yet, there were just too many dishes on the menu. They would surely not all fit oable.

  Well, that and the fact that Julius and Amelia were with them. Grey and Yuna could still remember the foundiival where they still ate even though they were full just so that food wouldn't be wasted. They don't want a repeat of such a bitter memory.

  A few minutes passed and dish after dish, the dining table was filled with colors. Some were steaming hot stews, some were freshly grilled steaks, and others were soft white bread. All in all, what the table was han a feast.

  "Waah～! So this is what they call 'bleeding bear stew'... It's so viscous! And the meat is teoo! I never knew bear meat would be so soft..." ［Yuna］

  "Hahaha, that's because there isn't any bear meat io begin with." ［Grey］

  "Eh? Really?!" ［Yuna］

  "Of course. What use would lyio you? It's actually made of venison and a couple northern spices. I hear it's quite delicious." ［Grey］

  It was just like Grey said. The restaurant's signature dish, "Bleeding Bear Stew", is a venison dish which is popur everywhere in the north. It got its name from a certain folk tale wherein a bear was hunted after getting attracted to the smell of the stew.

  Other than the Bleeding Bear Stew, there were also a number of peculiarly named dishes in front of everyone, ranging from "g Silver Rabbits" to "Dead Wolf's Wish". Needless to say, each was unique a of all, they were also exquisite delicacies throughout the north.

  """"Thank you for the meal!!""""

  Glee aement pstered on their faces, everyone dug to their meals, and their faces grew brighter when they did. The dishes' names may be peculiar, but the taste aure were the real deal. They were all top-notch.

  Ptes piled up higher and higher and the number of gsses only increased. It was the first lunch they had in the north, but a deep impression was also engraved in their hearts and tohe taste of the nds covered in snow.

  After lunch, their destination was he tral district of the city. It was still early iernoon but the group decided to search for an inn they'll be staying at. They wouldn't want to spend the night outside, after all.

  "Is this the pce?" ［Julius］

  "Hm... It looks quite fancy, doesn't it?" ［Amelia］

  After a couple minutes of walking, everyone finally stopped. In front of them ure-white building, rger than mansions with four storeys. On its signboard was engraved a white lily with leaves green as the forest opies, a blue butterfly resting atop the flower. It was a hard sign to miss.

  The inn is called "Emerald Lily". It was reended by the waiter of the previous restaurant, saying it is a good pce with exempry serviot only that, it has a hot bath service as well. There wasn't anything to lose in cheg such a famous pce.

  g g g

  Chimes resouhe air as soon as they opehe doors, a rge hall greeting them as soon as they stepped foot inside. Just as one would expect, the interior was even maudy than what was outside. There was even a delier in the lobby.

  Of course, what kind of inn would be plete without a receptionist. Up in front, a beautiful dy in her early twenties greeted everyoh a smile. She was a rabbit therianthrope, soft looking and adorned with white, fluffy ears.

  "Good day, how may I help you?" ［Receptionist］

  And there it was, the signature line of every receptionist. They haven't even headed to the ter yet but they were already asked such a question. With such a bright smile on the receptionist's face, they have no other choice but to head there and che already.

  "Excuse me, how much is a room here?" ［Grey］

  "That would depend on what kind of room you'll have. We have singles, doubles, triples, and rge rooms avaible. It would be an additional fee for the hot bath and for every meal." ［Receptionist］

  "Hmm... Then twe rooms please, breakfast, dinner, and bath included. We'll be staying for 10 days." ［Grey］

  There wasn't too much to think about. There were four of them so twe rooms were needed. As for the breakfast and hot baths, they were ies. It was just like when they che in other cities, only that there are more of them now.

  After Grey's statement, the receptionist quickly totaled the amount, and while she was doing so, Grey wrote down their (alternate) names in the register. It wasn't long before the total came out, and needless to say, it was quite high.

  "The total is 12,800 kiels!" ［Receptionist］

  "A-Ah, yes..." ［Grey］

  The sound of a shattered heart echoed at the mention of the total. Grey had already expected it, but it still hurts hearing it first hand. Not only was it a high-css inn, there was also a hot bath. It was only to be expected.

  pared to the Rabbit's Den, the prices were more than four times higher. It was, without a doubt, the most expensive inn he has stayed at, both past and present lives. The more he thought about it, the more his heart ached.

  "Then, we'd also be having twe rooms pleaseー" ［Julius］

  "Hey, what are you doing?" ［Grey］

  "Availing a room. What else?" ［Julius］

  "But I already got rooms for all of us, though." ［Grey］

  "Eh?" ［Julius］

  "Huh?" ［Grey］

  Question marks floated in the air as Grey and Julius stared each other in the eye, silend awkwardness looming over them. Evehe receptionist in the middle didn't fet to smile. She was also just as fused.

  "Wait, wait, wait, hold on! What do you mean you already got a room for us?! Didn't you only get two?! One for Elena and one for you!" ［Julius］

  "Hah?! Are you stupid? Me and Elena will be sharing a room. That means you and Lia would be sharing the other ohat's obvious!" ［Grey］

  "Ehh?! M-Me and J-Jules?! Sh-Sharing a room?!" ［Amelia］

  Chaos desded upon the lobby the very moment. Grey and Julius were arguing, Amelia was getting more and more flustered, Yuna was minding her own business, and the receptionist couldn't help but just smile despite the chaos.

  Yet despite their harsh remarks and the chaotic atmosphere, everyone was able to use their alternate names fwlessly in front of the receptionist. Even Julius, who was usually thoughtless, mao do well. It was the produany days of practice.

  "You bastard, don't just decide for yourself that we'll be sharing a room!" ［Julius］

  "What's wrong with that?! Aren't you two engaged?! It's not strao share a room then! Don't be such a wussy!" ［Grey］

  "Who're you calling a wussy, you bastard?!" ［Julius］

  "Who else?! Wouldn't it be the spoiled brat who couldn't even man up and share a room with his fiancée?!" ［Grey］

  The argument only grew fiercer by the sed, curse words flying here and there as they reached the climax. The most pitiful one was the receptionist who was still smilie the chaos. She wasn't paid enough for it.

  In the end, it was settled that Julius and Amelia would be sharing a room. Not only was the rooms already paid, Grey's arguments about them being engaged also went through them. The engaged couple headed to their rooms, faces flustered.

  "Haah... That was tiring..." ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he opehe door, a click, cck, and creak resounding in the air soon after. Another click echoed as he flicked the light switch, illuminating the room and serving them a wonderful sight.

  A rge, white bed in the middle, intricate ets and drawers by the side, high-quality furniture and appliances. Heck, there was even a dining table and a small kit set for their personal use. It ractically a small high-css inium.

  "Waah～! The bed is so fluffy!" ［Yuna］

  Of course, the very first thing Yuna did was unch herself towards the bed. She then rolled, squirmed, and fpped around as she experiehe warmth and fort all for herself. She was like a little puppy who just got loose.

  "Hey, Yuna, don't be th." ［Grey］

  "I 't help it! We've been camping for a week, you know? I miss being able to y down fortably like this!" ［Yuna］

  "Well, I suppose that's true..." ［Grey］

  Said Grey as he pced down their belongings and closed the door. He then loosened his outfit, letting him breathe more fortably as he sat down the bedside beside Yuna, missing the fort of a proper bed as much as the tter.

  While the sleeping bags weren't bad, they weren't as good as beds. The warmth, the softness, the fort, and everything a bed could offer is just on another level. Oh, how Grey wished he could experie iravels.

  'Hm? Couldn't we just do that?' ［Grey］

  Then it hit him. There was nothing stopping them from doing so. They have both "Iory" and "Sanctuary". The only problem was where to put the bed itself, but such isn't something too hard to solve. It was actually very possible.

  "Grey, are you thinking of something naughty again?" ［Yuna］

  "Nah, not at all... Yuna, how would you like being able to sleep on beds while camping? Wouldn't that be nice?" ［Grey］

  Yuna's ears perked at the very mention of the words "sleep on beds while camping". She was surprised to the point she subsciously sat up, surprise traced on her face as she looked at Grey in the eyes. She was ied.

  Well, one couldn't really bme her. No matter which adventurer or traveler hears Grey's statement, they would be having the same rea. Though in their case, they would be looking at Grey with disbelief rather than surprise.

  "Grey, please tell me!" ［Yuna］

  "Well, I was just thinkingー No, on sed thought, I think I'll just be keeping it to myself, after all..." ［Grey］

  "Eh?!!" ［Yuna］

  "I mean, not even my girlfriend trusts me. I'm just thinking of something naughty, after all... Yeah, it's just a silly pn..." ［Grey］

  "N-No, th-that's..." ［Yuna］

  Of course, Grey wasn't going to tell Yuna without teasing her first. Now, the cute silver-haired elf was flustered, trying to find excuses for her previous statement. She anig all the while stuttering on her words. Grey never knew she would be so adorable.

  "I-I mean, th-that's, you knowー" ［Yuna］

  "Pfft." ［Grey］

  "..." ［Yuna］

  "..." ［Grey］

  There was silence, silence like that of a graveyard in the dead of the night, not a single soul to be seen. Such silened over the room as Yuna looked at Grey with lifeless eyes full of disbelief.

  "Grey, did you just ugh?" ［Yuna］

  "No... pfft... I wasn't... pfft..." ［Grey］

  "Mou! You're teasing me again, aren't you?!" ［Yuna］

  Well, it wasn't long before she figured out Grey was just poking fun at her. Now, her face was red from embarrassment as she pounded Grey's chest, the tter just ughing untrolbly all the while such a thing was happening.

  After the shenanigans were rey finally discussed his ideas with Yuna and they were able to create a master pn. It retty simple. They only o build a house on the "Sanctuary" and use it for traveling. It's as simple as that.

  'Well, it shouldn't be too hard, right?' ［Grey］

  Such a thought entered Grey's mind as they fiheir pns, but in fact, it was very hard. Though, for now, Grey and Yuna are still enjoying their time, unaware of the difficulties which y ahead of them.

  After making their pns, Grey and Yuna then headed out of the room a up with Julius and Amelia. It was still early afternoon and so they decided to spend the day expl the city until the st bell of the day rings.

  It was already expected, but when they met the two outside, there was only silend awkwardness looming over them. Their faces were red, uo look each other in the eyes, clearly embarrassed about sharing a room.

  "Oh, Julius, your face is red... Are you having a fever?" ［Grey］

  "Shut up. Who do you think is the reason for this?" ［Julius］

  "Huh～? I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, my friend～. Well, we could always go back to our rooms if you're not feeling well." ［Grey］

  "You bastard...!" ［Julius］

  Well it didn't matter what kind of embarrassment he was in, Grey would be more than happy to poke fun at him. Not that Julius would just back dowher. Yuna and Amelia could only sigh as they watched the two.

  "Alright, let's go to the snow flardens!" ［Grey］

  "You bastard, don't ge the topic!" ［Julius］

  "Hmm... I wonder what those flowers look like..." ［Grey］

  "Oi, stop pretending you don't hear me!" ［Julius］

  Julius barking like an angry wild dog, Grey maintaining his calm facade despite wanting to ugh out loud, and the two girls only showing traces of for the two in front of them. Such a se tinued as they walked dowreets.

  The snow tio fall and the chatter and ctter of the streets filled the whole city. A world of white and frost was all there is, but despite the freezing wind, the city couldn't be any warmer. A paradise covered in snow.

  CHAPTER 177 END