Lucy patted her cheeks to cheer herself up. "Let’s go and discuss the mission with Erza now!"
Lucy had no intention of sacrificing her happiness for her father’s business ambitions. For her, the wealth or poverty of the Heartfilia family didn’t matter. The only thing of real significance in that house was her mother’s grave.
Ultimately, the three of them selected a mission to defeat a dark guild.
Yes, three people.
Natsu initially intended to continue training, but since his sparring session with Rhodes hadn’t fully satisfied him, he decided joining a real mission would let him fight so more.
Happy didn’t participate in the decision-making as he was busy feasting with Warm in the kitchen.
Visually speaking, Worm had beco so plump he could barely squeeze through the kitchen door, though luckily, his fluffy fur and soft body helped.
The cook, who observed Worm growing fatter each day, seed delighted, exhibiting the satisfaction of soone whose livestock was nearly ready for slaughter.
Thus, the cook enthusiastically continued feeding Worm.
If not for everyone’s collective effort, Rhodes wondered how much strain his wallet would have endured.
Raising a pig wasn’t easy, and Worm ate even more than any pig he’d ever seen.
Rhodes quickly organized today’s job requests, posting them individually on the bulletin board before settling quietly nearby to watch Mira calculate yesterday’s finances.
Mira glanced at him but said nothing, continuing her work. After finishing, she stretched comfortably.
Rhodes admired the sight, quite impressed.
"Why aren’t you off reading a book?" Mira suspected he wanted sothing.
"Books aren’t as interesting as you."
"Stop talking nonsense. I need to leave soon. Mr. Cook asked to buy so supplies."
"Hold on a second." Rhodes gently held her hand, stroking the finger with the wooden ring. "We should talk about marriage."
Mira’s cheeks turned rosy again. "Marriage...what about it?"
"The date. The master asked yesterday, but we didn’t have an answer. Now that we’re free, let’s discuss it."
Mira playfully pouted. "You weren’t in such a hurry before proposing. Why the rush now?"
Rhodes scooted his stool closer, leaning into her gently. "Tis have changed. Who wouldn’t want to bring such a beautiful wife ho as soon as possible?"
"You’re quite the charr." Mira tilted her head, briefly resting it on his shoulder. Realizing it wasn’t appropriate at the mont, she quickly stood straight again.
"We’ll talk more later. I’ll give you plenty of ti to prepare properly this ti." Mira glanced around cautiously, seeing no one watching, and softly kissed his cheek. Picking up her bag with a cheerful smile, she added, "I’m going shopping now."
"Drive our luxury ride," Rhodes called out playfully, summoning the crab. He said it with the confidence of a husband offering his wife a Ferrari for grocery shopping.
He couldn’t accompany Mira. Master Makarov had left early that morning to gather important news, and soone needed to remain at the guild.
It wasn’t until late afternoon, approaching dinner, that Makarov finally returned with two significant pieces of news, though it was unclear if they were good or bad.
The first news was that Jellal had been captured.
Just yesterday, fishern from the Kingdom of Caelum had found Jellal drifting in the sea.
After pulling him onto their boat and confirming he was barely alive, they quickly brought him to a nearby coastal clinic. However, he was soon recognized as a dangerous criminal who had posed as a council mber. Imdiate basic first aid was provided, and authorities were notified.
Normally, such a criminal would be handed over to the Magic Council, but since the Council had not yet resud normal operations, Jellal was transferred to the Royal Guards’ custody, imprisoned in the kingdom’s most secure facility.
Further details remained scarce, and given his severe injuries, he might still be undergoing ergency dical treatnt.
The second news related directly to the Magic Council.
First, the person who directly destroyed the ERA headquarters was identified as Ultear. Her current whereabouts remained unknown.
Both Ultear and Jellal were officially dismissed from their council positions.
After a thorough review, forr Council Chairman Crawford Seam was found negligent for allowing Jellal and Ultear to infiltrate the council.
Additionally, Crawford was deed derelict in duty for failing to attend the ergency council eting and not stopping the firing of Etherion, nearly enabling Jellal’s destructive plan.
Due to these offenses, Crawford was dismissed from his position. However, considering his many years of contributions to the magical community, no further punishnt beyond dismissal was imposed, allowing him to retire peacefully.
Of the remaining seven council mbers, six hastily approved the firing of Etherion upon rely hearing Zeref’s na, raising suspicions of potential complicity.
These councilors would undergo a detailed investigation. Half had already resigned from guilt, though a thorough inquiry was still necessary.
Yajima was the only council mber who consistently opposed the use of Etherion. Consequently, he was cleared from suspicion swiftly.
So even suggested that Yajima remain in office to assist in reorganizing and rebuilding the new Magic Council.
But Yajima declined the offer, stating that he had reached retirent age and was stepping down.
Before leaving, however, Yajima recomnded that they consider appointing Org.
Although Org frequently clashed with Fairy Tail and often sought to punish them for causing trouble, his disagreents with Yajima stemd from differing views, not ill will.
It was precisely because of their many debates that Yajima ca to respect Org’s earnest approach to his work, his unwavering integrity, and his genuine concern for the common people.
Yajima no longer wished to get involved in politics. He simply hoped to use his savings to open a small restaurant and enjoy the peaceful life he’d always wanted.
"That’s the update they’ve sent ," Makarov concluded. He couldn’t help but envy Yajima a little.
His old friend had finally retired, while he himself still had plenty of worries on his shoulders.
"Anyway, there’s no clear tiline for when the Magic Council will resu normal operations. We’ll have to continue managing regional order ourselves. Which ans our next routine coordination eting... and don’t give that look, it’s important."
"I know, I’ll go with you," Rhodes replied. "But either before or after that, you’ve got to give us a few days off."
"Why are you always asking for vacation ti?"
"We need money to prepare for the wedding. You don’t want Mira and embezzling guild funds, do you?"
"..."
Makarov was silent.
But deep down, he didn’t entirely oppose the idea.
After all, the guild’s funds were often used to temporarily advance mission paynts, with mbers slowly repaying over ti.
If Rhodes and Mira urgently needed funds, letting them borrow a bit would be fine. Neither of them would ever default.
In fact, most of the guild’s day-to-day power had already shifted into the hands of the younger generation. If the two really wanted to, they could probably empty the entire guild’s vault and no one would notice until it was too late.
"Wait... Master... What’s with that look? It’s creeping out," Rhodes said nervously. "Why do you look so pleased at the idea of us embezzling guild funds?"
Rhodes couldn’t help but suspect he was imagining it... but he really wasn’t sure.
...
Bonus Chapter
Stones PLZzzzz
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