https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-130-I-ll-Never-Drink-Too-Much-Again/12810364/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-132-The-Mastermind-the-Evil-Sorceress-Mirajane/12810366/
Chapter 131: Rod, Can You Write a Report?
Chapter 131: Rod, Can You Write a Report?
Mira changed back into her usual outfit, leaving on just one additional bracelet.
Rod also returned to his normal life, his heart a bit lighter.
When everyone woke up, they tidied up the disarrayed tables and chairs, repaired what was broken, and then went about their business—those who needed to go home did so, those who needed to work got to it, and those who wanted to chat continued their conversations.
Makarov watched the children who, after cleaning up the guild, went to check the job board. He felt both comforted and concerned.
He thought carefully and then tentatively asked, “Rod?”
“What is it, Master?” Rod was trying to convince Mira to go to the rest room for a nap.
She claimed she hadn’t stayed up all night, but it was clear she was sleep-deprived.
“Do you want to team up with someone again?” Makarov glanced at the troublemakers by the job board, “How about Alzack?”
“Master, I just got back. I’d like to rest for a few days.” Rod saw right through the old man’s subtle intentions; he was being too obvious.
“Fair enough.” Makarov felt a bit embarrassed and sighed regretfully.
Rod was puzzled, “Why are you so worried? I remember Alzack is usually pretty steady and doesn’t cause much trouble.”
Mira stepped in to explain, “It’s because Alzack’s been having some issues lately.
After the Harvest Festival, he took on two jobs. Everything was going smoothly, but he kept zoning out at crucial moments, almost hitting the wrong targets.
Especially the last time, the client complained that Alzack’s magic bullet grazed his ear, which was quite scary.”
“Serious stuff,” Rod frowned, “If this keeps up, someone could get hurt.”
Mira stifled a yawn and continued, “Not to that extent yet, since Alzack usually uses paralyzing bullets, which wouldn’t cause serious harm if they hit. But this state isn’t good.”
“Zoning out at crucial moments, lack of focus… I think it might be due to lack of rest. He needs a good night’s sleep,” Rod said, looking at Mira. “What do you think?”
Mira gave him a playful glare, “Yes, yes, after I finish the accounts from yesterday…”
“I’ll help you with that. I’m good at math, I never scored below 140 on my exams.” Rod snatched the pen and ledger from her.
“…” Mira didn’t understand the scoring system, but from his expression, it must be impressive.
She blinked, not wanting to refuse his offer, “Master, I’ll take a short rest. You can talk to Alzack.”
“Ah, you’ve worked hard too,” Makarov nodded, realizing Alzack should take a break.
He looked at Rod and then at Mira, both such reliable children.
…
More than a week had passed since the Harvest Festival, and the festive atmosphere in Magnolia had faded.
With most of the tourists gone, the bar was back to its usual state, with only guild members and a few local residents as patrons. It wasn’t as busy as before the festival, so they could manage without Mira for a while.
However, when someone wanted to take on a job, the master had to decide whether to approve it. Rod was still far from being able to handle such responsibilities.
He could help with registering, stamping, and finding information, easing the master’s burden. He was familiar with the process, having watched Mira do it many times.
Makarov glanced at the diligent Rod.
The job files were usually off-limits to anyone other than him and Mira.
But letting Rod take a look… it didn’t seem like a problem, so he didn’t say anything.
Makarov suddenly realized how much this young man could do, whether it was leading missions or managing the guild. He seemed to excel in everything he did.
Not just good, but excellent.
How I wish I could just dump everything on Rod, Makarov thought to himself.
Although it might be a bit tough... but there’s always Mira. With the two of them splitting the work, it wouldn’t be so bad.
Makarov fell into deep thought for a moment before suddenly asking, "Rod, do you know how to write a report?"
"Huh?" Rod’s pen paused. Why would he suddenly ask about reports?
"You know, those reports the guild members have to submit to the Council when they cause trouble."
"Don’t even think about it. I won’t write a single word for you."
Rod said firmly, "I just did something good for the guild, and Gray practically bled for it. Why should I be the one writing reports?"
"...I wasn’t asking you to write one right now."
"Even tomorrow, no way." Rod replied, "I suggest you get started soon. Tomorrow, you might have to write another one, and the day after that, another one..."
Makarov gradually turned to stone, the kid’s words were way too harsh.
"President Makarov, hello! Rod, you’re back! It feels like I haven’t seen you in ages."
"Brother Goodman! I just got back yesterday... there was a welcome party, so I’ve been at the guild and haven’t had time to go home."
Rod was pleasantly surprised. Goodman occasionally dropped by the guild for a drink, but it was rare. Including this time, Rod had only seen him twice.
"Why are you here? Do you have a job to commission?"
"No, just needed a break after being busy for a long time. Speaking of which, you were quite active during the Magic Parade, weren’t you?"
"Don’t mention the Magic Parade. It was embarrassing." Rod skillfully poured a drink for Goodman, "By the way, I have some gifts for you."
Rod pulled out a beautifully carved wooden figurine, a piece of intricately patterned fabric, and a small toy that looked like a bamboo helicopter from his luggage.
"Isn’t this too valuable?" Goodman’s family was in the woodcarving and weaving business, and he could tell these items were quite expensive.
"I brought them back from the south. They’re cheap there, just with unique craftsmanship. I thought you might like them."
Rod fished out a charm hanging from his keychain, "Consider it a thank you for the gift you gave me."
"That was just a regular charm, it’s nowhere near as valuable as these..." Goodman played with the wooden figurine, feeling guilty about accepting such valuable gifts but reluctant to give them back.
To Rod, the value was the same, if not higher. "In my eyes, they’re the same. No, this charm might even be more valuable."
Goodman didn’t know Rod’s background or the circumstances he faced back then. For Rod, every bit of kindness from a stranger was incredibly precious.
"Then, I’ll accept them with a bit of shame?" Goodman genuinely liked the gifts. He was thinking about reducing the rent next month, "Molly and Byle will love them too. I’ll bring them by to thank you in a few days."
Rod waved his hand, "They’re just small tokens, no need to be so formal."
Goodman reluctantly set the gifts aside and, holding his drink, asked about Rod’s journey and chatted with the guild master about recent happenings in Magnolia.
Once he saw the two of them engrossed in conversation, he went to chat with Macao and Wakaba. The three of them occasionally discussed family and children.
After helping them register for a mission, Rod saw a somewhat disheveled man approach the counter: "President Makarov, I want to join the guild and Reby’s Engine Team."
(End of Chapter)
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