https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-155-May-You-Remember-the-You-Who-Gave-It-Your-All/12810394/
Chapter 156: Could There Be a Plan?
Chapter 156: Could There Be a Plan?
Rod handed the mission report and the IOU to Mirajane. "The mission is technically completed, but we didn't get the reward."
Mirajane asked curiously, "What happened?"
Rod explained the situation at the client's house.
"Since you made that judgment, there's no problem," Mirajane smiled. "Keep the IOU safe."
Rod waved his hand. "You can keep it. I'm worried I might lose it if I take it home."
"Alright," Mirajane agreed without hesitation. "The mission is confirmed as completed. Could you tell me more about how it went?"
Elfman spoke up, "Sis, I want to go home and rest."
"Sure, I bought some apples and persimmons yesterday. They're in the living room," Mirajane replied.
"I know, thanks."
Mirajane watched as Elfman left, then turned to Rod. "He looks pretty tired. Do you want to rest a bit?"
"I don't need to," Rod hesitated. "There's a special reason with Elfman."
He had promised to take Elfman out to cheer him up, but ended up making him even more exhausted. It felt like failing to meet the expectations of a child's parents.
Mirajane asked with concern, "Did you get hurt?"
Rod shook his head. "No."
"That's good," Mirajane smiled. "Whatever happened, feel free to tell me."
"Ooooh!" Natsu burst into the guild, full of energy, and slammed his mission report on the counter. "Mirajane, I'm done!"
Happi flew over with a new mission report. "Love! Next is this one!"
"Alright~" Mirajane registered their mission.
Rod asked, "Aren't you going to rest?"
"No time for that! Hey, Rod, you're here?" Natsu noticed him. "I won't let you get ahead on missions!"
"I wasn't trying to compete with you..."
"Come on, Happi!" Natsu darted out the door as soon as Mirajane finished registering.
"Love!"
Rod chuckled. It was good to see Natsu back to his usual self. "By the way, I hope Natsu doesn't end up destroying anything again?"
Mirajane thought for a moment. "He probably won't. At this stage, even Natsu is careful with missions."
So, he's usually just pretending to be careless?! Makarov strolled down from the second floor. "Rod, you're back. How did it go?"
"It went well, though we had a few minor issues. But the client was satisfied in the end."
"That's good to hear." Makarov was pleased. Rod was indeed a reliable kid.
"By the way, Master, I brought back some local herbs. Could you pass them to Porlyusica?"
Rod had recently decided to stop paying Porlyusica for medical fees. He felt that if he showed up with money, she'd just throw him out.
Instead, he now brings back special herbs or seeds whenever he goes on a long trip. Like the last time he brought back a packet of seeds from Cat House Village.
This way, it's less likely to be rejected, it satisfies the old lady's hobby, and it helps the guild's medicinal supplies.
Plan successful.
Mirajane finished her work and picked up her coat. "Rod, can you come with me for a bit?"
"Sure, what about the guild?"
Mirajane looked at Makarov. "Master, we're stepping out for a bit. Can you watch over things?"
"Sure thing," Makarov hopped onto the counter, sitting cross-legged and resting his chin on his hand. He suddenly felt like he shouldn't have come down.
With fewer people in the guild, Wakaba joked, "Mirajane, how about considering a date with me sometime?"
"Isn't your wife very nice to you?"
Mira raised her hand with a playful smile.
"Please, no..." Wakaba recognized what she was about to do. "I beg you, don't transform like that!"
Mira paused, not really in the mood to transform anymore.
Rod thought about finding time to ask Wakaba, the veteran mage, for some tips on combat techniques. The old mage's battle experience was invaluable and might help him identify flaws in his strategy of summoning monsters to surround and attack from behind.
The weather in Magnolia was getting cooler, and winter was just around the corner. The custom-made coat from the tailor would take over a week to finish, just in time for the cold weather.
Mira wore a short jacket over her usual dress when she went out. Rod didn't quite understand this fashion choice and wondered if she had a specific spell to keep her legs warm. Reflecting on his experience in the snowy mountains, he recalled that his resistance to the cold seemed to increase when his magic was fully charged.
The shops lining the streets hadn't reduced their activities due to the cold; instead, there were more vendors selling seasonal fruits and vegetables. Winter clothing was prominently displayed in clothing stores, and magic shops were promoting various heating and hot water-making devices for the winter. The most popular items were those featured in the latest issue of the Mage Weekly.
Rod remembered it was Wednesday, the day the new issue of Sosara was released. Mira hadn't done a photoshoot in a while.
He felt a mix of disappointment and a secret thrill.
Ha, men.
"Are we buying something?" Rod hadn't asked what they were doing today before they left.
"Yes, the guild's lamp broke, and last year's heater isn't working well, so we're getting a new one. And then..." Mira listed the items they needed, mostly small but essential things.
Her serious and attentive demeanor made her look even more beautiful. As the guild's assistant, she managed almost all the logistical tasks of the guild, keeping the chaotic place running smoothly. Her efforts were invaluable.
Rod was curious about who handled these tasks before. The guild master, perhaps?
"There's a lot to do before winter."
"Of course," Mira stopped, "we'll start here."
"Here...?" Rod looked up, confused. This was a cafe.
"Didn't I say I'd treat you to coffee?" Mira smiled. "Or should we come another time?"
"Let's do it now," Rod decided, thinking it would be polite to accept since they were already there.
They found a seat and ordered their favorite coffees and pastries. They chatted about the small gossip in the guild, and eventually, Rod brought up Elfman's situation.
Although he had promised not to tell anyone about Elfman's tears... did Mira count as someone else?
After some hesitation, Rod decided to leave out that part to save Elfman some dignity.
"I see what happened," Mira thought for a moment and concluded it was a good thing. "Thank you."
Rod smiled wryly. "I was wondering how to explain it to you."
"It's an important process," Mira said earnestly. "Both Elfman and I should thank you."
Mira even suspected that Rod might have had a plan to help Elfman.
Rod shook his head. This time, it was just a coincidence.
Mira asked, "By the way, you mentioned wanting to earn some money. Since you didn't get paid for this job, what are your plans?"
Rod thought for a moment. "I'll try to take on some jobs within Magnolia. It might be a good experience to mix things up."
(End of Chapter)
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