Chapter 177: Fairy Tail, Cheers!
Chapter 177: Fairy Tail, Cheers!
The hair tie wasn’t expensive, and Goodman even gave Rod a wink and a discount.
Rod was delighted, and he wanted to thank Goodman for his kindness.
Mira put away the New Year’s gift and quietly observed Rod, pondering what she could give him as a return gift.
“Young love is beautiful,” Goodman mused as he watched the two leave, recalling his own days with Mira. They had shared a mutual attraction, drawing closer without ever explicitly confessing, a time filled with vague anticipation and simple joys, yet occasionally tinged with fear of losing it all. To him, that period was the most cherished of all.
“But to catch the eye of that Miss Mira Jane, this boy must have some incredible luck,” he added, thinking about how Mira Jane, despite her former temper, had become a renowned beauty, making Rod’s situation all the more enviable.
He glanced at the handmade crafts his wife had displayed in the shop—well, not that he was too envious.
...
On their way back, they passed an ice cream shop that was still bustling even in the winter. If anything, it seemed more popular than in the summer.
Children clamored with their pocket money, buying cones and running around with them, making one worry if they’d drop them before taking a single lick.
Rod bought a matcha-flavored ice cream and handed it to Mira. “I said I’d treat you to ice cream last time.”
“Why only one?” Mira asked, taking it. “Aren’t you going to have one too?”
“Hmm... I’m not really in the mood,” Rod thought for a moment and fibbed, “I didn’t bring much money today.”
“Then let me treat you to one?” Mira reached for her wallet.
“No, no, it’s fine...” Rod quickly stopped her. “There’s a long line, and we should get back.”
Mira found him a bit strange today. He usually enjoyed eating with her, didn’t he?
She took a tentative bite, feeling the cool, refreshing flavor. It was delicious...
Then she noticed Rod’s wandering gaze. “You really don’t want to eat it?”
Rod’s eyes shifted. “Well... actually... I’m good either way.”
Hmph, up to no good.
Mira ignored him and focused on her ice cream.
As they drew closer to the guild, the ice cream melted away. Rod couldn’t help but hint, “So, is it good?”
“Mmm...” Mira’s face broke into a smile, though she kept a straight face.
“The cream is of excellent quality, and the matcha flavor is fantastic. The cool sweetness with a hint of matcha’s aroma is really delicious.”
Was that what he meant? Rod felt she was being deliberately playful.
Mira stifled a laugh. “Thanks for the delicious ice cream.”
“You’re welcome,” Rod sighed, watching as she finished the last bit without offering to share.
Ah, the plan was foiled.
Before entering the guild, Mira gave Rod a gentle kick on the shin.
...
“You two are back so quickly,” Levy giggled. “The merchants only delivered the goods about half an hour ago.”
Mira glanced at Rod and smiled. “Sorry, we got held up.”
“Held up, huh?”
“Levy~”
“Giggle~ Well, the inventory is already checked, and the delivery slip is on the counter.” Levy grinned. “At this rate, I’ll have to ask for a raise.”
Mira laughed. “Thanks for your hard work. I’ll treat you to a cake next time.”
“Sounds good,” Levy nodded and approached Rod, extending her hand.
Rod was puzzled. “What’s this for?”
Levy batted her eyes and whispered, “One chance for Mira to treat you to a cake, 10,000 jewels. Pay up.”
Rod smirked. “If I had 10,000 jewels, I’d just ask her out directly. Why would I buy a chance from you?”
Laki wanted to punch them, the annoying 'lovey-dovey couple.'
...
On December 31, X783, the Fairy tails' New Year celebration began.
From early morning, everyone was busy decorating the guild hall.
Some of the decorations were bought by Rod and Mira a few days ago, while others were created on the spot.
Gray's ice sculptures and Laxus' paintings were the main attractions.
Happy flew around, following Mira's instructions to hang various decorations on the roof and other high places.
Natsu, not wanting to be outdone by Gray, wanted to set everything on fire inside and outside the guild, but was promptly beaten and thrown into the courtyard by the Guild Master.
In the courtyard, Natsu behaved himself because Erza was having a rice cake pounding contest with Elfman.
Elfman, shouting about being a man, pounded the rice cake with solid, heavy strikes.
Erza, on the other hand, seemed particularly enthusiastic. She even changed into a bunny girl outfit for the contest, jumping and pounding with every strike.
The competition in the courtyard drew a lot of spectators, with cheers and encouragement echoing continuously.
It was hard to say exactly what they were cheering for.
Rod made sure not to look at anything he shouldn't, but he felt he should cheer more for Elfman.
"Never mind, I should go help Mira instead." He was a man with a strong survival instinct.
Mira tiptoed to hang a ribbon but was a bit too short.
Rod reached up and helped her.
These small, unintentional touches were the most heartwarming, and although they happened often, each one felt unique.
They didn't actively seek out these moments, but they didn't avoid them either.
"Can you move it up a bit more?" Mira asked, adjusting the position. "The courtyard seems pretty lively."
"Erza and Elfman are having a rice cake pounding contest," Rod replied matter-of-factly. "I don't get why those guys who aren't helping or judging are getting so excited."
"Pounding rice cakes is more fun when it's lively... Does it look good?" Mira asked with a smile.
"I didn't notice," the quick-witted Rod wouldn't let a sudden question make him blurt out his true thoughts.
Mira tilted her head, feigning confusion. "I was asking about how the ribbon looks when it's hung up. What were you talking about?"
"..." Rod's mind raced. He stepped back two paces and looked carefully.
"Cough, I was too close to notice. From a distance, it does look very nice. Yes... you have a good eye for these things."
"Is that so?" Mira put her hands behind her back and stepped back to Rod's side, deciding to let him off.
Laxus watched their interaction, quickly picking up his brush to capture the moment of the two of them looking up at the wall decoration together.
...
In the evening, the guild held a party. Although not all members were present, the atmosphere was no less lively.
The host, naturally, was Macao, who loved such occasions. His introductions were sprinkled with a few jokes, showing his potential as a stand-up comedian.
Besides Mira's performance, many others took the stage to entertain.
The performances might not have been professional, but the fun among friends was unique.
The party went on until midnight, and then Macao used his Sand Magic to create numbers, leading the countdown with enthusiasm:
"10, 9, 8... 2, 1!"
Next, the Guild Master shouted, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
Everyone raised their glasses and responded in unison, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
On Rod's left was Mira, on his right was Natsu, followed by Erza, Gray, Loki, Cana, Levy, and so on, all the way to Elfman on Mira's left.
Happy rode on Worm, surrounded by everyone. Today, even Loki, who usually ran at the sight of Rod, stayed put.
Their voices mixed with the crowd, "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
(End of Chapter)
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