Chapter 303: No Wandering Hands
Chapter 303: No Wandering Hands
"Because of the summoning beast that can help treat injuries, the excellent alchemist's assistance, and Mira's care, I'm still alive and well."
However, during that time, every visit to Grandmother Poluxica ended with a severe scolding.
She even said she would never take care of him again.
Recently, things have been better because he hasn't added extra physical training, instead allocating more time to meditation.
Lucy still found it hard to believe: "But even so, this training schedule is still too intense."
"If you had the chance to see Natsu's training, you wouldn't think so. Sometimes he works even harder than I do," Rod said. "Apart from diligently training, is there any easy way to gain strength?
I heard that there used to be a Magic Research Bureau that conducted all sorts of cruel experiments on children, modifying their bodies to try to give them great power...
Later, as you probably know, it was banned. Do you want to try that method, Lucy?"
"Absolutely not!"
Lucy looked at Rod's training schedule seriously and sighed, "Now I understand why Mr. Rod is so strong."
"I've told you before, my magic isn't Celestial Spirit Magic. So you shouldn't judge strength by the standards of Celestial Spirit Magic.
What I said about devilish training and body modifications was just a joke. If you want to get stronger, don't worry about how I do it. Just train hard in your own way."
"Okay, thank you!" Lucy finished her drink and stood up, "I need to find the next mission, or I won't be able to pay rent next month."
Rod suggested, "If you just want to earn rent, you could try working as a bartender at the tavern. The pay is pretty good."
"Doesn't the tavern already have enough people?"
"That's to take care of newbies. They can always use more hands." Rod smiled, "How about this: in a few days, Mira and I will be going on a trip, and we'll make room for you. Then you can come and work part-time naturally."
Lucy looked at him suspiciously, "It feels like your main goal is to find someone to cover your shift so you can go out on a date with Miss Mira."
"You have a good intuition." Rod stopped pretending, "So, would this take care of you?"
"It would, but..." Lucy sighed, "I still want to do something that feels more like a mage's job."
Happy suddenly appeared, "Actually, Lucy wants to become famous."
"That's not true!" Lucy loudly denied it, but then added hesitantly, "Well, just a little bit."
Mira looked enlightened, "Oh~ So like how Gray likes to take off his clothes, Lucy likes the feeling of being famous? Go for it!"
"Please don't compare me to a exhibitionist..."
"Right, Lucy takes off her clothes slower than Gray," Natsu patted Lucy's shoulder, "Hurry up and choose a mission!"
"Who wants to compete with him in taking off clothes!" Lucy asked, "And why are you rushing me?"
Natsu replied, "Because last time it was Happy and I who chose, this time it's your turn. Don't worry, we'll go with you."
"Are you talking about the team thing? Of course, the team should be disbanded after the mission." Lucy was still sulking over the maid outfit prank,
"Anyway, you guys just want a blonde girl, right? It could be anyone."
"That's right, but didn't we already find Lucy?" Natsu beamed a bright smile, "We think you're a good person."
Lucy blushed a little. Was this a sign of her companions' approval?
Rod squeezed Mira's small hand, "I have a feeling Natsu is quite the charmer when it comes to girls."
Mira pinched him, "Aren't you the same?"
Rod vehemently denied, "No, I've never resorted to deception when pursuing girls."
"I'd believe that if it weren't so hard to believe."
"I swear on Gray's clothes!"
...
The sun gradually set, marking the end of the tavern's business hours for the day.
The guild was bustling for a few more hours before the crowd slowly dispersed.
Lucy, unable to find a suitable mission, had no choice but to wait until tomorrow.
Before leaving, the Guild Master instructed Rod to be ready to depart with him early the next morning.
Rod and Mira, as usual, completed their daily training and changed into their clothes, preparing to head back.
When Mira emerged after changing, she gave Rod a little visual surprise.
"Why the change of outfit?"
Mira had changed into a white sleeveless t-shirt that only reached above her navel, paired with hot pants that revealed her emblem.
Even though summer had arrived, this attire still felt exceptionally refreshing.
Those legs...
"I wanted to try this style occasionally. Do I look good?"
"You take my breath away."
Mira tapped her chin with a finger, "Let me think, did I use the wrong phrase?"
"When was the last time I misused a word?" Rod pondered and replied, "The current you—beautiful, pretty, captivating—makes my heart flutter just by looking at you, and..."
Rod paused, "Are you trying to trick me into complimenting you more?"
Mira's eyes curved into a smile, "Ah, you've seen through me."
"So, do I pass or fail? Is there a reward?"
"You barely pass." Mira grabbed his arm and stood on her tiptoes, "How about this?"
Rod, taking advantage of the situation, said, "You barely pass too."
The two laughed.
Mira's concern shifted to his journey, "Have you prepared everything you need for tomorrow?"
Rod nodded, "Yes, I've prepared everything. I'm just missing you."
Mira smiled, "If I go, the Guild Master might send you back."
"Then let's usurp the position and retire the Guild Master. From now on, we'll attend the meetings together."
"That's a good idea, but being the Guild Master means writing self-reflection letters all day."
"In that case, let's let the old man continue his hard work."
As they approached Mira's house, Rod hugged her, his hands wandering restlessly on her back, "Starting tomorrow, we'll be apart for three, maybe even five days."
Mira also didn't want to part with him, her small hands tightly hugging him.
During the romantic period, even a day apart felt too long.
"So..."
As soon as the word 'so' left Mira's mouth, she knew he was up to no good.
As expected.
Rod tentatively asked, "Before we part, shouldn't we create a memorable moment?"
"Memorable moment?" Mira thought carefully before replying, "Sure, do you mean you want to fight with Sorceress Hutele?"
Rod was certain Mira was feigning ignorance.
He could only take this opportunity to get closer to her before their separation.
Rod lowered his head, and Mira closed her eyes.
After a while, Mira, her face flushed, separated from him, grabbing his wrist in annoyance, "Keep your hands to yourself!"
"Oh, then I won't move."
Mira released her grip and wrapped her arms around his neck again.
(End of Chapter)
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