https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-354-Our-Fairy-Tail-Guild-has-always-been-a-peace-loving-guild-/12936716/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-356-The-Strategist-and-the-Demon-s-Combination/12936718/
Chapter 355: Tea Time
Chapter 355: Tea Time
Despite the absurdity of it all, since it was Makarov who made the claim, Lahar had no choice but to take notes.
The core idea was simple: Phantom was at fault, and Fairy Tail had no choice but to retaliate in self-defense.
After filtering out the subjective statements, the general outline of the incident could be verified through other witnesses' testimonies.
There was no doubt that Phantom had made the first move, and while their initial reaction may have been excessive, it became a justified counterattack after Makarov was ambushed and taken down.
Given the terrifying war weapons of Phantom and the presence of the Ten Great Mages, any harsh retaliation was understandable.
After Makarov's statement, it was Erza and Mira's turn.
They didn't require much instruction from Rod, and could speak their minds freely.
They emphasized their sorrow at returning from a journey only to find their Guild destroyed, and the despair of being directly threatened by the Ten Great Mages.
Following them was Lucy, and Lahar inquired about her father hiring Phantom to bring her back.
Lucy firmly stated that she was already an adult and her decision to leave home and stay in Fairy Tail was her own choice.
Forcing her to return against her will was akin to an illegal kidnapping mission.
Although this response might cause trouble for her father, Lucy couldn't worry about that now.
She couldn't possibly admit that her father's actions were reasonable and that her companions were obstructing a legitimate mission.
After Lucy's testimony, it was time to end the day.
The sky had already darkened, and preparations for dinner were underway.
Rod, along with Worm and Natsu, who always felt uneasy around the Council, joined the others who had been questioned earlier for a meal.
"Well, did they abuse their power?" Rod asked.
"Of course not, we're not criminals," Makarov replied, still in a state of excitement. "You have no idea how brilliant my speech was today!"
"Hehe," Rod thought to himself, 'How could I not know?'
Mira, with a mischievous smile, raised a finger, "Since the Guild Master is so amazing, let's reward him with a bottle of wine from Cat Transformation Inn."
"That's wonderful!" Makarov exclaimed, "But Mira, why are you wearing Erza's clothes? It feels a bit odd."
"Really?" Mira found it quite amusing.
She was wearing a sleeveless blouse borrowed from Erza, with a blue necktie and a blue pleated skirt.
To match the outfit, Mira had let down her bangs and styled her hair just like Erza's.
She looked like a white-haired version of Erza.
"I think it suits you," Erza said, having changed out of her armor and into the same outfit as Mira.
She found it interesting to occasionally match outfits with her companions.
Rod didn't hide his admiration, "I think Mira looks great like this too."
"Really?" Mira was delighted and discussed with Erza, "What if I keep this set? I'll get you something in a style I like next time."
"A clothing exchange? That sounds like a fun idea," Erza showed interest, thinking of trying Mira's hairstyle next time.
Lucy whispered a complaint, "I think Mira looks good no matter what, in Mr. Rod's eyes."
Rod didn't refute, as it seemed like a genuine statement.
But Erza took out another set and asked, "Lucy, do you want to try it on too?"
"What's this, are we all dressing up as Erza?" Lucy thought the outfit didn't suit her style.
"Why not give it a try? Then it'll be Lucy-Erza, or Erza-Lucy?" Natsu imagined Lucy in Erza's armor and found it amusing.
"Love! I can help Lucy change clothes."
Lucy covered her chest and moved away from Happy, "That's harassment!"
Gray immediately took off his shirt, "I can help too."
Lucy wanted to run away, "Why did you take off your clothes first? That's even more perverted than harassment!"
After their playful banter, the others seemed just as lively. Even though it was supposed to be a serious occasion, the members of Fairy Tail managed to create a lively atmosphere.
Rod found himself in a tent where alcohol was not served, and the presence of troublemakers like Natsu made the atmosphere a little less comfortable than usual.
Even the Enforced Squad seemed to be giving the Fairy Tail members strange looks. Were these people really here for an inspection?
The Phantoms, on the other hand, were surprisingly quiet, although a significant portion of them were still unconscious.
The overnight accommodations were basic, as the camp was set up with military standards in mind, not for leisure.
The physical conditions were tolerable, but the roommates in the same tent were a handful.
Snoring, teeth grinding, and sleep talking were all part of the night's symphony, and those who slept peacefully were a rare sight.
Rod had no choice but to endure, and when he couldn't take it anymore, he would punch the offender awake and then knock them out again before they could react.
This method proved quite effective.
After all, they were all like family, so there was no need for formalities.
Once Rod figured out a working strategy, he managed to get a decent night's rest.
The next morning, Rod was the first to be called over.
Someone in the tent started talking about a dream they had the night before, where they were hit and still felt the pain.
Many others shared similar dreams.
After some discussion, everyone agreed that it was the Phantoms' fault.
They must have been feeling the pain from injuries sustained in battle, which made the dream so vivid.
...
The interrogation took place in a smaller tent, with Lahar sitting across from Rod. Someone behind him took notes, and a guard stood at the entrance.
Despite the modest setting, the atmosphere was formal.
There was even a cup of tea on the table in front of Rod, which made him nostalgic. In the past, when he posted nice pictures in the group chat, there would always be jokes about the group owner being invited for tea.
Now, he was actually drinking tea.
Curious, Rod took a sip; it was average tea.
Lahar produced a document and began reading: "Mr. Rod, age 19, proficient in Summoning and Reception Magic, joined the Fairy Tail Guild last July, initially as a waiter."
Rod nodded; this was basic information easily accessible.
Lahar glanced at him and continued, "He didn't start taking on regular missions until almost two months after joining the guild, and later, he repeatedly assisted the Council in resolving numerous issues... Since the beginning of this year, the number of missions has skyrocketed, with few failures."
"What's impressive is his dedication to even low-paying, tedious tasks, which has earned him a good reputation among the residents of Magnolia."
"Recently, although he continues to work as a waiter, he has essentially been fulfilling the role of the Guild Master's assistant. Overall, he is an exceptional mage."
Rod felt a bit embarrassed by the praise.
The surge in mission numbers was due to him and Mira clearing them while on their themed dates.
They were having fun while tackling the guild's backlog of missions.
As for the low pay and tedious tasks... Who would complain about earning money while playing murder mystery games with their loved one?
But...
"You even found out about these minor details?"
"Master Makarov allowed us to access the Fairy Tail mission records, and we've been diligently conducting investigations in Magnolia," Lahar explained.
"Impressive," Rod had to admit that Lahar was a talented individual.
"It's just part of my duty," Lahar said, "The above is just basic information. Now, let's get to the main topic.
Regarding the Fairy Tail's violation of the Non-Violence Pact with the Phantom Lord, as the commander-in-chief of the final battle, what are your thoughts?"
The fact that even the commander-in-chief was known was probably due to being sold out by Makarov while boasting.
Rod began with the words he had prepared: "First of all, we, Fairy Tail..."
"Sorry, let me interrupt for a moment," Lahar adjusted his glasses, "Master Makarov has already given an 'official' statement. Please speak more practically."
Rod: "..."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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