Chapter 356: The Strategist and the Demon's Combination
Chapter 356: The Strategist and the Demon's Combination
After a few seconds of contemplation, Rod reorganized his thoughts and chose his words carefully. He decided to present the facts and then casually interject his opinions, ensuring his statements were reasonable.
As Lahar listened to Rod's speech, he felt that Mr. Og's intention to target the Fairy Tail guild was becoming increasingly challenging. Not only was this guild capable in combat, but they also possessed exceptional rhetorical skills. They had transformed from a problematic child into a highly articulate one.
Lahar proceeded to ask more detailed questions, and the more he listened, the more surprised he became. He realized that Rod, an ordinary Archmage, might have a deeper understanding of warfare than he, the captain of the Enforced Arrest Squad.
Especially the Fairy Tail's strategy seemed to encompass an advanced tactical concept. Could the Fairy Tail Strategist be the offspring of a great nation's strategist, a noble, or even a direct heir to the throne, masquerading as a common Archmage?
It was reminiscent of the Hartfelicia family's young mistress.
After all, Rod's entire activity record began only last year, as if he had suddenly appeared out of thin air.
However, this matter wasn't within Lahar's jurisdiction, and Rod's situation wasn't unique. If they insisted on investigating, many others could be considered of unknown origins.
The emblem on his arm already represented Makarov's trust and endorsement, leaving little room for doubt.
Lahar glanced at his companion's notes, checked the time, and said, "Then, I guess that's all for today..."
"Wait, I have one more question."
Lahar gestured for him to continue.
"Although the investigation isn't complete, I'd like to ask about the damages to our guild and the minor damages to the surrounding shops during the protection of our companions..."
Rod didn't intend to bring this up so abruptly, but what could he do when the Guild Master, in his excitement, forgot such 'trivial' matters?
Lahar nodded and said, "It's fine to inform you about this matter in advance. We will investigate and verify the losses on both sides.
In principle, the primary responsible party will compensate. Currently, it's almost certain that Phantom is at fault.
If Phantom's remaining assets are insufficient for compensation, then Joseph himself or the specific person who initiated the attack will be held accountable."
Lahar didn't mention the rest—if these individuals couldn't afford compensation now, it would depend on their connections.
However, Rod wasn't overly concerned. Phantom was quite wealthy, and after such a significant incident, they would likely be forced to disband.
Joseph would undoubtedly lose his Holy Ten title and be imprisoned. No one would appeal on their behalf after initiating an inter-guild war.
...
The investigation continued, and the Council seemed to be meticulously screening each Archmage, issuing warnings or punishments as necessary.
Most of the scrutiny was directed towards Phantom, while the pressure on Fairy Tail had significantly lessened.
Although they had to remain in the camp most of the time, they were allowed to return home to retrieve clothes and daily necessities.
Fairy Tail turned the isolated review into a summer camping trip.
Every day was filled with lively and joyous laughter, except for the occasional member being called away and the absence of alcohol, just like a real camping trip.
Of course, Mira and Elusa kept an eye on them to prevent any fights or disturbances that might disrupt the regular order.
Throughout the review, Rod had assumed that Phantom's Reinforcements were stopped by the Council. He even felt a bit of goodwill towards them.
It wasn't until they summoned Mister Gang that he learned the truth after inquiring about the reason.
Saying that he couldn't be reached, but actually working secretly? Job well done.
It would be even better if he could have informed everyone.
"Guild Master, want to play cards? One short of a full game." Rod gathered a table with Mira and Elusa.
Others were already playing.
Makalov smiled and waved, leaving, "You guys play, I have something to do."
"At this time, what could there be?" Rod thought that almost everything that needed to be done was already finished.
Even the concept design for the new guild had been discussed and entrusted to Latis to start drawing, just waiting for the review to end and to confirm the start of construction.
Considering the Guild Master’s usual lazy nature, what could he be busy with at this time?
Mira, while shuffling the cards, said, "The Guild Master seems to visit Phantom a lot these days."
"Seems like he wants to see how the young ones at Phantom are doing, whether they need guidance from the elders," Elusa said with a hint of admiration. "The Guild Master is always very concerned about the growth of the young."
What the three of them didn't know was that the reason Makalov was particularly concerned about this was because his son, Ivan, had gone astray right under his nose, and Laxus also showed signs of it.
He didn't want more young people to go down the wrong path, so he wanted to give more care to those in a low point.
Rod asked, "Have you noticed anyone from Phantom sneaking around us?"
Elusa glanced in a certain direction and said, "It's that blue-haired girl, right? Since it's on Council territory and she shows no hostility, I didn't ask her."
Mira also took a covert look, her eyes full of amusement, "I think she's not spying on us, but on someone specific."
Rod looked at a certain person who was being reprimanded by the Enforced Arrest Squad for walking around the camp without clothes:
"Gray's charm is just too effective."
Mira laughed, "You could try it too, you know."
Rod raised a hand and swore, "I will never use charm on anyone in my life."
Mira gave him a 'you pass' look and put down the shuffled cards, "Alright, how are we going to play this?"
"I'll call Worm, it plays cards really well."
Twenty minutes later, Elusa was painted all over her face.
She looked solemn and reflected, "Next time, next time I have to win!"
Rod felt a bit guilty, if she didn’t team up with Worm next time, she might have a chance to win.
Mira, on the other hand, laughed heartily, cheating during card games was bad, but what did it have to do with her?
She waved her hand, "Elusa, you need another stroke on your nose."
"Yes..." Elusa endured the humiliation, "I have to try harder next time, Worm!"
"Hmm... snore~"
"I think it's the clothes," Mira gave a thoughtful suggestion, "Playing cards, you really need to wear a bunny girl outfit to win."
"Is that so!" Elusa realized, "Transformation!"
Mira leaned close to Rod's ear, "How about it, Elusa looks pretty in this outfit, right?"
"..." Rod looked up at the sky, Elusa was a bit naive, but he didn't dare to look at her for too long.
Unlike him, Makao and Wakaba were far less reserved. The two old men were already arm-in-arm, hearts in their eyes:
"Oh~~ oh~~~ this is... could they be playing a game where the loser has to change outfits?"
"Rod and Mira did a great job, as expected from the strategist and the demon!"
(End of Chapter)
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