Chapter 358: Unintentionally Making a Decision for the Guild Master
Chapter 358: Unintentionally Making a Decision for the Guild Master
A hundred years is a long time, but in reality, both of them were hungry and needed to find a place to eat immediately.
Rod noticed that Mira's hair had become damaged, likely due to the recent battles.
The scorched ends of her hair had been trimmed, making it less natural than before.
It seems she went easy on Joseph.
Later, she'll have to ask Lucy's Celestial Spirit to help with hair care and trimming.
After the two finished eating, they went to order paint and, on their way back, stopped by the shops that Rod had damaged to apologize and pay compensation.
The shop owners were very understanding of Fairy Tail's situation, assuring them that it was okay to pay later and even inquiring about the injured members and offering to help with the guild's reconstruction.
Fairy Tail's reputation in the city remained high.
The two thanked them for their kindness but still left the compensation money.
Although Rod had enough money, and it would only be a few days before he could claim the worker's normal salary, Mira insisted on paying half.
It seemed as if this held some significant meaning.
When the two returned to the guild, the temporary construction site was already taking shape, and everyone was busy with their tasks, not a single person idle.
The most noticeable person was undoubtedly Makarov, the 88-year-old elder who passionately joined the construction efforts as a giant through his magic.
He efficiently cleared the rubble with his bare hands, carrying away large amounts of sand and dirt that would have required multiple trips with a small cart.
Erza also worked with great enthusiasm, naturally taking on the role of foreman. Dressed in a worker's outfit and wearing a safety helmet, she directed others while working herself.
Cana seemed to have been cooped up these past few days, and after being released, she drank heavily, only managing to sober up by noon. However, when she got to work, she was just as capable as the men.
Jet, Troy, and even Marcus combined couldn't match Cana's work output.
This left the three men feeling a bit defeated, causing Jet to use his God Foot magic even while pushing the cart.
As for Elfman, he was in his element, shouting 'manly' and competing with Natsu and Gray for work.
Loki had already worked for half a day and continued for over two hours in the afternoon. When he saw Mira and Rod return, he greeted Erza and said he was going back.
Gray, with a log on his shoulder, casually replied, "You're just trying to slack off and go on a date, aren't you?"
As he spoke, he suddenly turned around but saw nothing.
Gray had been feeling like someone was secretly watching him lately.
Usually, Loki would ask Gray what he was looking at, but at this moment, he was too busy to care. "I wouldn't slack off at a time like this. I just need a little rest. My body isn't fully recovered yet."
"Are you still injured?" Erza guessed, "In that case, take a break. We can handle things here."
Gray noticed Loki's pale face and showed concern, "Why don't you go see Poluxika for a check-up?"
Loki smiled awkwardly and said he would go, then hurried away.
Lucy stared at Loki's departing figure for a long time.
Mira had only just returned when she noticed Lucy's expression, "Could it be that Lucy has also fallen victim to Loki's charm?"
"Tongues wagging!" As usual, Happy chimed in.
"No way!" Lucy loudly refuted, then added with concern,
"It's just that Loki seems a bit off lately. Didn't you notice, Miss Mira and Mr. Rod? I've been feeling this way for a few days now... I don't know how to describe it."
The more she spoke, the more it sounded like she had feelings for him.
But clearly, Lucy didn't feel that way.
"He must have something on his mind," Rod said, analyzing the situation rationally,
"Maybe he feels guilty for not protecting the guild well enough, or perhaps he's stressed from being investigated for a week, and his girlfriends are giving him a hard time..."
Rod also felt that Loki's physical condition wasn't good, but Loki had already used his Ember Crown several times these past few days without showing any improvement.
Rod thought for a moment and said, "Let's observe for a few more days. If the situation doesn't improve, we'll tie him up and take him to see Granny Poluxika."
Mira volunteered, "I'll do it."
"No, no, no..." Lucy waved her hands forcefully, "If Miss Mira does it, he won't make it to see the old lady."
"Mira, some of the wood has been delivered, and the piles over there are it," Laki pointed to several stacks of wood placed at the edge, "And this side is what I built, while that side is what we just dismantled, but it's still usable."
"You've worked hard. I'll check it right away." Mira took the checklist from Rod.
Rod looked at Laki, who was sweating profusely, and 'kindly' asked, "Do you want me to help restore your magic power?"
Laki crossed her arms in front of her chest to refuse, "No, thank you. Are you trying to squeeze the last bit of value out of me? I want to take a well-deserved rest..."
"That's not how you use the term 'surplus value'. You should use 'well-deserved' in this context," Rod corrected her, and before he knew it, he was able to correct others' choice of words.
"Instead of thinking about these things, why don't you help everyone solve their problems, Mr. Strategist?" Laki said.
"Problems? What happened?"
"Rent," Laki raised a finger, "It's the end of the month, and many people haven't figured out how to pay next month's rent."
"Although everyone is enthusiastic about rebuilding the guild, if this continues, next month we'll be homeless and starving."
Rod nodded, "That's indeed a practical issue."
After consecutive inspections for a week, today was already July 29th. If it weren't for the Council providing meals, some would have gone hungry already.
Lucy suddenly covered her head, "Oh no! My rent! I completely forgot about it!"
She counted on her fingers and realized that it had been almost a month since she joined the guild.
She had taken on a few high-difficulty tasks but only earned two golden keys... Although golden keys were valuable, they couldn't be used to exchange for money.
Upon careful calculation, she hadn't earned a single cent from those life-threatening missions and had even spent her own money on travel expenses.
The only time she made money was from the task Rod introduced to them, which was almost tailor-made for them, but even then, she only received 50,000 J.
After deducting daily expenses...
Lucy almost burst into tears, "Mr. Rod, help me!"
The eldest daughter of Fiore's top conglomerate was actually worrying about a mere 70,000 J rent.
Laki smiled kindly, and this was the Lucy everyone wanted to protect—a companion rather than the Hartfilia family's young mistress.
"Let me think..." Rod considered for a moment, "I can talk to the Guild Master about it. The guild can pay everyone a worker's normal salary as compensation, but the guild's finances are a bit tight right now. We'll have to wait for the Council's funds to be approved before we can make the payment."
"That might take too long. I heard the Council's procedures are quite complicated."
"Then we'll have to let those who need money go out and take on tasks first." Rod pointed to an area in the middle of the construction site, "Let's clear that area and set up a temporary counter. Laki, you can make a simple bulletin board during your free time, and we'll take turns working outside.
There should be some clients who are unaware of the situation, and they'll send their commissions. I'll organize the information and post the urgent tasks first, and then..."
Rod tapped his forehead, "I'll go ask the Guild Master for his opinion."
Lucy whispered, "I think it's fine even if you don't ask."
As I finished writing, I remembered Lin Wanyu, who also once worried about rent. It was a standard item for a young mistress to run away from home.
(End of Chapter)
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