https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-363-Unintentional-Wealth-Display-is-Deadly/12936725/
Chapter 362: The Hartfilia Manor
Chapter 362: The Hartfilia Manor
"I think I can smell Lucy's scent!"
"I know you mean no harm, but it's best not to say that to her family."
Rod was a little worried that they might get chased away.
Although their 'Lucy Search Squad' was exceptionally capable, it would be inappropriate to barge into Lucy's home without a proper reason.
Gray crossed his arms and gave Natsu a disdainful look, "Why bother with scents when that grand mansion over there is obviously Lucy's home?"
"You should put your clothes on first," Erza reminded him, then sighed, "As expected of the top conglomerate, the house is even bigger than Carldia Cathedral, no, bigger than the Regular Assembly's venue."
Rod nodded, a house this size would take at least several minutes to dismantle.
The group headed straight for the most prominent mansion, but as soon as they reached the courtyard, they were stopped by what seemed to be security guards.
"This is the Hartfilia Manor, may I ask who you are?"
Erza replied, "We are mages from Fairy Tail, Lucy's companions, and we're here to find her."
"Are you friends of Miss Lucy? Please wait a moment." The guard ran into the courtyard and asked a maid, Spera, who had been taking care of Lucy since she was young.
There were many others in the courtyard, including maids, gardeners, and more—nearly twenty people in sight. And this was just the courtyard; who knew how many people were cleaning inside the mansion.
"It's amazing that Lucy can live alone like this," Gray commented.
"Love and self-reliance," Happy added.
Rod interjected, "And she often has to deal with your unannounced visits."
Natsu laughed carefree, "Because she's Lucy! Fairy Tail's Lucy!"
Because she was Lucy, she could endure the monthly stress of rent. Because she was Fairy Tail's Lucy, she could tolerate her chaotic companions.
"That's not an excuse for bullying her! Although I also bully her..." Rod spoke with righteousness, "But I only do it verbally!"
"I'm sorry, Lord Jude is discussing important matters with Miss Lucy, and no one is allowed to disturb them. Please wait for a moment."
Spera and the guard approached together, "If you don't mind, please come in and have some tea and snacks."
She was a bit presumptuous, as Lucy had no friends her age, and Spera knew that Lord Jude disliked the members of Fairy Tail. Still, she wanted to secretly entertain them.
Natsu's eyes lit up, "Snacks!"
Happy was about to pounce forward, "Are there fish?"
Erza grabbed Natsu by the back of his collar and Happy by the scruff of his neck, like holding two cats, "That won't be necessary, thank you for your kindness. We'll come back later."
Natsu and Happy were dragged away, and the group turned to leave.
Erza's 'later' probably meant just a few seconds.
Considering Lucy might be forced by her father to do something against her will, the group decided without hesitation to infiltrate the mansion.
As a level-headed person, Rod couldn't just stand by and watch their antics; he had to join them.
This wasn't a prank anymore; it was a plan.
The group found a hidden spot, with Happy carrying Natsu, Beak Bird carrying Erza, and Rod with Gray, all flying to the roof of the mansion.
Happy checked each window until he found the room where Jude and Lucy were, and then the group rappelled down, crouching outside the window to eavesdrop.
The rope was provided by Erza, who even brought a set of black bodysuits, but unfortunately, they couldn't use them now.
As they positioned themselves, they heard a dignified male voice, "...This marriage is of great significance to the future of the Hartfilia family."
Next, they heard Lucy's slightly disappointed voice, "Father..."
The speaker seemed unconcerned about what she wanted to say, "That's all I have to say. You may return to your room."
"Lucy's voice grew firm, "Please don't misunderstand. I didn't come back to compromise with you, but to convey my decision."
"What?"
"Don't decide my marriage for me. I have my own path to follow!"
"Lucy?" The man's voice held a hint of surprise. His daughter had never dared to speak to him in such a tone before.
"If you hadn't done that, perhaps I could have discussed this calmly with you. But you shouldn't have sent someone to harm my companions!"
Lucy tore at her elaborate dress, ripping it apart with a loud noise, and said, "Don't you dare lay a hand on the Fairy Tail again! Otherwise, everyone in the guild will consider you an enemy, including me!"
"Do you know what you're saying? You should know better than anyone about the wealth and power of the Hartphilia family."
"I don't care! I'm not after money or this house. I want a place that truly recognizes me as an individual! Fairy Tail is my other home, a warmer home than this!"
As long as she's with her companions, there's no need to fear the power of the Hartphilia family!"
Natsu, who was outside the window, became excited upon hearing Lucy's words. Rod was quick to react, stuffing Happy into Natsu's mouth before he could shout out.
Elusa was also moved by Lucy's words, "You said... Waaah!"
Rod grabbed Gray's shirt and stuffed it into Elusa's mouth.
Gray stared at Rod in shock, unable to believe he had silenced Elusa like that. Why would you do that if you don't want to live? Don't drag me into this!
Rod glared at Gray, unafraid of any retaliation. Elusa was a reasonable person, and who could blame Gray for taking off his shirt at that moment?
"Hey, who's over there?!"
Leaning against someone's wall was indeed too obvious. At first, the guards mistook them for window cleaners, but it was unusual for them to linger there.
The group quickly retreated back to the rooftop.
Lucy opened the window and looked outside. The guards below had become busy, "There's a suspicious intruder! Go find them! Protect the lord and the young miss!"
The last sentence had a significant impact on Judar. He seemed to see a glimpse of Lera in Lucy.
Judar was speechless, staring blankly as Lucy left.
Lera... would she support her?
...
"I told you not to make a sound or move around. You got us discovered, didn't you?" Rod decided to shift the blame.
"Sorry!" The three of them and the cat looked like students being scolded by their teacher, heads bowed in silence.
Rod's plan couldn't be wrong; the fault must lie with them.
"You'll have to do double the work as punishment when you get back."
"Yes..."
Assured that Lucy was safe, the group relaxed. It was just a matter of extra work, a minor issue.
Gray spoke up, "Since Lucy wasn't harmed or anything, we can go and see her directly, right?"
"Yummy snacks!" Natsu was still thinking about food.
"Fish!" Happy agreed.
Elusa smiled and said, "Don't even think about it. Lucy has abandoned her identity as the young miss. When we get back, she wants us to help her earn rent."
Rod sighed and pleaded, "Please, try to cause less trouble next time... Give the Guild Master and Lucy some peace of mind."
"Yes..."
Whether they could keep that promise or not, they agreed for now.
(End of Chapter)
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