Chapter 370: Joy and Sorrow
Chapter 370: Joy and Sorrow
Joy for some, sorrow for others.
Lucy was the kind who was so worried she couldn't sleep.
The next day, as soon as she arrived at the guild, Lucy went to the counter and tearfully recounted her ordeal to Mira.
They had agreed to chase the target out of town and then attack, or at least be more discreet.
But after finding the target, aside from Lucy and Happy, no one could hold back.
Under the assault of Erza, Natsu, and Gray, the magic cult could only flee in panic.
And the result of their escape was the destruction of two more streets.
"In the end, it was all for nothing. We didn't make any money, waaah..."
"Oh dear, oh dear..." Mira sympathized with Lucy, "At least there wasn't any additional compensation, right?"
"Yes, because we stopped them in time and recovered many valuables from their hideout, the client forgave us and only deducted the entire reward."
Rod said, "Look on the bright side, you only had to pay 500,000 J for destroying three streets. You're lucky."
"I know, but..." Lucy also felt that destroying so much and only paying 500,000 J was already good luck, "But what about my rent? There are only three days left!"
Lucy had agreed with her landlord to pay the rent on the 5th of every month, and today was already the 2nd.
Although she could ask the landlady for a few more days, that lady didn't seem easy to talk to. Lucy really didn't want to bring this up unless absolutely necessary.
Mira thought for a moment and said, "I think it's best for you to take on missions that involve hunting monsters far from human settlements."
"It's a bit sad to hear that..." Lucy first complained, then asked, "Since we have no other choice, are there any such missions?"
"There are a few in the near future, but they're either too far away or 'roaming' monsters. Just finding their trail is difficult. In short, they're not the type that can be resolved in a few days."
Rod was well-informed about these types of missions, as they were also suitable for him and Mira.
"It's okay if you don't make money, Lucy." Happy was eating a steamed fish on the side, "If you can't pay the rent, you can sleep with us and Natsu."
Lucy glared at him, "If you're serious about that, I'll pluck out all your whiskers."
Natsu pushed a small cart past them and shouted, "Lucy, stop slacking off! Come and push the stones, or you'll lose to Erza!"
"I'm choosing the next mission!" Lucy glared at Natsu, "And why do I have to compete with Erza in pushing stones?"
Erza gracefully pushed her cart past them and smiled at Lucy, "Do you want to compete? Keep up, you still have a long way to go."
Lucy helplessly said, "Do I look like someone so motivated?"
Gray, shirtless, pushed his cart past, and Lucy watched him. Gray also looked at Lucy, but in the end, he just sighed and left.
Lucy felt even worse, "You could at least say something!"
Juvia, hiding in the corner, bit her handkerchief, tears welling up in her eyes. A rival had appeared! She could talk to Gray so naturally!
Lucy shivered, suddenly feeling a chill.
Mira, from the corner of the room, said with a slight lisp, "You two...?"
Lucy, for once, shouted back at Mira, "No way!"
The fish in Happy's mouth fell onto the plate, and the soup splashed onto his belly. "That's... that's my line! Lucy, you're so mean! Waaah..."
Happy cried as he ran off and crouched in the corner of the tent.
"It was just a sentence, why cry? And why blame me when Miss Mira took it?"
Lucy covered her head with both hands, feeling like she was about to break down.
"Lucy is so interesting." Mira covered her mouth and laughed, then nudged Rod, "Help Lucy pick a suitable task, will you?"
Rod nodded, "Okay, since her performance entertained Miss Mira, I'll reluctantly help."
Why is he suddenly calling me by my full name and using a respectful title... And I wasn't performing!
Lucy was conflicted, there were too many issues, she didn't know where to start, and suddenly, her heart felt heavy.
Mira laughed even harder, taking advantage of her good mood, she carried a plate of steamed fish to cheer up Happy.
"Do you have a preferred type of task? I remember you liked adventure-themed ones before."
Lucy sighed, "Yes, but I've had enough adventures lately. Now, I'll take any task that pays enough for the rent."
What a terrible line.
Rod flipped through the files and pulled out a piece of paper, handing it to Lucy, "Try this one. A newly opened billiards hall is facing some trouble.
Since its opening, there have been constant disruptions and vandalism, making it hard to attract customers. Try to come up with a solution."
"A billiards hall?" Lucy looked at it, "Will it be smashed by Natsu because of the troublemakers?"
"These troublemakers are usually small-time thugs. The instigator might be a rival or a local gang leader. Even if a fight breaks out in the hall, the worst that can happen is a few broken tables and shattered glass. As long as they don't use magic, it shouldn't be a big problem."
Rod explained, "The challenge is how to ensure they don't dare to cause trouble again after you leave, or how to stop the mastermind from causing further issues. Think carefully about your approach."
"Oh, we need to strategize, huh? It sounds quite interesting." Lucy checked the reward, 180,000 J, which was enough to cover the rent after splitting it with her teammates.
"I'm going to find Erza now!"
"Hold on, the vandalism might require a more technical approach. You might need to study billiards and prepare accordingly before setting out."
Lucy was full of enthusiasm, "I understand! This time, I must get the reward!"
Rod reviewed last month's accounts and began checking the expenses and material quantities for the construction site over the past few days.
A delivery of alcohol and stones was expected later, so he made a note for Mira to handle the handover.
He looked around, and seeing no one else coming to take on tasks, he bid Mira farewell and joined the bricklaying crew.
The guild was like his first home in this world, and he was eager to finish construction and move in.
He was also looking forward to going out with Mira once the guild was completed, but that was secondary.
Time passed as they worked tirelessly.
The first batch of workers who had gone out to earn apology notes for the Guild Master began to send in their reports.
Fortunately, none of the mistakes were too serious; the old man just needed to write a few during his breaks from construction work.
After completing his task, Elfman returned with renewed energy and dedicated himself to the guild's construction. However, after a few days of work, he chose another task and left again.
He was genuinely serious about saving money.
Mira didn't stop him or explain; judging by her brother's savings and task earnings, he was saving faster than her and Rod.
She planned to surprise him later.
When Lucy returned, she no longer looked worried but instead showed a hint of helplessness and confusion.
Following behind her, Gray and Natsu each carried a billiards table, looking excited.
On Erza's luggage cart, there was an additional box containing two sets of billiard balls and four cue sticks.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
