Chapter 412: Swaying Thoughts, and... A Proposal

Chapter 412: Swaying Thoughts, and... A Proposal

Jason asked several gossip-related questions about Rod and Mira, and then finally remembered to inquire about the Phantom Overlord. He also asked about their most proficient magic, a topic he had to carefully sidestep.

Last year's strongest summon was the River Crab, but now, the most formidable summon was undoubtedly the Two-Headed Wolf.

With two heads and its massive size, it was undoubtedly powerful, whether one believed it or not.

Jason had originally planned to interview Mira right after Rod, preferably together. Unfortunately, Mira was not around, as she was preparing for a show.

Lucy looked at Jason expectantly.

However, he glanced around and suddenly darted towards Elfman, "What does being a 'real man' mean to you?"

"A real man is a real man!" Elfman exclaimed.

"And what are your thoughts on Rod?"

"Rod is also a real man!"

"Why ask these questions instead of interviewing me?" Lucy felt like crying. Why wasn't this person keeping his word?

Rod expressed sympathy for her, while Happy couldn't help but laugh at the situation.

Lucy glared at Happy.

But to her surprise, Jason suddenly rushed over, "Happy, why are you blue?"

Lucy collapsed onto the floor, pounding her fists, "To lose to a cat! I can't accept this!"

Rod struggled to hold back his laughter. He realized that Jason was less of a journalist and more of a Fairy Tail fan.

He seemed to know everyone's names and had a good understanding of them, even asking targeted questions.

He had even asked the Drive Engine Squad if there was a love triangle among them.

Lucy, having joined the guild only recently, hadn't yet caught Jason's attention.

"Master Makarov, please share your expectations for the guild," Jason requested.

"Well... I hope everyone can embrace love and justice, strive for improvement daily, and bravely move forward..."

Rod swore to himself that these words were Makarov's own, not something he had written.

This was the first time Rod realized that Makarov could get nervous during an interview, more so than during regular guild meetings.

As Makarov's interview concluded, the windows in the guild were covered with curtains, and the lights dimmed, leaving only a spotlight on the small stage's curtain.

"Here it comes! Look forward to the performance of our guild's star, Mira Jane!" Makarov's spirits lifted, hoping that his speech and Mira's performance would enhance the guild's image.

"Oh~~~~ Mira Jane! COOL!" Jason clenched his fists, wishing he had a glow stick in his hand.

The other guild members were equally excited, as it had been a while since Mira last performed.

"Is Mira going to sing?"

"I've been waiting for this!"

"Damn you, Rod!"

"Hmm?" Rod looked in the direction of the voice, but it was too dark to see who was cursing him. With the noise, he hadn't caught the voice earlier either.

The stage was set, and the guild grew quiet as the spotlight shone on Mira.

She wore a slim-fit blue jeans and a white tank top, with a loose blue denim jacket draped over her shoulders.

She had no accessories like necklaces or earrings, and her hair was simply tied in a ponytail, giving her a lively, girl-next-door vibe.

Miki's magic bird, Pi, had transformed into a winged microphone, floating in front of Mira.

At that moment, Rod forgot about his earlier annoyance, his good mood allowing him to let it go.

Lucy, who had just been dealt a blow, found a high stool in the dark and sat down, patiently awaiting Mira's performance.

Mira playfully winked at someone in the darkness and then signaled the band.

The accompaniment began, and Mira swayed gently to the rhythm of the music before starting to sing:

"Swaying thoughts, rippling in my heart,

I want to walk with you in your dreams,

On a holiday, footsteps approach,

Ripples of waves caress the beach,

..."

Mira's voice was warm and soothing, like a clear spring flowing into one's heart.

Listening to her sing, it was as if one could see the waves, the beach, and the scene of walking along the shore with a loved one.

The audience couldn't help but relax and smile.

Erza and Lucy wondered if this song was inspired by Mira's recent vacation.

"...

I once thought of giving up,

Believing I'd never find the right one,

But now, I've made up my mind, just for you,

..."

Hmm? Rod felt a stirring emotion within as he listened to the lyrics and melody.

He noticed a hint of sadness and confusion in her eyes, but it quickly transformed into determination and joy.

Elfman seemed to see the despair he and his sister had once experienced, and also witnessed his sister's journey out of the darkness.

The man's eyes were brimming with tears.

Others, more in tune with their emotions, could now discern who this song was dedicated to.

Who would've thought that Mira could be so romantic...

"...

I want to walk with you, in your dreams,

And convey my heart's flutter with just a glance.

You respond with a kiss as I look into your eyes,

..."

The lyrics became increasingly straightforward and bold, causing Mira's cheeks to blush, her shy and affectionate gaze stirring hearts.

Even the most oblivious person would realize who 'you' and 'I' were.

But they often imagined themselves with their loved ones.

Biska covered her chest with her hand, feeling her heart racing. She thought of Alzack, and their unspoken connection, but without a kiss...

Biska decided to stop these thoughts. She cupped her face with both hands, resolving to buy flowers again later.

"...

Once, I feared exposing my heart,

Avoiding others' kindness with intent.

Meeting you was fate's design,

Transforming me so completely.

Wavering thoughts, rippling within.

I want to stay by your side,

Even in the loneliest of seasons.

..."

The song turned cheerful and upbeat, the words exuding joy and anticipation.

Everyone could see the happiness and anticipation on Mira's face, and many couldn't help but glance towards Rod.

Rod felt as if something had struck his heart, his thoughts nearly frozen.

Lucy's teasing words and her aunt's smile, along with the applause, cheers, and various gazes from the crowd, were all unnoticed and unheard by Rod.

At this moment, his mind and eyes were filled solely with Mira, leaving no room for anything else.

When the guild's lights came on, Mira bowed slightly to end her performance, glancing towards the audience. In that instant, Rod pushed through the crowd, knocking aside a journalist who was about to interview her, and took a swift step onto the stage, embracing Mira tightly.

"Ooooh~~~"

"Waaaah~~~"

The crowd erupted with catcalls and whistles, knowing they were a couple but rarely witnessing such a bold move.

Would they kiss next?

Mira, flustered by the commotion, gently pushed Rod away, "Let go, everyone's watching, and there are journalists here..."

Jason, who had been knocked down, wasn't the least bit angry. Instead, he lay on the ground, camera in hand, capturing the moment.

He loved these explosive scenes! But an even more explosive moment was yet to come.

Rod released Mira and took a step back, still holding her right hand with his left, while his right hand began to write in the air.

Without a single mistake, he wrote:

FLOWER

SNOW

FIRE

BUTTERFLY

STARLIGHT

Each word, crafted with magic, floated in the air, transforming into flowers, snowflakes, flames, butterfly wings, and starlight...

Mira watched him write, gradually realizing what was about to happen. She covered her mouth with her free hand, her heart fluttering uncontrollably.

Standing hand-in-hand, they first admired the colorful magical words, then locked eyes with each other.

Mira pursed her lips, gazing at him with unwavering eyes, waiting for him to speak.

"I've considered numerous plans, thought of many places, and imagined countless moments, all to find a way to make you..."

Rod stared into her eyes, which he had seen countless times before, but today, they seemed more beautiful than ever.

He could see his reflection in her eyes, a physical phenomenon where the light reflected through the crystalline lens, creating an inverted and miniaturized image.

But Rod preferred another interpretation: 'Her eyes are filled with me, and my eyes are filled with her.'

"You know I'm the type of person who likes to be prepared, but today, I let my emotions guide me as I stand before you, speaking words I haven't carefully thought through..."

"I believe this is the best moment, and this is the best place. My heart tells me that even without my so-called 'preparation,' I must stand before you immediately. I can't wait any longer, not even for a minute."

Rod's mind was in disarray, and his words reflected this chaos.

But in Mira's eyes, a mist had formed, making every word he spoke sound as sweet as the honeyed words of love they had exchanged before.

Perhaps even sweeter.

The noise in the tavern gradually faded, and those who didn't understand the atmosphere and wanted to cause a ruckus were either restrained by their companions or grabbed by the Guild Master's outstretched hand.

Rod, preoccupied, gradually cleared his mind, leaving only one distinct thought:

"I hope to find someone I can be with for life, and I believe I've found that person. I want to walk with them, happily, forever.

"I mean... I wanted to say... Miss Mirajane Strauss... I've fallen hopelessly in love with you, and... will you marry me?"

Mirajane's eyes sparkled, and her smile bloomed like a flower. She blinked gently, and a tear rolled down her cheek.

This man, he had said too much. The location, the timing, the preparations—none of it mattered. She only needed to hear that last sentence.

"I will..." Mirajane withdrew her hand from his and then jumped up, wrapping her arms around his neck and lifting her feet off the ground.

Her face pressed against his, she repeated loudly for everyone to hear, "I do!"

Rod had no idea what his expression looked like, but he must have been grinning like an idiot. It didn't matter anymore. He held Mirajane's soft waist and spun with her on the stage, round and round.

"Oooohhhh!!!"

Someone started it, and a chorus of cheers erupted from the crowd, with Jason's 'COOL' mixed in.

Makarov chuckled, releasing the troublemakers he had nearly squished, and then with a flick of his finger, specks of golden light appeared on the stage.

A pink cloud of smoke burst from Wakaba's pipe, flying onto the stage and forming a heart behind the couple.

Macao's hands also produced purple flames, adding another heart to the display.

The experienced uncles, brothers, and sisters in the guild had caught on, and they laughed, using their magic to send blessings.

The younger generation was a bit slower to react. For instance, Erza was completely frozen in shock, muttering words a bride would say to her groom as if she were already at the wedding ceremony.

Reby covered her mouth, having heard Rod mention the proposal just a few days ago, never expecting it to happen so soon.

She added more special effects to the 'background wall' using her text magic, only now realizing what was happening.

Jet and Troy stood behind Reby, their faces filled with envy as they daydreamed.

Biska and Alzack glanced at each other, their faces turning red, and then they averted their gazes. They used their bullet magic to create a shower of celebratory magic bullets.

Happy flew to Natsu's shoulder and patted his head, "Natsu, let's set off fireworks."

"Huh?" Natsu seemed a bit slow on the uptake, but with the lively atmosphere, he didn't want to be left out. He spat out small fireballs that exploded into fireworks above everyone's heads.

Lucy had witnessed Rod rushing onto the stage, and she was the most surprised at this moment.

She was delighted to witness this scene, unconsciously cupping her hands in front of her chest, her eyes filled with envy and blessings.

Seeing everyone using magic to celebrate, she took out a silver key and summoned Lyra of the Lyra Constellation to provide beautiful music for this happy moment.

"Sister! Waaaahhh..." Elfman, the muscular man, burst into tears, his mouth twisted in an ugly grimace. He raised his arm to cover his eyes, wiping away tears.

Wilhelm smiled and placed his hand on Elfman's shoulder. Although Elfman was crying, he couldn't help but hear the voices of joy and emotion, 'Congratulations,' 'Be happy, sister,' and 'Rod, you're a real man.'

Bickslow dragged Nabu, dancing an odd dance in excitement. Their dance moves were hard to judge, but their emotions were clear.

Laki and the waitresses found the leftover handheld confetti cannons from the guild's opening celebration. They twisted them open, releasing colorful ribbons and glitter that filled the tavern.

Gray and Juvia had just returned from a mission and were still at the entrance, not quite understanding the situation.

But with such a festive atmosphere, Gray decided to join in first and ask questions later, and Juvia had no objections.

Juvia waved her hand, and a stream of water flew towards the crowd, twisting and knotting like a living ribbon, creating various beautiful patterns before freezing into ice crystals that shimmered under the lights.

Laxus was busy, both drawing flowers, balloons, and rainbows with his magic and trying to capture this wonderful moment.

On the stage, Rod, the male lead, held Mirajane and spun her around several times before finally setting her down.

They gazed into each other's eyes, seeing only each other.

At this moment, words were unnecessary. They could see everything the other wanted to say in their lover's eyes.

Rod slowly lowered his head, and Mirajane tilted her face up to meet his. As he drew closer, her breath quickened.

Finally, she closed her eyes, and amidst the crowd's screams and exclamations, she kissed Rod.

The song playing was 'Yuragu Koto Nai Ai' by ZARD, perfectly fitting for this couple.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end