Chapter 461: The Dramatic Act
Chapter 461: The Dramatic Act
Over the next two days, Rod and Mira visited two more houses.
One was located near the cathedral and was excellent in every aspect, except for its exorbitant price due to its central location. The other was situated near the foot of the hill by the Girls' Dormitory, giving it a somewhat secluded feel.
The couple was indecisive and decided to keep looking.
During this time, Lucy experienced the feeling of idly hanging around in the guild without worrying about rent.
This lifestyle was so indulgent that Lucy found it incredibly enjoyable. No wonder there were always so many laid-back people in the tavern; it turned out that they could take a break for a week or two after working for just three to five days.
Wendy and Shaluna spent these two days exploring the city, shopping for daily necessities, while Rod and Mira meticulously created shopping and sightseeing maps for them.
The two were always in charge of the guild's procurement, and they were extremely reliable in this regard. Additionally, they often went on dates in various places, so they knew all the fun spots and scenic locations.
Currently, Wendy was sitting politely at the counter, spreading out a map of Magnolia. It was marked with numerous red circles indicating the places they had visited and lines representing the streets they had walked.
Shaluna stood on the counter, declining Happy's invitation for a date and insisting on accompanying Wendy. She then continued studying the map.
Happy's spirits were dampened, and he could only go to Worm to share some fish and soothe his wounded heart.
Rod suspected he was just mooching off others.
"How's it going? Are you getting used to living in the dormitory?" Mira asked with concern.
"Yes, the dormitory is great, and everyone takes good care of me," Wendy replied, satisfied with her current living arrangements. She had already made several friends in the dormitory.
Besides Erza, Levy, and Juvia, she had also become acquainted with Bisca, Evergreen, and Laki, among others.
However, some people's dorm rooms were decorated in a rather scary manner, making Wendy hesitant to visit them.
"What about the guild? Has anyone been bullying you?" Mira asked, stating that she would teach those bullies a lesson if there were any.
"No... There are many strange people, but no one has bullied me," Wendy replied.
Of course, there were occasional risks of accidental injuries, but Wendy wasn't bothered by it. Instead, she quite enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
Shaluna insisted, "I don't like this noisy guild at all. I feel like my ears will hurt if I stay here for too long."
"How about some Poro Cuisine?" Rod asked.
Shaluna looked at him expressionlessly, "Do you think I'm a child?"
"It's a new flavor that just came out yesterday—grilled fish. It's free to try, and Cook will be delighted if he gets an honest review."
"..." Shaluna reluctantly picked up a piece, "I'll do it as a favor."
The adorable white cat held the Poro Cuisine sample—a piece as big as half her face—and the three onlookers burst into laughter.
After chatting for a while, Rod introduced a few people from the guild, and Wendy carefully noted down their names and Rod's summarized personality traits, thinking about how to get along with everyone.
"Ah, you're back?" Cana strolled to the counter, carrying a bottle of alcohol.
She had taken a mission before Rod and Mira returned, working as a temporary security guard for a bar for two days.
"Shouldn't we be the ones asking that question? Are you willing to come back?" Rod said.
Logically, she should have returned two days ago.
Cana laughed, "The boss was so enthusiastic that he insisted on treating me."
Rod glanced at the bottle in Cana's hand, which seemed to be an extremely expensive type of alcohol. "Did you spend all your earnings on the spot again?"
"How is that possible?" Cana finished her drink, grumbling, "I only spent ninety percent of it..."
"Oh..." Rod rummaged through a stack of mission papers and pulled one out, handing it to her. "Here, take this."
"What's this?" Cana asked.
"It's a mission to capture two highway robbers. The reward is pretty good, and it won't take long." Rod stated matter-of-factly, "Anyway, you'll be broke again soon."
Cana was speechless and slapped the table in frustration, "My income and savings are private matters. You should be more discreet and not keep such a close eye on my finances!"
"It's simple. If you don't take missions from me, don't spend your savings here at the guild, and don't spend it all at once, then I won't be able to calculate it."
"Fine, I won't take any missions then! I'll go find Mira instead!" Cana declared, almost as if she was trying to fool herself.
Mira, sitting nearby, smiled but didn't see Cana taking any action.
Cana took out the few remaining banknotes and slapped them on the table, "Forget it. I'll drink today with the money I have, and worry about tomorrow when it comes!"
"Another weirdo," Shalulu covered her nose and hid in Wendy's arms, as the smell of alcohol on Cana was overwhelming.
Wendy hugged her and gently admonished, "That's not very polite, Shalulu."
"It's okay, in this guild, that's not considered impolite." Rod introduced them without hesitation, "This is our famous drunkard, Cana. Remember to keep your distance from her when she's drunk, or she might accidentally hurt you."
Cana, feeling amused, elbowed Rod, "My drinking habits aren't that bad! And who are you two? A child and a mother with a cat?"
Wendy looked down at herself and then at Cana's open coat, revealing her ample chest. She didn't have the courage to argue with Cana's statement about being a child.
Shalulu protested, "Don't compare me to a cat!"
"These are Wendy and Shalulu. They just joined our guild. You should have met them last year," Rod couldn't remember if Cana was awake or drunk at the time, but he was sure they had met.
Cana didn't recall at all, "Oh, I see. Nice to meet you. Would you like me to buy you a drink? I can afford it with this money."
"Cana," Mira interjected, "Wendy is only twelve."
Cana thought for a moment, "Twelve might be a bit early, but it's fine. She can start drinking next year."
Wendy was taken aback, "Huh? Next year?"
"Don't listen to her," Mira warned Wendy, then turned to Cana, "You started drinking at thirteen, didn't you?"
"So what? There's no law to punish me for that."
"Don't corrupt Wendy."
Cana gave Mira a strange look, "Mira, you sound like Lucy today."
"Really? Do I?" Mira asked happily, then pretended to be sad, "It's because Rod has been spending a lot of time with Lucy lately. I'm wondering if he likes that kind of girl... sigh..."
Rod couldn't help but chuckle at her adorable behavior. He liked the drama queen, not the complainer.
Cana, enjoying the show, nudged Rod with her elbow, "You're quite the player, juggling two relationships, and one of them is with Mira."
Rod shook his head lightly, smiling at Cana, "You don't understand."
"Tsk, your gaze always gives me an unpleasant feeling."
(End of Chapter)
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