https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-54-The-Classic-Scenario-of-Not-Being-Harassed-by-the-Gate-Guards/12810269/
Chapter 55: The Death Question: Is She Beautiful?
Chapter 55: The Death Question: Is She Beautiful?
"Oh, isn't that Mirajane? I see you got an invitation too."
Rod hadn't even stepped out of his suite when he heard a slightly flirtatious female voice from the hallway.
He rushed out in three quick strides, positioning himself in front of Mirajane. One hand clutched a pendant, and the other brandished a Burst Magic Crystal.
In front of him stood a girl with golden, wavy hair, wearing a purple, low-cut, form-fitting dress. Her face was exquisite, though her features seemed more aggressive compared to Mirajane's.
The girl's expression clearly showed surprise at Rod's sudden appearance.
"Who are you... no, wait," she eyed the dangerous item in Rod's hand, "what do you mean by that?!"
"Hold on, Rod," Mirajane quickly grabbed Rod's right hand, fearing he might throw the Burst Magic Crystal. "She's not an enemy. This is Jenny, from Blue Pegasus, and she's a model for Sorcerer Weekly."
"Sorry, Jenny. This is my companion, Rod. He got a bit startled by your sudden appearance," Mirajane explained as Rod put away his items.
"Oh, right. Jenny Lelyet, the star model of Blue Pegasus."
Rod had information on her in his little notebook. Since she was in the same guild as Mr. Hibiki, he had paid extra attention to her. Like Mirajane, she wasn't known for her combat skills but was very famous as a model. She currently held the top spot on the "Most Desired Girlfriend" list for mages.
However, Mirajane's popularity had recently surged, threatening Jenny's position—though Mirajane didn't care much about such rankings.
"Sorry, I tend to be quite cautious. I apologize for my rude behavior," Rod said, apologizing for pulling out the "grenade."
"It's more than just rude! That's a Burst Magic Crystal, right? Absolutely a Burst Magic Crystal, right?!"
Jenny looked ready to explode. What kind of lunatic pulls out a Burst Magic Crystal in a hotel?
She had heard that Fairy Tail members were reckless, but this was beyond anything she expected.
Rod frowned. Something was off. When he pointed the Burst Magic Crystal at her, she didn't make a single move to retaliate. Was her vigilance that low?
And after the incident, she just complained a bit, never showing any signs of attacking or defending. Did that make sense?
"Sorry, sorry. The journey has been exhausting, and I'm a bit jumpy."
Rod continued to apologize, and Mirajane added a few soothing words. Jenny's anger quickly dissipated.
"Hmph, let's just forget about it."
The incident of Rod nearly throwing the Burst Magic Crystal at her face was brushed off with a casual wave of her hand. She didn't seem to mind at all, and immediately changed the subject.
"Anyway, you're here for Sorcerer Weekly's anniversary celebration, right?"
"Yes, and you are too?"
"Exactly!" Jenny suddenly became assertive. "And tonight, I'll put on the best fashion show and completely crush you!"
Mirajane calmly responded, "Oh, but today is just a celebration, isn't it? There's no judging involved, right?"
"Too naive!" Jenny produced a small fan from somewhere and waved it in front of her. "To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Sorcerer Weekly will release a special issue. All of us invited guests will be featured, and then...
I'll beat you with overwhelming popularity and secure my top spot on the rankings!"
Mirajane feigned realization. "Ah, I see. Good luck!"
Jenny's confidence deflated instantly, and she said, somewhat annoyed, "What kind of attitude is that? Get your spirits up!"
"I don't have any plans to participate in a fashion show today, so there's no way I can compete with you."
Mira herself wasn't particularly interested in photo shoots or modeling; she only took on the occasional gig when invited.
Making it to that ranking was purely accidental, and it didn't bother her at all.
"Alright then, we have some things to do. See you tonight."
Mira smiled and said goodbye, then turned to Rod. "Let's go."
"Wait... you..." Jenny stomped her foot in frustration.
...
"Is she a bit too competitive?"
"Maybe, we've only met twice," Mira replied. "What do you think, is she even prettier in person than in the magazines?"
That was a loaded question.
Rod thought for a moment. "Well, I didn't really notice, because she was so strange."
"Strange?"
"Yeah, when a stranger pulls out a Blast Magic Crystal, shouldn't most people either run away or try to knock me out?
Why did she just stand there? She's a Mage, right? Isn't that a bit lacking in crisis awareness?"
"Um..." Mira didn't know how to respond. Normally, no one would just pull out a Blast Magic Crystal when meeting a stranger.
And given that Jenny was a famous beauty, shouldn't people get excited, shake her hand, or ask for an autograph?
From Rod's reaction, it seemed he had recognized her, yet his attitude didn't change at all.
As Mira pondered her words, Rod realized something unsettling. "Does that mean I'm the strange one?"
Mira suddenly stopped, clasped her hands together in a prayer-like gesture, and looked up slightly toward the guild. "Great, Master... your plan worked..."
"Mirajane," Rod reminded her, "Master is still alive."
"That's not the point. Master specifically sent you out on a mission to show you that ordinary Mages live relaxed lives like Jenny.
They don't necessarily need immense power, and they don't carry destructive weapons when they travel."
After a moment's thought, Mira added, "Of course, being cautious during missions is important. You might have gone a bit overboard today, but it does give a different kind of security."
"Uh... I see." Rod said. "Thanks for the Master's and your efforts. I'll... observe more in the future."
Mira: "..."
Well, it's a start. At least he's willing to step out of Magnolia. As he takes on more missions, he'll naturally adjust... hopefully.
Amidst the floral fragrance, the two walked through the streets, enjoying the bustling city and the chirping birds.
Though the majestic royal palace in the city center couldn't be entered freely, it was still worth a look from the outside.
Mira checked the time and suggested, "We have some time. Let's go to the shopping district. It's rare to come here, and I want to buy a few clothes for Elfman."
"Sure." Rod didn't really care where they went, but he was a bit envious of Elfman. Having such a sister was pretty great.
Although she usually ignored it when Elfman and his friends got into fights, and she laughed when Master slapped Elfman into the ground...
Uh... he did have a real sister, right?
In the anime, there's a line saying Mira is Jenny's senior and the person she looks up to, but after checking the timeline in the manga, it doesn't seem to fit.
While Mira is a year older, Jenny is the professional model, making Mira the junior in that aspect.
(End of Chapter)
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