Chapter 62: Why?
Chapter 62: Why?
The two Phantom mage knights were far more straightforward than Rod had expected.
They simply disliked Fairy Tail and wanted to teach its members a lesson. To avoid causing trouble in the capital, they had deliberately come to this remote area to waylay them.
Perhaps they also had a desire to stand out or earn recognition in their own guild.
But their motives, plans, and the ease with which they were taken down were all quite simple.
Rod wasn’t sure how the guild would view such an incident, so he decided to consult Mira on how to handle the two mages.
Mira thought for a moment:
"This kind of thing can at most be brought up to the Council as a complaint. After all, it’s just a personal conflict between a few individuals, not a full-scale war between guilds.
Even if we do complain to the Council, they might turn it back on us. Plus, given the Council’s attitude toward our guild..."
Rod understood her point. This was the kind of minor issue that could be likened to a children’s squabble.
If they escalated it to the Council, both sides might end up getting a stern lecture and a written apology from each guild master.
Considering Fairy Tail’s reputation for causing trouble, their own guild master might get the brunt of the reprimand.
"So the best course of action is to pretend nothing happened and say we just found two people who were attacked by wild beasts on the road?"
Mira nodded. "Pretty much. If you’re still angry, you could always beat them up a bit more."
Rod looked at the two mages:
There were marks on their waists from the Stone Beetle’s pincers, and bite wounds on their arms from the Shadow Wolves. It was unclear if any bones were broken.
Because the Stone Beetle had dragged them underground and then dug them out, they were covered in dirt and looked quite pitiful.
"Forget it, there’s no satisfaction in beating up someone who can’t fight back," Rod said. "How long will it take for them to wake up?"
Mira replied, "If no one disturbs them, the magic should wear off in less than half an hour. When they wake up will depend on their usual sleep quality."
"Let them sleep here, then," Rod said. "How about we ask the carriage driver to take a detour around this area?"
There weren’t any dangerous beasts near the main road, and Rod hoped they would encounter some passing thieves or bandits.
"Pretty mean," Mira laughed. "I agree."
She had no extra sympathy for the two mages who had wanted to teach her a lesson.
...
"Welcome back, Mira!"
When they returned to the guild, it was already evening, and the place was bustling with activity.
Mira was greeted with warm welcomes as soon as she entered, while Rod was met with enthusiastic—questioning.
Vakka and Macao were the first to pounce.
"You sly dog, going to the Flower Capital with Mira all alone! Damn, I’m so jealous!"
"It was a mission, an escort mission."
"I’d like to take that kind of mission too! Hey, did you take advantage of Mira or anything? Like at night..."
"Of course not, we stayed in separate rooms in a suite."
"Bastard, a suite! Let’s duel!"
"..." Rod considered it. A duel wasn’t out of the question. The two mages on the road had been weak, and it would be good to practice with the others.
"Elfman, say something too!"
"I just heard from my sister that Rod did a great job with the escort mission." Elfman flexed his arm. "No wonder, he’s a real man!"
"Elfman’s a traitor!"
"What? How can you call a man a traitor!"
What started as a series of questions about Mira turned into a fight, leaving Rod standing on the sidelines.
Small stuff, he was used to it.
"Rod, can you come over here for a moment?"
The guild master, sitting cross-legged at the counter, waved Rod over. Mira stood beside her, ready to get back to work.
"Guild Master."
"Yep." The guild master nodded. "How was the mission?"
Rod thought for a moment. "Overall, it was quite enjoyable."
The guild master smiled with satisfaction. It was good to see a reclusive kid finally enjoying the outdoors.
But Rod quickly changed the subject, "But it's also quite dangerous. Just a casual stroll down the street, and we end up being targeted. It's a real hassle."
Master Makarov's smile vanished. Those pesky Phantom Lords, always causing trouble at the worst times. Maybe it's time to give them a taste of their own medicine! Makarov, in his younger days, was as quick to ignite as a powder keg, but his temper had mellowed with age.
With so many children to care for, he had to be more cautious about his actions.
If Mira and Rod had returned injured today, Makarov wouldn't have hesitated to rally the entire guild and storm their headquarters.
But both were unharmed.
So Makarov didn't see the situation as too serious.
Moreover, according to Mira’s account, the two troublemakers had ended up with a lot more pain than they dished out, and they didn't even know who had beaten them up.
Good job, Rod, but your style is a bit...
As long as it's for the sake of protecting yourself and your comrades, it's all right.
Willingness to protect one's guildmates is the biggest plus in Fairy Tail.
Makarov's admiration for Rod grew even more.
"Hey, Rod," Mira suddenly remembered something, "give me the mission document. We need to wrap up the final steps."
"Right." Rod placed his backpack on the counter and opened it, pulling out several spellbooks and crystal balls.
Makarov's face grew darker. Do I really admire this kid?
"Oh, Master, I didn't use any of these. I'll return them to the warehouse later."
Such items don't require payment if they haven't been used, a small perk for guild members.
But now, Makarov was considering implementing a rental fee to help Rod break his bad habits.
"Here." Rod found the mission document, handed it over, then quickly pulled it back. "Should I give this to the client or the Master's assistant?"
Mira laughed, "I'm the client, Mira Jen, signing off on Mr. Rod's mission and paying the reward."
Laki and the other two girls watched Rod and Mira complete the final steps of the mission, their faces beaming with a motherly smile.
Hehe, how did they become so in sync after just one outing? I have to interrogate Mira later, hehehe.
Mira took out some money from her wallet and handed it to Rod, then noted the completion time in the mission log.
Rod felt a bit uncomfortable as he held the large bills. "Is this really considered a completed mission, Master?"
"Why not?" Makarov asked with a grin. "Mira, did Rod violate any rules on this mission?"
"No, Master," Mira showed the mission document and log. "I personally verified every step. It's all in accordance with guild rules."
"Then there's no problem. Relax." Makarov hopped off the counter and walked away slowly.
He needed to investigate the Phantom Lord incident.
"Yes, Master," Rod felt their kindness. "Thank you."
But it felt wrong to just take the money.
Rod thought for a moment and asked Mira, "How about I treat you to a meal in a few days?"
Mira seemed to understand Rod's concern and nodded. "Sure, I look forward to it."
Oh~~~ Laki and the others looked at Rod with admiration. How can this guy so naturally invite Mira out for a meal?
And he even succeeded so easily!
The world of Fairy Tail is different from the worlds of ninjas or pirates. Generally, there are laws in place, and mages are not allowed to take lives lightly.
For example, when the Magic Council used the Sprite Magic Force, several council members argued fiercely, saying things like, "Our sins will be written into history."
And when the Celestial Spirit Leo indirectly caused the death of a villainous woman, he was willing to pay with his own life to atone.
No matter who it is, life is a heavy burden.
That's the general worldview. I hope no one asks why the protagonist didn't just kill those two men to cover his tracks.
(End of Chapter)
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