The moonlight illuminated the street, complemented by the faint yellow glow of the streetlights. Two figures stood, casting long shadows on the ground.
Calvin, feeling slightly melancholic, frowned slightly as he looked at Kagura opposite him, unsure of how to interact with her.
Kagura appeared to be a serious and meticulous woman, while Calvin had always been easygoing since childhood. Despite his usually quiet demeanour, being a Fairy Tail mage meant he couldn't always follow rules strictly.
"Lord Calvin, first I must thank you. Thank you for freeing those bound by the Tower of Heaven, defeating Jellal, and stopping the Etherion explosion," Kagura said earnestly, bowing deeply at a ninety-degree angle, leaving Calvin bewildered and unable to comprehend fully.
"Uh... what does the Tower of Heaven have to do with you?" Calvin asked awkwardly, uncomfortable with such a serious and formal conversation, especially when he was being bowed to without having said much.
Calvin suspected that asking Kagura to be more casual would likely be ignored. Her combat style today suggested she wasn't one for jokes.
"My brother was forced to build the Tower of Heaven because of Jellal. Perhaps you know his name, Simon," Kagura said calmly, though her eyes reflected a hint of reminiscence.
"Simon... that big guy is your brother? I can't understand this bloodline stuff. Anyway, there's no need to thank me. I wasn't fighting for your brother back then," Calvin said, scratching his head in resignation, his tone distancing itself from the conversation. It was unclear if Kagura picked up on this.
"Regardless of your intentions, you undeniably saved my brother and his companions. Also, do you know Jellal's whereabouts?" Kagura continued, seemingly missing Calvin's intent.
Dealing with such a stubborn and socially unaware person, Calvin couldn't bring himself to just walk away and had to continue the conversation.
"Jellal? He's a fugitive, right? How would I know where he is? Why are you looking for him anyway?"
"Jellal is a criminal who committed grave crimes. I vowed to capture him to prevent further harm," Kagura answered resolutely.
Calvin thought to himself, another woman with an overflowing sense of justice and a bit of a single-track mind.
"Heh, then good luck with that. I'm rooting for you!" Calvin said impatiently, intending to leave.
However, Kagura seemed unwilling to let him go so easily.
"Lord Calvin, I request your assistance," Kagura said just as Calvin was about to turn away.
"What? Assist you?"
"Yes, although Jellal has committed severe crimes, he was once one of the Ten Wizard Saints. I'm not sure I can defeat him. You, having beaten him before, are the best person for this," Kagura explained.
"Uh..." Calvin realized this woman didn't just have a slight lack of social skills; she was completely oblivious.
This was their first conversation, and within a few words, she was inviting him to help with such a major task. They weren't that close.
But it seemed impolite to refuse outright.
As Calvin wore an awkward expression, Kagura didn't seem to notice his reluctance and continued speaking.
"Also, I request a sparring match. I want to gauge the gap between myself and Jellal. Please, guide me!" Kagura's firm tone made Calvin realize he was in trouble.
As she spoke, Kagura reached for her sword, seemingly ready to fight right there.
"Uh... maybe another time. This isn't the place for a battle. Calm down," Calvin quickly grabbed Kagura's hand to stop her.
At that moment, Kagura's face turned red, and she became flustered. Realizing her overreaction, she quickly pulled away and apologized, adding a touch of cuteness to her otherwise serious demeanour.
After her apology, silence fell between them. Calvin didn't know how to handle this girl, and Kagura, for some reason, seemed a bit lost and blushing.
The awkwardness was becoming unbearable for Calvin until a voice rescued him.
"Calvin? What are you doing here?" A familiar voice called out. Calvin was first stunned, then overjoyed, and eagerly greeted the newcomer.
"Oh! Erza, what a coincidence. Let's go back together."
Erza showed a disgusted expression, not hiding it at all, giving Calvin a scornful look before turning her gaze to Kagura.
Upon seeing Erza, Kagura's eyes widened with admiration, staring at Erza with the same adoring look Happy had when eyeing a fish.
Erza, usually composed, couldn't help but be startled, nervously saying, "H-hello. You're Kagura Mikazuchi from Mermaid Heel, right?"
"Ah… yes, I am Kagura Mikazuchi. Nice to meet you, Erza," Kagura responded, flustered, her hands awkwardly moving in front of her. Calvin and Erza exchanged a glance, silently asking each other, "What's going on with her?"
With the atmosphere turning awkward again, Calvin hurriedly found a topic, asking Erza, "By the way, why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the banquet?"
"Oh, right. I came out to find you since you weren't there. I even met Millianna, who's now a mage with Mermaid Heel," Erza responded quickly, seemingly startled, then looked at Kagura, waiting for her to take over the conversation.
However, Kagura remained blushing and silent, as if she hadn't heard Erza's words. Calvin quickly took over the conversation.
"Millianna? The cat-loving girl, right? I haven't met her, only heard about her from Happy and Natsu. Kagura, since she's in your guild, introduce us next time."
The next moment, Calvin saw Kagura's eyes light up. He even thought he saw a fanatical gleam in her eyes!
But soon, Kagura returned to her bashful demeanour, hurriedly bowing to the two and saying, "Lord Calvin, Erza, let's meet again next time. I'll bring Millianna along. Sorry for my rudeness today. Goodbye."
She then quickly ran off, losing her previous cool demeanour from the competition.
"What's up with her? She was normal just now," Calvin muttered to himself, puzzled by Kagura's retreating figure. Beside him, Erza suddenly said.
"Don't worry. I won't tell Mira."
Calvin choked on her words, feeling uncomfortable, and protested, "Come on, I just met her!"
"Who knows? The way Kagura acted was suspicious. What did you do?" Erza teased, wearing a mysterious smile.
"She asked me to help her defeat Jellal."
Now, it was Erza's turn to be speechless.
4o