The Council's mandatory restraint force burst into the construction site, accompanied by a group of Loen knights.
The busy guild members were taken by surprise.
"No, the army is coming! Run!"
Natsu dropped the wood in his hand, resembling a mouse spotting a cat.
Happy quickly grabbed him. "It's for Knight and Erza, Natsu!"
Natsu paused, his expression shifting to one of confusion.
Erza, dressed in a foreman's uniform and a safety helmet, approached upon hearing her name called.
"I'm Erza. What's going on?"
Although it was a question, she sensed something ominous.
The captain nodded, confirming Erza's identity, and declared loudly, "According to the restraining order of the Magic Council, the wizard of Fairy Tail, Erza Scarlet, is under arrest."
As expected. Erza wasn't surprised but wore an expression of resignation.
The rest of the construction crew quickly surrounded the officers.
"Arresting Erza?! What a joke! What's the reason?"
"I don't agree! What law has Erza broken?"
"Is this about yesterday? Why aren't you arresting the Phantom mages?"
Natsu and the others protested vehemently.
"Calm down! If you interfere with official duties, you'll also be implicated," the captain warned, sweat trickling down his forehead.
At that moment, Knight walked by.
"See you again."
"Mr. Knight," the captain acknowledged, then added, "You are also among those to be arrested. Please cooperate."
Knight didn't recall the captain's name, but he recognized him from the Iron Forest incident. This man had escorted Eligore and others and had been attacked by the Six Demon Generals on the way. He hadn't expected him to still be working—had his injury healed? The Council hadn't even given him a long break.
Natsu clenched his fists in anger. "Is this because of the Phantom? Why are only Knight and Erza being arrested?"
What's the point of asking me? How would I know? I'm just a civil servant following orders... the captain thought, feeling speechless in response to Natsu's outburst.
"Stop arguing!"
Erza interrupted, stepping forward. "I'll go with you."
"Thank you for your cooperation."
The captain sighed in relief and promptly shackled Erza.
Knight would naturally comply; he intended to meet Ultear anyway.
"Nate…" Mirajane looked at him with concern.
Nate offered an apologetic smile in return. This celebration would have to be postponed.
Soon, the two were escorted by the Council's army and climbed into a carriage.
In the carriage, Nate and Erza sat face to face.
The prisoner transport lacked windows, and the interior was pitch black, allowing them to barely see each other.
In a few seconds, Nate removed Erza's shackles.
Erza was startled and lowered her voice. "What are you doing?"
"It's uncomfortable to wear," Nate replied nonchalantly. "Do you want me to help you?"
"…It's better to keep it on. It might complicate things." Erza preferred to avoid any trouble.
Nate took her hand and effortlessly removed the shackles.
These restraints were magical, requiring specific magic to unlock them.
But Nate had no trouble; he easily dispelled the minor magic.
"Something's missing; wait a minute."
He thought for a moment, reached under the seat, and inscribed a magic circle.
The next moment, he vanished from the carriage.
When he reappeared, he was home.
He leisurely strolled to a nearby shop, bought some delicious food, and returned to the prison carriage.
"Here."
Knight handed Erza a cheesecake and a soufflé, along with two cups of coffee.
Erza stared in amazement.
Are we going on a picnic?
Noticing her dazed expression, Knight asked, "Don't you like it?"
"Thank…thank you."
It took Erza a moment to respond, but she happily accepted the two desserts.
She blinked. "Nate, how did you know these are my favorites?"
"Isn't it written in your personal profile online?" Knight handed her a cup of hot coffee, keeping one for himself. "Since we're going to the Council Headquarters, which is quite far, let's fill our stomachs first."
Erza laughed. "You're really relaxed about this. Is this your first time going to the Council?"
She wondered how he could be so calm. She had felt nervous during her first arrest.
Nate thought, Having a councilor for a girlfriend gives you confidence.
The two chatted and enjoyed their food.
Later that evening, they finally arrived at the Council Branch of the Kingdom of Fiore.
Knight and Erza were taken to a magic teleportation array.
With the help of over a dozen Council magicians, the teleportation array was activated.
Nate experienced the native teleportation magic of the Fairy Tail world for the first time.
It was vastly different from Flying Thunder God's instant teleportation.
He felt a slight dizziness as his body was enveloped in spatial magic.
Moments later, a flash of white light enveloped them, and they found themselves at the Council Headquarters.
"Welcome to the Magic Council ERA,"
Ultear stood outside the teleportation array with several soldiers, smiling. "You two, follow me."
Councilor Ultear!
Erza felt a bit surprised. Was the charge against her and Knight so serious that they needed a councilor waiting for them?
The two followed Ultear, who led them to the Council's prison.
It was not a magical prison but a standard one.
The jailer opened the door, and Ultear pointed to a cell.
"It's a little late today. Your trial will be tomorrow, so let's go to the cell for now."
She then looked at Knight again. "There are some questions about the Phantom. Come with me… I'll handle it."
At once, Erza stepped in. "If you have any questions for him, just ask me. I'll take care of him…"
"Don't worry, Erza. I'll be back soon."
Knight reassured her and left with Ultear.
"Where are you taking me?"
As they walked out of the Council, Knight glanced back at the Council headquarters building, which resembled Lucy's grand villa.
"Don't worry; sister will take you home," Ultear replied with a smile, taking his arm.
Nate pondered aloud, "Will this have any negative repercussions?"
After all, he had just been taken to jail!
Ultear rolled her eyes at him. "You removed the shackles yourself, so let's go."
Soon, Knight arrived at Ultear's home.
In contrast to his small house, Ultear's residence was quite luxurious, featuring a mansion with a small garden filled with flowers and plants.
Once inside the villa, a brief separation felt better than a long absence.
They embraced and kissed, igniting a passion between them.
Unconsciously, clothes littered the floor as Knight lifted Ultear and tossed her onto the bed.
… (10,000 words omitted here) …
The sun set, and the moon joyfully rose into the night sky, shyly hiding behind the clouds.
Two hours passed in a flash.
Sweating profusely, Ultear rested her head on Knight's arm, her eyes soft and filled with love.
"Do you know about the R System? It's a forbidden magic, the magic of resurrection!"
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