Juvia didn't want to get up. Despite the discomfort she felt from the previous night, she had woken up at dawn but chose not to move. She lay on her side, resting her head on Knight's arm, watching him sleep peacefully. She could stare at his face for hours and still feel content.
"Then stay here a little longer," Knight said, shifting slightly to adjust his numb arm and pulling Juvia closer.
Even though they weren't doing anything, the simple act of holding each other, whispering softly, filled them with warmth and happiness. It was the kind of intimacy that deepened their connection.
Juvia hummed softly, nestling into Knight's embrace as if she'd found a safe haven. She closed her eyes and let herself relax, savoring the peaceful moment as the morning sun filtered through the window, casting a soft glow in the room. Knight smiled, watching the serene expression on her face. He couldn't help but wonder what thoughts were going through her mind.
"Juvia," he whispered.
"Yes, Lord Knight?" she answered, eyes still closed.
"Let's try something fun. Let's chat by voice."
Knight activated a magic communication feature that allowed them to speak through their thoughts, a recent upgrade he had discovered. Juvia was intrigued, though a little unsure at first.
Juvia: [Voice chat? What a wonderful idea!]
Nate: [Yes, it's like telepathy. We can communicate with our minds.]
Juvia's eyes lit up in amazement as she heard his voice directly in her head. She couldn't believe it.
Juvia: [Lord Knight, it's as if I can hear your thoughts! This is incredible!]
Nate chuckled softly and asked: [So, what are you thinking about right now?]
Juvia paused, confused for a moment, her thoughts coming back as nothing but warm contentment. She wasn't thinking about anything specific—just enjoying the bliss of being in his arms. Nate smiled again, kissed her cheek gently, and told her, "You're adorable."
They spent the rest of the morning silently conversing through their thoughts, the bond between them growing stronger with every whispered sentiment. By the time noon arrived, they decided to get up and shower together. Knight, noticing Juvia's lingering discomfort from the night before, remained gentle with her.
After they ate—though it was closer to lunch than breakfast—they left the mansion to head toward Fairy Tail's guild master, Makarov. The house they'd spent the night in had originally been meant for Ultear, but Juvia had been the one to experience it first. Knight couldn't help but feel content having Juvia by his side, knowing she could be there with him every day. He messaged Makarov to set up a meeting and quickly received a response:
Fairy Patriarch: [I'm in the Eastern Forest, where you fought with the Six Demon Generals last time. Come over when you can.]
Knight: [I'll be there soon, but I'm bringing someone with me. It's Juvia Lockser, the former S-Class wizard from Phantom Lord.]
Fairy Patriarch: [A Phantom wizard? Very well, come along.]
Turning to Juvia, Knight smiled and said, "Let's go meet the president."
Juvia's nerves spiked as they made their way to the forest, her palms damp with sweat. "Lord Knight, I'm so nervous!" she confessed.
"Don't worry," Knight reassured her. "The president is a kind old man. There's nothing to be afraid of."
As they walked, Knight told her humorous stories about life in Fairy Tail, and slowly, Juvia began to relax. She couldn't help but feel a pang of envy, comparing the lively, carefree atmosphere of Fairy Tail with the strict, somber tone of Phantom Lord. But the thought of joining Fairy Tail and being in the same guild as Knight filled her with happiness.
When they arrived at the forest, they were greeted by the sight of Makarov, who had used his giant magic to replant trees that had fallen during previous battles. The enormous pit caused by Knight's vibration magic had been filled, and the damage was being repaired.
"You've caused quite a bit of trouble, you know," Makarov said, smiling as he reverted back to his normal size. "But you haven't met Poluchka yet, have you? She lives in this forest too."
Knight knew who she was—Poluchka, a friend from Makarov's past, and the counterpart to Grandine from another world. The thought amused him.
"President, this is Juvia," Knight introduced her, snapping out of his thoughts.
Juvia blushed, clasping her hands nervously as she greeted Makarov, "Hello, President Makarov. I'm Juvia, a former wizard of Phantom Lord."
Makarov smiled warmly. "Good afternoon, young lady. Do you want to join our guild?"
Juvia blinked in surprise. "How did you know?"
"Fairy Tail welcomes you," he said, his smile deepening. Juvia looked at Knight, her heart swelling with joy. She was finally part of Fairy Tail.
"That's settled then," Makarov said, "but before we celebrate, Nate, you're helping me plant these trees. You can't leave until it's done!"
Knight sighed in playful resignation. "Alright, President."
Juvia immediately volunteered to help as well. Together, the three of them worked to restore the forest, all the while chatting and laughing. As they planted trees, Makarov asked curiously, "So, how exactly did you manage to defeat Joseph?"
Knight grinned and, with a mischievous glint in his eye, revealed a new spell. A golden magic circle appeared beneath him, and in an instant, a bottle of magic recovery potion was teleported into his hand from his mansion.
Makarov's jaw dropped. "What kind of magic is this?"
"It's a reverse teleportation spell I've been working on, along with this magic recovery potion I've been developing."
Makarov was speechless, marveling at Knight's latest magical creation.