After Carla led Rhodes and Gray away, Wendy began to tell Robin Lu about her experiences along the way—the sights of Hargeon, the wonders of Magnolia, the splendor of the Fantasia Parade...
As she spoke, the joyful expression on Wendy's face was impossible to contain. The happier she was, the more delighted Robin Lu became as he watched her.
He observed Wendy's expression and asked, "What kind of guild is Fairy Tail? Fooled."
"They're amazing, fun, and..." Wendy thought for a moment before continuing, "Though there are some strange people, it feels very warm there. Everyone seems happy every day."
"Do you like it there?"
"I do, but I like Cait Shelter even more."
Fairy Tail was a wonderful guild, and it even had another version of Grandine from a different world, whom Wendy adored. But to her, Cait Shelter was the home she'd loved and cherished for the past six years—it was her most important place.
"I see. Fooled." Robin Lu looked at Wendy, seeming a bit indecisive. "Wendy, have you ever thought about leaving Cait Shelter to join Fairy Tail?"
Wendy's expression froze, tears welling up in her eyes. "Why? D-did I cause trouble for the guild?"
The thing Robin Lu feared most was seeing Wendy cry. He hurriedly said, "No, no, everyone loves you very much. It's just that... Cait Shelter is too remote, and Silvalen is too small. You and Carla's future should be out there in a broader world..."
"No! I don't want that future! I want to stay at Cait Shelter! My future is here!" Wendy shouted, wiping her tears as she ran out of the tent.
Robin Lu sighed helplessly, looking up at the top of the tent. "Fooled... But here, at Cait Shelter, there is no future—"
...
After Carla brought Rhodes and Gray back to her and Wendy's home, she showed them an empty room. It was originally meant for Carla, but since she always slept in the same bed as Wendy, the room was mostly used to store clothes and bedding.
"Will this do? If it's not enough space, we can ask Pascal and the others to let you stay with them."
"It's more than enough. Gray can have the bed; I can sleep on the floor." In an unfamiliar place, Rhodes felt it was safer for them to stay together.
Gray didn't want to be a bother. "I don't mind sleeping on the floor."
Rhodes immediately nodded. "Great, then you take the floor."
Gray blinked. "Huh?"
Rhodes smirked teasingly. "It's settled then. Besides, as an Ice Mage, you won't catch a cold. I'm a bit frail; the bed suits me fine."
You didn't seem frail when we were fighting! Gray didn't mind sleeping on the floor, but this guy was clearly trying to annoy him.
He couldn't figure it out. How did a polite and good-natured newbie turn into this after just a few months?
Gray clenched his fists, feeling the urge to fight.
"You two really are a handful, no matter what you're doing," Carla said dismissively. "Do as you like. We'll... Wendy?"
Wendy came running back into the room, threw herself onto the bed, and buried her head in the pillow.
Carla forgot about Rhodes and Gray. "Wendy, what's wrong? Did that old man say something hurtful? I'll go find him right now!"
Carla's temper flared instantly. Although she often scolded Wendy for being timid or weak, she got angrier than anyone when others bullied her. Even the guild master wasn't exempt—she was ready to pluck that old man's beard clean off.
"Carla..."
Wendy's muffled voice stopped Carla in her tracks. She watched as Wendy slowly sat up, wiping away tears. "What happened?"
"The master said..." Wendy mumbled, unable to get the words out. Occasionally, she'd steal a glance at Rhodes and Gray.
Gray shoved his hands in his pockets. "Should we take a walk?"
Rhodes nodded. "I was just about to suggest that."
The two tactful men left Wendy's house to stroll outside, intending to familiarize themselves with the surroundings.
As they wandered through the primitive village, Rhodes began to question his life choices. Why am I taking a romantic walk with another guy?
Gray suddenly asked, "You seem to care a lot about Wendy."
"Of course. She was crying like that," Rhodes replied. "Aren't you curious?"
Gray said, "Even if I am, it won't help. It might be something about the guild or the village—we can't really ask."
Though they'd gotten along well with Wendy and Carla, matters concerning the village or guild were off-limits to outsiders.
Rhodes remarked, "If it were Happy, he might've egged me on to eavesdrop."
Gray added, "If it were Natsu, he'd probably have barged into Robin Lu's place by now."
But neither Rhodes nor Gray would do such a thing; they'd prefer to ask later.
Gray suggested, "Let's talk about the mission. Any findings?"
"In such a short time? No way. Our destination is still over ten kilometers away," Rhodes replied. "But the terrain around here roughly matches our maps, so that's good news."
Gray looked a bit uneasy. "Actually, what I'm most worried about is... meeting up with the client."
"What's there to worry about... Ohhh," Rhodes understood.
Their client this time was, strictly speaking, the Magic Council's Era branch—in particular, Captain Kewpie of the Fiore Division's Third Custody Enforcement Unit.
As everyone knew, the unruly Fairy Tail feared the Council the most. If they were truly lawless, it wouldn't matter, but they were hindered by their conscience. Having caused so much trouble, they felt guilty whenever they saw Council members.
"In that case, I'll handle the talking when we meet," Rhodes offered, thinking that since he had no criminal record, he could speak confidently with them.
"Thanks," Gray said. If possible, he'd rather not go at all. But since it was a team mission and the master had likely already submitted their names as the accepting wizards, Gray had to show up.
"Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Gray."
An old voice sounded from behind them. Rhodes frowned; he hadn't heard any footsteps. Judging by Gray's expression, he hadn't noticed anyone approaching either.
"Master Robin Lu," they greeted politely.
"Sorry our village is so simple; we haven't been able to host you properly."
Rhodes replied, "Not at all. We're the ones who showed up unannounced."
"You are friends of Wendy and Carla; how could that be considered unannounced? Fooled," Robin Lu said. "I'm glad they've made friends outside the village. By the way, the welcome feast is almost ready. Please enjoy yourselves this afternoon."
They both thanked him. "Thank you for your hospitality."
The old man seemed like he wanted to say more but eventually walked away slowly. He wanted to observe these two young men a bit more and learn more about Fairy Tail. Additionally, the location of their mission this time was somewhat concerning.