In response to Lucy's questioning, Roy showed no sign of guilt.
"You didn't ask me when I joined the guild! And did I lie? I did join before you, so technically, I am your senpai, right?"
Roy spread his hands, looking innocent.
"You… you jerk!" Lucy glared at Roy, biting her lip in frustration.
She wanted to refute him, but when she thought about it, Roy wasn't wrong!
He did join before her, and calling him "senpai" wasn't his idea—it was something she started on her own.
This wasn't his fault at all!
Recalling how she'd been calling him "senpai" over and over, Lucy couldn't help but blush, embarrassed at her own silliness.
Unable to find the right words, Lucy could only pout, staring at Roy in frustration.
At this moment, both of them forgot that Makarov had asked them a question earlier.
Meanwhile, Makarov, noticing his question being ignored, watched the two bicker with a slightly awkward expression.
"I'm the guild master here! How can you two just ignore me?"
"Ahem! Ahem!" Makarov coughed loudly to assert his presence.
Seeing Roy and Lucy turn their gazes toward him, Makarov grinned in satisfaction.
Indeed, he still commanded attention!
Then, Mira walked over to Makarov and, with a smile, introduced him to Roy and Lucy. "This is our guild master, Makarov."
Hearing Mira's introduction, Lucy suddenly remembered Makarov's question and realized that she had just ignored him. She froze as if struck by lightning, turning pale.
A moment later, Lucy came back to her senses, blushing as she bowed repeatedly to Makarov.
"I'm so sorry, Guild Master. My name is Lucy, a new member as of today. Please take care of me."
Lucy's heart pounded with anxiety, fearing that Makarov might be angry enough to kick her out of the guild. That would be the worst luck!
Seeing Lucy's anxious expression, Makarov smiled gently, noticing her nervousness, and tried to reassure her.
"Your name is Lucy, right? Relax, there's no need to be so tense." But Makarov forgot that he was still in his giant form. Not only was he towering, but his voice echoed like thunder.
So, his attempt at comforting her backfired, only increasing Lucy's anxiety.
Unable to bear Makarov's gaze, Lucy instinctively moved closer to Roy, seeking shelter behind him.
Even though she had just been angry with him, she couldn't deny the sense of security Roy's presence provided.
Seeing this, Makarov realized that his stare was unsettling Lucy, so he turned his attention to Roy instead.
Recalling what Erza had reported, Makarov observed Roy with interest and asked, "Your name is Roy? Erza mentioned that you joined yesterday and that you have remarkable strength, possibly S-class level. Is that true?"
Before Roy could respond, the guild members erupted in chatter.
"Did you hear that? The guild master said this newcomer is as strong as an S-class mage!"
"I heard! If Erza vouched for him, it's probably true!"
"That's amazing! We have another S-class mage! Our guild just got even stronger!"
Roy, unfazed by the attention, kept his expression calm and answered Makarov without a hint of nervousness.
"Yes, my name is Roy, and I joined the guild yesterday."
Roy didn't know much about Makarov's personality, but he was aware that Makarov was a kind guild master who deeply cared for his members.
So, Roy had no fear that Makarov might act hostile toward him.
Plus, if Makarov did attack, Roy could transform into a Dragon Knight instantly if he needed to.
With that kind of assurance, Roy felt confident facing Makarov's scrutinizing gaze.
After observing Roy for a while, Makarov suddenly grinned and laughed heartily.
"As Erza mentioned, you're indeed very strong; even I can't fully gauge your power. But whether you're strong or weak, as long as you're part of this guild, you're family. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask. We're all here for you."
Makarov's laughter was warm and welcoming.
The other members stopped their chatter. While they were amazed that even Makarov couldn't see through Roy's strength, they all looked at him with smiles and friendliness.
From this point forward, he was one of them.
Feeling their kindness, Roy experienced a touch of warmth in his heart.
This was the family-like guild from the original story.
Even though it felt like there might have been some misunderstandings about him.
But it was a pretty good feeling nonetheless.