Chapter 205: Does It Smell Good?
When they heard her, they all broke into smiles. Noah looked at Mirajane. Her clothes were soaked with sweat, and her face and arms were streaked with dirt. She was a complete mess.
He glanced at the others. They weren't much better, all of them covered in a layer of grime.
He brought out the magic-powered carriage and said to them, "Go on inside, get changed, and clean yourselves up. After that, we'll head to the nearest town and get some real rest."
Reminded by Noah, the girls suddenly realized how filthy they were. They hadn't cared during the heat of battle, but now they felt incredibly gross. They all hurried into the carriage. Noah gently set Mirajane down, and she walked inside on her own, having recovered a bit of her strength.
Almost immediately, the sound of the girls' playful laughter and teasing chatter drifted out. As a healthy young man, Noah caught a few words and immediately walked a good distance away.
Even so, he could still make out what they were saying. He sighed and cast a simple sound-blocking magic on his ears. Sometimes, having enhanced hearing was a real problem.
He set up a perimeter ward and then opened his Archive, continuing to read a magic book he hadn't finished.
Lost in his reading, Noah lost track of time until a sudden tap on his shoulder made him jump. He turned to see Sorano, with Ultear, Erza, and Mirajane standing right behind her, all looking at him. They had changed into fresh clothes and were completely clean.
"Why'd you go so far away? We were calling you, and you didn't even answer," Sorano said, pouting.
Noah hadn't heard a thing; he only saw her lips moving. He remembered his magic and quickly dispelled it. Sorano saw the magic circle flash and fade by his ear and paused. A second later, she recalled their conversation in the carriage, and a mischievous grin spread across her face.
"Aww, was our 'girl talk' in the carriage a little too much for you?" she teased. "Though, if it's you listening, I don't mind!"
Hearing that, Ultear and the others also remembered their conversation. A light blush appeared on their cheeks, but none of them denied what Sorano said.
Noah felt a little awkward under their combined gaze, and his own face felt warm. He quickly changed the subject. "We should get going to the nearest town. We still have that bodyguard mission, and you all need a proper rest."
Sorano, seeing his flustered look, decided to let him off the hook and nodded. The others agreed.
Noah led the way back to the carriage. As he pulled back the curtain, a faint, sweet fragrance wafted out—the same scent that was now on the girls. They didn't usually wear perfume, so they must have used it to cover up the smell of battle.
Noah paused for just a second before stepping inside. The others followed.
Sorano, noticing the scent in the cabin, leaned in close to Noah. "So?" she whispered. "Does it smell good?"
Getting a direct whiff of her perfume, Noah's face turned red. He quickly looked away. "It's... nice."
Sorano was about to say something else, but Ultear grabbed her arm and pulled her back. Sorano pouted at her, but Ultear just gave her a warning glare. Sorano huffed and turned her head away.
"Which way to the nearest town?" Ultear asked, having subdued Sorano.
Noah's composure returned. He opened his Archive, confirmed the location, and said, "That way."
He set the carriage in motion. Ultear nodded, then immediately started asking questions about the fight with Sitri. Noah began to give his analysis, and Erza and Mirajane joined in with their own thoughts. Sorano, forgetting her annoyance, eventually jumped into the discussion as well.
The five of them gathered around the small table, snacking and debriefing their battle as the carriage carried them on.
After several hours, they reached the nearest town. Noah parked and stored the carriage, and they found an inn, renting three rooms: one for Noah, one for Ultear and Sorano, and one for Erza and Mirajane.
These days, Mirajane and Erza no longer broke into a fight on sight. They still bickered, but at least in public, they wouldn't come to serious blows. Mirajane had mellowed out considerably. This was the only reason Ultear and Sorano felt safe letting them room together. Otherwise, they would have half-expected to wake up in an open field, the inn having been demolished in the night.
They all had a good meal and a long, restful night. The next morning, they confirmed their direction and set out again.
After three more days of travel, they finally arrived at their destination: the front gate of a large villa.
Noah rang the bell, and a servant came out to lead them inside. As they walked, they noted the villa's interior was simple and practical, not overly decorated, with a beige color scheme that gave it a calm and comfortable atmosphere. Green plants in the windows and corners made it feel even more welcoming.
They passed a large room with an open door, revealing a lot of exercise equipment. The servant explained it was the master's gym and that he used it every day.
When they reached the living room, a middle-aged man in simple clothes, but who looked to be in excellent health, was sitting on a sofa. He immediately stood up when they entered and walked over to greet them. He was of medium build, trim, with visible muscle.
"I am Eidel Perkins," he said warmly. "You must be the wizards from Fairy Tail. Welcome!"
Eidel invited them to sit, then sat across from them and asked a servant to prepare coffee and snacks.
Once the servant had gone, Ultear got straight to business. "We're here for your bodyguard request. Could you please give us the details of the situation?"
Eidel nodded, his expression turning worried. "In two days, I am scheduled to attend a business banquet. It's very important for me. However, I've heard rumors that someone is planning to attack the event. I was told that security has been increased, but I'm still worried for my own safety. A colleague of mine recommended Fairy Tail, so I sent the request. I need you to guarantee my safety during the banquet."
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