Chapter 255: Layla and Jude Arrive
Seeing that Ur didn't object or get angry, Noah let out a huge sigh of relief.
In a way, Noah felt he was doing wrong by Ultear with this arrangement, so he had been terrified of Ur's reaction. But her acceptance was the best possible outcome.
His emotions settled, and Noah began to ask Ur about her recent missions.
The encounter with Deliora ten years ago had shaken Ur to her core, making her realize her own lack of strength. Her disciple had been hellbent on fighting Deliora, a battle that would have been suicide given his mental state. To protect him, she had gone with him, fully prepared to sacrifice herself using "Iced Shell" to seal the demon away, as she knew she couldn't defeat it in combat.
Noah's timely arrival and defeat of Deliora had prevented that tragedy. But it was a wake-up call. She had gotten lucky that time. She couldn't rely on luck forever.
Furthermore, finding out her daughter was alive had given her a new reason to live and protect. To keep her daughter and disciples safe, she needed to be stronger.
So, after joining the guild and ensuring Ultear and Gray were settled, she began taking on high-level subjugation quests, most of them overseas, to train herself.
She had been gone for a long time, but she had completed all her missions successfully, and her strength had grown significantly.
Noah was happy to hear about her progress.
He then told her about the situation with Phantom Lord—the likelihood of war, and his plan to use an open plot to trap them.
Ur frowned. "Jose is one of the Ten Wizard Saints. Would he really be so irrational?"
"That's just who he is," Noah explained. "We haven't provoked them, but they keep targeting us. I've analyzed his behavior. He's jealous, greedy, and malicious. It's highly likely he'll do something irrational. But this is just our assessment. It's a precaution."
"Alright. What do you need me to do?"
"I'd like you to stay at Lucy's house for a few days to protect her parents."
"You think they'll be attacked?"
"Yes. Better safe than sorry."
"Okay. Once they arrive at the guild, I'll leave with them." Ur agreed.
With Ur on board, Noah returned home.
As soon as he walked in, Ultear, who had been anxiously watching the door, jumped up and rushed over. The others, though pretending to be busy, also looked at him.
"What did Mom say?"
"She told me to treat you well."
"Anything else?"
"No, that's it."
"That's good." Ultear visibly relaxed, a smile returning to her face. She loved her mother and didn't want any conflict between them. Knowing her mother implicitly approved lifted a huge weight off her shoulders.
"We made dinner. We were just waiting for you," Ultear said, leading him to the living room.
"Thanks."
"No need for thanks."
"True."
In the living room, the table was set with covered dishes. Seeing Noah, everyone smiled and gathered around. The covers were lifted to reveal a steaming, delicious meal, full of Noah's favorites.
They sat down to eat. Unlike the night before, the girls didn't heap food into Noah's bowl. They chatted about daily life, creating a warm, family atmosphere.
After dinner, Noah washed the dishes with Wendy and the younger girls' help. Then, they all gathered in the living room. Noah answered their questions about magic—Wendy had mastered "Shattering Light: Sky Drill" and, with Noah's help, learned "Milky Way," but she still needed practice.
When it was time for bed, everyone retired to their rooms.
The next day, they went to the guild first. The gossip about Noah and the girls had died down, and everyone was back to their usual business. After a quick check-in, they went to the training grounds.
Natsu and Gray were already training hard, knowing a fight might be coming. Lucy was also there, working on her magic and combat skills. Noah sent Yukino to train with Lucy, as they were both Celestial Spirit wizards.
In the evening, they returned to the guild and found that Simon, Kagura, Lyon, and Cana had returned from their missions. Hearing the news about Noah and the girls, they were shocked and immediately came over to ask about it or tease them.
Noah and the others, having had two days to adjust, handled it calmly. Seeing they weren't getting a reaction, the guild members soon lost interest and walked away disappointed.
Cana and Kagura whispered excitedly with Ultear and the others about "girl stuff," making them blush. Noah wisely stayed away.
Just then, Noah's communication lacrima rang. It was Layla. She told him they would be visiting the guild tomorrow morning.
Noah's expression sharpened. The plan would begin tomorrow.
After confirming the time, he went to Makarov. "Lucy's parents are coming tomorrow morning."
"So it begins tomorrow..." Makarov murmured. He looked at Noah seriously. "Ensure everyone's safety."
"I will."
Makarov smiled. "Then show me what you can do."
"Don't worry, Gramps."
Mirajane pulled Cana aside and quietly explained the situation with Phantom Lord. Cana was furious and immediately pledged her support. She hated Phantom Lord and was more than ready to get back at them.
"S-Class wizards, to the second floor," Noah announced, clapping his hands.
"Noah's gathering the S-Class wizards?"
"This feels like something bad is about to happen."
"Look at their faces. It's definitely something big."
The guild members whispered among themselves.
Upstairs, Noah addressed the group. "Lucy's parents arrive tomorrow. The plan starts then."
"We need to be on high alert starting tomorrow," Ultear added. "No guild member gets hurt."
"If any of those Phantom scumbags dare to touch our friends, they won't be leaving," Laxus growled, sparks flying from his body.
"Aside from me, Auntie Ur, and Laxus," Noah instructed, "the rest of you need to work in pairs. Don't go anywhere alone. And make sure Lucy is protected."
They finalized the details and went back downstairs. The guild looked at them curiously but didn't ask, assuming it was S-Class business.
"Something bad might happen soon," Noah announced to the guild, his voice serious. "We've made preparations."
The members' expressions changed. If the S-Class wizards were preparing, it was serious. Noah didn't give details, only saying it was a "possibility," but he warned them to be vigilant. Seeing them take it seriously, he nodded.
"By the way," Noah added with a smile, "there should be a surprise tomorrow. Look forward to it."
"What surprise?"
"If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise."
Ignoring their questions, Noah went home with Ultear and the others.
The next morning, Noah and the group arrived at the guild early.
"Where's the surprise, Noah?"
"Yeah, what is it?"
"It's not from me," Noah said, rolling his eyes. "Just wait. It should be here soon."
Noah sat down with a glass of milk and watched Laxus work behind the counter. Laxus glared at him, but Noah just smiled. It was payback for all the work Laxus had skipped.
Around 9 AM, Noah received a message from Layla. They had entered Magnolia.
"Your surprise is here," Noah announced, standing up.
"Really?"
"Where?"
"Go outside and look."
Noah walked out, and the guild followed. In the distance, a long line of carriages was approaching the guild hall.
"That's the surprise?"
"Did you buy all that stuff?"
"Just wait and see."
Soon, the convoy arrived. Dozens of carriages stopped in front of the guild.
"That logo... isn't that the Heartfilia Conglomerate? The biggest in the kingdom?"
"Yeah! Their pharmaceutical company is famous!"
"I buy their medicine all the time. It's good and cheap."
"Why are they here?"
The guild members buzzed with curiosity. Neighbors came out to watch the spectacle.
From the lead carriage, Jude stepped out and helped Layla down.
"Dad! Mom!" Lucy ran out and hugged Layla.
"Okay, introduce us to everyone," Layla said with a smile, patting Lucy's back.
"Right!" Lucy turned to the guild. "Everyone, these are my parents!"
"Lucy's parents?!"
"Welcome!"
The guild members cheered, welcoming them warmly.
"This is our Master," Lucy said, leading them to Makarov.
"Welcome to Fairy Tail," Makarov said, looking up at them with a smile.
"We're sorry to intrude," Layla said softly. "Thank you for taking care of Lucy."
~~~
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