"Hm? Kael?"
The unfamiliar voice startled Makarov awake, the bubble on his nose popping as his eyes blinked open in confusion.
Still half-dazed, he squinted toward the guild's entrance where a group from the Magic Council had just arrived.
At their head stood a man named Elaine Gaug, a bureaucrat known for his mastery of Script Magic—especially in researching ancient magical texts.
Because of his expertise, he served as the Council's chief secretary, responsible for drafting official decrees, setting action policies, and communicating orders between ranks.
Hearing Makarov's groggy mumble, Elaine turned his head and finally noticed the tiny yet formidable Master of Fairy Tail—the legendary Saint Wizard Makarov, one of the Ten Wizard Saints.
His attitude instantly shifted from formal to respectful.
He stepped forward, stopping before the bar, placing his right hand flat over his chest, and bowed slightly.
"Master Makarov," Elaine said, his tone deferential and precise.
"I offer my respects. My apologies—I did not notice you earlier. I've come on behalf of the Magic Council to deliver an official decree regarding Kael's nomination for the upcoming Saint Ten Selection."
He kept his bow the entire time as he continued, his voice steady and deliberate.
"Please inform Kael that he is to report to the Council Headquarters in ten days' time for his final assessment. Here is the official notice."
Elaine respectfully presented the rolled scroll with both hands.
Makarov took the document casually, placing it atop the bar counter. "Got it. Much appreciated. You can head back now."
He waved his hand dismissively, as though the matter were no more serious than a grocery list.
"As you wish, Master Makarov."
Elaine straightened, bowed once more, and turned to leave with his team.
Throughout the entire exchange—from the moment the Council entered to the moment they left—the guild remained uncharacteristically silent.
It was the first time many had seen Council representatives act so politely. For once, everyone realized that their little guild's Master carried real weight in the world.
Normally, when the Magic Council came calling, they carried an air of superiority. Even at their most polite, they were cold and distant—often delivering punishment notices or complaint forms for the damage Fairy Tail caused during missions.
But today… the tone was completely different.
"Hahaha! So? What do you think now?" Makarov said proudly, hands on his hips, beaming from ear to ear. "Your guild master's still got some clout, huh?"
"Master, you're awesome!"
"Yeah, that's our Makarov!"
The guild burst into laughter again, the quiet moment shattering instantly.
Makarov grabbed a wine goblet bigger than his own head and guzzled it down in hearty swallows.
"Master, maybe you should slow down," Erza said, frowning slightly as she approached. "And shouldn't we call Kael back early? The trip from Tenrou Island to the Council Headquarters will already be tight on time."
"Eh, he'll be fine," Makarov waved lazily. "He's probably on his way back already. If he's a little late, so be it."
He truly didn't seem concerned.
To Makarov, the title of Saint Wizard—though prestigious—wasn't everything.
Yes, it was an official recognition of power and a mark of honor.
But not having the title didn't mean someone was weak, or that their value or virtue was any less.
Believing in yourself—that's worth more than any title.
"Ahhh, that's good stuff! Another round!" Makarov said cheerfully, raising his glass toward the bartender. His grin was wide enough to show all his teeth.
"Master, you've had enough," Erza sighed, quickly snatching the massive goblet from his hands. With a flick of her magic, she sealed it away.
"Come on, just a little more?" Makarov said pleadingly, pressing his fingers together to show "just a drop." His face softened into a pitiful look.
Now, one might wonder—why would the guild master of Fairy Tail be pleading so timidly to one of his own members?
Simple. Because it was Erza.
To Makarov, she wasn't just a guild member—she was like a daughter, a precious piece of his heart. Her scolding, her concern… all of it warmed him like a parent wrapped in their child's care.
If it had been Laxus, Kael, or any of the boys trying to take his drink, he'd have blasted them clear across the room by now.
With a glare and a booming shout of:
"Brat! You've got a hundred years before you can boss me around!"
But to Erza…
"Alright, fine… just a little."
Erza's stern eyes softened. She conjured a small cup with her magic, filled it halfway, and handed it back to him.
"No more than this."
Makarov sighed in surrender, a tiny pout forming on his lips.
"Fine, fine~"
The guild exploded in laughter again.
"Ha! Even the Master's scared of Erza!"
"Looks like she's the real boss here!"
"Quiet, you little brats! Get back to work!" Makarov barked, though the smile never left his face.
Meanwhile — The Magic Council Headquarters
In a towering marble chamber, the Council held session around a massive circular table.
"Today's meeting concerns the selection of the assessment officers for the upcoming Saint Ten trials," the Council Chairman announced. "The files for each candidate are before you. Any recommendations? Or volunteers?"
The room fell silent as the members lowered their gazes, flipping through the folders in front of them.
"Fairy Tail… Kael?"
Crack.
A harsh snapping sound broke the quiet. One of the Saints—Jose Porla—had gripped his file so tightly that the pages crumpled under his hand.
"What's wrong, Jose?" the Chairman asked, glancing up with a furrowed brow. "Control your magic."
Dark, murky energy seeped from Jose's body, spreading a suffocating chill across the chamber. The other councilors grimaced in distaste but said nothing.
"I volunteer," Jose said flatly, reining in his power. "Allow me to serve as examiner for the trial. I'd like to… personally gauge this candidate's abilities."
Though his voice was calm, his eyes gleamed with venom.
The Chairman nodded quickly, eager to move the meeting along. "Very well. All in favor?"
Hands went up around the table.
"Approved."
"No objections."
"Agreed."
"Good. Then it's settled," the Chairman said, striking his staff against the floor. "Elaine, deliver the official notice. Meeting adjourned."
He rose and left the room with long strides, his cloak sweeping behind him.
As the councilors dispersed, one leaned toward another.
"Yajima, I didn't expect you to approve Jose as examiner. You know he still holds a grudge against Makarov after losing that drunken duel years ago, right? Aren't you worried he'll take it out on Kael?"
Yajima chuckled softly. "Worried? Not at all. Why stop him? It'll make for quite the show."
He knew better than most what Kael was capable of.
Even Makarov himself had admitted that Kael's current power had surpassed his own expectations—that he could no longer see Kael's limits.
Jose? He was out of his depth.
"Oh?" another Councilor smirked. "So you're saying this Kael's that strong?"
Yajima's smile deepened. "You'll see soon enough."
From the sneers and murmurs that followed, it was clear—Jose wasn't exactly popular among his peers.
Meanwhile, Jose sat in silence, his thoughts dark and twisted, already plotting how he'd humiliate Kael during the examination.
But he had no idea… what kind of terrifying force he was truly about to face.