"You're crossing the line!"
"How is it that our sleeping position... oh, it really was me!" Rhode sat up and found himself indeed on Mira's side.
This isn't right; he always sleeps straight as a board, how could he have crossed over?
Rhode looked at the wrinkled bedsheet, suspiciously eyeing Mira: "Did you dream of having a body pillow and dragged me over?"
It's uncertain if other women have that kind of strength, but his wife certainly does.
"How could I possibly..." Mira became increasingly guilty as she spoke since it was indeed possible, "Did you do something secretly?"
"It totally looks like you did something secretly to me."
"I did not!"
Arguing about this was pointless, Rhode hugged her: "Then I want to do something to you now."
Mira pushed against Rhode's chest: "How are you so energetic in the morning?"
"If you're not energetic in the morning, there's a problem."
"Pervert."
Mira found this person more brazen than ever and was a little worried he might turn into a middle-aged lecher like Macao and Wakaba.
...
After some playful antics, the two of them cleaned up and went out to work together.
Mira originally wanted to make breakfast, but since Rhode moved in, his kitchen hadn't been used.
Though often cleaned and not dirty, the kitchen lacked basic utensils. Even for boiling an egg, there was nothing to scoop it with.
Rhode had a camping pot, but setting up a field kitchen here would be too strange.
No choice but to eat at the guild.
"Morning, Goodman bro."
"Morning." Goodman casually greeted before turning back to his tasks, but a second later, he whipped his head around, like he'd seen a ghost.
"Mi-mi-mi... Miss Mirajane?"
"Good morning, Mr. Goodman." Mira masked her slight shyness, smiling as she greeted him.
"You... you two..."
He had seen them together before and knew they were dating, but seeing them leave together like newlyweds was a first.
"Ah, right, I haven't had a chance to introduce you." Rhode proudly wrapped his arm around Mira's waist, "This is my fiancée, Mirajane."
"Ah, you're engaged already?" Goodman quickly said, "Congratulations, congratulations to both of you!"
"Thank you." The two exchanged a glance and beamed.
Goodman asked, "By the way, when's the wedding? I'll be sure to prepare a gift."
Rhode said, "It's not fully decided yet. If everything goes well, probably in late December, or we might just schedule it on New Year's Day."
The two had roughly discussed it last night.
The next two weeks would be busy with Harvest Festival preparations, leaving little time. Once it's over, they'll take on one or two high-paying tasks, then look for a house and start renovations.
These tasks should be done by early November, allowing them to plan the wedding.
Although Mira didn't mention it, Rhode remembered Lisana's anniversary in mid-November, which wouldn't be suitable.
Also, the S-Class exams in early December would have many guild members, including Elfman, Natsu, and Gray, rushing to complete missions, likely leaving them little free time.
Rhode didn't want those troublemakers causing issues at his wedding, but missing their attendance would be a shame.
Thus, they decided to set the wedding date after the S-Class exams.
This way, if Rhode passes the exam, he could shed the gigolo reputation — two S-Class getting married would be fantastic.
Having roughly set the wedding date, both were excited. They even briefly discussed the wedding process before bed.
Rhode was not quite familiar with local customs, but Mira had seen a few, which generally leaned towards Western styles.
Residents of Magnolia typically held ceremonies at Kardia Cathedral in the city center.
The general process was vows, exchanging rings, the obligatory kiss, blessings from the priest, and the father's speech.
Then there would be a celebration party, after which they could go on the honeymoon.
Mages sometimes made it even simpler, with some skipping honeymoons entirely, marrying one day and returning to work the next.
Few like Rhode insisted on buying property. Most newlyweds rent a place near the guild.
Having experienced the insecurity of not having her own place, Mira supported Rhode in this regard.
Rhode also understood this, so concerning wedding procedures and ceremonies, he deferred to Mira's wishes.
Seeing how Mira envisioned others' weddings, Rhode thought he must fulfill her wishes.
Rhode wanted to follow local customs as much as possible, making the wedding as beautiful as she imagined, following the local ways without any special fuss.
However, Mira had a little worry she hadn't shared.
Here, when marrying, the bride was expected to change her last name, like how Bisca's full name was Bisca Mulan, and once she married Alzack Gonyer, she'd become Bisca Connell.
Mira wasn't sure about Rhode's customs; should she be called Romira Zhen or Mirajane Ro?
...
The guild workday was as usual, though Elfman arrived a bit later than usual.
His sister hadn't returned home last night.
His brother-in-law hadn't come for a meal this morning.
But upon arriving at the guild, he saw the two already there and working together.
Even someone who didn't like overthinking like Elfman understood what that meant.
Since they were about to get married, it wasn't something he needed to worry about.
If he were to ask, surely something thrilling would happen.
Forget it; he should take a mission and hide away for a couple of days to ponder.
He was quite torn, wondering if his sister would move to Rhode's place or if Rhode would move in with them?
Maybe he should rent a place?
Elfman watched the bulletin board for a while, tore off a task that interested him, and waited alongside Nabu.
After a long wait, Wakaba finally picked a mission sheet, and Elfman followed, trying hard to stay inconspicuous, hoping not to attract his sister's attention.
"The Harvest Festival is coming, you're going so far away?" Rhode asked as he helped Wakaba register.
"It's because the Harvest Festival is coming that I want to earn some money to give to my wife beforehand." Wakaba planned to take a break for about ten to fifteen days starting next week.
But to do so, he had to earn enough money to keep his wife from nagging, and maybe stash some for smokes and drinks.
He glanced at Mira walking away with a tray and quietly told Rhode, "You'll understand these troubles after marriage... though you might not have them."
Rhode nodded, "Indeed, our family Mira is understanding and empathetic."
"No, what I mean is, Mira can clearly track all your earnings, so hiding a stash is impossible."
Wakaba couldn't help but laugh, "Hahaha, many people enviwed you yesterday. I bet with them that after marriage, you'd certainly be the 'poorest' in the guild!"
"..."
It actually made sense.
Marrying Mira was like marrying the company's CFO — she could calculate the salary, bonus, and allowances precisely.
Rhode's salary was entirely managed by Mira, and mages weren't allowed to take on private gigs outside the guild, so she knew all about his task rewards as well.
Even if the client adjusted the rewards, they'd contact the guild with written confirmation.
Unless someone resorted to the unscrupulous tactics of someone like Ghost, there's no way to earn income outside recorded activities.
"No problem, our family Mira is understanding and empathetic." Rhode repeated, unsure if he was convincing Wakaba or himself.
Wakaba took the stamped mission sheet, shook his head meaningfully, and said, "Women do change after marriage..."
He turned around to meet Mira's kindly gaze.
She'd only heard Wakaba's last words, wondering what he meant? Was he here to dissuade Rhode from marrying after he'd finally proposed?
Hmm... where to bury him?
The pipe nearly fell from Wakaba's mouth from fright, and he quickly amended, "…Women often become more caring after marriage."