Everyone in the Guild looked at Takeshi.
Although Fairy Tail didn't have a clear hierarchy, S-Class Mages were essentially the leadership within the Guild. When Makarov was absent, all matters would be decided by the S-Class Mages.
If Takeshi accepted Laxus's invitation, then they would be close to being kicked out of the Guild.
Takeshi shook his head and said, "I won't join you in creating some so-called strongest Guild in history. I'm not interested in such things."
"And you mentioned playing house. Isn't playing house good? Isn't it fun? I, for one, really enjoy playing house."
"As for the 'weaklings' you mentioned? I don't think everyone in the Guild is weak. They work with their own abilities, they don't steal or rob, they live honorably. That is strength."
"Takeshi..."
Everyone in the Guild was deeply moved by Takeshi's words.
"For me, as long as I live happily every day, and ideally have S-Class Quests to do, I'm content."
"Even if the Guild is incredibly strong, if I'm not happy, what's the point?"
Takeshi knew what Laxus was thinking. Even without knowing the plot, he understood.
This was like the role-playing games he used to play. When creating a Guild, some pay-to-win magnates would want to build the strongest Guild, and with limited Guild slots, they would kick out those with lower combat power in favor of those with higher.
Games were actually very simple. You could get stronger just by spending money.
But Takeshi was a pauper before he transmigrated, so he naturally wouldn't spend money. He could only join an ordinary Guild and play games with other ordinary players like him, and he was still very happy.
Of course, being defeated made him very angry.
Laxus's fervent gaze dimmed as he looked at Takeshi. "I misjudged you, Takeshi. I actually thought you would be someone like me."
"If I inherit the Guild, all you weaklings will disappear. And anyone who dares to defy me will also be kicked out. Then I'll create the strongest Guild in history, one that surpasses all others. Hahahahaha..."
Laxus spread his arms and laughed as he left.
Clap! Clap!
Takeshi clapped his hands. "Alright, everyone, go about your own business. Don't take his words to heart."
Erza said, "Takeshi is right. Everyone doesn't need to worry about what Laxus said."
With Takeshi and Erza speaking up, the oppressive atmosphere in the Guild eased slightly, but there was still some concern, as Laxus's status was undeniable.
"Inherit... How could that be?"
Although Lucy considered herself a first-tier Mage, second only to the S-Class Mages, she somehow felt that Laxus was referring to her, which made her somewhat annoyed by his words.
Mirajane sighed and said, "That's not necessarily true. Laxus is actually Master's grandson, so if Master retires, it wouldn't be surprising if Laxus became the next Guild Master."
"Eh?!"
"Laxus... is Master's grandson?! That's super surprising."
Lucy couldn't imagine that the short, kindly old man would have such an arrogant and haughty grandson.
"Is he his biological grandson?"
"He is."
"How... how could this be... I don't like him. How can someone who doesn't consider his Guildmates become the Guild Master?"
"That will depend on Master's decision. Regarding the choice for the next Guild Master, Master hasn't said a single word."
Makarov was old. Logically, he should have retired long ago. Mirajane was very aware of his physical condition. To prevent him from forgetting, she would give him his medicine on time every day.
Normally, he should have arranged for his successor long ago, but she had never heard him mention it.
Evening.
A crescent moon hung in the sky, illuminating the entire Magnolia.
Makarov sat on the Guild's beam, admiring the moon in the sky, drinking beer, feeling utterly content. There was nothing more joyful in life than this.
"Retire... ah..."
Makarov recalled what Yajima had said earlier in the day. He actually wanted to shield the Guild's children for a while longer, but the children's growth rate exceeded his expectations. Unknowingly, they had all become mages capable of standing on their own.
"The Guild has been refreshed. It's time for the Guild Master to change too, I suppose."
"Laxus has serious psychological issues."
He had heard from Mirajane about what had happened in the Guild during the day—Laxus wanted to invite Takeshi to build the strongest Guild or something, but Takeshi refused.
"Gildarts... no!"
Gildarts was the best candidate for Guild Master, but he had the personality of a wanderer. He had been roaming outside since he was young, spending many times more time outside than inside the Guild. If he were made to stay obediently in the Guild, he would definitely run away.
"Mystogan... he is bad at communication. No one in the Guild has ever seen him. He lacks the trust and prestige among the Guild members."
"Erza is a good candidate, but she's still too young."
"Then there's only one person left."
Takeshi.
Among the S-Class Mages, Takeshi was the latest to join the Guild, having only joined a year ago.
Logically speaking, joining for such a short time and becoming Guild Master would be quite unsuitable, as becoming a Guild Master also required seniority.
But Takeshi was qualified in all other aspects: character, personality, prestige, and strength.
At such a young age, he could already defeat Jose, who was one of the Ten Wizard Saints. At his rate of progress, it wouldn't be long before he himself wouldn't be a match for him.
He had never seen such a monstrously talented young man.
Such talent could only be rivaled by Selenica, ranked first among the Ten Wizard Saints.
The only drawbacks were his youth and short tenure. But these were not major issues.
"I should find some time to have a good talk with this kid."
...
Over the next few days, Takeshi continued to work at the construction site. This allowed him to exercise and help build the Guild, making his days quite relaxed.
"Takeshi!"
Just then, a voice rang out.
Takeshi looked up and saw Mirajane waving at him, looking very happy.
She quickly ran towards him. "Takeshi, I have good news. Guess what it is?"
Takeshi said, "Good news? Then I guess you want to marry me."
Mirajane's face immediately flushed. "What nonsense are you talking about? It's not that. Look, it's an S-Class Quest."