Chapter 22: Guild Daily (2)
"You look cuter when you're shy!"
The guild erupted in playful cheers and whistles. Mirajane, as Fairy Tail's poster girl, was incredibly popular—confessions came her way almost daily. She'd reject them all with that gentle smile of hers, yet the admirers would return the next day as if nothing happened, convinced that persistence would eventually win her heart.
But the veteran guild members just liked to tease—they weren't foolish enough to actually confess. Most of them remembered when Mirajane was known as 'The Demon,' and her overwhelming strength had intimidated over ninety percent of the men in the guild. Dino Maxim was the only one who could match her in combat.
Marrying someone you couldn't beat in a fight? Most men's pride couldn't handle that.
That's why many in the guild shipped Dino with Mirajane, while others favored Dino and Erza as a couple.
After all, Dino, Mirajane, and Erza were all S-Class mages—the guild's elite. Dino had always been regarded as Fairy Tail's strongest mage, and these three were top-tier in both strength and popularity. Plus, they'd all grown up together since childhood.
Anyway, when there were no suitable jobs posted or people felt too lazy to work, this kind of gossip was prime entertainment. The topic never got old.
"I just saw Dino give Mirajane a necklace, and she accepted it!"
"WHAT?!"
The revelation sent shockwaves through the guild. Men had showered Mirajane with gifts before, but she'd never accepted any of them. What did this mean? The relationship between Dino and Mirajane suddenly became very suspicious.
"Why her?!" Loki clutched his chest dramatically, looking utterly devastated. "What does that guy have that I don't? Aside from being able to punch through mountains, I mean."
Dino's eyebrow twitched. "Maybe let go of those two girls hanging off your arms before you say stuff like that."
Loki's expression turned deadly serious. "That's impossible. Love knows no limits, and my affection for every girl is equal and pure."
"Kyaa~! Loki, you're so cool!"
"I love you, Loki!" The two girls clinging to him swooned with heart-eyes.
Cana, hugging her oversized barrel, sighed wistfully. "Ahh~ When will I find a boyfriend? Doesn't even need to be handsome—just needs to fund my drinking habit every day."
"You're not looking for a boyfriend, you're looking for a lifetime drinking sponsor! With how much you put away, nobody in this guild could afford you!"
Makarov watched the lively atmosphere with a warm smile. Without even realizing it, the little troublemakers he'd brought into the guild had reached this age. He regarded everyone in Fairy Tail as his children and knew each of their personalities inside and out. If relationships blossomed between guild members, all the better.
Suddenly, a child's voice cut through the noise. "Isn't my father back yet?"
A boy around five or six years old stood before Makarov, looking up at him anxiously.
Makarov glanced down. "Hm? Cut it out, Romeo. You're a wizard's son—you should trust your father. Just stay home and wait for him to return."
"But… he said he'd be home in three days, and it's already been a week…"
"Macao took a job at Mt. Hakobe."
"That's not even far! Please go find him for me! I'm really worried…"
"Stop whining! Your father is a mage—this guild doesn't need mages who need someone to wipe their noses!! Now go home and drink your milk!!"
"You're mean!!" Romeo jumped up and punched Makarov right in the face, then turned and ran out crying.
Natsu slammed his fist on the table and followed after him.
Watching the scene unfold, Dino's memory stirred. "That's Romeo, right? Can't believe he's gotten that big already. What mission did Macao take again?"
"Macao went to subjugate the Vulcan monsters living on Mt. Hakobe. He hasn't returned for a week now. Seems like he might've gotten himself into trouble."
"Macao's been pushing himself too hard lately trying to earn money for his family—been taking solo jobs without a team."
"Oh? That spendthrift Macao actually trying to save money? That's new." In terms of pay, mage guilds offered decent compensation—a typical quest paid about what a normal person earned in a month. But most mages lived by the motto "spend it all while you've got it," then took another job when broke. They never went without money, but never saved any either.
"Natsu just went after Macao. Master, won't this hurt Macao's pride?"
Makarov grinned. "It's fine! You choose your own path—just do what you believe in!"
"Old man, I've noticed you love spouting cool-sounding lines, but you can never follow them yourself." Dino smirked.
Being called out so directly made Makarov's face flush. "You little punk! You're the laziest member this entire year! If you've got time to run your mouth, go take a job!"
"There are plenty of mages in the guild. One more or less won't make a difference when it comes to completing quests. I haven't been back for half a year—I need to enjoy some drinks first!"
"YEAH!! That's right!!"
"Drink up! Screw the missions!"
"And screw those stuck-up jerks on the Magic Council!!"
Makarov facepalmed. "Why did I ever let you little brats into this guild…?" Then his face split into a massive grin. "Alright then! CHEERS!!! Bwahahaha!!!"
With Natsu handling Macao's situation, the problem would resolve itself soon enough. That took one worry off Makarov's mind. Plus, that troublemaker Dino was finally back. Time to drink happily!