At the Rune Knights headquarters, Alyan sat calmly in the seat of honor. Across from him sat the captain and vice-captain of the Rune Knights, along with Makarov.
Lightly tapping the armrest with his finger, Alyan spoke indifferently.
"That's the full sequence of events. Do you have any further questions? If not, Fairy Tail will be taking our leave."
"Prince Alyan," the captain said respectfully, meeting Alyan's gaze directly, "according to regulations, you and the members of Fairy Tail will need to remain at the headquarters for a few more days. Please rest assured—it's only standard questioning and investigation procedures."
Though his tone was humble and respectful, he still maintained his principles.
Alyan looked into the man's eyes and could clearly see his unwavering sense of justice. He was an upright man.
"How long?"
"Three days. There are still some details we need to verify. Please forgive the inconvenience, Your Highness."
The captain knew very well that detaining them for a week or longer was impossible. Alyan was the son of a ruling duke and a mage capable of instantly killing a Saint Ten Wizard. The fact that he was even willing to cooperate already gave the Rune Knights tremendous face.
The captain was righteous—not stupid.
And based on all current evidence, Fairy Tail wasn't the side at fault.
"Very well," Alyan nodded calmly. "Three days is acceptable."
"Thank you for your understanding, Prince Alyan."
The captain and vice-captain stood and bowed respectfully before leaving the tent.
Makarov smiled warmly as he rose to his feet.
"Thanks for this, Alyan."
"It's only natural," Alyan replied with a smile. "Fairy Tail is my second home."
On the morning of the fourth day, after breakfast at the Rune Knights headquarters, everyone except Alyan and Lucy returned to Magnolia.
Inside the train carriage, Lucy had changed her usual outfit.
She wore a white sleeveless fitted top that emphasized her figure, paired with a dark blue mini skirt and wine-red tights. The overall look was simple yet elegant, carrying both freshness and feminine charm.
There weren't many passengers in the carriage.
Lucy sat beside the window, resting her chin on her hand as she silently watched the scenery pass by outside.
Alyan, seated across from her, quietly sighed.
This trip was specifically to the Hartfilia estate.
Sooner or later, this matter had to be settled.
Honestly, the entire situation was absurd.
Alyan still couldn't understand what Jude had been thinking. Hiring people to capture his own daughter just to force a political marriage?
The Hartfilia family was still under Layla's control.
Where had Jude gotten the courage to do something so reckless?
Didn't he know Lucy was living with Alyan?
By doing this, he was also slapping the Viviamilio family in the face.
Still, this was ultimately a private matter within the Hartfilia household.
The only reason Alyan came along was to prevent Jude from doing something even more outrageous.
"Don't overthink it," Alyan said gently. "Aunt Layla is still the head of the Hartfilia family. Your father doesn't have the final say."
"And if anything happens… I'll help."
"Thanks, Alyan," Lucy replied softly.
"I'm fine. Honestly… once I heard this was connected to me, I already had a rough idea."
"Dad… somewhere along the way, he changed."
"I thought I was prepared for it… but it still hurts."
Her usual cheerful brightness was gone, replaced by quiet sadness.
"Lucy, you haven't even written me a single letter all this time."
A warm voice suddenly rang out.
"But seeing you healthy and safe puts my mind at ease."
At the Hartfilia estate, Layla immediately embraced Lucy the moment she arrived. She carefully looked over her daughter from head to toe, her voice carrying both reproach and overwhelming concern.
"Mom… I missed you so much."
Lucy's eyes instantly reddened as she threw herself into Layla's arms, finally letting out all the longing and grievances she had been suppressing.
"There, there," Layla said softly while stroking Lucy's hair. "You only need to do what you truly want to do. Leave everything else to your mother."
Then she turned toward Alyan with gratitude.
"Thank you for taking care of Lucy, Alyan."
"It was only natural," Alyan replied with a noble bow. "And if Aunt Layla ever needs assistance, you can always contact my mother."
"Of course," Layla smiled knowingly. "Alice is one of my closest friends. We were having tea together just recently."
"Though… I suspect our families may become even closer in the future."
Her gaze shifted teasingly between Lucy and Alyan.
"M-Mom! What are you talking about?!"
Lucy's face instantly turned red.
"Hurry up and come inside already!"
"Alright, alright." Layla laughed softly. "Come. You should see your father."
At the mention of Jude, her expression grew complicated, mixed with anger and disappointment.
Lucy also fell silent.
Alyan quietly followed behind them.
From this point onward, he was merely an observer—unless something harmful toward Lucy occurred.
"Alyan, sit and have some tea for a while. I'll take Lucy to see Jude."
Layla poured him a cup personally before leading Lucy upstairs toward the study.
When the door opened, Lucy immediately saw her father standing by the window.
He looked nothing like his former dignified self.
His clothes were messy.
Stubble covered his face.
He looked utterly exhausted and haggard.
"Lucy…"
Jude opened his mouth, but only managed to say her name.
Lucy's expression was equally complicated.
"Dad… it's been a long time."
"I never imagined our reunion would happen under circumstances like this."
Jude lowered his head slightly.
"I'm sorry… this was all my selfishness."
Lucy shook her head.
"No. It wasn't selfishness."
"It was self-centeredness."
"I still can't understand why you did all this."
"For wealth? Power?"
"Is what you already have still not enough?"
Jude's voice carried guilt and helplessness.
"I… I only wanted the family to become stronger."
"And I wanted you to be happy."
"Then you're wrong."
Lucy's voice suddenly became firm.
"Happiness isn't something others decide for you."
"It's something you pursue yourself."
"Something you fight for yourself."
"I'm going to walk my own path."
"So stop trying to decide my marriage for me."
"And don't ever target Fairy Tail again."
"Otherwise…"
"I—and the entire guild—will consider you an enemy."
Her words were heartfelt, resolute, and absolute.
Without giving Jude a chance to respond, Lucy turned and walked out of the study.
Outside the door, Layla had heard the entire conversation.
And she felt deeply proud of her daughter.
"Mom…"
Lucy opened her mouth, unsure what to say.
Layla smiled softly and stroked her head.
"Lucy… you've grown up."
"Go do what you truly want."
"Your mother will always support you."
Lucy's eyes reddened once again.
"Thank you… Mom."
Alyan and Lucy stayed at the estate for one night before returning to Fairy Tail the next day.
Whatever mother and daughter discussed that evening remained unknown.
But by the following morning, Lucy had already returned to her usual bright and energetic self.
Later, Alyan learned from his mother Alice that Layla and Jude had officially separated.
Layla reclaimed full authority over the Hartfilia family and moved to Crocus, becoming neighbors with Alice.
As for the original Hartfilia estate, it was left to Jude alone.
Alyan didn't comment much on the matter.
But in his opinion…
This was probably the best possible ending.