However, this relatively good atmosphere did not last for long.
"I'm planning to move out and live on my own."
After the grandfather and grandsons returned home, Laxus put forward an idea that left both Makarov and Moen quite stunned.
"Why?"
Moen and Makarov almost asked at the same time, clearly both feeling that it was sudden.
"I'm already an S-Class Mage. Can't I move out and live by myself?"
Facing his questioning grandfather and younger brother, Laxus spoke as if it were only natural.
"This has nothing to do with what rank of Mage you are. This is your home. Why do you want to move out and live by yourself?"
Makarov could not help but speak up. Even if you, Laxus, became one of the Ten Wizard Saints, this would still be your home!
"I didn't say this isn't my home! I just want to move out and live on my own. I didn't say I wouldn't come back in the future! Old man, stop always denying my ideas! I'm already this old. Isn't it perfectly normal for me to move out and live by myself?!"
Laxus and Makarov could start arguing within three sentences. Makarov had only shown a slight hint of rejection, and Laxus immediately became somewhat reactive, feeling that his idea was once again being ruthlessly denied by the old man.
"."
Moen watched this scene from the side, not knowing what to say for a moment. But in fact, he could understand Laxus's thoughts.
It was still the same issue, Laxus desperately wanted to escape the shadow above his head, the shadow called "Makarov's grandson."
Moving out to live on his own was also for this reason. If he wanted to shake off the title of "Makarov's grandson," then at the very least he had to live independently and be financially independent, right? If you were still living in Makarov's house, how could you possibly get rid of that label?
"Have you decided?"
Makarov's expression was complicated. Looking at his stubborn grandson, he did not know how to persuade him and could only ask once more.
"Of course. I've thought about it for a long time. I've even chosen the place to live."
Seeing that the old man no longer tried to persuade him, Laxus spoke. He had calmed down a lot. During this confrontation against Jose Porla, the old man had stayed back and not interfered, leaving Jose Porla to him and Moen to deal with. That had made Laxus quite satisfied.
In the past, the old man had always treated them like children. This time, he had finally given him a bit more trust and had not stepped in again. And he had successfully used this opportunity to make a name for himself.
Precisely because of this, Laxus decided to strike while the iron was hot and move out to live on his own, making himself even more independent and striving to break free from the old man's influence, so that he would truly be known as Laxus.
"Renting a place? Or building one yourself?"
Seeing Grandpa Makarov fall silent, Moen asked.
Moen figured it would probably be self-built. Recently, there had been no news of Laxus looking for a place to rent outside. If Laxus so much as inquired about renting a house, there was no doubt it would spread throughout the entire city immediately.
"I'll build it myself, in the eastern forest."
Laxus answered. There was nothing to hide. He felt the eastern forest was quiet and suitable for living. Falling asleep at night to the sounds of insects and birds felt quite nice.
"You could leave that job to the guild. Everyone in the guild has experience with this. They'll definitely make it to your satisfaction. What do you think?"
Moen smiled and made a suggestion. It was better to let their own people handle this kind of matter.
Moreover, it would also strengthen Laxus's connection with everyone. If your house was built with everyone's help, you couldn't keep giving them cold looks all the time, right?
"."
After hearing Moen's words, Laxus first frowned. In truth, he did not support guild members taking on this kind of side work. They were not some construction company.
But looking at Moen's smiling face, he finally nodded.
"Then I'll commission the guild."
Laxus knew the meaning behind Moen's question. Moen was clearly supporting his decision. Naturally, he should return the favor and satisfy Moen's request. Let those guys from the guild help with the construction, it was all for Moen's sake.
"."
Makarov sighed and somewhat dejectedly returned to his room. The old man once again began lamenting his failure in education. Of course, his education of Laxus could not really be considered a failure, at least Laxus's fundamental nature was still not bad.
"Then it's settled."
Moen extended his hand, and he and Laxus clapped hands to seal the agreement. Tomorrow, the two of them would go to the guild and post a commission.
"Actually, when we were building a house for Mira's family, I was already thinking about moving out to live on my own. I didn't expect you to beat me to it. You really have… messed up my plan."
As they went upstairs together, Moen spoke helplessly. This made Laxus's expression turn surprised. He had not expected that Moen had considered moving out; he had thought Moen would want to stay and keep the old man company.
"If you move out too, then this house will only have the old man left by himself…"
Laxus said. What exactly he meant to express with these words, perhaps even he himself was not clear. Probably he wanted to persuade Moen to stay and keep the old man company, yet felt he had no right to say so, after all he himself was the one moving out first.
"Yeah, leaving the old man alone in the end wouldn't be good."
Moen echoed. Although Grandpa Makarov was strong and healthy and would not get sick or anything, and living for several more decades would not be a problem at all, he did not actually need them to stay by his side to take care of him.
But the body was the body, and the spirit was the spirit. Just because his body did not need care did not mean that emotionally he would feel fine.
"."
Laxus did not reply further. In any case, he had already decided to move out. The remaining matters could be left for Moen to worry about.
Although Laxus did not say it aloud, in his heart he felt that Moen should stay, because Moen did not need to prove anything. Of course he was suited to remain and keep the old man company all the time.
Moreover, how old was Moen anyway? Why be in such a hurry to move out? When he had been Moen's age, he had also honestly lived at home.
The two returned to their respective rooms in silence, and nothing was said through the night.
Early the next morning, the two of them arrived at the guild hall. Under Moen's watch, Laxus submitted the job request. This immediately became the focus of attention in the guild.
Everyone gathered around, all very curious about what Laxus wanted to do that he would actually submit a job request to the guild.
"Building a house? Is Laxus moving?!"
Seeing the content on the request, everyone was indeed shocked, clearly not expecting that Laxus intended to move out and live on his own.
"The reward is very generous! Laxus, as expected of an S-Class Mage!"
Looking at the generous payment for the job, everyone burst into exclamations again.
Laxus was indeed quite wealthy. Over the years he had accumulated a good amount, and after being promoted to S-Class he had taken on several jobs and earned quite a bit. For a powerful Mage, making money was truly not difficult.
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