The interior of the estate was meticulously divided into different zones.
Some areas were planted with tall "Emerald Trees" whose leaves were as clear as jade;
Other areas had low shrubs bearing "Lantern Berries" that emitted a soft glow;
There was also an area with trellises, entwined with vines that bore colorful flowers and emitted various fragrances;
In a corner, there was even a glass greenhouse, seemingly cultivating more delicate or exotic varieties.
The air was filled with a complex blend of earthy fragrance, fresh greenery, and various exotic flower scents, which was refreshing.
A familiar figure was holding a large watering can, carefully watering a plant whose leaves were as beautiful as butterfly wings.
He was wearing a dark green short-sleeved shirt and work pants, his characteristic "bean sprout head" hairstyle still intact, but his physique was noticeably rounder than a year ago, and his cheeks were much fuller, indicating he was eating quite well.
"Droy!" Levy called out.
The person turned his head at the sound; it was indeed Droy!
When he saw the group of people at the entrance, especially Levy, he was first stunned, then a look of immense surprise and joy bloomed on his face!
"Levy?! Ezreal! Cana! Lucy! Yukino! Ikaruga! Max! Why are you all here?!"
He put down the watering can and quickly ran over, his movements still carrying a hint of his former simple honesty.
"We came to see you, the big estate owner!" Lucy laughed, "Your place is amazing! It's like a fairy tale world!"
Droy scratched his bean sprout head, a little embarrassed: "Hehe, I just messed around… Come in! Come in and look around!"
He enthusiastically led everyone on a tour of his plant kingdom.
"This is 'Moonlight Grass', it emits a faint silver glow at night, and putting it in a room can soothe nerves and aid sleep!"
"This is 'Starlight Mushroom', it looks ordinary during the day, but at night it twinkles like stars!"
"This is 'Pest-Repelling Thorn', plant it next to the vegetable garden, and insects won't dare to come near!"
"This is 'Singing Morning Glory', it sways to the rhythm when it hears music!"
"This is 'Shy Grass', if you touch it, its leaves will curl up, and it will even let out a 'giggle'!"
Droy gently touched a fuzzy-leaved plant, and it indeed quickly curled up its leaves, emitting a faint, childlike "giggle," which amused Lucy and Yukino.
The most captivating area was the "Specialty Fruit Tree Zone" in the center of the estate.
The fruit trees here bore oddly shaped fruits that emitted an enticing mixed fruit aroma.
"This is my cultivated 'Apple-Orange Pear'!" Droy picked a yellow, pear-shaped fruit and handed it to Lucy, "Try it! It has the crisp sweetness of an apple and the refreshing aroma of an orange!"
Lucy took a bite, and her eyes immediately lit up: "Wow! It's true! It's so delicious!"
"And this, 'Fire-Banana Persimmon'!" He picked another bright red, tomato-shaped fruit, "It has the seedy texture of a dragon fruit and the soft, sweet aroma of a banana!"
"This, 'Grape-Berry Melon'! A mix of grape's sweet and sour and strawberry's aroma, with a texture like a cantaloupe!"
Droy was like a child showing off his treasures, continuously picking various exotic fruits and distributing them for everyone to taste.
Each one had a unique flavor, bringing continuous surprises.
"Droy, your skill is incredible!" Cana said, eating the sweet "Fire-Banana Persimmon," genuinely praising him, "I always knew you tinkered with plants, but I never expected you to really make a name for yourself!"
"Hehe, good luck, good luck." Droy chuckled honestly, his face radiating satisfaction and happiness, "I just love dealing with these flowers and plants. Watching them sprout, grow, bloom, and bear fruit, I feel particularly at ease."
"Being able to cultivate new varieties that everyone likes, and being able to support myself with it, makes me feel especially Happy!"
Everyone sat at a wooden table under the fruit trees, savoring the delicious and novel fruits while listening to Droy recount the interesting stories and hardships of cultivating these plants.
He mentioned almost getting lost in the deep mountains to find a rare mother plant;
Staying up all night in the greenhouse to adjust magic circles to simulate special environments;
And failing dozens of times to crossbreed new varieties... Although it was hard, his words were full of passion and a sense of accomplishment.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows, and a gentle breeze brought wafts of fruit and flower scents.
At this moment, far from the guild's clamor and the smoke of battle, only the joy of old friends reuniting and the satisfaction of each other's growth quietly flowed through the peaceful estate.
"Time really flies," Levy said, looking at Droy's considerably rounder but still honest-smiling face, and then recalling Jet's calm and confident demeanor from earlier, she sighed, "It feels like yesterday they were still following behind, calling 'Levy,' and today they are already independent potion shop owners and botanical garden masters."
"Yes," Lucy also said, deeply moved, "I'm really Happy for them to see them doing so well."
"The paths of growth are all different," Ezreal picked up an "Apple-Orange Pear," took a bite, and the sweet juice filled his mouth. He smiled and said, "But no matter where you go, the bonds of Fairy Tail will always be there."
As the sun set, the golden afterglow cast a warm halo over Droy's botanical garden.
It was time for everyone to say goodbye.
"Leaving so soon? Stay a little longer!" Droy was reluctant.
"No, if we go back any later, the Master will start nagging again." Cana laughed, "Seeing you, kid, living so well, we're relieved."
"Droy, take good care of your darlings!" Lucy waved goodbye.
"Mhm! Everyone, come visit often when you have time!" Droy nodded vigorously.
Before they left, he rushed to the greenhouse and orchard, carefully selected a large basket of various specialty fruits he had cultivated, and handed one to each person: "Take these! They're all grown by me! Fresh and delicious! Take them back for the Master and everyone to try!"
And so, this "visiting relatives" team from Fairy Tail, illuminated by the setting sun, began their journey home.
Each person carried the potions given by Jet and the fruits given by Droy, with satisfied smiles on their faces.
By the time they returned to the guild, it was already late. The guild was brightly lit and still boisterous.
"We're back!" Lucy shouted as soon as she entered.
"Oh! You're back!" Natsu was the first to rush over, "Huh? What are you carrying? Is it something good to eat?"
"It's from Jet and Droy!" Levy said happily.
"Jet? Droy?" Mira smiled as she came over, "Are they doing well?"
"Very well!" Cana placed the potions and fruits on the bar, "That kid Jet has become a potion master, and Droy has become a botanist. Their businesses are booming, and they're much more stable."
"Really?" Wendy curiously leaned in, "Fruits grown by Brother Droy? Wow! This pear smells so good!"
"This is an 'Apple-Orange Pear'! It tastes like apple and orange!" Lucy introduced.
"This tomato is so red! It's a 'Fire-Banana Persimmon'!" Yukino also picked one up.
"Jet also gave us a lot of potions!" Levy distributed the potions to everyone, "This is for you, Natsu, 'Potent Vigor Potion,' drink it before a fight!"
"Aye—! Thank you, Jet!" Happy flew up.
"Hmph, those two idiots, at least they didn't grow old for nothing." Although Gray's words were sharp, he silently accepted the "High-Efficiency Trauma Ointment" given to him.
Juvia immediately came over: "Lord Gray! Juvia will keep your ointment safe! I promise not to lose it!"
Gray: "..." He silently put the ointment into his own pocket.
Master Makarov looked at the gifts piled on the bar and the Happy smiles on his members' faces, listening to them recount Jet and Droy's recent news. He stroked his beard and smiled contentedly.
"Those two brats... they did well!" He picked up an "Apple-Orange Pear" and took a bite, juice overflowing, "Mmm! So sweet!"
He looked around the lively guild hall, at the noisy but vibrant children in front of him, and then thought of the two children who were striving outside, also shining brightly.
"No matter where you are..." Makarov murmured softly, his voice drowned out by the guild's clamor, but the relief and pride were clearly written on his face, "You... are all the pride of Fairy Tail!"
As night deepened, the lights of Fairy Tail remained warm.
Potion bottles refracted colorful light under the lamps, and exotic fruits emitted an enticing sweet aroma.
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