"Now I understand why Grandpa kicked you out, you bastard dad."
Laxus had just fought quite a battle.
Over forty people used all sorts of dangerous magic against him, but luckily, although the magic was dangerous, the people were somewhat inept.
Laxus dealt with them all and, upon looking at the emblem, he realized these were his dad Ivan's subordinates.
Originally, he thought with his dad's usual style, he'd be hiding somewhere to watch the fight and then ambushing at the right moment.
But when the Thunder God Tribe came to assist, Laxus realized his dad actually took the elite team to ambush Rhode.
Laxus felt a wave of relief.
Although he didn't know his bastard dad's intentions, luckily, the ambush targeted him and Rhode.
Ivan was obviously displeased: "Those useless fools, failed? Over 40 people couldn't even deal with you."
Laxus looked at Ivan strangely: "Didn't you fail too when you tried to handle it yourself?"
"..." Ivan had no words, he didn't realize Fairy Tail had such monsters.
He originally thought now was the best time to deal with these mages, who were six years behind the times.
Once they adapted to this era, it would be too late.
Who knew they didn't need to adapt at all.
The father and son were speechless as Makarov also entered the room.
Three generations of their family hadn't been together for a very long time, and now the long-separated family reunion looked like this.
Rhode didn't interrupt inside but asked the Thunder God Tribe about details outside.
"We're not sure about the battle process, because Laxus is too strong, he doesn't need our help!" Fried had a proud expression, as long as Laxus was impressive, he was happy.
Rhode asked, "What about those people?"
Fried said, "Of course, they're handed over to the Council. Bringing them back would be a hassle. By the way... I heard you captured Laxus's dad?"
"Yes." Rhode asked, "How's Laxus's relationship with his dad?"
"Heard it was good before, but later seemed to care less and less about Laxus. Yet Laxus still fell out with the President because of Mr. Ivan..."
Fried wanted to convey that Laxus was actually very emotional, hoping Rhode wouldn't hold a grudge because of past events.
Rhode was contemplating why the President managed to build the guild like a family, yet family relationships turned out like this...
Is this what it means to struggle between career and family?
He heard during Macao's presidency, Romeo's relationship with him worsened too.
Being the president isn't easy at all.
Just as he was discussing serious matters with Fried, Elfman, who had just returned, looked at Ibarglin for a long while and finally managed to say, "Are you hurt?"
Ibarglin snapped open her little folding fan: "Ha? Are you an idiot? Fried already said when we arrived, Laxus had resolved everything, how could I possibly be hurt."
"Oh." Elfman scratched his head, feeling what she said made sense.
"..." Ibarglin's eye twitched, squeezing a sentence through her gritted teeth, "Though I didn't want your concern, can't you at least ask if I'm tired?"
"Are you tired?"
"..." Ibarglin sighed, "A bit tired."
Mira and Lisana watched the duo and chuckled. Jimmy also showed a 'so this is how it is' expression.
After watching for a while, Mira remembered there were guests, and the large boxes Elfman brought back: "Why bring so many things?"
Jimmy said: "Dad let me bring them, he said thanks for saving me again, these are all wines for Fairy Tail."
Just then, Gajeel returned, wanting to lose his temper upon seeing Rhode but holding back.
Because the Council team arrived with him.
Before they could greet, Rhode pretended to be shocked and pointed at Gajeel: "You're... reporting to the Council just because you can't beat me!"
Gajeel immediately flared up: "Who would do something like that! Weren't they brought by you?"
The team felt unsure if they should speak, tentatively asking, "Mr. Rhode? May we..."
"Just kidding, please wait a moment." Rhode gestured that something inside would soon be resolved.
"By the way." Mira asked, "Jimmy, what about your task?"
Jimmy thought for a while, uncertainly saying, "I guess it's completed... right?"
She was responsible for tracking Raven's Tail movements, which could now be confirmed.
Though unsure if this investigation result was still valuable.
Makarov and Laxus soon came out with Ivan, handing him over to the Council.
They truly wanted him to reflect well in prison.
Black Snake and Freyja were also taken away.
—Freyja claimed she had nothing to do with Dragons, had never seen a Dragon, nor understood Dragon Slayer Magic, or knew Natsu.
When asked where she learned magic or lived, she refused to say anything.
Rhode was out of options, waiting for Natsu to return and explore her in prison.
But if what she claimed was true, and she hadn't done much wrong, she might be released after some education like Gajeel.
Jimmy toured the guild for a while and then left, saying she would catch a ride home with her dad.
Of course, before leaving, she sincerely apologized to Gajeel, thanked him, and warmly invited him to visit Rays of the Rising Sun, claiming they also had challengers who loved fighting.
"What do you mean 'also have'? I'm not like that Fire Dragon who challenges anyone at sight!"
"Anyway, there are." Jimmy didn't know the Fire Dragon he mentioned, but assumed it must be similarly impulsive and belligerent, right? She laughed and said, "Make sure to come by if you have time, bringing your Fire Dragon friend would be fun too."
"That's not my friend!"
...
After dinner, Rhode and Mira went for a walk, and then resumed their regular training.
Not just the two of them, within the Celestial Wolf Group, except for a few missing members, anyone who went on missions had basically started training.
Even Kildas took Kana for special training in the mountains.
He felt he'd spent enough time at the guild and should head out, but couldn't quite leave his daughter alone long-term, so he wanted to help strengthen her as much as possible before he left.
Though Kana herself told Kildas no extra care was needed, he should do whatever he liked, as if nothing changed after their reunion.
Yet Kildas still felt the new era was somewhat dangerous, so he wanted to teach his girl additional moves.
Mira proposed resuming training, and naturally, Rhode wouldn't refuse, this was a regular part of their lives.
Except now, their roles had reversed, Rhode becoming a gold standard sparring partner, combining guidance, healing, recovery, and encouragement.
Plus, it's free!