The Throat of Dishonor was a bit confused. Wasn't it supposed to defeat all the groomsmen first, then lose to the bond between Rhode and his companions amidst rousing music and united cheers?
Why did a bridesmaid come to fight it first, and then Rhode directly ran off with the bride?
"Natsu, fight and retreat, everyone else, fall back!"
Natsu, the clever trickster, hung at the end of the line, specifically targeting Erza's clothes.
It would have been fine if Erza was wearing another armor, but this wedding dress was purely beautiful. Neglecting the high temperature under the flames, the vigorous movement alone had already caused some damage.
Erza's anger surged to a peak but quickly began to subside.
"Laxus and Wendy, get on the last car, Rhode tells the Big Spider to coordinate!"
"Yes!" Wendy heard the First Generation's command to get on the car but turned and saw Laxus not moving, "Mr. Laxus?"
"Hmm." Laxus replied absentmindedly.
Wendy said, "The First Generation wants us to get on this car."
"Ah." Laxus nodded casually, saying, "You go on board, I'll follow on foot."
Wendy looked down at herself, then up at Laxus, suddenly feeling a bit aggrieved.
—Together with Mr. Laxus, it really doesn't quite match.
She pursed her lips, feeling wronged, and got on the car.
Laxus: "..."
Seems like Wendy thought he was rejecting her, but he really couldn't board the car. He needed to explain properly later.
Mebius also looked puzzled: "Laxus, why aren't you moving?"
Laxus finally thought of a reason: "If Erza gets angry, Natsu might not hold up. I'll be here as backup, maybe Wendy should stay too."
Mebius stared at Laxus for several seconds, watching him guiltily avert his gaze, before slightly adjusting the plan.
The parade was nearing its end, and the Throat of Dishonor saw Rhode's gesture, roared, and jumped from behind the house to the front yard, chasing the team for a few steps.
But when it saw the road ahead wasn't that wide and there were quite a few kids nearby looking scared, it stopped and spewed a large web into the air.
The gigantic spider web could almost cover the entire parade team. Makarov, Rhode, Macao, Reby, and others who knew fire magic all took action.
Flames of various colors ignited the web in the air, and the Throat of Dishonor cooperatively moved its claws, retracting the remaining web swiftly and securely binding the lagging Erza.
If this were normal times, Natsu, given his nature, would seize the chance to poke at Erza.
Even knowing that he'd be dealt with later, he'd go to poke her face or tickle her.
But today, Natsu obediently followed the First Generation's instructions, looking up to draw the colorful flames from the air into his mouth, then spitting them out, creating a fireworks display in the pattern of the Fairy Tail Badge.
The band's performance paused briefly at this moment. Makarov transformed into a giant, with his left hand in a fist and left arm bent, raising his right arm with the back of his hand forward, index finger pointing upwards, and thumb open.
Kildas swaggered over to Laxus, patting his shoulder.
Laxus looked at his grandfather's back, unusually not arrogant, and mimicked the same gesture.
Rhode and Mira smiled at each other from atop the Warm, raising their right arms as well.
On the floats behind, the groomsmen and bridesmaids followed suit, while the band and fireworks effect team followed closely.
Even Li Li, Hapi, and Carla, who were flying in the air all along, suspended in mid-air, smiled and raised their paws.
Erza seemed to stop struggling when the Guild Emblem ascended into the sky, and became a bit anxious when everyone made their gestures.
Natsu stepped forward to help her up, burning away the spider silk on Erza amidst his bright smile.
A glow flashed from Erza's body, transforming her tattered wedding dress back into her usual armor.
The two, who had known each other since childhood, exchanged a knowing look and a smile, raising their right arms together.
Mebius watched the uniform scene of the Guild members with satisfaction, clasping her hands in front of her chest in a prayerful manner, silently chanting in her heart:
"The stars shining in the sky represent many hopes, and the gentle breeze that brushes against the skin, it is the dream pointing straight at tomorrow. Come, let the fairies' song guide you boldly forward..."
Thus, with each Fairy Tail member pointing skyward, a bit of phosphorescence emerged from their fingertips.
One turned into ten, ten into a hundred, dots of glimmer resembling stars in the sky, seemingly swayed by the wind, linked together below the flames in the air to form the Guild's name.
Then, the flames and starlight drifted back until they stopped above the Big Spider.
The Throat of Dishonor, understanding the cue, silently bowed out amidst that warm and beautiful glow. —Rhode's character setting for it today involved a fear of happiness and joy.
The 'King of Magical Beasts' retreated, and the crowd erupted in enthusiastic cheers, marking the magical parade's successful conclusion.
Naturally, the convoy continued heading to the Guild, the onlookers dispersed as needed, and the guests all intended to head to the Guild for the meal.
After a busy half day, it was already lunchtime.
Everyone sat down at will, those wanting to chat with acquaintances grouped together, like Jura.
Those wanting to meet new friends might sit with beauties, like Macao and Wakaba.
Some members of Fairy Tail played the role of waitstaff, while others casually took seats.
Warm reverted to the size of a palm, using its talent for cuteness to earn meals.
Rhode and Mira, still in their earlier attire, with wine glasses in hand and arms linked, came out to greet their friends.
But as soon as they completed one round, they were drawn away, one hauled to the Guild's dressing room, and the other back to the 'Demon King's Lair'.
They had to do makeup touches and change outfits for the formal ceremony in the afternoon, and Elfman and Lisana stood by Rhode and Mira, respectively, repeatedly going over the wedding procedures with them.
The attire and hairstyles had been consulted with authorities—Alzack and Bisca.
Following Magnolia's recent customs, Rhode changed into a white tailcoat, and his long, elegant hair was trimmed into a neat short style.
Rhode wasn't particularly distressed about losing the long hair; he could call the Cancer Star Spirit for a change anytime.
With everything ready, Rhode looked in the mirror.
"Feels a bit tight, somewhat unfamiliar." He moved slightly, looking in the mirror, and asked, "What do you guys think?"
Alzack chuckled, "Such outfits aren't meant for comfort. Being tight makes the physique appear more upright."
"The tie needs redoing." Fried stepped forward, efficiently tying the tie knot and tidying up the pocket handkerchief in Rhode's jacket
"Perfect." Fried nodded in satisfaction, then drifted into thought about how things would look if Laxus wore that too...