Sure enough, after talking about everything that should and shouldn't be said, Makarov looked at Rhode seriously: "I want you to become the next President of Fairy Tail, the fourth generation."
—— Acting President Macao was excluded because he never officially announced his appointment.
Makarov looked at him eagerly, and Mebius was also smiling beside him.
Rhode looked at their expressions, pondered for a while, and seriously replied, "I refuse."
"..." Makarov thought Rhode wasn't serious and added, "Rhode, this isn't a joke. I'm getting old, and the guild should be led by younger and more energetic people.
"This isn't an impulsive decision. I actually had this thought before the S-Class Exam. This is a well-considered decision; there's no one more suitable in terms of ability, prestige, or character."
Nonsense, clearly Laxus and Erza can do it, and Mirajane, who has long been responsible for guild affairs, is fully capable.
Even Kildas could absolutely do well if he wanted to.
Rhode didn't think he was indispensable.
More importantly, Rhode felt that after Makarov finished speaking, especially when he said he wanted Rhode to be the President, he seemed as if he had shed some heavy burden.
His body relaxed considerably.
This wasn't a good thing because the mortality around him also came out.
The guild is the old man's biggest concern; he has dedicated his whole life to it.
Although he complains every day, if he really retires, he probably wouldn't know what to do.
Rhode worried that if he agreed, the old man's spirit would completely relax, leading to bad things.
He frowned and thought carefully for a while, decided to stall: "I am not mentally prepared for such a major thing. At least give me some time to consider it? I haven't got the resolve to take up the heavy responsibility of leading the guild forward."
Makarov wanted to say he wasn't prepared either; it was the Second Generation who suddenly decided to leave and casually handed him the presidency.
But Makarov eventually relented, nodding: "Then think carefully, come back tomorrow, latest the day after, to take over properly."
"..." Rhode went home, burdened with thoughts.
Then he ran away with his sister-in-law...'s sister.
Anyway, they were going on a honeymoon, so he might as well relax first before considering the presidency proposal.
Rhode reminisced about yesterday's events; besides the presidency issue, the matters of Zeref and the First Generation also concerned him.
He found his stereotypical impression of Zeref shattered and couldn't help but sympathize with this notorious Black Mage.
To love someone and cause their death is the most terrifying and cruel tale for the newlywed Rhode.
The arm around Mira's waist tightened involuntarily.
Mira paused her packing, pressed her face against Rhode's, and touched his head: "What's wrong? Is it really such a heavy matter?"
Rhode sighed: "I suppose so, and I can't tell you everything."
Since he promised to keep it secret, he must do so, at least until he decides to be president, he isn't qualified to discuss this secret with anyone.
No matter how much he trusts Mira, he can only mention bits and pieces.
Mira, seeing his demeanor, knew what was going on. If it weren't confidential, the President wouldn't have specifically called him aside.
"In short, the President wants to retire and have me take over his position."
Mira didn't ask further, just smiled: "How can that be considered harming you?"
"Of course, it counts as harm!" Rhode said, "Being the guild's president, even a temporary one, ages you quickly. Don't believe me? Look at Macao's hairline... Isn't this harming me?"
Mira touched Rhode's forehead: "Oh, if you end up like that, it would be terrible, the President's really naughty~"
"..." Treated like a child, Rhode rubbed her face, "You're the naughty one."
Mira brushed away his hand: "Let's stop messing around, I'll change clothes and head out to stroll."
"Alright." Rhode sat aside, quietly flipping through the magic book given by the Second Generation.
Rhode had previously skimmed through this book, thicker than a dictionary, with Wind's Glasses, it recorded countless types of magic.
Magic from Celestial Wolf Island like Amaterasu and chains that pierced through Makarov's giant body were included.
Many complex spells are thoughtfully annotated with prerequisites for practice, and reference books.
Rhode flipped through the pages casually, noting names of interest. He wasn't urgent, mainly looking for suitable magic for Mira.
Magic that required no reception and could be used normally.
The Second Generation specialized in Dark Attribute Magic, which should be compatible with Mira.
After a while, Mira dressed and twirled before Rhode: "Ta-da… how do I look?"
Rhode closed the book, looked at Mira's attire, pretending to nod profoundly: "Hmm, not bad, just as beautiful as my wife."
"Really?" Mira laughed and took Rhode's arm, pulling him outside, saying while pushing the door, "Then, forget your wife today and play with me!"
Rhode replied with a smile: "That sounds great."
The waitress they passed by in the hallway paused almost imperceptibly, then hastily left as if nothing happened.
Mira noticed the waitress's nervousness, embarrassed: "Oh no, she must have misunderstood."
"Haha, it's okay, they might just think you're my mistress, haha..." Rhode laughed uncontrollably.
Mira puffed her cheeks and resignedly said: "Then, Mr. Rhode, when will you abandon your wife and marry me?"
Rhode tried to control his laughter, with a high desire to live, said: "That's impossible; my wife is number one in the world, no one can compare to her!"
Though knowing he's deliberately flattering, it still made her want to laugh.
Mira lightly pinched Rhode's waist, gave herself a way out, then continued walking with a smile.
The two went on the street hand in hand, not far out realizing something was amiss, as if people were discussing them.
"It's them."
"Rhode the Ten Wizard Saints and Demon Mira."
"The newlyweds blessed by the Princess!"
"So envious..."
Rhode and Mira exchanged a glance, understanding it was yesterday's newspaper causing trouble.
Initially just an ordinary wedding, albeit lively, it shouldn't have even made the major sections.
Yet because of Princess Jade's visit, it ended up on the headline.
Listening to people's discussions, it seemed Princess Jade held significant esteem in their hearts.