Lucy stomped her foot where she stood, threatening Loki about getting what's coming to him.
Rhode wanted to say that Loki had already gotten what was coming to him earlier.
Thinking about it, he decided to let Lucy off the hook for now.
He patted Lucy on the shoulder: "Go to the back and contact the Princess and Yukino, and have Yukino quickly prepare a report and submit it."
"Okay!" Lucy nodded, "I think Lebra might also communicate with her."
Mira took Lucy to use the guild's communication magic crystal.
Erza ordered breakfast and sat down to eat.
Natsu and Hapi suddenly realized, "We haven't had breakfast yet!"
One ordered the flame set meal, the other ordered fish porridge.
After eating and paying, Hapi turned his little wallet upside down and shook it.
Two coins fell out, bounced twice on the table, and slowly lay flat.
Hapi looked at the numbers on the coins: "Natsu, our meal money is running out."
"No problem, we still have a secret stash..." Natsu confidently patted his chest, but his expression gradually stiffened.
The secret stash seemed to have been spent a few days ago.
"Oh no!" Natsu held his head, "We'll soon have no money for food! Work, go to work!"
He immediately jumped up and ran towards the bulletin board.
Hapi went to ask Gray and Erza, but Gray didn't want to work lately, and Erza said she was taking turns guarding Lucy and would go out in a few days.
Rhode quickly saw the task sheet Natsu chose, and without much hesitation, agreed for him and Hapi to go.
——In extremely short supply of meal money, Natsu's destructive power will greatly decrease.
Of course, as his and Hapi's little gold stash becomes full again, the destructive power will slowly be restored.
Perhaps this is Natsu's growth, the situation that requires guild's advances is decreasing at a very slow rate.
...
The Rebellion of the Abandoned Spirits incident spread rapidly among Star Spirit Mages.
The Council gave considerable attention, seemingly recognizing Yukino and Lucy's favor.
After verifying the authenticity of the information, there might be some response.
So, the Star Spirit Mages' actions became much more cautious. When going out to work, they always chose to team up or opts for tasks closer to their guild.
The rebellious spirits' actions were greatly hindered for a while.
Rhode also often heard in the guild about someone successfully defeating a certain Star Spirit.
Lucy recently enjoyed the treatment of a young lady.
Despite Loki's guarantee, the guild's protection of her did not relax one bit.
Now Lucy would always have a companion when going out or coming home.
Every night, different girls would stay over at her place.
Like Erza, Kana, Bisca, and even Jubia have already slept in Lucy's bed.
Although Jubia insists she wants to gather intel on her rival, everyone can feel her intentions.
Mira also took the time to stay at Lucy's house, and her schedule was arranged by some caring individuals on the days relatives visited.
It made people question some people's sincerity.
Fortunately, except for occasionally feeling troubled, nothing happened so far.
During this period, there was a mission suspected of sighting rebellious spirits of the Great Cloud Constellation and Little Cloud Constellation, and Lucy wanted to go no matter what.
Rhode intended to team up with her when Laxus suddenly stood up: "Grandfather said you would have other things to do recently, right? This kind of mission with an uncertain return time, let me handle it."
It was rare to hear him so naturally call the President 'Grandfather,' and so straightforwardly express the intention to care for others, felt a bit unfamiliar.
Rhode was somewhat touched.
However, having Laxus accompany her certainly set everyone's minds at ease, so he asked: "What does Lucy think?"
"Ah? Well, I have no problem." Lucy hadn't talked much with Laxus usually, and he suddenly appeared behind her startled her.
But Laxus was completely different now, wasn't it? He seemed very reliable in terms of both personality and strength.
She suddenly realized what she said earlier seemed inappropriate, quickly amended, "I mean, thank you for helping, sorry to trouble you."
"No need to be polite." Laxus got stuck on saying 'because we're companions,' probably used up today's 'honest energy.'
Yet he maintained a cold expression naturally, so no one could see his mental activity.
Lucy nervously left with Laxus, and just as they were about to exit, the Thunder God Tribe gathered at the door.
The most noticeable was Fried with long green hair. He muttered while biting a handkerchief: "To be able to have Laxus go to the trouble of escorting you."
When the two approached, Fried could finally regain composure, advising Laxus like a diligent aide, wishing he could go help pack the suitcase now.
Biguslo extended his tongue as usual, teasing Lucy in a strange tone:
"Let me tell you a secret, though Laxus has had a girlfriend, he's currently single. Winning him over isn't too hard; just let him see your charm."
"Who wants to pursue him..." Lucy retorted, then excitedly added, "But I'm interested in his ex-girlfriend's story."
Unfortunately, Biguslo didn't follow Lucy's topic, but continued teasing: "But if that's the case, poor Natsu, I remember you two have a thing, right?"
A group of puppets hovered around Lucy, repeating up and down: "Have a thing, have a thing..."
"Shut it..." Lucy felt as if she was surrounded by a thousand Hapis.
After finally getting through Biguslo's ordeal, Ibarglin pointed her little fan at Lucy with a rather proud tone and said:
"Listen, newcomer. Standing next to Laxus, you must have the determination to fight to the death like the President's Guard. Absolutely don't disgrace the Thunder God Tribe!"
Lucy sighed: "When did I join the Thunder God Tribe..."
Elfman timely spoke: "Abar, Laxus teamed up with Lucy to protect her, not to be protected."
"Abar?" Lucy sensed a new grapevine and her eyes wandered between the two, "You two, could it be..."
"Id... Idiot!" Ibarglin complained to Elfman, "Didn't I say not to call me that in front of others?!"
Elfman scratched his head: "Sorry, didn't notice."
Usually casual with the Thunder God Tribe, having Lucy too didn't feel like an outsider.
Lucy gradually grinned, imitating Hapi's tongue pop: "There's~ a~ thing~~~"
At times like these, Biguslo was competitive, leading his puppets to chant next to Ibarglin's ear: "Have a thing, have a thing..."