Refusal is only natural; besides having been researched by the President and played with by Mira, Rhode's pendant has never been handled by anyone else.
It involves his life and livelihood. How could he just let others touch it?
The rejected Brellins felt a little regret but immediately had his eyes on Makarov's staff:
"Mr. Makarov, could your staff possibly..."
"Take it." Makarov casually tossed it to him.
Brellins studied it for a few seconds, regretfully handing it back.
It was just an ordinary staff, really, with a magic crystal embedded at the top, but it was only good for use as a flashlight.
Makarov, in fact, carried it more as an accessory, not expecting to use magic with it.
If it had any other use... maybe as a tool to knock on Natsu's head.
Brellins hadn't given up, his gaze lingering on the empty-handed Jura, before settling on Uluvheim's glasses for a moment: "Uluv..."
Uluvheim impatiently responded: "I told you last time, they're only sturdier than normal glasses."
"But they're different from last time's."
"Just a different color, are you a child?!"
Truly a research maniac...
Rhode silently watched their exchange. These two must have met before—as Uluvheim seemed to have acknowledged the other's prowess from their last interaction.
Hayberion didn't want them arguing endlessly, attempting to mediate: "Alright, let's go inside and take a seat first; we can talk slowly."
The others turned and left, but Brellins reluctantly said, "I noticed a nice design on that small flying ship upfront, I wanted to..."
Hayberion said, "That's Mr. Jura's ship, you can discuss with him later."
Brellins reluctantly followed, but when everyone took their seats, he was nowhere to be seen.
In their puzzlement, a waiter came in for help:
"Sir Hayberion, a peculiar gentleman has stopped our serving cart outside; he seems intent on taking all the dishes out..."
"That idiot..." Uluvheim leapt up and stormed out, returning a few seconds later dragging Brellins in with a beastly arm.
Well, he isn't normal either. Rhode sighed, feeling out of place with these oddballs.
Uluvheim threw Brellins onto a chair, urging: "Quickly talk about the important stuff, then let him do whatever he wants!"
"Okay, let's start with the first item." Hayberion signaled the waiter to continue serving since the topic wasn't confidential.
"The first item is introducing everyone to each other, then reiterating an important point:
"Although the Ten Wizard Saints title was initially decided by the Council alone, bearing this title means contributing to the stability and prosperity of the Magic Realm.
"Each of you was chosen for your outstanding past achievements, and I hope you continue to do so."
Everyone nodded, no dispute with that. Hayberion's words were mostly aimed at informing Brellins, the 'newcomer.'
"Then the second item is about Mr. Rhode's ranking," Hayberion continued, "Considering the recent issues with the Gioa Kingdom's bandits, the Council suggests advancing Mr. Rhode's rank by one spot. What's everyone's opinion?"
"Advancing my rank just means swapping places with our President, right?" Rhode declined, "There's no need, keeping the current order is fine."
Advancing his rank had no real advantage.
Besides, squeezing the old man back a spot seemed improper.
Rhode wasn't interested in such matters.
Makarov was delighted though, immediately tapping Rhode with his staff: "What do you mean it's unnecessary? I think it's very necessary! I agree, let's do it!"
Jura smiled and said, "Since Mr. Makarov insists, I have no objection."
"How can such a thing be treated so indifferently? Sloppy!" Uluvheim glanced at Rhode, voicing his disapproval of Rhode's attitude.
"If the achievements are sufficient, promotion is deserved. If you handle two more similar situations, I should give you my position without complaint!"
"Mr. Uluv is right," Brellins directly voted in favor.
"Alright, that's settled then!" Makarov joyfully announced, "Rhode advances by one place, and I fall back one spot, so now I'm... hmm, what number again?"
He wasn't very concerned with these matters anyway.
Uluvheim irritably said, "Seventh."
This guild, what's with it, so lax every single one of them.
Unanimously passed, Rhode's opinion didn't matter.
Hayberion directly declared, "Then, effective immediately, Mr. Rhode is promoted to the sixth of the Ten Wizard Saints, and Mr. Makarov is at seventh."
Jura politely applauded.
Rhode forced a smile.
That's bad; now the President has another strong reason to step down, and it's not easy to deal with...
"Oh, right!" Brellins suddenly remembered something, looking at Rhode, "Our guild's Jimmy, thanks so much for helping him last time!"
Jimmy, who had foolishly tracked Raven's tail and ended up turned into a magic crystal.
Ivan and his crew deceived Rhode using that magic crystal claiming it was Lucy, using it as a hostage...
Rhode recalled the young girl wielding an oversized Candy Cane Magic Staff.
Speaking of which, wasn't that interesting staff made by Brellins? Not bad for trapping Gajeel unprepared...
Rhode said, "It's no big deal, just happened by chance, and Jimmy and I were already acquainted."
"Regardless, you saved that clumsy child's life, I..." Brellins glanced around at the others, belatedly asking, "Am I off-topic?"
Jura and Uluvheim stayed silent, while Makarov casually ate, being accustomed to the occasionally offbeat inventor.
"No problem, it's not some serious meeting anyway," Hayberion said, "Let's continue discussing..."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "Regarding the Independent Guild Sin of the Witch.
"Two months ago, they abducted Jellal and five former Oracion Seis members, now becoming a force not to be underestimated.
"Recently, as the Council began loosening their search efforts on Sin of the Witch, their activities surged.
"Several Dark Guilds were silently obliterated by them; a few days ago, a Star Spirit Mage even claimed to have been saved by them...
"I previously asked Mr. Rhode for his opinion; now I'd like to hear from all of you."