Rhode turned over and embraced Mira, smudging her lipstick with his lips. He whispered in her ear, "If you aren't qualified, then there are no qualified wives in the world."
Mira's smile was sweet, but soon turned into disdain: "You've wrinkled the dress."
Rhode stood up, unbuttoning his shirt while saying, "We're not going to wear them for long anyway."
"It's just changing into casual clothes, don't make it sound so weird." Saying such words while doing such actions, this guy is definitely doing it on purpose.
Rhode casually tossed his jacket aside: "I am just saying I'm changing clothes, what's weird about that?"
Mira ignored him, slowly and gently taking off her gown, and changed into her usual favorite black dress, occasionally sneaking glances at Rhode, looking cautious.
Rhode watched his actress-like beautiful wife. Changing clothes right in front of him and doing so seductively... definitely on purpose.
If they didn't have things to do soon, he would definitely have made a move on her.
The two changed clothes, cleaned their faces, and then opened the Hex Flying Gate to return to the guild.
Just as they met their well-prepared comrades, Rhode immediately struck a defensive pose and exaggeratedly exclaimed, "Who are you people? Give me back my fellow mates!"
He had specially changed back into casual wear, not expecting this bunch to dress up so smartly.
For the girls, it was fine since they were already pretty and looked even better in gorgeous dresses (except for Kana).
But why were the guild president and these peculiar fellows joining in?
Mira laughed and asked, "Didn't you say it should be like any ordinary banquet, everyone relaxed?"
Makarov said seriously, "No, even though it's on familiar territory, it's still a banquet in another country, we need to maintain a perfect image."
Is that really the case? Rhode looked suspiciously at his guild president.
Marcus, unable to keep secrets, directly said to Rhode, "Actually, Macao said that once we get there, we might have an encounter with the young ladies from renowned families abroad..."
I knew there'd be some weird secret! Rhode asked, "Was Romeo around when he said that?"
Marcus didn't answer, only gestured for him to look at Romeo.
And then Rhode saw a myriad of complex emotions like helplessness, embarrassment, and annoyance on the face of the barely 13-year-old.
"Forget it, forget it..." Rhode decided not to ask anymore, wear whatever you like, he clapped his hands, "Erza, is everyone here? We're setting off soon."
Why not ask me? Makarov wanted to ask, but felt the answer might not be favorable to him, so he let it go.
Erza confirmed seriously, "I've already checked the headcount, no problem."
Rhode nodded and announced loudly, "Alright, everyone hold steady, I'm about to cast the magic, if you're prone to dizziness close your eyes, otherwise feel free."
Natsu, Gray, Lucy, and Wendy, who had been messed with by Rhode, promptly closed their eyes obediently.
Only Erza was fearless as she was last time.
Makarov also had learned the hard way and did as told.
The rest like Reby, Romeo, and Asuka were more obedient, Ibarglin and Elfman instinctively followed Rhode's orders, Lisana had her eyes covered by Mira straight off.
The majority didn't think there'd be any issue, so they didn't heed the warning.
Rhode didn't bother reminding them again, he raised his hand, drawing a blue magic array in the air, enveloping everyone present.
Soon afterwards, everyone was swiftly transported to a subspace by blue light spheres, traveling terrains rapidly, and reached the Duke's Mansion courtyard in mere seconds.
The moment they landed, more than half of them collapsed all over the place.
Sounds of "Whoa" filled the air.
Romeo gasped with relief, "Good thing I heeded Rhode's advice."
Asuka asked, confused, "What's wrong with the brothers and sisters?"
Wendy asserted her 'big sister' authority, "It's the consequence of not listening, Asuka, never learn from them."
Asuka nodded firmly, "I'm the best behaved!"
Alzack should be comforted hearing that, but having been curious about Rhode's magic led him to be supported by Bisca, retching nonstop.
Mira concerned for Lisana, "How are you feeling?"
Lisana envied, "This magic is amazing, isn't it possible for brother-in-law to take you around the world?"
Mira happily explained, "There are various limitations, though."
"This is ridiculous!" Erza reprimanded those who were sprawled all over, "Is this what qualifies as a competent mage?!"
"Ahahaha... you all are so useless!" Natsu, though still feeling slightly unwell, quickly recovered and laughed loudly at his comrades.
Lucy retorted, "Coming from you, that's rich."
Hapi commented, "Aye! Natsu has plenty of experience!"
Lucy, recalling previous incidents, laughed awkwardly, "That's not something to be proud of, right?"
"Gray-sama, Jubia...ugh...this feeling, Jubia's love for you is uncontrollably rising! Urgh..."
Lucy teased, "You just wanted to see Gray undressed, couldn't bring yourself to close your eyes, right?"
"Lu...ugh~ rival in love!"
"Don't call my name and throw up!" Lucy retorted while supporting Jubia.
Gray, keenly catching the word 'undressed', looked down at himself: "Rhode! Why didn't you bring my clothes along?!"
"You —" Rhode caught a glimpse of Asuka, unable to curse with a child around, "Who knows where you tossed your clothes? Look into yourself and fix your own habits!"
Fairy Tail experienced its first collective transportation, the scene was chaotic, unbearable to watch.
Rhode pondered that they should regularly practice with these folks, what if they need to deploy strategies for long-distance troop transportation in the future?
Given this state, they might end up as failures right on landing.
Because the scene was so chaotic, nobody noticed Laxus's face turning pale for a moment and his body swaying slightly.
He crossed his arms, legs apart, expressionless, not speaking, and appeared exceedingly cool.
"Duke, may I ask..." An older maid cautiously stepped forward to inquire, "Are these the 'guests' you mentioned?"
They knew beforehand that a batch of guests was to be entertained; food and drinks were ready, but...
Weren't Duke's friends the ones with elegant manners and politeness received at noon?
Why are these guests... so peculiar?
The maid couldn't believe her eyes.
"Yes, these are my friends, calling them family is also fitting." Rhode chuckled, showing no embarrassment.
He pointed in Asuka's direction, "See? Apart from the kids needing special attention, you don't need to mind the others."
"Understood." The maid quickly noted, and later would notify others to pay extra attention to the child with black hair and cowboy hat and the other child with long blue hair.