The new employee was highly efficient, and once Rhode gave the order, it didn't take long for the banquet hall to be rearranged.
The food and drinks were prepared in abundance, and the table settings were meticulously arranged.
It's just that… no one entered yet.
The people who had recovered from their discomfort didn't head straight to the banquet hall; instead, they roamed around the entire Duke's Mansion.
Perhaps "roam" isn't an accurate description; their behavior could be better described as scampering about.
People were often seen running through the corridors, stopping to look around the yard, and critiquing the meticulously tended flowerbeds, claiming they could be improved.
Even on rooftops and in wellheads, someone might suddenly appear.
Speaking of which, the frequency of appearances in such odd places was led by a head with cherry-colored hair.
The servants, who had just hosted a group of elegant and polite guests today, were now at a bit of a loss.
But the Duke told them to leave them be...
So, they could only watch, at most reminding the two young girls not to go to high places or get close to wellheads.
Lisana roughly toured around and worriedly said, "Mira, are you and brother-in-law moving here?"
"Of course not, we usually stay at home. We might come here occasionally to play..." Mira joked, "Like when the younger siblings at home are too noisy and annoying, we could move here for a few days."
Lisana didn't give in and bravely launched a counterattack: "Ah~~ Do you find us too noisy or too bothersome?"
Mira laughed, "Maybe your cooking is too bad?"
"..." Lisana pouted. She's only ranked second to last at home, and if you count Warm, she'd be third from the bottom.
And her cooking is only worse compared to her siblings; at least it's up to standard for a regular family, right?
How is it bad! Hmph, no wonder people call them the Demon Couple.
Mira patted her sister's head and said, "It's not just us; you and Elfman can also come. Your brother-in-law suggested you pick a room you like."
Lisana hugged Mira's arm and playfully said, "The Duchess's treatment is so high~ It seems there's no worry about losing favor~"
Mira would never be defeated by her sister and lightly patted her own face: "Oh my, you've found out, isn't your sister's charm amazing?"
"Mira, you've become vain..."
...
The newcomers from Fairy Tail had only just expended a bit of their energy and then remembered about the good food and drink in the banquet hall, so they all gathered past there.
Following protocol, the Demon Couple should have made a speech, thanking everyone for attending the new house completion ceremony.
But the two went straight to it, each raising a wine glass high: "Fairy Tail, cheers!"
"Cheers!!!"
Glasses were raised and drank, laughter and chatter filled the air, and the atmosphere was lively.
However, it wasn't long before fights over food plates, chasing, scuffling and eventually brawling unfolded.
The servants responsible for delivering food and drinks were dumbfounded—worldviews shattered—gradually numb—turned a blind eye.
They just needed to focus on their duties, ensuring timely delivery of drinks and food, and amazingly, the intense skirmishes inside didn't hamper their work.
Truly magical.
The 'mature' Wendy decisively led Asuka away from the center of the fight, to watch from the outskirts and even picked up some delicious desserts on the way.
After standing steady, Asuka clapped her hands while jumping: "There's a fight, there's a fight! Go Romeo! Go Dad!"
"Don't cheer for things like that..." Seeing Asuka's thrilled response to fights, Wendy couldn't help but worry about the child's future.
"Miss Asuka, please step back a bit more."
"Miss Wendy, do you need another glass of juice?"
"Miss Wendy, Miss Asuka..."
Wendy felt a bit odd; it was as if the maids were particularly attentive to her and Asuka... Could it be Brother Rhode's special care?
As expected, after a chaotic brawl, the party ended with everyone falling asleep collectively inside the banquet hall.
Some were on top of tables, some below, some embedded in walls, and others hanging from chandeliers.
Amazingly, they could sleep soundly in such positions.
The servants were both astonished and troubled.
Rhode called for reliable folks like Laxus to lug everyone into empty rooms to rest, one by one.
After finishing all this, Rhode finally returned to his room with his lady, rigorously checking the quality of the large bed.
Spring nights are short, the Duke must rise early for exercise.
The couple took a bath and tidied up properly before going out to check on everyone else's condition.
Laxus and Erza were the most diligent, practicing some morning exercises in the courtyard, even exchanging a few moves.
It's just that they both showed restraint, making only a few gestures before withdrawing, not causing any exaggerated ruckus.
Rhode criticized his own lazy attitude, but upon reflection, realized that even aside from enjoyment, it was important business.
He could make up for missed training time later.
Other people got up in turns, many calmly waiting for breakfast, others waking groggily and momentarily forgetting where they were, and clumsily barging out.
There was no need to specifically arrange breakfast, as the kitchen was already prepared.
Everyone sat in small groups, eating and chatting. Many envied Rhode's situation, while some mischievously asked whether a Duke could really have multiple spouses.
The post-meal activity was shopping.
A rare visit to the Gioa Kingdom meant they couldn't just stay in the Duke's Mansion.
Everyone went out in small groups, planning to buy some local specialties to bring home to family and friends.
No need to mention Jubia and Gray; the otherwise secretive Reby and Gajeel, and Elfman and Ibarglin had no hesitations accompanying each other out on such an occasion.
In such an atmosphere, Natsu cheerfully invited Lucy to join him in going out.
Lucy hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
On the way, she couldn't help but ask, "Wh-why did you invite me to come along?"
Natsu answered naturally, "Aren't we partners?"
Lucy let out a sigh of relief, yet seemed a bit unwilling: "Is it just because of that?"
"Actually... it's not just that," Natsu averted his eyes and scratched his cheek.
"Huh?"
Natsu's demeanor and tone were too easy to misinterpret, and Lucy covered her chest with her right hand as if to keep her rapidly beating heart in check.
Nervously, she asked, "Then... what is it?"
Natsu looked around before signaling Lucy to come closer with a small gesture.
Lucy's face began to redden as unbidden pink-tinted imaginings filled her mind.
Could it be that him asking me to come closer means...
No way, she hadn't mentally prepared for that yet!
Despite thinking this, Lucy cautiously leaned in.
"Actually..." Natsu leaned close to Lucy's ear, whispering in such a way that made her ear itch from his breath.
Her face turned more and more red, contemplating what she would do if Natsu said "those" words.
Then, Natsu's voice clearly reached her ears:
"Actually, Hapi and I went out without bringing our wallet, but there are lots of things to buy since we're abroad, so..."
Lucy hopped back a step like a startled rabbit, shaking her head vigorously:
"No! Natsu, I haven't thought seriously about those things! Even if you suddenly say something like that, I..."
"So borrowing money is not okay?" Natsu said, deflated.
Hapi echoed: "Aye..."
Lucy: "..."
I'm such an idiot!