Three days passed in the blink of an eye. As the green light of the final Healing Magic dissipated, the last trace of dark blue veins on Leo's arm completely faded away. His pale little face regained a healthy flush, and his eyes were as lively as a bird just released from its cage. He hopped around the study twice, threw a few punches like Hisui, and cried out with joy, "I'm all better! I don't feel uncomfortable at all! Brother Riyao, thank you!"
Riyao withdrew his shimmering palm, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and grinned. "What did I tell you? Didn't I say you'd be up and running in three days?"
King Toma stood by, watching his nephew's vibrant display with reddened eyes. He stepped forward and tightly gripped Riyao's hand. "Young man Riyao, I cannot thank you enough! If it weren't for you, Leo..." He choked up, unable to finish. He then turned to signal his attendants, "Bring forth the reward."
Two attendants entered carrying trays. One was filled with glittering gold coins and translucent gemstones, shining brilliantly. The other held an ancient leather-bound magic book, its cover engraved with complex silver patterns and emitting a faint magical aura.
"Young man, this is a small token of my appreciation." The King pointed to the coins and gems, then picked up the magic book, speaking earnestly, "I heard from Hisui and Arcadios that you are a gifted Mage. I imagine you aren't very interested in mere riches and instead value magical heritage more. This book contains a rare Enchantment Magic that should be useful to you."
Riyao's gaze had been glued to the gold and gems, but upon hearing this, he froze, and the smile on his face collapsed. He turned to look at Hisui and Arcadios standing nearby, his eyes so resentful they could have dripped water. It turned out these two had blabbed, ruining his chance at "financial freedom"!
Feeling his gaze, Hisui's emerald twin-tails swayed slightly. She intentionally turned away to look at the flowers outside the window, pretending to study the courtyard fountain while her ears quietly turned red. Arcadios straightened his back and stared straight ahead as if admiring the ancient books in the study, but his earlobes were burning. He even gripped his sword hilt unconsciously, not daring to meet Riyao's eyes.
"Your Majesty..." Riyao drawled, his voice full of grievance. "Actually, I'm quite interested in treasure too. After all, I haven't even gathered enough for the guild's renovation costs yet..."
The King blinked, then burst into laughter. "No matter, no matter! The treasure and the magic book are both yours! As long as Leo is cured, no amount is too much!"
Riyao's eyes lit up instantly. He immediately cast his resentment to the back of his mind, grabbing the tray of gold coins with one hand and the magic book with the other. He smiled like a squirrel that had stolen some honey. "Thank you, Your Majesty! You are so generous!" He weighed the heavy gold coins and flipped through the magic book, his grin nearly reaching his ears. "Now I can get sweet bread for the guild and improve my magic. It's perfect!"
He thought to himself, Enchantment Magic!!! He had been searching for years but only found fragments. Now he actually had a complete Enchantment Magic book. Wait? It's complete, but why is it just the basics? Where's the Dragonification stuff or the Dragon Force enchantment?
Oh right, Enchantment: Dragon Slayer was something Wendy developed herself, and Concept Reconstruction was a high-level application Irene developed later.
It seems I'll have to develop it myself. My offensive capabilities should reach another level. When the time comes, my left fist will deal high damage, my right fist will deal high damage, and every critical hit will come with healing. Hmm, I'll call it the Great Mercy Fist.
King Toma smiled and patted Riyao's shoulder. "If you're not in a hurry to return to Magnolia, why not stay in Crocus for a few more days? I'll have the royal chefs prepare a Manchu Han Imperial Feast—no, a Crocus specialty feast! I'll arrange for Honeyed Berries, roasted lamb chops, and everything!"
Riyao's eyes became brighter than the gold coins. He clutched the tray tighter, but his feet honestly moved back half a step. "Your Majesty, you understand me too well! But I can't!" He suddenly raised his voice and patted his chest solemnly, making the gold coins jingle. "The guild's sweet bread is waiting for me to save it! If I delay any longer, Natsu might just tear the guild's roof off to trade for snacks!"
Leo tugged at his sleeve and shook it, his little face scrunched up like a bun. "Brother Riyao, stay one more day! I want to see you demonstrate your new magic!"
"Demonstrate? Coming right up!" Riyao's eyes sparkled. He shoved the gold tray to the nearby attendant, tucked the magic book into his robe, and rolled up his sleeves to strike a pose. His left fist clenched, glowing with a faint green light of healing, while his right fist tightened, wrapped in fine golden magic energy. He muttered, "Watch closely! This is my newly developed ultimate secret technique—the Great Mercy Fist! One punch dispels misfortune, two punches cure all illnesses, three punches... Hey, hey, hey, don't run!"
Hisui jumped back half a step in fright, her emerald twin-tails practically standing on end. Arcadios, quick-witted, grabbed Riyao just before he crashed into a bookshelf. The veins on his forehead throbbed. "Mind the occasion, Lord Riyao."
"Oops, my mistake!" Riyao scratched his head. Remembering his manners, he immediately switched to a smiling expression and cupped his hands toward the King. "Your Majesty, your hospitality is hard to refuse, but the guild's affairs are urgent. When I return next time, I'll have mastered the Great Mercy Fist. I'll give you a free massage then! I guarantee your back won't ache and your legs won't hurt. You'll even have the strength to fight a Dark Guild!"
The King's lips twitched as he tried to suppress his laughter. He nodded repeatedly. "Good, good. I shall look forward to your massage."
"Then I'll be off!" Riyao snatched the gold tray back from the attendant and turned to rush out. After a few steps, he slammed on the brakes and looked back at Hisui and Arcadios. "Sister Hisui! Next time we meet, I'll teach you how to use Enchantment Magic to weave flower crowns! They're pretty and can ward off curses! Arcadios! Do you want a layer of protection on your sword? It'll clang beautifully in battle and never dull!"
Arcadios waved him off with a dark expression. "No need."
Hisui giggled, covering her mouth. "Safe travels, Mr. Riyao! Remember to bring Natsu his sweet bread!"
"Got it!" Riyao gave an OK sign. Carrying the tray and the magic book, his steps were light as if on springs. He stopped at the door and poked his head back in. "By the way, Your Majesty! I forgot to ask! Which shop in the city has the sweetest Honeyed Berries? Can you give me an address? I'll buy some and then head out!"
The King finally couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Let an attendant take you! Pick whatever you want, buy whatever you want—it's on me!"
"Long live the King!" Riyao's eyes shone. He bowed deeply to the King, nearly spilling the gold coins. "I'm really leaving now! No more delays! Leo, next time I'll teach you Healing Magic! Hisui, next time I'll bring you berries! Arcadios, next time I'll show you the Great Mercy Fist!"
"Go, just go," Arcadios said, holding his forehead and waving helplessly.
Riyao then dashed out with the attendant. His shouts could be heard all the way. "Wait for me! Don't run so fast! The gold is going to fall! Hey, is that berry shop far from here? Can we buy them before going to the station?"
In the study, the King laughed as he watched his retreating back. "The Mages of Fairy Tail are truly one of a kind."
Leo leaned against the window, watching Riyao hop away with the tray. He couldn't help but say, "Brother Riyao is so interesting! I want to join Fairy Tail in the future too!"
Hisui nodded with a smile. "He is indeed... very special."
The heat in her ears hadn't faded, but a slight curve appeared at the corner of her mouth. This eccentric yet reliable blond Mage had certainly left a deep impression.