The reunification of Ur and Ultear was a massive victory for the Celestial Forge, eliminating a major future threat and securing a powerful Time Mage for the guild.
However, the emotional fallout of the confrontation had unexpected consequences for Arthur.
Ultear's intense, decades-long devotion, once aimed at the dark figure of Zeref and the goal of restoring the past, now completely centered on Arthur.
He was the figure who held absolute power, who delivered the ultimate truth, and who brought her mother back to her.
She began acting as his unofficial secretary, her dedication manifesting as tireless administrative support, preemptive organization of his schedule, and an unnerving attentiveness to his every need.
Rimuru Tempest, ever the astute observer, watched the dynamic with a knowing smirk.
"Art, she's head over heels for you,"
Rimuru stated one afternoon, leaning back in her chair as Ultear discreetly refilled Arthur's tea without being asked.
"Her devotion has simply shifted targets. Maybe you should take her in. Tell her about who you really are—it's the only way to stabilize her devotion and prevent any future emotional mishaps."
Arthur had noticed.
Ultear was undeniably beautiful, immensely powerful, and displayed a dedication that was both intimidating and deeply flattering.
This natural attraction was only amplified by his latent Dragonic Trait—a primal urge to collect and protect strong, worthy individuals.
"Alright, I'll treat it as I get your permission,"
Arthur responded, a slight, playful smirk on his face, acknowledging the unspoken reality of his growing magnetism.
Rimuru nodded, her confidence in their relationship unshaken.
She then glanced across the Guild Hall, her eyes settling on two other frequent visitors.
"And it's not just Ultear, Art. Look at Erza and Mirajane."
Erza Scarlet visited the Celestial Forge almost daily, ostensibly to 'check in' on the situation and provide updates on Natsu and Gray's ongoing punishments.
But her eyes always sought out Arthur.
Rimuru understood Erza's attraction:
"Erza, she has the scent of a Dragon in her. Your Dragon's Aura and actual Dragon God status is like a primal beacon to her. It's understandable."
Erza also brought increasing amounts of money to purchase the potions, a transparent excuse for extended conversation with Arthur.
Mirajane Strauss, the 'She-Devil' of Fairy Tail, was another constant presence.
She came often, not just for potions, but bringing Arthur's meals—a carefully packed breakfast, lunch, and even dinner, despite the Celestial Forge having its own kitchen staff (led by Shion).
"As for Mirajane,"
Rimuru continued,
"She has the scent of a Demon (due to her Satan Soul magic). She likely is attracted to your overwhelming, contained power and charm. To a demon, you represent the ultimate source of strength and protection."
Rimuru thought that it was just a matter of time before they ended up like Ultear—completely and irrevocably devoted.
"They just need a catalyst,"
Rimuru chuckled, shaking her head as she went back to her work, a happy realization dawning on her.
"And I mean… with Arthur knowing the plot, he would likely plant flags on them like a pro…"
Rimuru shook her head again, a wry smile on her face. She also ended up like that, didn't she?
Power and kindness were potent catalysts.
She then focused on her work, glancing down at the tiny, evolved form of her digimon safely nestled on her desk.
She would take care of it forever!
The next morning, the peaceful routine of potion production and financial planning was abruptly shattered.
Erza Scarlet came running toward the Celestial Forge with an unusual combination of urgency and nervous anticipation.
She held a ticket—a bright, official pass.
She rushed to Arthur, who was standing at the Guild Master's console.
"Arthur-san! I—I received these from Master Makarov,"
Erza said, presenting a pair of tickets with a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
"It's a compensation package for the recent mission chaos—a stay at Akane Resort, complete with all expenses paid."
She took a deep breath, her eyes wide and hopeful.
"You want me to come with you?"
Arthur asked, already knowing the answer.
Erza nodded firmly.
"Yes, please come with me. I got permission from Rimuru-san."
Rimuru, who was working nearby, simply gave Arthur a massive, enthusiastic thumbs up.
This was the catalyst she had been talking about—the perfect, plot-mandated excuse for a romantic advancement.
Arthur felt a piercing, intense gaze and turned slightly.
Ultear was standing nearby, still working on his schedule, and the look in her eyes was one of confusion and subtle, immediate jealousy.
Arthur hadn't had the chance to fully explain his identity and intentions to her yet, and now the woman he intended to formally recruit was seeing him whisked away on a romantic vacation by a rival.
"It must be Rimuru who put this kind of thinking in her,"
Arthur mused internally.
Erza, for all her battle prowess, lacked the social finesse to orchestrate a resort trip on her own.
Arthur smiled at Erza, accepting the tickets.
"A vacation sounds perfect, Erza. I'll need a break after all the paperwork. Let me just settle a few things first."
He walked over to Ultear, his voice low and firm.
"Ultear, I'll be gone for a few days. You are in charge of all internal affairs. And when I return, we are going to have that long overdue conversation about my true identity and your future with the Celestial Forge."
His words were a blend of command and reassurance—a promise that he hadn't forgotten her.
Ultear's jealousy faded slightly, replaced by a steely determination to prove her worth in his absence and the intense anticipation of their promised, private talk.
Arthur then looked at Rimuru, giving her a knowing wink.
The plot was moving, and Arthur was ready to plant the next flag.