The instantaneous transport from the towering heights of the Tower of Heaven to the sleek confines of the Celestial Forge in Magnolia was a blur for Erza Scarlet.
Yet, the only sensation that registered was the firm, warm grip of Arthur's hand around hers.
Her usual S-Class composure was utterly absent. Her face was flushed crimson, her heart hammered against her ribs, and her internal monologue was a cascade of unfamiliar, chaotic emotions.
Arthur hadn't killed Jellal; he had saved him, and in doing so, he had saved Erza from a crushing, lifelong burden of guilt.
She subconsciously tightened her grip on his hand, her eyes focused on their joined hands.
'I—Is this the feeling of liking someone?'
She questioned herself. She was still unsure of the terminology, but the feeling—the protective warmth, the rapid beat of her heart, the sudden ability to imagine a life with him—was undeniable.
"We are home,"
Arthur said softly, his voice bringing her back to the reality of the Guild Hall.
He looked down at her flushed face and smiled gently, knowing her feelings must have swelled to the point of genuine self-consciousness.
"Thanks for the trip,"
Arthur continued, releasing her hand with a reluctant finality.
"I will go and fetch everyone at the resort. You should go and report to Master Makarov what happened—all of it."
Erza nodded, reluctantly letting go of his hand.
As she prepared to leave, Arthur leaned in and whispered, his voice a low, encouraging rumble.
"You should go and talk to Rimuru-san about what you should do next in order to step forward our relationship."
"Ah…"
Erza gasped, the realization that her deepest, newest secret was known causing her to reel with embarrassment.
But the suggestion was practical and helpful.
She nodded sharply, regaining her focus, and headed toward Fairy Tail, determined to seek the administrative wisdom of the True Dragon's demon lord girlfriend.
Before initiating the final transport, Arthur looked toward Ultear, who was still standing nearby, having witnessed the entire brief arrival.
Ultear's devotion had been absolute before, but seeing Arthur so effortlessly nullify a global threat and then offer such immense mercy to Jellal, had solidified her loyalty into something unbreakable.
She felt a tremendous wave of guilt, realizing that she had attacked him and his guild only hours earlier, all for the sake of the very lie he had just exposed.
She must have forgotten Jellal completely in her rush of rage, and now Arthur had done something truly noble for him.
"Don't worry, I will not blame you for what you have done,"
Arthur said, sensing her intense self-recrimination.
"Everyone has their reason, and it isn't hard to fix. Your suffering was real, even if its cause was fabricated."
Ultear's eyes shone with adoration and profound gratitude. She bowed deeply, her voice thick with emotion.
"Thank you so much, Arthur-sama. My life is yours to decide from now on. I will dedicate myself completely to the Celestial Forge."
Arthur simply smiled, accepting the sincerity of her devotion.
The feeling wasn't bad; it was the natural outcome of his existence as a Dragon God—to collect powerful, loyal beings to his banner.
Arthur then teleported away, and moments later, Erza arrived at the Fairy Tail Guild Hall and delivered her official report to Master Makarov.
She detailed Jellal's plot, the threat of Etherion, Arthur's miraculous intervention, the nullification of the attacks, and the current state of Jellal.
Makarov listened to the entire, unbelievable saga, sitting slumped at his desk, his face a road map of exhaustion and stress.
"He neutralized Etherion…"
Makarov muttered, processing the full implication of that power.
He already knew Arthur was a True Dragon from Mavis, but this confirmed Arthur's place as the single most powerful being.
The report also brought with it immense, immediate political consequences.
Two members of the Magic Council—Siegrain (Jellal) and Oración (Ultear)—were now known criminals, and one was now a direct member of the Celestial Forge.
The Council was compromised, nearly wiped out by their own weapon, and completely discredited.
"I have to go to the Council to deal with this matter directly,"
Makarov sighed, rubbing his temples.
He wanted to quit and retire to a quiet life of fishing, but the entire magical balance of Fiore was relying on him to clean up the mess left by the self-destruction of the Council.
Two council seats had just gone blank.
Someone with immense moral standing and political weight had to fill those seats to restore order.
Makarov knew, with a sinking feeling, that the weight would fall on him and select trusted Guild Masters.