With the conversation reaching this point, Rhodes and Mira naturally couldn't refuse Lucy's request.
Lisanna was more than capable of helping out in the tavern, and if needed, they could always buy two different uniform styles to fool Erza.
And just like that, Lucy easily regained her freedom.
"Rhodes, we're done here. Here's the next task," Alzack and Bisca approached, each handing in a mission slip.
Rhodes accepted the papers with a grin. "You two still working so hard this year?"
"I'm definitely getting selected this time," Alzack said with determination, sneaking a glance at Bisca beside him. "And... it's good to save up more money while we've got the chance."
Bisca's cheeks flushed as she turned her head away. "I-it's just regular saving, that's all."
'Who asked you both?' Rhodes thought, amused. The two had been dating for so long yet still acted like it was some kind of secret romance.
He couldn't help feeling a little envious.
After all, that early phase of a relationship was always the most exciting, when even a small gesture could make your heart race.
He and Mira had long since moved past that ambiguous stage. These days, things were far more relaxed.
You could still call it a fluttering heart… just a different kind.
"Alright." Rhodes returned the slips to Alzack with a teasing smile. "Wishing you both a safe journey, and may a precious little one arrive soon."
"Thank you..."
They both replied instinctively before pausing mid-step, their faces going bright red as the words registered.
A precious child?
Did… did he know something?
Flustered, Alzack and Bisca fled the guild hall in embarrassment, nearly tripping over each other on the way out.
Juvia, who had just recovered a bit from her earlier gloom, instantly returned to sulking in the corner.
So envious… I want to go follow Gray-sama too, but he seems really busy… I don't want to bother him…
Meanwhile, Erza stepped up to the counter with three mission slips in hand. "Mira, register all three of these for me."
"Huh? Erza?" Mira blinked, puzzled. "You're joining in the chaos too?"
"Ordering new armor set me back quite a bit," Erza said plainly. "Don't worry, I picked the less popular missions."
"Alright." Mira sighed and registered them one by one.
But her heart ached a little. Those were all missions she and Rhodes had picked out together… themed date missions, no less.
To make up for it, Mira decided that the next time they both had a day off, she would conspire with Rhodes to prank Erza.
That should settle the score for the three stolen dates.
As she jotted the final signature, a thought popped into her head: she really should invite Erza to be her bridesmaid.
Haha, just imagining it… if Erza stood beside the bride at the wedding and really experienced the atmosphere, her brain might short-circuit for an entire month.
But the real danger was… what if Erza over-identified with the role? What if she started seeing herself as the bride?
Then what?
Then she might rush up to exchange rings with Rhodes, go through with the vow kiss, and if it came to that—
Kill them. Kill them all.
Mira's smile froze. A terrifying aura burst from her body.
In an instant, the entire guild was enveloped in an invisible frost. Everyone felt a shiver down their spine. It was like winter had descended without warning, the air itself thick and hard to breathe.
"Mira?" Rhodes called out cautiously.
Mira blinked. Then turned toward him with a sweet smile. "Hmm? What's wrong?"
Just like that, winter gave way to spring. The atmosphere thawed, and the guild members silently exhaled in relief.
"It's almost December," Rhodes said casually, pretending nothing had happened. "Should we bring out the heaters? Any new models this year?"
Mira tapped her chin thoughtfully. "I don't think so, but since the guild's gotten bigger, we'll need to buy a few more."
"Got it," Rhodes nodded. "I'll add it to tomorrow's shopping list. Anything else we need?"
Mira thought for a moment longer, then said, "Hmm… nothing else comes to mind. Oh, right. Ask Lisanna to go with you. She mentioned you promised to treat her to something nice."
Rhodes froze. "Ah? Oh… yeah. Right."
He suddenly remembered. Back in Edolas… didn't he strip Lucy's clothes right in front of Lisanna?
At the time, he'd tried to smooth it over by promising to treat Lisanna to something delicious. Later, he'd figured it wasn't that big a deal and simply told Mira.
Besides, he'd only looked at Lucy. Just earlier, he and Mira had been flipping through swimsuit catalogs together like it was nothing.
Lisanna wouldn't bring it up. She wasn't the type to stir trouble. Eventually, she'd probably come to the conclusion that it was Lucy's fault anyway.
Still, Rhodes figured there was no harm in spoiling his sister-in-law a bit. It could even be fun.
"..."
Mira stared at him for several seconds.
"Are you hiding something from me?" she asked, her voice calm.
Rhodes didn't even hesitate. "Yup."
Mira rolled her eyes. If he admitted it that easily, it couldn't be anything serious.
But there he was, with that look on his face, 'Go ahead and ask me. Come on, ask me.'
Say it or don't.
She wasn't going to ask.
Rhodes watched as Lisanna walked farther away, then leaned in close and whispered into Mira's ear, "Actually, it has to do with Lucy."
Mira's lashes fluttered.
Oh no. Lucy?
It had to be juicy.
Her face remained perfectly composed, but her ears practically perked up like a cat's.
She was all ears.
But Rhodes, shameless, cunning, devious Rhodes, stopped right there. Like a villain pausing at the climax of a story.
Mira wore her most serious working expression.
Rhodes also wore his most serious working expression.
On the surface, they were both entirely focused on guild business.
But underneath…
Mira was sneakily watching him out of the corner of her eye, waiting for him to lean in and continue the juicy story.
Rhodes, meanwhile, was sneakily watching her out of the corner of his eye, waiting for her to get curious enough to lean in and ask.
Neither budged.
A full minute passed.
Mira lightly ground her teeth in frustration, and Rhodes fought to keep a grin from tugging at his lips.
She lifted one foot, pretending to shift positions.
He casually sidestepped her.
Their eyes met for a brief second. Sparks flew.
Mira glared at him, silently declaring: Fine! I won't ask! I'll just ask Lisanna when we get home!
But inside, she was boiling with curiosity.
What on earth did Lucy do?
Another minute ticked by.
Mira finally broke.
She tugged on Rhodes's sleeve and gave him a chiding yet undeniably cute tone. "Tell me already."
'Victory!'
Rhodes celebrated in his heart like a child who had just won a candy bet. With a smug little gesture of triumph, he leaned in and finally shared the full story under Mira's eager gaze.
Once it was over, Mira blinked, expression blank.
"That's it?"
Rhodes raised an eyebrow. "What more did you expect?"
Mira pouted. "At the very least, something more dramatic! Like… you thinking on your feet in a tight spot, tossing Lucy into a crowd and using her as a distraction. Maybe she charms the enemy, throws them off their rhythm, and lets you win the battle!"
"I'm not that kind of person."
Rhodes paused, then added, "Even Natsu wouldn't do something like that. Not anymore."
Mira's eyes narrowed.
"What do you mean not anymore?"
Rhodes said innocently, "Exactly what I said. Natsu told me Lucy's seduction tactics have never worked. So that must mean… he tried it before, right?"
Mira's eyes widened like twin searchlights.
'Tell me more, tell me more!'
...
Bonus @400
Read chapters ahead @patreon.com/Keepsmiling818