Yajima's refusal made Org and Michelo beside him a bit awkward because they obviously didn't want to retire.
Gran Doma's recommendation was a pleasant surprise for them. They thought they had to retire, but things took a turn.
Org and Michelo obviously wanted to seize this opportunity.
"Council Member Yajima has worked tirelessly for the Council for many years with many achievements. His stance this time was also clear, admonishing Crawford Seam several times. He is absolutely a model for our generation and a benchmark among council members."
Without any hesitation, Org spoke directly.
This made everyone look at him.
Those familiar with his stance dropped their jaws, obviously finding it hard to believe these words came from Org.
Even Yajima, who was being praised, found it unbelievable.
His main job in the "Magic Council" had been to spar with Org.
They had argued red-faced more than once. He never expected there would be a day he'd be praised by Org.
"'Fairy Tail' played a crucial role in this incident. Even I have to admit that without 'Fairy Tail,' whether it was the Tower of Heaven or Jellal and Ultear, they could have caused massive destruction."
Org ignored everyone else's gaze and continued speaking on his own.
Now he even started praising "Fairy Tail" directly.
He didn't think there was anything wrong with his words because he was telling the truth, his real thoughts.
Perhaps others might think he was steering with the wind, but Org was firm in his heart.
Fairy Tail did the right thing, no problems there—why couldn't he praise them?
He opposed "Fairy Tail" before because what they did was indeed problematic.
He had never opposed them mindlessly.
Although he inevitably looked at "Fairy Tail" with "tinted glasses" sometimes and had stereotypes, this incident, whether it was Yajima, Makarov, or Marco, made Org see the value of Fairy Tail.
When trouble really hit, Fairy Tail could truly step up.
Org's change in attitude was completely due to being won over by "Fairy Tail."
These usually unreliable guys could truly shoulder heavy responsibilities at critical moments.
"Thank you, Council Member Org."
Facing Org's statement, Makarov thanked him politely.
He was also a bit confused, as Org used to have the biggest problem with them.
However, Org's attitude looked quite sincere, so Makarov naturally wouldn't slap a smiling face.
If anyone was the most confused on the scene, it was definitely Gran Doma.
He stared blankly at Org, never expecting Org to pull a 180-degree turn on him, changing from a staunch "Anti-Fairy Tail Faction" to a "Pro-Fairy Tail Faction."
"..."
But the words were already out, and Gran Doma couldn't take them back, or he would seem too trifling.
He had to bite the bullet and continue supporting Org.
"I support Council Member Org to remain in office, and at the same time recommend Council Member Belno to remain in office as well."
Makarov didn't hesitate either, directly agreeing to Org remaining in office, while also adding a name to the list.
The nominated Belno was stunned.
She hadn't expected to be mentioned.
She actually had no friendship with "Fairy Tail," though she hadn't caused trouble for them either.
Belno looked at Makarov and received a friendly smile.
Although Belno had no friendship with "Fairy Tail," she was a moderate and a gentle, kind person.
Makarov felt the "Council" needed such a character; the "Magic Council" needed some human warmth, and Belno should be able to fulfill that well.
In other words, Makarov felt Belno's ideology was close to "Fairy Tail's," and her stance should be similar, so he didn't mind forming a good relationship with this gentle and kind council member.
Soon, three of the seven council members who resigned were retained: Org, Belno, and Leiji.
They were recommended by Gran Doma, Makarov, and Obaba respectively.
Michelo was kicked out directly; after all, it didn't make sense to let Gran Doma recommend two retainees.
Leiji, wearing a hoodie and sunglasses and remaining silent, obviously had backers too, just like Yajima.
If Yajima hadn't been firmly set on retiring, he naturally could have stayed too.
Fairy Tail, Blue Pegasus, Quatro Cerberus and other friendly guilds would have supported him.
Looking at this result, Gran Doma's face wasn't looking great.
Yajima left, and Org stayed.
Logically, he should be happy, but Org's stance was clearly not what he wanted to see.
It would have been better if Michelo had stayed instead!
"This position of Chairman..."
The issue of retaining veteran council members was successfully resolved.
Next was to elect the new Chairman and new council members.
There were seven spots left: one Chairman and six council members.
"Mr. Gran, I think you are very suitable to serve as the new Chairman."
Before Gran Doma could finish speaking, Org nominated him immediately.
This made Gran Doma look at Org in surprise.
He thought Org had defected, but this guy was supporting him clearly.
They hadn't coordinated beforehand.
Org looked serious. He chose Gran Doma because he inwardly recognized Gran Doma's ability and boldness.
Gran Doma could decisively step up to interrupt Crawford Seam's plan and solve the problem swiftly.
This was already stronger than most people.
His style was completely different from Crawford Seam's. Org believed Gran Doma could bring change to the "Magic Council."
The decaying "Magic Council" needed someone like Gran Doma who was decisive and could carry out drastic reforms.
Although Org's actions looked a bit like a "two-faced" or "fence-sitter," in reality, he was acting completely from the heart.
Put simply, because he had no obvious faction or side, his actions appeared so odd.
"I support it."
What surprised Gran Doma even more was that Makarov also expressed support, even though he had just wanted to balance "Fairy Tail's" influence.
Makarov didn't seem to care at all.
"Why choose him?" Erza beside Marco frowned, somewhat puzzled.
This Gran Doma didn't seem very friendly towards them.
"Because his ability is genuinely good, and he is very suitable to take over this mess." Marco answered with a smile.
Fairy Tail wasn't afraid of being targeted; they were actually worried the "Magic Council" would continue to rot.
Gran Doma's style, ability, and sense of responsibility were very suitable for the current "Magic Council."
Makarov naturally wouldn't oppose him serving as Chairman.
As everyone expressed their stance one after another, Gran Doma became increasingly silent.
The Fairy Tail faction mostly voted in favor of him.
"Good. Since everyone trusts me so much, I won't shirk the responsibility. The Magic Council is in urgent need of reform. I won't talk big, but I will do my best to re-establish the prestige of the Magic Council and win back everyone's trust."
Gran Doma didn't hesitate and accepted the position of Chairman directly.
His heart surged with passion, determined to make the "Magic Council" great again!