"He's a responsible one." Marco commented.
It wasn't that being a "Council Member" was bad; it was just that compared to being a free mage, this position was too tiring, with too much responsibility and burden.
Those who wanted to do it weren't qualified, and those qualified had better choices.
If a powerful person was willing to serve as a "Council Member," it showed their sense of responsibility was indeed strong, willing to run around for the peace of the "Ishgar Continent" and busy themselves maintaining order.
"Maybe it's better for him to obtain the title of Ten Wizard Saints." Makarov said while looking at Ooba Babasaama, who was fanning herself.
The expression on the old lady's face was very smug, seemingly satisfied that "Iron Rock" Jura Neekis was willing to serve as a council member.
Ooba Babasaama was indeed very satisfied.
Jura Neekis serving as a "Council Member" could greatly increase the visibility of "Lamia Scale."
Even if they couldn't surpass the boss "Fairy Tail," "Lamia Scale" would step on other mage guilds fiercely from the second position!
"Good, then this meeting ends here."
After the six vacant council member seats were filled, Gran Doma decisively announced the end of the meeting.
"This assembly has been a successful assembly, an assembly of hope, an assembly that brings new life to the Magic Council. Since I have taken up the position of Chairman, I will fulfill my duties, do my utmost to bring the Magic Council back on track, and never disappoint everyone's trust."
Finally, Gran Doma summarized the meeting.
He gave off a feeling of "an old man displaying youthful vigor," seemingly genuinely wanting to make a big splash and build a career.
"Don't know if it's good or bad."
Marco held a skeptical attitude towards whether Gran Doma could succeed and make the "Magic Council" great again.
But at least one thing was certain: Gran Doma wouldn't sit and wait for death; he would choose to take the initiative.
"I'd rather make mistakes than do nothing."
This was a positive attitude Marco appreciated.
However, for the "Magic Council," there was a possibility that patching things up might have kept it stable for a few more years, whereas Gran Doma's slash-and-burn approach might kill the "Magic Council" faster.
"Not necessarily. The foundation is there, and Gran Doma has few constraints. most of the people elected will cooperate with him." Makarov spoke while walking out.
Those pushed up as "Magic Council" members were basically Gran Doma's acquaintances.
This "Council" would definitely unite firmly around Gran Doma to execute his will.
"Hope he can do a good job."
Marco nodded and stopped talking about this matter.
Since they chose to trust the "Radical Reformist" Gran Doma, let him have a free hand.
Anyway, nothing worse could happen than two enemies infiltrating the "Council."
"Yajima, where do you plan to go? Back to Magnolia?"
Dropping the subject of the "Magic Council," Makarov turned his gaze to Yajima beside him.
His old buddy looked quite relaxed.
Yajima was truly carefree now.
Officially retired, he looked incredibly happy.
In fact, he had long been tired of Council Member life—too tiring, too much worry.
Especially since he always had to defend Fairy Tail, the work intensity was too high; the little old man was almost worn out.
"Mm, back to Magnolia. I plan to do some small business myself." Yajima said with a smile.
Although he retired, he didn't intend to stay home doing nothing every day.
He wanted to open a shop, specifically a magic-themed restaurant/bar, a dream he had always wanted to realize.
"Great! Open it by all means! I'll definitely visit every day!" Makarov said happily. He was naturally glad his old friend was willing to return to Magnolia.
And with his old friend opening a restaurant, he was even happier; there would be one more place to drink in the future.
"Don't worry, I definitely won't charge you, haha."
Yajima shook his head and laughed.
When he was a council member, he frowned all day long.
Now successfully retired, the smiles on his face increased. It could only be said that the job of "Council Member" really shortened one's life.
Whoever wanted to do it could do it; he didn't care for that bit of power anyway.
"Master, Marco, Mr. Yajima, I want to go see Jellal."
Erza, who had been walking silently beside Marco, suddenly spoke, breaking the cheerful atmosphere. All three looked at her.
"Let's go, I'll accompany you."
Marco didn't hesitate and immediately agreed to this request.
He knew Erza would definitely want to take a look, especially since Jellal seemed to have genuinely returned to normal now.
"Okay, you two go ahead. Yajima and I will find a place for a drink."
Makarov nodded and left with Yajima. He didn't want to interfere too much in the affairs of the younger generation; he believed Marco could handle it well.
"Let's go."
Seeing the two old men leave, Marco beckoned Erza to follow him.
He had even asked about Jellal's detention location in advance, just waiting for Erza to make the request.
"Actually, is it not good to see him now?"
Walking on the road, Erza hesitated a bit again.
Marco's previous words had taken root in her heart. seeing old friends like them might be torture for Jellal.
As a friend, Erza wanted to encourage Jellal to turn over a new leaf in prison so he could live his own life after fifteen years.
But what if instead of encouraging him, she agitated him and made his mental state even more unstable?
"That mainly depends on his own mindset." Marco shrugged.
What he didn't say was that he was the one who shouldn't go.
Seeing Erza standing side by side with him, with Erza showing obvious dependence on him, might really provoke Jellal.
Erza obviously didn't truly realize this. Her emotions towards Jellal now were just worries between friends.
And the complex emotions of vulnerability and nervousness in her heart these days made her involuntarily rely more and more on Marco, who had always stood by her side protecting and supporting her.
She occasionally felt a bit embarrassed, but didn't reject it in her heart.
Thinking random thoughts along the way, Marco and Erza arrived at the prison.
Seeing these two, the guards didn't stop them.
After registering, they let them into the dungeon.
Jellal was detained alone in a cell. He huddled dejectedly in the corner, eyes open, staring at the ground.
"Jellal, how is your condition now?"
Before Erza could speak, Marco asked first.
He wasn't sure if this guy was mentally normal now.
Jellal raised his head, looking at Marco with lifeless eyes, and at Erza, who stood very, very close to Marco.
"..."
Jellal fell silent for a moment, then lowered his head again and said slowly.
"Thank you..."