Seeing the subtle change in Noah's expression, Makarov cleared his throat. If he didn't explain, Noah would keep drawing the wrong conclusions.
"Being a hostess is a very serious job, isn't it?"
"I asked Mira to work part‑time as a hostess as punishment for bringing Elfman and Lisanna into danger without permission."
Noah nodded. Makarov probably hoped a service job that required patience would temper Mira's temper.
Just then a male wizard of about twenty, wearing a floral vest and a skull pendant, approached the bar and complained, "Mira, why hasn't my drink been served yet? I have to leave for a commission soon."
"Really? Nob?"
"I've seen you loitering by the commission board nearly all morning. Have you found a job only you can do?"
"If you dare lie to me, the consequences will be disastrous~"
Mira smiled, but to Nob it looked like a death threat. Terrified, he admitted, "Sorry, I still haven't found a commission."
"Well, how about being the guild usher? I'm sure you can handle that, Nobu."
His pride wounded, Nob slunk away in disgrace.
Noah couldn't help but blurt, "Mira, saying that to him won't help his self‑esteem..."
"Break his skull!"
Mira introduced Nob: "Nob's magic is 'Attachment', similar to Elfman's soul‑receiving. He can attach animal 'spirits' to himself, boosting specific abilities."
It sounded inferior to Elfman's magic. 'Receive' can affect the whole body; 'Attach' only enhances certain areas.
Nob is from a Wild Tribe deep in the forest. The tribe is close to animals; everyone there has 'Attachment to Animal Spirits'. After fifteen, some leave home to complete a solo challenge to prove their maturity.
Nob is such a tribesman, but in five years with the guild he hasn't found a suitable solo commission. He now habitually wanders the commission board, his dream slipping away.
Noah watched the figure return to the board — a person bound by dreams but lacking strength. He couldn't help much. Apart from physical skills and the strong fire resistance he recently gained, Noah's magic use was limited to mastering magic items. He only owned the "Dragon Rider," a weapon given by his father before he was transported.
Fortunately, he still had nearly nine million in funds and could consider buying one or two magical items.
First, though, Noah wanted to clean the warehouse. Makarov had said most of the guild's books were magical treatises compiled by Fairy Tail's previous generation — very useful.
But Noah, the second prince of Edras, could not clean it alone.
Makarov's "punishment" for Mira gave Noah an idea.
Facing the sparsely seated guild members, Noah cleared his throat and called out, "Everyone!"
"There are books I need in the warehouse, but I can't clear it alone. I need help."
"It's not for nothing. Each person gets 5,000 as thanks."
"There are only ten spots. If you don't mind cleaning and organizing, sign up."
Noah expected few takers. The reward was modest, and he could earn that on a commission. But as soon as he finished, the hall heated like oil on a raging fire; people crowded the bar.
After checking, Noah picked ten volunteers. Because the job was cleaning the warehouse, he memorized their names.
First was Makao, one of the two uncles who complained about Mira yesterday.
Next were Sarusuk, Doler, and a petite girl named Leibi — they were a team.
Kana, dressed coolly, reeked of alcohol and looked drunk.
Nob left and returned — dreams matter, but people still need to eat.
Walian looked ordinary.
Elfman and Lisanna, brother and sister, also joined.
The last was Gray, the boy who doesn't get along with Natsu.
"Sarusuk, you clearly have 'Divine Foot' speed magic, yet you're a step behind Uncle Makao. Are you any good?" Dolaire teased.
Sarusuk protested, "What do you know? A middle‑aged man with a wife and son has pressures that make him move faster than 'Divine Foot'!"
Makao, stabbed by the jab, smiled bitterly but couldn't argue. Family pressure was a pain — but worth it when he thought of his wife and son.
Walian offered, "While we sort the warehouse, if you need anything communicated, I can help."
Walian's magic is telepathy — he can convey thoughts within a range and read enemies' minds in battle.
"Okay, let's get to the warehouse, or Kana will fall asleep." Gray supported the drunken Kana. The smell of alcohol on her made him uneasy. How much had she drunk?
Lisanna had the cleaning tools ready. Elfman carried brooms and a bucket. "A man should clean diligently!"
Noah noted Elfman's fighting spirit. As Mira had said, there was no trace of his old cowardice — though his "manly" catchphrase seemed unnecessary.
"Everyone, please help me."
The warehouse was at the back of the hall. Noah moved a bench and prepared to join his companions. As he crossed the hall, a feeling of being watched made him look up.
A blond man wearing spiked headphones leaned on the second‑floor railing, staring at Noah.
When Noah noticed, the yellow‑haired man curled his lip with disdain and disappeared from sight.
Noah was baffled, unsure how he'd offended the man. He could only sum it up in one sentence.
"You're crazy."