The afternoon sun was bright and dazzling. The fragrant and charming flowers swayed with the gentle breeze, as if one were in a huge flower field.
Cana walked in front dejectedly. Following closely behind her were Roland and Erza, who were currently laughing and talking, seemingly discussing swordsmanship.
—Did Erza lose to Roland in swordsmanship?
Hearing the conversation behind her, Cana suddenly thought of something.
The partner she had chosen had only been in the guild for two days, yet he had defeated both Laxus and Erza with his formidable strength. Come to think of it... he probably hadn't used his full strength at that time.
After all, he hadn't even used Take Over magic back then.
As she thought this, Cana said thoughtfully.
...
Crocus Garden Hotel.
It was the hotel Jude had booked in advance. Considering that the business meeting wouldn't last long, the group had no intention of staying the night.
Soft, soothing music played in the hotel. Roland sat by the window, propping his chin on his hand as he looked out at the bustling street.
A little boring...
The missions he could do today were all done, and the remaining two were not worth doing.
Calling out the mission interface, Roland's gaze lingered on the third mission slot for a while, his heart suddenly feeling a little strange.
It wasn't that he had ideas about Charles, but he was interested in Cait Shelter where she was—a legal guild formed by thought projections.
Of course, the most important thing was the blue-haired loli inside.
"Let's just let nature take its course," Roland said to himself. His house was chaotic enough as it was. It was better not to provoke any other girls for the time being.
"Let nature take its course?"
Hearing his self-talk, Cana, who was reading a magazine beside him, looked up and at him curiously.
"No, I was just thinking about the type of manor Reedus is designing. Modern classical style, it probably can't be Japanese style, right?"
Lightly brushing off her curiosity, Roland slowly pinched his chin, a rather troubled expression on his face as he continued, "If it's designed in the Japanese style of Balsam Village..."
"Wait, wait, wait—did you just say manor?"
Before Roland could finish, Cana quickly interrupted him, looking at him with a face full of disbelief.
"You're not going to build a manor, are you?"
Perhaps because her voice was too surprised, Erza, who was maintaining her armor not far away, also looked up.
"Is there a problem?" Roland glanced at her strangely and said nonchalantly, "I've already chosen the address, in the western suburbs outside Magnolia."
He had specially inspected it. There was a natural lake and fields of flowers near the manor. The surrounding environment could be said to be very beautiful.
The only drawback was that it was a bit far from the town, and it would take a lot of time to go to the commercial street to buy things.
"The problem is too big! You're just a newcomer, where did you get so much money?!"
Cana's eyes widened as she couldn't help but ask.
"About the money... hmm, I happened to get it during my travels."
Roland said with a smile.
This reason could basically deal with everything. Whether it was the Gourmet Tablecloth or the Grace of the Sun, all could be explained by his travels.
If Levy were to hear this, she would probably roll her eyes at this guy.
"Travels...?"
"Can you really earn that much money from traveling?"
Cana looked bewildered. Erza, on the other hand, clearly believed his excuse and thought seriously.
Seeing the reactions of the two, Roland shrugged and then continued to admire the scenery outside the window.
By the time Jude returned, it was already evening.
The red sunset was about to set, and the fish-scale-like clouds were dyed a fiery orange-red.
Before, because of Erigor, they had chosen to take a carriage to avoid harming other residents.
With that Shinigami taken care of, the return trip naturally chose the faster magic train—
If it had taken them nearly the entire morning before, the return trip would only take an hour and a half.
On the train, Roland closed the copy of Weekly Sorcerer in his hand and turned to look out the window.
At some point, night had quietly arrived.
The sky was dotted with stars. From a distance, it was like scattered diamonds on a velvet curtain, shining with a cold and dazzling light.
Jude, the employer, had gotten off in Hargeon long ago. The mission reward of over three million had also been handed over as promised.
Splitting it between him and Cana, each person got over a million. It could be said to be a huge profit.
Considering that she had barely put in any effort this time, Cana was a little embarrassed to accept it.
After all, Roland had done all the work...
With a loud whistle, the magic train finally stopped at the Magnolia station...
Even though it was nearing night, there were still many residents on the platform outside, and it looked very lively.
"Mmm... we're finally back!"
Walking off the train, the corners of Cana's lips turned up as she stretched her body. Her waist-length, dark brown hair fluttered in the night wind.
"It's not too late now. I'm going to the guild. Do you two want to come along?"
Roland turned his head and asked.
At this time, if he went home, he would probably only see Knightwalker. It was better to go directly to the guild to find Mirajane and Levy.
But... speaking of Knightwalker, he would let the two of them meet tomorrow.
Anyway, wasn't that woman also looking forward to meeting her counterpart?
"I have no problem."
Cana stood with one hand on her slender, fair waist, a look of anticipation on her face as she replied with a grin.
She hadn't had a good drink in the Royal Capital this time. She would make up for it in the guild!
"Okay."
Erza also nodded in agreement.
In front of the Fairy Tail guild's main gate.
Before they even got close, they could hear the lively sounds from inside, as energetic as ever.
"Natsu, we don't seem to have much money left."
"There's no helping it. We'll find a mission with a higher reward tomorrow!"
"Yo, long time no see, you two."
Just as he walked to the guild entrance, Roland saw Happy and Natsu's figures walking out and waved to greet them.
"...Roland?"
"Aye! Hello!"
Seeing his figure, before Natsu could react, Happy, who was flying in mid-air, suddenly pounced on him excitedly.
"Roland, we're out of grilled fish!"
You're out... you mean my Gourmet Tablecloth is out, right?
The corner of Roland's mouth twitched.
"Didn't you go out on a mission with Cana this morning? So fast—E-Erza?"
Natsu's words came to a halt. His eyes suddenly widened in disbelief as he looked at the crimson-haired woman not far away.
"Natsu, it's really been a long—"
"Wait, why are there two Erzas!?"
Erza's words were suddenly interrupted. Natsu looked at her with a face full of shock and couldn't help but shout loudly.
Two... Erzas?