"Oh~ isn't this Mirajane? So you received an invitation too."
Before Rhode even stepped out of the suite, he heard a slightly flirtatious female voice in the corridor.
He rushed out and stood in front of Mira, one hand grasping the pendant, the other raised with the Bursting Magic Crystal.
In front of him stood a girl with big golden waves, dressed in a purple low-cut wrapped dress, with a delicate face.
Just looking at her face, she seemed more aggressive compared to Mira.
At this moment, she looked at the suddenly appearing Rhode, her expression visibly puzzled:
"Who are you... no wait," she eyed the dangerous item in Rhode's hand, "What do you mean by that??"
"Hold on a sec, Rhode." Mira quickly grabbed Rhode's right hand, afraid he might throw the Bursting Magic Crystal,
"She's not an enemy, she's Jenny from Blue Pegasus, also a model for Weekly Sorashara."
"Sorry Jenny, this is my companion Rhode. There was a bit of a misunderstanding because of your sudden appearance." Mira explained as Rhode put his things away.
"I've remembered now, Jenny Lealight, the signature model of Blue Pegasus."
Rhode had intel on this person in his little notebook. Moreover, because she was in the same guild as Mr. Hibiki, Rhode paid extra attention to her.
Like Mira, she's not known for her combat abilities, but she is a very famous model. Right now, she's ranked number one on the list of 'Mages Most Desired as a Girlfriend.'
However, Mira's popularity has recently skyrocketed, vaguely threatening Jenny's position—even though Mira doesn't care much about these random rankings.
"Sorry, I'm a bit overly cautious. That was a mistake." Rhode apologized for his impulsive behavior of pulling out the 'grenade.'
"It's beyond a mistake, isn't it? That's a Bursting Magic Crystal! It must be a Bursting Magic Crystal!"
Jenny seemed ready to explode, thinking how crazy it was for someone to suddenly pull out a Bursting Magic Crystal in a hotel.
She'd already heard how the people from Fairy Tail were reckless, but didn't expect it to be to this extent.
Rhode frowned. Something's off. When he pointed the Bursting Magic Crystal at her, she didn't react defensively at all, was she really that lackadaisical?
And afterwards, she just complained a bit. From start to finish, she had no intention to attack or defend. Does this make sense?
"Sorry, sorry, just a bit jumpy from the journey."
Rhode continued to apologize, Mira softly explained a few things, and Jenny's anger quickly subsided.
"Hmph~ I'll let it slide this time."
The incident of Rhode almost throwing the Bursting Magic Crystal at her face was lightly passed over by Jenny.
She didn't seem to mind at all and even quickly changed the topic:
"Anyway, you're here for the Sorashara anniversary celebration too, right?"
"Yes, does that mean you are too?"
"That's right!" Jenny suddenly became very spirited, "And tonight I'll showcase the best fashion show and totally defeat you!"
Mira said unhurriedly, "Ah, but today's just the celebration, there isn't a judging segment, is there?"
"Too naive!" Jenny, from god knows where, pulled out a small fan, pointed forward with it,
"To celebrate its 15th anniversary, Sorashara will release a special issue. We'll definitely be featured in this week's magazine, and then...
I'll defeat you with absolute popularity and firmly hold onto the top spot in the rankings!"
Mira feigned a sudden realization, "Oh, I see, good luck!"
Jenny's momentum instantly deflated, somewhat annoyed said, "What kind of attitude is that? Get in the spirit!"
"Because I'm not planning to do a fashion show today, I can't really compete with you."
Mira herself isn't very interested in photo shoots or modeling, she's just here part-time because of the invitation.
Being on that ranking was just a fluke, she doesn't really care about it.
"Well then, we have something to do, see you tonight."
Mira said goodbye with a smile and then turned to Rhode, "Let's go."
"Wait...you..." Jenny stomped her foot in frustration.
...
"Doesn't she have quite a strong competitive spirit?"
"Probably, we've only met twice." Mira replied, "So, am I prettier in person than in the magazine?"
Tricky question.
Rhode thought for a moment, "Well, I didn't notice because she's too strange."
"Strange?"
"Yeah, if an ordinary person saw a stranger take out a Bursting Magic Crystal, shouldn't they run away immediately or knock me down?
Why did she just stand there, she's a mage too, right? Isn't such a weak sense of crisis problematic?"
"Well..." Mira didn't know what to say. Normally, no one would suddenly pull out a Bursting Magic Crystal upon meeting a stranger.
Plus, with Jenny being such a famous beauty, shouldn't someone meeting her be excited, and go to shake hands or ask for an autograph?
Looking at Rhode's later reactions, he did recognize her, but his attitude didn't change at all.
While she was pondering her words, Rhode realized a frightening issue, "Could it be I'm the one who's strange?"
Mira suddenly stopped, clasped her hands together in a girlish prayer gesture, and tilted her head slightly towards the guild's direction, "That's great, President... your goal has been achieved..."
"Mira." Rhode reminded, "The president's still alive."
"That's not the point. The president specifically sent you out on missions to let you know that ordinary mages live a relaxed life like Jenny.
They may not need to possess tremendous power, nor carry village-destroying firepower when going on trips."
After thinking, Mira added, "Of course, being a bit cautious during missions is necessary. Although you were a bit over today, it gives a different sense of security."
"Hmm... I understand." Rhode said, "Thanks to the president and you for your intentions, I'll... well, I'll keep observing."
Mira: "..."
Well, having him willingly leave Magnolia prematurely is a good start. After taking on more missions in the future, maybe he will naturally return to normal... right?
Amidst the fragrance of flowers, the two walked through streets and alleys, watching people come and go, enjoying the sights and aromas of nature.
Although the majestic Royal Palace at the city's center can't be casually entered, it's still nice to take a look nearby.
Mira calculated the time and suggested, "It's still early, let's go to the commercial street. Since we're here, I'd like to buy some clothes for Elfman."
"Sure." Rhode didn't care where they went, though he was a bit envious of Elfman, having such a sister is really great.
Even though she doesn't seem to mind when Elfman fights and gets hurt with her companions, even though she laughs when the president slaps Elfman into the ground, although...
Uh... that's how it is with sisters, right?