"Because I have a summoned beast that can help heal injuries, an excellent pharmacist to assist, and Mira to take care of me, I'm still doing just fine."
However, during that time, every visit to Granny Porlyusica would result in a fierce scolding.
She even said she wouldn't care for him anymore in the future.
Recently, it's been better, because there's no extra pressure on physical training, and more time has been allocated to meditation.
Lucy still found it unbelievable: "But no matter what, this schedule is just too excessive."
"If you have the chance to check out Natsu's training, you wouldn't think so. Sometimes, he's even more intense than I am," Rhode said. "Besides working hard, is there really any easy way to gain power?
I heard there was this Magic Development Bureau in the past that performed cruel experiments on children, modifying their bodies and hoping to make them powerful...
Later on, as you probably know, it was abolished. Lucy, do you want to try that method?"
"Absolutely not!"
Lucy earnestly looked at Rhode's training schedule and remarked, "Now I feel it's only natural for Mr. Rhode to be so strong."
"I've told you before, my magic isn't Celestial Spirit Magic. So don't judge strength by the standards of Celestial Spirit Magic.
The talk about devil training and body modifications was all a joke. If you want to get stronger, don't worry about what I'm doing, just train in your own way."
"Uh-huh, thanks!" Lucy finished her drink and stood up, "Well, I have to find my next task, or I won't make rent next month."
Rhode suggested, "If you just want to earn rent, you could try working as a waitress at the tavern, the pay is decent."
"Isn't the tavern fully staffed?"
"It's not for just anyone; it's to give newbies a chance," Rhode said with a smile. "How about this, in a few days, Mira and I will be going on a trip, we'll make room for you so you can easily take the job."
Lucy gave him a skeptical look, "Feels like your main point is finding someone to cover for you so you can go on a date with Miss Mira."
"Your intuition is spot on." Rhode didn't pretend, "Don't you think this way we can help you out?"
"It's possible...," Lucy sighed, "but I'd still prefer to do more mage-like work."
Hapi suddenly popped up: "Actually, Lucy just wants to be famous."
"No, I don't!" Lucy replied loudly, then added with a hint of guilt, "Maybe just a little bit."
Mira made an expression as if she'd had an epiphany: "Oh~ Just like how Gray enjoys stripping, Lucy likes the feeling of being famous? Go for it!"
"Please don't put me in the same category as an exhibitionist..."
"True, Lucy can't strip as quickly as Gray." Natsu patted Lucy's shoulder, "Hurry up and pick a task!"
"Why would I want to compete in stripping speed with him!" Lucy asked, "And why are you rushing me?"
Natsu said, "Because last time, Hapi and I picked it, this time it's your turn. Don't worry, we'll go with you."
"You mean the team thing? Of course, that gets canceled once the task is done." Lucy, still upset about them tricking her into wearing a maid outfit, said,
"In any case, you guys just wanted a blonde girl, right? It didn't matter who it was?"
"That's true. But didn't we choose you, Lucy?" Natsu flashed a bright smile, "We think you're a good person."
Lucy blushed a little; was this a sign of being accepted by her companions?
Rhode pinched Mira's little hand: "It seems Natsu is quite adept at tricking girls."
Mira gave him a squeeze: "Aren't you too?"
Rhode unequivocally denied, "Not at all, I never used tricks to pursue girls."
"Yeah, right."
"I swear on Gray's clothes!"
...
The sun gradually set, and it was the tavern's last business hours of the day.
The guild buzzed with activity for a few more hours before people slowly dispersed.
Lucy didn't find a task she liked and had to wait until tomorrow to try again.
Before leaving, the president asked Rhode to be ready and leave with him first thing in the morning.
As usual, Rhode and Mira finished their daily training, changed clothes, and got ready to leave.
When Mira came out after changing, she gave Rhode a little visual surprise.
"Why did you change into something else?"
Mira had on a white sleeveless t-shirt, ending above her navel, and paired it with hot pants, showcasing her emblem.
Though it's already summer, this outfit felt particularly refreshing.
Those legs...wow.
"Just wanted to try this style occasionally, does it look good?"
"Heart-stopping."
Mira tapped her chin with a finger: "Let me think, did you use the wrong word here?"
"When's the last time I used the wrong word?" Rhode pondered, "Right now, you're beautiful, pretty, stunning, making my heart flutter at first sight, and..."
Rhode stopped short: "Were you trying to trick me into complimenting you more?"
Mira's eyes curved into a smile: "Ah, caught me."
"So, did I pass, any rewards?"
"Barely passable." Mira held his arm and stood on tiptoe, "How about now?"
Rhode replied, feigning modesty: "Also barely passable."
The two joked and laughed for a while.
Mira showed concern for his journey, "Did you get everything ready for tomorrow?"
Rhode nodded: "All set, just missing you."
Mira chuckled: "If I go, the president might just send you back."
"Maybe we should usurp him, let him retire, and the two of us can handle all the meetings in the future."
"Good idea, but being president means writing apology letters all day long."
"Then forget it, let the old man keep at it."
As they neared Mira's place, Rhode hugged her, his hand restlessly caressing her back: "Starting tomorrow, we'll be apart for three days, maybe even five."
Mira, also reluctant to part, hugged him tightly.
For lovers, even a day apart feels too long.
"So..."
Once 'so' was out, Mira knew he was up to no good again.
As expected.
Rhode tentatively asked: "Shouldn't we create some unforgettable memory before parting?"
"Unforgettable memory?" Mira thought carefully and said, "Sure, do you mean to have a match with Demon Hutley?"
Rhode was sure Mira was feigning ignorance.
So, he just wanted to get closer to her before parting.
Rhode lowered his head, and Mira closed her eyes.
A moment later, Mira, blushing, pulled away and held his wrist with feigned annoyance: "Keep your hands in check!"
"Okay, I won't move."
Mira let go and wrapped her arms around his neck again.