Before Makarov had a heart attack, Lahar gave a glance to the subordinate on his right.
That person immediately took out a small paper package and placed it on the counter.
Faced with the curious gazes from the others, Lahar explained, "This is the reward from the Freshman Council for arresting the fugitive Ailiger, a total of 5 million J."
"Wow~" Lisana let out a small exclamation, but thinking about her elder sister and brother-in-law's strength, it didn't seem strange anymore.
Makarov heaved a sigh of relief. So, they did yet another good deed. Very well, very well.
Opening the package, inside were five bundles of ten thousand denomination bills, one hundred bills per bundle.
Mira was responsible for counting the money, while Rhode was responsible for signing.
Once the transaction was complete, Lahar asked about the disappearance of Magnolia.
Makarov thought it would be troublesome to explain everything from the beginning, so he pushed it all onto Rhode.
Rhode had to briefly explain the Anima plan of Edolas, the way back, the fate of the former king and important ministers.
Hearing that those dangerous people were merely imprisoned by the new king of Edolas, Lahar felt it was a bit hasty but did not make any rash comments.
Fairy Tail saved Magnolia, while the Council didn't even know what happened. If he spoke carelessly, Lahar worried he wouldn't get out of the town.
He silently had his deputy record what Rhode said, occasionally asking one or two questions about Edolas' military equipment situation.
"The magic power of that world is slowly dissipating, and people there have no magic power in their bodies. As for the equipment... let's give you a few samples."
Rhode used Requip Magic to take out a set of standardized armor capable of activating a magic shield and a spear and sword with arrest capabilities.
Lahar gratefully said, "Ah, thank you. With these things, it will be easier for us to report back."
Otherworld, Anima, and things like that sound dangerous. Being able to take something back for research to increase understanding and make precautions is also good.
Rhode wasn't too concerned, as he collected quite a few of these things, intending to throw them in the guild warehouse as reserves, letting interested people replicate and research them. After all, the way magic tools are made in Edolas is quite different from here.
There's still a militia team's equipment set consisting of hundreds of outfits with the mayor, which they'll send over later. But Lahar and his team should be able to get it through negotiation.
Rather than have them figure it out themselves, it's better to give them a set as a personal favor.
Among all the magic tools they brought back, the most advanced, of course, is the Rose Sword in Lisana's hand, which is naturally left for her to protect herself.
The largest item... was actually a flying ship.
It was the ship Makarov and Lisana used when they set out to find traces of Anima. They met Mystogan halfway, and when they returned, they brought it back when they delivered the town.
Now that ship is parked in the lake behind the guild, yet to be dealt with.
Makarov said he plans to modify it, paint it with the Fairy Tail insignia, and use it as a private ride like Pegasus' Christina.
Though it looks just like a ship, it actually employs a lot of Edolas-specific battle and life magic technology. The research value of that ship might be higher than its utility.
When the time comes, observe the style of the Freshman Council's actions.
If they're not too bothersome, letting them research a bit to advance Aslan's magic technology isn't impossible.
After explaining to Lahar how to use the equipment, Lahar's subordinate soon reported back, saying the resident visits and investigations were almost done, and the next step was to see the mayor.
Of course, this kind of thing had to be done by Lahar personally, so Lahar took the opportunity to ask a few questions before taking his leave.
"Thank you all for your cooperation, and thank you all for your contributions in this external enemy invasion incident.
"I think, after some time, whether it's the Council or the Kingdom of Fiore, they'll commend Fairy Tail."
Lahar bowed slightly, "Well then, I won't disturb you any longer. See you next time."
Makarov laughed, "You're also welcome to visit when you have time, preferably in a personal capacity."
Not mentioning the review letter is truly great.
And... commendations!
Commendations from both the Council and the Kingdom of Fiore!
Makarov really wanted to laugh for a while. Speaking of which, it seems like the regular meeting is coming up soon, and by then, he must show off properly!
Makarov jumped onto the table, waved his hand, "To celebrate the upcoming commendations, let's celebrate!"
A group of still-excited people immediately got enthusiastic again, "Oh!!!"
Rhode sighed, "Here we go again..."
"Anyway, everyone is happy." Mira said with a smiling face, "Just in time to give our new waiter some extra work."
She also found it amusing to occasionally tease Lucy.
The guild became lively again, but fortunately, this time it only lasted for one afternoon, and by evening, everyone cheerfully went home.
"Rhode, let's put tonight's practice on hold, shall we?" Mira came to discuss with Rhode, "The place needs a good tidy-up at home."
"Hmm, and after being exhausted for several days, it's time to get a good rest." Rhode said, "You guys go ahead, I'll lock up later."
"Thanks for your hard work." Mira gave Rhode a peck on the face under Lisana's curious gaze.
Rhode smiled as he watched her drag her younger siblings away from the scene.
Elfman and Lisana floated like two dolls behind Mira.
My powerful and unrivaled fiancée. Rhode sighed in his heart.
After a while, Wendy, with a blush on her face, came to say goodbye while holding Carla, "Brother Rhode, we're going home too. See you tomorrow."
Carla glared at Rhode, how outrageous, to do such an intimate act in front of children.
"Um... wait a moment." Rhode called out to them.
Wendy looked at him puzzled.
Rhode said, "I'm going to see Granny Porlyusica later, would you like to go together?"
A few days ago, the whole of Magnolia was absorbed, but since Porlyusica lived far away and had no magic power in her body, she was definitely fine.
But with the whole of Magnolia gone, she must have been worried—though she definitely wouldn't admit it.
Now that they have returned safely, someone should go visit, both emotionally and rationally.
In such matters, Rhode never held any hope for the unreliable guild mates. Having gone through so much and caused such a commotion after returning, they might not think of it right away.
So, he decided to go, taking Wendy along to avoid being rebuked by her.
Wendy no longer felt like going home, "Grandeeney? I want to go!"
"Okay, then wait for me a bit." Rhode wanted to turn off the lights, close the doors and windows, and lock everything properly.
"I'll help too!" Wendy couldn't bear just watching and tried hard to tiptoe to help close the windows.
Carla watched her struggling and had to go help too.