Elfman dashed to the guild's front desk, submitted the completed task, and picked a new one.
While helping to register, Rhode asked, "Your efficiency seems really high."
"Because I'm flying, it cuts travel time... Please hurry," Elfman urged Rhode.
Rhode was surprised, "When did you learn to fly?"
"Legion, during the Edolas affair, I tried to take in a... I'm out!" Elfman grabbed the stamped task sheet and took off running.
"Legion can be absorbed too?" Rhode recalled that flying hulk, which seemed to lack magic power and relied purely on physical strength for combat.
In terms of appearance, it quite fits Elfman's style.
It's just that I haven't seen him transform, not sure how strong he is.
With only three days left until the results are announced, those wanting to participate in the S-Class exam became more diligent and hardworking.
Only time-consuming and high-difficulty tasks, along with faraway missions that couldn't fit a round trip, were left on the bulletin board.
Even Nabu's time on duty every day was decreasing.
"Rhode, a barrel of wine." Kana slapped money onto the counter.
Recently, the relationship between Kana and Kildas normalized a bit, so she's mostly worry-free now.
Logically, as one grows up, the drinking capacity should decrease a little, but... force of habit.
Rhode turned to fetch a barrel of wine, checking the stock on the way; Kana only stayed in the guild quietly for a few days before needing more wine.
Quite a spending habit.
The door suddenly burst open, and Bigda anxiously shouted, "Bad news, there's an army heading for the guild!"
Near the entrance, Laki asked, "An army? Is it the Council again?"
Bigda replied, "Not Council people, they look like the King's Army!"
"It's the King's Army?!"
"Did Natsu get into trouble again?"
"No, maybe it's Gray!"
"Did Loki woo the Princess?"
"What are you talking about? Loki's already back in the Star Spirit Realm."
"Get the President quickly!"
"Don't panic, come with me to meet them." Makarov's ears are sharp at times like this, no need for others to call him.
All members of Fairy Tail followed Makarov out the door. Rhode, Mira, Erza, and Kildas were naturally among them.
Ordinary guests also went out to see the commotion.
They were curious about what trouble Fairy Tail had caused this time.
At the end of the street, two rows of soldiers in striped uniforms advanced slowly, not stopping even as they passed the guild door.
It was only when a luxurious carriage behind them stopped right across the door that the soldiers halted uniformly, turning to face the guild.
An elderly man, not much taller than Makarov, stepped forward under the soldiers' escort.
The mayor of Magnolia quickly ran, bypassing the army to mix into the Fairy Tail team, squeezing behind Makarov, whispering:
"Master Makarov, this is Minister Danton from the Fiore Kingdom."
Makarov gave a nearly imperceptible nod, "Thank you."
Danton's expression was serious, looking stern yet speaking very politely, "May I ask if you are President Makarov of the Mages' Guild, Fairy Tail?"
Makarov stepped forward, "That's me."
Danton continued, "I am Danton, Minister of State of the Fiore Kingdom, here by order of the King to commend Fairy Tail for their outstanding contributions."
At these words, the mages sighed in relief, glad it wasn't trouble-seeking; they weren't prepared for a brawl with the Kingdom.
The ordinary people found it rather novel:
"Commendation? It's a commendation..."
"Ah, it must be about the Edolas affair!"
"That's right, thanks to Fairy Tail."
The crowd was getting noisy, and the mayor quickly maintained order, urging everyone to quiet down.
Danton had already presented an exquisite box, his voice ringing loudly:
"The Fiore Kingdom has always been a peace-loving nation, having become a permanently neutral country 162 years ago.
"However, in the middle of last month, unbeknownst to us, we were attacked by the Edolas Kingdom, nearly losing Magnolia entirely.
"In this critical moment, Fairy Tail bravely stepped forward, undaunted by danger. They perfectly protected the people of Magnolia and resolved the conflict beyond our borders, sparing the Fiore Kingdom from war.
"Additionally, Fairy Tail introduced a large amount of practical magic technology, expected to greatly aid the Kingdom's construction and development. Fiore will remember Fairy Tail's accomplishments.
"Therefore, by order of King Toma E. Fiore, on his behalf, I grant all members of Fairy Tail the Peace Medal and the Legion of Honor Medal!"
As Danton's speech concluded, dozens of soldiers had already taken out instruments and started playing solemn music.
The crowd was ready to get noisy, but under such music, they instinctively kept quiet.
Makarov stepped forward, and Danton formally pinned two medals onto Makarov's chest.
—Though it's a group medal, naturally, the president should receive it.
At this moment, unsurprisingly, two reporters popped up, snapping photos with their cameras.
When the music stopped, soldiers without instruments applauded.
The onlooking residents, led by them, joined in applause.
The guild mages, conversely, seemed a bit dumbfounded.
The Legion of Honor Medal is understandable.
But... us? A Peace Medal?
A group began silently reflecting on how much trouble they had caused the country, suddenly feeling a bit guilty.
But listening to the applause in their ears, they quickly became lively again, clapping along, then cheering, even whistling.
Whistling at such a solemn occasion, truly befits Fairy Tail.
Danton hesitated to say something.
Forget it, he'd heard about the guild's reputation long ago; let them be.
Rhode pondered Danton's words during the medal presentation; from Lahar's attitude, the Council seemed to have some criticisms of their actions.
But the Kingdom seemed very pleased.
The Peace Medal...
Considering the 160-plus years of Fiore Kingdom's absolute neutrality history, loving peace indeed isn't surprising.
For the Royal Family, Fairy Tail's method of resolving everything beyond the borders was most favorable to them.
So the Council is the Council, and the Kingdom is the Kingdom.
Given the Kingdom's influence and the technology they've gained from the flying ship these days, even if the Council has objections, they won't trouble them.
Danton didn't linger; after a few simple words of encouragement on behalf of the King to Makarov, he left with the honor guard.
What brought Rhode back from his drifting thoughts was Makarov's booming voice:
"Brats, let's have a feast!"
"Oh!!!"