After three days of training in the Eastern Forest, the moment Lyla had been waiting for finally arrived.
Still, something felt odd, why hadn't Grandma Porlyusica returned? Not even the famous Fairy Tail Magic Parade could bring her back?
But as dazzling fireworks burst across the night sky, illuminating the darkness with waves of color, the city of Magnolia was swept up in a carnival of light and joy. It was time for the annual Fairy Tail Magic Parade.
Buildings on either side of the street were decked out in glowing neon, streamers, and ribbons. Crowds lined the sidewalks, cheering with wild enthusiasm. People wore bright, festive clothing, painted stars and hearts on their cheeks, donned ornate masks, and waved glowing wands or enchanted light-sticks.
Those without a good view leaned from balconies or even climbed rooftops to watch. Laughter echoed through the streets, and every face was lit with excitement.
The parade floats began rolling down the main street, each one bathed in magical light and decorated in spectacular detail. The entire parade radiated the wonder of magic, like a fairytale world come to life. For a moment, everyone watching forgot reality and gave themselves over to the enchantment of the festival.
Lyla stood on the roadside, awestruck. His memories of past parades were vague at best, but seeing this magical spectacle firsthand left him breathless.
The first float to appear was a grand stage adorned with the unmistakable insignia of Fairy Tail. Draped in shimmering streamers and glowing lights, the stage radiated a dreamlike aura. On it danced a group of performers dressed in fairy-themed costumes, flower crowns on their heads, gossamer veils trailing from their shoulders.
They twirled and spun like forest spirits, their graceful movements enchanting the crowd.
The second float brought a Snow Kingdom to life. The entire carriage sparkled like a frozen world, powdery white snow, glittering ice crystals, and stunning ice sculptures adorned its roof. Royally dressed performers waved magic wands, performing elegant routines, while snowman-costumed dancers frolicked beside them, fully immersing the audience in a frozen fairytale realm.
Then came the third float: Kingdom of Animals. The float exploded with cheer and playfulness, featuring animal-themed decorations and performers in realistic animal costumes, lions, rabbits, squirrels, and more. They leapt and pranced across the stage, swinging colorful balloons and drawing delighted laughter from the audience.
Next was a float for the Children's Fairy Troupe. The carriage sparkled as lighthearted music played and young actors danced around it, holding bouquets and balloons. Each child wore a fairy-inspired outfit, complete with glittering wings and embroidered silk. Their wands gleamed with embedded gemstones, casting a twinkling glow over the street.
And of course, there were Macao and Wakaba.
Macao summoned purple flames while Wakaba added his smoke magic. The two spells wove together into a glowing, heart-shaped pattern. A streak of purple flame broke through the center like a shooting star, igniting the smoke into a glittering display that spelled out one word in sparkling letters:
"FAIRYtAIL."
…Not that they were important.
Then came a float carrying a young boy dressed in a crisp white dress shirt, layered beneath a black velvet coat, a silk sash tied around his waist. A gleaming ornamental sword hung at his side.
He stood proudly, a radiant smile lighting up his face. His eyes sparkled with pure joy.
He raised his right hand high, pointing to the sky with his index finger, as if sending a message to someone who might not be able to see him.
As the float moved down the street, he waved to the crowd again and again, his joy innocent and sincere.
Unbeknownst to him, the very person he hoped was watching, his grandfather, was indeed following from the crowd, never taking his eyes off the boy for a moment. August's heart was full, brimming with warmth and pride as he watched Lyla shine.
The old mage didn't need magic to sense the emotions of those around him. He could feel the joy in the air, the happiness in people's hearts was so strong it practically glowed.
Then a thought rose in August's mind.
Once it appeared, it would not go away.
His gaze slowly shifted toward someone in the crowd.
After the parade ended, the Fairy Tail members returned to the guild. Lyla and August, however, remained on the streets, strolling through the softly lit avenues until they reached South Gate Park.
The park featured a giant snowman plush, colorful balloon decorations, and a life-sized bear mascot selling helium balloons nearby.
"Lyla," August asked, gazing at the flowering camphor trees and the peaceful scenery, "what do you think of the Fairy Tail guild?"
"It's… pretty great," Lyla said honestly. "Lively, chaotic, but fun."
He couldn't help but picture the guild hall in his mind, the door that no one ever used properly, the constant brawls breaking out for no reason at all, people kicking the walls or crashing through furniture like it was tradition.
"Have you ever thought about joining them?" August asked, carefully observing Lyla's expression.
Lyla hesitated. "Joining, huh? That's definitely tempting... but, "
His voice trailed off. He had considered it. Of course he had.
But what about August?
"I think you should join," August said gently. "My journey ends here."
Lyla froze.
"What do you mean, Grandpa? You're… leaving?"
"Yes," August said with a serene smile. "I've accomplished what I set out to do. There are matters back in the empire that need my attention. Nothing urgent, but I plan to return in a few days."
Lyla's breath caught in his throat.
"Grandpa… are you serious?"
"I am," August replied. He reached out, ruffling Lyla's hair with a warm, reassuring touch. "Don't worry. I'll come back to visit you."
On the way back, Lyla walked silently, his thoughts tangled and scattered. August didn't speak either, but he noticed everything.
"…Grandpa, this… isn't the way back," Lyla said finally, realizing they were heading toward Strawberry Street instead of their inn.
"It is," August replied. "Since I'll be leaving soon… I'm buying you a house here."
"…But you said we were out of money!"
"I said you were out of money," August chuckled. "I've still got plenty."
<150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter>