A train rumbled across the tracks toward Magnolia. It had departed from Hargeon Station, passing through Onibas, Kounugi, Oshibana, and Clover Town before reaching its final destination.
Lyla sat by the window, chin resting on his palm, eyes following the scenery as it rolled slowly by. At first, Mavis had been doing the same, but before long, she had opened a book and begun reading quietly.
The journey wasn't short, and most of what they passed were forests, valleys, and wide expanses of uninhabited land. This world was vast, but its population sparse. Cities were few, and even within them, residents were limited in number.
Across from him, Mavis turned a page in silence. Lyla had once asked why she didn't just use a Wind Whisperer, those enchanted glasses that allowed a person to read an entire book instantly. Mavis had only smiled and said she preferred the feel of reading slowly, turning pages one by one.
She looked up and saw Lyla staring blankly out the window.
"Want to read with me?" she asked.
Lyla tilted his head. "What kinds of books do you have, First?"
"I brought a few history texts, some basic magic tomes for everyday use, a couple of adventure novels, and one the shopkeeper recommended, it's written by a famous author. Anything sound interesting?"
Lyla's eyes scanned the stack before pointing to a book with a forest scene on the cover. "That one, can I read the adventure story?"
"Of course." Mavis nodded and handed it to him.
Lyla opened the book, flipping through the introduction of the main character. As the journey unfolded across the pages, his interest grew, and eventually, he slumped forward, dozing off with his face in the book.
Mavis looked up at the sound of soft snoring. She saw Lyla fast asleep, drooling slightly onto the page, and let out a quiet chuckle.
"Lyla… Lyla," she called gently, nudging him a bit.
"Hmm?"
"We've arrived in Magnolia."
"…Oh. Okay, First."
Lyla woke with a start, grabbed his bag, and followed Mavis off the train. By now, evening had already fallen, and the guild had long since closed for the night.
He suggested they drop their things off at home first and grab dinner afterward, after all, the house had just been purchased, and they hadn't stocked any ingredients yet.
He led Mavis back to the house and placed her belongings in August's room, then took her to a restaurant nearby. After dinner, they returned home to rest.
Mavis mentioned she'd start looking for a place of her own tomorrow. Though she was just staying temporarily, she didn't want to impose.
Lyla, of course, said it was fine, August had bought the place after all, but Mavis insisted.
Back in his own room, Lyla wasn't sleepy. After all, he'd napped well on the train. The posture had been a little uncomfortable, but that sleepy, heavy-headed feeling after reading a book, it brought a strange sense of nostalgia.
So, he sat up and began experimenting with Conjuration Arc. After a few tests, his magic power ran low, so he meditated briefly before climbing into bed and drifting off.
The next morning, a knock came at his door.
"Lyla, time to wake up!" came Mavis's voice.
Lyla sprang up in a panic, groggy but wide-eyed. "I overslept again, !"
He hurried to dress and wash up while Mavis waited outside, bouncing with excitement.
They arrived at the guild hall. Mavis stood at the gate, staring up at the building, a flood of old memories rushing in. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door.
Lyla followed silently behind.
Inside, the guild had changed, though not by much. The first floor, as usual, was a battleground of chaos. Tables never lasted more than a few hours before being replaced, thanks to daily brawls. Decorations came and went like the seasons, but the bones of the building still retained the heart of Fairy Tail.
At the bar, Makarov was enjoying his morning drink. When he saw Lyla walk in with a girl, he blinked. His tipsiness vanished. He immediately sat up straight, watching as the girl's eyes sparkled with excitement while she looked around the guild.
He hurried over to Lyla's side.
"Who is that?" he asked in a hushed voice.
Lyla smiled mischievously. "Gramps, take a guess. Who does she remind you of?"
"You brat." Makarov gave him a stern look, then marched toward the girl.
"Excuse me," he said as he approached her. "Would you mind stepping aside with me for a moment?"
"Of course," Mavis replied, hiding a knowing smile as she followed him. His composure was admirable, but she could clearly see he was rattled.
"You too," Makarov added, glancing back at Lyla, who had been watching with great interest.
"Got it." Lyla nodded seriously and followed.
From across the room, Macao and Wakaba gave Lyla a subtle questioning look. He waved them off, it wasn't anything bad.
Those two had just returned from a nearby mission the day before. It hadn't been particularly difficult, but that didn't stop them from bickering over who earned more rewards. As usual, the loser had to pay for drinks.
Makarov led them into a side room near the infirmary. Once inside, he turned to Lyla.
"You wait out here."
He closed the door and cast a barrier.
Inside, he turned to Mavis with trembling eyes.
"…First? Is it really you?"
Mavis smiled softly. "It is."
Makarov's breath hitched. He was overwhelmed, barely believing it was real. "But… your body…"
"This one's artificial. My original is still… where it should be. It's a long story."
He glanced at the door, then asked, "Does Lyla know?"
"He knows a bit," Mavis replied calmly.
She'd already spoken with Lyla on the journey, learning about the current state of Fairy Tail and confirming that Makarov was the current guild master. She also knew that August had met him once. Seeing no reason to hide things, she explained everything.
Outside, Lyla waited... and waited. He was practically growing moss.
He pressed his ear to the door, trying to listen in, but no sound escaped the room.
"Tch, old man put up a soundproof barrier…"
Suddenly, the door creaked open.
Lyla, leaning against it, nearly fell flat on his face.
He quickly stood upright and pretended nothing had happened.
"You brat," Makarov said with a sigh, half amused. "Get in here."
"Yessir."
Lyla stepped in and saw Mavis sitting on the bed, smiling gently at him.
"So, what now?" Makarov asked. "About the guild, should we tell the others?"
Mavis shook her head. "Let's keep it a secret."
"Then your identity?"
"…Just say I'm Lyla's older sister."
She glanced at Lyla, who was trying his hardest to look innocent.
Her lips curled into a playful grin.
"…Huh? My sister?"
"Mm. You're such a good boy, Lyla," Mavis said sweetly, like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth.
<150 P.S = 1 Extra Chapter>