While the two were speaking, Brandish's entire face turned bright red as she slowly stood up from the floor.
Under Aquarius's scolding earlier, she had instinctively reverted to how she used to be as a child, passively accepting the teasing and "discipline" without resistance.
Only after regaining her senses did she realize how shameful it looked for someone of her status to be shown like that in front of so many people.
Kuh… Aquarius… you completely destroyed my image!!!
Brandish stood in silent contrast to Lucy, who was still crying while holding her head.
But what they shared in common was that both of them had suffered a heavy blow at the hands of a certain unruly spirit.
Meredy walked over and patted Lucy's shoulder in sympathy.
"Don't listen to Kabe. When Ur comes back, I'll have her use time magic to repair the backyard."
"Uu… Meredy, thank you… really, thank you so much. From now on you're my best friend."
Lucy hugged the small Meredy tightly, burying her face in her chest as she cried.
Sorano, who had originally been holding a grudge after being outplayed by a newcomer, now felt much better after seeing Lucy's miserable state.
At the very least, her own spirits behaved properly and would not openly drag her into trouble like that.
"How disgraceful. Can someone who cannot even control her spirits still call herself a Celestial Mage?"
Sorano crossed her arms and raised her chin proudly.
"To prevent you from further embarrassing the reputation of Celestial Mages, from today onward you will come with me on missions."
"Eh… S-Sorano-senpai, are you serious?"
Lucy sniffled in shock, unable to believe it.
Sorano did not bother elaborating and turned away coolly.
"If you want to come, wipe off those ridiculous tears and snot and follow me. I don't repeat myself."
"I'll come! I'll come! Don't leave me behind!"
The idea of being guided by another Celestial Mage made Lucy happy rather than hesitant.
Meredy quickly reacted.
"Wait, Lucy is assigned to me as a newcomer. I should be the one mentoring her!"
She became anxious. This was her first time guiding a newcomer, and she could not let Sorano take that role.
"Then come together. The three of us can form a temporary team."
Seeing the three of them already forming a group, Laki turned to Kabe and the others.
"I'll head to the guild as well. Kabe, don't forget to come early."
"Ah… yeah, got it."
Kabe responded reflexively, watching the backs of the four women as they left.
"…Wait. Was I just played? Who am I supposed to vent my frustration about the destroyed backyard on?"
Ignoring his expectant gaze, Irene snapped her fingers and conjured a loose robe before adjusting it and saying goodbye.
"It's getting late. I still have some tools I need to test, so I'll be leaving first."
"I…"
Selene looked like she wanted to stay for a moment, but after glancing at Brandish sitting blankly on the sofa, she changed her mind.
"I'll go with Irene. I just got some rare materials anyway. I want to see if I can turn them into magical tools."
Without giving Kabe a chance to respond, she opened a teleportation gate and left arm in arm with Irene.
Swish.
The portal closed, leaving the living room suddenly quiet.
Kabe sighed and shifted his last hope onto Brandish.
"Hey, Brandish. I've got a plan to get revenge on Aquarius. Want to hear it?"
Brandish's ears twitched slightly. Her previously blank eyes regained a trace of focus.
"Come with me. I'll tell you quietly."
Kabe looked like a wolf luring Little Red Riding Hood, wearing an unmistakably suspicious smile as he slowly guided Brandish toward the second floor.
Brandish followed without resistance, as if unaware she was stepping into a trap carefully arranged by the wolf.
Only when Kabe led her into the room and locked the door did she belatedly sense something was wrong.
But by then, the wolf had already shown its fangs, and it was far too late for the prey to escape.