The next morning, under Master Makarov's leadership, a grand and lively banquet began at Fairy Tail.
This banquet, which Natsu had been talking about since yesterday, was not only a welcome party for the new members, Kinana and Lily. It was also to celebrate the successful mission of the Edolas Operation Team, the reunion of Gildarts and his daughter Cana, and most importantly, Lisanna's safe return!
Knowing the guild's style, they could have easily split this into several separate parties. But Makarov, after careful consideration, decided to combine them all into one. His reason? To save the Heartfilia Konzern some money.
Under the partnership agreement signed between Makarov and Jude, the Heartfilia Konzern covered not only regular expenses like guild property damage but also sponsored events like banquets and the Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival.
In return, if the Heartfilia Konzern was ever threatened or attacked by illegal organizations or dark guilds, Fairy Tail would provide necessary aid.
It was a win-win for both the strongest guild in Fiore and the wealthiest conglomerate. And with Lucy as the bridge, there was no fear of betrayal.
"I was so surprised when I heard the news. Lisanna, it is wonderful that you are alive!"
"Lisanna, you look as beautiful as ever!"
"Even more beautiful! Your measurements were not this good before!"
At the guild hall, Max, Nab, the Thunder God Tribe, and others surrounded Lisanna. Their faces were full of joy.
Though Lisanna had returned yesterday, they had not seen her immediately. They were busy working to qualify for the upcoming S-Class Trial.
"Th-thank you. You all look more handsome too!"
Lisanna's eyes filled with tears. She greeted everyone warmly.
"Lucy-chan!"
Levy, who had just finished a quest, opened her arms and hugged Lucy.
"Levy-chan!" Lucy hugged her back.
After their special greeting, Levy asked, "Did everything go well in Edolas? Were you hurt? Did Chase and Natsu bully you?"
"Well... aside from destroying some public buildings, it went pretty smoothly."
Lucy thought of Edo Levy's angry face. Our Levy is so much better.
"Nani? We were the strongest candidates in the other guild?!"
Learning from a nearly naked Gray about their Edolas counterparts, Jet and Droy were shocked. And a little proud.
"Look at them. You two drag Levy down on quests. Not manly at all."
Elfman's scolding brought them back to reality. They stood behind Levy, scratching their heads.
"Gray-sama~ Juvia made you a very nice coat~"
Juvia's eyes were full of hearts. She held up a thick coat embroidered with Gray's face.
She had stayed up all night making it. Her hope was that if Gray wore more clothes, he would become like Edo Gray.
Just imagining Gray chasing after her made Juvia tremble with excitement.
"No. It is too hot."
At a corner table, Alzack and Bisca heard from Wendy about their Edolas counterparts.
Unlike the couple who openly showed their love, these two were painfully shy. Just looking at each other made them blush and look away.
Little Wendy felt awkward. She walked away.
At the bar.
Chase and Makarov sat side by side.
Mirajane walked over. She looked at the beer barrel in front of Chase. Then she reached out and took the drink from Makarov's hand, replacing it with a simple glass of healthy milk.
After doing that, she sat down across from them. She rested her head on her hand and looked at Chase. "Come to think of it, I would love to see the other Chase. Watching him shiver in fear would be fun."
"...That is just like you." Chase shook his head.
In this way, Edo Mirajane was a little different from their Mirajane. She was not as cruel.
Makarov looked at the milk in his hand. This is a banquet!
He wanted to argue. But Mirajane was smiling. He decided not to.
"You are right. He is reliable," Erza said, walking over.
"You look better, Erza." Chase noticed she was not as sad as yesterday.
He had asked Lucy about it. She said it was "girl talk."
At least she is feeling better.
"Mm." Erza looked away.
She had accepted her feelings. But she did not know how to act.
Mirajane looked at Erza. Her fists tightened under the counter.
Let us fight fair, Erza. I will not lose.
Erza looked back. I will do my best too.
They knew each other too well.
Chase was not paying attention. He was looking at Gildarts. The man was showing off his daughter.
When they are settled, I will ask him to fight. What card will the strongest mage of Fairy Tail give? An Exodia piece? Or something else?
Makarov saw everything. He took the beer and left.
Stupid kid. You have problems coming.
***
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