"Come to think of it, I'm a bit surprised. Natsu and the others didn't come with you."
Chase's gaze drifted past Lucy and looked out at the quiet street.
Having his house invaded so many times, he actually found it a little strange not hearing Natsu and Happy's usual ruckus.
"They left the guild earlier than me. After all, the banquet ended, and then we fought with Chase-nii for so long," Lucy said matter-of-factly.
Especially Natsu. He had been trained all night by the Destruction Dragon Gandora and had barely rested. The only reason he was still going was that he had an abundance of energy.
Thinking of this, Lucy couldn't help but let out a happy sigh. "Finally, I can sleep peacefully and quietly~"
"Why don't you go check your own place? Natsu and Happy might already be fast asleep on your soft, fragrant bed right now."
"Uh—"
The relaxed smile on Lucy's face froze awkwardly.
Now that she thought about it, that was actually possible!
"Here." Chase pushed the freshly brewed black tea toward her.
"Thanks, Chase-nii."
Feeling a bit thirsty, Lucy naturally took the cup, blew on it, and took a small sip.
"How is it?"
"It tastes lighter than before, but the aftertaste is pretty good. Did you buy a new kind, Chase-nii?"
"It's the same kind as always. If it tastes lighter, it's probably because I've already brewed several pots."
The corner of Lucy's mouth twitched. She silently put down the cup. "...Who serves guests tea that's already been steeped too many times and then seriously asks how it tastes?!"
"Haha, there's no need to be so particular between brother and sister," Chase laughed heartily.
Teasing Lucy every now and then it was really fun.
"Hmph! Those are your words!"
Lucy puffed out her cheeks, pulled out two new tea leaves from under the coffee table, tossed one into the cup, and started chewing the other dry. She had to chew it dry!
Given her relationship with Chase, she didn't care about politeness or rules. She was as relaxed as if she were at home.
"As expected of Lucy. What a wild way to drink tea," Dark Magician Girl said, dumbfounded.
"Black tea in this world can be drunk like this too?"
Silent Magician, who had quietly swallowed her chips, blinked her cool eyes, very tempted to try.
Then, the next second—
"Bleh~ Pfft, pfft, pfft!"
Lucy wrinkled her brow in disgust, grabbed a trash can, and spat out all the tea leaves mixed with saliva.
This silly girl...
Silent Magician: Never mind. I can't imitate that.
Chase covered his face, unable to bear watching. After his silly sister had recovered, he finally asked, "So, Lucy, it's already this late. Did you come to see me about something?"
"No, nothing. I just happened to pass by, saw that your light was on, and thought I'd come sit for a while." Lucy's eyes darted around as she opened the conversation. "Speaking of which, Chase-nii, did you get any new cards from your fight with Mira-nee?"
Chase could see that her real purpose was clearly not as simple as she made it sound, but he still pointed to the four cards on the coffee table.
"Right Leg of the Forbidden One? It's actually this!"
Following his gesture, Lucy's eyes lit up instantly. She exclaimed, "Doesn't this mean Chase-nii can summon Exodia soon?!"
Having experienced the "heart of the cards" in their duel, she was very impressed by Exodia—that infinite attack and defense, instant-win monster card.
Combined with the actual combat abilities of Dark Magician, Gandora, and the others, it was hard to imagine how terrifying it would be if Exodia were actually summoned!
"Theoretically, yes. But as for what it actually does, I won't know until I collect all the pieces," Chase said, reaching out to gather the cards from the table. He narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone carrying a hint of interrogation. "Speaking of which, Lucy, you seemed to be fighting pretty enthusiastically back on the Nirvana."
"Ahaha, that was just because Mira-nee was controlling me," Lucy said, scratching her head with an awkward laugh, immediately solidifying her stance. "I actually tried to resist, but my magic power is just too low!"
"No need to be so scared. Even if you said it was your own will, it wouldn't matter. In fact, I hope you keep that drive going into the S-Class Trial," Chase said with a smile.
The whole reason I wanted to test the waters in advance was because I'm afraid of running into a card nerd like you who doesn't know how to treat a lady with care!
After hesitating for a few seconds, Lucy ultimately didn't have the courage to voice her inner thoughts.
"S-Class Trial and all... I don't even know if I'll be selected. I've only been in the guild for less than a year. I'm still a rookie."
"Have a little more confidence. With your current level of Celestial Spirit Magic, you could be rated S-Class in another guild."
Hearing this, Lucy, who had been lacking confidence, lit up with surprise. Then she crossed her arms defensively, her expression wary. "That's suspicious! The Chase-nii who actually compliments people!"
"You're not trying to get me to participate enthusiastically just so you can find an excuse to beat me up, are you?!"
"Hey, hey, am I really that sinister?" Chase said, exasperated.
The truth was, the current Lucy was already much stronger than her counterpart in the original story at this same time. She had mastered Celestial Spirit Dress early, soloed Sorano of Oración Seis, learned the Ultra-Magic Urano Metria, and even her combat experience, skills, and willpower had all significantly improved.
At this level, even if she were placed in a large guild like Phantom Lord, she would absolutely be a genuine ace!
"Yes!" Lucy nodded emphatically, having witnessed firsthand how Chase "beat up" Mira.
"I agree," Dark Magician Girl said, raising her hand.
Silent Magician gave Chase a very serious look, then nodded in agreement.
Chase: "..."
"By the way, Chase-nii, what do you think of Mira-nee's Demon King Take Over?" Lucy suddenly remembered the purpose of her "spying" mission tonight.
"It's pretty good. Stronger than I expected."
"How does it compare to Erza?"
"Erza?"
Chase was taken aback. Thinking that Lucy was just curious about who was stronger, he analyzed seriously, "That's hard to say. Although the Demon King Take Over mitigates Mira's weakness of high burst but short duration, Erza's Requip is more well-rounded."
"A nearly three-year gap isn't something that can be closed overnight. Plus, she has the Exodia Armor. For now, Erza is probably still stronger. Of course, either one of them could easily crush you."
You really didn't need to add that last part!
Feeling a bit offended, Lucy suppressed her rising irritation and continued asking, "So, does Chase-nii enjoy fighting Mira-nee more, or fighting Erza more?"
"There's no 'more or less.' A fight is a fight. Having a good time is what matters."
At this point, Chase finally noticed that Lucy was implying something. "Alright, what exactly did you come here for tonight?"
"Ahem."
Lucy coughed dryly, took a sip of tea to steady her nerves, then blushed and fidgeted. "If... and I mean if... you were to have a girlfriend, Chase-nii, which—"
"What? You went through all that trouble just to confess to me? That's a bit troubling. I've always seen you as a little sister, you know."
"Who would confess to you?! Can you let me finish?!" Lucy's mouth twitched wildly. Interrupted, she decided to just go for it and asked directly, "It's about Mira-nee and Erza! Which one do you like more?!"
As her voice faded, the living room fell into dead silence, broken only by the sound of the kettle boiling.
"I see. So that's why I felt those two were acting a bit strange today," Chase said, the realization dawning on him.
Recalling the proactive behavior of Lucy and Lisanna, the general outline of the situation became clear.
"So, Chase-nii, what... what do you think?" Lucy asked tentatively.
For the sake of her good sister Erza's happiness, she was going all out.
"You really want to know that badly?" Chase took a tactical sip of tea.
"Mm-hmm!" Lucy's eyes were filled with anxiety, hoping to hear Erza's name but also afraid that what came out might be Mira's.
Dark Magician Girl and Silent Magician had also lost interest in their chips. They leaned forward slightly, aiming their ears toward Chase.
"Then, Lucy, listen carefully."
Chase put down his teacup, took a deep breath, and spread his arms wide, declaring boldly, "A heart without women, the blade cuts true!"
"Women only slow down my card draw!"
Lucy: "..."
Dark Magician Girl: "..."
Silent Magician: "..."
Just as expected. This damn card nerd!!
"If... if you absolutely had to choose which one you feel better about?" Lucy pressed, unwilling to give up.
She had come this far. There was no reason to let it be brushed aside.
Not just as Erza's wingman, but simply as a little sister, she really wanted to know Chase's true feelings.
So, even if the person Chase liked was really Mira-nee, she would still do her best to help them get together.
Seeing that Lucy was determined to get an answer, Chase sighed softly. Then he leaned in and whispered his response in her ear.
"Huh? Huh?!"
Lucy's pupils suddenly contracted. Her face turned bright red, and steam practically poured out of her.
"Th-th-th-th-that! I-I-I-I-I'm going home now!"
Her brain completely short-circuited, she shot up from her seat and bolted out of the house like lightning, disappearing around the street corner in the blink of an eye.
***
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