The captain finally accepted Rhode's suggestion and decided to contact a few friends to commission the Mages' Guild for an investigation.
On the way to Antilu Leina Mu, nothing unexpected happened, and the captain faithfully went to Mermaid's Heel to settle the payment.
The earnings from this trip were equivalent to an S-Class Task, and Rhode couldn't help but marvel at how profitable maritime transport seemed.
Today's President Molumei appeared as a lively and active blonde girl, much like Lucy.
She casually called Sister Mira without any shyness.
Conversely, Mira felt somewhat uneasy; in her youthful vigor, she didn't fancy being called sister by someone over forty.
However, there was nothing she could do about the president who loved playing different roles. After five days there, the couple still hadn't seen Molumei's true appearance.
If she wants to act like a young girl, let her be.
Mira decided to take the chance to learn some acting skills.
After the captain completed the follow-up for the rescue task, he consulted Molumei about the commission fee for the investigation task and then took his leave.
He still needed to visit the shipyard.
Molumei lamented, like a genuine little girl:
"Although I'm happy Mr. Rhode can introduce business to me, this seems like a super troublesome assignment."
"The job of a mage is to solve problems," Rhode said. "If you don't like it, you can hand over the task to Fairy Tail; our guild doesn't mind trouble at all."
There is no way to casually pass tasks to another guild... Molumei cast him a resentful glance:
"Oh~~ I thought a gentleman like you, Mr. Rhode, would say something like, 'Sorry, I'll try to compensate you,' in response to a cute girl's complaints..."
You're daydreaming...
And who are you calling a gentleman?
Rhode thought for a moment and asked, "What cute girl? Are you talking about this world's cutest Miss Mirajane beside me?"
Molumei looked at Mira pitifully: "Sister Mira~ Mr. Rhode is bullying me~"
"Oh, really?" Mira said with a smiling face, "How exactly is he bullying you? Can you repeat it word for word for me?"
"He said you..." Molumei suddenly didn't feel like acting today and muttered softly, "Annoying loving couple..."
Rhode and Mira had a meal at the guild, and before leaving, said, "By the way, we're likely to leave tomorrow. Please help us say goodbye to Mirena, Kagura, and Alani."
These friends had played with the couple for a few days but soon went out to handle tasks.
Alani's trio left due to an urgent task, while Mirena discovered a task related to the 'Cat Demon', so she immediately took Kagura with her.
Their return date was uncertain, and Rhode and Mira couldn't wait for them to return to say goodbye.
Molumei agreed, but added, "Remember to go to Mermaid Bay tonight; there will be a lively party."
Mira, having heard about the party, said excitedly, "We'll definitely go!"
Stars twinkled, and the sea breeze blew gently.
Unlike usual, Mermaid Beach did not quiet down after nightfall but became even more lively.
Several bonfires were already lit on the beach, with a five-meter-tall mermaid sculpture placed in the center. The massive mermaid sat on a rock, holding a harp.
Arriving at Mermaid Bay on time, Rhode and Mira occasionally checked the time on a pocket watch gifted by Elfman.
At 8 o'clock, a beautiful woman with long, wavy black hair appeared beneath the sculpture.
The harp held by the mermaid sculpture began to glow. The woman gently jumped, sat on the base of the sculpture, and her legs curled into a fish tail, assuming the same posture as the sculpture.
Music began to play, and the crowd quieted down, all turning to look at the star of today's party.
—She was Molumei, the president of Mermaid's Heel, and this was her true appearance.
Her explosive figure, shell-style swimsuit, realistic fish tail, and exquisite face made her look just like a real mermaid sitting by the shore.
Although Rhode prided himself on not being like Macao, he couldn't help but hug his wife to steady himself.
Mira also found herself momentarily dazed. Compared to the ever-changing appearances and static magazine images, the true appearance of President Molumei was stunning beyond imagination.
Age seemed not only to leave no mark on her face but also added more charm to her.
Mira sensed Rhode's movement and secretly compared her husband's gaze to other men's gazes towards Molumei, feeling a bit happy inside.
Once the special period was over, she could reward him a little.
After a soft and soothing prelude, Molumei began to sing under everyone's expectant gazes:
"Under starlit waves~
I wish to gaze with you~♪
The leaping bonfire~
Lights up the most beautiful times~♪
…"
Her gentle and melodious voice felt like the warmest spring breeze brushing everyone's face, causing many to close their eyes and reveal faint smiles.
Molumei's song seemed to possess a peculiar power, making people unwittingly want to keep listening.
Bathed in this song, one felt relaxed from the heart; all fatigue, both physical and mental, vanished with her song.
It was as if she was using some magic while singing.
The enchanting song allowed one to temporarily overlook her beauty.
Rhode closed his eyes and listened quietly, while Mira also closed her eyes and rested her face on Rhode's chest, as the song seemed to transport them back to the scene of their first embrace.
Such a heartwarming and beautiful moment.
However, even the most captivating song eventually ends, and the crowd let out a collective sigh of regret as the music stopped.
"I didn't expect President Molumei to be so good at singing," Mira said, still immersed in the experience, "No wonder she's called 'Siren'."
"Indeed," Rhode replied, "And now it seems clear what kind of magic she excels at."
Though the singing ended, the party had only just begun.
Molumei pointed towards the sea, and immediately, spotlights were directed there, revealing a mermaid leaping out of the water.
Next came a second, then a third...
The mermaids leapt out in succession, maintaining a specific rhythm, constantly altering their poses and formations, performing a unique mermaid dance.
Upon closer inspection, one would discover that all these mermaids were played by mages from Mermaid's Heel.
The Dancing Princess of the Sea—Rhode immediately thought of this title, but these thoughts were soon scattered by cheers, focusing his attention on the performance before him.
The mermaids laughed, leaped, and swam, doing their utmost to present the most spectacular sea dance.
The party atmosphere reached a climax under their efforts amidst the audience's cheers.
As the music concluded, the mermaids swam to the shore, shed their tails, and hand in hand, walked onto the beach with Molumei. Together, they led everyone around different bonfires, singing and dancing with abandon.
This was the monthly mermaid party held by Mermaid's Heel, a celebration that left tourists reluctant to leave.