Constanton truly wasn't joking; he immediately called for the map of the Gioa Kingdom and pointed out the location of the proposed territory for Rhode.
The location was in the east of the Gioa Kingdom, right next to Saphire Lake.
Rhode looked at the positions and spheres of influence of the major bandit gangs marked on the map and smiled, "I thought it would be in the most densely populated area by bandits."
"Indeed, some ministers proposed such, but I rejected it." Constanton didn't mind mentioning that,
"If hypothetically, one day, my plan fails and I need your help... I believe you would prefer to receive a request for assistance over a mere act of exploitation."
He presented a smaller map to Rhode: "Would you be willing to accept this fief?"
Rhode did not hesitate and took the map, saying to the King, "I am a Mage. If needed, just submit a request."
The meaning was already quite clear, and Constanton smiled, "Then the official documents will be delivered to you before dinner, Count."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Rhode decided to accept it first, then inspect it the next day to see the condition of the fief and gather information about the nobility and bandits, to verify the King's words.
Constanton was so genuine and also had the same representation as Shargate and Li Li, which naturally left a good impression.
If it were other companions here, they probably would have fully believed and trusted on the spot.
But Rhode decided to check for himself.
If all is true, he wouldn't mind putting in some effort with Mira and practicing his magic skills in the process.
Afterward, the King hosted a sumptuous feast at the Royal Palace; nothing more needs to be said.
Now, speaking of Fairy Tail at this moment.
Makarov was dazedly holding a thank-you letter.
At first, he wondered who was so capable as to receive thanks.
But after reading two lines, he realized he thought too much. Sure enough, it was Rhode doing good deeds again.
But wasn't he on a honeymoon? How did he take on a rescue mission and even receive thanks?
Oh, it was a mission from Mermaid's Heel.
Makarov felt a pang in his heart. What for? Why is he doing this? Just to avoid being the President, he would rather accept tasks from another Guild?
It took him a while to calm down; Rhode and Mira aren't like that.
The letter was sent back to the Guild, wasn't it?
"President, there's a letter for you."
Makarov exclaimed in surprise, "What? Another letter?"
Kana didn't understand why Makarov was so reactive, "Why so surprised?"
Makarov took the envelope and opened it, "Nothing, who sent it?"
"Your dear old dad asked me to give it to you." Kana took a bottle of liquor from her bag, skillfully opened it, and started drinking.
"Kildas? Why is he writing a letter..."
"Because he's out traveling again."
Makarov paused, finding it unsurprising, and began reading the letter.
Sure enough, the gist was that he had recently been very happy, not only reuniting with his dear daughter but also assisting in holding the S-Class Exam and attending Rhode's and Mira's wedding...
However, he had stayed at the Guild for a long time, and his restless wanderer's heart had become lively again, so he couldn't wait to set out and travel.
Makarov glanced at Kana, who was downing alcohol, and complained, "Seriously, he knows he has a daughter but can't settle down for her?"
"Ha~" Kana put down the bottle, took a long breath, wiped her mouth, and smiled, "I don't need him to do anything in particular. Everything being just like before is fine. The farther he goes, the freer I feel."
Actually, Kildas also left a separate letter for Kana, filled with sappy words he didn't say aloud when he left.
Kana struggled to hold back the embarrassment, read through to ensure there was nothing important, and promptly tore it up.
Besides, Kildas left an emergency contact card, saying it could be used to find him in any dangerous situation.
Kana initially wanted to tear it up as well because she had long been an independent Mage, not the little girl Dad worried about.
Moreover, she had been forcibly tutored in magic for so long she's even less in need of such things now.
But thinking of the emergency contact card Rhode and Mira specially gave her before leaving, Kana carefully kept Kildas's card too.
Her unreliable father was always wandering unpredictably; what if the Guild needed to contact him?
Makarov sighed.
Rhode and Mira went on a honeymoon with no known return date, and Kildas went traveling with no set return;
Gajeel, Li Li, and the Lane Engine Squad went deep into the mountains for special training;
Laxus has been taking on difficult missions for the Guild's reputation;
The Thunder God Tribe often takes Elfman far away;
Erza's team only shows up in the Guild every few days...
With the children all so busy, Makarov suddenly had the feeling of being an empty-nest parent.
Come to think of it; it meant the children were growing up, right? Being busy is good, keeping them occupied is better.
Makarov showed a slightly gratified smile.
But he checked the date and called Lisana to show her the thank-you letter.
"News about Sister Mira and Brother-in-law?!" Lisana excitedly read it. Although she received several souvenirs recently, no letters were included.
Except for seeing a tabloid piece in the newspaper once, Lisana had no idea what the two were up to during their travels.
"A ghost ship! That's amazing!" Lisana was thrilled but a bit scared—her sister must have become even stronger, right? Wouldn't such violence make her brother-in-law dislike her?
After she finished reading, Makarov asked, "Speaking of which, how long have Rhode and Mira been gone now, a month? Shouldn't they be back soon?"
Lisana thought for a moment and said, "I don't know. Sister Mira didn't mention when they'd return. A honeymoon is the first month after marriage, but no one says a honeymoon can only last a month."
"!!!" Makarov was shocked. It's not just a month?
Even without such a rule, don't you run out of money playing for so long?
Oh, they never lacked money and just completed a highly rewarding rescue mission.
"..." Makarov felt like punching someone. Is there no king's law anymore!
-----------------
"Is there no king's law anymore?"
Rhode said 'grievously' as he looked at a group of bandit soldiers surrounded by him and Mira, "So many of you against just the two of us, dare you to face me one-on-one!"
"Hahaha..." A burly man laughed arrogantly, "Look at your delicate appearance; I'm surprised you have some backbone. Boss, let me play with him!"
The man charged clumsily, and Rhode awkwardly drew a magic array in the air with his fingers:
"Let's try this move first, Amaterasu Technique!"
Purple characters gathered into a circle and flew out with Rhode's finger movements, exploding with a boom in front of the burly man.
The man was immediately blown backward by the explosion's shockwave, rolling away.
The bandit soldiers were shocked, "A Mage!"
Fearing the enemy might be frightened, Rhode 'boasted': "How about that? A strike that consumes half of my Magic Power!"
The bandit soldiers gained confidence again. So, with this kind of attack, the brat could only use it one more time!
Mira chuckled, how can her husband be so wicked? Even cheating such weak foes.
She lightly tapped Rhode: "Stop messing around. We need to move on."
"Alright." Rhode thought she was right. Once they finish the real task, there'll be plenty of bandits to practice magic with him.