"There's one final troublesome matter," Org coughed lightly and said,
"Regarding the giant dragon appearing in the city center, it's both prone to causing unnecessary panic and leaking your information. Do you have any thoughts on this?"
"I'm fine with whatever, just go with what works best for you." Rhode hadn't planned on keeping the dragon summoning secret years ago, "But if it causes problems, you could say it's just an illusion I created with magic—just too realistic."
Org nodded, "That reason is sufficient to calm the public, but can someone really create such a realistic illusion?"
"Yes," Rhode opened his right hand, and a miniature version of the Purgatory Sub-Dragon, over a meter tall, appeared on the conference table.
It spread its wings, flew a casual loop, and spewed flames at Rhode, passing directly through him without causing any harm.
Rhode waved his hand to disperse it and said, "While making such a huge illusion is difficult, it's not impossible."
This was the magic of the first generation President Mebius, which Rhode had spent some time learning—not mastered, but quite fun.
Once fully practiced, even those stronger than oneself can't detect its flaws.
The only way to uncover the illusion is through close contact and deduction from inconsistencies.
—Ivan's illusion magic could even fool Makarov, Jura, and other Ten Wizard Saints.
However, Rhode had just begun learning, so he could only use it for performances, like a guessing game of "which is mine."
The evaluators nodded in agreement as if genuinely considering keeping the Purgatory Sub-Dragon under wraps.
"Then, good luck with the subsequent investigation." Rhode stood up, "Now, I'll take my leave."
The chairman suddenly spoke, "Wait, since you're here, take some things back with you."
"Hmm?" Rhode had a sense of foreboding.
The chairman ordered a pile of documents to be handed to Rhode, "Complaints against certain Fairy Tail members received by the council recently."
"..." Rhode stared at the stack over a foot high—this is 'certain' members?
"Natsu Doraguniru evaporated a lake during training, causing several fishing boats to capsize and crash;
"Kana Alberona smashed the tavern's floor, the street wall, and part of the road while drunk;
"Gray Fullbuster froze half a mountain and the farmland below trying to deal with a reindeer ghost;
"Erza Scarlet cut off the top of a mountain with one sword to scold arguing Natsu and Gray, causing a landslide;
"Lucy Heartfilia wore a mini-skirt and walked around a conservative village, sparking complaints of indecency..."
With each incident recounted, Rhode's demeanor weakened further, until he could bear no more: "Please... please stop, Mr. Gulan Domma. I'll pass these onto the president."
Gulan Domma nodded, "Hmm... since they didn't deliberately cause accidents, no punishment will be added this time—just let them reflect well."
"Ah, understood, thank you." Rhode hugged the documents and hurriedly left the conference room.
The irritated evaluators finally laughed, still impressed by the chairman's prowess.
…
"So? Did you get scolded?" Mira noticed Rhode looking somewhat embarrassed, worried the council planned to harshly handle the matter.
"No worries, that matter is mostly resolved, and Sabertooth might even apologize." Rhode sighed, "Initially everything was perfect—I could have left gracefully."
Mira watched him, "But?"
"But our dear companions really 'helped me a lot'!" Rhode laughed, kindly but sarcastically, "Hehe, hehe..."
Mira skimmed the documents, peeked at her husband's expression, couldn't help but laugh: "Feeling eager to return to the guild now."
Though those were her words, they still planned to visit one last place before heading back—to Koraul City, somewhere they'd wanted to go for six years.
Rumored to be a city with many castles and lush greenery, like a fairy tale, home to the Blue Pegasus guild.
Rhode had several invitation tickets to Blue Pegasus—gifted by President Bob back then, who knows if they're still valid.
Koraul City was north of the Advisory Council's branch, quite distant, requiring mountain crossings if taking the land route.
Thus, Rhode and Mira chose to travel via a large passenger Flying Ship.
They'd rented small ships before, but it was their first time buying tickets to ride a large ship with others.
Initially, both found it novel, but as time passed it felt similar to cruising.
The difference was needing to sit steadily during takeoff and landing to avoid falling.
Peaceful all the way, no 'hijackings' or unfortunate events, they disembarked outside Koraul City smoothly.
Koraul City indeed matched its reputation—filled with castles, each with unique styles.
Some with round tops, some with pointed ones, walking just a few steps felt like moving from Thailand to Spain—like a cultural street.
Entering the city meant no need for directions as passengers included those heading to Blue Pegasus, some seeking commission tasks, some visiting out of admiration.
Rhode and Mira halted before Blue Pegasus's grand, ornate gate, contemplating their own guild...
"They're so wealthy..." Rhode sighed over his guild's poverty.
Mira laughed, "If we could use the Duke's Mansion as a guild branch, there'd be no envy."
Rhode shook his head, "Even if it were available, within three days we'd be envying them again."
Such expensive-looking buildings aren't suited for Fairy Tail... unless they changed the materials, at least to those used for Edolas's former King Dragon Knight Armor.
They pushed open Blue Pegasus's grand doors.
The tinkling of bells sounded, then a man in a white suit seemingly appeared magically at the door, striking a dashing pose and proclaiming with a charming voice, "Welcome, MEN~"
Neither expected to see a familiar face so soon: "Long time no see, Mr. Yiye."
"Oh?" Mr. Yiye seemed a bit surprised, "Ah, the scent of old friends! It's the beautiful Miss Mirajane and the strongest new Rhode, now turned strongest newbie?"
Rhode was baffled: "What strongest newbie, strongest newbie?"
"You were once Fairy Tail's strongest newbie, and now that you've married Miss Mirajane, you're Fiore Kingdom's strongest pair of 'newbies'!"
Mr. Yiye explained the title Rhode hadn't heard before, then gestured inwardly, "Standing here talking is rude, come in, today you are Blue Pegasus's VIPs!"