"I know a bit about those Oración Seis members," Precht suddenly remarked from the corner.
"Back when Brain and I were collaborating in the Balam Alliance, he would often come to the Grimoire Heart airship to contact me. Those kids were all brought in by him from the Tower of Heaven."
When mentioning "brought in," Precht looked somewhat ashamed of his complacency.
"Of course... I'm hardly in a position to criticize him either."
"So, they weren't in that dark guild voluntarily?" Warrod caught the implication in Precht's words and nodded thoughtfully.
"Exactly, and I can assure you, those two have genuinely turned over a new leaf since their defeat," Raizel added promptly.
"Good, good. I like seeing misguided children find the right path," Warrod said with a warm smile. "In that case, I'll write a formal letter and contact the current Council members. Just present this letter to the guards when you need to meet them in the Era prison."
"Thank you, Warrod-senpai. I appreciate this on their behalf." Raizel gave a slight bow.
"By the way, do you need help physically finding anyone? Names, appearances—I still have some intelligence connections across the continent."
As he spoke, Warrod materialized a piece of parchment from a leaf, his right index finger transforming into a wooden pen to write.
"That won't be necessary. I already know where both of them are," Raizel shook his head.
Wally Buchanan, Hoteye's younger brother—Raizel had already contacted him via Lacrima.
Upon hearing that Raizel had news of his brother Richard, Wally was currently rushing back to Magnolia with Simon.
Yukino Agria, Sorano's younger sister—Raizel planned to visit the city where Sabertooth was based soon.
It wasn't too far from Magnolia.
Raizel had already pinpointed her location, she was currently living at a church orphanage but seemed to struggle fitting in with the other kids.
"I see, that's good then."
"Alright, it's done. My unique magical signature is infused in this parchment—my phantom will appear when you present it as proof to the wardens."
After finishing writing the pardon, Warrod blew on the paper to dry the ink and slid it over the table to Raizel.
"Thank you, Warrod-senpai." Raizel glanced at it briefly before storing it safely in his pocket.
"It's nothing. Feel free to ask me if you need anything else," Warrod said with a wave of his hand.
"It's getting late. How about staying for a hot meal?"
"Sounds great!"
"With pleasure." Mavis and Raizel immediately nodded.
"Then let's have this!" Warrod waved his hand enthusiastically, and a massive basin of blooming, edible flowers appeared in the center of the wooden table.
"I'll take my leave!" Raizel stood up to exit upon seeing the vegetarian flower arrangement.
Mavis also broke out in a cold sweat while thinking to herself, 'Warrod, you've changed. You weren't like this before.'
"Hahaha! I'm just kidding!" Warrod threw his head back and laughed loudly, vanishing the flowers.
In the end, Raizel was the one who cooked the meat.
Though Mavis couldn't eat, she participated enthusiastically, floating around and watching Raizel prepare the meal.
They stayed an extra day at the cabin.
Last night, Raizel slept on a conjured flower bed—admittedly, it was quite comfortable and smelled amazing.
"I should head back to Magnolia soon, First Master. Do you plan to stay here for a while, or...?"
This was the home turf of the original trio.
It wouldn't do for Raizel to keep lingering around as a third wheel to their century-old friendship.
Mavis pressed her lips together, pondering deeply before finally saying, "Hmm... I'll go back with you."
Raizel clearly noticed the slight dimming in Warrod and Precht's eyes at her choice, followed quickly by a sense of relief.
They were indeed somewhat saddened she was leaving so soon, but considering Warrod's plant magic, it would be convenient for them to visit Mavis in Magnolia whenever they wished.
Mavis choosing to return was quite unexpected for Raizel.
He had thought that after such a long separation, Mavis would want to stay here for a few weeks to catch up.
Mavis actually had two main reasons for wanting to return: first, this desert place was remote and far too boring for her energetic spirit, and second, she knew her presence might hinder Warrod's important efforts to combat desertification.
Warrod nodded in understanding and said, "You're right, Mavis. There's not much fun for you here. Besides, if you stayed, I might not be able to focus on my desert prevention work."
Precht, meanwhile, looked at Mavis and asked, "Will you be going back to Tenrou Island or Magnolia?"
"I'll stay at the guild hall! Tenrou Island is deserted and way too boring!" Mavis chirped.
Precht nodded. "Alright. If we want to see you, we'll come to Magnolia to find you."
With Warrod's magic allowing him to travel rapidly through root networks, the distance between here and Magnolia wouldn't take much time at all.
"Great, great! When you come to Magnolia, I'll take you out to explore the city! Let me tell you, Magnolia has changed so much, and the guild has been completely rebuilt! The new guild even has an outdoor swimming pool!"
Once she started talking about the new building, Mavis immediately became incredibly talkative.
Warrod and Precht played the role of doting listeners well, nodding occasionally and expressing polite admiration at the modern upgrades.
"Then I'll take the First Master back now. If either of you wishes to come to Magnolia, feel free to contact me or the Master." Raizel and Mavis stood outside the main gate.
"I'm leaving now!" Mavis waved her arm high in the air.
"Take care!" Precht couldn't bring himself to let go of his stoic pride, but Warrod waved happily.
A flash of red light later, Raizel and Mavis vanished from the teleportation circle.
Watching Mavis disappear... Precht and Warrod could no longer hold back their tears.
Especially Warrod, whose tears flowed down his bark-like face like a bursting dam.
When Mavis had 'died' a century ago, the two could be described in one word: heartbroken.
Warrod even took out his metal watering can to catch his tears as he cried, making Precht unsure whether he should continue crying or not.
Thanks to Warrod's bizarre antics, Precht actually felt a bit better.
...
This time, they wouldn't take the slow train.
Raizel teleported directly with Mavis to the main entrance of Magnolia Town.
"Ah, Gildarts Mode has been canceled. It seems he's out on a mission too," Raizel noted.
The straight, wide path from the town entrance to the guild gate was now interrupted by the usual winding houses and narrow streets.
"I still prefer it this way!" Mavis hopped and skipped onto the cobblestones.
Gildarts Mode was just for Gildarts' destructive convenience.
Besides, Mavis always got lost when she went out shopping in the shifting streets anyway.
"I'm back!"
It was clear that Mavis's excitement hadn't faded since meeting her old friends.
She hopped and skipped all the way, even bouncing as she entered the guild's double doors.
"Welcome back, First Master, Raizel." Mira, recognizing them, came out from behind the counter.
"Has everything been quiet these past few days?" Raizel asked, taking off his cloak.
Mira shook her head and smiled. "Nothing happened. It's only been three days—peaceful as can be."
Mavis had already run to the counter and was chatting animatedly with Makarov.
"Third Master! Precht has reformed! He's now following Warrod to various deserts to plant trees!"
Makarov paused the hand holding his wine glass, his eyes widening.
Then he took a slow sip.
"Is that so? As expected of the First Master's influence!" Makarov replied with a booming, relieved laugh.
Makarov was very happy!
As long as Precht had truly emerged from the darkness, what he did afterwards didn't matter.
Precht had once been his shining guiding light, which had previously dimmed... But now it was shining brightly again.
He was very happy.
Very happy indeed.
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