The next morning, everyone woke up groggily to the sight of the guild in complete disarray. For a brief moment, silence filled the air—then, without a word, everyone got to work.
Their movements were smooth, efficient, and frighteningly practiced. Cleaning up the guild had become second nature to them—almost as natural as breathing.
Makarov watched this scene with mixed emotions. He wanted to cry… and also grind his teeth in frustration.
Broken tables, chairs, and other damaged items were quickly restored by Ultear using Arc of Time, returning everything to its original state as if nothing had happened.
Ever since Ultear joined, Makarov no longer had to worry about repair costs or guild deficits. In his heart, she had already become the true number one—his prized treasure. Even Arlen, the guild's "face," had to take a step back in comparison.
After tidying up, the members grabbed their gifts and headed home one after another. After all, they had partied all night—there was no way anyone was going to work today.
Seeing that most people had left, Arlen brought out the Christmas gifts he had prepared in advance. These had been specially gathered by his family long ago.
Makarov received two bottles of extremely aged wine.
Laxus was originally going to get headphones, but since he already had a pair, Arlen gave him a high-quality black coat instead—luxurious fabric, trimmed with soft purple fur along the collar and edges. It was both elegant and imposing.
Wakaba received a pipe.
Macao got a set of couple mugs—after all, he had a family now.
Gray and Lyon received necklaces—one shaped like a cross, the other like a snowflake.
Simon was given a wristband that could adjust weight resistance.
Ur received a bracelet adorned with a rose, with her initials engraved inside the flower.
Ultear received a similar bracelet, but hers also included a higher-quality crystal that enhanced magical conductivity.
Erza received an earring and a finely crafted Tang blade.
Kagura got a white ribbon—and also a Tang blade.
Cana received a brand-new card holder for her magic cards.
None of these items looked overly flashy, but each one was meticulously crafted by master artisans. If sold, they would fetch astonishing prices.
Of course, Arlen also received many gifts in return—pens, ties, clothing, belts… The items themselves didn't matter. What mattered was the thought behind them.
Time passed quickly.
In the blink of an eye, a month went by.
With the annual Grand Magic Parade approaching, Arlen didn't take on any missions. Instead, he spent his days training, guiding Erza, Kagura, and Cana in their magic, or simply relaxing at the guild with everyone. His days were peaceful and unhurried.
One notable change: a week after Christmas, Gray, Lyon, and Simon moved out of the estate and into the boys' dormitory.
They had planned it for a while. Arlen tried to stop them, but seeing their determination, he gave up and even paid several years' rent in advance. To him, it was nothing.
Then, one bright and pleasant morning—
Arlen stood neatly dressed at the gates of his estate, waiting quietly.
Behind him stood Ultear, as always by his side, along with Ur, Erza, Kagura, and Cana.
The reason traced back to the previous night.
After finishing training and dinner, Arlen received a call through a communication lacrima—from his mother, Alice.
The message was simple:
"My precious son, your father and I miss you dearly. We heard your guild is hosting its annual magic parade, so we thought we'd come visit you, watch the parade, and spend the New Year together."
And so—here they were.
Time passed slowly until, in the distance, a luxurious carriage approached.
Arlen looked up. A faint smile appeared on his usually calm face, and the last trace of worry in his heart disappeared.
"They're here."
His voice snapped everyone out of their chatter. All eyes turned toward the approaching carriage.
For some reason… Ur and the others felt a strange sense of nervousness.
"My precious son! Mommy missed you so much!"
The moment the carriage stopped, a beautiful woman in a purple qipao leapt out and rushed forward—pulling Arlen into a tight embrace right in front of everyone.
"Mother… please calm down," Arlen said helplessly, patting her back.
"Alice, don't be so excited," came a calm voice.
A refined man in blue-and-white noble attire stepped down from the carriage, his gaze filled with gentle indulgence as he looked at her.
"You're scaring the boy's friends."
"Ah—my apologies," Alice quickly composed herself, smoothing her clothes and smiling gracefully. "I hope I didn't startle you."
"It's fine, really," Ur said with a hearty laugh, waving it off.
"So these are Arlen's parents… their presence is incredible," Ultear and the others whispered among themselves. "The mother is elegant and stunning, the father refined and dignified… what a family."
Their eyes sparkled with awe.
"Father, it's been a while," Arlen said, stepping forward.
"You've grown stronger… and taller," the Duke said with a satisfied smile, patting his shoulder.
"Grandpa Robert, it's been a long time. I'm glad to see you're well," Arlen greeted the elderly butler standing by the carriage.
"Thank you, Your Highness. I'm doing quite well," Robert replied with a warm smile, bowing slightly.
He had watched Arlen grow up like a grandson. Seeing him thriving now filled him with quiet joy.
"Come, let's not stand outside," Arlen said. "Please, come in."
After a brief exchange, he led everyone into the villa.
Inside, Robert naturally slipped into his role, heading to prepare tea and refreshments.
Arlen and the others sat in the living room, chatting casually.
Today, however, Ultear and the others were unusually quiet. They sat upright, proper and composed—nothing like their usual selves. Even Cana, normally talkative, stayed silent.
Only Ur remained relatively natural, chatting with Alice in her usual straightforward manner, though even she showed a hint of tension.
"Arlen, won't you introduce your friends?" the Duke said, accepting a cup of tea.
"Of course. Father, Mother—these are my guildmates, my family. This is Ur, her daughter Ultear, this is Cana, this is Erza, and beside her is Kagura."
"A pleasure," the Duke said. "I am As Viviamilio, Arlen's father. This is my wife, Alice. Thank you for taking care of our son."
As he spoke, both he and Alice quietly observed the girls.
After a moment, they exchanged a subtle glance—both seeing the same surprise… and satisfaction.
"You're too kind… Duke, Duchess," Ultear and the others replied politely, still a bit stiff.
"Don't be so formal," Alice said warmly. "If you're Arlen's friends, just call us Uncle As and Sister Alice."
Arlen remained calm.
The Duke, however, internally rolled his eyes.
Uncle for me, but 'sister' for her? Really? Is that fair?
Of course… he kept that thought to himself.
After all, in this family, his rank was dead last.
First: Arlen.
Second: Alice.
Third: Himself.
A long, unspoken history of suffering…
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