After dinner, everyone chatted for a while before heading off to rest. The Harvest Festival was just around the corner—the grand annual celebration of Fairy Tail: the Magic Parade. Naturally, all guild members would be participating.
In the guest room, Duke As and Alice leaned against the bed, smiling as they chatted animatedly.
"Based on my observations today, those girls are all quite outstanding," the Duke said thoughtfully. "I wonder which one will become our daughter-in-law."
"Why choose just one?" Alice immediately objected. "Only children make choices. My precious son will, of course, have all of them."
"…Oh?" The Duke blinked, then smacked his forehead. "You're absolutely right! Our son is exceptional—the future duke, the future head of the Viviamilio family. Of course he should take multiple wives and expand the family!"
The two continued their "discussion" late into the night, the lights in their room staying on until very late.
Over the next few days, Arlen brought his parents to the guild to meet everyone properly. Thanks to Arlen, the guild members quickly relaxed after their initial nervousness and returned to their usual lively selves.
Duke As and Alice had also prepared gifts—for everyone in the guild.
Yes, everyone.
Naturally, Makarov seized the opportunity to throw yet another banquet. During it, the Duke and Duchess truly experienced Fairy Tail's atmosphere firsthand.
Though shocked at first, they adapted quickly, soon blending in with the guild members. The chaos, the laughter, the freedom—it all made a deep impression on them.
Now they finally understood why Arlen insisted on joining this guild.
Because it truly was something special.
Dong… Dong… Dong…
The clear ringing of bells echoed across Magnolia, signaling the beginning of the annual Magic Parade.
The setting sun painted the bustling streets in warm hues of red, casting a glow over the lively townspeople. As dusk faded, lanterns and magical lights illuminated the city, transforming it into a dazzling spectacle.
Fireworks bloomed across the starry sky, while festive music echoed through the streets and shops.
Fairy Tail banners hung everywhere. Colorful magical lights wrapped around rooftops and trees. The air was filled with the scent of sweets and flowers, and magical decorations could be seen at every turn.
Then—
Boom! Boom! Boom!
Fireworks burst again as elaborately decorated parade floats rolled out from the direction of the Fairy Tail guild.
The crowd—locals, merchants, travelers—erupted into thunderous cheers.
With upbeat music playing, the guild members performed atop the floats, showcasing their magic.
Wakaba used pink smoke to form shifting words and shapes.
Macao created various animals out of purple flames.
Laxus enveloped himself in lightning, forming fierce beasts around his body, like a thunder god descending upon the world.
Erza and Kagura performed elegant sword dances.
Ultear used her crystal magic in tandem with Cana's card magic, creating dazzling combinations.
Gray, Lyon, and Ur demonstrated Ice-Make magic—Gray forming intricate barriers, Ur crafting a beautiful garden of roses, and Lyon simultaneously creating a soaring vulture and a majestic tiger.
(The fact that Lyon was using both hands at once? Normally, Ur would've punished him severely for that.)
Every member gave it their all.
On a rooftop, Makarov watched with a satisfied smile, pride filling his eyes.
Standing beside him were Duke As and Alice, with Butler Robert just behind them. All three looked down at the parade, unable to hide their smiles. Alice, in particular, was bursting with excitement.
"Where's Arlen? I don't see my precious son!" she exclaimed, scanning the floats.
"He said he'd appear last," the Duke reassured her. "Be patient."
"My lord, my lady—look at the final float. The young master is there," Robert said.
"Where? Where?!—Ah! There he is! My son is so handsome!" Alice beamed. "What is he going to do?!"
At the very end of the procession stood Arlen.
Today, he wore a completely different outfit—a white hanfu adorned with red plum patterns, elegant and noble. A wide purple-and-gold belt wrapped his waist. A silver spiked pauldron covered his left shoulder, while a large white fur mantle draped over his right.
His silver hair flowed freely, framing his sharp, otherworldly features. His expression remained calm and aloof, exuding a cold, aristocratic aura.
The crowd—especially the women—erupted into deafening screams.
Arlen glanced toward the rooftop. His father watched with pride. His mother waved excitedly.
A faint smile curved his lips.
He slowly drew Arayashiki.
Holding the blade before him, a massive azure magic circle appeared beneath his feet. The blade turned a deep blue as lightning crackled around him.
Then—
A colossal azure thunder dragon materialized behind him, coiling through the air. Its roar shook the sky, arcs of lightning tearing through space as its eyes seemed to come alive.
Arlen unleashed—
Azure Dragon Break.
The crowd exploded into cheers, pushing the parade to its absolute climax.
Alice screamed in excitement. Even the composed Duke showed visible shock—before his expression turned into pure pride.
That's my son.
Makarov, seeing the technique for the first time, was equally stunned—but his smile only grew wider.
This was Fairy Tail's ace.
As the cheers slowly faded, the Magic Parade came to an end.
Arlen's final performance became the talk of Magnolia—and beyond. The title of the "Noble Prince of Fairy Tail" spread even further.
Unaware of all this, Arlen was already back at the guild, attending yet another banquet with his parents.
"Listen up!" Makarov shouted, raising his mug. "To celebrate the success of the parade, Arlen's amazing performance, and to welcome his parents—LET'S PARTY!"
"OOOOH!!!"
The guild erupted in cheers.
The Duke and Alice looked confused.
"…Didn't we already have a banquet?"
"Don't worry about it," Arlen said with a smile, handing them drinks. "This is just how Fairy Tail is."
And amidst the laughter, noise, and chaos—
The celebration continued.
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