CHAPTER 749: BLUE PEGASUS

"Finally, there’s one more delicate matter," Org said, clearing his throat.

"Regarding the dragon that appeared in the middle of a bustling city, such an incident could easily cause public panic or expose sensitive information. Do you have any thoughts on how we should handle this?"

"I’m fine with whatever works best for you," Rhodes replied calmly. "Seven years ago, I had no intention of hiding the fact that I could summon dragons. But if it’s too troublesome, you can just tell the public it was an illusion spell I created. Maybe a little too realistic."

Org nodded thoughtfully. "That explanation should pacify the public, but can anyone really create an illusion that convincing?"

"Yes," Rhodes said, lifting his right hand.

A small, meter-tall Purgatory Dragon appeared on the long conference table, its wings spreading wide as it hovered lazily in the air.

It circled once, then breathed a plume of fire straight at Rhodes, who didn’t even flinch. The flames passed harmlessly through his body and faded away like mist.

Rhodes waved his hand, dismissing the tiny dragon. "Creating a full-scale illusion like that is difficult, but not impossible. It’s based on the First Master Mavis’s magic. I took some time to learn a little of it, not proficient yet, but it’s fun to play around with."

He smiled faintly.

’Once mastered, even those stronger than you can’t see through it. Unless someone touches it directly or notices something illogical, they won’t realize it’s fake.’

The Councilors nodded. None of them seemed inclined to reveal the Dragon incident to the public.

"Then, I’ll leave the follow-up investigation to you," Rhodes said, rising from his seat. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave."

"Wait a moment," Gran Doma said, his tone suddenly too pleasant. "Since you’re here, why not take something back with you?"

Rhodes blinked. "Something?"

He immediately sensed danger.

Gran Doma gestured, and a frog-man brought over a towering stack of papers, at least a foot high.

"These," Gran Doma said mildly, "are the complaints the Council has received recently regarding certain members of Fairy Tail."

Rhodes stared at the mountain of paperwork, deadpan. "Certain members?"

Gran Doma began reading aloud, almost cheerfully.

"Natsu Dragneel, during his training, evaporated a significant portion of a lake, causing several fishing boats to capsize or run aground."

Rhodes’s brow twitched.

"Cana Alberona, after excessive drinking, destroyed the tavern floor, the street-facing wall, and part of the road."

A vein popped at Rhodes’s temple.

"Gray Fullbuster, while exorcising a reindeer-shaped ghost, froze half a mountain, including all farmland below."

Rhodes’s face darkened further.

"Erza Scarlet, while disciplining Natsu and Gray, sliced off the top of a mountain, resulting in a landslide."

A low groan escaped him.

"Lucy Heartfilia, accused of indecency for walking around a conservative village in a mini-skirt."

"Enough!" Rhodes interrupted, his expression crumbling. "Please, Gran Doma, don’t read any more. I’ll take them to the Master myself."

Gran Doma nodded graciously. "Very well. Given that none of these incidents were intentional, the Council will refrain from issuing formal punishment. Just ensure they reflect properly."

Rhodes gave a hollow laugh. "Understood. Thank you."

He scooped up the pile of complaints, straining slightly under the weight, and hurried out of the conference room.

As soon as the door closed, the Councilors, who had worn stiff faces through the entire meeting, burst out laughing.

Outside, Mira looked up from her tea. Rhodes’s slightly wilted posture told her enough. "How was it? Did they scold you?"

"It’s fine," he sighed, forcing a smile. "Everything’s settled. Sabertooth might even have to apologize."

"That sounds good?" Mira tilted her head. "But why the long face?"

Rhodes’s smile twisted. "Because our beloved companions have been so very helpful in keeping Fairy Tail’s name shining bright."

He gave a laugh that was all teeth. "Heh, hehehehe."

Mira peeked into the stack of documents, skimmed the first few lines, and burst out laughing herself. "I can’t lie, I’m kind of looking forward to going back to the guild."

Still, before returning, the two had one last stop to make, a place they had wanted to visit six years ago: Kolaul City.

A fairytale-like city of white castles and emerald parks, home to one of Fiore’s most dazzling guilds, Blue Pegasus.

Rhodes still had a few invitation tickets to Blue Pegasus, gifts from Master Bob back in the day. He wondered if they were still valid.

Kolaul City lay to the north of the Council branch, quite a distance away, with mountains and valleys between.

So Rhodes and Mira decided to travel by large passenger airship.

They had rented small airships before, but this was their first time aboard a public one, riding with other passengers.

At first, both of them found it novel, but after a while, they realized it wasn’t much different from taking a cruise, except that during takeoff and landing, they had to hold on tightly to avoid being thrown off balance.

The journey was peaceful, without any of the "unlucky events" that Rhodes half-jokingly expected, like hijackings. They landed safely on the outskirts of Kolaul City.

The city was just as beautiful as the rumors claimed, filled with castles of every imaginable style. Some had domes, some tall spires; walking a few streets felt like traveling from Thailand to Spain. It was less a city and more like a living collection of themed architecture.

They didn’t need to ask for directions, several of their fellow passengers were heading to Blue Pegasus as well, some for missions, others simply out of curiosity.

Rhodes and Mira stopped at the entrance of Blue Pegasus, gazing at the tall, elegant castle that housed another guild. Comparing it to their own, Rhodes sighed. "They’re too rich."

Mira laughed softly. "If we used your ducal mansion as a Fairy Tail branch, we wouldn’t need to envy them."

Rhodes shook his head. "No, even if we did, I’m sure we’d find something new to envy in three days."

Buildings like this didn’t suit Fairy Tail anyway, unless they were made from the same material as the Edolas royal dragon knights’ armor.

The two pushed open the grand doors of Blue Pegasus.

A pleasant bell jingled, and a man in a white suit leapt to the entrance like a phantom, striking a flamboyant pose.

"Welcome, MEN~!"

Rhodes and Mira blinked in surprise, not expecting to run into such a familiar face so soon.

"Long time no see, Ichiya."

"Oh?" Ichiya’s eyes widened dramatically. "The scent of old friends! Isn’t this the beautiful Mirajane, and Mr. Rhodes, the man who went from the strongest rookie to the strongest rookie?"

Rhodes blinked, confused. "The strongest rookie to... the strongest rookie?"

"Because you were once Fairy Tail’s strongest rookie!" Ichiya explained proudly. "And now that you and Mirajane are married, you are the strongest newlyweds in all of Fiore!"

Rhodes looked at him for a long moment. "That’s not a real title, is it?"

Ichiya just laughed, brushing his hair back dramatically. "Hohoho! Titles are but fragrances that linger in the hearts of men! But come now, it’s rude to keep you standing at the door. Today, Blue Pegasus welcomes you as honored guests!"