Under Marco's proposal and Makarov's financial guarantee, the "homeless" members who had just completely lost their dormitory didn't hesitate much before making their choice.

That Master Makarov was willing to fund their house construction came as a surprise—not because they doubted his willingness, but because there had been no precedent for this.

None of them had considered this possibility before.

Generally, such trivial matters of daily life were solved individually without relying on the guild.

Everyone turned to Marco, who had proposed this idea while thinking.

'As expected of Marco, always full of pleasant surprises.'

The more observant members who cared about the guild's situation felt even more moved.

Makarov's confidence in providing mortgages for so many members was closely tied to Fairy Tail's current financial prosperity.

And this financial stability was entirely due to Marco's efforts—no one could deny that.

First, Marco's fame not only boosted Magnolia's economy but also brought more commissions to Fairy Tail.

Second, the "railway company" project Marco facilitated and personally resolved—the collaboration between Fairy Tail and the Heartfilia Konzern—generated annual dividends that completely solved the guild's financial worries.

In the past, Master Makarov could never have provided so many mortgages simultaneously.

Even at 4-5 million J per house, this amounted to billions of J!

Thinking about it, Fairy Tail was truly wealthy now!

This was evident from the guild's improved welfare policies.

Being a member of Fairy Tail felt like joining a big family that always had your back—as long as you followed the rules, the guild ensured you had nothing to worry about!

"Awesome! Let's start building our homes right away!" Natsu shouted excitedly, with Happy bouncing on his shoulder in agreement.

"Before that, shouldn't you find somewhere to stay first? The male dormitory is completely destroyed," Marco reminded the excited group with a smile.

"Oh right! Building houses will take time, especially with so many of us needing them!" Gray suddenly realized after Marco's reminder.

He clapped his hands and immediately queued before Makarov.

"Gramps! I want to apply for a loan!"

Without hesitation, Gray submitted his application to Makarov.

Applying first meant starting construction sooner and escaping homelessness faster—Gray's mind worked quickly.

Of course, others soon realized this too. Everyone rushed to queue, competing fiercely for loans.

"Gray beat us to it! Damn it! But my house will definitely be finished first!"

Once Natsu snapped out of it, his competitive spirit immediately kicked in—even when it came to building houses.

These guys would turn anything into a contest.

Watching the boys already locking horns, Marco could only smile helplessly.

The guild was about to get lively again—they'd probably keep competing until every last house was built.

With so many mages urgently needing homes after securing loans, Magnolia's construction industry was bound to be swamped.

There was no way Fairy Tail's own members could handle all the building projects alone—Reinhardt and the others were already stretched thin.

So, many would have to hire outside teams, which meant more jobs and income for Magnolia.

In a way, Fairy Tail's presence really helped keep the city's economy moving.

Even their occasional property damage gave plenty of people work.

Honestly, Magnolia's thriving construction industry owed a lot to Fairy Tail.

They'd even coined the term "Gildarts Mode"—proof that the city's builders were doing their absolute best to keep up.

Once the plan for Fairy Tail's exclusive residential area was finalized, Marco got straight to work.

Makarov, completely at ease, handed full responsibility over to Marco—even the loan distribution.

"It's your money to begin with. Of course you should handle it."

At the dining table, Makarov tossed the ledger aside, grabbed a bottle, and walked off without a care—utterly unbothered in his role as the hands-off guild master.

"..."

Marco didn't even think of refusing the ledger.

More capable, more responsibility!

Becoming guild master started with taking control of the finances!

Laxus, eating nearby, showed no reaction.

Marco could only sigh.

Forced to come home for a meal after Marco's nagging wore him down, Laxus had been scowling the whole time, barely engaging in conversation with the old man.

And this immature behavior might've sealed the deal for Makarov, who now entrusted Marco with the guild's entire financial authority.

Marco sighed inwardly.

His foolish older brother probably had no clue what was happening.

The guild master position Laxus had been obsessing over? Step by step, Makarov was handing it to Marco instead.

Whether it was the members' support or the current master's approval, Marco was already miles ahead.

Even in raw strength, he'd surpassed Laxus.

Honestly, Marco couldn't see how Laxus stood a chance.

Was this really someone who wanted to be guild master?

All talk, no action—just drifting further away from the position with every move.

In fact, among all the things Marco had considered, the only one Laxus truly cared about was the last point—strength.

Right now, his entire focus was devoted to improving his own power.

Laxus felt somewhat disheartened by Marco.

This guy would make major breakthroughs every few days and minor ones even more frequently.

His strength improved as effortlessly as eating or drinking, which left Laxus feeling a bit defeated.

After all, in Laxus's view, strength was the key factor in determining whether one could succeed as the guild master.

He couldn't care less about anything else.

If he couldn't surpass Marco in strength, no amount of effort in other areas would matter.

That's why he refused to dwell on anything else right now.

Moreover, Laxus actually supported the old man's decision to hand over financial authority to Marco.

He thought the old man had finally done something right.

If nothing else, when it came to expanding the guild's revenue streams, Marco was far more capable than the old man.

It was only right to entrust the financial reins to him!