Once Allen left the Magic Council, the news about the new master of Fairy Tail spread like wildfire through all of Fiore and even beyond its borders. After all, Makarov Dreyar was a Saint Wizard—one of the top ten on the continent. His retirement as guild master wasn't something small, and even more shocking when the position didn't go to an S-Class mage.
Still, these were matters that barely interested Allen, who spent the following days adapting to the new routine. Of course, Lucy, Juvia, and Erza were discouraged at first, thinking Allen would stop going on missions altogether. But that wasn't the case. As he'd already explained, he'd keep taking missions as usual while leaving an avatar in the guild, which allowed him to shift his consciousness there anytime. If his presence was required, he could instantly return with Apparition.
In short, he would still go on missions like any other mage—just with extra responsibilities on the side.
…
A day like any other…
The guild doors creaked open, letting in a breath of fresh air carrying the distant murmur of the street.
From the threshold, the first thing one noticed wasn't the usual chaos, nor the occasional brawl… but a man who seemed completely out of place in the madness.
Sitting at a corner table, a gentleman of impeccable bearing rested his hands over the cane standing upright before him. His silver hair, combed back with ceremonial neatness, caught the light streaming through the high windows. His eyes—steel gray under a cloudy sky—calmly scanned the room, as if he were evaluating every detail without the slightest rush.
He didn't dress like an ordinary client. A long navy-blue cloak hung over his shoulders, fastened with a golden brooch engraved with a coat of arms. On his right hand gleamed a signet ring with the same crest. The scar running down his left cheek, far from diminishing his dignity, looked more like a reminder that this man hadn't always lived among halls and banquets.
Duke Aldren Vasselmont waited patiently, showing no irritation at the noise around him nor at the late attention from the guild mages. His mere presence seemed to impose a strange order in his corner, as if the room itself were trying to behave while he was there.
The guild members eyed him curiously. Laki brought him a cup of tea, while Mirajane greeted him before going to fetch Allen, who was with Makarov.
Allen kicked open the office door—the office that was now his—though Makarov was the one sitting behind the desk. Allen dropped a stack of documents on it, then wiped nonexistent sweat from his forehead, wearing a smirk that Makarov found particularly irritating.
"Here you go, hermit—more delicious documents for you to look at for hours and hours. I worked so hard to bring these. Be grateful."
"Allen, this is your job!" Makarov complained.
One of the perks of stepping down as guild master was no longer having to deal with the endless complaints from the Magic Council, the petitions and grievances from random citizens, the finances, the guild records, and all the other things that needed managing—because contrary to what some thought, a guild wasn't just about gathering mages and earning money from missions.
"Huh?!" Allen snorted, giving Makarov a disdainful look. "Old man, you knew I didn't want to replace you, and you forced me. I accepted, but I'm not doing everything. In fact, you should be thanking me for being so understanding and only making you go through the paperwork."
Makarov ground his teeth. "I liked you better when you were depressed…"
Allen took a dramatic step back, putting on a look of fake devastation and pain. "That's cruel, old man. After I went out of my way to fix your relationship with your grandson… after I sacrificed myself to lead this band of lunatics… after I suffered being scolded by the Magic Council!"
For a moment, Makarov felt a twinge of guilt—Allen was right about Laxus becoming more approachable thanks to him—but that guilt evaporated when he remembered the letter from Yajima describing how Allen had basically told the entire Magic Council to go to hell.
"You shameless brat!" Makarov yelled.
"If you hate it so much, then go back to being the guild master yourself!" Allen crossed his arms. "Otherwise, obey your master, Makarov!"
'This little…'
Makarov hadn't expected Allen to snap back so quickly, much less threaten to quit. Did he have any idea how coveted this position was? Laxus and Ivan had gone to extremes to get it without success, yet Allen was ready to drop it just because he didn't want to read written complaints.
Grinding his teeth, Makarov wondered if giving him the position had been a mistake. No—too late now. All he could do was swallow his frustration.
Allen nodded, then pulled out a potion for Makarov. "Don't worry, I'm not a demon. I prepared this suspicious brew for you. In theory, it should prevent fatigue and drowsiness so you can work nonstop…"
Makarov trembled. Was this brat trying to kill him?
"Did you just call it a suspicious brew?"
"Don't focus on insignificant details." Allen popped the cork open, and a smoke skull of purple and green puffed out. "Now open wide, Makarov~"
Allen approached slowly, angelic smile hiding demonic intentions. Makarov prayed to the heavens to bring back Allen's depression.
That was when Mirajane knocked and stepped inside, interrupting the experiment. Makarov thanked her silently for saving his life.
"Sorry to interrupt, Master…"
She wore a warm smile as she looked at Allen. Thankfully, none of the girls were wearing their rings right now—otherwise Allen wouldn't know how to explain what had happened.
"What is it, Mira?" Allen and Makarov asked at the same time.
Allen gave Makarov a mocking look, silently saying, If you want, I can give you the position back. But Makarov coughed and buried his face in the paperwork. Allen just shrugged and walked over to Mira.
When they stood face-to-face, both fell silent. Allen's shameless attitude faded, replaced by a calm man with a warm gaze.
They shared a silent look that slowly stretched on, until Makarov coughed again, snapping them out of it. Mirajane blushed and looked away.
"Master, the Duke is here."
"Oh~" Allen smirked mischievously, leaning closer to Mirajane until his breath brushed her neck.
His attitude shifted again—full-on womanizer mode. Mira trembled, her breathing quickening.
"Mira, could you say that again?"
"W-what?" She blushed furiously, knowing exactly what he wanted, but pouting in defiance. Allen, amused, raised a brow and brushed his fingers against her cheek.
"You know what I want… and you remember who got me into this, don't you? Aren't you going to take responsibility?"
Mirajane bit her lip at his words, realizing he was getting back at her for forcing him into the job.
"M-Master…"
She had said that word countless times to Makarov without a problem—but saying it to Allen made her want to throw herself out the nearest window.
Makarov, unable to stand any more of it, lifted his head, face flushed and veins pulsing on his forehead.
"You shameless brats! Stop flaunting your love life in front of this old man!"
Mirajane turned bright red, too shocked to deny it. Allen, being a man with no shame whatsoever, simply laughed, then took her hand to leave—though not before delivering one last parting shot.
"Old man, have a little tact, will you? Can't you see Mirajane's barely holding it together?"
"Young people these days…" Makarov collapsed into his chair, remembering his own youth. Not even with his late wife had he ever dared to flirt so brazenly. That brat needs to learn some self-control…
On the way out, Mirajane pulled her hand free and coughed lightly, regaining her calm and professionalism.
"Well, time to meet the Duke. I'm not too excited, considering the last noble I met was Everlue…"
Mirajane smirked. "Not all nobles are like that. In fact, it's rare to find one openly unpleasant."
Allen noticed her smile. She was perfectly capable of handling client requests for the guild—but since Allen had dumped most of the paperwork on Makarov, she'd made sure he was the one to deal with this, so he wouldn't look like a guild master in name only.
Allen was about to make a teasing remark, but she cut him off.
"I still haven't forgiven you for tricking me with that ring…"
Allen's smile instantly froze, replaced by an awkward laugh. He'd given out plenty of rings, making all sorts of promises. Of course, he fully intended to keep them—but the problem was, he'd done it with several women, which painted him as a scoundrel beyond redemption.
The women had been understanding, knowing Allen had been in a state of "unawareness" back then. But the fact that none of them had returned their ring spoke volumes about each one's intentions.
"Fine, I'll forgive you this time~" Mirajane reverted to her usual self and led Allen toward the Duke.
They could have met him upstairs, but the man had trouble with one knee, making it difficult to climb stairs—so the meeting was arranged on the first floor instead.
…
When Allen arrived with Mirajane, the guild's attention zeroed in on them. Partly out of curiosity—this time Allen wouldn't be presenting himself as just another mage, but as the guild master.
Natsu and Gajeel expected him to do something outrageous, like turning the Duke into a toad.
Gray was wondering if Allen would get along with the noble or end up clashing with him.
Erza and Lucy were nervous—they didn't want Allen getting into trouble with Fiore's nobility during his first week as guild master.
Juvia watched Allen with eyes sparkling in admiration. Then again, she could admire him for something as simple as walking, so nothing unusual there.
Cana stopped drinking, but couldn't bring herself to look at Allen for too long, quickly turning away with a faint blush. Levy looked tense. Laki swallowed hard.
Macao and Wakaba looked on like uncles waiting for a young man to fail spectacularly.
Up on the second floor, Laxus, Evergreen, Freed, and Bickslow observed. The last three had never met the depressed Allen—so they could only hope this version would be a complete bastard to the Duke.
…
Gwen — Allen may be… peculiar, but he knows how to behave when the situation calls for it.
MJ — Of course, the other side also has to earn his respect~
Felicia — Allen's got multiple modes: shameless troll, irresistible womanizer, "Aura Farming" mode, or the cold, deadly serious version when he's pushed too far… I don't know, I guess life experience made him so versatile~
…
The Duke noticed the change in the atmosphere—but when his eyes landed on Allen, he was surprised. Wasn't he supposed to be meeting Master Makarov?
That confusion lasted only a moment. From Allen radiated a presence and authority he hadn't shown until now.
The Duke stood up.
"Good morning, Duke Aldren Vasselmont. I'm Allen Walker, and I'll be your host today."
Allen greeted him courteously and offered a handshake, which the Duke returned. To his surprise, he felt a pressure he hadn't experienced even when meeting the King.
"A pleasure, Mister Walker."
The noble had been involved in politics for decades and could read a situation well. He hadn't heard the news about the guild master change—but judging from the guild's silence, he understood.
They took their seats… while the guild held its breath.
"Duke, we received your request as an A-Class mission—a strange flying creature has been spotted near your town."
"Yes. The matter is delicate. This colossal, black creature tends to circle above, as if searching for something. While it doesn't seem hostile, the people are afraid. I've sent requests to other nearby guilds, but every mage sent so far has given up…"
"A giant, black flying creature…" Allen's gaze grew thoughtful.
The chat began filling with alarmist comments, though no one could state anything concrete.
"Mister Walker, I understand Fairy Tail has quite the… reputation for trouble, but it's also the strongest guild. I'd like your help with this matter. My offered reward is fifteen million, a Lost Magic grimoire, and an ancient artifact."
The guild gasped in shock. Setting the money aside, a Lost Magic—like Dragon Slayer magic or Ultear's Arc of Time—was a priceless treasure. But Allen's expression remained serious, unmoved by the uproar.
"Silence." His commanding voice cut the murmurs short. He turned to the Duke. "It's a generous reward, but I have a feeling it might not even be enough… am I wrong?"
What is he saying? Fifteen million, an ancient artifact, and a Lost Magic were basically a fortune.
The Duke gave a bitter smile.
"It may sound insane, but we believe this creature… is a dragon."
Natsu shot to his feet, Gajeel right behind him.
"Could it be Igneel?!"
"Idiot, he said it's black—it might be Metalicana!"
Allen hit them both with Petrificus, leaving the Duke stunned. But Allen's gaze was now sharp, analytical. He knew enough about dragons to understand their power and danger. Provoking one could mean the death not only of the mage involved, but of the entire region.
Thankfully, it had been ages since the last dragon sighting, and most assumed they were nearly extinct—if they weren't already.
After a long moment of silence, Allen spoke.
"We accept. The reward will be set at twenty million. If it turns out not to be a dragon, it'll be halved, with only one of the extra rewards as a bonus. But to be honest, I have a feeling even that might not be enough—it might end up doubling. Do you agree, Duke?"
The Duke wasn't surprised—he knew mission rewards rose with the level of risk. "Yes, I have no objection."
Allen nodded, smiling with interest. "As for the rank… We'll call it an SS-Class mission. But I have the feeling this won't stop there… it might end up being a hundred-year quest."
The guild was left in shock by Allen's declaration—not an unreasonable one, judging from the reaction in his chat.