The next morning, sunlight like crushed gold filtered through the window like a thin veil, quietly scattering into every corner of the room.
"Yawn..."
Burying her head into the covers to block the harsh sunlight, Levy gave a drowsy yawn. Her messy blue hair hung over her forehead, the very picture of someone not yet awake.
Roland, who had also gone to bed at three in the morning, was full of energy, unhurriedly preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
"Breakfast in bed, little Levy."
Using the Gourmet Tablecloth as always, he produced golden, crispy croissants on a plate, with cream and rum-blueberry jam on the side, as well as the tender meat from the lobster-fish they'd roasted last time.
Since the lobster-fish was so large, and the two of them had only finished the two crab claws, the remaining fish meat was stuffed into Little Doraemon's four-dimensional pocket.
As for Little Doraemon—when they returned last night, Roland had taken it to the downstairs bedroom with a smile on his face.
"I don't want to eat... My whole body is sore, and so is my mouth."
Levy unwillingly emerged from under the covers, staring at him with resentful amber eyes.
Even now, she could feel that her throat was hoarse.
Last time he had been so gentle and careful, but this time it was the complete opposite.
"About last night... While I was certainly at fault, you have to take some responsibility too, right?"
Roland leaned forward slightly, propping his chin on one hand with an amused look.
"What responsibility do I have? Weren't you the one enjoying it the whole time?"
Levy took a deep breath and retorted, the corner of her eye twitching.
"That's not very cute."
"..."
So I get bullied just for being cute?!
Pulling her head back under the covers, Levy didn't feel like talking to him anymore.
But after a short while, unable to stand the stuffiness, she poked her head out again, her fair forehead covered in tiny beads of sweat.
It was August, after all. If it hadn't been cool last night, and if not for a girl's modesty, neither of them would have probably used a blanket.
Forced out of bed, Levy sat across from Roland with faint dark circles under her eyes, swaying slightly as she finished her breakfast.
It was clear how tired she was.
"I can't—I'm going to rest properly today, so I'm not going to the guild."
Lying on the cleared table, Levy let out a listless yawn, a glistening tear forming in the corner of her eye.
"Also, there's... I have to go to the bookstore this afternoon, and I need to organize all the unread books in my dorm. I won't be coming over tonight."
Given the four-tiered bookshelves that filled her room, just organizing them would take a whole day. Roland understood.
He also had things he needed to do.
"Then I'll head to the guild first. You should sleep a bit more."
Roland ruffled her messy blue hair, then lifted her into his arms princess-style and placed her on the bed.
As he was about to let go, Levy grabbed his collar, sat up slightly, and gave him a light, dragonfly-like kiss on the corner of his lips.
"A good morning kiss. That's how they describe it in the books I read..."
After letting go, Levy lay back down on the soft bed with a satisfied expression.
I should be able to have a sweet dream now.
If Levy knew what happened last night, she'd probably have a nightmare.
Roland thought with a subtle expression as he put on the jacket hanging on the rack.
————
Inside the guild hall.
The moment Roland stepped through the door, a wooden mug flew toward him, but it turned to ash in mid-air before it could get close.
"So energetic..."
When he first arrived, he always found the noise inside unbearable; but after spending a few days with them... well, it was still noisy!
"Natsu, good morning."
Passing by Natsu, who was sleeping on a table, Roland greeted him with a smile.
"Aye, good morning!"
Happy flew in mid-air, holding a half-eaten grilled fish, and greeted him on Natsu's behalf.
This is the complete opposite of his usual noisy self.
Looking at the sleeping Natsu, Roland remembered what Levy had said last night and instantly had a guess.
Is he uncharacteristically quiet because today is the anniversary of Lisanna's death...
"Oh—Roland's here! Perfect, come have a couple of drinks with your big sis!"
Noticing his figure, a tipsy Cana threw an arm around his shoulder, a drunken smile on her face.
"My treat!"
"Not today. I have something I need to do. When I have time later, I'll drink with you for a whole day."
"Then it's a promise!"
Cana, who had been a bit downcast after being rejected, instantly perked up after hearing his promise.
After saying goodbye to Cana, Roland walked toward the familiar bar, but he didn't see the familiar figure.
"Has she left?"
"Are you looking for Mira?" Makarov sat cross-legged on the bar and glanced at him. "She and Elfman went to Kardia Cathedral today."
Just as expected.
"I understand."
Roland nodded in understanding, no surprise on his face.
"Wait... you know about Lisanna?"
Seeing that he didn't ask any further, Makarov asked, looking slightly surprised.
"Yeah, Levy told me yesterday."
Since he knew Mirajane had gone to the cathedral, Roland had no intention of staying any longer. He said softly, "In that case, I'd like to take a day off as well."
"Are you worried about Mira and Elfman?"
Although he hadn't been in the guild for long, this sincere friendship toward his comrades made Makarov smile with relief.
"Then go ahead. Kardia Cathedral is next to the town's central avenue. You should know where it is, right?"
"I know now. Thank you, Master."
Roland bowed slightly, then turned and left the noisy guild.
"Roland... he's a really good kid."
Watching his departing figure, Makarov took a small sip from his mug and couldn't help but sigh.
He was so much better than his own troublesome grandson.
————
Kardia Cathedral.
On the way, Roland stopped by a flower shop to buy a bouquet of white flowers.
Although he knew Lisanna wasn't dead, her siblings didn't—and he wouldn't be careless with such details.
The magnificent cathedral stood in the center of town, its stained-glass windows refracting light of various colors, like a huge, exquisite work of art.
Guided by a priest, Roland arrived at the cemetery behind the cathedral.
The cemetery was large, with rows of tombstones standing in an orderly fashion. From a distance, he could see two or three people paying their respects to their relatives.
Among them were the siblings, Mirajane and Elfman.
"Mirajane, Elfman."
Roland walked over unhurriedly and greeted them in a soft voice.
"Roland?"
Elfman's eyes widened in surprise, clearly not understanding why he was here.
"As a member of the guild, there shouldn't be anything wrong with me bringing a bouquet of flowers, right?"
Roland looked at the silver-haired girl who was looking down without a word and spoke seriously.
"No, thank you for your kindness..."
Mirajane stepped aside, allowing him to place the flowers in front of the tombstone, and said softly.
Putting aside what happened last night—Roland's actions right now moved her.
Beside her, Elfman also bowed his head slightly to express his thanks.
Placing the white bouquet in front of the stone, his gaze fell upon the inscription on the tombstone.
The guild mark, Lisanna's name, and her dates of birth and death...
"Thank you for coming, Roland."
Mirajane's gentle smile returned, but hidden within it was a faint trace of sorrow.
"If Lisanna knew such an outstanding newcomer had joined the guild, she would surely be happy."
"..."
Looking at Mirajane, whose eyes were gradually becoming moist, Roland let out a soft breath and said with a serious expression, "Mirajane, I have something important to tell you. Can you come with me for a moment?"
"Something important?"
"Yes, very important—for now, only you can know, or rather, only you are the most qualified to know."
"Sis, I just remembered I have a mission this afternoon. I'm heading home first."
Hearing their conversation, Elfman very tactfully spoke up, then turned and walked out of the cemetery.
Since it's something important that only my sister can know, it's better for me to leave first...
Besides, Roland is usually so gentle, he wouldn't harm my sister, right?
...
With Elfman's departure, only the two of them remained in the quiet cemetery.
"Then, to ensure that every word I say next is the truth—"
Under her confused gaze, Roland took out the bottle of honesty pills from his pocket, took one out, and put it in his mouth.
"Do you want one too, to confirm if the pill is real?"
"I don't need one. But just what is it, that you'd even use something like this?"
Mirajane quickly waved her hand, then couldn't suppress her curiosity.
"What I'm about to tell you..."
Roland looked down at the tombstone in front of them, his voice soft and slow as he spoke.
"Your sister—Lisanna, she didn't pass away."
"Lisanna... isn't dead?"
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