Mest successfully ascended to the throne.
The first thing he did was consolidate the kingdom's power. The three former captains were reassigned to new duties, all serving the kingdom once more.
The former king, meanwhile, retired into comfort, spending his days in the palace pampering cats and dogs—a true life of leisure.
Fairy Tail had also shed its dark guild reputation, officially becoming the kingdom's premier guild.
Erza successfully joined the guild as well, becoming a trusted comrade and elder sister figure. She was particularly strict with Natsu and Gray's training on Idolas' side, determined to push their abilities to the next level. Just like in Asland, she became a respected figure in the guild.
"Lucy… help…"
Natsu and Gray lay on the ground, eyes brimming with tears, reaching toward Lucy for help.
"You two! Train properly! Don't you want to get stronger?!"
Lucy raised a massive stone above her head, voice stern, then hopped off into the distance, carrying the weight with surprising agility.
Natsu and Gray exchanged a glance, wiped their tears, and, gritting their teeth, pushed a massive stone forward together, forcing themselves onward.
Erza was just about to follow when a voice rang out:
"Yo there!"
One of the older men spoke suddenly. Startled, Erza drew her sword and swung at Kildas—but he blocked effortlessly.
"Whoa, whoa! No hostility needed. I came to join Fairy Tail!" Kildas said, firmly pushing Erza back. "I think this guild suits me perfectly."
He held up a necklace with the guild emblem.
"And it was this person who recommended me!"
Erza took the necklace, eyes glinting, and fastened it around her neck.
"This just shows you mean no harm. But joining requires the whole guild's approval. Come with me."
She turned, a small smile tugging at her lips, betraying a lighter mood.
Meanwhile, the Idolas world was slowly stabilizing. Fated encounters had a way of happening, inevitably.
At the same time, Kael and his companions arrived at the Fairy Tail guild doors in the other world. They pushed them open slowly.
"Bang, bang~!"
Several celebratory cannon shots rang out, and the guild cheered.
"Welcome back!"
"The feast begins!"
The guild members' joy at their safe return was palpable. Even before the town had fully recovered, everyone had known the mission had succeeded and had begun preparations early.
Though they missed Lisanna, they rejoiced at the thought of her reunion with her siblings, silently wishing her well. They had also informed the townspeople, who were on their way back.
Natsu and the others quickly melded into the lively festivities, shouting and laughing.
Gajeel, having found his cat Lily, suggested a playful competition to see whose cat was strongest. Everyone laughed, evidently enjoying the drinks. Yet the cats themselves remained perfectly harmonious. Instead, Gajeel and Natsu ended up brawling with each other.
Kael, on the other hand, sat beside the guild master and Kildas, quietly observing.
"How's Mest doing over there?" the master asked, sipping his wine.
"He's probably been crowned king by now! Must be feeling quite majestic." Kael said with a small smile, recalling Mest's confident stance atop the castle walls.
"You don't need to worry, old man!" Kael finished his wine in one gulp, thinking of Mest's composure proudly.
"I see!"
"By the way, Kael, what am I like in that world?" Kildas suddenly asked, pointing to himself lazily.
"Oh, you can ask Laxus—he faced that version of you in battle!"
"What?!" Kildas gawked at Laxus in disbelief.
Laxus, still burning with the thrill of battle, glared at him. Clearly, their fight hadn't ended to his satisfaction. Kildas scrambled to escape, but Laxus wouldn't relent, delivering a swift kick.
Kildas used the momentum to smash through the wall, flying backward.
"Don't even think about running!" Laxus called, electrified with excitement, chasing after him.
The guild members were unfazed, but the newcomers—Tami, Shimi, and the other cats—stared in awe at the hole in the wall.
"Is… this really Fairy Tail Guild?"
"Their magic feels so strong! Especially that man who just got flung through the wall!"
"Terrifying!"
Pansa-Lily looked around at the chaos, sweat dripping from his brow.
"Don't worry, it's all normal! This is what Fairy Tail mages are like—amazing, right?" Habi patted him on the shoulder, chewing on a fish and thoroughly enjoying himself.
Suddenly, Erza appeared before Pansa-Lily, her gaze studying him carefully.
Lulule, arms folded, watched Erza and Pansa-Lily.
"Oh right, this is Erza from this world. She's your colleague in the other world!"
"You two are reunited!" Habi mumbled.
"Well! Different people, but at least a familiar face—still nice."
"Hello, I'm Pansa-Lily, squad leader from the other world!"
"Hello, I'm Erza. You seem very mature!" Erza extended her hand.
Pansa-Lily's body moved up and down slightly as they shook hands—a small moment of connection. Kael chuckled quietly at the scene.
Suddenly, a cold voice tugged at his ear.
"Can you explain your situation with the other-world Erza?!"
Before Kael could reply, the guild master spoke:
"Oh, and Kael, the S-class exam for this year is about to start!"
"Got it, old man! Tomorrow then!" Kael waved, but Kanala pulled him out of the guild.
"Hahaha!" The guild erupted in laughter. Wendy, embarrassed, quietly covered her face.
Shimi worriedly spread his wings, wanting to follow Kael, but Habi stopped him, explaining the relationship between Kael and Kanala.
The night was filled with laughter and joy. The party lasted until dawn; some members even slept at the guild.
Kael and Kanala shared a quiet, wonderful night. Kael's sincerity had eased Kanala's temper—how wonderful it was, left for the imagination.