The night in Ohara City was brightly lit. The Heartfilia Merchant Guild's headquarters building appeared exceptionally grand in the night, its magnificent and opulent decorations forming a stark contrast with the surrounding buildings.
The caravan arrived smoothly, and Ezreal, Levy, Jet, and Droy escorted Lucy and the other caravan members into this building, a symbol of wealth.
Allen Whitman was already waiting at the entrance, a respectful smile on his face. He bowed slightly and said, "Welcome back, everyone! The Guild has prepared a lavish banquet for you. Please follow me."
Ezreal nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping around, sensing the luxury and solemnity within the Guild.
Levy and Lucy walked side-by-side, conversing in low voices. Lucy's face showed a hint of nervousness, clearly feeling conflicted about returning home.
Originally, Lucy's plan was to find an opportunity to run away from home during her trip to the Northern Lands, but after interacting with Ezreal and the others, she had become friends with them.
The opportunity to run away was not hard to find, but if she left during this journey, Ezreal and the others' remuneration would definitely be affected.
So, the kind Lucy followed the caravan back home.
Jet and Droy, on the other hand, were visibly excited, clearly looking forward to the upcoming banquet.
The banquet was held in the Guild's top-floor ballroom, where long tables were laden with exquisite dishes, their aroma filling the air.
All the high-ranking members of the Guild were present, raising their glasses to welcome Ezreal and his companions.
Seeing such a grand display, Ezreal raised an eyebrow and, after a moment of thought, understood what was happening.
It was merely a caravan delivery; although the Northern Lands route was important, so many Guild members gathering here to host a welcoming banquet for them was clearly beyond what was expected.
However, if it was to show respect and importance to Fairy Tail in order to facilitate certain matters, then it was not excessive.
Allen, as the host, stood in the center of the ballroom, raising his glass and toasting: "Thank you, members of Fairy Tail! Your bravery and wisdom not only protected the caravan but also allowed the Heartfilia Merchant Guild to overcome its difficulties. This toast is to you!"
Everyone raised their glasses, and the atmosphere was lively.
Ezreal smiled and raised his glass in return, his gaze inadvertently sweeping over Lucy.
Her expression was somewhat complex, and she occasionally looked down at the keys on her waist.
Halfway through the banquet, Allen quietly approached Ezreal and whispered, "Mr. Ezreal, President Jude would like to meet you. Is now a convenient time?"
Ezreal raised an eyebrow slightly, understanding dawning on him.
He put down his wine glass and nodded: "Of course, please lead the way."
Before leaving, Ezreal gave Levy a look, signaling her to keep an eye on the two foodies and prevent them from embarrassing themselves at such a banquet.
Levy understood and nodded in response.
Allen led Ezreal out of the ballroom, through a long corridor, and to the President's office on the top floor of the Guild.
Pushing open the door, Jude Heartfilia stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to the door, gazing at the night view outside.
"President Jude, Mr. Ezreal has arrived," Allen said respectfully, then exited the room, gently closing the door.
Jude turned around, a gentle smile on his face.
He was tall, with a serious face, and a hint of fatigue in his eyes, but it could not hide the wild ambition like a wildfire deep in his pupils.
"Indeed, hearing about you doesn't compare to meeting you," he extended his hand and shook Ezreal's: "Mr. Ezreal, thank you and your companions for helping the Guild."
Ezreal smiled slightly, his tone humble: "Mr. Jude, you're too kind. Protecting the safety of our employer is our duty."
Jude nodded. He gestured for Ezreal to sit down, and he himself sat in the chair behind the desk.
He clasped his hands on the table and got straight to the point: "Mr. Ezreal, I invited you here this time because I want to establish a long-term cooperative relationship with the Fairy Tail Guild."
Ezreal was not surprised; he had already guessed Jude would make such a request.
He nodded slightly, signaling Jude to continue.
Jude sighed, a hint of helplessness in his tone: "Although the Heartfilia Merchant Guild has developed rapidly in recent years, it has also made many enemies. Many small guilds and competing guilds are hiring Dark Guilds to cause us trouble. If this continues, the Guild will only decline. We urgently need a reliable ally to help us overcome these difficulties."
Ezreal pondered for a moment, then smiled: "Mr. Jude, I understand your predicament. During this commission, we formed a deep friendship with your daughter, Lucy. Helping friends is something Fairy Tail is obligated to do. I am very happy to see Fairy Tail Guild cooperate with the Heartfilia Merchant Guild."
A hint of joy flashed in Jude's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure: "That's wonderful. As for the specific details of the cooperation..."
Jude paused, looking at Ezreal without continuing.
Ezreal smiled slightly, understanding the other party's meaning, and with a gentle wave of his hand in the air.
A blue-gold Hextech spatial portal instantly opened before him, and a familiar aura emanated from within.
He used his consciousness to attach to Yuumi, the Summoned Beast cat left at the Guild, and explained the Heartfilia Merchant Guild's situation to President Makarov.
A moment later, two figures emerged from the portal.
Leading them was a short, elderly man nearing eighty, with a kind face but an air of authority in his brows.
It was Makarov Dreyar, the President of Fairy Tail.
Following him was a tall, beautiful young woman, Mirajane Strauss.
"President, Mira, you've arrived," Ezreal greeted with a smile.
Makarov chuckled, "It seems this mission went very smoothly."
"Of course," Ezreal responded with a smile.
"President, this is President Jude Heartfilia," Ezreal introduced.
Jude stood up and shook Makarov's hand.
Makarov nodded, his gaze falling on Jude.
He bowed slightly, his tone respectful: "Mr. Jude, I've heard much about you. I am Makarov Dreyar, President of Fairy Tail."
Jude stood up and shook Makarov's hand, a barely perceptible hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Although he was an ordinary person, he had heard of Makarov's name.
This old man, known as one of the Ten Wizard Saints, though appearing frail, exuded a powerful aura that commanded respect.
"President Makarov, it's an honor to finally meet you," Jude said with respect in his tone, "Please have a seat, we can discuss the cooperation in detail."
Makarov nodded and sat down with Jude.
Mira stood to the side, taking out a sheet of paper, ready to record the details of their conversation.
Seeing that things were already on track, Ezreal smiled slightly and said to Makarov and Mira: "President, Mira, I'll leave things here to you. I'm heading back to the banquet hall."
Makarov waved his hand, signaling him to leave. Ezreal turned and walked out of the office, gently closing the door.
Outside, Allen was waiting.
Seeing Ezreal emerge, he asked with a smile: "Mr. Ezreal, how did the discussion go?"
Ezreal chuckled, his tone relaxed: "The President and Mr. Jude are discussing in detail, and I believe there will be results very soon."
Ezreal winked at Allen, "If I go back now, I should still be able to grab some chocolate cake, right?"
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