Logically speaking, if Rhodes had killed the Jade Dragon in the past, then they should never have encountered that dragon's soul in the Dragon Graveyard a few days ago.
Even if they somehow had, it shouldn't have claimed that it was killed by the Black Dragon.
Or perhaps that memory should have simply vanished altogether, as if it had never existed.
But nothing had changed.
"I think it's possible that space-time here has already been completely disrupted by the Eclipse Gate," Rhodes said slowly. "Or perhaps those dragons came from the past of a different timeline, not our own."
If that were the case, then it wouldn't matter whether Atlas Flame stayed or left.
If they searched the Dragon Graveyard carefully, they might even find his remains there.
"I think so too, so don't worry," Mavis replied with a gentle smile. "Oh, and the King said he would like to meet with you privately later, to discuss follow-up measures and the report to the Council."
Rhodes sighed. "There are still so many troublesome things left."
Mira smiled warmly. "You're exhausted, aren't you?"
"Yeah. I'm going to rest for a bit." Rhodes gave the Six Dragons an order to return.
Then his body suddenly went limp, like a noodle, as he collapsed into Mira's embrace and began to snore softly.
Mira held him steady, gently smoothing his hair. "You worked hard."
Mavis stared at Mira for a moment, then gestured toward her own chest and puffed out her cheeks.
Asuka looked up innocently. "Sister Kinana, is Brother Rhodes hungry?"
Kinana blinked. "Hmm... maybe?"
Asuka poked her own cheek twice. "Shame on him. Asuka stopped drinking milk a long time ago."
"Haha… let's play marbles, okay?" Kinana hurriedly suggested. She felt that if Asuka continued talking, she might be killed by the Demon Couple, or perhaps the Gunner Couple, or even the First Guild Master.
Rhodes woke up around ten in the morning.
He glanced around and realized he was in Mira's hotel room.
Mira was sleeping right beside him. Sensing his movement, she quickly opened her eyes.
"Good morning," she murmured groggily, instinctively stretching both arms toward him for a hug, as if they were still at home.
A mischievous thought struck Rhodes. He immediately sat upright at the head of the bed, clutching the blanket to his chest like a victim. "W-what did you do to me last night?"
Mira instantly sobered up and slipped smoothly into character.
She flipped over, braced one hand against the wall, lifted Rhodes's chin with the other, and smirked. "Should I help you remember properly?"
Rhodes glanced downward and caught a glimpse of white beneath the loose collar of her pajamas.
He quickly cupped Mira's face, gave her a firm kiss, then jumped out of bed to wash up.
He regretted it instantly. Teasing his pregnant wife was a terrible idea, especially when he couldn't actually do anything once the mood struck.
Mira laughed softly, checked the time, and followed him to wash up and change.
The couple headed to the restaurant together, where many of their companions were already eating.
Quite a few of them were wrapped in bandages to varying degrees, especially Natsu, Gajeel, and Laxus.
After all, they had fought dragons head-on.
"Morning."
"Morning."
Greetings were exchanged casually.
Lisanna waved them over. "Your food's here. I'll grab mine."
She returned quickly with a tray. "The hotel owner and staff haven't come back yet, so breakfast or maybe lunch was prepared by the Royal Palace's chef team. It's really good."
Rhodes nodded after taking a bite. "It really is."
Mira asked, "Where's Elfman?"
Lisanna smiled. "Elfman and Evergreen went out for morning training."
Rhodes suddenly burst out laughing.
The sisters looked at him curiously.
"I was just thinking," Rhodes said, "once Elfman fully masters the Rock Dragon's abilities, he won't be afraid of Evergreen turning him to stone anymore. He can just turn himself into stone first."
Lisanna hugged her arms. "That's a cold joke."
Rhodes looked to Mira. "Is it really that bad?"
Mira nodded solemnly.
Makarov shuffled over, yawning. "Don't forget to head to the Royal Palace once you're done eating."
Rhodes groaned. "Shouldn't the Guild Master handle something like that?"
Makarov instantly straightened up. "Then I hereby appoint you Guild Master right now!"
Rhodes's face went pale. "Master, you're dreaming. Let's talk after you wake up."
Makarov waved his hand dismissively. "Impossible. If I were dreaming, you'd be standing in the Council's tribunal right now, taking the scolding in my place."
Rhodes stared at him in disbelief.
Makarov laughed awkwardly. "Ha, haha… what I mean is, with you around, we don't need to worry about things like that happening anymore. Dreams are the opposite of reality, after all…"
Rhodes immediately seized on that. "You said it."
"Huh?"
"The part about dreams and reality being opposites."
Makarov nodded. "Yes."
Rhodes slapped his palm decisively. "Then since I became Guild Master in your dream, I absolutely cannot become one in reality."
"That's not what I meant!"
Mira and Lisanna both burst out laughing.
Makarov was just about to argue further when an iron tray flew in from behind and smacked the back of his head with a sharp clang.
Immediately afterward, the restaurant erupted into clattering and crashing noises.
"Who did that?!" Makarov roared, grabbing the tray and flinging it back.
The quick-witted Gray yanked Gajeel forward by the arm at the perfect moment. The tray slapped squarely into Gajeel's face.
Gajeel didn't get angry at all. He calmly took the tray, bit into it, and began chewing with loud crunching sounds, as if he were eating a crispy flatbread.
Even though this wasn't the guild hall, the restaurant rapidly descended into chaos.
Fairy Tail's new day officially began.
"I'm heading out," Rhodes said, casually batting aside a wine glass that flew toward Mira. "Remember to keep an eye on Future Rogue."
Then he added, "Why don't you go back to the room and rest?"
Mira replied casually, "I'm fine."
Going back would be boring. Being with everyone was more fun.
Lisanna waved as well. "Don't worry, Brother-in-law. I've got things under control."
"First, allow me to thank you on behalf of the Kingdom of Fiore."
As soon as Rhodes entered the Royal Palace conference room, the King stood up and bowed deeply.
The Princess, the Minister of State, and the Knights Commander followed, bowing in unison.
"There's no need to be so formal. The matter has already been resolved," Rhodes said calmly. "Fairy Tail has always been a magic guild of the Kingdom of Fiore. Protecting this nation is our responsibility."
One of Rhodes's principles in formal situations was clear: regardless of personal feelings, always elevate the guild's standing first.
After a brief exchange of formalities, everyone took their seats.
"First," the King said solemnly, "regarding the handling of the Eclipse Gate… should it be destroyed?"