Makarov said with some distress, "I don't know when it started, but Erza suddenly doesn't like to go to routine meetings with me."
It's not just that she's unwilling; she practically doesn't want to hear about it.
Every time I mention taking her, Erza looks like she's going to be sick, and Makarov doesn't know what young people are thinking.
Is it because he was too boastful?
This time, he might as well find someone else to brag with.
Mira continued to whisper in Rhode's ear, "Actually, it's because during one routine meeting, Mr. Yiye went along with Blue Pegasus's president, and then..."
Rhode remembered this incident; some time ago, Erza had seemed quite uneasy after being bugged by Mr. Yiye during a mission.
She's just afraid of encountering him again.
"Then do you think I should accompany our president?"
Mira thought for a moment and said, "It's not a bad idea to check it out. Every time the president goes to a meeting, he drinks a lot of wine, and sometimes he even causes trouble under the influence; you could take care of him if you're there."
Makarov said cluelessly, "Am I that terrible?"
Mira complained, "Of course! A few years ago, you even got into a fight with President Joseph after drinking too much, causing him to never attend the meetings again, further straining our relationship with Ghost."
"The relationship wasn't good to begin with; he was the one saying that the Master of Ghosts was stronger than Fairy Tail," Makarov said confidently, "Besides, I won the fight!"
Rhode didn't know what expression to make; he's so proud of winning a fight.
That President Joseph also happens to be one of the Ten Wizard Saints, and he was in his prime at the time.
The old man was able to beat him up after drinking too much—what impressive fighting strength, no wonder he's our president!
But… isn't this a case of 'the rotten habit of a guild leader'? The guild becoming so rowdy as it is now is 90% his responsibility.
Actually, you could say it's 100%, since the most troublesome ones were all picked up by him.
He certainly wasn't wrong in writing this self-reflection letter.
"Is this a matter of winning or losing, President?" Mira puffed out her cheeks.
"But when you heard about this back then, little Mira, you clearly cheered for me," the president complained, "What did you say at that time? I remember it was quite crude, let me think..."
"Stop thinking!" Mira's face actually turned a bit red, "That… that's because… I was young and naive back then!"
Makarov played the rogue, "Well, I was young then too."
Mira said, "Yes, yes, you were only 82 years old at that time."
Rhode suddenly realized the president's age and became a bit indignant, "How dare Joseph lay a hand on an 82-year-old old man, that's too much!"
Even though Joseph was the one who got beaten.
Mira corrected angrily, "An 82-year-old young man."
"Oh, a young man," Rhode said with a grin, "Then President, you're really out of line; young people shouldn't be so rash."
"You two..." Makarov was at a loss, feeling both angry and amused.
Rhode and Mira laughed.
Makarov hopped off the counter, deciding to go up to the second floor to figure out how to brag to his old friends: "Anyway, meet me at the station next Wednesday."
"Alright." Rhode decided to go out and see the world with the president.
However, he still had a question—what exactly did Mira say back then?
…
Training during spare time in the morning, normal work at noon, and by the afternoon, Rhode was dragged outside by the sneaky Troy.
This is Rhode's second time awkwardly drinking coffee face-to-face with a guy.
This scenario couldn't help but remind him of Alzack.
Sure enough, Troy hesitated for a while before clasping his hands together and pleading, "Please, Rhode, teach me how to pursue Reby!"
"..." Rhode was silent. Why are they coming to me again? I'm single too!
Though it could be said that he's halfway through the door to ending his single status.
"Don't you even consider asking Loki about this kind of thing?"
Troy said, "If Loki had a solution, Jet would have succeeded by now."
Turns out he's asked already.
Rhode said, "Then it's useless finding me; you and Reby grew up together, you should know what kind of guy she likes better than me!"
Troy said awkwardly, "Well... we asked a long time ago, but Reby herself couldn't really express it clearly."
Aah, Rhode expressed his perplexity.
Childhood sweetheart with a golden start, how did he and Jet manage to play their cards into today's situation?
"Please, you even managed to deal with someone as shy as Alzack, just give me a bit of analysis on what I should do."
Alzack and Bisca's recent situation should be described as 'passionate'.
The two frequently went out on jobs together, basically forming a fixed team.
Although publicly they said 'they were just teaming up', everyone except someone as clueless as Erza could see what's going on.
Jet and Troy expressed envy and jealousy.
But they had an awkward incident with Reby a few months ago; they've only just gotten over it, how can they act impulsively again?
After interrogating Alzack, Troy finally decided to seek Rhode's help.
Taking advantage of Rhode needing assistance with his bonsai.
Rhode wanted to say this wasn't at the same level of difficulty at all.
Alzack and Bisca genuinely had mutual feelings, just needed one to take the first step.
Rhode merely created an opportunity.
But Troy and Reby... already formed a fixed team, nearly spending every day together, yet there's no progress.
It could only be said Troy's completely in one-sided love with Reby; each step forward by him pushes her two steps back.
Rhode isn't some love guru; what can he do in this situation?
"Let me think..." Rhode pondered for a moment, "As I recall, Reby's personality is generally cheerful but occasionally timid, somewhat lacking confidence?"
Troy said with surprise, "How could it be? Reby is strong, smart, excellent in every aspect."
"..." No hope at all, Rhode wanted to leave.
This person usually looks at Reby through rose-colored glasses, doesn't he?
Troy realized his error, "So, what were you going to say?"
"I think Reby might like more mature and reliable types. For more specifics, I could ask around subtly on your behalf. The rest will be up to you."
Rhode would definitely not ask himself; being misunderstood wouldn't be fun at all.
Maybe better to let Mira ask, she likes this sort of thing anyway.
"Thanks! That's enough!" Troy was quite optimistic, feeling like he was one step ahead of Jet.
"No need for thanks, just help me take good care of the bonsai."
Sigh, for the sake of three sons, I'll have to ask Mira for help. The father really has his hands full.
Hehe.