The attending presidents were speaking freely, each expressing their opinions. Some thought it should be taken seriously, while others believed it was just something the King said casually and shouldn't be taken to heart.
As for Rhode's esteemed President Makarov, he was dozing off like a little chick pecking at grain.
After reminding him twice to no avail, Rhode had no choice but to take out a tiny notebook to jot down a few key points for the old man.
Once the topic of the Mage Conference was discussed, President Goldman summarized with a few words, expressing hope that everyone would pay more attention to this area of information after returning home.
Who knows, this might be an opportunity to further enhance the influence of mages. If it's not handled well, it could affect the reputation of their own guilds.
"Now, let's move on to the next topic, about the slightly modified taxation issue announced at the end of last year..."
Rhode recalled that since he came here, he had never paid taxes and hadn't even thought about such issues before this month.
His first realization of the need to pay taxes was at the start of the month when he helped Mira with the annual accounting.
This country's tax policy towards legitimate guild mages is quite lenient, generally paid by the guild collectively.
The tax rate is so low that it doesn't need to be deducted from the mage's quest rewards, but instead comes directly from the 'deposit' submitted by the client.
When a client issues a task, they usually have to pay a small 'deposit,' which Rhode analyzed to likely include taxes, service fees, and 'advertising fees.'
Ordinary tasks generally have about a one-percent rate, relatively insignificant compared to the task rewards.
Moreover, Fairy Tail has its own rules, calculating the reward based on a million when it exceeds that amount, and not increasing it further.
Such tax processes are all handled by the guild, and ordinary mages don't need to get involved at all.
Specifically, most matters are dealt with by Mira and Rhode, and then the president just needs to find some time to sign and hand over the money.
Out of curiosity, Rhode also inquired a bit about the tax rates for merchants, workers, and farmers.
In comparison, he could only say that being a mage is quite good.
"The next topic is about the Kingdom's decree to support the development of magic tools, and its impact on mages who specialize in holding..."
One topic after another, the presidents continuously discussed new decrees issued by the Kingdom and slightly modified laws, analyzing the impact on mages and whether the alliance should take special actions next.
The discussion lasted from two in the afternoon until about six in the evening before it was nearing its end.
At this time, someone asked about Fairy Tail's stance: "President Makarov, what are your thoughts?"
Rhode quietly nudged the unreliable old president of the family.
Makarov suddenly woke up and slapped the table: "Let's all go together!"
Rhode reasonably suspected that the old man might have been dreaming about fighting someone. And to be honest, that shout was quite bold.
However, this sudden remark left the attending presidents looking at each other in confusion, not quite understanding.
Familiar with Makarov's personality, President Bob already had his face in his hands, laughing, while Goldman, who was hosting the meeting, found it quite hard to suppress his laughter.
Makarov also realized the situation wasn't right and discreetly extended his arm behind to tug at Rhode's sleeve.
He resembled a student dozing off, called upon to answer a question by the teacher, yet clueless about the question asked.
"Ahem..." Rhode could only clear his throat, "What our president meant is that whether or not the Kingdom's policy is beneficial to us, everyone should unite and overcome difficulties together, to make the environment of the Magic Realm better.
Fairy Tail will continue striving towards this goal, hoping everyone can join hands with us. In general, it's - let's all go together!"
Makarov nodded deeply: "Mm, yes, that's exactly what I meant."
"Well said, truly worthy of President Makarov!"
"As the closing remark of today's meeting, it couldn't be more fitting."
President Goldman, who was hosting the meeting, suppressed his laughter: "President Makarov's words seem to have taken over my job, but since it's already said, let's conclude today's meeting. Dismissed!"
During the dinner after the meeting, Goldman mercilessly mocked Makarov's misstep, directly saying, 'Almost embarrassed himself again!'
Makarov, with a flushed face, argued with him, though it wasn't clear whether it was from anger or drinking.
"No wonder you brought Rhode-chan along, such a good kid~♡"
The voice of President Bob, though somewhat deep, unexpectedly sounded gentle.
Rhode found himself getting used to it.
Just in case, he decided he should go through Mira's photos more later.
"That's right!" Makarov, inspired by Bob, thought of a good explanation, "Rhode is just like my own child; there's no difference between what he says and what I say!"
"Thick-skinned," said Goldman, "Porlyusica probably can't stand that about you, which is why she won't join the guild."
"What's it got to do with her!" Makarov didn't intend to follow Goldman's lead and switched to a smug expression, "Are you jealous because you saw such an outstanding young person in our guild?"
Speaking of which, Goldman wouldn't back down: "The kids from our guild are no worse!"
"Is that so? This kid will soon become an S-Class Mage."
"What's so great about being S-Class? We have S-Class of similar age in our guild too!"
"So what? Dare to compete?"
"Why not?!"
Neither side giving an inch, Rhode asked, "President Bob, if those two get drunk and start fighting, do you have a way to mediate?"
"Oh, they've always gotten along so well," Bob didn't answer Rhode's question but asked, "Who usually mediates when you guys fight?"
"..." Most people are probably wishing for a bigger scene instead; there's hardly anyone to mediate.
It's only Erza, on her first day back at the guild or when she's finally had enough, who'd step in.
If not, it has to escalate to the point of dismantling the building for the president to step in.
Should they go find the president's president to mediate?
President Bob said, "Leave them be; everyone's getting old, and now they like to determine the outcome through ways other than fighting."
"Other ways? What are those... wait, are you saying they have to decide a winner even after arguing when drunk?" Rhode asked, "Rock-paper-scissors?"
"Given their characters, they'd probably still compare the next generation of their guilds," President Bob said,
"They might even have Rhode-chan represent Fairy Tail to go against the young ones from the Four-headed Hound~♡"
Rhode thought of the young S-Class Mage President Goldman mentioned earlier and said painfully, "Spare me, I can't handle an S-Class Mage for now."
Bob encouraged, "Youngster, show a little confidence; you're part of Fairy Tail~♡"
"Why do I feel like you understand Fairy Tail more than I do."
Rhode chuckled wryly, thinking he's just recently been terribly beaten by an S-Class Mage last month, not yet daring to challenge above his rank.