"That's how it is, so for this mission, I'd like you and Rhode to go together."
"No problem, President, we won't disgrace the guild."
Erza's response was expected, as it involved the guild's reputation.
Actually, Rhode thought it was mainly about whether the President could boast to Goldman at the next meeting.
As someone willing to ease the President's worries and bring honor to the guild, Rhode naturally didn't refuse again.
Another trivial reason was that he saw the mission reward when drawing lots: 2 million J, meaning 1 million J each when teamed up.
Teaming up with an S-Class Mage to solve a task below S-Class level could earn you a +1 residential fragment in Magnolia, worth the trip.
They discussed and decided to set off tomorrow morning; Erza needed to rush her armor, make any changes possible, or collect it early if unfinished.
Rhode needed to do some research.
This mission's location was in the border area of the Fiore Kingdom, Bosco Kingdom, and Sai Wen Kingdom.
He felt it might be a bit complicated, understanding things beforehand was essential.
After flipping through books in the library for over an hour, Mira came over to call him for lunch.
Rhode pinched his brow, realizing now that he had some money, he should find time to buy a pair of Wind's Glasses, can't keep borrowing from Reby.
Mira asked, "Is it really troublesome, that mission?"
"It's okay, the danger level doesn't seem high, it's more about testing intelligence-gathering abilities."
"But before the task was assigned to us, didn't someone get injured investigating it?"
"Yes, it was the three-person team from the Poisonous Demon's Fang guild, but I'm fine."
Poisonous Demon's Fang sounded like a Dark Guild name, but it was actually a Legitimate Guild.
As for strength... hard to say, if they were strong enough, they wouldn't have passed off such a high-reward mission.
Their three-person team only got injured and weren't killed, teaming up with Erza should be fine.
A small hand waved between them, and Laki said, "The dishes are getting cold, do you two have to chat so urgently?"
"Your dessert is gone." Rhode picked up his bowl, looking at Laki, "It's a high-class dessert from a guild excelling in culinary skills, from the President of 'Kitchen God's Knife'."
Laki was unfazed: "Hmph, I'll just ask Sister Mira later for some."
Mira smiled at her, "Well, well, maybe not."
"Sister Mira~"
...
After lunch, Rhode went back to reading, inviting Erza to practice in the backyard when she returned, where only defense was allowed for Erza.
The main goal was to familiarize themselves with each other's combat habits, as they might need to fight together later.
Rhode realized it had been a while since he fought anyone, it felt quite refreshing to spar.
Probably because Erza didn't fight back.
The remaining time was, of course, spent continuing research.
When Rhode piled up a stack of books on the library table, Mira came over to him: "A gift for you."
A rather exquisite small box.
"Why suddenly a gift?" Rhode was pleasantly surprised, "Is this... Wind's Glasses?"
"Saw it on the way to order some wine, so I bought it. Just felt you could use it."
Ordering wine and popping into the Magic Shop was conveniently on the way... Rhode vaguely remembered doing something similar while in the Royal Capital.
The question 'Why didn't you ask me to come along for shopping' was naturally swallowed back by Rhode.
"Thanks!" Rhode's mood was like flowers blooming with joy.
This is the moment to give a hug.
Unfortunately, seeing his happy expression satisfied Mira enough to leave: "Do your best, I'm off to work."
Got the magic tool, Wind's Glasses, reading speed soared, and since the glasses were from Mira, his mood was substantially lifted.
In the afternoon, Rhode's work efficiency skyrocketed significantly.
At night, Rhode continued to practice with Mira and Elfman, but to maintain condition, they didn't do extreme exercises.
Besides, Mira suggested he head home for rest early: "Here's a key for you."
"No need, I have a spare."
"..." If there's a spare key, does it have to stay with me?
"Anyway, I'm likely to be sent off to work by the President soon, don't know for how many days this time." Rhode shamelessly added, "I'll leave the house in your care again."
"Yeah, be careful this time too." Mira figured even if she refused, he'd find another mischievous way, better let him focus on the mission.
"Man!" Elfman bumped fists, "Let's have another manly battle!"
...
When he got home, Rhode was still rubbing his arm, feeling Elfman had improved fast lately.
As someone harboring ulterior motives towards his sister, Rhode felt pressured.
Pulled out a key to open the door, flicked on the light, Rhode almost didn't recognize his own place.
The bed was made neatly, gym equipment was categorized in the corner, and the desk's magazines and stationery were tidied up, though the book on the desk remained untouched.
Three potted plants had been brought indoors and still looked lush.
A photo frame on the wall with a picture of guild comrades, and a few frames of paintings by Lidas had been carefully wiped clean.
While his home wasn't dirty ordinarily, it was somewhat messy, never so meticulously organized.
No need to think who was behind all this.
Rhode stood by the door for a good while, silently cheered himself: "Hang in there."
Next morning, Rhode met up with Erza at the guild and said goodbye to Mira.
Suddenly he felt more and more unwilling to leave.
After leaving the guild, he was also more eager for the day he could return.
...
Erza, as usual, pulled a luggage cart; her dressing space was packed with clothes, armor, and weapons, leaving less-used armor in the dorm.
Rhode, on the other hand, as a beginner, just carried a bag for the books and materials he'd need on the journey.
They weren't in a hurry to rent a carriage this time, instead taking a train through the Kroba Grand Canyon to the final stop, then figuring out how to reach the mission site.
The border might not be as peaceful as inland, not likely many coachmen would dare go, so they might once again rely on the diligent River Crabs.
"Taking so much luggage on the train, just needing to buy one extra ticket, this train station's quite generous."
Erza commented, "Isn't that to be expected?"
"I'm just thinking if someone exploited this for purchasing, smuggling, wouldn't the profit be huge?"
"No, we are Mages, just bringing along some luggage is fine." Erza replied, "However, for goods, the station has merchant rules and won't allow such loopholes."
"..." Rhode thought their regulations were quite humane and idealistic.