If we're lucky, we can make it by night, but today doesn't seem to be one of those days.
With big waves on this route, we didn't reach the port until the next morning.
When it was time to head to the Cat Transformation Inn again, Natsu refused to take the carriage at all costs, so Rhode called back one of the scouting River Crabs for Natsu to ride.
Traversing the rough path they had taken before, the group finally arrived at Hiluwein, where the Cat Transformation Inn was located.
Erza dragged her luggage cart, observed with her hands on her hips and said, "It looks like a very peaceful village."
Hapi excitedly exclaimed, "Aye! Is this Carla's village?"
"Won't have to take transport anymore!" Natsu said enthusiastically.
Rhode couldn't bring himself to tell him they'd still have to ride after picking up Wendy.
Rhode was somewhat familiar in this village. After asking the locals, he directly led everyone to Wendy's house.
When they arrived, Wendy was drawing a Magic Array in the yard with a stick.
But after completing it, the Magic Array didn't work, and Wendy looked a bit disappointed.
Carla, holding a thick Magic Book, helped Wendy check it over.
"Wendy!" Rhode called out.
"Carla!" Hapi echoed.
Wendy turned around, and after a brief moment of surprise, her face lit up with joy, "Mr. Rhode!"
Carla was shocked, "It's you guys? And that tom cat?"
Before Rhode could enter, Wendy ran towards them, but after two steps, she fell to the ground.
A classic faceplant.
It looked painful, and Rhode made a mental note to always be ready to catch Wendy in the future.
The fall didn't dampen Wendy's spirits, she greeted excitedly, "Mr. Rhode, Mr. Natsu, Hapi, and... are you Miss Erza?"
Erza smiled, "Hello."
"Carla, look, it's Miss Erza in person."
Carla indifferently said, "I know. Didn't we see her last time at Fairy Tail?"
"Carla, want some fish?" Hapi offered from his little green bag, "We just caught some this morning."
"I've already eaten," Carla wasn't really interested, "Anyway, please come in and have a seat first."
Carla seemed quite keen on guest etiquette, as if she didn't want to be looked down upon by Fairy Tail.
Rhode wasn't concerned about that and asked Wendy, "How have you been lately?"
"Oh, everything's the same as before, and the village is just as peaceful," Wendy felt everything was great and she was always happy in the guild, "But the Dragon Slayer's Secret Art is so hard to learn, I've made no progress lately."
"The Dragon Slayer's Secret Art? Didn't Natsu want to use that move on me last time? Teach Wendy quickly."
"Are you dumb? Mine is Fire Dragon Slayer Magic, Wendy's is Sky Dragon Slayer Magic, it's impossible for them to be the same."
Getting called dumb by a dummy...
Rhode didn't take offense, "They're both Dragon Slayer Magic, they must have some similarities, right? At least some learning experience to share?"
"Experience? My Dragon Slayer's Secret Art was taught by Igneru. It's just this, this, and then that... and that's it." Natsu waved his fists, speaking in cryptic terms.
Wendy smiled awkwardly, "Completely different."
In reality, she didn't understand at all.
Carla poured tea for everyone.
Hapi held his teacup reluctantly.
After Wendy and Rhode caught up and chatted for a while, Carla finally said, "So, what's this about? Another mission nearby needing a place to stay over?"
Seeing their group didn't appear to be on a trip.
Rhode said, "This time, it's not about staying over; there's a mission that needs Wendy's help."
Rhode showed Wendy the request form to let her understand Liss's situation.
"It's a disease that many doctors couldn't handle, so I thought maybe Wendy could take a look."
Wendy obviously sympathized with Liss's plight and immediately said, "I want to go."
But Erza said, "Don't rush to a decision just yet; this mission carries certain risks.
The child having a strange illness is the best-case scenario. Worse, it might be a curse, and in the worst-case scenario, it may involve demons, so it needs careful consideration."
Rhode nodded, "That's right, think it over before deciding. It'd be best to also consult President Robin Lu."
Advising is one thing, but explaining the mission's reality and potential dangers upfront is essential.
Wendy showed a fearful expression, as she hadn't thought it through. Black Magic Sect and demons sounded very scary.
Carla was the first to object, "No way, you can't go on such a dangerous mission!"
"Carla..." Wendy really wanted to help.
"Wendy's not good at fighting; if she encounters demons, it's too dangerous!"
Natsu blurted out, "No worries! I'll send those demons flying!"
Rhode seriously said, "If there really are demons, I could at least get Wendy away quickly."
Erza nodded, "We'll do our utmost to ensure Wendy's safety."
"Wait a moment, I'll go ask the President's advice!" Wendy ran off quickly.
"Wendy!" Carla was a bit angry. She said she was asking the President, but Wendy's attitude clearly meant she had agreed.
...
When leaving the Cat Transformation Inn, the team now included Wendy and Carla.
The group boarded a long-distance carriage heading to Pepi Town, with Natsu and Erza on one side, Rhode and Wendy on the other.
Carla was on Wendy's lap, while Hapi, on Rhode's lap, wanted to get closer.
Wendy whispered, "Carla, you don't have to come along."
Carla grudgingly said, "How could I possibly let you go that far alone?"
Wendy smiled warmly at her.
Hapi shyly mumbled, "Carla~"
Carla moved closer to Wendy, "Don't get so close, tomcat."
"Be polite, Carla," Wendy advised, then curiously looked at Natsu, "Mr. Natsu, are you feeling unwell?"
"Just motion sickness." Rhode couldn't understand Natsu.
Talking about fighting powerful demons, he was so excited he forgot about his motion sickness, enthusiastically getting on the carriage, but once it moved, the once lively youth turned into a puddle.
"If it's motion sickness, it might be a balance issue," Wendy thought for a moment, offered her hand to Natsu, her palm glowing slightly, "Troya."
"Um... Uh?" Natsu, who was feeling nauseous from motion sickness moments ago, suddenly felt better.
He sat up in disbelief, excitement spreading across his face, "Oh~~ what is this?"
Rhode was surprised, "You can cure motion sickness too?"
Wendy beamed proudly, "Troya is Support Magic that helps adjust balance. Though I'm not good at fighting, I know many support spells."
Erza praised, "That's impressive."
Wendy blushed a little from the compliment.
"Ahahaha! This is great, transportation is awesome!" Natsu stood up and sat down repeatedly, like a husky running in snow.
If there wasn't limited space, he might even attempt a handstand.
Natsu even stuck his head out the window, "The scenery's amazing! Hey~ coachman, could you go a bit faster?"
"Ahahaha... Transportation's fabulous!"
With winter not having passed yet, there was no scenery, Rhode found the husky a bit annoying:
"Wendy, how about dispelling that magic, it's getting too noisy."