Rhode occasionally ponders random thoughts concerning his own safety.
For instance, in terms of strength, he initially thought that as long as he could keep up with Natsu and Gray, there wouldn't be any danger.
But later, he realized that Erza is also part of the main group, so he figured it'd be safer to work hard to match her level.
Although he hasn't reached that goal yet, he did find a girlfriend who is at that level.
The sense of security he wanted was achieved in an unexpected way.
The person he originally wanted to protect suddenly became someone capable of protecting him, which felt quite strange.
So he needs to work even harder; he can't let Mira down at crucial moments.
Plus, when going through the Guild's records, he stumbled upon some interesting discoveries that sparked his imagination.
For example, one of the Guild's founders, Vorod Sinker, was a name Rhode had heard of when learning about the Ten Wizard Saints.
The President said this person was once a member of Fairy Tail, now living in seclusion.
But here's the thing, the Guild has been around for 98 years!
From photos taken around the Guild's founding, he looked to be in his twenties at the time, so by now, he should be over 120 years old!
Thinking about the President's immense magic power, Rhode couldn't help but wonder if mages become more mystical as they get older?
As for the second Guild President, Precht, his age should be similar to Vorod's. According to the Guild's records, he journeyed away after stepping down.
Could he still be alive too?
An unknown "First Fairy," two 120-year-old monsters, Rhode suddenly realized how frighteningly strong Fairy Tail really is!
Rhode was immersed in the joy of uncovering ancient stories, and before he knew it, it had gotten darker outside.
The lights came on, but Rhode's eyes were suddenly covered by a pair of small hands.
Rhode grabbed those hands, revealing them as he heard Mira's voice: "Dinner's ready."
...
The next day, the two went to see a movie as planned.
The movie was projected using a Movie Magic Crystal, which combines the functions of a videotape, projector, and speaker, and can project in thin air without needing a screen. It's quite convenient.
Due to the high cost of Movie Magic Crystals, most people would opt to buy tickets to see a movie rather than purchase the crystal directly.
Of course, there are exceptions, like Wang Qiangji in the Guild, who was selected as Mest's partner during the last S-Class exam. He likes to collect Movie Magic Crystals.
The first thing he does with any earnings is buy those crystals.
If Rhode were to comment, it would be—'A wall for homebodies, a house in the Capital City'.
If Wang Qiangji were to sell his collection over the years, he'd definitely be richer than Rhode.
The movie Rhode and Mira watched was an old film called "Sturdy and Steadfast," which was said to have won a Best Picture award.
Mira wasn't previously interested in movies, so just like Rhode, this was her first time watching this film.
The two bought a large bucket of popcorn and a large drink to share as they took their couple's seats, allowing them to lean against each other during the movie.
With the film over, two hours had passed.
Rhode thought the popcorn was tasty, the drink was refreshing, and Mira's small hand was soft.
Just kidding.
Actually, the movie's content was quite interesting; it turned out to be a time-travel story involving a gunman who travels back in time to fight armored knights over a fortune.
The script was very creative, and the action scenes were commendable.
In Rhode's view, they must have consulted professionals for guidance.
Furthermore, the special effects in the movie were impressive, as there was no post-production involved—they were all actual magic.
The actors either knew magic, or mages were hired to shoot the film.
Rhode thought about taking on a film role assignment someday, to experience it. Even if he didn't know how to act, he could be a stunt double.
He could also work as a special effects artist and action director, or even a faux screenwriter based on movies he had seen before.
Rhode suddenly realized he was quite versatile now.
"Mira, wake up." Rhode lightly tapped Mira's shoulder; she had fallen asleep halfway, resting on Rhode.
"Hmm?" Mira rubbed her eyes, still slightly dazed.
"Here." Rhode handed her a tissue.
"What?"
"You drooled."
"Ugh…" Mira grabbed the tissue and covered her mouth, carefully checking Rhode's shoulder.
Luckily, she hadn't stained his clothes.
Mira breathed a sigh of relief, feeling embarrassed.
But she was overthinking it.
At this stage, even if she picked her feet, Rhode would still find it cute.
"Let's go. To make up for draggin' you to this boring movie, I'll treat you to dessert, okay?"
Mira was a bit troubled: "We just had cake yesterday, and dessert again today… I'll definitely get fat."
"So, do you want it or not?"
"I do."
...
Mira didn't regret it, and was even a bit thankful.
If they hadn't gone to the dessert shop together, she wouldn't have caught this juicy gossip.
—Macao, the guy with a 6-year-old son, was actually on a date!
Mira and Rhode were sneakily hiding behind a big tree outside the shop, using a little mirror Mira carried to watch secretly.
Watching the two in the mirror chatting happily, Rhode whispered, "How long has it been since Macao's divorce?"
Mira thought for a moment: "Almost three years, I think."
"Do you think he wants someone to take care of Romeo, or is he just lonely?"
"I don't know, but a while ago, I think he mentioned wanting a girlfriend."
The 'while ago' Mira referred to was the time when she and Rhode were getting closer before they officially started dating.
But Macao actually mentioned it more than once.
Little did they know he'd actually do it.
Mira examined Macao's girlfriend, asking, "What do you think of that girl?"
Rhode spoke truthfully, "Pretty average?"
Mira tilted her head: "That's quite odd."
It's hard to imagine that someone who often seemed lecherous would find such an ordinary girlfriend.
Macao is actually quite handsome, and although he sometimes looked a bit worn-out, he could be very reliable when serious, exuding the charm of a mature man.
Finding someone with decent looks shouldn't be difficult for him.
Could it be everyone had misunderstood him, and his lecherousness was just a front?
Mira suddenly pulled back the mirror: "Ah, we might've been spotted."
Rhode said, "Make a break for it? As long as we're not caught, we weren't really seen."
"Okay."
They hurriedly made their way back to the Guild. Barely catching his breath, Rhode saw Mira mysteriously whispering in Laki's ear.
The beginning sounded like, "Hey, did you know? Macao…"
And ending with: "Don't spread this around, I only told you."
"Mm-hmm-hmm!" Laki nodded vigorously; she only told one person too.
In less than an hour, half the Guild knew about Macao's date.
Before Mira was practically radiating innocence and guilt in front of Laki: "Sister Mira, I swear, I really only told Sally!"