Rhode shook his head, "No, I don't think I've done anything wrong. Growth is important, but the premise is being able to grow.
What I need to do is help everyone reduce the chances of encountering danger, so they can have more time and space to grow."
At this point, Rhode could no longer maintain the 'let's just let everyone mess around and have a happy ending' mindset.
The guild members are all living people, ones he had spoken to, drank with, and fought alongside with.
He didn't want to regret one day thinking 'why didn't I give them an extra warning' when hearing about someone having an accident.
"That's something mages who want to stand on their own should consider. Mira, what do you think, why not just stop him from the start?"
Erza thought if she couldn't convince him, maybe someone else could.
But Mira's perspective was also different from Erza's:
"No need to stop them, I think Rhode did great because it's most important that everyone comes back safely. Isn't it?"
Strictly speaking, her and Rhode's viewpoints weren't exactly the same, growth and such aren't important; as long as they come back, it's fine.
She and Elfman did grow, both mentally and in strength, more than they were a year and a half ago. But if she could choose, she wouldn't want that kind of growth.
"Of course that's not wrong, but..."
Mira smiled as she looked at Makarov, who hadn't spoken, "President, what do you think?"
Makarov chuckled, "There's no issue with however it's done because the number of reflection letters I have to write hasn't greatly decreased because of Rhode."
Rhode teased, "That's a unique standard you have."
"Hahaha, what I mean is, even if Rhode gave all kinds of advice, they still do things in their own style.
In the end, whether to completely follow his advice, think for themselves, or just reference Rhode's idea a bit, isn't it up to them?"
"This guild is full of stubborn fools, no matter how much effort Rhode puts in, he can't fully turn them into Rhode,"
Makarov laughed heartily, pointing to the lively tavern, "Just like how no matter how much you restrain them, Erza, they always end up like this."
Erza asked, "Do you mean we're all wrong?"
"No, you're not wrong, because the way you choose to do things is your choice. On another note, those influenced by you might change from how they were before.
Those willing to listen to Rhode's suggestions and those willing to accept Erza's restraint have, to some extent, recognized and trusted you.
Mira's thoughts are also not wrong, wanting to protect your family is natural."
Makarov felt a sense of comfort seeing that the children had grown up and had their own thoughts.
Especially Rhode, who had his own beliefs and was even willing to argue with Erza over them, which pleased Makarov.
If he could actually have a brawl with Erza on the spot, that would be more like Fairy Tail.
A guild's style is inevitably influenced by the president. The Fairy Tail he led was like this; if led by Erza in the future, it might be another style; if by Rhode, another still.
Unknowingly, the kids had all become so outstanding.
Makarov suddenly felt that any of these three could succeed him.
How about letting them fight it out who becomes president in the future? Uh, whoever wins becomes it!
"Although we're companions, we'll have different ideas, and we'll communicate, argue, and even come to blows.
But we'll understand and acknowledge each other through this process and finally move forward together, that's Fairy Tail! So go ahead and express your thoughts!"
"Since you say so..." Erza showed a relieved smile but suddenly said, "Hey, Rhode, it's been a while since we sparred, right?"
Actually, there was really only that one time, and it was over in a single move.
Rhode nodded, "Yeah, and I happen to be working on a big move, so if you're free in a few days, we can have a fi— "
Whoosh whoosh...
"Whoa!"
Rhode caught a bottle, but then a chair flew over, knocking the smiling president from the counter.
Mira calmly standing behind Rhode asked with concern, "Oh dear, President, are you alright?"
Makarov jumped up onto the counter again, "What are you all doing, you idiots!"
Mira smiled sweetly, "They're 'communicating and understanding each other' president."
Erza nodded seriously, "I see, that's what you meant, President."
"That's not what I meant at all!" Makarov tearfully shouted, then decided to let Erza tidy them up.
Rhode wrapped an arm around the mischievous Mira, "The president is getting on in years, let's be kind."
"Ehehe~" Mira stuck out the tip of her tongue slightly, looking cute.
The return of Rhode and Mira was met with applause, restoring the guild to its usual lively chaos.
Although Erza hadn't completely stopped managing them, it was better than having her stand behind the counter projecting that unique aura of pressure.
"Mira, Rhode, this mission." Natsu and Hapi came over with a mission sheet.
"Arrest the thief group wandering around Phrygia and Rubinus... thieves again?" Mira asked with a smile, "Is Natsu going to wreck two towns in one go this time?"
Natsu retorted, "I'm not wrecking anything! It's a mission, a mission! This time I'll get it done right!"
Rhode asked, "I remember you two just got 2 million J not long ago, and now you're working again so soon?"
"Aye, Natsu and I want to build a little nest egg. But last time's mission only earned us a tiny bit."
More like 'barely earned anything,' or you could say 'at least there was something left!' right?
Between destroying houses and demolishing a clock tower, there was still a surplus after compensation...
You could only say that buildings weren't worth much, except in a place like Magnolia where property was ridiculously expensive.
"Hapi, a nest egg is meant to be a secret!"
"Aye, slip of the tongue." Hapi covered his mouth but quickly added, "But Natsu's voice was louder; everyone heard."
"Oh no!" Natsu clutched his head, looking shocked.
Why is this kid sometimes sharp and sometimes slow? As usual, Rhode chatted with Natsu about the mission clues.
Meanwhile, Hapi sought Mira for important information: "Mira, that water monster you caught in Mint Lake, was it a fish, is it tasty?"
"That water monster was actually Rhode." Mira laughed, "As for whether he's tasty... you'll have to find out yourself."
"What?!! Rhode is the water monster!" Hapi was shocked.
Seconds later, he was hanging over Rhode's shoulder, trying hard to determine if Rhode was tasty.