Erza really came back three days later.
During this period, worried about any accidents, Rhode and Mira went to check on her once.
At that time, Erza was enthusiastically giving orders, sometimes asking people to adjust the lighting, sometimes asking for past magazines to use as reference, and sometimes asking people to find clothing in different styles.
The whole editorial department was being ordered about by her, feeling like it had completely become her territory.
The original editor, upon seeing the two come to check on her, looked like they had seen a savior, hoping they could persuade Erza to leave.
Rhode seriously said, "Don't go overboard," but Mira added, "Go Erza."
The editor's vision darkened and almost fainted.
Fortunately, Erza promised that she would properly arrange a rest time later, sparing the workers' lives.
"Too lazy, I'm clearly working hard for the magazine's sales, but they're so idle."
When Erza returned to the guild, this is how she complained.
Rhode teased: "Not everyone can be as energetic as you, besides most of them are ordinary people."
"Ah, right, I overlooked that." Erza seriously reflected on herself, "I thought love for a career could make people burst with endless energy."
"Isn't there a possibility that many people work there for a living, and not out of love..."
Erza nodded: "I see, looks like next time I go, I should sincerely apologize."
Rhode thought she might not receive any invitations again... unless that magazine issue sells out, and the editorial department collectively gets a bonus.
"By the way, I want to take a rest for a day. Please keep an eye on tasks with higher rewards for me, this month's rent still hasn't been solved."
Mira nodded with a smile: "Sure~"
Rhode puzzled: "Being a model doesn't have any pay?"
Mira explained: "Since Erza is new to this field, though thanks to her fame the pay increased a bit, the total is still very low."
"Pay is so low yet working overtime for three consecutive days..."
"That's love!" Erza seemed to be glowing.
The boss must really like employees like her, working three days and nights happily on a meager salary driven by passion.
Rhode seriously said: "We'll take care of the task for you, definitely choose a suitable one."
Feels like if they mess up again, Erza will have a psychological burden.
With Erza not around, neither Natsu nor Gray, and neither Kana, the guild seemed a bit less noisy.
But...
"Men!"
"Watch out Elfman, let me show you the power of my muscles!"
"Celestial Spirit Magic: Bear Spirit Possession!"
"No need to use magic for this, right?"
"Aren't you shining yourself, Tono!"
Bigda complained and jumped into a strange dance, causing chaos in the tavern.
Rhode tossed the pen aside and moved closer to Mira: "Even with Natsu and the others not around, it's still just as noisy."
"This guild is like that." Mira, seemingly wanting to challenge Rhode, also leaned towards him.
Rhode resisted her for a few seconds, then suddenly let go, causing Mira to lose her balance and fall into his embrace.
He embraced her contentedly: "Planning to go outside the city tonight, want to come along?"
Mira lightly punched his chest: "Is it for that thing?"
Rhode stroked her silky white hair: "Yes, originally wanted to go with the president like usual, but now... I have a super reliable girlfriend, don't I?"
"Okay." Mira was delighted that Rhode trusted her so much: "What about the president?"
"Let's invite the president along too, in case of any unexpected scenarios, you can use Satan's Soul to carry me and escape, leave the rest to the president."
Rhode showed a mischievous smile, clearly joking.
"So mean." Mira rested against Rhode's chest, closed her eyes for a moment, a smile appearing on her lips.
Actually, she really wanted to take a nap like this, but since they were in the guild, she missed the days of hugging as long as wanted during their previous travels.
Mira felt a bit regretful as she rubbed Rhode's chest, seemingly the president didn't want them to take another long holiday together anytime soon.
Rhode suddenly felt it was a bit unfair, why can Mira freely rub his chest when doing the opposite might get him smacked?
"Feels like you're up to something bad."
"How could I?" Rhode spoke honestly, "Clearly thinking of good things."
"Oh, seems it really is something bad."
"Slandering me, penalty of ten minutes of not moving."
Mira gave him a sidelong glance before sitting back down, impossible to do such things in the guild.
"Sister Mira, we want this task." Reby placed a task slip down, one hand by her mouth whispering mysteriously, "I haven't seen anything just now~"
Mira's face turned rosy, she tried to maintain her composure while nonchalantly handing the task slip to Rhode:
"Take a look, do you think it's suitable for Reby and them to take on this task?"
Rhode looked seriously: "Hmm, I think not just this, there's nothing suitable for Reby on the entire bulletin board."
Reby was shocked: "How vindictive!"
Mira nodded: "That's right."
"Sister Mira~" Reby teased alongside Mira.
Actually, Rhode was still looking seriously: "Why are you guys also going to such a far place?"
Reby said: "Because Jet and Troy said it's been very dull staying around the guild recently, wanted to go out for once."
Rhode looked at Jet and Troy, who were somewhat guilty and avoided his gaze.
These two must have felt that his relationship with Mira had grown closer after their trip. Trying to experience the same, perhaps?
Jet and Troy threw pleading looks, waiting for Rhode to make a decision.
Rhode examined the details carefully, luckily it was just a task to accompany a client to collect herbs in the mountains, difficulty wasn't high.
Otherwise, given their current state, Rhode wouldn't dare approve.
After completing their registration formalities, Mira cheerfully reminded: "Reby, do your best, Jet and Troy, don't hold her back~"
Jet and Troy felt an arrow to their hearts: "Why are the comments about us so bad..."
Mira smiled silently.
...
Rhode was unsure about the real size of the Mountain Sub-Dragon, nor did he know if the first summoning would have any phenomena, safer to be cautious.
Even out of consideration for not disturbing the people and causing panic, he couldn't attempt summoning in the city during broad daylight.
That night, they waited until it got dark before Rhode, Mira, and the president left the city.
The three rode the River Crab for a full twenty kilometers, finally stopping on a grassy area beneath a small hill.
Makarov and Mira nodded towards Rhode, stepping back to give him space.
Following the procedure, Rhode first summoned the Cyan Engraved Golem, bestowed himself with the Crown of Insight, and waited for his magic power to recover before reciting the long-unused chanting words:
"I am the one who bridges the path between two realms, you, creature of the Summoner's Rift, respond to my call, cross the gates! Mountain Sub-Dragon!"
The ground lit up with an earthy yellow glow, shaped like three boulders, resembling a mountain.
Then a massive entity began to take shape within the earthy yellow light. It spread its wings in a soaring posture, letting out a dragon roar: "Aooo~~~"